Why Does Saving Feel So Hard?

Pakis has plenty of savings plans, but taking the first step feels harder. With Bean’s help, discover how small, steady habits can get you started.

One More Plan Before Starting

Pakis had spent the afternoon surrounded by notebooks. There were savings targets to calculate, tips to compare and several versions of a plan he still wasn’t quite happy with.

What if he saved too little? What if something unexpected happened? Perhaps he needed another list.

Bean settled beside him and gently pointed towards the empty savings jar. All that planning had left little room for starting.

If saving feels like another thing you need to get right, don’t worry. We’ll help you begin with something manageable.

What could you set aside today, even while you’re still figuring things out?

Give Your Savings a Purpose

Saving means putting money aside for something you may need or want later. That could be a laptop, further studies or a little breathing room when life surprises you.

A clear purpose makes it easier to keep going. Choose one goal, write down the amount and decide when you hope to reach it. You can build from there.

Turn That Goal into Small Steps

A big number can feel less overwhelming when you divide it into smaller amounts.

Say you want to save BND600 over 12 months, starting from zero:

Monthly savings = Target amount ÷ Number of months

BND600 ÷ 12 = BND50 a month

That gives you a monthly step to work towards. If BND50 feels too tight, allow yourself more time or adjust the goal. A plan should fit the life you’re actually living.

How Much Should You Set Aside?

The Centsibly booklet suggests 10–20% of your income as a starting point, adjusted to your expenses and goals.

For this example, let’s use BND1,000 in monthly take-home pay, after salary deductions:

BND1,000 × 10% = BND100 for savings

BND1,000 − BND100 = BND900 for expenses

At 20%, you would save BND200, leaving BND800. The BND50 towards your earlier goal could come from this savings amount.

Check that essentials and repayments are covered. If those percentages feel out of reach, begin with less. Your starting amount can grow when your circumstances allow.

Help the Habit Along

Once you’ve chosen an affordable amount, set it aside when your income or allowance arrives. This is often called paying yourself first. It gives savings a place in your budget before everyday spending takes over.

Keep savings separate from spending money. If your bank offers automatic transfers, schedule one after payday so remembering becomes easier. BDCB’s saving guidance also encourages separate savings accounts and regular transfers.

You can label each savings pot with its purpose, making progress easier to follow.

Leave Room for Unexpected Days

Some savings are for things you look forward to. An emergency fund helps with urgent surprises, such as car repairs or losing income.

Centsibly suggests working towards three to six months of expenses. For monthly expenses of BND500:

BND500 × 3–6 months = BND1,500–BND3,000

There’s no need to find that amount overnight. Build towards one month first, then keep going. Keep this money accessible and separate from savings for planned purchases. The amount you need will depend on your responsibilities and circumstances.

Let's Start Small

Choose a purpose, save an amount you can manage and check your progress each month. Celebrate small milestones and adjust when life changes. Saving is a habit you can keep practising.

Pakis finally places his first note into the jar. Bean smiles as one notebook closes.

Then Pakis looks towards you. “Shall we start with what we can?”