Many people want to save, but look at their budgets and feel like they are living paycheck to paycheck with nothing left over for savings. However, almost everyone can and should save. If you want to save but are unsure of how to begin, the following are some tips for planning for the unexpected:

Set savings goals.

The first thing you will need to do is set savings goals. This will make it easier to save because you know you have something to work for. A general rule that most financial experts recommend is to have three months worth of expenses set aside in savings. This does not include salary. You can start with a smaller goal, however-say, $500.

Your goals don't necessarily have to be about paying bills in case of an emergency. Maybe you are saving up for a vacation, or new furniture for your house. Regardless of your goal, having it in writing is a great way to encourage saving. You should also put your money into an interest bearing savings account.

Put savings into your budget.

If you haven't already done a household budget, do one now. You can make one simply on an Excel spreadsheet. When doing your budget, make sure you set aside a certain amount of money for savings. 10% is ideal, but do as much as you can - some is better than none!

So what if you do your budget and find that you have no money left over for saving? Usually you can rework your budget a little to save some. The following are some tips for cutting costs so you can save:

• Go through your checking account statement and add up little costs. Random trips to the store, fast food, and eating out can really add up. Once you see where your money is going, you can eliminate those trips and eating out and put that money into savings instead.
• Carry cash. Debit cards are convenient, but they also make it so you spend more money. Carry cash, or put your grocery and entertainment money into envelopes. When it's gone, it's gone. This way, you can afford to slip some savings into your budget.
• Consider using just a cell phone. Cell phones are typically more economical than land lines, so unless you need a land line for a security system or something similar, switch to using just your cell phone.

Having savings is important for a number of reasons. It could be that you want to save for a fun vacation or a big purchase, or maybe you know the importance of having money set aside in the event of a job loss or other emergency. The above tips will help you to plan for the unexpected.