When You Don't Save: These 10 Things Happen - Olubunmi Mabel

“Money can’t buy happiness, but it’s a damn good down payment!”

We live in uncertain times, where job stability and financial security are constantly under threat.

The recent pandemic is a reminder of how quickly our lives can change and how important it is to be prepared for the unexpected.

Honestly, saving money isn’t the most exciting topic to talk about.

It’s easy to get caught up in the present moment and put off thinking about our future finances.

However, living paycheck to paycheck doesn’t leave much room for error or emergencies, and it’s a stressful way to live.

I used to be a terrible saver.

I had really poor saving habits and never thought much about the consequences until I found myself in a difficult financial situation.

It was a wake-up call for me to start taking saving seriously, and I’m glad I did.

If I can do it, you too can.

You and I, we’re not Warren Buffet or Suze Orman, and we don’t have to be.

What’s important to understand is that saving is pertinent to financial stability and peace of mind.

Saving money is like creating a safety net for yourself, your family, and your future.

Here are nine dire straits you’ll find yourself in when you refuse to heed the wake-up call to start saving:

1. Living Paycheck to Paycheck

When every cent of your earnings is accounted for the moment it lands in your bank account—allocated to bills, debt payments, and essential living expenses, there’s little to no buffer for unexpected costs.

Imagine your car breaks down or a sudden medical expense arises; without savings, these situations become not just inconveniences but crises.

So, living paycheck to paycheck is not just a figure of speech; it’s a very real and stressful way to live.

And when you don’t save, it becomes your reality and experience.

2. No Retirement Plans

Retirement might seem like a distant future, and it’s easy to push planning for it to the back burner.

But time flies, and before you know it, you’re nearing retirement age without any savings to support yourself during those years.

Without savings, the dream of a comfortable retirement becomes just that—a dream.

When there are no funds set aside for retirement, you’re looking at the possibility of having to work far beyond the typical retirement age.

This not only affects your quality of life but also puts a strain on your health.

The golden years should be a time for relaxation and enjoyment, not worrying about how to make ends meet.

Even if you have a government or company pension plan, having additional savings can give you more flexibility and security in your retirement years.

So, starting to save early on ensures that you can retire with the dignity and peace you deserve, free from the shackles of financial insecurity.

3. Missing Out on Opportunities

Opportunities rarely come with prior notice.

They require quick thinking and the ability to take action, which may involve investing money in a new venture or seizing a life-changing opportunity.

For example, you might come across a great deal on a house or business, but without savings, you won’t be able to take advantage of it.

Or you may want to further your education or attend an important event, but the lack of funds holds you back.

When you don’t save, these opportunities pass you by, and you wonder what could have been if only you had some savings to fall back on.

4. Emergency Fund Absence

Life is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant, unfortunately.

A sudden job loss, an unexpected health issue, or urgent home repairs can throw your life into disarray if you’re not financially prepared.

Without an emergency fund, these scenarios can lead to panic, stress, and the need for undesirable financial decisions, such as accumulating high-interest debt.

An emergency fund acts as a cushion, giving you the breathing space to deal with life’s unpredictabilities without compounding the problem.

I mean, imagine the peace of mind of knowing that you have a backup plan in place.

Savings literally save your life!

5. Dependency on Debt

When you don’t have savings to fall back on, credit cards, loans, and other forms of debt often become the go-to solutions for covering unforeseen expenses.

This reliance on debt not only leads to accumulating interest but also creates a cycle of debt that can be hard to escape.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like debt.

The only time debt makes sense is when it’s used to generate more income, such as through business loans or mortgages.

However, relying on debt for basic living expenses because one lacks savings is a slippery slope that can lead to financial ruin.

6. Limited Financial Freedom

One reason people remain stuck in jobs they don’t enjoy is that they lack the financial freedom to pursue their dreams.

Without savings, every financial decision, no matter how small, becomes a huge stress point.

Want to take a career break, switch to a less stressful job, or start your own business?

Without the financial security that savings provide, these choices are just wishful thinking.

Having savings gives you options and allows you to take calculated risks without jeopardizing your financial stability.

It’s just like having a safety net when trying out the trapeze; you can take the leap of faith knowing that if something goes wrong, you have a backup plan to catch you.

7. Inability to Achieve Long-Term Goals

Saving isn’t just about emergency funds and retirement planning; it’s also about turning your dreams into reality.

We all have dreams we want to achieve, whether it’s buying a house, traveling the world, or starting a family.

Without savings, you can only hope for a miracle.

But when you save, you can actively work towards your goals and make them a reality.

Having long-term goals gives you a sense of purpose and direction in life, and believe me, this is what makes life worth living.

8. No Financial Backup for Loved Ones

The Bible says, ”A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children,” and I couldn’t agree more.

Having savings not only benefits you but also your loved ones.

Life is unpredictable, and the last thing you want is to leave your family with financial burdens in the event of your untimely passing.

Untimely passing aside, it’s honorable and fulfilling to be able to support your loved ones, especially your children. 

With savings, you can leave a lasting legacy and ensure that your family is taken care of even when you’re no longer around. 

Not having any financial backup for your loved ones can also lead to strained relationships and feelings of guilt.

Save and invest in your future and the future of those you care about.

It’s never too early or too late to start building a secure financial foundation for yourself and your loved ones.

9. Stress and Anxiety

There’s this peace of mind that comes with having savings.

It’s like having a weight lifted off your shoulders, knowing that you have funds to fall back on in case of any unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Think about it: how many times have you felt stressed or anxious about money, paying bills, making ends meet, or losing your job?

So, lack of savings means living on the edge, constantly worrying about what might go wrong and how you’ll handle it.

This chronic stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health.

10. Setting a Good Example

As adults, it’s our responsibility to teach the younger generation about financial literacy and the importance of saving.

But how can we expect them to understand when we don’t practice what we preach?

If we don’t save, we set a bad example for our children, who may follow in our footsteps and also struggle with financial stability.

Teaching them about savings from an early age and showing them the benefits through our actions can set them on the right path toward financial success.

Saving not only benefits us in the present but also sets up a better future for generations to come.

I understand that with the current economy and rising costs of living, saving can be challenging.

But it’s not impossible, and the benefits far outweigh the effort required.

Start small, make a plan, and stick to it; before you know it, you’ll have a healthy savings account that brings peace of mind and financial security.

Saving isn’t about depriving yourself of present pleasures, although you should budget for them.

While you do that, secure a better future for yourself and your loved ones.

So, start saving today and enjoy the peace and freedom that financial stability brings.

Your future self will thank you.