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.