Earlier this week I asked a bunch of money bloggers one question: “Why do you save money?” From saving for a big holiday to squirrelling money away for an early retirement, there are so many reasons why someone might choose to save money. So when my fellow personal finance bloggers started to respond, it was interesting to see just how diverse their reasons are.
I initially started saving money so I could put a deposit on a house. But over the last couple of years, my motivations have changed dramatically. Sure, I’d still love to buy my own place one day, but for now I’m more focused on saving money for security and freedom.
I save for the future because I don’t want to have to rely on anyone else for money. I don’t want to be at the financial mercy of my partner or my employer or the government. If times get tough, I want to be able to drop everything and change my plans without having to worry about whether I can afford to put a roof over my head and food on the table. If an unmissable opportunity comes my way, I want to be in a position to take it, without a second thought to my finances. I want the biggest “Fuck Off Fund” ever.
For me, saving money is about freedom and empowerment and choices. It’s about making a few lifestyle changes now so that the future me can live a much more prosperous life.
But that’s enough about me. What is it that motivates my fellow money bloggers?
Sara
“I save money because I value the freedom over my life that having savings gives more than the short term buzz you get from buying something you really don’t need.” Debt Camel
Lee
“I save money because I never again want to experience the extreme stress that debt and poverty once caused me.” Homely Economics
Charlotte
“I’ve been without money before, and it’s horrible. It can really take a toll on your mental health and have learned that you can take control of the situation with a bit of knowhow and prep.” Lotty Earns
Kerry
“I save money as you never know what is around the corner, and its nice to know that you can survive on a budget if needs must. Plus, why pay full price for something when you know if you do a little homework, you can often save heaps.” Reduced Grub
Kez
“I save money because it makes me feel safe having something to fall back on when times are hard.” Coupon Mama
Helen
“I like to save money to give my child a decent future and an opportunity to do what he wishes in his life. I like to save money so we are debt free and are able to sleep at night knowing we own everything we have.” Mummy To The Max
Faith
“I save money to afford the things I love, like my home, holidays and my children’s future, while being able to smooth out bumps in the road ahead, cope with emergency expenses, and eventually retire rather than working until I drop.” Much More With Less
Anita
“I want to experience the finer things in life, without feeling guilty. I want to buy expensive makeup and have a 5 star holiday. The money I save every day goes towards these goals.” Mrs Bargain Hunter
Holly
“I save money because I want to spend more time having fun with my family than working to earn more.” Thrifty Mum
Nicola
“I save money so that we can retire early and spend time with family.” The Frugal Cottage
Jon
“If I want a holiday my mindset isn’t ‘oh I need to save for 6 months’ instead it is ‘how can I earn the amount of money for the holiday in the quickest time possible’ – Why lose money out of your existing monthly pot by putting it aside when you could just earn the extra money instead and there are ALWAYS ways to earn the extra money no matter how much you are after. I’ve done this with holidays, weddings, cars etc.” The Money Shed
Laura
“I save money and use coupons as we don’t have a lot to start with. I am trying to provide for my family and daughter and anything that helps soften the expensive has to be good.”
Mark
“I want to be free.” Small Acorn Money
Emma
I save money because I like to spend my money where I want and not where I have to. I like to spend it on holidays, driving a new car and knowing I have financial security if an emergency arises.” EmmaDrew.info
Martyna
“I love to get more for less.” Money Saving Girl
Cass
” I save money because I want to be able to afford the nice things in life for my family.” Frugal Family
Lynn
“I save money to allow me to splurge on big luxury purchases like nice holidays.” Mrs Mummy Penny