Especially these days, money is one of the key considerations in our lives, and yet it's also one of the hardest things to manage. For many people, saving money can feel like an insurmountable challenge. This is indeed the case when you factor in things like unexpected expenses, rising costs of living and the many temptations to splurge on things we don't really need at the end of the day.

But if we really look at it, saving money is not that difficult. It's an essential part of building a stable and secure financial future for yourself and your family. It surely takes some discipline and patience but the rewards of saving money are well worth the effort.

So, how can you stay disciplined in saving money these days and beyond? Here are some doable stuff to get us started.

First: it's very important to have a budget. This might sound like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many people don't actually have a budget in place. It took me years and years before starting this. Without a budget, it's easy to overspend and lose track of your finances which can quickly lead to overspending, debt and eventually stress! Creating a budget is not complicated. Simply sit down and take a look at your income and expenses. How much money you have coming in each month? How about your your expenses? Things like apartment rent, home/car mortgage payments, utilities, groceries and clothing. Once you are clear about your income and expenses, you can then plan and start to allocate the remaining funds towards savings and other discretionary spending. Yes, yes, sticking to a budget is easier said than done. It can be tempting to over-spend on things like eating out or shopping, especially when you're feeling stressed or bored or worse, when drunk. But one of the keys to staying disciplined in saving money is to be mindful of your spending habits.

One way to do this is to set clear financial goals for yourself. Maybe you want to save up for a down payment on a house, or pay off your credit card debt. Whatever your goal is, make it specific and easily tracked. Then create a plan for how you're going to achieve that goal. This might involve cutting back on unnecessary expenses, finding ways to earn extra income, or automating your savings so that a portion of your paycheck goes directly into savings account without thinking about it every month.

This is the KEY. Sticking to your financial goals requires patience and perseverance. Like many things in life, it's not always easy to delay gratification and make sacrifices in the short term for the sake of long-term financial stability. But remember, every small step you take towards your goal is progress. Even if it's just putting a few amounts into your savings account each week, those small contributions will add up over time. You will be surprised later on.

Second: another way to stay disciplined in saving money is to be with like-minded people. Befriend them. If your friends and family members are constantly splurging on expensive dinners or shopping sprees, it can be hard to resist the temptation to do the same. But if you have a support system of people who are also committed to saving money and making smart financial decisions, it will be easier to stay on track. Really similar strategy if you are trying to be more fit and then exercise on a regular basis.

Third: saving money isn't just about cutting back on expenses. It's also important to find ways to increase your income. This might mean taking on a side hustle or finding a higher-paying job or asking for a promotion that has been long overdue. The more money you're able to bring in, the more you'll be able to put towards your financial goals.

Staying disciplined in saving money is all about mindset. It's about recognizing that financial stability is a long-term goal, and that it requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to make sacrifices in the short-term. But the rewards of financial stability are well worth the effort. By sticking to a budget, setting clear financial goals, surrounding yourself with like-minded people, and finding ways to increase your income, youcan build a secure and stable financial future for yourself and your family.

Now, I know that all of this talk about budgets and saving money can sound pretty daunting. And it's true, saving money does require some discipline and effort. But that doesn't mean it can't also be fun and rewarding.

One way to make saving money more enjoyable is to make a game out of it. Challenge yourself to see how much money you can save each week or month, and then reward yourself when you reach your goals. Maybe you'll treat yourself to a nice dinner or a weekend getaway. The key is to find ways to make saving money feel like an achievement rather than a chore.

Another way to make saving money more fun is to get creative with your spending. Instead of splurging on expensive dinners or shopping sprees, find ways to enjoy your time without breaking the bank. Maybe you'll have a picnic in the park, or host a game night with friends. The more you're able to find joy in the simple things in life, the less you'll feel the need to spend money on unnecessary things. I see many rich folks and enterpreneurs do this, not really to save money, but to test their creativity and have fun at the same time.

For sure, there will be times when unexpected expenses pop up, or when you feel like you're not making progress towards your financial goals as quickly as you'd like. When that happens, it's important to be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to take a break from your savings plan. Remember, financial stability is a journey, and there will be ups and downs along the way. The important thing is to keep moving forward, one step at a time, as almost like a way of life rather than a one-time effort.

So yes, all the best! Staying disciplined in saving money today and beyond is an essential part of building a secure and stable financial future for yourself and your family. By creating a budget, setting clear financial goals, surrounding yourself with like-minded people, finding ways to increase your income, and making saving money fun and rewarding, you can achieve financial stability and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it. So, go out there and start saving! Your future self will thank you.