The Round-Up Trick That Quietly Chips Away at My Mortgage
There I was, standing in the checkout queue with a packet of crisps and a coffee, tapping my Monzo card like any other day. But this time, instead of just spending, I was quietly saving. A little ka-ching moment pinged in my mind, knowing I’d just added nearly a fiver to my savings pot — all while buying snacks. Saving money by spending money? It’s the kind of financial magic I can get behind.
What Is the Round-Up Challenge, Anyway?
The Basics — Light and Lazy Saving
The idea’s pretty simple: every time you spend, your bank rounds up the purchase to the nearest pound and tucks the difference away into a savings pot. So, if you buy a £1.80 coffee, 20p goes into savings. Over time, these small amounts add up — without you having to think about it.
The best bit? It’s effortless. No budgeting apps yelling at you, no spreadsheets full of guilt. Just quiet saving happening in the background.
My Method — The 10x Chaos Option
Now, here’s where I take it up a notch. I use Monzo — love that hot coral card — and I boost my round-ups by 10x. Yes, you read that right. Spend £1.01? I save £9.90.
It’s a bit ridiculous, and honestly, I like it that way. This multiplier means each transaction usually adds about £5 to my savings. Six months in, I’ve stashed away £655.63. All from buying crisps, coffees, and the odd spontaneous snack.
Why It Works (Even If You Forget It Exists)
Because Saving Without Stress Is the Dream
The beauty of this method is that it’s a set-and-forget system. I don’t obsess over it. Most weeks, I forget about the savings pot completely, and then I check in and get a lovely surprise — like finding a forgotten fiver in your jacket pocket, only better.
There’s no guilt, no pressure. Just money quietly growing.
It’s Also a Spending Brake (Weirdly)
And here’s a funny side effect: because I’ve set my round-ups to 10x, every purchase feels “more expensive.” This little trick makes me pause before splurging, making me more mindful about my spending — without a spreadsheet or self-flagellation.
Where the Money Goes: The Mortgage Ninja Attack Fund
All that spare change gets funnelled straight into my mortgage over-payment account. I’ve earmarked this pot for one purpose: chipping away at that big, scary debt.
Once a year, I take all the accumulated savings and throw them at the mortgage. It’s not a magic wand, but it’s a quiet rebellion against interest — and it feels pretty satisfying. No hustle, no stress — just slow, steady progress.
How This Links to Financial Independence
This round-up saving habit fits snugly into my bigger financial picture. It’s a micro-action with macro effects — helping me build a buffer and reduce debt without making saving a chore.
For anyone chasing financial independence, small wins like this matter. They build momentum and confidence — quietly, in the background — without forcing you to overhaul your life or sacrifice every treat.
And for those who like to keep things simple, this is minimalist saving at its finest: no new apps, no complex systems, just smart use of what you already have.
How to Try It Without Turning Into a Spreadsheet Zombie
- Forget about it — and then check in occasionally. The hardest (and easiest) part is letting go. Try not to obsess. This isn’t a savings sprint; it’s a marathon. After a few weeks or months, take a peek and see how it’s grown. It’s like planting a seed and then watching a tree slowly sprout — satisfying in its own quiet way.
- Choose your bank wisely. The first step is making sure your bank supports round-up saving features. Monzo is my personal favourite — the hot coral card has a certain flair — but others like Starling, Revolut, or even some traditional banks are catching up. Find what suits your style.
- Set it up once and breathe easy. Setting up your round-up savings is usually just a few taps away. Once you’ve linked your account and activated the feature, you can practically forget about it. The real magic is in letting those small amounts pile up over time, without you having to actively track every penny.
- Dare to play with multipliers. If you want to kick things up a notch — like I did with my 10x multiplier — go for it. Just be prepared for the “ouch” moment when a £1.50 snack suddenly feels like a £15 expense. It’s a bit like training wheels for your spending habits: at first strange, but then it gets easier, and more mindful.
- Name your savings pot something that makes you smile. Whether it’s “Mortgage Ninja Fund,” “Holiday Rainy Day,” or the downright ridiculous “Future Yo-Yo Collection,” giving your pot a name makes it feel real and purposeful. Plus, it’s a little motivational nudge every time you check your balance.
Gentle Questions for the Road:
Turns out, saving while snacking is the kind of multitasking I can actually get behind. The money trickles in, almost invisibly, and then one day, you realise it’s added up to something solid. For me? A tiny dent in the mortgage. And a weird sense of calm.
Maybe the best savings habits are the ones that don’t demand constant attention — just a little trust in the process.
Some questions to take with you:
- What might you name your own round-up pot — and where would that money take you?
- What would it look like to save in a way that feels like spending?
- Could automation be your financial love language?