How to Start Saving When You Can't Afford To
Everyone has a different reason why they struggle to save money.
You might have bills to cover, family costs to think about, or a busy working life that makes it difficult to plan ahead. For serving personnel, veterans and military families, changes in circumstances can also make it harder to keep your finances predictable.
But you don't need to save a large amount to get started.
In this article, we'll look at some common savings challenges and simple ways to start building a habit, even when money feels tight.
What do you need help with?
I don't know how much I can afford to save
I can save, but I keep spending it
I keep forgetting to save
I can't save because I have debt
I'm already saving and want to save more
Friday, November 13, 2026
BRUNEI: AWS Community Support Activities - What's On in BFB... Closure Dates
AWS CS Monthly Calendar
Closures Dates
BRUNEI: World Diabetes Day - Saturday, 14th November 2026, 08:00 AM @ Dermaga Diraja, Bandar Seri Bagawan
Please click the image to enlarge.
Join us for the World Diabetes Glow Walk
Let’s walk together, glow together, and raise awareness for diabetes prevention.
See you there!
For more information IG
Please scan the QR Code above or Click HERE for sign up.
Registration Deadline: Saturday,10th October 2026.
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
BRUNEI: AWS Community Support - Tom & Jerry Friday, 13th November 2026, 1500 hrs @ Paradise Chalchitra, Mumong Community Centre
Movie Session
Tom and Jerry - Friday, 13th November 2026, 1500 hrs @ Paradise Chalchitra, Mumong Community Centre
Please click the image to enlarge.
Ext: 3785
BRUNEI: The Patio Bar - Karaoke Event - Friday, 13th November 2026 from 7 - 11 PM
Information provided by BRUNEI HIVE.
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Brunssum: MWA Christmas Events 2026
JFC Brunssum MWA has two special events in honour of the Christmas Season.
On December 2nd from 16:30, there will be a Christmas Tree Lighting event. This takes place outside Miner's Rest, and is completely free to all with base access.
UPDATE: SOLD OUT!
December 10th sees the Annual Christmas Party at the ICC. With the NATO Nations hosting stands offering delicacies and festive food, a bounce house for the little ones, and even some ice skating, this is not to be missed. This is a ticketed event, and they're selling fast - get them quick!
All information can be found on MWA's website: https://www.jfcbrunssum.com/christmas-events-2026/
Information provided by Brunssum HIVE.
Germany : CHAT HV Virtual Group for Parents Dec 2026 Meetings
TEAMs Meeting Links
Join the informal teams meetings for parents with our Health visitors.
- Thursday 3rd Dec – Unwell Child - https://tinyurl.com/9enspzp4
- Wednesday 9th Dec - https://tinyurl.com/2rdpwr8r
- Thursday 12th November - https://tinyurl.com/mr3wxbst
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Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Give Us Time: Last minute break to Spain - 13-20 December 2026
Give Us Time have a last minute opportunity for a pre-Christmas sunshine break to Spain!The dates are Sunday 13 – Sunday 20 December 2026 staying at the Marina del Sol resort, Spain. This is 20 minutes drive from Malaga airport.
The accommodation is a 2 bedroom self catering apartment, which sleeps 6 (double room, twin room, pull out sofa in lounge area)
Facilities on site include
Restaurants
Shops
Kids clubs
Pools
Free wifi
Spa
Tennis courts and gym
Local attractions includeChristmas light shows in the Malaga Botanic gardens
Bioparc Fuengirola which houses gorillas and lemurs
Cable car ride up Mount Calamorro
Local street markets and festivals.
Marina del Sol Spain
Please note – Families will need to provide proof of flight bookings before confirmation will be issued. Give Us Time is unable to cover the costs of travel, transport, food or other activities as part of a break.
The break is live on the website now at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login - families will need an account to book this opportunities.
The accommodation is a 2 bedroom self catering apartment, which sleeps 6 (double room, twin room, pull out sofa in lounge area)
Facilities on site include
Restaurants
Shops
Kids clubs
Pools
Free wifi
Spa
Tennis courts and gym
Local attractions includeChristmas light shows in the Malaga Botanic gardens
Bioparc Fuengirola which houses gorillas and lemurs
Cable car ride up Mount Calamorro
Local street markets and festivals.
Marina del Sol Spain
Please note – Families will need to provide proof of flight bookings before confirmation will be issued. Give Us Time is unable to cover the costs of travel, transport, food or other activities as part of a break.
The break is live on the website now at https://bookings.giveustime.org.uk/login - families will need an account to book this opportunities.
Forces Connect, A Girls’ Brigade Online Group (Ages 13+) – next group date 19 Nov
Are you aged 13+ and part of a military family? Join us online for a fun, relaxed, and welcoming Girls’ Brigade session via Zoom! This special event is a great opportunity to connect with other young people from military families across the country, share experiences, and make new friends.
Who: Young people aged 13+ from military families
When: Thursday 19 November • 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE!
What to expect: We'll be diving into the fantastic Girls' Brigade programme. Expect a relevant Bible theme, a fun craft activity, and plenty of relaxed group discussions.No matter where you are currently based, everyone is welcome. Come along, get involved, and discover a supportive community of young people who understand the unique journey of military life.
How to book: Spaces are free but must be booked in advance.
*New* Girls’ Brigade - online Tickets, Thursday 19 November • 7 PM - 8:30 PM GMT | Eventbrite
Who: Young people aged 13+ from military families
When: Thursday 19 November • 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: FREE!
What to expect: We'll be diving into the fantastic Girls' Brigade programme. Expect a relevant Bible theme, a fun craft activity, and plenty of relaxed group discussions.No matter where you are currently based, everyone is welcome. Come along, get involved, and discover a supportive community of young people who understand the unique journey of military life.
How to book: Spaces are free but must be booked in advance.
*New* Girls’ Brigade - online Tickets, Thursday 19 November • 7 PM - 8:30 PM GMT | Eventbrite
PFL Mortgages: Military home ownership - understanding your options
Military home ownership: understanding your options
Advice built around military life
Can you buy a property while living in military accommodation? Could you buy a home now and rent it out until you're ready to live there? Could Forces Help to Buy help you purchase a home? And what are your house purchase options when leaving the Armed Forces, or facing relationship breakdown, discharge or redundancy?
At PFL Mortgages, we're Armed Forces specialist mortgage advisers and members of the Services Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel (SIIAP). We understand the opportunities and challenges of buying a home during military life, and we're here to help serving personnel, veterans and their families explore what's possible.
You don't need to be ready to apply for a mortgage to speak to us. We're happy to help you understand your options.
Military life can affect when, where and how you buy a home. Postings in the UK and overseas, the option of buying while living in Service accommodation, military pay and allowances, and plans for life after Service can all influence your decisions.
Our advisers understand these challenges and know that mortgage lenders don't all approach military circumstances in the same way. We can help you find a lender who understands your situation and explore what's possible when buying a home while serving.
For example, some lenders may allow you to buy a property using a residential mortgage and rent it out until you're ready to move in. This can avoid the need for a buy-to-let mortgage, which typically requires a much larger deposit and often comes with higher interest rates and fees.
If you'd like a home of your own to live in now, don't assume you need substantial savings. Forces Help to Buy could provide up to £25,000, and for some people that may be enough to cover both the deposit and legal costs. You might be closer to buying than you realise.
If you're planning for life after Service, it's worth exploring your home ownership options early. As your leaving date approaches, mortgage lenders may need to consider what income you'll have afterwards, rather than relying on your military salary. Leaving it too late could limit your options, even while you're still serving.
Can you buy a property while living in military accommodation? Could you buy a home now and rent it out until you're ready to live there? Could Forces Help to Buy help you purchase a home? And what are your house purchase options when leaving the Armed Forces, or facing relationship breakdown, discharge or redundancy?
At PFL Mortgages, we're Armed Forces specialist mortgage advisers and members of the Services Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel (SIIAP). We understand the opportunities and challenges of buying a home during military life, and we're here to help serving personnel, veterans and their families explore what's possible.
You don't need to be ready to apply for a mortgage to speak to us. We're happy to help you understand your options.
Military life can affect when, where and how you buy a home. Postings in the UK and overseas, the option of buying while living in Service accommodation, military pay and allowances, and plans for life after Service can all influence your decisions.
Our advisers understand these challenges and know that mortgage lenders don't all approach military circumstances in the same way. We can help you find a lender who understands your situation and explore what's possible when buying a home while serving.
For example, some lenders may allow you to buy a property using a residential mortgage and rent it out until you're ready to move in. This can avoid the need for a buy-to-let mortgage, which typically requires a much larger deposit and often comes with higher interest rates and fees.
If you'd like a home of your own to live in now, don't assume you need substantial savings. Forces Help to Buy could provide up to £25,000, and for some people that may be enough to cover both the deposit and legal costs. You might be closer to buying than you realise.
If you're planning for life after Service, it's worth exploring your home ownership options early. As your leaving date approaches, mortgage lenders may need to consider what income you'll have afterwards, rather than relying on your military salary. Leaving it too late could limit your options, even while you're still serving.
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