We all live in a world full of uncertainties. Everything that surrounds us – nature, people, things – is in constant transformation, and the result is beyond the limits of our knowledge.
But our economies could be a solution (at least partial) to this problem.
Why? The answer is simple: in situations where we are confronted with many unknowns, over which we have no control, a good idea would be to act in the directions in which we can really do something.
For example, in terms of personal finances. Because money is a mean by which we have been taught that we can interact with the world around us.
So many of the things we need, or the problems we face daily, can be attained or even partially resolved with a certain amount of money, so we might be tempted to believe that ALL our problems would instantly disappear if we had enough money.
A totally wrong perception, for the most important aspects of life really have nothing to do with the notion of money.
But many other things really are related, which is why we are in danger of generalizing …

How can we increase our savings?

By definition, savings are the difference between what we get and what we spend. So, first of all, we could try to act on revenues. We all know that it’s not easy to increase our income, but at least we have the certainty that we know it. I mean, to a certain extent, we can rely on it.
Then, secondly, we can act on spendings. Of course it is not easy, but at least here it depends on us to a greater extent. And if we correctly correlate earnings and revenues, we’ll start to see how savings are gathered.

How can our savings help?

First of all, savings will bring a sense of control into our lives.
Beyond the countless things we CAN NOT influence in any way, the fact that we can act on our personal finances is a positive thing. And when this money control even produces results and we see savings as it accumulates, then we make clear progress towards increasing our safety.
But not only that, our economies influence our lives more directly.
A study made in the US showed that in the years of the last economic recession, 46% of those actively saving said that they were comfortable with their financial situation. Unlike them, 37% of those who did not save said they had to reduce much of their spendings to make it. Clearly, some people manage their money more efficiently than others.
The fact that you have some money set aside and, in fact, in order to live, you need a lower income than you have, it gives you the opportunity to keep your lifestyle even in unfavorable economic conditions. Due to the fact that the option not to put money aside for a certain period (or even to spend from existing economies) does not exist for those who are not accustomed to constantly saving, they will be more affected by any negative changes may occur at some point.
Those who make savings will be less concerned about unforeseen events and will have the ability to make it easier. What is even more important is that they know this, and that gives them a sense of security that no matter what may appear, they can do it.
Also, those who make savings set goals that they want to achieve. They know it’s more financially advantageous to raise money to go on vacation, for example, than to make a loan for that.
For them, savings are an integral part of their life, and the moment they reach their goal is a positive stimulus.
Unlike them, those who are not preoccupied with their economies, even if they get to put something apart, will do so because the fear of unpredictability, not because they are accustomed to do so.
Especially during recessions, economies help foreseeable people to be better prepared and less affected than others. And due to the fact that there will probably be other recessions in the future, maybe it would be a good time to think about your savings.

Also, as inflation is already becoming more and more clearly felt, maybe it would be a good idea to inform yourself about ways to invest your savings so that in the long run you can get profits that go beyond at least the rate at which your purchasing power decreases.