In today’s sputtering economy, saving money up for a rainy day is becoming an increasingly important financial decision for many people to consider. Unfortunately, our society has largely in part forgotten how to save their money. We live in a world where gratification can be constantly attained so long as you are willing to spend your hard earned cash. In an environment where we are bombarded by people and businesses trying to talk us into spending our money, setting it aside can be a difficult task.

So difficult, in fact, that there exist a whole assortment of so called “strategies” for saving your money. However, saving money all comes down to one single frame of mind—separating needs from wants. If you are serious about saving money (as you should be) then you are going to have to learn to adopt a frugal approach to some of life’s pleasures.

No more stops to a fast food joint to purchase low quality food at an outlandish price.

No more purchasing items out of impulse, or purchasing them just because you have nothing better to do.

No more giving into the pressures of society (or your children, or your spouse, or wherever the pressure is coming from) to spend your money on items you don’t need.

Instead, consider it joy for every dollar that you manage to put away. Whether you open a savings account or start filling a jar full of cash and hiding it away, think of every dollar you manage to save as a miniature accomplishment. In other words, take your pleasure out of saving money rather than spending it. If you can manage to fully adopt this mindset, then saving money will not be so difficult anymore.

In fact, saving money can become every bit as addicting as spending it is. If you’ve ever heard stories of millionaires who refuse to spend a dime then you realize this is true. While there is obviously a fine balance that you will want to find between being lavish and being overly frugal, it won’t hurt you to refuse to spend your money unless absolutely necessary, especially when you are just starting to save.

If you are able to simply make this one, single switch in the way you look at your income, saving money can become second nature to you. And honestly, which would you rather have?—five thousand fast food burgers or a brand new car? If you answered the latter, then it is time to get out and start saving today!