Bills Logo

Ways to Save Money

Daniel Cohen
UpdatedMar 6, 2024
  • clock icon
    2 min read

How Much Can You Save?

Saving money is often easier said than done. Everyone knows the benefits of saving, but most of us don’t know where to start. Some even believe they aren’t able to save because their income isn’t high enough. The reality is that there are many ways you can save money. The savings may be small, but the amount you save each week can add up to a considerable amount over time.

With our Savings Machine Calculator, we’ve identified many small expense categories where a small change you make can save you money. Our calculator allows you to see how your savings can grow over time at different projected rates of return. You’ll be amazed to find out how saving $15 a week on coffee can add up to $16,030 in 15 years. Add in an extra $50 savings per week in bars and nightlife and you could save $69,481. Yikes!

To use the Savings Machine Calculator, select an expense category such as coffee, entertainment, or gym. Use the sliders to select your weekly or monthly savings goal for your specified category. Add up to four expense categories and then select your expected rate of return. Choose a time period in which you want to achieve a financial goal, whether it be buying a house, a car, or taking a vacation. Then, see how much you can save. Of course, when doing a financial check-up in addition to a budget check-up the two best places to cut unnecessary costs are to get out of debt and to lower your interest rates and costs of borrowing. You can use two Bills.com resources to learn all about refinance tips and debt relief tips too.

Your savings can be huge and seeing the number in can be just the motivation you need to make a few small changes in your habits. Take the first step and start saving a few dollars daily today.

calc-icon
This calculator is undergoing some scheduled maintenance.

It will be back shortly. Thank you for your patience.

calc-icon

Debt statistics

Mortgages, credit cards, student loans, personal loans, and auto loans are common types of debts. According to the NY Federal Reserve total household debt as of Q4 2023 was $17.503 trillion. Housing debt totaled $12.612 trillion and non-housing debt was $4.891 trillion.

According to data gathered by Urban.org from a sample of credit reports, about 26% of people in the US have some kind of debt in collections. The median debt in collections is $1,739. Student loans and auto loans are common types of debt. Of people holding student debt, approximately 10% had student loans in collections. The national Auto/Retail debt delinquency rate was 4%.

The amount of debt and debt in collections vary by state. For example, in Maryland, 24% have any kind of debt in collections and the median debt in collections is $1562. Medical debt is common and 10% have that in collections. The median medical debt in collections is $508.

To maintain an excellent credit score it is vital to make timely payments. However, there are many circumstances that lead to late payments or debt in collections. The good news is that there are a lot of ways to deal with debt including debt consolidation and debt relief solutions.

SHOW SOURCE
arrow-down

10 Comments

BBrad Stroh, Jul, 2014
I love this tool!
BBrad Stroh, Jul, 2014
I love this tool!
JJason Bourne, Oct, 2013
Very Sweet calculator. Thanks! Vern
BBrigante, Mar, 2014
I will never drink bottled water again!
VVernito DelAmor, Oct, 2013
I should stop eating candy bars!
WWill, May, 2013
Thanks. I had a fun playing with the Savings Machine and learned something, too. I see a few ways I can save money. Now, the trick will be for me to put that money towards an emergency fund.
GGreg, Jan, 2013
Thanks! As advertised, this helped me see how trimming a few items from my regular expenditures can pay off big over time.
BBill, Jan, 2013
That's great Greg, and thanks for saying thanks! Our product team worked hard on this one, and it is amazing to see the power of compounding and how small changes can have huge impacts on our budgets.
GGabe, May, 2012
I like this tool. I was playing around with ways I can save money. It's nice to see it in real numbers.
CCalvin, Feb, 2012
I like this tool. I showed it to my girlfriend and it helped us discuss ways to save money in a calm, organized, and rational way. Thank you.