Like they say, you are never too young nor too old to start saving. Especially in today’s hard times, we should always be ready for emergencies and other unexpected expenses. So here are six secrets that might just help you to finally succeed in your savings plan.

Secret #1: A Realistic, Achievable Savings Goal. Realistic, achievable savings goal means simple, believable plans that you can really attain in a short span of time. This includes saving for a vacation or even simpler things like a weekend trip to the mall, lunch with family or friends, or buying a new household item or appliance. Knowing what you really need or what you want to do urgently will make it easier for you to reach your goal. And achieving these, albeit small and simple goals, will give you a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. This will make you even more excited to embark on another project. Moreover, this will help you learn to save for special occasions – making memorable moments along the way.

Secret #2: Save and Forget. Make small savings everyday and you will be surprised how much it will accumulate through time. Paper bills work better when placed inside a piggy bank because it will be harder to wiggle them out compared to coins. If you have a bank account, ask your bank to move a percentage of your salary to a savings account every month and don’t touch it! This will help you not only to save but to budget your money better.

Secret #3: Discipline. As with any undertaking, discipline is important to achieve your goal faster and better. Saving too, is all about discipline. You have to teach yourself to save and stick to that goal if you want to achieve your long-term, and even short-term, plans.

Secret #4: Always Have a Budget and Stick To It. Whether it’s grocery shopping, home appliances/ utilities, electricity, water and other needs and/ or expenses, make a budget and stick to it. Make your budget strict but reasonable. Include everyone in your home in this undertaking as well so they will feel responsible and be more careful of their actions. In this way, not only you but everyone in your family is making his/ her share in saving.

Secret #5: Rethink. Before making that next purchase, ask yourself if you really need or just want that item. Especially if it’s expensive and a little way out of your budget, give yourself at least 24 hours to think and rethink before deciding if you really need that particular thing or that TV ad just got to you and you can actually live without it.

Secret #6: Pay in Cash. There’s nothing like paying in cash. Unlike credit cards which tempt you to buy things you don’t actually need and spend more than you can afford, paying in cash for every purchase helps you to better control your money and spend within your income. If you’re not used to it, try using only cash or debit card for all your expenses for the whole month until the habit kicks in. Before you know it, you have more control of your earnings and you have saved more money than you ever expected.