The concept of saving has undergone a remarkable evolution. While a few years ago it was associated with the idea of refraining from spending to set aside money for difficult times, today saving has acquired a more constructive meaning: it means, in fact, defining clear, measurable, and realistic goals and planning to achieve them. The transition to digital tools and behavioral strategies makes saving a more conscious and future-oriented process.
Why coins no longer work
Behavioral economics studies show that those who set concrete goals tend to save more consistently compared to those who adopt a generic or improvised approach (University of Stirling, 2021), such as putting the coins we find in our pockets at the end of the day into a piggy bank. Motivation increases further when saving is linked to meaningful purposes, such as personal experiences, projects, or important purchases, because the goal becomes tangible and measurable, thus improving financial discipline and consistency (APA, 2023).
The modern approach: defining SMART goals
Saving in 2025 is structured around SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. This approach allows turning an abstract desire into a concrete and trackable plan.
- Defining motivation: identify the purpose of saving, for example a personal project or an important purchase. This step provides clarity and guides subsequent choices.
- Breaking it down into steps: calculate periodic contributions (monthly or weekly) to make the path manageable and without excessive effort.
- Automation: set up automatic transfers to dedicated accounts to reduce discretion and improve consistency.
- Monitoring: regularly checking progress allows correcting any deviations from the plan.
- Review and adaptation: updating the goal or strategy based on circumstances ensures flexibility and sustainability over time.
Saving for a goal should not make us forget the importance of setting aside some funds—a reserve for emergencies that allows us to face unforeseen events without affecting the savings dedicated to achieving our dreams.
The importance of apps
FinTech applications have revolutionized the way we save: they allow setting goals, tracking progress, and integrating behavioral tools such as reminders or gamification systems. International studies show that conscious use of technology, combined with proper financial literacy, promotes more effective saving behavior (ScienceDirect, 2025).
Saving trends among young people
A survey by the Einaudi Center, in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo, shows that 34.7% of young people set aside money to cope with unexpected events, while 27.3% save for the purchase of a house. At the same time, more than a third had to draw on savings to face unforeseen events in the past year (Bankrate, 2025). This confirms the importance of setting realistic and sustainable goals and planning an emergency fund that does not impact our main savings.
World Savings Day 2025
World Savings Day, celebrated every year on October 31, represents a moment dedicated to reflecting on the importance of conscious management of financial resources. Established to raise awareness among citizens of all ages, the Day promotes educational and cultural initiatives aimed at spreading a culture of saving, planning, and responsible investing. It is an opportunity to remember that saving is not just money accumulation but a fundamental tool to achieve concrete goals, face unforeseen events, and build a stable financial future. In this context, the Museum of Saving offers interactive paths, workshops, and digital content to help visitors understand how to manage their money consciously.
Conclusion
In 2025, saving does not simply mean accumulating money, but building clear and sustainable paths toward concrete goals. Defining specific purposes, monitoring progress, and adapting the plan to circumstances represent the key to effective and lasting financial management.
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October 29, 2025