---
title: Emotions of Saving Money — J.E. Simmons and Company
description: Let’s face it. Saving money is HARD. I talk about the emotional journey and mathematics behind saving for your goals.
---

[Insights — J.E. Simmons and Company](https://www.jesimmons.com/blog)

# [Emotions of Saving Money — J.E. Simmons and Company](https://www.jesimmons.com/blog/why-is-it-hard-to-save-money)

 Written by [Kyle Simmons](https://www.jesimmons.com/blog/author/kyle-simmons) | Jun 18, 2025, 11:00:00 PM

 

Why is saving money challenging? Emotions!

Saving money requires effort, patience, and discipline over a long period of time.

Let's explore why saving money is difficult due to our emotions.

### ***Stage 1. "I’m a savings machine…"***

It **feels good to start** saving. Almost like when you floss because you know the dentist would be proud.

- Seeing the 401k balance grow. Getting that employer match is fun.
- Opening a brokerage account. Getting your first stocks. I’ll never forget the first stocks I bought on Scottrade.

As you save, we find that people believe savings will accumulate quickly in a linear fashion like the chart below.

For example, if I need ~$7M in 45 years, people think the money will grow each year in a straight line until it gets to the $7M.

We run into this mindset often and I'll tell you why its flawed.

#### Most People Think Money Grows Like This

 

- Balance

> Illustrative Only. Money does not grow in a straight line like this. $7M goal divided by 45 years

### ***Stage 2. I’ve been saving for a number of years and I’m still not close to my goal. Why am I doing this again?***

After you save 10 - 20 years, you may find that you are not seeing the growth you expected and may feel behind.

Then THE BIG MISTAKE happens. You may make a change like one of the options below:

- You dramatically increase the riskiness of your investments to “catch up”. If that risky investment fails, it takes savings backwards.
- You stop saving and buy the <insert expensive thing here> of your dreams.
- You sell everything so you can catch up on your savings. You move into a tiny house and ride your bike to work. This option isn't fun.

For our example, let’s assume you continue saving and see what happens.

### ***Stage 3. Powering On. Compounding Finally Kicks In***

Once you approach the back half of the chart, compounding growth finally kicks in and your money starts to grow exponentially. Compounding is just a finance word for intense growth and it is your best friend as a saver.

 

For the same example where our goal is $7M, this is how money actually grows when you save and invest over time.

#### How Savings Actually Grow

- Balance

> Illustrative Only. Saving $10,000 annually @ 10% annual growth. 10% may not be achievable

By year 20… contribute $10,000. Balance grows by ~$61,000.

By year 30… contribute $10,000. Balance grows by ~$158,000.

By year 40… contribute $10,000. Balance grows by ~$411,000.

Eventually, your contribution is small compared to the growth and **you can essentially stop saving because the contribution is so small compared to the growth.**

### ***In Summary***

Saving is hard because of the emotions you feel along the long road to your goals. If you would like to discuss your situation and [how we help our clients save](https://www.jesimmons.com/savings-retirement-planning), please book a call!

[View full post](https://www.jesimmons.com/blog/why-is-it-hard-to-save-money)

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