This Underrated Savings Hack Could Change Your Life, According to Rachel Cruze

John Schmoll

Mon, May 5, 2025, 12:11 PM 3 min read

Bureau of Economic Analysis survey data shows that Americans saved a mere 4.6% of their disposable income in January 2025. Current economic headwinds make it a challenge for many families to save anything. Combined with the consumer culture that preaches a buy-it-now philosophy, wealth creation can be a struggle.

In a YouTube video, money expert Rachel Cruze shared one overlooked savings hack that can dramatically improve your finances. Even if you struggle to save, you can adopt this habit to boost your finances and achieve goals.

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American consumerism often doesn’t promote delayed gratification. Products are marketed to people with little thought of whether the item is a wise purchase. Cruze discussed several instances where patience helped her family from wasting money on things they didn’t want or aided them in getting what they truly wanted.

Saving for each purchase was paramount for Cruze’s family as it provided options. “You make bad decisions when you have limited options,” Cruze said, as she discussed a purse she saved for but held off when it came time to purchase. The reasoning was simple: it wasn’t the exact type of purse she wanted. Holding off kept her from wasting money.

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She recounted a similar situation where her family saved for a car. They wanted an SUV, but with young children she feared that she would be concerned over messiness in the expensive car. When the time came to purchase a car, they opted for a minivan as it was more affordable.

Because they waited and saved cash for the purchase, they had power to make a wise decision. “When you have patience and save up and pay for things and cash is on your side, suddenly the urgency goes down and you have the ability to make possibly other decisions you would have made differently if you were not only using debt, but you were in an urgent situation,” Cruze added. The item’s price doesn’t matter as saving for it amplifies your patience.

Saving for irregular expenses or one-time needs can be challenging within a budget. Sinking funds provide a good way to eliminate the challenge and can be used for anything from vacation planning and gifts to a new car, according to CNBC.

“When it comes to big purchases … slow down, save up, have the patience to get what you want because you’re going to have so much more peace at the end of that decision,” Cruze added.