Students often have a hard time making ends meet, as their studies make it difficult to work and earn money to save. Despite the difficulties, some students manage to put aside a little money regularly. We asked five students how they save.

Savings for a rainy day

"I try to save money because it gives me a sense of security. Savings also help if I have sudden large expenses, such as a doctor's visit. It's hard for me to save money, even though I work while studying. I currently have a few thousands of euros in my savings account.”

Ira, 21

"I try to save money, but my success varies. I save for a rainy day and for trips, for example. Most of my savings are in a savings account, and I also have some money in funds. I used to have an ASP account, but I had to close it when I got into a weaker financial situation. A couple of months ago I started saving in an ASP account again.

I don't seem to be saving a lot of money - I live in the centre of Helsinki, and it's expensive. I currently have just under ten thousand euros in savings."

Jesper, 22

Funds and ASP account as forms of savings

"I recently stopped studying, primarily because the months of financial aid ran out and I didn't get money from anywhere. I live with my common-law partner, and he works a nine-to-five, so I am not eligible for any benefits. While studying, I worked in a store and as a personal assistant, and I put money into a savings account whenever possible. However, I wasn't able to work very much because I was studying full-time. I still have a savings account, but now it's empty.

Of course, I would save if I had money to save, but sometimes in life you encounter sudden expenses. For example, taking a cat to the vet is really expensive. And it would be nice to go on a trip sometime.”

Venla, 30

Someday when I’m seventy I’ll be able to live more comfortably with the help of funds.

"I save as much as I can for a rainy day. I save money from jobs I do alongside my studies. It's good to have a small nest egg saved up in case your job ends or you don't get a job right after graduation.

I have a savings account, and I also try to invest in funds. I invest a certain amount each month in funds with higher risk than usual, which also have the potential for higher returns. I currently have four thousand euros in savings."

Joni, 32

"Due to the global economic situation, it feels like it's a good idea to save a little buffer now. I have a savings account and funds for longer-term savings. I think that someday when I’m seventy I’ll be able to live a little more comfortably with the help of funds. I've also had an ASP account for about three years.

There is less money left over for savings during the summer, but when school starts and life becomes more structured, I save money a little more regularly. "I currently have 3,000–5,000 euros in savings – I don't really keep track of my savings, but it makes me feel better to know that there's money there."

Heli, 27