It's hard to save money.  There are so many claims on so few resources.  It can sometimes seem like it's hopeless to even try.  Not true!  Here's an approach that, over time, can work. 

Begin by opening an account that you don't have ready and easy access to. This account can be a savings account at a bank you don't often use, or an IRA or some other type of investment account.  The main thing is that it should be an account that you don't constantly tap into (like with a debit card).  If you want a tax deduction and can leave the money be for a long time, then look into an IRA.  If the tax deduction isn't so important to you, then look into a savings account. 
 
Then, begin to make deposits or contributions to this account each and every month.  The easiest way to do this is to have your bank or employer set it up so the monthly amount is electronically transferred over to the new account.  Don't transfer a huge amount at first.  Transfer just a bit, whatever you can comfortably afford.


Now, here's the trick:  every six months, ratchet up the amount of your monthly transfer by a little bit more, depending on what you can afford.  So, if you started with a monthly transfer of just $20 or $50 or $100, then in six months, ratchet that  monthly amount up to $25 or $75 or $125.  And then let it run for another six months.

After another six months, ratchet the monthly amount up again.  And then again in another six months.  Keep doing this for three years or so.

Before long, you'll find that you are saving quite a bit of money each month.  But you won't have to have a drastic adjustment process.  Over time, you'll be able to save a lot of money each month, but you won't feel the impact upon your lifestyle and expenses in such a dramatic way.

I hope this helps for you!
 

Sometimes dealing with banks or other financial institutions can drive you completely crazy.  They can seem so insensitive, judgmental, inflexible, byzantine, etc.  Here are two things to keep in mind if you have to deal with a bank:  one, they are servants of their bureaucracies; and two, you have choices.  Let's think about each of these.


One, if you are stuck in a process that seems absurd, don't despair - the process IS absurd.  There are so many regulations and policies that banks need to follow as they deal with customers.  These policies are usually the result of some regulation put in place after some horrible misdeed by some wildly dishonest person or in response to some drastic market convulsion.  Every time there's a crisis, politicians bellow in front of cameras about how they will fix things.  Then they go back to their offices and listen to lobbyists bellow about God knows what.  Then they go to battle with their counterparts in congress.  And what comes out is some bizarre patch on the problem that then is layered atop other previous patches.  Then bank regulators periodically audit banks to make sure they are following all of the rules.   Seem like a stupid process?  Well it is.  And this doesn't even begin to include the internal policies that each bank puts on their own employees.  


Two, you have choice.  Now, all banks have to deal with similar policies.  But that of course doesn't mean that all banks are alike.  If you don't like the way you are being treated at some bank, it might be the fault of the individual you are meeting with (maybe they are having an off day... maybe they only have off days).  Or it might be the fault of the specific bank (some banks have corrupt or morally bankrupt corporate cultures).  Whatever the cause, if you don't like 'em, leave 'em.  Go to another bank.  That's what competition is for - use it to your advantage.


So, in conclusion, banks follow processes that are kind of like the animal designed by committee, and many banks or bank employees aren't worth your time.  If your needs aren't being met, walk.
And finally, make them explain their process to you.  You should be able to find someone to work with who can acknowledge that the process stinks and can explain what steps need to be taken and why.

Good luck and peace!