Dosh dilemma: Craig’s hit-or-miss savings situation

Craig wants to save £100 a month. He transfers it from his current account, whenever he remembers.

But, he keeps forgetting.

Some months he saves the full £100, other months £40 and some months nothing at all because the money gets spent on little things, like coffee runs, impulse Amazon buys and takeaway Fridays.

After six months, he’s saved just £260 instead of £600.

Craig feels like he’s ‘bad with money’, but really he’s stuck in a common savings trap: great intentions, inconsistent habits.

How to become a more consistent saver

There’s good news, Craig, a few small tweaks can make saving much easier and much more reliable.

Here’s how:

‘Pay yourself first’ with an automatic standing order

Set up a standing order for the day after payday. Your £100 moves into savings automatically, with no effort, and zero chance to spend it first.

Start smaller and build up

If £100 feels tight some months, drop to £60 for a while, then increase it later. Consistency beats quantity every time.

Create a ‘safety buffer’ account

Having a small buffer, even if it’s just £50 - £100, in a separate account, can stop you dipping into savings when things get tight at the end of the month.

Make use of the Help to Save scheme

If you’re on a low income and receiving certain benefits, the Help to Save account can boost your savings. You get a bonus of 50p for every £1 you save over four years.

Key points:

• save between £1 and £50 each month
• you don’t have to pay in every month
• pay in by debit card, standing order, or bank transfer
• government-backed, so your money is secure

Find out more about Help to Save on the government website.

Treat savings like a bill

Think of saving the same way you think of rent or council tax, it just leaves your account automatically.

Use ‘round-up’ saving for a boost

Many UK banks round purchases to the nearest pound and put the spare change in savings.

Small amounts add up surprisingly fast.

Give each savings pot a name

Another good saving tactic is to give each saving pot a name, like, ‘emergency fund,’ ‘holiday 2026’, ‘new car money’.

People tend to save more when the goal feels specific rather than vague.

Review your savings every few months

A 10-minute check every three months can help keep things on track and give you a morale boost when you see the progress you’ve made.

We hope this helps Craig, all the best with savings journey.