Tip #2: Put your money on auto-pilot and set up automatic deposits into savings, retirement plans and investments.

If the money isn’t there in the first place, you’ll be less tempted to take that cash you had slated for savings and spend it. Your employer or bank can help you set up several automatic deposit accounts.

I prefer going through my employer because I can set things up so my retirement and savings are taken care of and the remainder is stashed into my checking account. Since I really only see that remainder, I never find myself in the mindset where I’m negotiating with myself to take this month’s savings deposit to buy the latest gadget. I’ll admit, seeing a smaller paycheck (not really smaller, but minus my retirement and savings amounts) takes a little getting used to. But once you get over that hump, you’ll probably find (like I did) that you don’t even miss it.

If you’re nervous about running out of money because you’ve set up various automatic deposits, Lifehacker recommends making use of your bank’s alert system. Many banks will send you a notice via e-mail or text message if your account has gone below a certain amount. This is a handy service and one that takes very little time to set up.