A recent survey by financial information website Bankrate.com shows that one-quarter of Americans is stashing away money in case of rainy days. Millennials aged 18 through 29 are leading the pack in this regard as the age group most likely to be saving 6%-10% of their income. Members of Gen X are slightly less likely to be earmarking that amount for their savings accounts, while baby boomers aged 50-64 are the least likely. Many experts cite the financial recession of 2009 and a low level of confidence in the financial markets as some of the major catalysts for this uptick in savings.
We all know how important it is to have savings, whether those funds are used for unexpected emergencies or to purchase items you really want and need. One easy way to ramp up your savings is to set up a weekly or bi-weekly transfer from your checking account to your savings account. You can shoot for 10% of your income, or for a higher or lower amount, depending on what your budget can afford. The best part about this trick is that once you set it up, you can safely forget about it and go about your life; your savings will add up without you having to lift a finger.
Whether it's one dollar a day or one hundred, the important thing is to start saving if you're not already doing so. Bankrate.com's survey also found that 21% of Americans of all ages aren't saving any money for emergencies or goals at all. You're going to want to have an umbrella when you catch yourself outside in the middle of a rainstorm.