Young Money
Investing, Saving, Budgeting?
This isn’t for finance bros or spreadsheet nerds, it’s for normal people who want to stay one step ahead. From budgeting hacks to beginner investing, we break it all down so you can make smarter moves with your money, without the jargon or judgement. Whether you’re stacking for your first flat, saving on takeout, or finally figuring out your pension, you’re in the right place.
How should I split my savings?
A good rule of thumb: split your savings 50% for short-term goals (like holidays or a rainy day fund), 30% for long-term goals (like a house or emergency fund), and 20% for investing to grow your money over time.
50% – Short-Term Goals
This is for the stuff you’ll want or need in the next 6–12 months. Think: holidays, birthdays, a new phone, or just having a buffer so you’re not skint at the end of the month. Keep this in a regular savings account or an easy-access pot.
30% – Long-Term Savings
Big stuff, slow build. This is your emergency fund, your first flat deposit, a car, or anything that’s at least a year or two away.
Aim to build up at least 3 months’ worth of expenses here — and keep it somewhere a bit harder to touch (like a fixed-term savings account).
20% – Investing
Once you’ve got your basics covered, let your money work for you. This could be a stocks & shares ISA, a beginner investing platform, or even a pension top-up. Start small, stay consistent, and think long-term — even £20 a month adds up over time.
If you’d invested ÂŁ100 a month for the last 20 years with an 8% return, you’d have about £58,900 – from just £24,000 invested. That’s nearly £35,000 in pure growth, just by being consistent.
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Investing long term (usually 5+ years) lowers your risk of losses, but what the influencers don’t say is that if you’re still juggling debt, saving for a house, or spending more than you earn, throwing money into the market can backfire. Building real wealth starts with solid financial habits – investing is powerful, but only when your basics are covered.
Without a stable emergency fund or clear financial goals, market dips can turn into panic sells that wipe out your progress. So before chasing the “gold” of investing, focus on budgeting, paying down high-interest debt, and saving for big life goals like a home – because real financial freedom comes from balance, not shortcuts. If in the long term, you can hack small and consistent payments, go for it!