(Or how to keep your future self from hating you for going broke at 20)
The drama of the empty wallet
Your allowance comes in, or you sell some candy at school. You feel rich for five minutes. You buy snacks, a pack of kawaii stickers, and when you want to save something… there’s not even enough left for a small bottle of water.
Your wallet sounds empty. Your dreams of buying headphones or that video game drift away like your motivation to study on a Monday.
So… what is saving, and why does it sound so grown-up?
Saving means setting aside part of your money today, to have it tomorrow (when you need it most). It sounds boring. But it’s like that friend who never lets you down: quiet, reliable, and always saves you when everything goes wrong.
Saving isn’t just for men in suits with briefcases. It’s for you, who has dreams, cravings, unexpected emergencies… and a desire to not always depend on your parents.
Small today, giant tomorrow
Saving isn’t about stashing away huge amounts. It’s about saving consistently. Even if it’s a little. Because over time, that grows.
Example:
- You save
8. - In a year, 5 a week. The same phone breaks for her. She goes, gets it fixed, and carries on with her life as the queen of financial self-control. The end.
Tricks for saving without suffering (much)
- Have a goal. Don’t say “I’m going to save.” Say: “I’m going to save for those glow-in-the-dark sneakers I’ve wanted for 2 years.”
- Do it first. As soon as you receive money, set aside your savings. As if it were a bill.
- Make it fun. Use a weird piggy bank. Keep a sheet with progress drawings. Celebrate your wins.
- Avoid silly purchases. Wait 24 hours before buying something you hadn’t planned. 70% of the time, you no longer want it.
- Don’t compare yourself. Some people spend like millionaires… because they’re not saving like champions.
But… what if I’m the “life is short” type?
It’s fine to enjoy life. We’re not robots. But it’s also wise to have a plan.
You can split your money like this (the basis of any personal budget):
- 50% to spend guilt-free.
- 30% for savings.
- 20% for emergencies or impulsive splurges (because we all have them).
That way you don’t feel like all your money goes toward obligations. It goes toward a healthy balance between pleasure and responsibility. (Yes, it’s possible.)
Savings as a silent superpower
Saving gives you freedom. You don’t need to borrow. You don’t stress when something breaks. You can say “I’ve got this” without draining your soul.
And, best of all: you get used to planning. To thinking about the future. To building goals instead of just reacting.
It’s not magic. It’s habit. And it starts with the first bill you decide not to spend.
Final thought (in a positive-conscience voice)
Your future self will thank you. They’ll say: “thanks for thinking of me, when others were only thinking about glitter candy.”
Next time you have money in hand, ask yourself:
“What part of this could help me be better off in a month? Or in a year?”
It’s not about stopping living. It’s about living better, with fewer scares, more goals achieved… and phones that don’t look like 90s calculators.
Saving since school doesn’t make you a premature adult. It makes you smart. And that never goes out of style.
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8.
5 a week. The same phone breaks for her. She goes, gets it fixed, and carries on with her life as the queen of financial self-control. The end.