Changing ones mindset to save more?

[Ima saver]

I also have escrow accounts for things like insurance, taxes, christmas, medical, etc.
Starting the $20 challenge has really helped me to save. It has shown me how just putting away a few dollars a day can really add up.
I also keep the majority of my savings in C.D's so I will lose the interest if I cash in early. I just don't touch the money at all.

[Daylily]

From a mindset perspective: Both my DH and I have weathered periods of unemployment and come out fine thanks to a thrifty lifestyle and a nicely funded EF. What keeps me saving more and more in the EF is the knowledge that I can lose my job at any time and that no matter how talented or credentialed I am, it might take a while to find another job.

I actually have no fear that I'm going to lose my job now, but you never know. Further, some kind of medical mishap could occur.

[maat55]

I put mine in an online account and it takes two or three days to get. I have no desire to touch mine, I'm a save freak.

[tripods68]

We utilized automatic transfer from checking account to MMA beginning of each month. Its also important to have a budget and stick to it. For instance, if you over budget on food items, don't just spend that money apply it towards EF. Conversely, if you pay off your credit card this month. Saved that money the following month as extra savings. Also, if you sold something on craigslist it goes to EF. The point is, you want to think ways to save everyday instead of spending. The earlier you can adapt to this habit, the easier it gets in the long run. Good luck

[skydivingchic]

One other idea. Sit down and determine what is the absolute minimum amount you feel comfortable having in an EF until your CC is paid off. Is that Ramsey's recommended $1000? 2 months of expenses? 1 month of expenses? Decide for yourself, then take anything above that amount and put it on the CC. Vow not to touch the rest. Then once your CC is paid off, take the payment you were making to it and use it to build your EF up to be fully funded (i.e. generally recommended at 3-6 months of expenses depending upon your situation).

[triton07]

Well, let's see. How did my mindset change?

Hmm, it may have something to do with my ex and I's net worth bottoming out at around 330k in debt... and then fighting over money... and the subsequent divorce because we never could quite reconcile.

Yeah....

yea sometimes others can influence your change of moneysaving mind/strategy.