YOU may find it difficult to consistently save money every month. But there may be ways to trick yourself into doing it. Here are some simple ways that could get you well on your way to saving without even realising.

1. Set it and forget it:

In recognition of the fact that persons may neglect to save, banks have put plans in place to help individuals meet their savings goals.

Much like meeting a monthly loan repayment, banks and building societies allow you to make arrangements.

Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) offers the “Set it and forget it” plan, Sagicor Bank offers “Priority Me” and Scotiabank has the Automatic Savings Plan. They allow the transfer of funds, request standing orders or payroll deduction, depending on which of the institutions you have accounts with. For some savings accounts, if you touch it, you pay, literally. Some accounts carry a penality for frequent withdrawls, these are the types you should consider putting your money in.

2. Don’t link the money you want to save to a debit card:

After making a conscious decision to set aside some funds, you don’t want to be tempted to spend on a whim.

3. Increase your savings when you get a raise:

The moment you get a pay increase, authorise your bank to up the amount you put in your savings account.

4. Grab the deals:

Even local deals websites could make you save. For example, there is a local site — blastja.com, which operates off the groupon model — a deal-of-the-day site that gives you certificates from businesses.

Blast gives you 48 hours to claim a deal and as much as 50 per cent discounts, giving you enough time to figure out how much you can save. Once you receive that discount, bank the rest.

5. Keep the change:

This is an effortless way to save. That jar you had growing up, the one you religiously stored coins in is still relevant.

To make it even better, involve everyone in the household in this old-fashioned activity; more hands should mean more money.

The only thing stopping you is the thought of having to count them all out. But doing it throughout the course of the year is a guaranteed way to save thousands of dollars.

6. Keep the debt:

It may have taken you years to repay a car loan or a student loan. Once you have the debt off your shoulder, continue to meet the monthly obligation. Pretend you still have a loan and pay yourself.

7. Set goals:

As a starter to putting money away, you must have an objective to meet. These may include a deposit on a house, a car or a vacation, you will be focused and committed to saving. It may be that you’ll surround yourself with notes and pictures of what you want in the long run.