We all want to feel good about where our money is going.
But what does “making the most of your money” really mean?
Is it financial security? Independence? Giving back? Life experiences? Peace of mind?
Let’s break it down with simple, actionable steps to make your savings dreams come true…
Save for something big
When my 8-year-old sets his sights on a new STAR WARS Lego set, every penny feels precious.
Why?
Because he has the end game in mind.
Now, as an adult, what’s your version of that big dream? A house? A vacation overseas? Maybe a new sofa?
Whatever it is, having a clear goal means knowing exactly how much you need, when, and what steps to take to get there.
It’s like creating a game plan for your finances. You start with the end goal, then break it down into smaller, manageable steps.
Try these other tips…
Track your spending
Track every penny. Seriously. Keep receipts, jot down your purchases—whatever works for you.
Do it for a month. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll uncover.
You might spot those sneaky little expenses adding up.
Awareness is the first step to change.
Shop smart
Discount stores, secondhand shops, coupons, and clearance sales are your friends—when it’s for something you truly need.
Don’t fall for the “buy one, get one half-off” trap if you don’t actually need the second pair of shoes.
And watch for quality. Sometimes those deals are too good to be true.
Know your subscriptions and memberships
These little charges can add up quickly.
Take a look. Do you really use that gym membership or streaming service?
Cut the ones you don’t need or downgrade to a cheaper option.
For example, I saved $4/month by downgrading my Netflix and $60/year by ending a meditation app subscription.
It adds up.
Live within your means—yes, this means budgeting
Have you created a monthly budget?
Budgeting helps you avoid overspending and debt.
But remember: sticking to it is the tough part. Life throws unexpected expenses at us.
But when you keep your goals in mind, it makes it easier to say no to things you don’t need.
A budget keeps you on track toward financial stability.
Routinely stow away a portion of your income
Think in percentages. Choose a savings amount that works for you.
Start small, but stay consistent.
It gives you peace of mind and security for the future.
Yes, this mindset requires discipline and planning
But trust me—the feeling of accomplishment when you hit your savings goals is worth every bit of effort.
Curious about what people are saying about how much to save? Here are some external links you can explore, as a start to your research:
(The links provided below are not to be construed as personal advice or recommendations by the author. The author assumes no responsibility for any actions taken by the reader based on the information contained within the linked websites. The links are provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. It is the responsibility of the reader to conduct their own research and seek professional guidance as necessary before making any decisions or taking any actions.)
Charles Schwab:
https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/how-much-should-you-be-saving
CNBC:
https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-much-money-you-should-save-every-paycheck/
Wall Street Journal:
https://www.wsj.com/buyside/personal-finance/how-much-of-my-paycheck-should-i-save-01671734785
Why take on an “every penny counts” mindset?
- You’ve got limited money—don’t we all?
- You find joy in seeing your bank account grow.
- You’re saving for something big, like that dream vacation.
- You’re working to pay off debt and feel the freedom that comes with it.
- You want to avoid overspending and change your habits for good.