Money Management Habit - How to Save or Blow Money

[EvanOkanagan]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to share a quick money management tip that I've acquired and modified from a couple different books and Authors I like (Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, I will Teach You to Be Rich, & others). It's a bit of a variation of what I've read and I've tweaked it over the years, been using it for 7-8 years now I believe.

Multiple Designated Accounts.

The key to this system is building a habit where ANY money that you deposit will be designated & separated to all of your separate bank accounts. The money in these separate accounts can only be used for their designated purpose.

Here's an example:
*I use online banking and have free savings accounts for everything but my necessities (checking account) that I can transfer money to for free*


Example accounts I've used:

Necessities: This is for everything you need to survive (rent/personal mortgage, food, gas, car payments, bills, eating out, groceries, etc). I've gotten this down to 22% now. I definitely didn't start this low but with higher income generation and more assets I've been able to do this. I believe I started around 80% when I first created this system. Do what works for you.

FFA: Financial Freedom Account. This in my opinion is very important. Money that you don't ever withdraw--money that will be put towards investments or vehicles that will accelerate your wealth. You can withdraw the profit from what you generated from this if you want but never this principle amount.

Gifts/charity: This allows you to give back and not have to feel guilty or that you can't afford to get someone something.

Taxes: Obviously if you're working for yourself this will be important to set aside money that will go to taxes. If you're employed you probably already pay a good amount of tax and this might not be necessary.

Travel/Fun: Also very important. Having such diligence should be rewarded so this is an account you must spend simply on fun/travel/whatever you enjoy. This also makes it so that you don't feel guilty paying credit for a trip you can't afford or come back broke. I just went to SE Asia for a month and had enough in my fun account so that I didn't have to touch any other accounts. I came back with the same amount of money in all my accounts--including necessities.

Any other accounts: Do you want a new guitar? Create a guitar account. Want new wheels on your car? Pimp-my-ride account. You get the idea...


KEY BENEFITS:

1. Anytime you want to spend money, you already have a DESIGNATED ACCOUNT that you have to spend on whatever it is you selected. This creates peace of mind knowing you're not spending the money you need to survive.

Example: Most people around Christmas time go into debt spending money they don't have on gifts and there is some guilt that is built up around this and it also can create a bit of resentment. Having an account designated to "Gifts" makes it so that any time a gift is needed it's already accounted for and doesn't come out of your living income.

2. Create goals for yourself for future wants. Want to go on a trip to Australia? Create an "Australia" account with a designated amount. This also motivates to earn more to deposit into your accounts.

3. Become more accountable to your finances. Having this system will keep you from spending too much of your "necessities" money on useless things because you only have so much of it.

This is an easy (and fun?) way to start managing your money and taking control of your own destiny. Though it's quite simple, it's been highly effective and has been a great tool for growing my wealth over the years and also maintaining balance.

 

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[Bila]

Timely thread .... Was planning on doing that this week end and i am looking around for free savings account
Do you have them with your checking account ( same institution ?)

 

[EvanOkanagan]

Timely thread .... Was planning on doing that this week end and i am looking around for free savings account
Do you have them with your checking account ( same institution ?)

All of my savings accounts are free. My checking account though which is my "necessities" in the picture costs me about $12/mo with my bank.

 

[SlowlaneJay]

Timely thread .... Was planning on doing that this week end and i am looking around for free savings account
Do you have them with your checking account ( same institution ?)

I have yet to find a Canadian bank that does this (this was a while ago, you may benefit from doing your own research).

Instead, I opened an eSavings account with CIBC (unlimited free transfers if you use their online banking). Then I use Excel to break the account into categories like OP.

So I have a lump sum of X dollars in my savings, but each penny is allocated to a different need. As I spend money, I draw it from each category. Each month, I top up these 'accounts'.

I really like OP's example categories. I'd suggest a Christmas fund too so you aren't caught off guard in November.

Also, things like the FFA and the Christmas fund I'd suggest you store in a high-interest account. You won't be touching them for a while so you may as well make some money from your savings.

 

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[Bila]

I am looking at Tangerine accounts ...looks interesting

 

[Bila]

And reading this thread and other threads, i remember something a wise and successful man told me once " Making money is relatively easy once you master the formula, keeping it is the real challenge "

 

[EvanOkanagan]

I have yet to find a Canadian bank that does this (this was a while ago, you may benefit from doing your own research).

Instead, I opened an eSavings account with CIBC (unlimited free transfers if you use their online banking). Then I use Excel to break the account into categories like OP.

So I have a lump sum of X dollars in my savings, but each penny is allocated to a different need. As I spend money, I draw it from each category. Each month, I top up these 'accounts'.

I really like OP's example categories. I'd suggest a Christmas fund too so you aren't caught off guard in November.

Also, things like the FFA and the Christmas fund I'd suggest you store in a high-interest account. You won't be touching them for a while so you may as well make some money from your savings.

I use ScotiaBank if that's of any help... I might have been grandfathered into their $0 savings account but would be worth a look.

 

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[Weaponize]

It's a bit of a variation of what I've read and I've tweaked it over the years, been using it for 7-8 years now I believe.

Thank you for sharing this! I've been recently thinking that I need to start doing something like this and your post is pushing me over the edge.

Do you (or anyone else) recommend any Banks in the U.S. that fall in line with your process?

 

[Bila]

I dont see an emergency fund ... Do u use money from your necessities account ?

 

[EvanOkanagan]

I dont see an emergency fund ... Do u use money from your necessities account ?

I currently don't have an emergency fund as I have a low interest line of credit with no balance on it if I need anything and also my investment income can support my living expenses now if need be.

I had one previously though and think it would be a good addition if it suits your situation. If you don't have one, what you could do is something like Emergency - 10 until it builds up to what you'd need. Then after that's topped up, disperse the 10% to other accounts or something new.

 

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[People>Cash]

Capital one 360 - easy to set up and free

 

[DeletedUser394]

My FFA account is literally called, the F*ck You Fund. Fun to look at when you log in lol.

You were to dude with the piggybank correct? Loved that thread.

 

[DeletedUser394]

Timely thread .... Was planning on doing that this week end and i am looking around for free savings account
Do you have them with your checking account ( same institution ?)

You didn't ask me, but I'm going to answer anyway.

I use TD exclusively for my Canadian stuff (Wells Fargo for USA, and EuroPac for Caribbean).

I originally switched over to TD because they are always open, 7 days/week at a bunch of branches. All of the savings accounts are free, etc, Transfers are free, etc, etc.

I also now take advantage of the E-series funds, which have low MERs, and have no load fees. You can only buy them via your webbroker account.

 

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[EvanOkanagan]

My FFA account is literally called, the F*ck You Fund. Fun to look at when you log in lol.

You were to dude with the piggybank correct? Loved that thread.

You mean this one? https://www.thefastlaneforum.com/co...-dollar-piggy-bank-the-habit-of-saving.48967/

I throw all my piggybank cash into my "F*ck You Fund" haha

 

[Glorydog]

Thank you for this. I've been thinking a lot about budgeting lately, and I have been tempted to ask about it here, but I didn't want to make a topic. Thanks for all of the info, it was exactly what I've been looking for!

 

[Mattie]

I've seen this advice before. Making accounts for separate things. It's a good idea.

 

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[EvanOkanagan]

Thank you for this. I've been thinking a lot about budgeting lately, and I have been tempted to ask about it here, but I didn't want to make a topic. Thanks for all of the info, it was exactly what I've been looking for!

No problem. Let me know if you have any specific questions I didn't answer in my post, would be glad to help.

 

[redthumb]

I use ally online bank. You guys should check it out. It has the highest interest rates for a savings account (your FU money) you can also have multiple accounts that you can name and get free transfers in between each. They also reimburse all ATM's fees at the end of the month.

 

[Bila]

Not sure about you guys but i dont like the idea of having all my accounts in one institution
I remember in 2008, triple A rated banks went broke in Island ( who coul ever predict that ) .... Somehow it stuck in my mind

 

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[Bosley71]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to share a quick money management tip that I've acquired and modified from a couple different books and Authors I like (Secrets of the Millionaire Mind, I will Teach You to Be Rich, & others). It's a bit of a variation of what I've read and I've tweaked it over the years, been using it for 7-8 years now I believe.

Multiple Designated Accounts.

The key to this system is building a habit where ANY money that you deposit will be designated & separated to all of your separate bank accounts. The money in these separate accounts can only be used for their designated purpose.

Here's an example:
*I use online banking and have free savings accounts for everything but my necessities (checking account) that I can transfer money to for free*

View attachment 9500
Example accounts I've used:

Necessities: This is for everything you need to survive (rent/personal mortgage, food, gas, car payments, bills, eating out, groceries, etc). I've gotten this down to 22% now. I definitely didn't start this low but with higher income generation and more assets I've been able to do this. I believe I started around 80% when I first created this system. Do what works for you.

FFA: Financial Freedom Account. This in my opinion is very important. Money that you don't ever withdraw--money that will be put towards investments or vehicles that will accelerate your wealth. You can withdraw the profit from what you generated from this if you want but never this principle amount.

Gifts/charity: This allows you to give back and not have to feel guilty or that you can't afford to get someone something.

Taxes: Obviously if you're working for yourself this will be important to set aside money that will go to taxes. If you're employed you probably already pay a good amount of tax and this might not be necessary.

Travel/Fun: Also very important. Having such diligence should be rewarded so this is an account you must spend simply on fun/travel/whatever you enjoy. This also makes it so that you don't feel guilty paying credit for a trip you can't afford or come back broke. I just went to SE Asia for a month and had enough in my fun account so that I didn't have to touch any other accounts. I came back with the same amount of money in all my accounts--including necessities.

Any other accounts: Do you want a new guitar? Create a guitar account. Want new wheels on your car? Pimp-my-ride account. You get the idea...


KEY BENEFITS:

1. Anytime you want to spend money, you already have a DESIGNATED ACCOUNT that you have to spend on whatever it is you selected. This creates peace of mind knowing you're not spending the money you need to survive.

Example: Most people around Christmas time go into debt spending money they don't have on gifts and there is some guilt that is built up around this and it also can create a bit of resentment. Having an account designated to "Gifts" makes it so that any time a gift is needed it's already accounted for and doesn't come out of your living income.

2. Create goals for yourself for future wants. Want to go on a trip to Australia? Create an "Australia" account with a designated amount. This also motivates to earn more to deposit into your accounts.

3. Become more accountable to your finances. Having this system will keep you from spending too much of your "necessities" money on useless things because you only have so much of it.

This is an easy (and fun?) way to start managing your money and taking control of your own destiny. Though it's quite simple, it's been highly effective and has been a great tool for growing my wealth over the years and also maintaining balance.

Very Interesting.. thank you.. but a little difficult to realize for me.. I live in Italy so any account cost me about 100,00 € each year in taxes (so about 106,00 $ each year) only to keep open the account without any kind of movement. And basically today the bank give 0 % interest for your money, so I think is a little not profitable for me.

 

[RogueInnovation]

Ha cool, I already have this.
(same set up, though I use pen and paper)

Thanks for posting it. I think its correct, and you prioritised it just right.

My only problem now, is that once they get flush, I stop working as much...
I guess I'm still trying to perfect my workload

 

[EvanOkanagan]

Ha cool, I already have this.
(same set up, though I use pen and paper)

Thanks for posting it. I think its correct, and you prioritised it just right.

My only problem now, is that once they get flush, I stop working as much...
I guess I'm still trying to perfect my workload

That's a good point... when this happens I increase the % for other accounts so my "necessities" is lowered which triggers survival mode.

 

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[GuestUser140]

What about the FFA/F*ck you part: do you keep it all just in a savings account (low interest)?
Let's say you use that cash to do some no-thrills index bond/stock investing. Isn't it difficult to keep track if you then transfer money to your broker?

Do you spread capital across banks to mitigate risk?
Or do you insure your account for a higher maximum?

Love the ideas here.

This is what has worked amazingly well for me:

I only have 3, simple accounts.

1. Day-to-day business: transfer excess to savings/FFA
2. Savings/FFA: don't touch
3. Personal: spend

I always live on 5% of last month's income. 95% is put in FFA.
I literally take 5% and move it to my personal spend account. I use that for everything day-to-day. I withdraw it and pay cash in small denominations.
If 5% is not enough, I know I need to increase my income rather than that percentage.

Every $50,000 milestone in net worth I do something nice (under $1000) as a reward for making it happen.

I plan to invest the FFA cash in a simple three-fund portfolio, and allow myself to withdraw 3.5% annually and spend it on holidays, unforgettable experiences, bucket list stuff and fun in general. Teaches you that the more you put in the FFA fund, the richer your life will be. And ultimately, that FFA fund covers everything.

For now, FFA's all cash in a savings account because the market's expensive.

 

[Rawr]

Ok I'm on board. Right off the bat I see a challenge that if I want to go on a euro trip this summer, I have to make more not to cut into other stuff.


So you actually just have two accounts? Necessities and others? I have 4 accounts I can use, and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to allocate. Tax and savings could go together, not sure about others

 

[EvanOkanagan]

Ok I'm on board. Right off the bat I see a challenge that if I want to go on a euro trip this summer, I have to make more not to cut into other stuff.


So you actually just have two accounts? Necessities and others? I have 4 accounts I can use, and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to allocate. Tax and savings could go together, not sure about others

I have 7 accounts right now. It fluxuates depending on what I'm planning towards.

 

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[Rawr]

So check this out, 3.5% on your money as long as you make 1k deposit from another bank per month. That's not too shabby! No min balance it looks like as well. Does anyone here have ING? Any issues? (for US ppl)

http://www.ingdirect.com.au/savings.html




Also looks like they allow adding sub accounts as you wish. That's a lot less headache for sure.

 

[Chiefmorris]

I have 7 accounts right now. It fluxuates depending on what I'm planning towards.

This may be late. however, have you ever considered using an self directed Ira as an ffa account?

 

[EvanOkanagan]

This may be late. however, have you ever considered using an self directed Ira as an ffa account?

I haven't as until recently, but this is exactly what I'm going to be setting up in the next month or two! I made this post before making the decision to set one up.

In Canada there's a "Self Directed Arms Length RRSP" account you can set up at Canadian Western Trust. The really cool thing about it is that a few of my investor partners (I'm a Realtor at a Real Estate brokerage) also have this account. We can contribute to this account and then lend each other money (coming from the account) Real Estate transactions as well as take advantage of the tax benefits. So definitely going to be setting this up quite soon and using it as my FFA!

 

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[EvanOkanagan]

What about the FFA/F*ck you part: do you keep it all just in a savings account (low interest)?
Let's say you use that cash to do some no-thrills index bond/stock investing. Isn't it difficult to keep track if you then transfer money to your broker?

Do you spread capital across banks to mitigate risk?
Or do you insure your account for a higher maximum?

Love the ideas here.

This is what has worked amazingly well for me:

I only have 3, simple accounts.

1. Day-to-day business: transfer excess to savings/FFA
2. Savings/FFA: don't touch
3. Personal: spend

I always live on 5% of last month's income. 95% is put in FFA.
I literally take 5% and move it to my personal spend account. I use that for everything day-to-day. I withdraw it and pay cash in small denominations.
If 5% is not enough, I know I need to increase my income rather than that percentage.

Every $50,000 milestone in net worth I do something nice (under $1000) as a reward for making it happen.

I plan to invest the FFA cash in a simple three-fund portfolio, and allow myself to withdraw 3.5% annually and spend it on holidays, unforgettable experiences, bucket list stuff and fun in general. Teaches you that the more you put in the FFA fund, the richer your life will be. And ultimately, that FFA fund covers everything.

For now, FFA's all cash in a savings account because the market's expensive.

I don't invest in stocks/bonds currently so I can't answer that question. I keep it all just in a savings account now and invest in Real Estate (cashflow properties) when it gets large enough. I don't touch any of my cashflow from my properties, it just gets re-invested back into the FFA... so I guess you could say the FFA % keeps growing every new property I get. This is increasing my "financial freedom" funds exponentially.

 

[eliquid]

I have done/setup something extremely similar to this.

I'm American, so some of those UK/AUS banks don't really apply to me, but.....


What I do is:

1. I have a personal checking account money get's dumped into. I use Chase bank for this and there is no real reason I use Chase other than its local and easy for me to get to, although I love my Sapphire card for points! I earn pretty much 0% from Chase when it comes to banking though.

2. I have an Ally Bank account that pays me almost 1%. That's about the highest I have seen in America. The money that gets dumped into my Chase account always happens on a specific day, so I set up Ally Bank to start a transfer the day after that day. My money basically sits at Chase for 1 day.

3. I have 7 sub-accounts at Ally Bank. All were easy to set up online and name. All were free. The transfer Ally Bank does the day after I get the money at Chase is actually 7 transactions. Each transaction pulls a % or set dollar amount away from Chase and into 1 of the 7 Ally Bank accounts. So for example, I have 1 Ally Bank account named "Long Term Expenses". This account pulls $900 from Chase every month and is for things like my home insurance, property taxes, Christmas, etc that are all long term bills due at the EOY for me. The other accounts do the same at different dollar amounts or %'s for different accounts and reasons like retirement, tithes, new business idea money, etc.

4. Whatever is left at Chase after all this ( 2-3 days later ) is basically play money or money I need immediately ( for groceries ). Since Ally Bank does not have an ATM card or fast way to access the money, you don't want money you will need within 7 days going to Ally Bank. If you do need your money in a hurry, it's never taken Ally more than 3 days to transfer back to me.​

I never worry about blowing money or saving money because it's all automatic. Because I have money sitting at Ally Bank, I get almost 1% instead of .001% at a normal big chain bank ( BoA, Chase, etc ). My immediate needs are taken care with what's left at Chase, and all my bills that I don't need paid for now ( and maybe need to save for ) aren't easily touched sitting at Ally Bank while also earning almost 1%. Sure that 1% isn't much compared to the S&P.. but it's better than a regular bank.

I'll give you one more tip too. I feel that a lot of you will actually disagree with me on this, but here goes....

Pre-pay any normal routine bill you have 6 months in advance. Keep making that payment every month too.​

I came up this before I started doing stuff at Ally Bank, but the reason was that many money people tell you to have 3-6-12 months of savings built up in case something happens. 9 times out of 10, the thing they point out that might happen is a loss of job or income. If you lost your job or income, you need something to help you get back on your feet right?

Well, when you lose your job or income you will still need electricity. You might still need a phone ( home or cell ), you still need to pay your mortgage or be able to pay auto insurance and loan ( if you have one ).

So instead of having this lump sum of 3-6-12 months sitting in bank where I could be tempted to spend it when I see a flashy new boat come up for sale, I removed the temptation by simply giving my electric company 6 months worth of payments up front. To keep the 6 months always available to me, I pay the monthly bill each month too so that I get a rolling 6 month credit essentially.

I do this same thing for my home phone and internet, auto insurance ( I just pay the 6 month premium though on this ), and other bills like my home owners association dues, water bill, etc

If I lose my source of income, I am not going to turn my life upside down and sell my house or do without. I will still need these things and I might as well pay for them while I can instead of lumping at the bank where I could be tempted later.

Notice I didn't say I pre-paid things I don't really need like cable or fantasy football crap. Only do this with things you know you won't want to live without if times get hard.

I'm not perfect, and neither is my plan/strategy.​

However, I know that when something does happen.. I won't be pressured or stressed about it. I also know I "for sure" have 6 months of immediate cushion that kicks in without me lifting a finger ( because when I stop paying the monthly phone bill, the credits just get deducted for 6 months ).

I know I can't really be tempted to squander away my savings for long term bills and other goals because that money is somewhat painful to reach sitting at Ally Bank and creates another barrier for me to try to spend it.

Lastly, I know what my true budget for play money and immediate needs are because its the only money I have real-time access to at Chase. I never have to think about how much money I have, when I get paid, and how I will pay for something.

The only other thing I didn't talk about is that when I pay my monthly bills ( to keep up the rolling 6 months ), I heavily use auto bill pay from Chase. I tell Chase what to pay and when and how much, and they do it for me without me lifting a finger. I keep my rolling 6 month credits up this way with no work. You set this up once and you never touch it again at all.

About the only thing I might change is, getting my bills paid on my Sapphire or Amex ( fat chance prob. ) so I can earn more miles and points towards vacations and then just having Chase auto bill pay make a payment to the cards each month. Thing are working out well they way they are now, so I prob. will leave it alone honestly.


Hope that helps anyone looking into this. I have a similar plan in place for my business... I don't want to get into that as it's very similar to my personal one anyways.