Save first, spend later
Set up a standing order to a savings account or pillar 3a on payday. Money that never sits in your everyday account never gets spent.
Budgets & savings goals Back to homepage
TIPS & TRICKS
More money at the end of the month – with simple rules
Proven rules of thumb for budgeting, saving and bills – and how NEXO helps you put them into practice.
The 50/30/20 rule
Split your net income into three pots:
50 %NeedsRent, health insurance, insurance, groceries, commuting – what you need to live.
30 %WantsLeisure, going out, holidays, hobbies, subscriptions – what makes life more enjoyable.
20 %Saving & debtEmergency fund, pillar 3a, savings goals and paying down debt faster.
Your income split up
- NeedsCHF 2’500
- WantsCHF 1’500
- Saving & debtCHF 1’000
In NEXO, the “Budget rule” card under Budgets works this out automatically from your salary – also with other rules such as 60/20/20.
Variants for high fixed costs
In Switzerland, rent and health insurance are often higher. Many people do better with 60/20/20 or 50/40/10 (also described as the 30-40-50 rule in some guides). What matters isn't the exact number, but that a fixed share is saved first every month.
More tips
Emergency fund: 3 to 6 months' expenses
A cushion for unexpected bills stops a dentist's bill from turning into a debt trap. Set up a savings goal for it in NEXO.
Budgets & savings goalsImportant bills first
Rent, health insurance and taxes take priority over online orders. The payment plan sorts them into this order automatically.
Payment planAsk for an extension early
If money is tight, ask for an extension or instalment plan before the due date. NEXO drafts a letter for this.
Payment planPay once a week
Collect bills and pay them together with the payment file. This saves time and prevents missed deadlines.
Payment planReview subscriptions once a year
Small subscriptions add up. Check the subscription radar for what you actually use, and cancel in good time before the deadline.
Subscriptions & contractsCompare health insurance every autumn
You can switch basic insurance every year; cancellation usually needs to reach the insurer by the end of November. Also check your deductible (Franchise).
Subscriptions & contractsSet aside money for taxes every month
Put aside a fixed amount for taxes every month so the final bill doesn't leave a gap. In NEXO this works as a savings goal called "Tax reserve".
Budgets & savings goalsUse pillar 3a early in the year
Contributions to pillar 3a reduce your taxable income. If you pay in throughout the year, you don't have to come up with the whole amount at once in December.
Budgets & savings goalsNever shop without a list
Shopping with a list means shopping more deliberately. The shopping list shows you how much of the groceries budget is still left.
Shopping listThe 24-hour rule
For spontaneous purchases over CHF 100: sleep on it for one night. Often the urge is gone the next day.
Budgets & savings goalsScan receipts right away
Scanning receipts right after shopping keeps budgets and warranty proofs always up to date.
Shopping listCut fixed costs first
Renegotiate or switch your mobile plan, insurance, electricity and internet once – it saves money every month without giving anything up.
Subscriptions & contractsChoose the right deductible
If you rarely see a doctor, a higher health insurance deductible often lowers your premium. Then keep the deductible amount as an emergency fund. The deductible calculator shows what pays off.
Subscriptions & contractsA fixed amount for treats
Set a fixed weekly amount for going out and hobbies. Once it is used up, the next purchase waits until the new week.
Budgets & savings goalsMake small amounts visible
Coffee, snacks and delivery: CHF 5 a day adds up to over CHF 1,800 a year. A budget per category makes it visible.
Budgets & savings goalsUse payment terms, never go over
Pay shortly before the due date, but never late. Reminder fees and default interest quickly cost more than any interest gain.
Payment planScan QR bills instead of typing
QR bills contain the IBAN, amount and reference. NEXO reads them – so no typing errors when paying.
Payment planSpread yearly costs over 12 months
Car insurance, the Serafe fee, annual subscriptions or Christmas: divide the total by 12 and set it aside each month, e.g. as a savings goal.
Budgets & savings goalsPlan a weekly menu
Planning the week's meals means buying fewer duplicates and throwing less away. The ingredients go straight onto the shopping list.
Shopping listOnly buy offers that are on your list
An offer only saves money if you would have bought the item anyway. Otherwise it is an extra expense.
Shopping listCancel when prices go up
When a provider raises its price, you often have a special right to cancel. The radar flags price changes so you can react in time.
Subscriptions & contracts