“The Savings Account of Bente (23): How much money she has and how she saves it”

How much money is in your savings account? We ask a different Dutchman every week. Because although we talk more and more about money, we never talk about exactly how much we earn and save. This week: 23-year-old Bente, who used to think that a few thousand euros in savings was very little, but has now changed her mind.

Profession: teacher (in training)
Net earnings: 1600 euro
Living situation: living together in a rented house

Bente’s Savings Account

What’s in your savings account?

“Now that is around 4500 euros.”

Are you satisfied with that amount?

“Yes, but I prefer more. Last December I had about 5000 euros in my savings account. Then my goal for the new year was to double that. But that’s definitely not going to happen. I have to go abroad for my studies this year, so that will also be deducted from my savings. I used to feel bad that I only had 3000 euros in savings, because I thought everyone my age had more. Until I found out that’s definitely not the case. ”

Do you have a student debt?

“Of course. I think it is around 40,000 euros, of which I would have to pay 20,000. The rest then becomes a gift, as it were. That’s because my mother attends a certain school.”

What do you think of that debt?

“I think it’s a lot. It’s really a pity. My partner and I also want to buy a larger house and eventually a house. That’s not going to be it with the debt now, because it counts in it. I’m not really worried about it, but more that it doesn’t turn out the way I thought everything would go.”

Do you ever worry about money in general?

“Yes, certainly towards the end of the month. Then the wages are pretty good. But in itself we save it in terms of money. So no extreme worries. It is also nice to have savings. If the need is really high, I can still get it from there.

Do you also look to the future without too much worry?

“Yes. I just know that I will have a job later as a teacher anyway, because of the shortages. Teachers are not paid very well, but at least I know that I will have an income.”

Are you currently able to top up your savings account?

“Not really. The winter months have really been a blow. Buying all those Christmas presents was a drain on my wallet. And now that the groceries have all become more expensive, I notice that.”

Are you ever tempted to withdraw money from your savings account?

“Oh sure, regularly even. Often I do, but now I try not to. Only that is really only since this week.”

Do you think you are good with money?

“Yes, I think so. If I know I really need to save, I can flip that switch and do it. Then I stick to that too.”

What do you spend the most money on?

“Eat, eat anyway. I can still restrain myself with shopping, but I really like going to restaurants or ordering. And when I’m at the station, I often quickly grab a coffee and a sandwich. I’ve always had that.”

What would you most like to change about your financial situation?

“No more student debt, that would be very nice. Because then I would be able to buy a house much faster. I would like that.”

What is your best financial tip for others?

“Avoid places where you want to spend money. Both in the shopping street and online. Once you watch it, you want it too.”

Marco’s Savings Account (22): ‘I save a huge amount for my age’