She Strengthens

Lazy Ways to Boost Your Finances

Let’s face it: we’re not perfect, especially when it comes to managing our money. However, it’s possible to turn our lazy tendencies into a financial advantage.

Building Wealth Without Breaking a Sweat

Creating wealth often seems like a daunting task that requires endless hours of effort. But the truth is, sometimes doing less can lead to more. By adopting these six “slacker” strategies, you can make the most of your money without exerting too much energy.

1. Stay Calm and Carry On

When the market takes a dip, it’s natural to feel anxious. But panic-selling can lead to missed opportunities and lost returns. Instead, take a step back, and remind yourself that the U.S. stock market has consistently trended upward over time. It may not always climb in straight lines, but it will bounce back.

2. Automate Your Savings

Setting up automatic transfers from your paycheck or checking account to your savings account is a no-brainer. This way, you’ll ensure that you save regularly without having to think about it. You won’t accidentally spend the money on impulse buys, and you’ll be building wealth without lifting a finger.

3. Boost Your Retirement Savings

Want to invest more in your retirement but struggle to make it happen? Take advantage of “auto-escalation,” a feature offered by many employers as part of their 401(k) plans. This feature automatically increases your contributions on a regular schedule, such as around raise time. If your company doesn’t offer this feature, simply set a calendar reminder to raise your contribution percentage once or twice a year.

4. Avoid Impulse Buys

Impulse purchases can be a significant drain on your finances. To avoid falling into this trap, become a digital stranger on your favorite shopping sites. Say no to autofill, and save by virtue of your laziness. You’re probably too lazy to get off the couch, hunt down your wallet, and type in your credit card number, anyway.

5. Shop Your Own Kitchen

Before heading to the grocery store, take stock of what you already have at home. The average American makes 1.5 weekly trips to the grocery store, which presents plenty of opportunities to fill your cart with unnecessary items. By shopping your own kitchen, you can save money and reduce food waste.

6. Score Last-Minute Travel Deals

Waiting until the last minute to plan your summer getaway can actually pay off. Check out the last-minute deals section of Expedia, HotelTonight, or LastMinuteCruises.com for significant savings on hotel and flight packages. You can book upcoming voyages for as low as $50 to $75 a night.