6 Months into My First Job and I’ve Saved Almost Nothing. How Do I Fix This?

I’m 23 and working my first job for the last 6–7 months. My salary is ₹20,000/month.

Here’s the problem:

After all these months, I’ve barely saved ₹20,000 total.

The issue isn’t that I don’t understand money. I do.

The issue is control.

A major reason is my friend circle. There are frequent plans — trips, outings, food, random spending. Even when I don’t feel like going, I end up saying yes. I don’t want to feel left out. And when people say, “You’re earning now, why not?” — I give in.

They’re not forcing me to pay for them. I just spend on myself. But honestly, I don’t always want to.

I don’t fully enjoy my job yet, but I know this is just the starting phase. I have bigger goals:

Buy a bike

Build a house someday

Increase my income

Become financially disciplined early

Right now, my salary isn’t high — which makes me feel this phase is crucial. If I don’t build discipline now, when will I?

My questions:

How do I say no without damaging friendships?

How do I control unnecessary spending?

How do I build savings habits on a ₹20K salary?

I don’t want to look back 2 years from now with nothing saved.

Would really appreciate practical advice from people who’ve been through this stage.