We all know that saving money is hard, especially given the way the economy is going. It’s always the same thing. We say we’ll save on the next raise or when the car is paid off, but we never do. Savings has become something that we do when all of our other bills are paid off and, unfortunately, that’s not working for us. The reality is that there usually isn’t anything left over after we’ve paid all of our bills so we have to change our mindsets in order to achieve any savings.

Now, I say we because I have been guilty of this in the past. I’m very good at maxing out my contributions and then some to my retirement accounts; however, I’m not always so good with my liquid savings. Ideally, you want about six months worth of expenses saved, just in case. And in an economy where the job market is so uncertain, this really becomes important.

Now then, how do we build up a savings account and not feel the crunch anymore than we already do? Here are some tricks I’ve tried that have worked for me (and, they’re working for other people too because Bankrate.com posted a similar article about sneaky practices.)

1.) Treat your savings like a bill

I personally set my savings account up as a bill in my online bill pay that is automatically drafted every pay period. I tried having my employer just take a portion from my check and deposit it to savings, but that didn’t work because in my mind I still had that money. Thinking of it as a bill changes my perspective. I don’t think of that money as mine anymore. It belongs to the savings account. Ok, so technically it’s still mine; however, since I changed my mindset I haven’t pulled from the account like I would before when it was just a transfer from my paycheck.

2.) Live at least one raise behind

When you get your next raise, don’t include the extra money in your budget. Put that money in savings. You’re already used to living on the old salary, so instead of increasing your spending put the extra money away for a rainy day. Then, on the next raise, increase to what the previous raise was and put the rest away. You live behind the raises and it will help you spend less than you make, plain and simple.

3.) Get cash back

Anytime you go shopping and you’re asked if you want cash back, say yes. I know, I know. That sounds very defeatist to what we’re trying to accomplish, right? Not really. You’re not going to spend that money. Take and make a deposit to your savings or put it in a piggy bank you can stash away in your home. Don’t just leave it in the account and think you’ll transfer it because that rarely works out. Plus, as cash back you count it as part of the original purchase and then forget about it. Pretty sneaky, huh?

4.) Fast Food Jar

This works a lot like a curse jar where you add money when you curse. Every time you eat out at a fast food restaurant, add a dollar (or whatever amount you prefer) to the jar. This works on two things at once, if you think about it. If you eat out a lot, this method is going to show you just how much. Each time you add the dollar (or whatever you chose) you’ll see that jar building up with money. It’s great for your savings, but it’s going to make you really consider eating out. It does require some discipline, though. You can’t commit to this and then cheat because you don’t want to pay the jar a dollar. If you don’t think you can do this one, I recommend choosing other methods!

5.) Start your own laundry mat

Put a jar over the washer and dryer and each time you use either, add a quarter. Like the fast food jar, you have to be committed, but it’s a great way to see your savings add up. Once the jars are full, take them to your bank or local grocery store and exchange them for larger bills TO BE PUT DIRECTLY INTO SAVINGS.

Can you think of any other sneaky ways to save?

Related posts:

1. 101 Ways To Go Green and Save Money
2. 8 Sneaky Credit Card Company Tricks
3. Six Ways your Kids can Help out with the Budget!
4. 10 Ways To Permanently Stay In Debt
5. Top 10 Ways To Flush Money Down the Toilet