[Emmalou]

They say when you do your budget, you should pay yourself first. Even if it is $5 to put in the bank--it's important to do. I never have money left over to pay myself.

Do you pay yourself first?

[craftykris]

I have heard this several times too. I don't take money out of my account and put it in another one. I have direct deposit. Really I make more than I spend, so I have no problem with having extra money for me after the bills are paid.
I used to take out $100 every month out of my checking account and put it in my savings account. I should start to do this again.

[greenqueen]

It's easy to do with direct deposit, too. When I worked a regular job, I had a certain percentage of my check that went to my savings account with the remainder going into checking. Very few people have anything left after bills as bills have a tendency to grow to match your income unless you're really in tight control.

[babygirl]

I have been meaning to start this practice, but it seems by the time I get paid I have already spent it. I have just about determined I am going to stop using checks altogether. I have a bad habit of writing checks for things a day or two before I get paid, knowing the money will be in the account before the checks will. However, by doing this; I am shorting myself in the long run. Plus, a lot of companies are going to electronic instant withdrawal now; so I don't really have the extra time to play with anymore.

[GardenGran]

My husband has always used this philosophy. He taught our daughters the same thing and whether they still practice it or not I don't know. We've tried to set aside a certain amount each month regardless and most times it's worked. Not always but usually.

[Homegal]

I have also heard this. I have never paid myself first, but my sister and husband do this. They set an amount at the beginning of each year and pay themselves every month. They are able to set aside a good amount by doing this.

[Christine54]

This is the best way to do it, if you first follow your budget and second make more money than you have to pay out in bills. Let's be honest, if your expenses just about match your income, you can't pay yourself at all. Getting your budget in order is really the key here, so you can find that money to put aside.

[babygirl]

Christine, that is really good advice. I have never really followed a budget, however I beginning to think that is really the only way to be in control of my money. You make it sound so easy, although I am sure it will take some getting used to.

[Allie]

I've never been able to do this. I always spend what I make no matter what I make. I really need to make up a budget and stick with it. We tend to just pay what we have too and then use up the rest.

[SadieLou]

I am a saver by nature. I don't have a set amount that I put aside, but every penny that doesn't go toward a bill or the household is left in the bank. The only time I usually overspend is for holidays and birthdays and thanks to my stinginess the rest of the time I usually have the money to go overboard, lol.