There are many different ways to approach saving your money- but what is most likely to stick, and, are you doing anything right now to save your money? Becoming aware of how you spend your money can provide insight on how to best go about creating a savings plan that is right for you. Here are some tips to test your financial fitness!

Give yourself an allowance

This may sound funny but can be a great way to allow yourself some spending money without spending too much. When you set an allowance for yourself you can decrease the desire to want to buy more things that are just costing you money you could be saving for something more meaningful (or just for that rainy day when the car breaks down).

Examine unnecessary expenses

Examine the things you most commonly spend money on and what you could benefit from scaling back on. Many people find that they are spending way more than they thought on frequent trips to coffee shops or eating out and by simply making coffee or meals at home their savings skyrocket.

If you don't have one already, open a savings account

When you put money away into an account designated for savings, you are more likely to leave it there. Also, having a savings account can keep that money out of the way, making you less tempted to spend it. Out of sight, out of mind, right?

Budget

Furthering tip number 2, budgeting can take your savings to the next level. A good idea is to sit down and write out all expenses for one month (including unnecessary expenses). From there, you can figure out how to make adjustments you need in order to save the amount of money you want every month. Budgeting can make you aware of things you weren't previously. For example, maybe you're spending so much on air conditioning because you leave the thermostat on a cold setting while you go to work.

Set financial goals

Whether short term or long term, financial goals can help you make saving a priority. Is there a vacation you've always wanted to go on or something you've wanted to purchase for a while that requires a larger sum of money? Goals motivate you to follow through with your plans.