We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

How to decide how much to spend and how much to save

Options
I expect some people who use MSE save as much as they can and spend as little as they can.

I'm possibly in the minority(?) but I try to balance the two so that I still have a good standard of living but am increasing my savings too. I don't want to be run over by a bus tomorrow and have loads of money saved but not have enjoyed any of it.

How do others decide how to balance the split between how much they spend and how much the save?
£5 per day challenge
Grocery Challenge

Comments

  • HappyMJ
    HappyMJ Posts: 21,115 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    The_Saver wrote: »
    I expect some people who use MSE save as much as they can and spend as little as they can.

    I'm possibly in the minority(?) but I try to balance the two so that I still have a good standard of living but am increasing my savings too. I don't want to be run over by a bus tomorrow and have loads of money saved but not have enjoyed any of it.

    How do others decide how to balance the split between how much they spend and how much the save?
    I save as much as possible by reducing bills to the best available deals so I can spend more on going out. You need to save as much as you need to maintain your lifestyle in retirement. The more you save the earlier you can retire and if you save nothing you will be made to work until you die and/or live on a minimum income such as a state pension.
    :footie:
    :p Regular savers earn 6% interest (HSBC, First Direct, M&S) :p Loans cost 2.9% per year (Nationwide) = FREE money. :p
  • gothrockchic1
    gothrockchic1 Posts: 1,959 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Photogenic
    I am interested in this. I am in need of buying clothes etc but can't decide how to spend the spare cash I have after bills...
  • My rule of thumb with salary is 25% for each of spends, savings, mortgage and food/bills etc. It will vary month to month and I've been able to save a bit more as my mortgage has reduced overtime, but it's been a good guideline for me.
    Save £12k in 2022 thread #7:

    Save £10,000 Jan-May 2022 THEN RETIRE!!
    Final total for (half) year: -£4,000
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.8K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.8K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.8K Life & Family
  • 257.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.