The raw, golden light of sunrise over the Nevada desert is otherworldly. Rays bounce off giant art installations, mirrors, mazes and the carnival of creativity known as Burning Man. “I couldn’t believe I was actually there, a part of such a unique event that had fascinated me for years,” says Philippa Dunjay, 31. “And my journey to the desert was an even bigger adventure.”
Dunjay’s dream to attend the world-famous festival had come true, made possible by her passion for saving. Back in 2008, Dunjay received a coffee table book about the artwork created at Burning Man, and a seed was planted in her mind.
“I was intrigued. And the more I learned about the festival, the more I wanted to be part of this almost mythical, free-spirited gathering that is like no other. From DJs and flame throwers to talks about neuroscience and interactive art exhibitions, it’s completely unique every year. I loved its emphasis on community too, with everyone pulling together.
“In 2013, a date – who I went on to stay friends with – told me he ran one of the camps at Burning Man. Hearing about it first hand from him confirmed to me I had to go. I love travelling, new experiences and anything creative – Burning Man sounded like my utopia!”
Already a keen saver, Dunjay began to put aside £300 a month specifically for her trip to the US, on a mission to save up around £2,500.
“I’ve saved since I started working, after graduating,” she says. “I’ve inherited my parents’ passion for saving. They put money away for my siblings and I when we were children, and I was given my ‘pot’ when I went to university. It helped me not only cover some living expenses but I was also able to afford to go travelling.
“I save into a number of accounts every month, by direct debit, and have some long-term investments too. It’s second nature to me, I can’t imagine not doing it. I think for past generations there was more focus on putting money away for emergencies or a rainy day. My generation save to live life to the fullest – that’s certainly my main motivation for saving.”
According to research by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association in 2017, 49% of adults aged 18-35 in the UK are active savers. Like Dunjay, they recognise the importance of a financial nest egg and the opportunities savings can create.
Jill Waters, retail director at NS&I, says: “The most successful savers are those who have a clear vision and goal for their money. Dunjay has discovered that her passion for travel and art have given her the habit of saving as she builds multiple memories for herself. In future years, she will look back, enjoy her memories and be spurred on to keeping her savings routine for future global adventures.”
It took Dunjay nine months to save her target £2,500 for the trip, which she took with her friend Jill.
“I felt a wonderful sense of anticipation seeing the money build up in my account and knowing exactly what I’d spend it on. I knew I was going to be physically challenged, staying in such a hot, dusty environment, but I couldn’t wait. Of all the travelling I’d done, I knew this trip was going to be so memorable.
“My savings paid for my flights, hotel rooms and food on our road trip from San Francisco to the Black Rock Desert, and my ‘dues’ to the camp I was staying in, which covered things such as a generator and communal kitchen equipment.
“It also covered vehicle passes and our accommodation, which was a build-it-yourself temporary yurt.”
In September 2015, Dunjay jetted off to the US and spent a week immersing herself in the Burning Man experience. “It was everything I hoped it would be, and more.
“Very early one morning Jill and I cycled out into the desert to watch the sun come up, sitting on top of an ‘art car’ – it’s kind of like a carnival float.
“In that moment, I felt completely happy. Knowing that I had saved for this incredible experience and that I’d be flying home without a penny of debt on a credit card just made it more special.
“I loved the sense of community in the camp, forging new friendships with everyone united by a determination to have the best time possible. We cooked for one another and hosted a brilliant Taylor Swift dance party! I visited the huge temporary art structures, which had sparked my interest in Burning Man all those years before. The artwork goes up in flames in an extraordinary closing night.”
Since 2015, Dunjay has carried on saving to fund her love of travelling. She visited Mexico last year and is currently putting money aside for a trip to Japan this year.
“For me, savings are about so much more than having a safety net. They enable experiences, and allow me to pursue the things I love,” Dunjay says.
Having something to save towards can make putting money aside easier. With the help of NS&I, you can reach your goal too. Visit nsandi.com for more information.
