The Payday Secret: A Simple Guide to Stress-Free Saving
- CLEVR Team
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
We all know we should save money. But let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. When life gets busy—during the summer holidays, the chaotic run-up to Christmas, or just a packed month of birthdays—saving is often the first thing dropped from the to-do list.
We often tell ourselves we’ll save "whatever is left over" at the end of the month. The problem is, there’s rarely anything left over.
At CLEVR Money, we believe financial discipline doesn't have to feel like hard work. The secret isn't willpower; it's automation. It’s about paying yourself first, before you have the chance to spend it on things you don't really need.
Finding the "Missing" Money
You don’t need to find hundreds of spare pounds to make a difference. You just need to find an amount you will honestly never miss.
Where is that money hiding? It’s in the small things. It’s skipping two takeaway coffees a week. It’s having one or two fewer pints down the pub on a Friday. It’s resisting that impulse purchase online at 11 pm on a Tuesday.
If you can find just a fiver a week, you can start building real financial security.
Your 3-Step Guide to Easy Saving
Here is the easiest way to guarantee your savings grow, whether you are paid weekly or monthly.
Step 1: Be Realistic and Pick Your Number
Look at your budget. What is a realistic amount you can live without? Don't aim too high and leave yourself short. It’s better to save £10 a week consistently than £50 once and never again. Start small; you can always increase it later.
Step 2: The Golden Rule – Automate It on Payday
This is the most important step. Do not wait a few days after getting paid. Set up a Direct Debit or Standing Order to your CLEVR Money savings account to go out on the exact same day your wages come in.
If the money isn't in your current account, you can’t accidentally spend it. It’s gone before you miss it.
Step 3: Sit Back and Watch it Grow
Once set up, forget about it. Your savings will tick over in the background. When a "high season" arrives, you won't panic—you'll be prepared.
The CLEVR Savings Chart
It’s amazing how quickly small amounts add up over a year. Look at the difference seemingly small sacrifices can make:
You Save... | That's roughly... | In one year you’ll have... |
£5 per week | Skipping 1-2 coffees | £260 |
£10 per week | Two fewer pints | £520 |
£50 per month | One less meal out | £600 |
£200 per month | Significant budgeting | £2,400 |
£500 per month | All Rubbish we by online! | £6000 |
Why Do It?
We have many members who treat saving like a crucial bill. Some manage to put away £200 a month seamlessly.
The result? They rarely need to take out loans for predictable events. When Christmas arrives, summer holidays get booked, anniversaries pop up, or the car needs urgent repairs (positive or negative surprises!), they don’t panic. They simply withdraw their own money.
That feeling of having a financial cushion is worth far more than a few extra impulse buys.
Start your automated savings today with CLEVR Money. It’s the easiest financial decision you’ll ever make.
