SAVE

To save money, nurses can create a budget, build an emergency fund, and automate savings transfers; they can also save on personal items like gear. In terms of professional contributions, nurses can help save money in hospitals by improving patient care through evidence-based practices, which leads to reduced hospital stays and readmissions. 


Personal saving for nurses:

  • Create a budget: Track income and expenses to find areas where you can cut back, especially on non-essential spending.
  • Consider the 50/30/20 budget rule: Allocate 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment.
  • Build an emergency fund: Aim to save three to six months' worth of living expenses in an easily accessible account.
  • Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account on payday.
  • Prioritize debt: Focus on paying down high-interest debt, such as student loans or credit card debt, as this can significantly free up income.
  • Plan for the future: After graduation, create a post-graduation budget that includes loan repayment and long-term retirement savings through plans like a 401(k) or 457b.
  • Save on work-related costs: Buy gently used equipment like stethoscopes to save money, since functionality is more important than appearance.
  • Consider total compensation: Evaluate a job offer based on the full compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, and relocation assistance, not just the base salary. 


Strategies to save more:

  • Pack meals: Prepare meals at home instead of buying them at work to avoid the higher costs associated with cafeterias or food delivery services.
  • Look for financial perks: Explore exclusive discounts and benefits offered to nurses through professional organizations or other partnerships.
  • Review your budget regularly: Continuously review your spending habits to find areas where you can cut back and reallocate funds toward your savings goals.
  • Apply critical thinking: Use the same critical thinking you apply to patient care to your finances. For example, assess whether a large purchase is worth the interest it will cost you.
  • Prioritize and triage: Prioritize your "fun money" spending on what matters most to you, similar to how you would prioritize patient care.
  • Be aware of fees: Pay attention to fees and penalties associated with financial products, as they can significantly increase costs.
  • Start saving early: The earlier you start saving, the more your money will grow over time, thanks to the power of compounding. 
  • Seek professional advice: Consider talking to a financial advisor to help optimize your savings and investment strategies.