💸 A Guide for Adults Who Want More Freedom (Not Less)

Let’s be honest—saving money doesn’t sound exciting. When you’re in your 20s, there’s always something more tempting: eating out, new clothes, weekends away, a shiny new phone. And saving? That just feels like pressing pause on life.

But what if I told you saving money is actually about saying yes—to freedom, flexibility, and future opportunities?

Why Saving Is a Game-Changer (Even If You’re Not Rich)

Saving isn’t about having loads of cash lying around. It’s about being in control of the money you do have. It’s the key to:

  • Quitting a job that drains you
  • Taking that dream trip
  • Moving into your own place
  • Handling emergencies without panic

The good news? You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to start. Let’s break it down.

1. Pay Yourself First 💰

Most people save whatever’s left over after spending. Spoiler alert: that usually means nothing.

Flip the script and save before you spend. Set up an automatic transfer to your savings account the moment you get paid—even if it’s just $20. It’s called paying yourself first, and it’s one of the smartest money moves you can make.

2. Set Clear Goals 🎯

Saving for no reason feels pointless. But saving for something? Way more motivating.

Ask yourself:

  • What am I saving for?
  • How much do I need?
  • When do I need it?

Then break it down:

Want $600 for a festival in 6 months?
That’s $100/month → just over $3 a day. Totally doable.

3. Start an Emergency Fund 🧯

Life throws curveballs—your phone breaks, your hours get cut, your car needs repairs. That’s where an emergency fund saves the day.

Start with a goal of $500 to $1,000. Keep it in a separate account so you don’t “accidentally” dip into it for pizza night.

4. Use Tools That Make It Easy 🛠️

  • 💳 Round-up apps: They round up your purchases and save the spare change.
  • 🧠 Savings pots: Divide your money into mini-goals like “travel,” “gifts,” or “future flat.”
  • 🔁 Auto-transfers: Set it up once and forget it.

Saving doesn’t have to be effort—it can be automated.

5. Save Without Sacrificing Your Life 🥡

You don’t have to live like a monk to save money. Just be smarter about everyday spending:

  • Cook more, order less (yes, even pasta counts)
  • Cancel subscriptions you forgot you had
  • Wait 24 hours before buying anything big
  • Buy second-hand—it’s cheaper and more sustainable

These little changes make a huge difference over time.

6. Boost Your Income 💼

Don’t just spend less—earn more if you can.

Freelancing, weekend jobs, selling clothes you don’t wear anymore… A few extra pounds here and there add up fast, especially if you stash them straight into savings.

7. Celebrate the Wins 🎉

Saving shouldn’t feel like punishment. Set milestones and reward yourself along the way:

Saved your first $300? Treat yourself to a movie night.
Hit your $1,000 goal? Dinner with friends—paid in cash, of course.

Just make sure the rewards fit your budget.

Bonus Tip: Try the Japanese Art of Kakeibo 🧘‍♀️📔

If you’re into journaling or mindfulness, you’ll love Kakeibo (pronounced kah-keh-bo). It’s a traditional Japanese method of budgeting that combines saving with self-reflection. Instead of using an app, you write down your income, expenses, savings goals, and financial intentions in a notebook. Every week or month, you reflect on four simple questions:

  1. How much money do I have?
  2. How much would I like to save?
  3. How much am I spending?
  4. How can I improve?

Kakeibo isn’t just about numbers—it’s about becoming more intentional with money. Studies show people who write things down spend less impulsively and save more. Give it a try for one month—you might be surprised how much more mindful (and less stressed) you feel about your money.

Here’s an example of Kakeibo template to go with this!

Kakeibo: Japanese Art of Saving Money

A printable monthly money journal to help you save with mindfulness.

Your Monthly Reflection

1. How much money do I have?

2. How much would I like to save?

3. How much am I spending?

4. How can I improve?

Monthly Overview

CategoryPlanned (ÂŁ)Actual (ÂŁ)Notes
Income   
Fixed Expenses (Rent, Bills)   
Variable Expenses (Food, Transport)   
Leisure & Fun   
Unexpected Costs   
Savings   

Weekly Reflection

  1. Week 1

What did I spend money on this week?

Did I spend according to my values and goals?

How do I feel about my spending this week?

  • Week 2

What did I spend money on this week?

Did I spend according to my values and goals?

How do I feel about my spending this week?

  • Week 3

What did I spend money on this week?

Did I spend according to my values and goals?

How do I feel about my spending this week?

  • Week 4

What did I spend money on this week?

Did I spend according to my values and goals?

How do I feel about my spending this week?

TL;DR: Saving = Self-Respect

Saving isn’t about being boring or missing out. It’s about putting yourself in the driver’s seat. It’s about building the kind of life you want—with fewer money worries holding you back.

So, start small. Be consistent. And remember future you will be so grateful.