Ways to begin

Ways to begin to get started on making a plan. Simple steps to start the ball rolling.  Write down some key words showing what is important, then add a few topics that cross your mind regarding how to get started, and just keep adding to the scribble.  It is unlikely the first thoughts will be the last thoughts. Because of the initial procrastination about making a savings plan, it is not unusual for males, females, and couples to delay that starting point. It does take a special type of person to be prepared to look at their regular spending habits and examine whether some of the spending is "pampering" themselves, and at the same time fooling themselves by believing their income/s leave no surplus.  On the face of it this is probably right since the cash receipts are thrown in the bin!  Accountability is a great leveller.  Many times when I get my Bank statement I doubt the validity of one or two of the entries - and then, I spend time chasing up each entry only to find the goods/food/articles were purchased!

The big plan can be small?  Really.  Write three simple sentences and put them on the refrigerator, ie, Accrue savings; buy at the bottom of  the real estate market if possible (or any market for that matter); think small and steady for the first ten years and pay off  the mortgage to keep the repayments down.  By owning a home you will enjoy the fruits of your labour as well as feel proud to be decorating and planning for the future.

Chapter 4 has many good tips for the novice.