People shop at Macy's department store on 'Black Friday' on November 23, 2017 in New York City.

Choose the right account

Instead of relying solely on a standard checking account, consider opening one that earns real interest. If you have an interest-earning account already, be sure you're prioritizing it. You can arrange for small amounts of money to transfer directly into the account on a regular basis. You can even set those amounts to increase gradually and automatically over time. And if you want to reduce the temptation to withdraw from your savings, consider setting up some barriers. Some accounts, for instance, charge small penalty fees if you withdraw too much money or withdraw money too quickly.

Set realistic goals

Setting aside money could be more achievable if you're saving for a specific goal, as long as it's an achievable goal based on your income and expenses. If you're building an emergency fund, aim for one that could float you for eight or even 12 months if necessary, says financial expert and former CNBC host Suze Orman. If you're saving for a big-ticket item like a car or a house, do the math and then try to save a certain portion of what it will cost each month. Having the motivation of something to work toward will help.

And don't be discouraged if you don't achieve your goal overnight. "I am not suggesting you can snap your fingers and have it solved in a day, or week or month," Orman writes in a blog post. Start small by re-evaluating how you spend, like "stopping yourself before every purchase and asking, 'Is this a need or a want?'" Or by "finding an extra $10 or $50 a week to put toward your goal." If you do that consistently, she writes, "it will put you on a path toward financial security."

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