Learning to Balance Spending, Saving, and Living

Dive in with me as I try to figure out the answers. I’m in my 20s, but honestly, I don’t think these questions ever really go away with age.

Have you ever wondered, “What will I do after receiving my salary?”

Welcome to Adulthood: Where Every Paycheck Brings More Questions Than Answers

• How much do I save?
• How much can I spend?
• Am I behind?
• And—maybe the darkest one—what if I don’t make it to retirement?

Your first salary doesn’t come with instructions.
It just lands in your account one day, minus taxes and deductions you didn’t even know existed—and suddenly, you’re expected to be a financially responsible adult.
No guide. No manual. Just vibes.

The Question Everyone Asks: What Next?

After the excitement fades and you start chatting with colleagues and friends, the inevitable question pops up:

“So… what next?”

Honestly, I have been in that space—and sometimes, I’m still in it.

• How much should I save?
• How much is okay to spend?
• What if I don’t live to see retirement?
• Should I just enjoy everything now and worry about the future later?

As an overthinker and self-proclaimed analyser, my brain jumps straight into fight-or-flight mode with one burning thought: “Do I have a backup plan?”

The Balance We All Need

After several years and a few finance books, I have come to a simple conclusion:
Balance is everything.
Live in the present. Take the trip. Buy the nice thing. But also—save. Prepare. Think ahead.

Here’s a rhythm I try to follow each year:

• Quarter 1: Plan a trip or make an enjoyable expense
• Quarter 2: Focus on saving
• Quarter 3: Repeat the fun
• Quarter 4: Save again

And when it comes to monthly budgeting?
Try a ratio that fits your lifestyle:

• 50:50 – Spend : Save
• 70:20:10 – Needs : Wants : Savings
• Or any other split that helps you stay consistent

It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just disciplined. And trust me, discipline works wonders.

Reality vs. Plan (Yes, It Happens)

Let’s be real—it’s easier said than done.
Some months, life hits hard.
You fall off track.
You overspend.
You forget the plan.
And that’s okay.

Give yourself grace. Take a breather. Recalibrate—and then get back to it.

This isn’t a race. It’s a long-term game.

I used to think saving money meant sacrificing joy. Now I know: it’s not either/or. You can choose both.

Financial peace isn’t just about numbers. It’s about knowing you’re not living on the edge.

Helpful Resources (Start Here)

There are countless resources out there to help you build better money habits—you just need to know what to search.
Start by typing things like on Google/ use as prompt:
“How to save €5,000 in 365 days” or “How to save ₹50,000 in a year”

You will find:

• Savings challenges
• Step-by-step guides
• Budget templates
• And practical advice tailored to your target

If you are looking for country-specific content (like for Ireland or India), it might be a bit scattered—but it’s there.
Look for blogs, apps, YouTube creators, or simple spreadsheet templates. Pick what feels doable for you—not what demands you change your life overnight.

Final Thought

Hopefully, you:

✅ Live a life you enjoy
✅ Save a little more than you did last year
✅ Create a plan—just in case you actually do make it to retirement in one piece

Got a budgeting trick that works for you?
Drop it in the comments—I am always curious what others are doing to make this whole “adulting” thing work.