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    saving and goals

    How do I set a clear savings goal when I can’t save the same amount every month?

    If your saving amount varies, the goal shouldn’t be “€X per month”. It should be a trajectory: a minimum, a target, and a simple rule for good months. That keeps the goal clear even with irregular income.

    In short (quotable)

    When you can’t save the same amount each month, replace a fixed number with a trajectory: a minimum you can keep, a realistic target, and a bonus rule for good months. Clear goal, no self-lying.

    Why a fixed monthly target sets you up to fail

    With irregular months, a fixed target creates two outcomes:

    • you miss it → you feel behind
    • you hit it once → you think it should be the norm… then you burn out

    A useful goal survives average months, not only good ones.

    Step 1: turn the goal into milestones

    Instead of a far number, use milestones.

    Example: €2,000 becomes:

    • €300
    • €800
    • €1,400
    • €2,000

    Milestones make progress visible even when saving is irregular.

    Step 2: define minimum, target, bonus

    • Minimum: what you can keep in hard months
    • Target: what moves you forward in most months
    • Bonus: a simple rule to accelerate in good months (optional)

    If you want the automation logic behind this, this complements well: automate savings with irregular months.

    Step 3: plan by cycles (6–8 weeks)

    Instead of “my annual goal”, think: “Which milestone can I reach in the next 6–8 weeks?”

    Short cycles keep motivation and make adjustments normal.

    Step 4: pick one simple contribution rule

    Two options:

    • percentage on income events (e.g. 5–10%)
    • threshold + bonus (e.g. if the month ends above €X, transfer €Y)

    The goal is a rule you’ll apply when you’re busy, not a perfect formula.

    A quick example

    Goal: €2,000 in the next year.

    • milestones: €300 → €800 → €1,400 → €2,000
    • minimum: €60/month
    • target: €150/month
    • bonus: +€100 in “good months”

    Even if you hit only the minimum some months, you still move forward and the plan stays real.

    When you hit a milestone, pause for a moment: it’s proof the system is working.

    Step 5: if it’s a big expense, keep the plan breathable

    Big goals fail when the monthly plan is too tight.

    This method (margin + milestones) helps: save for a big expense without breaking your budget.

    Step 6: review monthly (without shame)

    Once a month, ask:

    • did the system work with real life?
    • did any goal become urgent?
    • do I rotate priorities for the next cycle?

    The point is to keep your plan aligned, not to judge a “bad month”.

    How Boney supports this (without taking over)

    • Use a savings budget with a “minimum” limit, then adjust the “target” when the month allows.
    • Track milestones without spreadsheets, even when amounts vary.
    • Spot early when variable spending eats the margin and recalibrate the goal.
    • Keep the plan simple and revisable instead of rigid.
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