Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of the day when artificial intelligence and computers will take all the work and hassle out of saving your money to grow your wealth.
While we’re not quite there yet, there are some simple ways to increase your savings without constantly thinking about them.
Here’s a look at eight ways to automate your savings and unconsciously grow your wealth. Some of them may be easier than you think.
Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique
The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.
A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.
If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds,see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)
Save money from each paycheck
This is a case where technology can be your friend when automatically growing your savings. If you’re working, your employer probably lets you deposit a portion of every paycheck directly into your savings.
That means it’s done for you, and you don’t need to think about it. Further, you can check into enrolling in your employer’s tax-advantaged retirement plan or an individual retirement account.
You could have some of each paycheck directed toward retirement savings.
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Use automatic savings tools
Sticking with tech, you may want to check out apps and savings tools available to help you save money. These come in a variety of formats with lots of options. You may be able to find a financial solution that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Further, some apps or savings tools offer account types to help you set and meet short-term and long-term savings goals. Some may even use artificial intelligence to analyze your money habits and offer solutions.
Save your change
You may think your change doesn’t go far in today’s world, but perhaps it’s time to rethink that. Some apps and savings tools will let you automatically save your spare change by rounding up the amounts from your purchases.
Further, some banks and companies have programs that allow you to round up the change similarly. Using your debit card for some of these programs may be even more helpful to track your progress.
Get a free stock valued between $5 to $200
Secret: You don't need thousands of dollars to buy thousand-dollar stocks or create a diverse portfolio.
Robinhood offers a method of investing called “fractional shares.” On its own, one share of a single stock could cost a lot of money, making it difficult to diversify. Robinhood allows you to buy pieces of stock instead, so you have the option to build a diverse portfolio quickly.
Let’s say you want to invest $250, as an example.
With that amount, you could build a relatively diverse portfolio with an investment of $50 in a big tech stock, $50 in a retail stock, $50 in an energy stock, $50 in a manufacturing stock, and $50 in a bank.1 <p>This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. </p> <p>To get stock reward, new customers need to sign up, get approved, and link their bank account. Stock rewards shares cannot be sold until 3 trading days after the reward is granted and the cash value of the stock rewards may not be withdrawn for 30 days after the reward is claimed. Stock rewards not claimed within 60 days may expire. See full terms and conditions at <a href="https://robinhood.com/us/en/support/articles/open-account-pick-your-stock/">rbnhd.co/freestock</a>.</p> <p>Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of our Customer Agreement.</p> Robinhood Gold is offered through Robinhood Financial LLC and is a membership offering premium services available for a fee.</p>
Even better news? Add a Robinhood Gold membership, and you’ll get access to 4.25% (as of 11/15/24) APY2 <p>Annual Percentage Yield. Rate valid as of April 12, 2024. To earn interest, a cash balance is needed. If you have a margin balance, there is no cash balance to earn interest. Interest rates for cash sweep and margin investing can change at any time. Fees may reduce interest earnings.</p> on your uninvested cash3 <p>Interest is earned on uninvested cash swept from your brokerage account to partner banks. Partner banks pay interest on your swept cash, minus any fees paid to Robinhood. As of Nov 15, 2023, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) that you will receive is 1.5%, or 5% for Gold customers. The APY might change at any time at the partner banks' or Robinhood's discretion. Additionally, any fees Robinhood receives may vary and are subject to change. Neither Robinhood Financial LLC nor any of its affiliates are banks.</p> <p>All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.</p> <p>Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer.</p> and the ability to buy and sell stocks 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Open and fund a Robinhood account and earn up to $200 in stock
Track your progress with savings
Speaking of tracking your progress, it’s a good idea to figure out how you want to do that when trying to automate savings and grow your wealth. Today, you have many choices to help simplify the process.
First, you can easily find a budgeting app. Second, your savings account may even offer a built-in tool to help. Finally, you could also set up your own spreadsheet to track your contributions and savings.
Select the best high-interest savings account
Maybe it’s time to put your bank accounts to work to grow your wealth without much hassle. If that’s your plan, look into high-interest savings accounts. These can offer good rates to help you grow your savings.
If your current bank doesn’t provide savings options with high interest rates, you may consider switching to another institution. Perhaps an online bank offers an attractive rate.
Be sure to consider any fees or deposit requirements. They can easily cut into your savings.
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Boost your savings
You may be looking at ways to cut your spending each month. But if you want to grow your wealth, save that extra money. That means increasing automatic transfers to your savings by the amount you’re looking to cut from your spending.
In other words, grow your money by turning your unnecessary monthly expenses into monthly deposits into your savings.
Look at your goals
Once you plan to boost your savings, you may want to focus on your goals. For example, you could open separate free savings accounts for each goal, such as saving for a vacation or a house downpayment.
Your bank may even let you create buckets within your one savings account for each goal.
Be careful with windfalls
You must avoid temptation if you’re serious about growing your savings to build wealth. This may especially come into play if you receive a significant financial windfall, such as a work bonus or an inheritance.
Instead of making a big purchase, consider putting the money in a high-yield savings account. It can grow your money while you look at your options.
It’s probably helpful to look at this windfall as part of a longer-term strategy to set yourself up for financial security for the rest of your life.
Bottom line
Tech can be a valuable tool if you’re looking for simple ways to automate your savings and grow your wealth. You can look for digital solutions, from online tools to apps, and compare those to what your bank offers.
When looking at your options, remember that not all tools or apps will work for your lifestyle and financial strategies.
Ask a financial advisor for recommendations, particularly if you have questions or concerns about making the most tax-efficient decisions and keeping more cash in your wallet.
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