We’ve picked a Super Saver for 2009!
Ron Vogel will receive $1,000 for being Grow Your Green's Super Saver of 2009!
Congratulations to Ron Vogel for being Grow Your Green’s Super Saver of 2009!
Not only did Ron save consistently all year to reach his financial goals, but he also shared all his wonderful money-saving tips with Grow Your Green members. (You can read them here.)
Stay tuned—we’ll have an interview from Ron in the coming days when we present him with the $1,000 check. How’s that for a holiday gift?
Meet all our $100 monthly winners.
Q&A with Rajeswara – GYG $100 winner, July
What are you saving for?
I created this account so I could save for one year. I keep depositing money every month, usually what I have left after I pay all of my expenses. The idea is to save for a rainy day, a “back-up” account for when I may need it.
What steps are you taking to save each month?
Because most of my income goes to my expenses, I make it a point to deposit $100 into my GYG account every month. It may not sound like a lot but every little bit counts.
What is your biggest obstacle when you’re trying to keep a consistent savings plan?
Bills! Bills! Bills!
I try to live very modestly so saving isn’t really an issue. It’s just I wish I could save more.
Has the current economy affected your savings plan at all?
Thankfully I have been able to save a little bit even in this economy.
Do you have any savings tips for other ‘Grow Your Green’ savers?
Spend only what you have. If you have to use credit, make sure it’s for a long-term expense where you can get some sort of ROI on it. Don’t live lavishly. Happiness isn’t about having the biggest house or the fanciest car; it’s about the experiences you have with your family and friends.
Q&A with Jayshree – GYG $100 winner, April
Jayshree Jain is GYG's $100 winner for April. She says direct deposit helps her reach her savings goal.
What are you saving for?
I am saving for my kids, my parents, and my family’s future (and of course, any emergencies we may have along the way).
I am a teacher so I’m also saving for classroom supplies. I want my students to get the most out of their projects without having to worry about whether they can afford school supplies. (In fact, I love the Save 4 Your School challenge! It could really help teachers like me!)
What steps are you taking to save each month?
I have automatic transfers set up for several of my Tech CU accounts. As soon as my paycheck is deposited, these funds are automatically transferred to my various accounts, such as ‘Grow Your Green,’ Insured Investment and other savings and checking accounts.
What’s great about this is that you have complete control with what you want deposited in each account. For example, you can have $50 of your paycheck directed to your ‘Grow Your Green’ savings account, and $100 directed to one of your other savings accounts. It’s all up to you.
What is your biggest obstacle when you’re trying to keep a consistent savings plan?
If an emergency or an unexpected expense comes up, that can really sidetrack me. But the good news is that’s what a savings account is for—so you have money for a rainy day or two, when you most need it (although I’d rather spend my savings on a vacation!).
Has the current economy affected your savings plan at all?
Fortunately, I have not been affected by the economy.
Do you have any savings tips for other ‘Grow Your Green’ savers?
If you set up automatic transfers through Online Banking so that your funds are automatically transferred from your checking account to your savings accounts, you will hardly notice that you’re putting away some money each month. Before you know it, you’ll have reached your savings goal! It’s a psychological thing—when you don’t see the money in your checking account, you’re less likely to spend it. I know this little trick has helped me. Try it to ‘grow your green!’
