13 Harsh Reasons Why It’s So Hard to Save Money in Your 20s

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Have you ever laid in bed at night, staring at the ceiling, your mind spinning with a million money questions?

Why is saving money so hard?
How can I pay off my debts?
Where do I even find the money to begin with?
I have no money—what do I do?

It’s like every month, your paycheck is just passing through your life—gone before you even get to enjoy it. And then there’s that one line you hear over and over again:

“It’s not about how much you make, it’s about how you manage it.”

But let’s be real for a second.

Life is expensive. Problems don’t stop. And while it’s true that sometimes your financial struggles aren’t your fault, the truth is—it’s still your responsibility.

I still remember when I got scammed during the early days of my online entrepreneurship journey. I was a broke 19-year-old college student, scraping together money from scholarships and allowances just to make things work. That experience didn’t just hurt my bank account—it gave me money trauma.

I told myself: “This will never happen again.”

And from that day on, I realized that we do need to save money in life—not just for rainy days, but for security, peace of mind, and freedom.

But let’s not sugarcoat it—saving money these days is hard.

Whether you need money to pay off debt, or you’re wondering how to save money when you have very little money, this post will break down the 13 real (and sometimes harsh) reasons saving money in your 20s feels nearly impossible—and what you can do about it.

Let’s get into it.

1. You Don’t Have a Reason to Save Money

Let’s face it—saving money without a purpose feels pointless. If you’re just saving for the sake of it, it’s no surprise that the motivation disappears fast.

You need a strong reason—something that emotionally connects you to your goal. Whether it’s building an emergency fund, moving out, starting your own business, or simply having money to pay off debt, your why will keep you grounded when temptation hits.

Without a clear purpose, saving feels like punishment. But when you tie it to something meaningful—freedom, security, peace of mind—it becomes empowering.

Ask yourself:

What am I saving for?
What kind of life am I trying to build?
What would having financial cushion really change for me?

Saving money shouldn’t feel like deprivation—it should feel like you’re choosing yourself.

2. You’re Not Tracking Your Expenses

Not being mindful of how much you spend is the quickest way to overspend.

It’s easy to swipe your card or tap your phone without realizing how fast the small charges add up—$7 here, $15 there—and suddenly you’re wondering where your paycheck went.

If you’re not tracking your spending, you’re basically walking blindfolded through your finances.

And here’s the truth: you can’t save money if you don’t know where your money is going.

Start small.

Use a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or even a simple notes app on your phone to log your expenses. Once you see the numbers in front of you, you’ll notice patterns—those daily takeouts, random Amazon buys, or “just one more” coffee runs.

Living below your means doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a conscious choice.

And the first step is knowing what your means actually are.

Tracking your spending isn’t about guilt or restriction.

It’s about awareness and control—two things that make saving money way more doable.

3. You Don’t Educate Yourself About Money

Being financially literate is the first step to getting better with your finances.

You can’t save wisely—or manage your money well—if you don’t understand how money actually works.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Do we really need to save money in life?” the answer is yes. But not just blindly. You need to understand why and how—and that comes through financial education.

The good news? You don’t need a finance degree.

Just start small:

Read saving money articles online
Follow personal finance blogs or YouTube channels
Listen to money podcasts during your commute
Learn terms like interest rates, emergency fund, and credit utilization

Knowledge gives you power—and confidence.

You’ll make smarter decisions, avoid scams, and finally start seeing money as a tool, not a trap.

The more you learn, the more you realize that saving money isn’t about suffering—it’s about setting yourself up for stability and freedom later on.

4. You Don’t Have a Budget

If you don’t have a budget, you’re basically guessing your way through the month—and guessing is not a financial strategy.

Every spending in your life should have a category and a budget allotted.

That means starting with your fixed expenses—rent, bills, groceries, debt payments—and then planning the rest around what’s left. This helps you see exactly what’s possible, even when things feel tight.

You might think, “How can I save money when I have very little money?”

That’s where budgeting actually helps you most.

Because even with limited income, a solid budget gives you clarity and control. It shows you where you can cut back, what to prioritize, and how to still make room for saving—even if it’s just $10 a week.

Think of your budget as a money map.

It tells your money where to go, instead of wondering where it went.

5. The Cost of Living Is Expensive

Let’s be honest—saving money isn’t just about discipline anymore.

Sometimes, life is just expensive.

From rent to groceries to transportation, it can feel like your paycheck disappears the moment it hits your account. And in today’s economy, even those who are careful with spending are still struggling to save.

But here’s the thing: while budgeting helps, there’s only so much you can cut. At some point, the real solution isn’t just saving more—it’s earning more.

What you can do about this is find ways to increase your income.

Start a side hustle (freelancing, digital products, tutoring, etc.)
Monetize your hobbies or skills online
Consider upskilling and looking for a higher-paying job
Sell unused items for extra cash

You can’t save what you don’t have.

So if the numbers just aren’t working, it might be time to shift the focus from saving harder to earning smarter.

6. You Have Lots of Responsibilities

When you’re responsible for more than just yourself—whether it’s helping out your family, covering shared bills, or supporting someone financially—saving money can feel impossible.

And let’s be clear:

There’s nothing wrong with this. In fact, it’s admirable. But at the same time, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

If you’re constantly giving and it’s affecting your ability to save, it’s okay to open up that conversation.

Ask the people you’re helping if they can:

Contribute in small ways
Help reduce the household expenses
Understand your financial goals and support your efforts to save

You don’t have to carry it all alone.

Being honest about your financial limits is not selfish—it’s smart. And it’s a necessary step if you want to build a more stable future not just for yourself, but for those you care about too.

7. You’re Prioritizing Paying Off Debt

There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing paying off debt.

In fact, it’s one of the smartest things you can do to free yourself from long-term financial stress.

I remember when I got into debt—every single dollar left after covering basic necessities went straight into it. It was draining, and honestly, it felt like I was never going to catch a break.

But once the debt was finally paid off?

I slept better. I had peace of mind. I could finally think about the future without that heavy pressure on my chest.

So if you’re in this phase right now, give yourself grace.

Paying off debt might slow down your savings temporarily, but it’s still progress. Clearing debt is a form of saving—you’re saving yourself from future interest, anxiety, and limitations.

Just remember: if possible, try to save even a small amount alongside paying debt, even if it’s just a “starter emergency fund.” It can help you avoid falling into the same cycle again.

8. You Spend a Lot on Eating Out

I get it—you’re tired, you’ve had a long day, and ordering takeout just feels easier.

Cooking after work? Sounds like a chore.

But here’s the catch: all those food deliveries and spontaneous dinner dates? They add up fast.

This is one of those quiet broke girl habits that sneak up on you.

You’re not intentionally being careless—you’re just trying to survive and feel a little better after a stressful day. But if it’s happening a few times a week, it’s likely eating away at the money you could be saving.

You don’t have to give it up completely. Just be more intentional.

Try planning quick and easy meals for the week
Reserve eating out for special moments, not everyday habits
Set a monthly “fun food” budget so you stay in control

You’ll be surprised how much you can save by simply cutting your takeout frequency in half.

9. You Don’t Prioritize Saving When You Receive Your Money

One of the biggest mindset shifts I learned from the book Rich Dad, Poor Dad is this:

Pay yourself first.

Most people do the opposite—they pay bills, shop, eat out, and if there’s anything left, then they think about saving. But the truth is, if saving isn’t the first thing you do, there’s usually nothing left at the end.

This is exactly why saving money is so hard for most of us.

We treat it like an afterthought instead of a priority.

Here’s what you can do:

Automate your savings. Set up an automatic transfer right after payday so you can save money without touching it.
Even if it’s a small amount, consistency builds the habit.
And no—I’m not saying don’t treat yourself to nice things every once in a while. But treat yourself after you’ve paid yourself.

Think of saving as sending money to future you.

Before you splurge on your favorite brands, ask yourself:

“Did I pay myself yet?”

10. You Keep Pushing Back Saving

“I’ll start saving next month.”

“When things get better.”

“After this one last expense.”

Sound familiar? We’ve all been there.

I know life can get in the way. Things happen. Unexpected bills show up. But if you keep waiting for the “perfect” time to start saving, it may never come.

At some point, you need to be strong enough to save even a little bit, no matter how small. Even if it’s $5 or $10, it’s about starting the habit, not the amount.

You might be thinking, “I have no money, what do I do?”

Start by finding any wiggle room. Look at subscriptions, fast food runs, emotional spending—there’s almost always something to adjust.

Because honestly, how to save money when it is hard to comes down to small, consistent actions. The discipline you build today will carry you through the rough patches.

If you don’t start now—when?

11. You’re Not Reviewing Your Spendings Monthly

Creating a budget is great, but if you’re not reviewing where your money actually went, you’re missing the most important step.

Every month, take time to go through your bank and card statements.

What can you reduce?
What can you completely stop buying to save more money?
Are there subscriptions you forgot about—or don’t use—that you can cancel and stop paying for?

Even small cuts make a big difference over time. That $12 subscription, $8 iced coffee, or $20 impulse order all add up.

Also, ask yourself:

What cheaper alternatives can you find for the things you do need?

There’s no shame in switching to store brands, looking for sales, or cutting luxuries for a while. It’s called being smart—not cheap.

Your money needs regular check-ins, just like your health.

Don’t wait until you’re broke to figure out where it all went.

12. The Things You Like Are Expensive

Let’s be real—you have expensive taste.

And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that. We all like beautiful, quality things. But if you’re constantly overspending to keep up with that lifestyle, it can seriously slow down your savings goals.

You don’t have to give up on your rich girl era—you just have to be smart about how you enter it.

Here’s what you can do:

Find cheaper alternatives to the things you love (dupes are your best friend!)
Save up intentionally for splurges instead of buying on impulse
Find ways to earn more money so you’re not struggling to afford the lifestyle you want
Ask yourself: Is this purchase helping me feel rich—or just keeping me broke?

At the end of the day, luxury should feel empowering, not draining.

It’s totally possible to have style, goals, and savings—you just need to plan for it.

13. You’re on the Journey of Learning

Here’s the truth most people don’t say out loud:

Getting better with money is a journey—and it’s not always a cheap one.

Sometimes, mistakes cost us a lot before the lesson finally sticks. Maybe you overspent, maybe you trusted the wrong advice, or maybe you just didn’t know better. And other times, growth comes from spending money on courses, coaching, or financial tools to help you get ahead.

But that doesn’t mean you’re failing.

It means you’re learning.

It means you’re trying.

You’re doing the best you can with your current situation.

And that’s enough—for now. Just don’t stop there. Keep educating yourself, keep asking better questions, and keep adjusting as you go.

Because even if it feels slow, progress is still progress. Your future self will thank you for not giving up.