I always thought saving money was impossible unless I got a better job or made more money.
But here’s the truth: I didn’t need to earn more — I just needed to stop wasting what I already had.
When I finally saved my first $1,000, I was making the same amount I always had. The only difference? I got intentional. I started treating saving like something I could do, even if it was just a little at a time.
Here’s exactly what I did:
1. I treated saving like a bill
This was the biggest mindset shift for me.
Before, I’d try to save whatever was left at the end of the month. Spoiler: there was never anything left. Something always came up — a sale, a birthday party, some “urgent” craving.
So instead, I made savings the first thing I did when I got paid. I started super small — €10, then €20, then €50 when I felt more comfortable. I called it my “invisible bill.”
I’d move it to my savings account before I touched anything else.
Out of sight, out of mind.
2. I opened a separate savings account
If my savings were sitting in the same account as my spending money, they wouldn’t last a week.
So I opened a second account with no card and no easy access. It wasn’t fancy, just a basic savings account — but it was separate.
I even named it “DO NOT TOUCH.” (Yes, in all caps.)
Every time I transferred money there, it felt more serious. And since I couldn’t just tap my card and spend it, I left it alone.
3. I tracked my spending for 30 days
Okay, this one sounds boring — but it changed everything.
I wrote down everything I spent money on for one month. Not in a spreadsheet, not with some app. Just my Notes app and a few emojis.
Here’s an example:
-
🍕 Pizza – €8
-
☕️ Coffee – €2.50
-
📦 Amazon – €23
-
🚌 Bus card – €30
Seeing it laid out like that made me realize I was spending a lot on things I didn’t even enjoy that much. That awareness helped me cut back without feeling deprived.
4. I made saving a game
This might sound dumb, but I started challenging myself to “beat” my savings record every month.
If I saved €100 in May, I tried for €120 in June. Some months I didn’t hit the goal — and that was okay. The point was just to stay in the habit and make it kind of fun.
I even put a little sticker chart on my wall (yes, like a child 😂). Every €50 I saved, I gave myself a sticker. Whatever works, right?
5. I said no — a lot
This was the hardest part.
Sometimes I had to say no to dinner out. Sometimes I had to skip out on a spontaneous weekend trip. Sometimes I had to wait before buying something I really wanted.
But I kept reminding myself: “You’re not saying no forever — just for now.”
And honestly? Half the time, I didn’t even miss the thing I said no to.
Final Result: $1,000 saved in less than 6 months
And again — this was without getting a raise or a new job.
I just started being more aware, more disciplined, and more patient with myself.
I realized that the habit of saving was more important than the amount.
Once I built the habit, saving money stopped feeling impossible. It actually became kind of exciting. Like I had control for the first time.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never saved more than a few bucks, don’t feel bad. I was the same way. I thought I’d never hit €1,000 without winning the lottery.
But once you shift your mindset, get a little organized, and start small — things can change fast.
Try this: next time you get paid, move just €10 into a separate savings account. It’s a small step, but it’s the beginning of something big.
Trust me.
