Trying to find where your money is 'going' to at the end of the day? Does it seem someone or something is taking your hard earned cash?

It might just be that you are not keeping track of your spending, and if you are anything like me, you keep saying you will but never do, which is actually the very first step in cutting your expenses down and saving.

Let's take a look at 5 simple ways to save:

1- Record your expenses
I know, I know, no one likes keeping track of their expenses, let alone recording them but that is the best way to keep track of where your money is going. Once you have your data, organize them into categories, eg: utilities, food, rent, eating out, entertainment, data, dress, wigs and total each amount. Include all payments made by debit card, cash and almighty Momo.

2- Create a budget and include savings
Now that you know what you spend in a month, create a budget. This should include your income( salary, side hustle, gifts, etc) and your expenses.
Include car maintenance although that might not be every month, you can put the money down for a rainy day.
You can start saving with an amount you are comfortable with and gradually increase it.

3- Find ways to cut spending
No be me say am oo. Your budget is looking at you na. Do you really need to sew a new black cloth for that funeral? Or the wedding party dress? Why not buy data in bulk than everyday 5 cedis which won’t last 1 hour sef?
Starting won’t be easy but little steps and you will be a pro in no time

4- Set goals
Set short and long term goals.
That hair you have been eyeing, you know there will be a sale this Easter or Christmas, why not save towards it instead?
The land you have been postponing buying saaa, abeg start saving small small, forgo the every lunchtime chilled coke and Friday night mojito and in no time you will have the funds to buy it

5- Make savings automatic
Set an automatic debit transfer to your savings account- the one you can’t touch oo, no ATM to the account abeg. And sit back and watch your savings grow.

You can have money boxes, envelopes or accounts dedicated to your goals.

When you lapse and overspend or for some reason are not able to save for that month, don’t feel bad, take a deep breath and move on.

Celebrate your small achievements.

Start small and you will be debt free in no time with extra to take that trip to Bali

My one favorite electronic 'SUSU' App is the Achieve - Save and Invest app. Check it out