tednju

Tednju is a term used in several South Slavic languages to denote the practice of saving money and living within one's means. In standard Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian the common term is štednja, while tednju appears in some dialects or orthographic variants. The concept encompasses regularly setting aside a portion of income for future needs or emergencies, rather than spending it all. It also denotes a cultural attitude toward thrift and prudent financial management.

Historically, saving arose from the need to secure stability in uncertain times, such as illness, old age, or unexpected expenses. In modern economies, saving takes place through formal financial instruments like savings accounts, time deposits, and pension funds, as well as through informal practices such as cash reserves at home. Banks, credit unions, and state programs provide tools and incentives to encourage saving.

Common practices include automatic transfers from income to savings accounts, setting budget targets, and choosing suitable interest-bearing products. Governments often promote saving through tax-advantaged accounts or compulsory pension systems. The level of saving in an economy affects capital formation, investment, and long-term growth, but overly high savings can suppress current consumption and economic activity.

In personal finance, tednju involves budgeting, risk management, and planning for retirement, education, and emergencies. Critics argue that low consumption can hinder short-term demand, while insufficient saving can leave households vulnerable. Overall, saving remains a central element of financial security and macroeconomic stability in many countries.