How to Save 10% of Your Income Like Arkad

 📖 Introduction: Why 10% Could Change Your Life


If you’ve ever read The Richest Man in Babylon  you’ll remember Arkad—the wealthiest man in Babylon. His golden rule?

> “For every ten coins thou earn, spend but nine.”


Translated to today’s language: Save at least 10% of your income—no matter what.

It sounds simple, but most people live paycheck to paycheck, with zero savings, increasing debt, and rising expenses. In this post, you'll learn exactly how to save 10% of your income like Arkad, using modern tools, strategies, and mindset shifts that work in 2025 and beyond.


💡 Why 10%? The Power of Paying Yourself First

Saving 10% of your income might not seem like much—but over time, it builds financial freedom, investment capital, and peace of mind.

Here's why it's powerful:

It builds discipline. You learn to live below your means.

It creates momentum. Small savings compound into big results.

It’s sustainable. Unlike extreme budgeting, 10% is manageable for most.


Saving 10% is your first step to wealth—just like it was for Arkad.


✅ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Save 10% of Your Income Today

1. Know Your Net Income First

Before you can save, you must know how much you actually take home after taxes and deductions.

Example:

Monthly salary: $3,000

Net income after tax: $2,500

10% = $250 to be saved each month


💡 Tip: Use tools like PaycheckCity or your bank statement to confirm your net income.


2. Automate the 10% Transfer (Before You Spend Anything)

Arkad didn’t wait till the end of the month—he paid himself first.

Modern version:

Set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to a separate savings/investment account right after payday.

Use apps like:

Chime or Ally Bank for auto-savings

Digit or Qapital for smart transfers

PiggyVest or Risevest (Africa-based users)


💡 Pro Tip: Rename your savings account to something like "Wealth Fund" or "My Babylon Bank" for motivation.


3. Treat the 10% as Non-Negotiable

This is not optional income. Saving is a fixed “bill” you owe yourself.

Mindset shift:

Don't save what’s left over.

Save before you spend anything else.

“Do not confuse necessary expenses with desires.” — Arkad


4. Start Small if Necessary — but Be Consistent

If 10% feels overwhelming, start with 5% and build up.

Example:

Month 1: Save $100

Month 2: Save $150

Month 3: Hit $250

Consistency beats perfection. Saving $50 regularly beats saving $300 once.


5. Reduce Expenses Without Feeling Deprived

You don’t need to starve yourself to save. Focus on trimming waste.

Quick wins:

Cancel unused subscriptions

Cook more, eat out less

Buy secondhand or during sales

Use cashback apps (e.g. Rakuten, Honey, Dosh)


💡 Use budgeting apps like YNAB or EveryDollar to track spending patterns.


6. Turn Savings into Investments

Once you’ve built the habit, don’t just let the money sit.

“Make thy gold multiply.” — Arkad


Modern investments:

Index funds (Vanguard, Fidelity)

High-yield savings accounts

Real estate REITs

Side hustles or digital assets


The goal is to turn savings into streams.


7. Track Progress and Celebrate Wins

Every time you save a full 10%, track it and reward yourself (cheaply!).

Ideas:

Use a “savings thermometer” or printable chart

Treat yourself to a $10 reward after 3 months

Post monthly progress in a money-saving community (Reddit, Facebook groups)


📊 Real-Life Example: Sarah's $2,000 Journey

Sarah, a 28-year-old teacher earning $2,500/month, started saving 10% in January:

Jan – Mar: Saved $250/month = $750

Apr – Jun: Increased to $300/month = $900

By August: She had $1,650 in her emergency fund

Now: She's using that money to invest in a low-cost index fund


She didn’t win the lottery. She just followed Arkad’s rule—and it changed her life.


🔑 Final Takeaway: Wealth Starts with a Simple Habit

Saving 10% of your income might feel small, but over time, it's the foundation of financial success. Arkad didn’t build wealth by being lucky—he did it by being intentional.

A part of all I earn is mine to keep.” — The Richest Man in Babylon


Takeaway: Automate savings, treat it like a fixed expense, and invest it to grow your wealth over time.


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