I want to tell you something that changed how I think about money. This isn’t from a book or expert. It’s my own experience, something I’ve lived and tested. I’m sharing this because I believe someone else might benefit from it too—maybe even you.
The rule is simple: Every time I get money I wasn’t expecting, I save 45% of it. It could be $10 or $200. It doesn’t matter. The point is that I split it immediately: 45% saved, the rest is mine to spend.
Where This All Started: My Personal Money Mindset Shift
This didn’t come from a financial coach or some perfect plan. It started with frustration. I’d get random money—cashback, gifts, coins in my jeans—and it would vanish. I had nothing to show for it.
That’s when I told myself: If I didn’t expect the money, I shouldn’t waste it. I made a personal rule: save 45% of every surprise dollar. The result? I started building savings without even feeling it.
What Saving 45% Looks Like in Real Life
These are examples from my own life. Here’s what happens when I stick to my rule:
| Amount Found | Saved (45%) | Left to Spend |
|---|---|---|
| $20 (cash gift) | $9.00 | $11.00 |
| $50 (sold old item) | $22.50 | $27.50 |
| $100 (rebate/bonus) | $45.00 | $55.00 |
| $10 (found in pocket) | $4.50 | $5.50 |
Small money adds up fast when you’re consistent.
A Real Month From My Life
Here’s one month’s record I kept. Just a few random surprises, and I saved over $80 without touching my salary.
| Date | Source | Amount | Saved (45%) | Spent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3 | Cashback reward | $10 | $4.50 | $5.50 |
| May 9 | Sold headphones | $50 | $22.50 | $27.50 |
| May 15 | Work bonus | $100 | $45.00 | $55.00 |
| May 26 | Birthday gift | $20 | $9.00 | $11.00 |
| Total | $180 | $81.00 | $99.00 | |
Why 45%? Why Not 100% or 10%?
Good question. For me, 45% is the perfect balance. Here’s why:
- It’s big enough to matter. Saving almost half makes real progress.
- It’s small enough to feel fair. I still get to enjoy the rest.
- It’s doable. This isn’t a rule I drop after one week.
Saving 100% is great in theory but feels too strict. Saving 10% is nice, but won’t build fast. 45% is right in the middle—and it works for me.
Types of Money I Use This Rule For
Not all money is the same. Here’s what I call "found money" — and what I apply my 45% rule to:
- Cash gifts (birthdays, holidays)
- Cashback or rewards
- Selling used items
- Spare change
- Side gig income (small jobs, tips)
- Unexpected refunds or bonuses
If it’s not part of my regular paycheck, I treat it as an opportunity.
How You Can Try This
If this idea makes sense to you, try it for just one month. Here’s how:
- Track it: Keep a simple list of found money and what 45% of it is.
- Save it instantly: Move the money to a savings account right away.
- Enjoy the rest: Spend the other 55% guilt-free. You’ve already done the smart part.
Even if it’s just $3.60, track it. Small steps build big habits.
Final Thoughts From Me
This isn’t financial advice from a book. It’s something I created, tested, and lived. It works because it’s realistic. It doesn’t hurt, and it adds up. And most of all, it gives you control over money you didn’t plan for anyway.
You don’t have to copy my exact 45% rule. Try 30%, 50%, or even 10% if that’s all you can do.
The real goal is to start. Build a habit. Let found money work for you.
Trust me—your future self will thank you.
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