You feel like you’re doing everything right. You understand how saving works, and you even try to follow the rule of paying yourself first when your salary comes in. That money goes into a savings account. But then a major expense pops up, an exciting trip comes along, or a fun opportunity appears. You dip into your savings, and before you know it, rebuilding it feels hard. Your savings keep shrinking, and it feels like you’re stuck in a loop, making progress only to lose it again. Let’s look closer at what can be done here. And no - it's not about stopping spending altogether. It's about doing it more consciously and not sabotaging your own goals.

One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is open a savings account… at a different bank. Sounds trivial? Maybe, but it works. When you don't see your savings balance every day, when accessing it requires a few extra steps, you stop treating that money as a reserve for every whim.

Don't install that bank's app on your phone, don't log in there "out of curiosity." Keep those funds out of your sight and impulses.

If a regular savings account isn't working, go a step further and invest. You don't have to jump into risky instruments.

The biggest advantage of these investments is that withdrawing money isn't quick. You need to place an early redemption request and wait a few days for the transfer. And that's enough time to wonder: do I really need this money right now?🤔

If you want your money to "disappear from your account" before you even have a chance to spend it, consider investing through a robo-advisor. This solution works great for people who enjoy automation and don't want to think about investing every day.

You set up a standing transfer, even for a small amount. Your funds invest themselves in ETFs tailored to your profile. And importantly, they're out of sight. You're not tempted to look at them, you're not tempted to withdraw them. And when the money is no longer readily available, it's easier to find peace of mind and discipline.

For some, the key is about touching that investment. If that's your thing - physical gold might be the way to go. Bars, coins – something you can hold in your hand. At the same time, selling physical gold isn't easy or immediately profitable. This works to your advantage, so you don't pull out the money impulsively.

Saving money becomes much easier when you have a clear, meaningful goal. It’s not enough to think, “I want more money.” The goal has to truly excite you - something you can feel. A new apartment. The trip of a lifetime. Your child’s education. Financial independence.

Make it real in your mind. Browse apartment listings. Look at specific places. Imagine drinking your morning coffee on your own balcony, or walking through the streets of New York with a coffee from a corner café. When that picture feels real, the choice between saving and buying another dress or watch suddenly matters much more.

Some of us are more motivated by escaping from something than by pursuing something. If you're one of them, use that energy. Think about what's bothering you. A job you hate. Living with your parents. A toxic relationship.

How much faster could you get out of this if you had savings? Maybe this very prospect will stop you reaching for money "for a moment" that was supposed to give you something much bigger?

Sometimes, taking a bite of your savings isn't a matter of willpower, but a habit. There's an incentive, a routine, and a reward. A good day? You buy something for yourself. A bad day? You buy something to cheer yourself up. A break from work? You browse an online store.

Analyze: when do you most often reach for that money? What drives you? And then find a new routine and a new reward. Instead of scrolling through the store, take a walk. Instead of making a purchase, add the money to your investment. This can also be a source of satisfaction.

Let your savings really start working for you.🙌