Your Guide to Saving for Life's Big Moments
Whether it’s getting married, moving house, starting a family, or building a safety net, life’s big moments often come with a cost. And while they’re worth it, they can also be stressful - especially if you’re not financially prepared.
The good news? With a few simple steps, you can start building a savings plan that helps you feel ready for whatever comes next.
Step 1: Choose your goal
Think about the moments that matter most to you. What’s something you’d love to plan for, or know is coming up?
It could be a be a big life event like a wedding or baby, or a financial goal like clearing debt.
Ask yourself:
- What do you want to save for?
- When do you want to reach this goal?
- How much will you need to save?
Step 2: Create smaller steps
Once you know how much you'd like to save, break it down into smaller amounts to save each week or month. This makes the goal feel easier and helps keep you motivated.
Example: Want to save £1,200 in a year? That's £100 per week or around £23 per week.
To figure out your monthly or weekly saving goal, just divide your total goal by:
- Number of months = monthly savings goal
- Number of weeks = weekly saving target
Step 3: Make it automatic
Saving is easier when you don't have to think about. If your employer offers Salary Finance Save, you can save directly from your salary, setting money aside before it even hits your bank account. This way, your savings grow automatically without any effort. Find out what your employer offers here
Don't have access to Salary Finance Save? No problem! Simply set up a standing order from your main account to a dedicated savings pot on payday
Step 4: Track your progress
Stay motivated by regularly checking in on how you're doing. A savings tracker, budgeting app, or even a visual chart on the fridge can help you stay focused and celebrate small wins.
Helpful tips to stay on track
- Use budgeting planners to help you keep an eye on your finances
- Set calendar reminders for monthly check-ins
- Adjust your plan if your circumstances change
- Reward yourself for milestones along the way
Step 5: Build better habits
Big goals take time, but good habits keep you going. Here are a few ways to stay on track:
- Round up your spending: Use apps or bank features that round up purchases and save the spare change
- Cut one small expense: Pick a non-essential experience (like a weekly takeaway) and transfer that amount into savings instead
- Try a no-spend challenge: Pick a day, week or even month where you avoid all non-essential spending. It's a great way to reset your habits, spot impulse purchases and put extra money towards your savings goal
- Make it easy to keep learning: Bookmark the Salary Finance Learn platform so you can quickly access expert tips and resources to help you build better savings habit over time/
Bonus: Get expert guidance
Feeling stuck or unsure where to start? Watch our livestream recording – Save for the Moments That Matter Most.
You’ll hear from real Salary Finance customers and get expert tips from Money expert, Stacey Lowman, who’ll be sharing practical ways to start saving confidently.