is it easier to make money or save money?

genchan · #1 (**permalink**) 01-09-2006, 07:56 AM

In your opinion, if you want to find an extra $2000 or so to save/invest per year, do you think it is easier to get that money through saving (as in watching your money and budgeting) or by earning more money (getting extra work of some type)?

Ima saver · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2006, 08:18 AM

I don't work, but it is easier for me to get extra money if my husband works extra hours during the week. Being self-employed, he can do this.

Snoopy2645 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-09-2006, 08:22 AM

FOR ME it has always been easier to work & get that extra money I do alot of free things but I guess I dont count what I am saving by getting things free or only doing free things.

jmjj215 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-2006, 09:29 AM

I don't think they're mutually exclusive by any means - but doing a bit of side work seems to get to the money quicker. The good thing about budgeting is that you benefit from cutting month in and month out, whereas when you need extra money by working - well - you've got to work

Russell · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2006, 09:47 AM

For me its easier to save money than make extra money from a side gig. What I would make in 1 weekend worth of pizza delivery, is about what I make in one hour at my regular job. So I'd rather save than work an extra whole weekend away from the family...although when you've reached the max you can save then of course a side/supplement income is necessary.

locolorenzo24 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2006, 09:55 AM

It's easier to make it, then save it. To save extra than what your budget allows, you'd have to cut and trim more items...I worked PD for a while and an extra 400 a month (without tips) would pay my rent, so that 400 was free to do something else. Unless you own a beater, though, I'd figure out something else to do.

Jason · #7 (**permalink**) 01-09-2006, 10:27 AM

I'd say easier to make it. When I was in college I worked three part-time jobs for a few months. I made a lot of extra money, plus I was busy so could not spend the money I had. It was tough to study during that time, but it paid off in the long run - no pun intended

PRICEPLUS · #8 (**permalink**) 01-09-2006, 10:42 AM

Each dollar you make is taxed. A savings dollar has alreay been taxed and is a full dollar. No?

FrugalTexan75 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-09-2006, 01:53 PM

If you have a job, then it is easier to save money than to make money.

If you don't have a job, then it is easier to make money, than to save money (because any money you have, or have saved, goes to living.)

Optsol · #10 (**permalink**) 01-09-2006, 03:43 PM

I took the original post as a philisophical introspection whether you consider yourself a "saver"

:

I'm weird though

Currently... it's easier for me to earn it.

PrincessPerky · #11 (**permalink**) 01-11-2006, 05:55 AM

For me, a gal with no ability to drive and 3 kids to watch all day, it is easier to save then earn, but if I dind't have the kids I could walk more, or if they were a bit older and I drove, I would have an easier time earning than saving.

And no I don't want to watch someone elses kids!

MairGrif · #12 (**permalink**) 07-18-2006, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell

when you've reached the max you can save then of course a side/supplement income is necessary.

Agreed. First I look to make what I get in a 40hr/wk job stretch as far as possible. When it can stretch no more, I look for ways to bring in extra cash. I always work to make the basics fit in the reg. pay, and let the extra go towards other goals - emergency fund, new computer, wedding, etc. Even while I'm taking extra work, I still look for ways to cut the basics - lower the grocery bill (yay flash!), the cable or phone bills, etc. I think saving is easier, but only to a point.

Broken Arrow · #13 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 12:17 AM

Strange. I find it easier to save than it is to make more. If I really want more money, I just don't spend as much and, poof, the money is there! In fact, I try to do that as often as possible.

Of course, I also work full time and take on any overtime I can get my hands on. But then, I kind of like my job, so I can't say that's difficult either.

However, I don't think any of this will beat Ima's method. "The easiest to get more money? Why, I simply make my husband work more!"

*runs away and hides*

disneysteve · #14 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 05:47 AM

I'd say it is easier to save. I don't have a job where overtime or extra hours are an option. I do occasionally have an opportunity to make some money outside of my job, mainly from doing online surveys, so I guess I have to count that because I usually bypass those. If I started doing them regularly, I could easily come up with that $2,000/year the OP mentioned.

But other than that, much easier to cut back on eating out and make a couple of other little changes to come up with that 2K.

Ima saver · #15 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 10:59 AM

I make my husband work at least 60 hours a week!!

boefixepa · #16 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 11:23 AM

Why ask? Do both, or which ever you perfer. Personally I work enough! I don't want to work any more and if I do then my house and puppies suffer. If I REALLY needed to I would, but first I'd save..save...save and if still wasn't enough (gratefully for me it is) then and only then would I find a second job....more likely make my boss give me a rise.

JoyJoy · #17 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 02:23 PM

It's easier for me to spend money.....but that's not the question. It would be work for it.

Ima saver · #18 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 02:25 PM

It is easier to work. There are a lot of working people, but not a lot of "saving" people. Look how little the people in the u.s. save each year. It is in negative territory this year. Terrible.

[Automated by GetSmile]

Broken Arrow · #19 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ima saver

I make my husband work at least 60 hours a week!!

I don't know why this made me laugh, since I'm a guy too.

cschin4 · #20 (**permalink**) 07-19-2006, 02:29 PM

I don't know which is "easier". I guess I would say a combination of the 2. I already try to make wise, frugal purchases. I could work more than I am presently, but I want to spend time with my 3 young children. So, I work more when I need to and also cut back on other things. How's that for sitting on the fence!