Tips on how to save money

Sometimes the hardest thing about saving money is just getting started. This step-by-step guide on how to save money can help you develop a simple and realistic plan to save for goals, big or small.

Saving money begins with your mindset.

Avoid thinking of money-saving techniques as restrictive — although they can often feel that way. At NerdWallet, we think about a budget as a spending plan because saving money doesn’t mean you have to quit spending altogether. It just means you have to prioritize some financial goals over others.

1. Record your expense
2. Make a budget
3. Plan on saving money
4. Choose something to save for
5. Make saving automatic
6. Watch your savings grow