conversation: User (DirtbagDrew): "What's up everyone?\n\nSo I've actually seen this rule of thumb on a few different posts but since saving can be difficult (especially for those with responsibilities), I figured I would share my little plan and see their people's variations to it.\n\nWhen I first started working with my company I had only one bank account. It was a checking/savings account and I had access to both through my mobile banking app. My paychecks would get direct deposited to my savings account and I would take just enough out to pay my bills with a little extra for miscellaneous use. The only problem with this was I had zero self-restraint. If I saw something I liked, I'd transfer a little more money over. If I wanted to go out with the guys, I'd transfer some more money over. By the time my next paycheck would come in, my savings account would be nearly depleted. After a few months of splurging and realizing that I didn't have a pot to piss in - I started brainstorming.\n\nIn the city I'm from there are tons of banks (almost every street corner). I found a reputable FCU about twenty minutes from my house and opened a checking/savings account (Note: My everyday bank is right down the street from me). I then had them sign a form that would allow my payroll company to deduct $150.00 directly from my account into this savings account. I started leaving the debit card for this account in my lockbox.\n\nI'm paid biweekly, so $150.00 every two weeks translates to roughly $300.00 every month which is almost $4,000.00 every year - and I barely even notice the difference on my paycheck now that I'm accustomed to it. With this you can also opt to add a little more with every paycheck. I try to go with $500.00-$750.00 every month that way if I need the money for an emergency situation I'll at least have it.\n\nYou don't have to beat yourself up and put away your whole paycheck. Having my alternate bank account relatively far away from my house makes it less convenient to go take out money unless I absolutely need it. I find myself occasionally checking my balance and determining whether I can reward myself or if I need to hit the savings a little harder.\n\nIf you guys have any tips for saving feel free to leave them below!"
  Self: "This is an excellent advice that I too had been following until just last month. Until I realized that I could save more, but how much more?\n\nSo, I changed the way my check gets split. Instead of sending the fixed amount to the savings account, I drew a budget and now send a fixed budgeted amount to my primary account while the rest goes to the savings account.\n\nThis way, I am only enticed to spend what I have budged for and my increments also go to savings. Again, the only downside is that you need to draw a budget before doing this."
  User (DirtbagDrew): "Okay, I see what you mean. My only issue is that I am paid flat rate rather than hourly or salary - so my checks fluctuate. One pay period I can do really well, the other I can do not so well. It's a little different in my case."
  Self: "I too am paid flat, but my pay does increase once the company stops deducting the social security contributions after reaching 118K limit.\n\nNot saying one way it better than the other, yours is again a great way to start and continue saving."
  