Don’t let your savings stay frozen: Warm up your $ this Spring

With spring in the air and the snow starting to melt, it’s a natural time for a fresh start. Yes, that includes your savings!

If you’ve been meaning to save money for a while, but it either feels out of reach or just never quite happens, you’re not alone.

We recently asked our community what gets in the way of saving. The top three responses were:

Using extra income to pay off debt

Impulse purchases

High everyday expenses (rent, bills, etc)

Impulse purchases came out on top, and it’s easy to see why.

It’s usually not the big expenses that get in the way of your saving goals. It’s the small, unplanned ones that add up fast. A quick online order, a last-minute splurge, a “treat yourself” moment… and suddenly, there’s nothing left to set aside.

And in today’s world, even a simple trip out can turn into spending more than expected.

The good news? You don’t need to be perfect with money to start saving. You just need a system that works with your habits, not against them.

How to Start Saving (Even If You Impulse Buy)

Being perfect with money isn’t realistic, and thinking you need a lot of it to start saving isn’t either.

The truth is, you don’t.

Starting small can actually make saving easier, especially if you’re working on cutting back impulse spending. Putting away even $20 a week can relieve some pressure and help you build consistency over time.

Simply storing extra money in a regular checking or savings account is efficient, but one way to “thaw” that money and give it the space to really grow is by putting it to work with a certificate.

Certificates are a type of savings account that lock your funds for a set period of time while earning a higher dividend rate than a standard account.

But keeping money out of reach is only part of the solution. Here are a few simple ways to reduce impulse spending and focus more on saving.

1. Automate your savings to pay yourself first

When money lies around, it’s at risk of being spent. We recommend setting up automatic transfers to your savings account or Boost certificate. That way, the money moves out of your checking account before you see it, eliminating the chance to spend it.

2. Track small purchases

“Treat yourself” moments can add up fast. Try tracking these purchases for a week or two to see exactly where your money is going. Awareness is an important step.

3. Pause before buying

Easier said than done but taking a moment (or more) to reconsider an unplanned purchase can help determine if it’s worth it. Try the 24-hour rule: when you see something you want to buy, wait a day. This usually relieves the desire to buy on impulse.

4. Celebrate progress, not perfection

We’re all human, and by design we’re not perfect. Once you get into a good groove with saving, make sure to celebrate your progress. Small rewards keep you motivated!

With these strategies, and the right certificate, you can create a system that works with your habits, not against them. Certificates come in different styles depending on how you like to save.

Here are two options that can help you get started:

Option 1: A Flexible Way to Save as You Go

If your spending habits change from week to week, flexibility matters.

A Boost Certificate is designed to help you start small and build over time.

Benefits of a Boost Certificate

✔ Start with just $100

✔ Add money anytime (up to $10,000)

✔ Earn a higher dividend rate

✔ Choose a 1 or 2 year term

Why it works:

Your savings are locked for the term, which prevents you from dipping into them, but you still have the ability to add to it along the way. That means when you skip an impulse purchase or just have extra to set aside, you can contribute more to your Boost Certificate and build on what you’ve already begun saving.

Option 2: A Structured Way to Stay on Track

If you prefer a more set approach, a locked certificate might be your best option.

A Regular Certificate helps you set money aside and leave it alone.

Benefits of a Regular Certificate

✔ $500 minimum to open

✔ Funds are locked in for the full term

✔ Predictable, steady growth 📈

✔ Multiple term options (6 months to 5 years)⏳

Why it works:

With your money set aside and not easily accessible, it’s easier to avoid impulse spending. This is a great “set-it-and-forget-it” option as these types of certificates create a built-in boundary protecting your progress.

Boost Certificate vs. Regular Certificate: which is better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on how you manage money, and how you want your savings to work for you.

Choose a Boost Certificate if you want to start small and keep building over time.

Choose a Regular Certificate if you prefer to set aside a fixed amount and let it grow.

The Bottom Line

Impulse spending doesn’t mean you’re bad with money; we’ve all been there!

The key is finding a way to save that works in real life. Whether that’s starting small and building over time, or locking your savings in and letting it grow, the most important step is simply getting started.

Because once you do, saving becomes a lot easier to stick with.

Ready to Start Saving?

If your savings have felt a little stuck, this season is a great time to get things moving again.

Explore your certificate options or connect with our team, we’re here to help you find the approach that works best for you!

Don’t let your savings stay frozen: Warm up your $ this Spring

How to Start Saving (Even If You Impulse Buy)

Option 1: A Flexible Way to Save as You Go

Why it works:

Option 2: A Structured Way to Stay on Track

Why it works:

Boost Certificate vs. Regular Certificate: which is better?

The Bottom Line

Ready to Start Saving?

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