Here’s a somewhat difficult but smart way to start a saving’s plan:  Start putting aside an amount equal to whatever your spending on nonessential indulgences.  You don’t have to try to match your mortgage, rent or bills, etc., but put a matching amount in to a savings account for expenditures like wine, cigarettes, designer coffee, designer shoes, etc. Here’s the tough part–if you can’t afford to save the matching amount, you can’t afford those extras.