Saving can be easy.

Reaching your goals will be easier with help -- we've got four simple steps to help you jumpstart your savings habits.

1. Plan it! Choose a goal -- everyone needs one as motivation for their savings efforts.

• Make a list of all the things you need. Then prioritize the list to the number 1 thing you need most, second and so on.

2. Pay off credit cards and other debt.

• Consider this: Let's say you put a vacation on your credit card and with an average interest rate of 17.99%, if you paid just the minimum payment on a $2,274 vacation, it would take you 34 years to pay it off and cost you an additional $5,974 in interest!
  
• A savings effort will be more successful when you reduce your high interest debt.

3. With the help of your credit union, select savings plans that are right for you.

• How are you going to save? Where is the money going to come from -- what expenses will be reduced or redirected to savings?
• How often are you going to save? Once a week? Once a month? Set a timeframe for when you need to reach your goal -- this will impact how much you need to save.
  
• How are you going to put money into savings products?
  • "Pay myself first"
• Write myself a check
• Direct deposit
• Payroll deduction

4. Start saving to build your financial independence!

• Saving even $10 a month is a start!