Don’t be vague about what you’re saving for! Be specific.  Don’t just say ‘I’d like to be a homeowner,’ or ‘go back to school,’ ‘take a vacation’ or ‘retire early.’ Use numbers and dates, not just words, to describe what you want to accomplish with your money. How much debt do you want to pay off—and when? How much do you want saved, and by what date? Being specific will help you achieve your savings goals now instead of someday.  If you’re vague about the goal…the outcome will be vague as well.