Things I Didn’t Do to Save £10k in Just One Year

Saving £10,000 in a year can feel like a big goal, especially if you’re working with a tight budget. But trust me, sis, it’s absolutely doable! The choices you make around your biggest expenses—think rent, travel, and maybe even those monthly subscriptions—can have a serious impact on your savings. These priorities look a little different for everyone, but focusing on where you can cut back in those areas can mean the difference between saving a few pounds here and there or hundreds every month. With a few smart, intentional choices, you could save more than you ever thought possible in just a year. Here’s exactly how I made it happen.

I didn’t move out of my parents’ house

If there’s one thing that made a huge difference in my savings journey, it was deciding to stay at home with my parents instead of moving out. Let’s be real: housing costs can swallow up a big chunk of your paycheck every month, whether it’s rent or a mortgage. By staying with my parents, I was able to avoid that expense completely.

When I started my graduate job, I definitely felt the urge to move out as it seemed like what everyone was doing. My friends and colleagues started renting their own places as soon as they graduated, and I felt a bit out of place as one of the few who didn’t.I soon realised that while having my own space sounded nice, it just didn’t add up financially. Renting in London on my starting salary would have made saving nearly impossible.

I’m also super grateful to have parents who let me stay rent-free while I work toward my goals. They’ve been so supportive of my plan to save for a house deposit, and have encouraged me to put my money toward that rather than paying rent. By staying at home, I was able to save a huge amount I wouldn’t have managed if I’d moved out. Hands down, this was the biggest reason I saved over £10,000 last year!

I didn’t purchase a new car

Sis, I totally get the excitement of wanting a new car! When I was younger, I dreamed of buying my first car, and after that, I kept fantasising about the next one. It’s so easy to fall into that cycle—new car, new dream, right?

So when I landed a steady job, I was actually surprised at myself for deciding not to splurge on a new car. All my friends were doing it, treating themselves to soft life cars as soon as they got their first “real” jobs. I began wondering, “shouldn’t I be doing the same?”

That’s when I had to step back and remind myself why buying a new car didn’t fit with my financial goals. My little 2009 Ford Fiesta is reliable, affordable to run, and gets me everywhere I need to go. Sure, a new car would be shiny and fun, but it wouldn’t offer anything more than an image boost—which, honestly, I can live without right now.

Don’t get me wrong, I believe in treating yourself, and yes, I’d love to drive a fancier car one day! But right now, my focus is on building my savings and setting myself up for financial freedom, and a new car just doesn’t fit that plan. By holding off, I’ve been able to keep a lot more in my savings, and that (currently) feels way better than any luxury car would.

I didn’t say yes to every birthday, special occasion, or outing

Birthdays can really add up, especially when you’re the type to never miss a party! Last year, I got so many invites to birthday dinners, weekend trips, and all kinds of celebrations. But I realised that if I wanted to be more intentional with my money and actually reach my savings goal, I had to start saying no.

It’s hard for me to turn down invites, especially when I genuinely appreciate the gesture and want to show my friends I care. But I made a rule: if it’s not a close friend, or if the event costs more than I’m comfortable spending, I’ll pass. Just saying no to a few events saved me hundreds—not only on the main event, but on travel, outfits, and gifts, too!

Yes, I might miss a few invites in the future, but honestly, if someone doesn’t understand my need to budget, maybe they’re not my people. My real friends get it! And in the end, reaching my £10k savings goal last year made every “no” worth it.