Saving for Something? Here’s How to Make It Happen
Ever wanted something so bad—like the latest phone, concert tickets, or your first car—but your wallet just said, “Nope”? We've all been there. Saving money as a teenager can feel impossible when you’ve got limited income and plenty of distractions.
But here’s the deal: you CAN save for something big, and it doesn’t have to be boring or painful. With the right plan, a little consistency, and some motivation, your goal is totally within reach.
Ready to make it happen? Let’s break it down.
Step-By-Step: Saving For Something Big
1. Know Exactly What You're Saving For
First things first: pick your goal. Be specific. Instead of just “I want money,” say:
“I want £250 for new AirPods by September.”
“I need £100 for my best friend's birthday gift.”
“I’m saving £500 for a gaming laptop.”
Clear goals give you focus—and motivation.
2. Break It Into Bite-Sized Pieces
Big numbers can feel overwhelming. So split it up:
Let’s say you want to save £200 in 3 months. That’s around:
£67 a month
£17 a week
Or just over £2 a day
Suddenly, it feels way more doable, right?
Use a savings tracker (Google Sheets, a budgeting app, or even a notebook) to check off progress as you go.
3. Find Ways to Boost Your Income
Even small amounts add up. Here are teen-friendly ways to earn a little extra:
Babysitting or dog walking
Selling old clothes or tech
Helping neighbors with chores
Part-time weekend job
Pro tip: every time money comes in, set aside a fixed percentage (like 30%) before you spend anything else.
4. Use Tools to Make Saving Easier
Apps and tech can seriously help. Try:
GoHenry – great for managing spending & saving
HyperJar – lets you create “saving jars” for each goal
Your bank’s app – set up auto-transfers to a savings account
Visualising your goal makes it feel real—and seeing your progress can be super motivating.
5. Practice “Save First, Spend Later”
This mindset is a game-changer. Instead of spending and saving what’s left, save first and then spend. Even if it’s just £5 a week, putting it away before you hit the shops will build a habit that sticks.
“When teens save toward a specific goal, they learn how powerful planning and patience can be. That’s a skill that pays off for life.”
Final Thought
Saving for something big doesn’t have to mean giving up all the fun now. It’s about balance, planning, and learning how to be smart with the money you have.
When you follow a plan, break down your goal, and stick to it—even in small ways—you’re doing something a lot of adults still struggle with. And that’s pretty impressive.
So whether it’s a new phone, your first festival, or just building your savings muscle—start now, stick with it, and watch what happens. You’ve got this.
Money Saving Expert is a journalistic website that aims to provide the best MoneySaving guides, tips, tools and techniques for people of all ages.
