Visual reminders to help save money! About This Page:

[FanOfMickey]

Does anyone use visual reminders to help save money? or to remind yourself why your working hard to pay off debt?

I have been thinking of doing exactly that. I purchased a Travel Africa magazine last weekend and I am now reading it. It is motivating me in wanting to pay off debt so I can start saving for my trip to Africa. I am thinking of cutting out a small picture from the magazine and wrapping my debit card in it. That way if I want to purchase something, I will see the picture so I can think twice if I really want the item or not.

Does anyone else do something like this? Does it work for you?

[rescuesk]

It's not a totally visual thing, but it's a list. I have a folder that I track my monthly bills in to keep track of what I owe. In the back of it, I have a monthly list of the total owed on my outstanding debt. When I start to feel discouraged, I look back at where I was when I started (in January 2008) and that inspires me to go on!

[FanOfMickey]

I just may try that Sue! I have a book with all my bills listed, but not with the totals. Great idea!

[jenjen1127]

I think the visual idea reminder is a great idea. I have to say I am an impulsive buyer and if I did something like have a picture around my debit or credit cards maybe I would think twice. Think I will try it.

[my2twinboys]

I use my kids as my visual reminder, LOL. Whenever I am out shopping with them, I remember that if I spend too much money, I won't be able to have the opportunity to stay home with them anymore. Of course, that doesn't work when they are misbehaving (like today) and I wish I was working outside the home again.

Seriously, I do something similar to Sue. I keep a monthly list (on a computer spreadsheet) of each credit card amount, how much much we paid, monthly interest rate, etc. I then total our remaining outstanding debt (except for the mortgage, we only have credit card debt). I love to see that total number go down!! Knowing that we have paid off about $10k this year and wanting to be debt free before we go back to Disney in 2010, helps me try to stay within a budget.

[MickeyWatch]

For a visual reminder to save for my upcoming trip I keep a large envelope from our last stay at the Grand Floridian in my jewlery drawer as reminder to save money each week. Its amazing how quickly small amounts of cash and coins can accumulate. I use the $1 and $5 bills for tips, quarters and pennies are for my daughter to use in the pressed coin machines. Any larger bills are used for meals at the parks. The elegant envelope from the GF is a great visual reminder to save for our next adventure.

[KathyL]

What a great idea.