8 Strategies to go from Spender to Saver

Remember the excitement of dropping coins into your piggy bank as a kid? As adults, saving may not feel as fun, and spending “adult money” can be tempting. But if you’re a natural-born spender, these eight easy strategies can help you build healthy savings habits—and even enjoy the process. 

1. Pay Yourself First 

Set a savings goal and automatically transfer a certain amount of money into your savings account every month. Don’t wait until the end of the month to see what’s left—make saving your first financial priority. Schedule transfers on the first day of the month or your payday to make it routine. 

2. Treat Savings Like Monthly Bills 

This mental shift could make saving money easier. When you create your initial budget, allocate money towards savings. Envision your savings as a monthly bill. You automate many of your monthly bill payments, so why not this one, too?  

3. Save Raises and Bonuses 

You received a financial boost for all your hard work! Now, resist the urge to go on a spending spree. Instead, put that extra income to work for you. Deposit it directly into your savings account or apply it toward paying down debt. By investing in your financial goals now, you set yourself up for bigger rewards in the future—rewards that last far longer than any impulse buy. 

4. Transfer High-Interest Balances 

Is your debt tied to a high-interest credit card with a large balance? If so, consider transferring that balance to a new credit card with a 0% introductory rate. This helps reduce interest costs, save money and pay off debt faster. 

5. Use Credit Cards with Rewards 

Spend smarter by earning rewards. Our Visa Signature® Rewards credit card lets you choose between 1.5% cash back on all purchases or 1.5 points on all purchases. Our Visa Platinum® Rewards credit card offers 2% cash back on gas and groceries, as well as 1% cash back on all other purchases. Whatever card you choose, consider your lifestyle and what rewards you will use the most.  

6. Round Up Your Purchases 

Apps like Acorns that round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and set aside the difference make saving effortless. Over time, these small amounts add up—helping you build a financial cushion without even thinking about it. 

7. Visualize Your Savings 

Watching your savings grow can be a powerful motivator. Track your progress with charts, jars or apps, and celebrate each milestone along the way. Every win keeps you moving closer to your goals. 

8. Change Your Mindset 

Saving isn’t about denying yourself—it’s about giving your future self more freedom and choices. Shift your thinking from “I can’t spend this” to “I’m investing in my future.” When you view saving as an act of self-care rather than deprivation, it becomes a positive habit you’ll want to maintain.

Our best advice is to start small. Pick one strategy you can begin today, and try it for a month to see if it works for you. After that, implement another strategy. Once you find your groove, saving money will become easier. Still need guidance? Contact your free Members 1st Concierge—they’re here to help you navigate the details of spending, saving and planning.