How to start saving this UK Savings Week
Published: 21 September 2026
Save your way today, thank yourself tomorrow
For younger people, saving can feel hard when everyday costs keep rising. But getting started doesn’t mean writing the book on how to save. It’s not about finding hundreds of pounds a month, having everything figured out or cutting out everything you enjoy. As we step into UK Savings Week (21-27 September 2026), saving can begin with one realistic habit, one small thing and one goal that works for your circumstances.
Why saving feels mighty hard right now
If money management feels mentally draining, you’re not alone. Rent, food, bills, travel and social plans can all compete for the same pay packet, and the pressure to ‘be good with money’ can make saving feel like one more thing to feel guilty about.
Financial resilience is still out of reach for many people: research from the Building Societies Association (BSA), which runs UK Savings Week, finds around 14 million people in the UK have less than £100 in savings to fall back on in an emergency1. UK Savings Week is a useful moment to reset the pressure and focus on building a small buffer that can help you feel more secure when the unexpected happens.
Why we’re supporting UK Savings Week
Because saving – and getting into a savings habit – matters. For both now and in the future. We also know that many people face cost of living pressures, making saving seem challenging. We hope this guide helps to show how getting started saving doesn’t have to be difficult and can be achieved through small steps.
Building societies also have an important role to play in offering good value for people who save: According to BSA data, in 2025, building societies paid savers an additional £2.1 billion in interest2 compared with the average rates offered by the largest banks.
Oh – throughout the week, be sure to check out our socials – where you'll find us asking the public out on the streets in Leeds about their approach to saving.
Start with what you can afford, not what you think you ‘should’ save
One of the biggest barriers to saving is believing the amount has to be impressive. It doesn’t. A regular £5, £10 or £25 can still be a meaningful start, because the first goal is to build the habit. Small amounts are worthwhile and add up over time.
Choose a starter amount that feels almost too easy. If you can set it aside without needing it back before payday, it’s probably realistic. If it leaves you short, reduce it. Saving should support your wellbeing, not add pressure.
You don’t need to be earning loads to start. What matters is finding an approach that fits your life, whether that’s a small weekly transfer, rounding up spare change or moving money into savings only when you can.
How to get started with saving
- Pick one reason to save. Choose something clear, such as an emergency buffer, a holiday, a first home deposit, a special event or simply less stress at the end of the month.
- Set a first target. If a big emergency fund feels too far away, make the first milestone £50, £100 or one week of essential spending.
- Open a separate savings account. Keeping savings away from everyday spending can make them easier to protect. Choose the type of account based on how quickly you may need the money.
- Automate it. Set up a standing order for payday or the day after payday, even if it’s small.
- Review after one month. If the amount worked, keep going or increase it slightly. If it was too much, reduce it.
Try a no-guilt approach
Many people feel left behind because they think everyone else has savings sorted. The truth is that people start at different points, with different incomes, bills and responsibilities. Your savings goal doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Saving isn’t a test of character; it’s a tool you can use when the timing is right.
Campaign data from the BSA shows why the week can be a useful prompt: 70% of people who hear about UK Savings Week take, or plan to take, positive action, like increasing their savings or moving their savings to better-paying accounts3.
Thank yourself tomorrow
This UK Savings Week, give yourself permission to start small. Saving doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive, and the amount matters less than the action. A few pounds moved regularly, a goal that feels personal and an account that suits your needs can be the start of a habit that supports your future without overwhelming your present.
1UK Savings Week reveals that more than one in four Brits are missing out on over £800 in savings int
2Building societies back one-in-three first-time buyers and paid £2.1 billion more interest to savers
3Building societies delivering value for 250 years
