There are so many ways to save money, and it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. One strategy we hear about again and again (and that’s backed by research, including our own here at SaverLif) is setting up an automated savings transfer.
Why? Because it works. SaverLife members who use automated savings are 5–6% more likely to save at least $20 a month. That might not sound like a lot at first, but over time, those small amounts really add up.
If you’re on the fence about automatic savings, you’re not alone. Here are a few reasons many members find it helpful and why it might be worth trying for you.
1. Save without having to think about it
Life is busy. Between work, family, and everything else on your plate, remembering to move money into savings can feel like one more thing you just don’t have the energy for.
Automated savings takes advantage of something behavioral scientists call “set it and forget it.” Once the transfer is set up, the decision is already made; no willpower is required. Many members tell us they started with a small amount, barely noticed it leaving their checking account, and then months later were surprised (in a good way!) by how much they had saved.
Less effort, less stress, more progress.
2. Turn saving into a habit (not a chore)
At SaverLife, we often say saving is a behavior, not a balance. Even if you can only save a little right now, saving regularly helps build the habit — and habits are powerful.
Automatic transfers work because they create consistency. When saving happens on the same day each week or month, it becomes part of your routine. Over time, that routine can make saving feel more normal and less intimidating, even during tight months.
3. Keep your savings separate and easier to manage
When all your money lives in one account, it’s easy to lose track of what’s meant for bills, spending, or the future. Separating out savings taps into a concept called mental accounting — basically, our brains like clear categories.
By moving money into a separate savings account, you can see what you’ve set aside. That visual separation can make it easier to protect your savings and feel more confident about what you actually have available to spend.
A quick but important note about overdrafts
It’s completely valid to worry about overdraft fees. No one wants to save money just to lose it to a bank fee.
If this is a concern, one option is to turn off overdraft protection. That way, if there isn’t enough money in your checking account, a transaction is declined instead of triggering a fee. You can also start with a very small transfer amount and adjust as you go.
And remember, automated savings isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. There’s no “right” way to save. The best system is the one that works for your life, your income, and your goals.
