How to Save Money When Your Salary Is Tight

Redha Sindarotama26 May 2025

0 6 3 minutes read

“How to save money when your salary is tight?” This sentence sounds very familiar to our ears. When income is limited, saving often feels like a dream. But actually, the problem is not the size of the income, but rather the way we save and the financial management that we carry out.

In Islam, blessings are not always identical to the amount, but with the way we manage and respond to sustenance. Even a little that is managed wisely can be much more beneficial than a lot but haphazardly.

Let’s discuss it casually but sharply: how to save money according to sharia even though income is still tight.

Little But Routine, That’s the Islamic Way to Save Money

In Islam, small but routine deeds are more loved by Allah ﷻ. This also applies to how to save money.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

أَحَبُّ الأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ

“The deeds most loved by Allah are the most routine ones even if they are small.” (Narrated by Bukhari)

So, it doesn’t matter if you can only save Rp2,000 or Rp5,000 per day. What’s important is consistency. Because consistency will form habits, and these good habits will save us in difficult times.

Unfortunately, most of us use the principle of “if there is a remainder, then save it.” In fact, what often happens: there is never a remainder. So, the right way to save is to set aside at the beginning, not to leave it at the end.

Also read: What is the View on Islam and Morals of Stockpiling?

Saving is a Trust, Not Just a Strategy

In Islam, the right way to save is part of ihtiyath (anticipation) so as not to become a burden when disaster strikes. Saving is not about being stingy, but a form of sharia responsibility.

Allah ﷻ reminds us in His words:

وَلَا تَجْعَلْ يَدَكَ مَغْلُولَةً إِلَىٰ عُنُقِكَ وَلَا تَبْسُطْهَا كُلَّ الْبَسْطِ فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُومًا مَّحْسُورًا

“And do not make your hands tied around your neck and do not stretch it out too much, lest you become disgraceful and regretful.” (QS. Al-Isra’: 29)

This verse describes two extremes in managing wealth: being too stingy (as if your hands were tied to your neck) and being too wasteful (wasting everything without consideration). Both can lead someone to a disgraceful and regretful condition because they do not have savings when needed.

Therefore, the Islamic way to save is to maintain a balance: not being stingy, but also not being reckless. Saving is a form of financial management that reflects maturity of faith and reason.

Saving is also a preventive measure so that we do not depend on debt or the mercy of others when difficult times come. This is not just a financial strategy, but a mandate that is recommended according to sharia.

Also read:Mountains of Gold Don’t Stop the Desire to Accumulate Wealth

Practical Tips on How to Save Money Even When Salary Is Tight

Now we go to the most practical part: how to save money that you can do right away today, even though your salary is still tight?

1. 10-10-80 or 5-10-85 Method

10% for charity
10% for savings
80% for needs

Or if it’s still hard, you can start from 5% for charity, 10% for savings, 85% for needs. The key is not in the numbers, but in the intention and commitment.

2. Set Aside Immediately at the Beginning

As soon as you get paid, immediately separate your savings. Don’t wait for the rest. Because in practice, the remaining money almost always runs out first. Separate it into a different account or use the envelope method so you don’t get tempted.

3. Determine the Purpose of Saving

An effective way to save must have a direction. For example: emergency fund savings, savings for children’s school fees, or even preparation for the Hajj. This goal makes you more resistant to temptation and more enthusiastic about saving.

4. Stop Subtle Leaks

We often don’t realize that money is leaking through small snacks, digital subscriptions, or discounts that are actually not needed. Islam reminds us:

إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ
“Indeed, the spendthrifts are brothers of Satan.” (QS. Al-Isra’: 27)

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Conclusion: Small Fortune is No Problem, as Long as the Way of Saving is Correct

If you can’t save much right now, that’s not a problem. In fact, when your income is limited, you are trained to be patient, careful, and wise. Because in the end, a sharia and disciplined way of saving will form a strong character.

Remember, blessings are not about the amount, but about management. And saving, no matter how small, is a form of gratitude and effort to Allah ﷻ.

Also read: Profit Sharing or Usury? Know the Difference from the Start