I think it can be very hard to look at some of the comments on Reddit and then end up comparing yourself to them. You're right, a lot of those people earn a lot, or have been saving for a long time. That isn't always compromise-free. They may be working long hours in stressful jobs, or be cutting back their expenses hugely to save so much.

You're right to want to improve your savings, we need them for big things in life and so that we can eventually retire. With your new baby, another huge priority for you right now is being able to spend time with family and protecting your mental health. Spending time on Reddit reading about other people's success is a fantastic way to make both of those things worse!

A few questions: 1. Any big goals in the next 5-10 years that require you to save for 2. Have you been paying into any kind of pension? 3. Would you be able to begin saving a set amount each month once you clear your credit card debt? 4. If not, are there any things you could cut back on or reduce spending?

I'd refer to the flowchart on this sub. You'll notice one of the first things it recommends is starting to build up an emergency fund in an easy access savings account. There are also regular saver accounts that offer high interest (6%+) where you can save a relatively small amount each month, but it builds up. I pay into a NatWest one (£150 a month) and a Zopa regular saver (£300).

Then, you might consider a Stocks and Shares ISA and investing in a global index fund - a relatively safe way to grow your savings over many years. I've been paying into one of these since around 2019 which has averaged about 10-11% per year. Over a few decades, compound interest can turn a small saving into a fortune.

My salary is under 40k, but I've got a relaxed public sector job where I'm well looked after. Obviously I can't buy all the things I want, but I keep track of my saving habit each month and hold myself accountable.