There’s a silent battle happening every day — between what we want now and what we dream of for tomorrow. It’s easy to spend. Harder to save. It is hard to stay consistent. But mastering smart spending habits can turn your financial life from stress into peace.
Imagine standing at the edge of two roads. One is filled with quick pleasures — shopping sprees, flashy gadgets, expensive dinners. The other looks slower, more thoughtful, with steady rewards — a home, a trip you’ve always dreamed about, the comfort of no debts.
Which Road do you want to walk?
The good news?
- You don’t need to be rich.
- You don’t need to be a financial expert.
- You just need a little clarity, and a few habits that become second nature.
Understand Where Your Money Goes
Before you can build anything strong, you need to know your ground.
Most people don’t track their spending — not because they don’t care, but because facing the truth is scary.
But truth is your best friend. It shows you where leaks are happening.
Action Step:
For one week, write down every single rupee, dollar, or riyal you spend.
Use a small notebook or even your phone’s notes app.
At the end of the week, you’ll see patterns:
- Small cafe coffees stacking up
- Unplanned online shopping
- Subscriptions you forgot to cancel
Awareness is powerful. It’s the first spark of real change.
The 50-30-20 Rule: Simple Budgeting That Works
Many budgeting systems are complicated, which is why people give up.
But the 50-30-20 rule is so easy, anyone can follow it without a calculator.
Here’s the idea:
- 50% of your income for needs (housing, food, bills)
- 30% for wants (entertainment, hobbies, shopping)
- 20% for savings and debt payments
This formula balances living today with preparing for tomorrow.
If your expenses are way out of balance, don’t panic. Adjust slowly. Even a small shift is better than no shift.
Example:
If you earn $2,000 a month, aim to keep your needs under $1,000, allow $600 for fun, and save $400.
Master the Art of “Pause Before You Purchase”
The modern world wants you to buy, right now. Ads are everywhere.
“Limited offer!”
“Flash sale!”
“Only 2 items left!”
It’s easy to fall for these emotional traps.
New Habit:
Before buying anything non-essential over a set amount (like $50), pause for 24 hours.
Ask yourself:
- Do I really need this?
- Will I still want it tomorrow?
- Can I afford it without touching my savings?
Often, the excitement fades after a few hours. What remains is clarity.
Beware of Small Daily Expenses
“Just a coffee.”
“Just a snack.”
“Just a quick cab ride.”
Individually, these don’t seem like much. But over a month? They add up to thousands.
Imagine saving just $5 a day. That’s $150 a month — $1,800 a year.
Enough for a vacation. Or an emergency fund. Or paying off debt faster.
Tip:
- Make coffee at home 3 times a week.
- Pack lunch 2 times a week.
- Use public transport or carpool when possible.
You’re not denying yourself. You’re building freedom, one small choice at a time.
Automate Good Habits
We are all lazy sometimes — and that’s okay. The smart solution is to automate good behaviors, so laziness works for you.
Set up automatic transfers:
- 10% of your income goes straight into a savings account the day you get paid.
- Another 10% into an investment or emergency fund.
Out of sight, out of temptation.
It feels great to see your savings grow without having to think about it every month.
Be Okay with Saying “No”
Sometimes, financial health means having uncomfortable conversations.
Friends inviting you out to expensive places? Family asking for a “small” loan again?
Learning to say “Not this time” is a superpower.
You are not responsible for everyone’s happiness. You are responsible for your financial well-being first.
Protect your goals.
Your future self will thank you.
Celebrating Small Wins
Every time you stick to your budget for a month, save a set amount, or resist an unnecessary purchase — celebrate!
Not with an expensive gift, but with something that brings you joy:
- A walk in nature
- A homemade dinner with loved ones
- A movie night at home
Small celebrations keep you motivated.
They remind you that financial health is a journey worth enjoying.
Invest in Learning
Money management is not something schools teach well.
But you can teach yourself.
Read simple finance blogs.
Listen to podcasts during your commute.
Follow pages that share tips and motivation (like The Riyadh Journal!).
Every piece of knowledge you gain makes you stronger.
Money isn’t just about numbers — it’s about mindset.
Build an Emergency Fund
Life is full of surprises — a medical bill, car repair, or job loss.
Without an emergency fund, even a small problem can turn into a big crisis.
Goal:
Save at least 3-6 months of living expenses.
Start small: first aim for $500, then $1,000, and grow from there.
When you have an emergency fund, you sleep better at night.
You Walk through life with more confidence.
Visualize Your Dreams
Money without purpose feels empty.
Saving just for saving gets boring fast.
Close your eyes and imagine:
- Your dream home
- Traveling to your favorite destination
- Starting your own business someday
Every smart spending choice you make today brings these dreams closer.
You’re not just saving money.
You’re buying freedom.
Final Thought
Building smart spending habits is like planting a tree.
In the beginning, it takes care, patience, and effort.
But one day, you’ll sit in the shade of what you planted, enjoying the life you built.
Small steps, taken daily, create big changes.
Stay connected with The Riyadh Journal — where real learning meets real living.
Follow us for more easy, practical finance tips that help you take control of your tomorrow, today.
