How I Saved My First Million by Age 35

How I Saved My First Million by Age 35

A Journey of Discipline, Mindset Shifts, and Intentional Living

At the age of 35, I hit a milestone that once felt like a far-off dream, I had saved my first million. Not through an inheritance, a lottery win, or an overnight business success, but through consistent, sometimes boring, but deeply rewarding decisions that added up over time.

It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t quick. It was a deliberate transformation, rooted in lessons learned the hard way, missteps I turned into wisdom, and habits I refined over the years. And while the number itself is symbolic, the real reward has been the peace of mind, the freedom of choice, and the confidence that comes from taking control of my financial life.

This is not a guide on how to make fast money. It’s the story of how I learned to master my money slowly, intentionally, and with purpose, and how that journey gave me far more than a bank balance.

The Early Years: Money as a Mystery

Growing up, money was often spoken of in whispers. It was either not enough or mysteriously “for the bills,” with little discussion on how it worked or how to make it work for you. I saw both frugality and impulsiveness, but never a structure or plan.

In my early twenties, I repeated the cycle. I earned, I spent, and I rationalised my decisions with phrases like, “You only live once,” and “I deserve this after a long week.” My bank account fluctuated with alarming regularity. Saving was something I promised to do “later.”

Then came a job redundancy. Suddenly, the ground beneath my feet felt fragile. It was the first time I realised that financial security wasn’t about how much I earned—it was about how much I kept.

The Mindset Shift: From Spending to Saving

That experience jolted me into rethinking everything I knew about money. I began to read books on personal finance, listen to podcasts, and most importantly, reflect on my own habits.

One quote stayed with me: “Every pound you don’t spend is a pound that works for you.” That simple idea changed the way I approached my finances. I began to view saving not as deprivation, but as empowerment. With each pound I didn’t spend, I felt stronger—not poorer.

I started small. A savings jar. A spreadsheet. A decision to cut out one takeaway meal a week. Each change felt almost too insignificant, but over time, those small decisions accumulated into something meaningful.

Building Systems That Worked for Me

I experimented with various budgeting techniques—some too rigid, others too loose. Eventually, I landed on a flexible zero-based budgeting approach. Each month, I gave every pound a purpose: essentials, savings, fun, and future plans.

I automated my savings so that I never saw the money in my current account. Out of sight, out of spend. I set up multiple savings “buckets” for different goals—emergency fund, travel, long-term investments, and a future home deposit. It wasn’t perfect every month, but consistency was the real magic.

As I watched my savings grow, something else grew too—my confidence. I realised I could trust myself to handle money well, and that trust changed everything.

Embracing a Life of Intentional Choices

To save a million, I didn’t just change how I saved—I changed how I lived.

I made deliberate choices about where I lived, how I travelled, and what I spent money on. I chose a modest flat in a walkable area to avoid high transport costs. I cooked more and learned to enjoy the process. I evaluated subscriptions and only kept what added genuine value to my life.

But here’s the truth: it wasn’t about cutting out joy. I still travelled, dined out occasionally, and bought things I loved. But each purchase was mindful, not mindless. And that made all the difference.

Investing: Letting My Money Work Too

Saving got me started. But investing is what made the real difference.

Once I had a solid emergency fund and consistent saving habits, I began learning about investment vehicles—bonds, index funds, and retirement schemes. I didn’t try to time the market or chase trends. I invested steadily, even during downturns, with a long-term mindset.

I consulted financial advisors, took online courses, and made sure I understood what I was getting into. There were times I felt unsure, but I reminded myself that doing nothing with my money was riskier than doing something thoughtfully.

Over time, my investments began to grow—not overnight, but reliably. Compounding did its quiet work, and I gave it time to do so.

Surrounding Myself with the Right Voices

I stopped comparing my journey to others. I unfollowed social accounts that glorified excessive consumerism and followed creators who talked about financial literacy, sustainability, and intentional living.

I also started talking openly with friends and family about money—not to boast, but to break the taboo. We shared tips, encouraged one another, and held space for vulnerability. Money became less of a stressor and more of a shared learning experience.

Dealing with Setbacks and Staying the Course

This journey wasn’t without challenges. There were job uncertainties, unexpected expenses, and moments of doubt. There were months when savings had to pause, and times I questioned whether I was doing enough.

But I learned to separate progress from perfection. The goal wasn’t to follow a flawless path; it was to stay committed even when things got messy.

I gave myself grace. I adjusted when life changed. I celebrated every milestone, no matter how small. And that’s how I kept going.

What a Million Really Means

When I checked my account on the day the numbers aligned to £1,000,000, I felt… calm. There was no rush of ecstasy, no fireworks—just quiet pride and gratitude. The million wasn’t just numbers. It was evidence of thousands of decisions made with intention.

It meant security. The ability to weather storms. The choice to work because I want to, not because I must. The chance to help family members, support causes I believe in, and enjoy life without dread or debt.

It meant freedom.

What I’d Tell Anyone Starting Out

Start small. You don’t need a six-figure income to begin saving. You need intention, consistency, and time.

Track your spending. Automate your savings. Find a budgeting system that fits your life. Learn about investing at your own pace. Ask questions. Be curious. Make mistakes—and learn from them without shame.

But most importantly, believe that your future is worth the effort. Because it is.

Conclusion: A Journey, Not a Destination

Saving a million by 35 wasn’t about luck. It wasn’t a straight line, nor was it always easy. But it was entirely possible—and I believe it’s possible for more people than we’re led to believe.

I didn’t just save money. I saved myself from fear, from instability, and from the stress of not knowing where my next pound would go.

Financial peace isn’t about having everything—it’s about knowing you have enough, and that you’re in control of what you do with it.

And that peace? That’s the real wealth.