“The Truth About Saving Money: Why It's Not Your Fault & How to Do It Better”

Why Saving Money Feels So Hard — And How to Finally Make It Work for You

Let’s be honest for a second.
Have you ever sat down with the intention to save some money, only to watch that plan fall apart in days? Maybe a surprise bill popped up. Maybe you just needed to breathe and treated yourself to something small. Whatever the reason, your savings plan vanished—again.

You’re not alone.

According to a 2023 global survey by the World Bank, nearly 6 in 10 adults have less than three months of savings, and about 24% have no savings at all. Even in developed economies, savings rates have plummeted due to inflation, rising rent, and stagnant wages.

But here’s the truth: most savings advice isn't wrong, but it also isn't realistic for everyone. Especially not for people living paycheck to paycheck.

This post isn’t about blaming you for what you haven’t done. It’s about showing you how saving can actually work in your real life—no guilt, no perfection, just progress.

"I’m Not Bad With Money... I Just Don’t Have Enough to Save"

When your income barely covers your essentials, saving isn’t a choice—it’s a luxury. If you’re earning minimum wage or managing irregular freelance gigs, saving often feels like a fantasy.

But that doesn’t mean you’re irresponsible.

"You can't save what doesn't exist. The answer isn’t just discipline, it's opportunity." — Morgan Housel, author of "The Psychology of Money"

Instead of feeling guilty, shift the goalpost. Start by increasing income slowly. Sell a skill. Offer a service online. Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even WhatsApp business to get your first client.

Every extra dollar gives you space to breathe—and eventually, space to save.

Stop Blaming the Coffee — It’s the Big Leaks That Hurt Most

No, your daily coffee or snack isn’t ruining your finances.

The real killers? Rent that takes 50% of your paycheck. A car loan you can't afford. That buy-now-pay-later lifestyle that traps you before payday.

Cutting small expenses won’t fix big problems.

Audit your major expenses. Can you get a roommate? Switch to a cheaper plan? Cancel subscriptions you forgot about?

Fun fact: According to Mint, the average user pays for at least two unused subscriptions monthly.

Reclaim that money. Not to punish yourself—but to fund something more meaningful.

Most People Save What’s Left—That’s the Problem

Here’s the usual flow:

Get paid. Pay bills. Buy stuff. Hope something’s left to save.

But here’s what actually works:
Save first, then spend the rest.

Even if it’s just $5 a week. Even if it feels tiny. That habit alone builds confidence.

Set up an automatic transfer. Treat savings like a non-negotiable expense—just like rent or groceries.

Your Savings Aren’t Safe in Your Spending Account

Let’s be real—if you can see your savings while you’re spending, you’ll probably touch it.

Keep your savings separate. Better yet, hide it.

Open a second account. Choose one without a debit card or app access. Use tools like PiggyVest or Cowrywise (if you’re in Nigeria), or Chime and Capital One (in the US).

Make spending your savings feel inconvenient. That’s how you protect it.

Saving Won’t Make You Rich, But It Will Set You Free

Nobody gets rich by saving alone. But without savings, you can’t breathe.

Savings give you:

A way to survive job loss
Time to recover from a crisis
Capital to invest when the time is right

Think of it as your personal freedom fund.

Even $200 in the bank can mean peace of mind.

Give Your Money a Mission

Saving without a goal is like driving without a destination.

You’ll wander. And eventually, you’ll stop.

Label your savings:

Emergency fund
Rent buffer
Laptop replacement
Small business capital

Named money gets protected.

Don’t Wait to Start Big. Start Small and Grow.

“Once I earn more, then I’ll start saving.”

Sound familiar?

But here’s the truth: If you don’t save when you have a little, you likely won’t when you have a lot.

Start now. Start small. Even $1 a day adds up to over $30 a month.

It’s not about the amount—it’s about the habit.

Saving Is Just Step One

You save to survive.
You invest to grow.
You build systems to stay free.

That’s the journey. Not just earning more, but using it with intention.

So if saving feels hard, know this: it’s not because you’re weak. It’s because the system wasn’t built for you. But you can build your own path—one smart move at a time.

And that starts with the next dollar you choose to keep.

Want more real-world advice on money, income, and business that actually works?
Stick with FaithfulBiz. We’re here to make finance make sense—one honest post at a time.