How to start saving

It’s never too soon to start saving. It’s rewarding and can be fun once you get in the swing of it.

Tips to help you spend and save

Tips to help you spend and save

Do you have something in mind that you want to buy? Discover quick wins to help you reach your saving goals and use your Savings Account to the fullest.

Read the video transcript

5 benefits of saving

  1. Saving early on in life is proven to make you more confident with money as an adult.
  2. Setting savings goals and achieving them strengthens your motivation to not over-spend.
  3. Regularly saving means you’ll be on track to buy the things that you want.
  4. Developing a regular savings habit could mean you’ll find it easier to save for the bigger things in life.
  5. With a savings pot, you’ll also be ready for the unexpected – like a birthday that’s slipped your mind.

Source: Money and Pensions Service 2020.

4 ways to start saving

  • Plan what you want to buy, when you want to buy it and how much you need to save. Use our savings calculators to help you do this.
  • Transfer any spare money each month into your Savings Account by setting up a regular standing order.
  • Rename your Savings Account after your savings goal to keep you motivated. E.g. 'New Wheels' or 'My Prom Outfit'. Find out how to rename your account.
  • Save the Change® is a great way to top up your savings with every shop. Switch on Save the Change® and, every time you spend money, we’ll round it up to the nearest pound and put your ‘change’ in your savings account. 

Your Smart Start guides

Make the most of your accounts

  • Set up Internet Banking
  • Manage your money on your mobile
  • A-Z of banking terms

Get started

Earn

  • Information about part-time jobs
  • Types of jobs for teens
  • How to apply for a job
Find out about earning

Learn

  • Card freezing
  • 5 ways to stay money safe
  • Staying safe on social media
Learn more about money

Spend

  • Using your contactless Visa debit card
  • Tips on budgeting
  • Ways to make payments
More about spending

Your questions about saving

  • Interest is the money we pay you for saving with us in your Smart Start Savings Account. How much money we pay you is driven by the amount of money you have saved in your Savings Account. The interest is shown as a percentage of the money.

  • A standing order is a payment that’s always the same amount, going out of your account at the same time. You choose when and how often. For example, you could make a payment to your Savings Account on the 1st day of every month. You can set an end date for it to stop or it can be ongoing until you cancel it.

  • A Direct Debit is when you let a company take money out of your account on a set date. Direct Debits are normally set up to pay for something each month. This could be a monthly subscription, or mobile phone bill.

Save the Change® is a registered trademark and used under licence.