Record your expensesThe first step to start out saving money is to work out what proportion you spend. Keep track of all of your expenses—that means every coffee, household item and cash tip.Once you've got your data, organize the numbers by categories, like gas, groceries and mortgage, and total each amount. Use your mastercard and bank statements to form sure you’re accurate—and don’t forget any.Tip: search for a free spending tracker to assist you start . Choosing a digital program or app can help automate a number of this work. Bank of America clients can use the Spending & Budgeting tool, which automatically categorizes your transactions for easier budgeting within the mobile app or online.2Budget for savingsOnce you've got a thought of what you spend during a month, you'll begin to arrange your recorded expenses into a workable budget. Your budget should outline how your expenses qualify to your income—so you'll plan your spending and limit overspending. make certain to think about expenses that occur regularly but not monthly , like car maintenance.Tip: Include a savings category—aim to save lots of 10 to fifteen percent of your income.3Find ways you'll cut your spendingIf your expenses are so high that you simply can’t save the maximum amount as you’d like, it'd be time to chop back. Identify nonessentials that you simply can spend less on, like entertainment and dining out. search for ways to save lots of on your fixed monthly expenses like television and your telephone , too.Here are some ideas for trimming everyday expenses:Use resources like community event listings to seek out free or low-cost events to scale back entertainment spending.Cancel subscriptions and memberships you don’t use—especially if they renew automatically.Commit to eating out just one occasion a month and trying places that fall under the “cheap eats” category.Give yourself a “cooling off period”: When tempted by a nonessential purchase, wait a couple of days. you'll be glad you passed—or able to save for it.4Set savings goalsOne of the simplest ways to save lots of money is to line a goal. Start by thinking of what you would possibly want to save lots of for—perhaps you’re getting married, planning a vacation or saving for retirement. Then find out what proportion money you’ll need and the way long it'd take you to save lots of it.Here are some samples of short- and long-term goals:Short-term (1–3 years)Emergency fund (3–9 monthsof living expenses, just in case)VacationDown payment for a carLong-term (4+ years)Down payment on a home or aremodeling projectYour child’s educationRetirementIf you’re saving for retirement or your child’s education, consider putting that cash into an investment account like an IRA or 529 plan. While investments accompany risks and may lose money, they also create the chance for growth when the market grows, and will be appropriate if you propose for an occasion far beforehand . See step No. 6 for more details.Tip: Set alittle , achievable short-term goal for something fun and large enough that you simply aren’t likely to possess the cash available to buy it, like a replacement smartphone or holiday gifts. Reaching smaller goals—and enjoying the fun reward you’ve saved for—can offer you a psychological boost that creates the payoff of saving more immediate and reinforces the habit.