Small but Mighty 🤏
When you think about saving, it is easy to assume you need to transfer tens or even hundreds of euros to your savings account to make it “worth it.” But it is important to realize that starting small can be just as effective. It makes saving easier to stick with, and every euro you save adds up. Plus, seeing progress can motivate you to keep going.
There are little tricks that help. For example, transfer one euro every day. By the end of the year, you will have saved €365 (and over €1,000 in three years). A bonus: when you save small amounts, you barely notice it—unlike a large lump sum transfer.
Save even faster by setting up an automatic transfer in your banking app. Then you will not have to think about it. Any manual contributions you add are just a bonus!
Take a Closer Look at Your Spending 🕵️
If money is tight and saving seems impossible, it is a good idea to review your spending habits. Create an overview of your past three months of expenses and categorize them. Then look at which expenses are one-time and which are recurring. Ask yourself whether each one is really necessary. Your groceries and monthly bills must be paid, of course—but maybe you are grabbing that station coffee a little too often.
The free Grassfeld app lets you categorize all your transactions so you can immediately see where your money is going (and where you could cut back). Learn how the app works and download it from the App Store or Play Store.
Do the Math & Realize 🤔
Let’s say you buy a coffee every morning for €3 and a sandwich later in the day for €6. These seem like small amounts, but they can cost you around €2,000 a year. That is money you could have saved—or used for a vacation. When you convert daily spending into yearly costs, you gain a better understanding of how small habits can have a long-term impact.
Another helpful trick to realize the impact of your spending is to compare it to your earnings. In 2023, the average hourly wage in the Netherlands was around €29 (source: CBS). Think about whether that dinner for €150 is really worth five hours of your time.
STOP Spending Challenge 🛑
Here is a tip for the true die-hards who love a challenge: try a no-spend month. Of course, you will still pay your fixed expenses. But beyond that—no extra spending. No eating out, no shopping, no takeout. Walk or bike everywhere (if possible). This challenge not only helps you save more but also shows you how many of your usual expenses are not actually necessary.
Create and Visualize Your Savings Goal 👀
It is scientifically proven that you are more likely to reach a savings goal if you visualize it. By creating a clear picture of what you are saving for - and putting that image somewhere visible – you will stay motivated to reach that goal.
The free Grassfeld app helps you reach your savings goals. It gives you instant insight into your finances, shows where your money is going, and helps you identify where you can cut back. You can set both savings goals and budgets. Download the app, set up a safe and simple account, and start reaching your goals!
.jpg)
