1. I tracked every single thing I spent for a few months to get an idea of what my budget should be and where I can cut back.
2. I set up an auto transfer once a month into a HYSA and another one into an IRA, based on the budget from step 1. They are not huge amounts by any means, and sometimes it feels futile. But it keeps the money out of my checking and hopefully in time I'll be able to start saving more.
3. Anything I really like and want to buy I add to a Pinterest board as my wish list. I tell myself I can come back later and buy it if I really want it. I probably end up buying 1 out of every 50 things I put there. It's also humbling to look back it and see things on the list that I don't like anymore. Good thing I don't own them!
