Most people go to work each day for 2 main reasons. One, they work to receive money to pay their bills. Two, they work to have money so they can spend it to enjoy themselves. Far too many people these days are barely scraping by on a laughable minimum wage or a job that doesn't pay enough to cover living expenses.

So, it would appear that people are working to cover living expenses only, which includes paying for rent, groceries, gasoline or transportation such as bus fare, insurance, utilities, clothing and health care. All necessary items to be sure. But, working long hours without being able to go to a movie, eat at a restaurant, meeting a friend for a drink or buying an ice cream cone for your children gets pretty old.

So how do you change this cycle? By Paying Yourself First. I read a book many years ago that touted this philosophy and I was amazed at how logical it was , yet the concept is largely ignored by most people. It appears to be "too good to be true". The attributes this philosophy does require is dedication and discipline. It must be done like clockwork each time you receive money either in the form of a paycheck, bonus, payback from a family member or friend etc.

Example: Let's consider that the bring home salary for a person is $250 per week. If you practice the Pay Yourself First concept, you should consider yourself a "Payee" each time money is received. If you have direct deposit, write yourself a check just as you would to pay a bill. Below is an example:

Pay Yourself First each week: $5.00

Rent per week to set aside: $125.00

Groceries per week: $25.00

Utilities per week: $25.00

Insurance per week: $50.00

Gas/Bus fare per week: $20.00

GRAND TOTAL PER WEEK: $250.00

Granted, it will take some time to build the "Pay Yourself First" monies. I have found setting this money aside into an envelope and put it away. Just think, in 1 year, you will have $260.00 without even trying!

Remember all the spare change you have? Maybe you purchase coffee or cola at work and receive change back, designate a canister of some sort as a spare change bucket and each time it is filled, take it to the bank or grocerty store to convert it to dollars. You will honestly be amazed at the results! Put those dollars with the "Pay Yourself First" envelope savings. Your money will continue to grow and grow.

This also teaches children a valuable lesson in saving money, creating self-discipline in setting it aside without spending for your children to observe. Saving for a vacation? This would make a great start for paying for a hotel, airfare, eating out in a nice restaurant. The decision is yours!

Remember, you work awfully hard for your money, it's only right that you get paid before anyone else! Good Luck and be looking for more tips on how to save money.