In plenty of ways, trying to save money is like trying to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. It’s a great idea on paper, but not everyone has the willpower and fortitude to push through with a healthier lifestyle right off the bat. The same thing goes with saving money, as some people try too hard to save and end up rebounding and overspending.

Trying to stay financially secure is a constant challenge for many, but it does not have to be such a stressful affair. There are ways to help ensure that you build a foundation for the money-saving mindset. All it takes is discipline and commitment to getting the job done.

Don’t spend on anything you can’t easily afford

One of the troubles that come with saving often has to do with luxury items. While some might consider it unnecessary spending, others often spend on their hobbies, and it would be quite stressful to deny yourself something you enjoy. That said, there is no need to get too carried away when spending.

A good balance would be to ensure not to purchase anything that you can’t easily afford three or four of in one go. That way, you always have expendable income if you make the purchase. It also helps develop a mindset for saving, as you are working toward a goal.

Depending on circumstances, a financial adviser is a sound decision

There are plenty of reasons why anyone would want to seek professional financial advice. For example, if you are looking to purchase your first home, there are quite a few things that might take the inexperienced first-time homebuyer by surprise. The same thing goes for those looking to start a new company — which requires an infusion of capital to get off the ground. In such cases, while you will need to spend money to get sound financial advice, it would be a logical choice. There is plenty of insight to gain from professionals such as those from Fingerprint Financial Planning and many others.

Not sure where to start? Start small

Last but certainly not least, one of the reasons why people often find it so challenging to save money is they often go too far with saving and deprive themselves of the things they enjoy. It typically results in a miserable time that eventually turns into a splurge. To help ensure that you don’t deprive yourself, it would be best to start small and slowly but surely save larger and larger amounts. Even the smallest amount saved per day will eventually turn into something substantial within a few months — how much more in a year or two?

Trying to take the stress out of saving can be tough, but it’s not an impossible feat. The best way to save — much like any other big lifestyle choice — is to take things a step at a time. Given enough time and discipline, it’s more than possible to develop a healthy mindset for saving.