I’ve always had a complicated relationship with saving money. It’s not that I’m a super frugal person or allergic to spending — okay, maybe I’m a little bit cheap sometimes (hah!) — but deep down, there’s something else driving me. Whenever I think about spending, I remind myself of one thing: a euro saved today could be worth ten in a few years.
That thought alone keeps me going more than anything else.
I guess I’ve always looked at money a little differently. While some people think of saving as giving things up, I see it as giving myself something better — later. And that idea, as simple as it is, completely changed my mindset. I’m not just hoarding coins or skipping out on fun; I’m investing in my future freedom. The idea of buying back time, choosing how I spend my days — that motivates me far more than any new gadget or trendy restaurant ever could.
I like to play a little game with myself: how can I get the same value, the same service, the same experience — for less? Whether it’s switching to a budget energy provider, finding a free alternative to paid apps, or even just planning my meals so I don’t end up wasting groceries, I find joy in outsmarting the system. It’s not about deprivation — it’s about creativity. And I love the little thrill that comes from knowing I found a smarter way.
Sometimes I’ll hear people say, “Life is short, enjoy it now.” And I get that. But for me, part of enjoying life means not being stressed about money. It means knowing I’ve got some breathing room, that I’m building something sustainable. That doesn’t mean I don’t spend — of course I do! I still grab coffee with friends, I travel, I treat myself now and then. But I do it with purpose. And when I save, I do that with purpose too.
It hasn’t always been easy, though. There are moments when I’ve felt tempted — those days when it’s just easier to tap your card and deal with it later. But then I think about my goals. I think about what I want my life to look like in 5, 10, 15 years. And suddenly, that impulse fades. It’s replaced by something better — a quiet confidence that I’m on the right path.
The real beauty of saving, for me, is the sense of control it gives. It’s not about building wealth for the sake of it. It’s about choices. It’s about knowing that, one day, I could walk away from a job I don’t love, or take a sabbatical to explore something new, or simply slow down and enjoy life. Every euro saved is like casting a vote for that future.
When I look at my growing savings or see the compounding effects of smart investments, it reinforces everything I believe. Even small efforts matter. Even one good decision today can ripple into something much bigger tomorrow.
So yeah — I love saving. Not because I’m stingy, but because it’s empowering. It makes me feel like I’m building something important, quietly, steadily. And each time I choose to save, I’m not missing out — I’m buying a little piece of freedom.
