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Let’s be real—saving money sounds great in theory, but in practice? It often feels like you have to give up everything fun and live on instant noodles and regret. Good news: that’s not the vibe here.

I’m all about practical steps and saving in a way that actually sticks. Here’s my step-by-step guide to getting your money life sorted (no finance degree required).

1. Work Out Your Budget

Yes, it’s the boring step—but it’s also the most important.

Think of it like mapping out a road trip. You can’t plan a getaway without knowing where you’re starting from (and no one wants to end up in the middle of nowhere with no snacks). Track your income, list your expenses, and get honest with where your money’s going.

Tip: If you’re scared to look at your spending… that’s probably a sign you really should.

2. Set a Savings Goal

No one saves money “just because.” Give your savings a purpose.

Are you working toward a house deposit? A dream holiday? Buying a car without selling your soul to a finance company? Lock in a goal that excites you. That way, you’re not “missing out” when you skip the $25 lunch delivery—you’re choosing something better.

3. Tighten the Budget Belt (Just a Bit)

This isn’t about cutting out all the joy in your life. But it is about removing the fluff.

Those random impulse buys? The streaming services you forgot you even had? The daily snack runs? Start there.

Think of it like decluttering your wardrobe. You’re making space for the good stuff.

4. Set and Forget

Automate your savings like your Netflix subscription.

Set up an automatic transfer on payday into a separate savings account (preferably one that’s in a different bank account, that way you don’t look at it every day). This way, saving becomes something that happens in the background, like magic.

Future You will be doing happy dances.

5. Embrace the Budget Lifestyle

Budgeting isn’t glamorous—but it works.

Yes, you might be meal prepping, making DIY lattes, and dodging Instagram ads for a while. But it’s temporary. You’re not giving up fun—you’re building financial muscle.

A simple structure I like:

• 60% to essentials (rent, food, bills)
• 20% to debt or short-term savings
• 10% to long-term savings (house, holidays)
• 10% to guilt-free fun (treat yourself!)

When we went hard on debt, we adjusted our budget to suit that goal. Around 50% went to essentials, 25% went straight toward debt and emergency savings, 15% was set aside for long-term goals (house deposit), and we kept 10% for fun—because burnout is real, and no one sticks to a budget that feels like punishment.

The key is tweaking the numbers to fit your life while still giving every dollar a job.

6. Build an Emergency Fund Like a Boss

Because life has a way of throwing surprises—and they rarely come cheap.

Start with $1,000 emergency funds. Build these funds as fast as possible so you don’t delve into credit when an emergency pops up! Sell things you don’t use anymore (looking at you, dusty treadmill), ask for an extra shift, or redirect money from impulse shopping.

Then aim for 3–6 months of living expenses. These funds are your financial buffer. It keeps emergencies from becoming full-blown money meltdowns.

Important: This is not your long-term savings—keep it in a separate account. It’s your “break glass in case of emergency” money.

Pro tip: Keep it in a separate account and don’t touch it unless something explodes.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.

Saving money doesn’t mean giving up your lifestyle. It means getting smart about what matters most. With a little structure, you can build a money plan that doesn’t suck—and maybe even makes you feel kind of proud.