Ive been trying togrow up.
with a savings account especially after those extra nudges from my dad.
ButIve had a savings account before, and it just didnt work for me.
When my checking account dwindled and my savings remained stagnant, I decided to shut it down.
How could I build any savings when I couldnt even afford groceries?
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Could This Automatic Savings App Be the Perfect Solution?
I describe it as a money-saving game.
Although Im not earning interest on that money,Ive stashed away almost $700 in five months easily.
Its easy to use, even without reading the instructions (guilty!).
Even so, Ive outlined some steps to help you get started.
Download Qapital and Sign Up
First,download the app, and sign up.
you’re free to either use Facebook or set up an account with your email address.
Either way, you have to be at least 18 years old.
This can take up to three days, and you must have $100 in your account to qualify.
Our money always stays separated.
Basically, you’re able to choose to do stuff or not do stuff.
Because youre making the rules, youll control how quickly money moves into your Qapital account.
The Penny Hoarder currently gives me an $80 monthly stipend for using my own laptop and cell phone.
Round-upautomatically rounds up all my purchases to the nearest dollar amount.
After I spent $35.35 on groceries at Publix, Qapital moved 65 cents into my account.
Its painless and adds up faster than you might think.
TheStepsoption gets me to be more active.
Each time my iPhones built-in Health app registers 10,000 steps, Qapital transfers $2 toward my goal.
Before Qapital, I rarely hit the recommended 10,000-step count for each day.
Since Ive started using this app, Ive been meeting it a few times a week.
But because Im stoked for this trip, the goal actually motivates me to get my booty in gear.
(you’re able to also use a Fitbit or Nike+ to track your steps.)
These are just the rules Ive added but there are tons of other options.
Im not sure why I havent activated theSpend Less Rule.
you’re able to also select During a month.
TheGuilty Pleasure Ruleappeases my argumentative friend.
Say you happen to visitChick-fil-amore than youd like anyone to know.
If you were to hit the drive-thru today, $2 would go into your Qapital account.
Its like youre being punished and rewarded at the same time.
TheIFTTT Rulelets you specify anything you want: if you dothis, thenthathappens.
Explore the endless pairing options.
Get 40 favorites on that photo you posted to Insta?
Move some cash toward your goal.
Cheer up, and dispense money into your Qapital account for a beachside vacation.
This helps you self-employed folks remember to pay thatlittle billyou get from the IRS each year.
(Hint: Youll save $1,378.)
Its addictive and not just because I want to see whether Im ahead of my boyfriend!
Like I said, its a game.
The Results
At first, the savings seemed to trickle in slowly.
Hitting that $100 mark seemed like a huge accomplishment, though $1,100 still seemed so far away.
However, because of how I set my rules, the trickle of money quickly added up.
Qapital has some new features worth trying out, too.
Theres Qapital Invest, which lets you invest your money, so its not sitting idly.
Carson Kohler (@CarsonKohler) is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
