Making big moves in life requires big money. Whether it is relocating, starting a business, buying a car, funding a dream wedding, or furthering your education, these milestones do not just happen, they need serious financial planning.
Yet, for many people, the idea of saving for major life goals feels overwhelming. The numbers look intimidating, the timelines seem unrealistic, and the fear of life’s unexpected expenses constantly getting in the way makes it easy to push savings to the background. Before you know it, months have passed, and that big move still feels like a distant dream.
But here is the truth, saving for big goals does not have to feel like an impossible task. The problem is not necessarily how much you earn, it is how you plan for the things that matter. Consistent and intentional saving can bring those dreams within reach faster than expected. The key is knowing how to structure your savings in a way that works for you.
If you have a big goal ahead but feel stuck on how to save without struggling, here is how to make it happen.
1. Be Extremely Clear About What You Are Saving For
Many people fail at saving because they do not have a specific target in mind. Saying, “I want to save money” is too vague. How much money? For what exactly? By when? Without answering these questions, it is easy to lose motivation or spend money halfway through.
If you are planning a major move, break it down into specifics. For example, if you are relocating, you need to consider rent, moving costs, furniture, and an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. If it is a wedding, think about the venue, outfits, food, and logistics. Do not just assume you need actual numbers.
Once you have the estimated total amount, set a timeline. How long do you realistically have before you need the money? Having a deadline helps you structure your savings plan in a way that keeps you accountable.
2. Use the ‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind’ Strategy
The biggest mistake people make when saving is keeping their money too accessible. If your savings are in the same account as your daily spending money, the temptation to dip into it will always be there. It only takes one unexpected expense or even an emotional spending decision to wipe out months of progress.
This is why separating your savings is a game-changer. Using a plan like My Target on the Vale app allows you to put money aside where it is safe and untouched. You can set a specific savings goal, automate contributions, and track your progress without the constant temptation of spending it on something else.
3. Automate Your Savings So You Never ‘Forget’
Let us be honest saving manually every month requires discipline, and most people struggle with it. Life gets busy, and when expenses pile up, saving often becomes an afterthought. The best way to avoid this is to take yourself out of the equation and let automation do the work for you.
By setting up an automatic savings plan, a fixed amount moves from your account into your savings without you having to think about it. This ensures that no matter what happens, you are always putting money aside. Vale’s My Target makes this effortless by allowing you to automate your contributions based on your timeline, so your savings grow in the background while you focus on other things.
4. Reduce Unnecessary Expenses Without Feeling Deprived
One of the biggest reasons people struggle to save is that their daily spending is eating up too much of their income. But cutting back does not mean suffering—it simply means being more intentional.
A practical way to approach this is by identifying ‘leaks’ in your budget. Are there subscriptions you barely use? Are you spending too much on eating out when you could cook at home? Are impulse buys draining your money without adding value? Making small adjustments in these areas can free up extra cash to put towards your savings goal without affecting your quality of life.
If you find it difficult to reduce spending, try using the pause before purchase rule. Before buying something, ask yourself, do I need this right now, or can it wait? More often than not, you will realize that many purchases are impulsive rather than necessary. The money saved from avoiding unnecessary expenses can go directly into your savings plan.
5. Boost Your Income If You Need To
For some goals, cutting back on spending may not be enough. If your savings target is high or your income is already stretched thin, increasing your earnings might be the best way to hit your goal faster.
This does not necessarily mean overworking yourself, it means looking for smart ways to bring in extra cash. Side hustles, freelancing, monetizing a skill, or even selling items you no longer need can create additional income streams. The key is ensuring that the extra money goes directly into your savings instead of getting absorbed into daily expenses.
6. Prepare for Unexpected Expenses Without Touching Your Savings
One of the biggest threats to savings is unexpected expenses. Just when you feel like you are making progress, life happens a sudden medical bill, an urgent car repair, or an emergency that requires immediate cash.
To avoid wiping out your savings when these situations arise, it is essential to have a separate emergency fund. This is different from your main savings goal. An emergency fund acts as a financial safety net so that whenever life throws a surprise your way, you can handle it without dipping into the money meant for your big move.
If you do not already have one, start by setting aside a small amount every month in a different savings plan. Even ₦5,000 or ₦10,000 consistently saved can add up over time and provide financial security when you need it most.
7. Track Your Progress and Stay Motivated
Big goals take time, and it is easy to lose motivation along the way. One of the best ways to stay committed is by tracking your progress. Seeing how much you have saved over time can be incredibly encouraging and push you to keep going.
Most times you underestimate how powerful visual progress is. When you use a structured savings plan like My Target, you can see your savings grow, get reminders of your progress, and celebrate milestones along the way.
Another way to stay motivated is by reminding yourself why you started. Whether it is a picture of your dream apartment, a vision board of your business idea, or even just a note reminding you of the freedom financial security brings, having a constant visual reminder can help you stay focused.
Big moves require big planning, and the sooner you start, the easier it becomes. Waiting for the perfect time to save will only delay your goals. The key is to start where you are, with what you have, and build from there.
By setting a clear target, automating your savings with My Target, reducing unnecessary expenses, and ensuring that your money is growing safely, you can make your dreams a reality.
Remember, the future is created by what you do today. Start saving now, and when the time comes to take that big step, you will be financially ready without stress, without panic, and without regret.
