Sign in
💰

Budgeting & Saving

How to pay yourself first and automate savings

Save effortlessly by moving money before you see it. Learn the exact automations to hit your goals without willpower.

The sequence

  1. On payday, split your deposit: bills, savings, spending.
  2. Auto‑transfer to savings/investing the same day you get paid.
  3. Keep separate goal‑based sub‑accounts.

What to automate

  • Emergency fund transfer
  • Retirement/investing contribution
  • Sinking funds (travel, car, gifts)
  • Extra debt payment

Example setup (biweekly)

  • $150 → Emergency
  • $100 → Roth/TFSA/RRSP equivalent
  • $50 → Car maintenance
  • $25 → Gifts

Make it invisible

  • Name accounts (e.g., "Paris 2026").
  • Hide savings cards in your banking app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Won't I overdraft?

Schedule savings after your paycheck clears and keep a small checking buffer.

Which goal first?

Starter emergency fund → high‑interest debt → retirement.

How often to review?

Quarterly; increase contributions after raises.