What Is the $27.40 Rule? The Smartest Way To Save Daily

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The $27.40 Rule is a daily savings strategy that helps you save $10,000 a year by setting aside just $27.40 each day.

Can the $27.40 be the right savings strategy that will build and maintain your wealth? Read on to find out.

What Is the $27.40 Rule?

The $27.40 Rule is a savings strategy where you set aside $27.40 every day. This amount might seem small, but it’s manageable for many and can add up significantly over time.

Saving $27.40 daily is equivalent to saving $10,000 per year. Doing this every day creates a habit of consistent, disciplined saving. You’ll see how regular, small amounts can grow into large sums over time.

It’s also a form of micro-saving, where the focus is on saving small amounts regularly. It can be particularly effective for those who find it challenging to put aside large sums toward savings every month. By breaking down the saving process into daily, manageable pieces, the $27.40 Rule makes the goal of saving more achievable and less daunting.

Why the $27.40 Rule Can Help You Build Wealth

The $27.40 Rule might seem simple and a small amount to save, but it can have a huge impact when it comes to building wealth. Here’s how:

  • Consistency and discipline: By following this rule, individuals cultivate a habit of saving consistently, which is a cornerstone of wealth building. It encourages financial discipline, which sets you up for long-term financial success.
  • Compound interest: When these savings are deposited in the best high-yield savings account or invested wisely, they can earn interest. Over time, compound interest works its magic, potentially multiplying the initial savings.
  • Accessibility: The rule is accessible to a wide range of individuals, as it doesn’t require extensive financial knowledge or a large starting amount. It’s about making small, consistent efforts toward saving.
  • Budget management: Regularly setting aside a specific amount helps with budgeting better. It encourages you to be more mindful of your spending, so that you make saving a top priority.

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How $27.40 Grows Over Time

Consistent savings is the key to growing your wealth $27.40 at a time. Here’s how it accumulates:

Duration Amount Saved
One day $27.40
One week $191.80
One month (30 days) $822
Six months (180 days) $4,932
Nine months (270 days) $7,398
One year $10,001

Note that your actual savings will be higher if you save the money in an interest-bearing account. How much higher depends on your interest rate and how frequently your bank compounds interest.

Tips to Make the $27.40 Rule Work for You

Socking away $27.40 each day might seem overwhelming, but there are ways to make reaching the goal easier and less intimidating.

Cut Unnecessary Expenses

Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to calculate your income and expenses. Then slash the expenses you can live without for the next year.

Start Smaller

If $27.40 is more than you can squeeze from your budget right now, set your sights lower. Even $10 a day will grow your savings to an impressive $3,650 by this time next year.

Pay Yourself First

Rather than make daily deposits of $27.40, consider depositing equivalent amounts every payday. Here are some examples:

  • $191.80 if you get paid weekly
  • $383.60 if you’re paid every two weeks.

If you have direct deposit, you can have your employer deposit the savings portion of your pay right into your savings account.

Automate Savings

If you have linked checking and savings accounts, you can set your checking account to automatically transfer money to savings according to any schedule you choose.

Round Up Purchases

Cash App has no-fee savings with roundups that automatically send spare change to your account, and your money earns a highly competitive interest rate. Some banks, like Bank of America, also offer savings accounts with automatic roundups.

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Start a Side Hustle

An easy-to-start side hustle, such as food deliveries, can generate enough income to fund your $27.40 daily savings goal without affecting other areas of your budget.

Use a High-Yield Savings Account

A high-yield savings account builds your savings faster. If your account earns 3% interest, for example, you’ll have more than $100 of extra savings at the end of the year.

Check out the GOBankingRates Saving Calculator to see how much you can grow your savings.

Is the $27.40 Rule Right for Everyone?

While the $27.40 Rule can be a powerful tool in wealth creation, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The path to wealth involves a combination of saving, investing and earning. This rule primarily focuses on the saving aspect. For it to be truly effective, it should be complemented with smart investment choices and avenues for increasing your income.

Moreover, individual financial circumstances vary greatly. For some, saving $27.40 daily might be feasible, while for others, it might be a stretch. The key is to adapt the rule to your financial situation. Whether it’s saving $10, $20 or $30 a day, the underlying principle remains the same — small, consistent savings over time is the foundation for building wealth.

Final Take: Should You Try the $27.40 Rule?

The $27.40 Rule underscores the importance of regular saving as a step towards wealth accumulation. It’s a testament to how disciplined saving, even in small amounts, can contribute significantly to one’s financial goals. It might be a good choice for you if:

  • You have an aggressive savings goal and the motivation to meet it.
  • Your monthly budget has at least $822 available after your essential expenses have been paid

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While not the sole secret to wealth, the $27.40 Rule is worth considering, especially if you combine it with solid investments and finding ways to boost your income.

FAQ on the $27,40 Rule

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about saving money.
  • What is the $27.40 Rule?
    • The $27.40 Rule says that you can save $10,000 per year by setting aside $27.40 each day.
  • How can I automate the $27.40 Rule?
    • You can use your bank's app or online banking to schedule daily transfers from your checking account to your savings account. An easier way is to deposit an amount equal to $27.40 times the number of days in your pay period, and deposit that amount each time you get paid.
  • What if I can't save $27.40 every day?
    • You can save any amount that works with your budget. If $27.40 is too much, set a more realistic goal. Even $10 per day adds up to nice savings after a year -- $3,650.
  • Does the $27.40 Rule really work?
    • Yes. The math works: $27.40 x 365 = $10,001. But to make it work, you have to save $27.40 per day or a proportionate amount less frequently.
  • How can you save $15,000 in three months?
    • To save $15,000 in three months, you need to save about $5,000 per month. This requires strict budgeting and significant cost-cutting measures. It might involve reducing discretionary spending, finding additional sources of income and prioritizing savings over other expenses.
  • How much cash should you keep in savings?
    • The amount of cash to keep in savings varies based on personal circumstances and financial goals. A common recommendation is to have an emergency fund covering three to six months of living expenses. Beyond that, your savings should align with your long-term financial goals, risk tolerance and investment strategies.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.

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