Six easy ideas for getting into the savings habit

Pay yourself first
Don't give yourself a choice. Pay into an emergency savings account with an automatic monthly transfer from your bank account every month - no matter how small the contribution is. You're aiming to make regular saving a healthy habit that will turn into a routine you can't live without. And at the end of each month you'll have the immediate satisfaction of knowing you managed to put something away in the bank.

Be your own loan officer
When you finish paying off a car loan or other type of loan, keep making the monthly payments - to yourself. Put them into a savings account if you can.

Motivate yourself with a goal
Pinpoint what you really want (a new sofa, an iPod, a holiday) and what it will cost, and set a realistic goal, such as giving yourself six months to save for it. Cut out pictures of your goal and put them on your bulletin board at work, your fridge at home, and in your purse. Every time you think about buying new shoes or towels, for example, ask yourself if you want or need them as much as what you're saving for.

Start a loose change jar
Put a jar - preferably a large one with a narrow mouth, so you can't get your hand into it - in a prominent place, and empty your change into it at the end of the day. If you can't stand the thought of rolls of coins, use the change-counting machines available at some supermarkets when the jar is full. At the end of the year, this found cash could add up to enough money to pay for a Christmas gift, or a health club membership, for example.

Put away surprises
Any time you get an unexpected windfall --such as a holiday bonus, or cash gift - put it into your savings account. You weren't counting on this money as part of your regular income, so don't spend it as such.

Make saving a challenge
Keep track of what you spend each month, and each month try to save just a little bit more. If you make saving a challenge, you'll learn to avoid the luxury buys at the supermarket and to skip the stroll around the clothes shops at lunchtime.