In my previous post: “Financial Resilience During Uncertain Times”, I introduced a framework designed to help build financial resilience:

Control Your Spending → Develop Savings Habits → Invest in Your Future.

Below are some strategies to help develop savings habits and explore what investing in your future can look like.

Pay Yourself First 

I know most of us have heard this many times before, but there’s a reason it remains one of the most common pieces of financial advice. Consistently setting aside even a small amount can have a profound impact over time. Years from now, you’ll likely look back and be surprised by what those steady contributions have accomplished.

Automate Your Savings

Don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be. Most banking apps allow you to set up recurring transfers between accounts. If you’re paid on a regular schedule, such as every two weeks, consider opening a separate savings account that isn’t linked to your debit card and setting up an automatic transfer of $25 on each payday. If your income arrives less regularly, choose a schedule that works for your situation. The amount and frequency matter less than building the habit.

The most important step is simply getting started.

Dominate Those Large Annual Expenses

This was the turning point for me. Every time I tried to build a savings habit, it seemed to unravel when a large annual expense such as insurance, property taxes, or another bill came due. The reality is that these expenses aren’t surprises. They’re more like slow-moving trains. It’s not a matter of IF they arrive, but WHEN.

At the time, I was paying my car insurance monthly and disliked having that payment hanging over me. I started by setting aside just $25 every two weeks in a dedicated savings account. By the time my insurance renewal came around the following year, I had accumulated $650, which reduced the amount I needed to finance and lowered my monthly payment.

Rather than spending the new cash flow, I increased my automatic savings by the same amount, so my cash flow felt virtually unchanged. By the next renewal, I was able to pay the insurance in full without borrowing. More importantly, I felt a greater sense of control and confidence in my finances. That small win created momentum, leading to other savings habits that became the foundation for lasting financial confidence.

Build A Short-Term Safety Blanket

You’ve reached a point where your cash flow feels more manageable and you’ve established some savings habits. What’s next?

Before you look too far into the future, remember that life inevitably throws curveballs.  Financial planners often recommend maintaining three to six months of living expenses in a savings account to help navigate unexpected challenges. Some may also recommend establishing a line of credit with a bank or credit union if your emergency savings are still being built.  My only word of caution is if you aren’t confident with spending control, access to this type of credit could turn into an Achilles heel in building long-term confidence. That said, it is a great tool when used correctly to give you financial comfort.

Comfort leads to confidence.

Invest In Your Future

This is a broad topic with as many paths as there are people. When the term “Investing” comes up, most will think of things like stocks and bonds.  To me, investing isn’t just about putting money into something. It’s about investing in someone: yourself and your family.

Investing in your future might mean owning a home, travelling, pursuing higher education, starting a family, building a business, building a rental property portfolio, or preparing for retirement. It may also mean changing your income stream through a side business, self-employment, or developing new skills that create future opportunities.

What’s important is having something meaningful to pursue while recognizing that goals often change over time. Be willing to adjust your plans when needed and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from trusted professionals whose knowledge and experience can help you move forward with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Building financial resilience isn’t about making one perfect decision. It’s about creating habits that steadily strengthen your financial foundation over time. Start small, be consistent, and celebrate the progress you make along the way. Every dollar saved, every debt reduced, and every goal pursued is an investment in the future you.