Putting Money Aside I Can't Touch

ColdIron

CarUK_Guy said:

Hey! One practical trick is to create a “no-touch zone” for your savings. I once kept a small cash stash in an envelope hidden inside an old book on a high shelf, something you’d never think to grab when bored.

I've tried that with bottles of wine, it never works   

Kim_13

saajan_12 said:

FrancisBegbie said:

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on saving habits and building a bit more self-discipline.

Each month I round up my spending in my Chase account, which usually comes to around £100. The problem is…I end up withdrawing it every time. I also put some cash aside in a tin, but I usually dip into that every couple of months too. Basically, because I know the money is easy to access, the temptation wins.

I’ve just opened a locked Monzo pot, but I’ve heard you can still unlock it fairly easily, so I’m not sure it’s going to solve the issue.

Does anyone have suggestions for more “hidden” or harder-to-access places to keep savings? I’m not looking for investment advice—just practical ways to keep money out of sight and out of mind so I can actually save it.

Thanks!

What sort of motivations / disincentives usually work for you? Eg 

* is it the practical ease of access -> then could a telephone banking only option work?
Payments in would likely still work with bank transfers but if you need to call to withdraw or move the money, by the time you wait for opening hours and through the hold music, you might remember your overarching goals. 

* is it the financial incentive -> then a 1 year fixed rate account or notice account, where you have to request a closure request and a penalty to withdraw early

If a disincentive will do the job, possibly Stafford Building Society Regular Saver? Open ended product for ease of managing, but must be operated by post as the disincentive. Far from the top of the pile where Regular Saver rates are concerned though.

FrancisBegbie

grumpy_codger said:

If it's some smallish amount every month, then a regular savings account that doesn't allow withdrawals (most do) is the best option.

E.g. https://www.principality.co.uk/home/savings/savings-accounts/christmas-2026-regular-saver-bond - up to £150 each month, 6.5%, matures after 12 months, no withdrawals allowed.

When it matures you put the saved amount to some fixed rate or notice account.

Hi I've just set up a six month one, thank you.

Kim_13

FrancisBegbie said:

grumpy_codger said:

If it's some smallish amount every month, then a regular savings account that doesn't allow withdrawals (most do) is the best option.

E.g. https://www.principality.co.uk/home/savings/savings-accounts/christmas-2026-regular-saver-bond - up to £150 each month, 6.5%, matures after 12 months, no withdrawals allowed.

When it matures you put the saved amount to some fixed rate or notice account.

Hi I've just set up a six month one, thank you.

You are allowed the Christmas one in addition to the 6 month one if you wish.