Name your goal, set your deadline and see the exact monthly saving required. From a £2,000 holiday to a £50,000 house deposit — works for any target with a clear timeline and starting balance.
| Timeline | Monthly Saving | Total Deposited | Interest Earned |
|---|
The most effective savings plans are built backwards from a specific goal. Rather than saving whatever is left at the end of the month, goal-based saving starts with the target and the deadline, then works out the required monthly amount. This makes saving intentional, measurable and much more likely to succeed. Our calculator handles any goal — from a £2,000 holiday to a £100,000 house deposit — with the exact monthly figure and a built-in alternative timeline table so you can adjust if the number is too high.
| Goal | Typical Amount | Monthly at 4.5% AER | Realistic Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Fund (employed) | £5,000–£10,000 | £139–£278/mo | 3 years |
| First Car | £5,000–£15,000 | £139–£416/mo | 3 years |
| Wedding | £15,000–£25,000 | £416–£694/mo | 3 years |
| 5% House Deposit | £12,500–£20,000 | £209–£333/mo | 5 years |
| 10% House Deposit | £25,000–£40,000 | £228–£365/mo | 8 years |
| FIRE Fund | £300,000+ | £2,000+/mo | 10–20 years |
If you are saving for a first home and are under 40, a Lifetime ISA (LISA) adds a 25% government bonus on up to £4,000/year — worth £1,000 free money annually. For a £40,000 deposit target, the LISA bonus reduces your required private savings by £4,000–£8,000 over 4–8 years, significantly reducing the monthly saving needed.
Use a Lifetime ISA (LISA) if you are a first-time buyer under 40 — the 25% government bonus on up to £4,000/year is unbeatable. Combine with a high-rate Cash ISA or fixed savings bond for the portion above the LISA limit. Help to Buy ISA is closed to new applicants. Set a specific monthly direct debit on payday and automate the saving.
The average UK house price is approximately £285,000 (2026). A 5% deposit is £14,250. At £300/month at 4.5% AER: just under 4 years. Many first-time buyers aim for 10% (£28,500) to access better mortgage rates. Our calculator shows the exact timeline and monthly requirement for any deposit target based on a specific property price.
Yes — prioritise by urgency and importance. Fund your emergency fund first (3–6 months expenses), then maximise employer pension match, then any imminent goals (holiday in 12 months), then longer-term goals (house deposit, retirement). Use separate named savings pots for each goal so you can track progress and avoid mixing funds.