Spooky Savings: How to Overcome the Fear of Saving Money
Saving money doesn’t have to feel like walking through a haunted house. For many of us, the thought of putting money aside can feel overwhelming, intimidating, or even downright scary, especially when living paycheck to paycheck. But what if saving could feel less like a trick and more like a treat?
To help us unpack this idea, our Chief Development Officer, Brittany Wissick sat down with Latisha Brown, Community Lending Specialist with Atlantic Union Bank, who has been in the banking world for over 25 years. Latisha spends her days teaching financial education in the community, helping individuals face their financial fears head-on. Together, we talked about why saving feels so frightening and how to make it a habit that’s empowering instead of intimidating.
Meet Latisha Brown
Latisha Brown is a Community Lending Specialist with Atlantic Union Bank, bringing over 25 years of experience in the banking industry. Military spouse and mom, Latisha began her career in traditional branch banking before discovering her passion for financial education. Through leadership and community engagement programs, she stepped outside the four walls of the bank to empower individuals and families with the tools to build financial confidence.
That commitment is already making an impact locally and for us at FPP. Atlantic Union Bank awarded a Future Impact Maker grant to support hiring a paid intern. Our intern is now a full-time financial counselor, helping individuals in the community achieve stability and confidence. It’s success stories like these that show how the bank’s investment ripples outward.
Latisha embodies this mission in her daily work, bringing financial education to classrooms, nonprofits, and households across the region. From teaching children about “needs vs. wants” to helping adults build saving habits, she’s passionate about breaking down financial fears and helping people see that saving doesn’t have to be scary.
👻 Why Saving Feels Scary
Latisha says one of the biggest reasons saving feels so scary is simple: we feel like we don’t have enough to save in the first place.
“Most of us were never really taught how to save,” she explains. “Without the education, it feels overwhelming. But once you have a plan, it’s a lot less intimidating.”
One of her favorite tools? The 50/30/20 Rule:
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50% of your income goes to needs (housing, food, transportation, bills).
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30% goes to wants (fun money, dining out, hobbies).
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20% goes to savings (short-term and long-term goals).
“It takes the guesswork out,” Latisha says. “And it helps people feel like saving isn’t some spooky mystery — it’s just part of a simple formula.”
🕸️ First Steps to Fear-Free Saving
For those who feel “paralyzed” by the idea of saving, Latisha recommends starting small.
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Ask for help. “Reach out to a financial counselor or banker. Build a relationship with your financial institution and ask about products with no fees.”
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Try ‘No-Thinking Savings.’ Latisha suggests using a roundup savings account that automatically rounds your purchases to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference into savings. “It just happens automatically, and you’d be surprised how quickly it adds up.”
“We’re used to rounding up at the checkout line to donate to worthy causes. Why not round up for yourself and your future?”
🎃 Old Habits to Bury
Latisha laughs when she shares one of her top pieces of advice: “Please, please don’t hide money under your mattress.”
While old-school tricks like the envelope system can still work for some people, the key is to find what works for you while keeping your money secure. Whether it’s an app, an automatic transfer, or cash envelopes, consistency is what matters.
🕷️ A Real-Life “Savings Safety Net”
Latisha also shared a powerful story about how savings once saved her family from disaster. While living in Houston during Hurricane Harvey, her family lost nearly everything - cars, a house, and all of their belongings.
“We didn’t have renters insurance, but we had savings,” she recalls. “That savings allowed us to pay first and last month’s rent and cover back-to-school expenses for our kids. Without it, I don’t know how we would have made it through.”
Her story is a reminder that while savings might feel optional, it can truly become a lifeline in emergencies.
🧛 Teaching Kids That Saving Isn’t Scary
Latisha also believes financial education should start early. She teaches children as young as kindergarten about needs vs. wants — a lesson many adults still struggle with.
“Kids will tell you Chick-fil-A is a need,” she laughs. “But when they learn that food, water, and shelter are real needs, they start to think differently. Those conversations at a young age take the burden off parents and set kids up for success.”
🕯️ Final Words of Encouragement
For anyone just starting their savings journey, Latisha offers this advice:
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Start small. Even a dollar a week makes a difference.
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Set realistic goals. Pick one short-term (like a spa day) and one long-term (like a family vacation).
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Celebrate progress. “The butterflies you feel when you realize, I’m doing something for me, is powerful.”
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