The easiest money to save is money you never see. Set up an automatic transfer to a separate savings account on the same day your paycheck arrives.

Start with an amount that won't strain your budget — even a small amount adds up — and increase it each time you get a raise or cut a bill using the tips in this list.

Keeping savings in a separate high-yield account, rather than your checking account, also makes it less tempting to spend and lets it earn more interest.