A UK woman has shared her remarkable financial journey, revealing how she managed to save close to £75,000 over nine years despite living on a lower income. Alison, who shares advice online as 'alisontalkmoney', has become a source of inspiration for over 70,000 followers on TikTok by demonstrating that significant savings are achievable with disciplined, simple strategies.
Three foundational steps to financial control
In a recent video aimed at helping friends and followers get their finances in order for 2026, Alison distilled her near-decade of experience into three actionable pieces of advice. "Here's 60 seconds of budgeting advice I'd give my best friend if she wanted to get her finances together in 2026 and was starting from zero," she began, offering a clear starting point for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
1. Track every penny you spend
The first and most crucial step, according to Alison, is understanding your cash flow. "First, you need to know your money before you grow your money," she advises. This means diligently recording every single purchase, no matter how small, for at least a few weeks.
She acknowledges the initial effort required, stating, "I know, it sucks. But I promise, once you get in the habit, it will take a maximum of five minutes a day." The goal at this stage is purely observational—to identify spending patterns without immediate restriction, which can help build a sustainable habit rather than a short-term crunch.
2. Identify your financial 'leaks'
After consistently tracking spending, patterns of unintentional or wasteful expenditure—what Alison calls 'leaking' money—become clear. These leaks are often small, habitual purchases that add up significantly over time.
Examples she gives include impulse buys during the grocery shop, opting for a costly Uber Eats delivery instead of cooking a simple meal from ingredients at home, or regularly choosing taxis over public transport for convenience. Recognising these automatic spending decisions is key to regaining control.
3. Use your data to make informed changes
Armed with knowledge of where your money actually goes, you can begin to make purposeful changes. "Whatever it is, now that you're aware, you can start making those lifestyle changes to get your spending under control and start working toward your financial goals," Alison explains.
This involves creating a realistic budget that allocates funds to essential categories like rent, bills, and groceries, but crucially, also includes a category for discretionary spending. "Paying yourself" a set amount for guilt-free purchases ensures the budget is sustainable. This structured approach, using your own spending tracker as a guide, is what Alison credits for accelerating her journey to saving £74,483.
The power of consistent, mindful budgeting
Alison's story proves that building substantial savings is less about earning a high income and more about mastering the flow of the income you have. Her method emphasises awareness and intentionality over deprivation. By dedicating just a few minutes daily to tracking, anyone can uncover the insights needed to stop financial leaks and channel funds towards their future goals. For those starting their savings journey in the new year, her three-step framework offers a proven and accessible path to financial security.
