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Are your monthly bills preventing you from saving money? Are you stressed about not having enough money for retirement? Enough is enough. It’s time for you to stop waiting to win the lottery, get a better job, or pay off a credit card before you invest in your future. You must deal with the unpleasant truth that your savings account is vexed by your lack of discipline.

The recommendation to “pay yourself first” may seem like a cliché but it’s the gospel in terms of advice. Funding your savings account is just as important as paying your mortgage, car payment and student loans. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to deposit 5 to 10 percent of every paycheck into your savings? It’s doable, but you must change your habits.

According to a survey conducted by HSBC Bank, people from all income levels are victims of the savings struggle. “Savings requires more discipline than we may realize, regardless of household income,” shares Kevin Martin, a senior vice president for HSBC Bank in the U.S. “The data revealed recurring bills get in the way of saving for the majority of households at both ends of the income spectrum.” The need to pay everyday bills was the recurring theme among those surveyed as to why they couldn’t save. Further, 34 percent of them earned more than $250,000.

Paying off credit cards is imperative, because it’s insane to pay interest on things that don’t appreciate in value. So guess what? That 50” flat-screen television and those Christian Louboutin pumps will have to wait until you have the cash to pay for them. The only card you’re allowed to use is the traditional American Express — the one that must be paid in full each month. Place those other credit cards in the freezer to cool off if they’re burning a hole in your pocket.

Lastly, when you’re making a purchase, determine immediately if what you’re buying is indispensable. You’ve worked hard for your paycheck, so it’s wise to invest it in places where there’s some form of return. The truth is money is a commodity that was designed to circulate; so make sure yours acts more like a boomerang than a Frisbee. - yvette caslin

Here are 10 quick tips to get you on the fast track to saving:
1. Live by a budget; it’s your road map.
2. Avoid consumerism by distinguishing your needs from your wants.
3. Don’t make purchases impulsively.
4. Wash your own car.
5. Cook at home three times a week and take your lunch to work every day.
6. Max out your IRA every year so you don’t give the IRS more than they’re supposed to have.
7. When you use your credit card, think of the true cost: interest.
8. Don’t go grocery shopping without a list.
9. Join an investment club.
10. Never give up; your patience will be rewarded with financial security.

Trying to get your financial house in order? Log onto rollingout.com/finance

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