Be very specific with your financial goals. For example, saying, “I want to save for a down payment” is not enough to make it stick. You need to map out how much you need, the date by which you’d like to have it saved, and the amount you need to save every month (or every check) in order to reach the goal. Same with a vacation. Or college tuition. When you know what your saving for and the specific way you’re planning for it,  you’re more likely to stay the course for the long term.