From budget spreadsheets to savings success: Erin and Adam’s MyBudget story

Erin and Adam turned money stress into financial success with MyBudget, achieving milestones like building a home, saving for a holidays, and staying effortlessly on track with their savings goals.

MyBudget savings and budgeting case study

“How does MyBudget work…Will MyBudget work for me?” For Erin and Adam, successful MyBudget clients, the answer is, a resounding yes.

Erin & Adam: A money saving plan with financial happily ever after

When Erin and Adam met on a work trip to South America, they never imagined it would be the start of a shared life full of big dreams, exciting challenges, and a journey towards achieving their financial goals together.

Fast-forward a few years to Adelaide, twins in tow, and the couple found themselves juggling finances, dreams, and double the nappies. In 2020, Erin began working at MyBudget as a Personal Budgeting Specialist, helping clients set up their budgets. It didn’t take long for her to realise just how much better their own personal budget could be, sparking a journey that turned financial stress into financial success.

Why DIY budget spreadsheets didn’t help Erin & Adam save money

Like many of us, Erin and Adam initially tackled their personal budgets and finances with spreadsheets. “We had a spreadsheet we checked three or four times a day,” Erin shared. “We were so scared of dipping into our savings for our apartment deposit that we tracked every dollar obsessively.”

But after working with MyBudget, Erin realised their spreadsheet had gaps, expenses they hadn’t accounted for, like Christmas or emergency service levies. “It became obvious we were missing so much,” Erin said. “Our spreadsheet didn’t prepare us for things that seemed predictable but always caught us off guard. MyBudget highlighted all those blind spots for us.”

Adam admitted their DIY system was more stressful than effective. “It was consuming a lot of our time. We thought, surely there’s a better way to do this.”

The turning point: choosing MyBudget to reach their savings goals

Erin was the first to embrace the idea of outsourcing their budget. “I was sold from the start,” she said. “Adam was hesitant, but once we saw what MyBudget could offer, it was a no-brainer.”

How MyBudget exposed hidden costs and boosted their money saving plan

One of the biggest revelations MyBudget’s technology highlighted to the couple? The gaps in their financial budgeting. “We never set aside money for Christmas, how wild is that?” Erin laughed. “Every year, we’d dip into savings or rack up credit card debt for presents, and every January would feel like a financial hangover.”

MyBudget’s tailored budgeting service helped Erin and Adam account for annual expenses like Christmas, car registration, and emergency service levies, ensuring their financial goals stayed on track. “It gave us a full picture of where our money was going and how to plan for the future,” Adam said, “and budget for and help up reach our savings goals.”

How Erin and Adam saved $70,000 for a house deposit

MyBudget didn’t just help Erin and Adam manage their money, it transformed their entire approach to spending and saving. By creating a personalised budget tailored to their money goals, MyBudget gave them the tools and expert support to make small, manageable changes that added up to big results.

With twins on the way, Erin and Adam were grateful they’d already set up their MyBudget plan. “We didn’t have to stress about paying bills or losing sight of our long-term financial goals,” Erin shared. “Thanks to MyBudget’s personalised budget plan, we could see exactly how much time I could afford to take for maternity leave and really cherish those precious moments with our twins.”

How long does it take to save for a house deposit in Australia?

In just two years, Erin and Adam saved over $70,000 for a home deposit, thanks to their commitment to sticking to their budget plan and rethinking their spending habits.

They made simple swaps, like replacing their daily café coffees with homemade coffees, saving $4,000 in a year. They also planned a $5,000 family holiday to Fiji in just six months, all while Erin was on maternity leave.

Meal planning to save money fast was key to their successful money saving plan. Before MyBudget, their food bills were unplanned and often exceeded expectations. Now, Erin carefully plans weekly food shops for their family of four under $225. “This just wouldn’t be possible without MyBudget,” Erin said.

Want to see how much you could save by making small changes? Check out MyBudget’s free Savings Calculator.

How MyBudget fast tracked Erin and Adam’s savings goals

Adam summed up MyBudget perfectly: “Even if you think you’re doing okay, MyBudget is like a personal trainer for your finances. It helps you take things to the next level.”

With MyBudget’s expert guidance and innovative budgeting tools, Erin and Adam turned their first apartment into an investment property, bought a family car, and are now building their dream home in Brisbane.

Erin shared her appreciation: “MyBudget lets us dream with our eyes open. We know when we can achieve our goals, not just if we can.”

Smart budgeting and saving brought peace of mind

For Erin and Adam, MyBudget was more than just budgeting, it was the key to reclaiming time, reducing stress, and achieving financial freedom. “We haven’t had to pay a bill in two years,” Erin said with a smile. “Now, our dinner table conversations are about family, not finances.”

“Using MyBudget means we can focus on what really matters, being present with our kids,” Adam added.

Erin’s advice: why starting a savings plan with MyBudget works

Reflecting on their journey, Erin encourages anyone considering MyBudget to give it a go. “When people ask us why we joined MyBudget, I say you should try it for yourself. It’s a free appointment. You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

From South America to South Australia to their soon-to-be dream home in Brisbane, Erin and Adam have shown that with the right tools and a little guidance, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible.

Ready to start saving money and reach your goals fast with MyBudget?

For over 25 years, MyBudget has helped over 130,000 Australians take control of their finances and achieve their dreams. From saving for your first home to saving for holidays and reducing money stress, we’re here to help.

At MyBudget, we’ll:

✅ Create a personalised budget to reach your money goals
✅ Manage bills, savings, and provide debt relief solutions
✅ Offer free money tools to give you clarity and control
✅ Keep you on track with your money with expert real-time support.

Imagine a life where your bills are always paid, your savings grow, and your goals, like owning a home or taking holidays, are within reach.

Take the first step today with a free, no-obligation appointment. Enquire online or call us on 1300 300 922, the life you want is closer than you think.

For more inspiration, check out Erin and Adam’s podcast interview with Tammy Barton where they share money saving tips, budgeting strategies, and how MyBudget helped them reach their financial goals.

Related guides and tools

• Personal budget template
• Free budgeting resources
• How MyBudget works

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Important information

This page provides general information only. It does not take your personal circumstances into account and is not personal financial advice. For the scope and licensing of a particular service, check the service provider's current disclosures or contact MyBudget.

Read the original MyBudget article.