Save Automatically
Saving automatically is the best way to boost your savings accounts. It is much easier to let the bank automatically put some money into savings for you than it is to have the willpower to take the check to the bank, deposit or cash it, and then put an amount away into savings consistently.

Most companies will do direct deposit with your paycheck and put it into your bank account. If your company gives the option of direct deposit, take a percentage or a certain amount out of your paycheck and have it automatically put into a savings or money market account. You can start as low as $10 each week - even putting away $40 or $50 a month can get you on the way to building your savings. But, once you feel more financially able, be sure to up that amount. A good goal is to save between 5 to 10 percent of your income. One easy way to up your savings amount is to have a raise you get (or at least half) go automatically into savings - you're used to not having the extra money anyway, so you won't feel the extra you're putting in.

You may notice the amount you're putting into savings at first, but once you get used to it, you most likely will not even miss the money. Instead, you'll get used to budgeting with less. This tip is perfect for the unmotivated because it only requires the minimal effort of talking to Human Resources and the bank once to set up the direct deposit program. The rest is done for you.

Enroll in a 401k or an IRA
If the financial world seems complicated enough with budgeting and with debt, it can be overwhelming to even consider retirement options, especially if you're young and retirement seems so far away. However, everyone should have some plan for a retirement fund, whether you're starting early or if you're starting later in life.

While all the numbers and letters associated with different retirement funds can be confusing, don't let it stop you. It isn't as hard as it seems. As with setting up a direct deposit program and automatic savings deposits, setting up a retirement plan really only takes one visit to Human Resources at work or a visit with your bank/credit union about setting up an IRA. The rest can be done for you, with minimal effort.

Check into your employer's benefit package. Do they offer a 401k program? Do they match? Taking advantage of your employer's 401k plan is a good move and an even better move if they match your contributions.

With a 401k plan, you pick which fund you want to invest in - your employer will probably give you a brochure about the different types of funds. Depending on how far you are from retirement, you can decide how to invest. If you've got 40 years until retirement, you'll want to invest in aggressive, even riskier, stocks since you've got time to let the stocks work for you and take chances that could result in higher dividends. If you're only 10-15 years from retirement, you probably want to invest most conservatively because you don't have as much time to let your money go up and down with the market. Often, some financial groups will make it super-easy and have funds set up according to your retirement year - depending what year that is, they'll invest in the right mix of mutual funds, stocks, and bonds. All you have to do is tell them when you'll retire and they'll do all the investing for you.

Once you've decided on the fund you want, specify what percentage you want to contribute to the account. You can sometimes only put in one percent (though your goal should be about five to ten percent) - it's better than nothing. One thing to keep in mind is that with a 401k the money is taken from your paycheck automatically, before taxes. This is important because, depending how much you take out before taxes, your income is reported as less, which means you could be paying a lower income tax. Who doesn't want to give less money to the IRS? Paying yourself is so important and a 401k will help you do that.

One important thing to remember is to never, ever (unless under extreme circumstances, and even then really consider it) cash out your retirement early. Since the money wasn't taxed, you'll have to give a huge chunk of it back to your employer (about 20%) to cover taxes, plus having to report that extra income on your taxes may put you in a higher income tax bracket, which will require even more money taken away. Wait until the proper age when you can take the disbursements - you won't be taxed as heavily and you'll have a good amount of money to retire on.

If your company doesn't offer a 401k plan, check with your bank or credit union about an IRA (Individual Retirement Account). You won't necessarily get the pre-tax benefits of a 401k, but you will get a start toward saving for retirement. This can also be set up automatically, thus requiring minimal effort.

While money matters can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unmotivated about saving or budgeting. But realize that a couple easy visits to your Human Resources department or bank will set you up for easy, automatic savings. Once you have some cash put away, you'll feel the benefits and freedom of financial security.