Over the past few months I have revamping the way I save and spend money. I have been signed up with Smartypig since they started but never started investing money into it until just a couple months ago. I enjoy using SmartyPig because it creates that “Extra Step” in getting your savings. Before I would simply save my money in my savings account; but I would always end up transferring the money back to checking when purchasing big ticket items. Now instead I save my money with SmartyPig. It is easy to still get my money, but that 3-4 day transition period and steps I have to take make me not want to do it. Then when I have those urges to purchase something I look at my bank account and simply see that I don’t have the cash. Using SmartyPig as a virtual piggybank is the best thing since Mint.com! I have been referring friends and family to it and will continue to do so. Also, the interest rate being higher than any bank in America right now also is a good incentive.

Smartypig - 21st century piggybank

They also add a social networking twist to it. They allow you to share your goals with friends and post your “Goals” widget on facebook or a website. You can see my widget below.