11 Women Reveal Their Monthly Savings Strategies & Amounts

When it comes to discussing finances, many of us are happy to share what we’ve spent money on—be it an amazing vacation deal or new boots that make us look and feel great.

However, talking about how much we save is a different story entirely. To shed light on this topic, 11 women have come forward to share exactly how much they save from their paycheck each month—and the numbers may surprise you!

Their stories are inspiring and will no doubt encourage you to start your own savings plan if you haven’t already done so.

It’s never too late to begin smart financial planning and saving for a better future. Even if just setting aside something small each month, every penny counts and can add up over time.

These women are proof that anything is possible with discipline and dedication.

1. Whatever I Can!

“I am employed making an annual income of $25,000, and I make a conscious effort to save 10 percent of my earnings each year. This is no easy feat though, as unexpected expenses often arise throughout the year that quickly deplete my savings. While I am not yet able to accumulate a large amount of money for a ‘nest egg’, I’m working towards it by saving what I can while still addressing my financial needs in the present.” —Niki, 30, Social Media Consultant & Freelance Writer, Los Angeles, CA

2. $100 A Month

“Since graduating college, I’ve been working at a tech start-up. Every month, I religiously set aside $100 from my paycheck into a savings account. Additionally, I use my salary to pay off my student loans quickly and efficiently – keeping up with all due payments and interest rates. By doing this, I am able to maintain financial stability and peace of mind while staying financially responsible.” —Jessica, 27, SEO Specialist, Los Angeles, CA

3. $750 A Month

“After careful consideration, I decided to take the plunge and step away from my corporate job to pursue entrepreneurship. I knew that if I wanted to have financial security, it would be up to me to generate a regular income. To ensure this, I committed myself to save 10 percent of every paycheck that I received – no exceptions! As my business grew and developed, so did the money in my bank account; this prompted me to increase my monthly savings rate to 20 percent. This equated to an average of around $750 per month set aside for future investments and opportunities.” — Eboni, Entrepreneur, 38, Talladega, AL

4. $870 Per Month

“In my twenties, I was a flight attendant, earning a modest salary and not having much need for spending. As I got older, the realities of life set in and I found myself needing to create a financial system to manage my bills. I allocate 10 percent of my paycheck before taxes into my 401(k), which is a retirement savings plan offered by many employers. Additionally, each month I contribute $150 to a personal savings account that I use for short-term goals, $170 towards a health savings account (HSA) for medical expenses tax-free, $50 is put aside in an emergency savings account for unforeseen costs such as car repairs, and $500 is set aside in an emergency fund for situations like job loss or large unexpected bills.” —Maigen, 34, Web Developer, Portland, OR

5. 60 Percent Of My Paycheck

“As an entrepreneur, I have made a commitment to saving for my future. Every month I allocate 60 percent of my income into a retirement fund, making sure it is invested in a secure, long-term portfolio to ensure that I can enjoy those funds in the years to come. I also set aside any bonuses or additional income that I make for what I like to call my ‘luxury account.’ From this account, I spoil myself with the occasional shopping spree or dinner out and also put some money towards travel. Knowing that by taking care of my future self now, I can create great financial security down the line.” —Ileea, 28, Travel Consultant, Little Rock, AR

6. $6,000 A Month

“My husband and I have made a deliberate decision to live off one income: his. This means that after taxes, all of the money I make goes into savings. This not only gives us a comfortable emergency fund but also the luxury of being able to afford extras we wouldn’t have access to otherwise. We are also saving for the future, specifically when—and if—we decide to start a family. That way, we will be able to make more informed choices about childcare without worrying about the costs associated with it.” —Rachel, 29, Public Relations Account Supervisor, New York, NY

7. $1,000 A Month

“For the past two years, I’ve been steadily building my side gig as a certified personal trainer. I’m passionate about health and fitness, so taking the time to get certified was worth it for me. With every paycheck I receive, I set aside an account specifically for saving money. This forces me to be more mindful of where my money is going and allows me to invest in myself and my own goals without having to worry about spending frivolously. Taxes are the only expense that comes out of this account – everything else goes straight into savings!” —Kacey, 29, University Administrator, Seattle, WA

8. $500 A Month

“My husband and I have been setting aside $500 each month from our respective incomes to contribute towards a joint emergency fund. This is a great way for us to prepare ourselves financially, as it allows us to stay on the same page and be prepared in case of any financial emergencies. It also helps us to get into the habit of saving money together, instilling discipline and encouraging us both to be more mindful of our finances. We may eventually combine our finances fully, but for now, having separate accounts is working well for us.” —Jenna, 27, Teacher, Highlands Ranch, CO

9. $3,000 A Month

“When I started my career, I made much less than I do now. Despite the significant pay rise, my expenses have stayed relatively minimal. To avoid relying on credit cards, I chose to keep my roommate and only shop when there are sales. All of this is with a view to the big-picture goal of saving money for a house. Every time I am tempted to splurge money unnecessarily, I take a step back and remind myself of my long-term plan. By carefully managing my resources, I can ensure that I am one step closer towards making my dream come true.” —Jaimie, Software Tester, Chicago, Il

10. Nothing

“I’ve worked hard to get where I am today—earning a six-figure salary. To ensure my financial future, I’m making sure to set aside 5 percent of my income in my 401(k). Fortunately, my employer matches this contribution with an additional 3 percent. Unfortunately, this is not enough for me to meet all the expenses associated with maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. My credit card bills and student loans are always looming and there’s never any extra money left over at the end of the month. Seeing my peers investing or buying houses can be disheartening as it serves as a reminder that I should be doing more to secure my own financial future.” —Ellen, 31, HR Administrator, Boston, MA

11. $100 A Month

“I’ve decided to be proactive and make large payments towards my student loans, and I’m dedicating nearly $2,000 a month towards that purpose. Even though I don’t have much left over for saving, I still set aside $100 each month for that purpose. To ensure that this money cannot be used for other expenses, I place it into a ‘don’t touch’ account. In the past year, I’ve managed to save almost $3,000 in this account – which serves as a reminder of how small contributions can add up over time. With such a large amount saved up already, I’m now focused on finding the best ways to invest this money” —Liz, 28, Lawyer, Jersey City, NJ