What inspires you to save money?

[Ima saver]

Well I cannot believe that so many people are homeless, but at look at the average social security payments most women receive. It is around $7000 a year. You just can't live on $7000 a year, so that inspires me!

[rob62521]

You are right, Ima. Folks can't live on $7000 a year and have a home. Good incentive to save!

[BCHGRL]

Meeting goals. If I go on a long trip and drive, I have goals for what time I'd like to make it through each major city I go through. I have the same goals for finances in that I have certain milestones established for short term and long term objectives. To meet those milestones or make progress towards those goals is a really amazing feeling.

[Ima saver]

I read that in David Bach's book, "Smart women finish Rich." It makes you think. My social security benefits will be about $6000 a year. Even with all debts paid off, I could not live on that.

[flinnie]

I like having something to fall back on if God forbid I can't work.or if I loose my job.
Lets not forget saving for that early retirement.that is the main reason why I save.
I do all that I can to make every penny count.

[Ima saver]

We will never be able to retire early. Social security is all we will get.

[Ima saver]

I am really enjoying this challenge. When it ends, if the forum does not start another, I am going to do it on my own. I have saved more than I have ever earned in one year.

[Koppur]

Seeing my debt get smaller and smaller by using what I saved to pay it off quicker.
Seeing my Mom and Dad (60 yrs old) still working and wondering when they will be able to retire.
Seeing my sis and BIL buy their first house.
Seeing my BF who is my age have enough $ in her savings account to buy her own condo.
The stress of owing money EVERYWHERE.
Feeling like a pathetic, disappointing moocher to my parents b/c they sometimes still have to help me w/money and bills even though I am 28.

[PauletteGoddard]

What things inspire you to save money?

Paranoia, cupidity, envy, and a deep sense of injustice.
So I figure I have to earn and save my own money and overcome my initial circumstances or my natural stupidity.

[veronak]

Originally Posted by Koppur

Seeing my debt get smaller and smaller by using what I saved to pay it off quicker.
Seeing my sis and BIL buy their first house.
Seeing my BF who is my age have enough $ in her savings account to buy her own condo.
The stress of owing money EVERYWHERE.

I feel like this some times as well, but can't wait until I am debt free. I just used my secondary savings (4412.95) to pay towards my high interest cc.

[LuxLiving]

Originally Posted by PauletteGoddard

Paranoia, cupidity, envy, and a deep sense of injustice.
So I figure I have to earn and save my own money and overcome my initial circumstances or my natural stupidity.

Terrific answer Paulette!! I'm inspired by all of you.

I'm somewhat fear based PLUS goal oriented.

Never desiring to work an 8-5 again inspires me. I felt SOOOOOO trapped. Loved it when I worked for myself. The age gap between The Hubster and I scares me. The likelihood of being left a widow is great. The women in my family are also long-livers, so having to support myself in a long retirement is also highly likely to occur.

Am planning to go back to work for a few months part-time sometime in the next couple of years...need a few short credits to get full Social Security benefits, so I'll be doing that. Planning for The Hubster and I to visit the local S.S. office on one of his next vacation days -- checking out way early what our options are and what our priorities need to be.

[Ima saver]

I get that social security thing once a year that shows how much you will have to live on. It is impossible to live on less than $500 a month!!