ZonaJakarta – To be honest, saving money can feel intimidating, especially when you’re just getting started in your career, paying off debt, or trying to enjoy life on a budget. Add in rising rent, groceries that somehow cost more every week, and the pressure to keep up with trends—and it’s no wonder saving gets pushed to the side.
But here’s some good news: saving money doesn’t have to be hard, boring, or feel like punishment. You don’t need a finance degree or six-figure salary to start building a solid foundation. You just need the right method that fits your lifestyle.
Here are some of the most Gen Z-friendly saving methods—all realistic, flexible, and designed to help you build financial peace of mind (without giving up bubble tea and weekend plans).
1. The 50/30/20 Rule (Simple & Balanced)
This is a great place to start, especially if budgeting is new to you.
Here’s how it works:
- 50% of your income goes to needs (rent, food, bills).
- 30% goes to wants (fun stuff, subscriptions, eating out).
- 20% goes to savings (emergency fund, investing, goals).
Why it works: It’s flexible. You’re not cutting out fun—you’re just giving every dollar a job.
Pro tip: Automate the 20% savings part so you don’t forget.
2. Pay Yourself First (The Golden Rule)
Before you pay bills or buy anything, treat saving like a priority—not an afterthought. The second your paycheck hits, move a chunk into your savings account.
Even if it’s just $20 or $50 a month, that regular habit builds fast.
Why it works: It removes temptation. If the money’s already saved, you won’t accidentally spend it.
Pro tip: Use an app or auto-transfer to move money the moment you get paid.
3. The $5 or “Spare Change” Method (Low-Key Genius)
Every time you get a $5 bill, save it. Or, use a savings app that rounds up your purchases and saves the spare change.
Bought coffee for $3.60? The app rounds it up to $4.00 and stashes $0.40 in savings. Easy.
Why it works: It’s painless. You barely notice the money leaving, but it adds up over time.
Pro tip: Try apps like Qapital, Acorns, or Chime that do the work for you.
4. The “No-Spend Challenge” (Short-Term Boost)
Pick a day, week, or even a full month where you don’t spend money on anything unnecessary. No takeout, no shopping, no extra splurges. Only essentials.
It’s like a reset for your wallet and your habits.
Why it works: It helps you see where your money usually disappears and reminds you how much you can save with a little discipline.
Pro tip: Set a fun reward for when you complete it (paid for with part of what you saved!).
5. The 80/10/10 Rule (For Givers + Savers)
A good mindset if you like to give back:
- 80% for living
- 10% for saving
- 10% for giving or investing in something meaningful
Why it works: It’s simple and soulful — you’re not only helping future-you, but possibly helping others too.
Pro tip: You can adjust the percentages based on your income level, but keep saving in the mix!
6. The “Goal-Based” Method (Because You Love a Vision Board)
Saving becomes way easier (and way more fun) when you’re working toward something real — not just “saving to save.”
Break your savings into categories:
- Travel fund
- Emergency fund
- New laptop fund
- Future apartment fund
Why it works: Visual goals keep you motivated—especially if you use a tracker, envelope system, or app.
Pro tip: Rename your savings accounts by goal (most banks let you!) so you remember what you’re working toward.
So, when you start to save money, you might wonder where the safest place is to put your hard-earned cash. The good news is, there are easy, low-risk options that help your money grow a bit while keeping it safe and accessible.
1. High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs): Your Best Beginner Option
A high-yield savings account is like a regular savings account but with much higher interest rates—sometimes over 4% per year. This means your money earns more just by sitting there, and you can still access it when you need it.
Why it’s safe: These accounts are insured by the government up to $250,000, so your money is protected even if the bank runs into trouble.
Why it’s smart: The interest you earn helps your savings grow faster than a normal bank account, and you can withdraw your money anytime without penalties.
Perfect for: Building an emergency fund or saving for short-term goals like a new laptop or a trip.
2. Certificates of Deposit (CDs): Locked-In Safety with Better Returns
CDs are like savings accounts where you agree to leave your money untouched for a fixed period (like 6 months, 1 year, or more). In return, banks pay you a higher interest rate than regular savings accounts.
Why it’s safe: Also insured by the government, CDs guarantee your principal plus interest.
Why it’s smart: You get a fixed return, which is great if you don’t need immediate access to your money.
Perfect for: Saving for medium-term goals, like a car or a down payment on a home.
3. Emergency Fund: Your Financial Safety Net
Before diving into investing, it’s crucial to build an emergency fund—money set aside to cover 3 to 6 months of living expenses. Keep this fund in a high-yield savings account so it’s easy to access when life throws a curveball, like a job loss or unexpected medical bill.
4. Starting to Invest: Small Steps with Big Potential
While savings accounts and CDs are super safe, they don’t grow your money as much over the long term. For Gen Z thinking ahead, starting to invest early—even with small amounts—can pay off big thanks to compound growth.
Easy ways to start: Index funds or ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) are low-cost and spread your money across many companies, reducing risk.
Keep in mind: Investing involves some risk, so it’s best to have your emergency fund first and then invest money you won’t need soon.
Tips for Getting Started
Automate your savings: Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings or investment account each month. This makes saving effortless.
Use budgeting apps: Track your spending to find extra money to save.
Avoid risky “get rich quick” schemes: Stick to trusted, low-risk savings options when starting out.
The Conclusion
Saving isn’t about being rich or boring—it’s about respecting your future self enough to give them a head start. It’s about having choices, freedom, and peace when life gets unpredictable.
Start small. Be consistent. Forgive slip-ups. And know that every dollar saved is a step toward something better—even if it doesn’t feel like it right away.
For Gen Z, the safest place to start saving is a high-yield savings account because it offers security, easy access, and better interest than a regular account.
Once you have a solid emergency fund there, you can explore CDs or begin investing small amounts for future growth. Starting with these simple, safe steps puts you on the path to financial confidence and freedom.
Remember, the best time to start saving is now—even small amounts add up over time and build a strong foundation for your financial future. (*)
