Setting financial goals is the easy part–the real change comes in trying to turn all those things you say into things you do. Luckily, some of the best financial decisions don’t require constant effort and vigilance. Experts argue the best way to get ahead financially is to automate: Automatic withdrawals to a savings account, automatic payments on your debt every month, etc.

Once you’re automated, it then requires making a conscious decision NOT to put money toward your financial goals. For example, to change things, you’d actually have to take the time to say to yourself, ‘ok, this month, I’m not funding my emergency fund’ or ‘I’m skipping a payment to my child’s college savings account’ to fund an impulse buy. You’re likely NOT going to do that! So, automating savings or debt payments not only keeps up your habit, but saves you from yourself!