The squirrels are busy, busy this time of year. The chestnuts hardly hit the ground and they’re gathering them up and stashing them away. How about you? Are you setting aside for your future?

It’s not easy to do with all the competing demands on our pay checks but if we don’t save for our future, what is the alternative? The government may provide some income assistance or pension but not enough to live on. Family and friends will have their own financial responsibilities. The best plan is to be able to rely on ourselves.

The future may not even be very far away. Stories of bumps in the road that disrupt regular pay checks are not uncommon. The best way to weather a storm is to be prepared. For some this may be making a plan and setting aside enough each month or year to meet the plan but for others it will be finding funds, scrimping, saving and balancing money needed tomorrow with future financial needs. 

The bright side is that it’s amazing how quickly money set aside can grow and accumulate.  A little here, extra hours or overtime paid there – if it’s tucked away with a ‘do not touch’ sign on it, you will have some savings in no time.