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It’s easy to set a savings goal and feel good about it for a while. But how do you know if you’re really making progress — or if you’re just assuming everything will somehow work out? A lot of people set savings plans with the best intentions, only to find out later that they’re not nearly as close to their targets as they thought.
The good news is, checking whether your savings plan is on track doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple steps can give you a clearer picture, help you make smarter choices, and keep you moving toward your financial goals with confidence.
One simple way to make sure your money is working harder for you is by comparing competitive term deposit rates in Australia to see if you’re getting the best returns on your savings.
Know What You’re Aiming For
Before you can figure out if you’re on track, you need to be clear on what the end goal is. Vague ideas like “save for the future” aren’t enough. Instead, define a specific target. Are you saving for a house deposit, a holiday, an emergency fund, or early retirement? How much do you need, and by when?
The clearer you are about your goal, the easier it is to measure your progress. Break down your big target into smaller, time-bound milestones so you’re not just hoping you’ll get there someday — you’re actually tracking your way there.
Compare Your Progress Against Your Timeline
If you’ve set a goal of saving $20,000 in two years, you should be saving around $833 a month. Are you hitting that target each month? If you’re ahead, great — you might even reach your goal early. If you’re behind, it’s a signal to make some adjustments before the gap gets too wide.
Checking your progress monthly or quarterly makes it easier to course-correct early, rather than scrambling to catch up later.
Check How Your Money Is Working for You
Saving money isn’t just about setting aside cash — it’s also about making sure your money is earning something in return. If your savings are sitting in an account with low interest, you might not be making the most of your efforts.
Look into options like term deposits, high-interest savings accounts, or even offset accounts if you have a mortgage. Taking the time to find better options can make a noticeable difference, especially over the long term.
A quick review of competitive term deposit rates can help you find better places to park your savings and ensure your hard-earned money is growing steadily.
Adjust Your Plan When Needed
Life happens. Maybe your income changes, unexpected expenses pop up, or your goals evolve. It’s important to adjust your savings plan when necessary rather than sticking stubbornly to an outdated strategy.
If you get a raise, consider increasing your savings rate. If your expenses rise, rework your budget to stay on track. Flexibility is key to making sure you don’t abandon your savings goals altogether when life throws a curveball.
Keep Motivation High
Saving over the long term can feel slow, especially when the goal is big. Keeping motivation high is essential. Celebrate small milestones, like reaching the halfway mark or hitting your first $5,000.
You can also visualise what your savings are for — a new home, financial freedom, peace of mind — to stay focused. Reminding yourself why you’re saving makes the short-term sacrifices feel more worthwhile.
Stay Consistent
The secret to successful saving isn’t grand gestures — it’s consistency. Small, regular contributions add up over time. Even if you can only save a little some months, what matters most is keeping the habit alive.
Automating your savings through direct debits can make it easier. When saving becomes a regular part of your life rather than something you have to think about, it’s much easier to stay the course.
Taking a few minutes to check in on your savings plan today could save you a lot of stress down the track. Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been at it for a while, knowing you’re on track — and making smart adjustments as needed — will help turn your financial goals into reality.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash