It’s fun to spend, but the satisfaction that comes from seeing your savings grow can be just as rewarding. Unless you’ve been given a trust fund, saving is a necessity for the big milestones in life, like education, a home, a car, or retirement. But in a world full of tempting, shiny distractions, building a savings mindset can be tough.

The key to shifting your focus from spending to saving is to create a series of small, repeatable successes that build momentum. With each win, saving becomes less of a chore and more of an automatic habit. Here are some actionable ideas to help you get started:

1. Automate Your Savings

This is arguably the most effective step you can take. By setting up an automatic deduction from each paycheck, you’re building your savings or retirement account without ever having to think about it. It’s a “set it and forget it” approach that removes the temptation to spend money before it even hits your checking account.

2. Shop with a Plan

Impulse buys can wreak havoc on your budget. When you’re heading to the grocery store or a big-box retailer, create a detailed shopping list and stick to it. This simple habit keeps your focus on what you need, helping you avoid unnecessary purchases that can quickly add up.

3. Conduct an Expense Audit

The rise of subscription services has made it easy to spend money without noticing. Studies show that the average American household spends around $90 per month on subscriptions, with a significant amount of that going to services they don’t even use. Make it a habit to regularly review your bank and credit card statements. Are you still paying for that boutique yoga studio membership or a streaming service you no longer watch? If not, cancel it and redirect that money to your savings.

4. Refinance Your Debt

The financial landscape is always changing, and it’s wise to stay on top of it. While interest rates are not at their record lows from a few years ago, recent dips and ongoing market conditions may still present an opportunity to lower your borrowing costs. Look into refinancing your mortgage, student loans, or car loans. Lowering your interest rate can free up hundreds of dollars per month, which you can then apply toward your savings goals.

Some of these steps may seem small, but the money you save by dropping your unused subscriptions, avoiding impulsive purchases, or lowering a debt payment is not insignificant. These small successes, repeated consistently, are the foundation for building a robust financial future.