First of all, it’s no secret that everyone struggles with this difficult equation. It’s not fixed. Although experts and influencers frequently discuss this topic on social media, they unfortunately overlook the differences in income and circumstances among people, giving somewhat unrealistic advice: “Save half,” “Save a third.” Someone born with a silver spoon in their mouth is not the same as others.
On the other hand, most people suffer from insufficient salaries because we tend to spend according to our income and desires, not according to our actual basic needs. Those who can truly live comfortably on their salary are few, and most of those who don’t complain are people who silently endure difficult living conditions, without voicing their struggles.
Why do we keep complaining about tight living conditions and low salaries, even when income may increase over time? Of course, inflation and rising prices play a role, but the answer isn’t just in these details—it lies in our habits. We buy more than we need. “Buy one, get one free” offers tempt our wallets more than our actual needs, and homes get cluttered with clothes, devices, and items that only collect dust over time.
There’s a luxury that has crept into the simplest details of our daily life: endless streaming subscriptions, specialty coffee every morning, short trips captured more by the camera than by memory. What used to be a seasonal treat has become a fixed expense continuously deducted from our income.
And every time the salary increases a step, expenses climb a whole ladder. We replace furniture with newer ones, buy the latest car, and assume that luxury is a sign of success. But the inflated spending consumes the gain, leaving net wealth stagnant and unchanged.
Saving? It’s postponed to a “better time.” No emergency fund, no investment for the future—just a vague hope that things will improve on their own. Yet disasters don’t wait for our paychecks, and sometimes we face harsh circumstances that shatter all our hopes and ambitions.
The solution isn’t complicated: pay yourself first. Set aside a fixed percentage, even if small—say 5%—immediately upon receiving your salary, and let your expenses adjust to the remainder. Set written financial goals and monitor your progress with an eye that isn’t fooled by consumer glitter.
Only then will you realize that the salary, no matter how small, can work for you instead of against you. Use a piggy bank, whether physical or digital, to save these funds. Create savings jars for your children to teach them about saving from an early age—say, for college expenses! Use spending tracking apps, as many expenses now support this feature.
