Only about 41% of Americans regularly contribute money to a savings account. If you’re like most people, you pay your bills and spend what is left over. If you are carrying a large credit debt, there may not be anything left over and so you are likely to whip out a credit card to pay for small indulgences, putting you further into debt.

Everyone needs to save. No one can predict when a financial catastrophe (such as loss of a job) can strike. If you find you are always planning to save but wait until after you pay your bills to determine what you have available to save, you may never save a dime. This money never materializes because you consider any financial cushion to be your spending money.

If this is you, then the only way to save is to just do it. Have a portion of your pay, at least 5% to 10% automatically deposited in a savings account before you get it. Your spending will also automatically adjust to accomodate your slightly lower take-home and all it will really cost you is a few lattes or some impulse spending for things you didn’t actually need.

Saving for the future is essential. Don’t plan on it, budget for it or think about it. Just do it!