Why We Save

What if saving could be as easy as paying your bills? In this episode, Caroline Domanski MBE from No1 CopperPot Credit Union explains how payroll–linked saving works, why it’s helping thousands of people build a financial buffer, and what makes it so powerful – especially for those who never thought they could save. We hear real stories from members whose lives have been changed by saving just a few pounds a month.

Can £2,000 in savings really change your life? Sara Davies from the University of Bristol joins us to discuss two pieces of research commissioned by UK Savings Week: how saving affects wellbeing, and the amounts that can truly protect us from problem debt. We’ll discuss how small, regular savings improve our mental health, what level of savings really protects us from financial shocks, and why it’s the habit – not just the amount – that makes the difference.

Why wait until adulthood to start saving? In this episode, Sarah Wallace from the Just Finance Foundation explains why early financial education matters – and how it can change futures. We explore how children and families can be supported to build confidence around money, why saving feels impossible for some households, and how small interventions at the right time can make a big difference.

Most savings products are designed for a so–called ‘typical’ saver – but for millions, that person doesn’t exist. Today, we’re joined by Lauren Peel from Inclusive Outcomes to talk about rethinking how we design savings products. We explore what vulnerability really means, how neurodiverse people and those on irregular incomes are excluded, and how the system could work better for people living real, unpredictable lives.

Why does saving feel so much harder for millennials than for previous generations? In this episode, we’re joined by Niaz from Millennial Money UK to explore the unique pressures facing young adults today, from high rents to insecure work. We unpack the myths – like “stop buying coffee” – and talk about what personal finance experts often get wrong, and how sharing our real experiences with money can help us all feel more in control.

What does it really take to save – and why do so many of us struggle?Why We Save is a podcast from UK Savings Week that dives into the human side of saving. Hosted by Isobel Gordon, with co–host Andrew Gall, this mini–series goes beyond tips and targets to uncover the real barriers people face, the emotions tied to money, and the surprising ways saving affects our lives. From workplace schemes to mental wellbeing, from first homes to early education, each episode brings you honest conversations with experts and real–life voices to help you feel more confident in your own savings journey.