Deposit Starter

Mindset & Money Moves to Kickstart Your First Property Investment

If you’re thinking about buying your first rental property, this worksheet is your first step toward making it happen. The biggest obstacle for most people? Getting that first deposit together.

This guide will help you shift your mindset, start building savings momentum, and take real action toward your goal.

Let’s get started.


Most people never save a deposit for one simple reason: mindset. They look at their current bank balance, their income, or the rising cost of housing, and they silently give up before they start.

They say things like:
– “I’m just not good with money.”
– “I’ll never be able to save enough.”
– “It’s too late for me.”

But none of these are true. They’re myths. And in this quick guide, I’ll show you how to break free from them.

The 3-Part Mini Worksheet

Here are three common beliefs that hold people back from saving a deposit—and how to reframe them:

🔹 Myth 1: “You need to be rich to invest.”

You don’t need to be rich—you need a strategy. Most people start with modest means but build momentum with small, consistent actions.

🔹 Myth 2: “It’s too late for me.”

You’re not too late—you’re just on your own timeline. Starting now is better than starting never.

🔹 Myth 3: “I’m bad with money — I’ll just blow it anyway.”

Money habits can be built just like fitness habits. Your past doesn’t define your potential.

🧠 1. Mindset Reset

Now, what’s one belief you’ve held about money or saving that might be holding you back?

Write your answer here:



Now flip it — what’s a more empowering belief you could adopt instead?

Empowering belief:



💷 2. Savings Snapshot

Question:
How much could you realistically save each month toward your deposit?

Tick one:
☐ £50/month
☐ £100/month
☐ £200/month
☐ Other: £_________

My Weekly Deposit Commitment

💷 I will transfer £_____ to my deposit fund this week.
Where could you cut back or reallocate money to boost this?

Ideas:
☐ Cancel unused subscriptions
☐ Reduce takeaways/coffee spends
☐ Sell something you no longer need
☐ Other: ________________________

Think Like a Future Investor

Saving isn’t just about cutting back—it’s about taking control. The difference between a ‘saver’ and an ‘investor’ is purpose.

💡 Don’t save for the sake of saving — save to buy freedom.

Quick-win action: Every time you avoid a non-essential spend, move £5 to your deposit fund. You’ll rewire your habits and build momentum.


🚀 3. Micro-Mission Tracker

Pick one small action to complete in the next 7 days:

☐ Open or rename a savings account
☐ Save your first £25
☐ Do a no-spend day
☐ Read one property blog/book chapter
☐ Sell an unused item
☐ Write down your 3-month savings goal
☐ Other: __________________________

✅ Date to complete by: ___________


The Deposit Blueprint

If you’re ready to move from mindset to money moves, this guide was just the beginning. The Deposit Blueprint gives you the tools and strategy to start saving smarter, track your progress, and reach your first property fund faster.

👉 Deposit Blueprint

About Mike

Mike Holden is the author of How do I retire early: The 12 steps to financial freedom. After achieving financial freedom at age 51, he now helps others take control of their money, shift their mindset, and build lasting financial security.

📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.mikeholdensales.com
🔗 @mikeholdensales