There's one truth to saving money -- only you can do it. All the advice in the world won't help you. All the promises to yourself won't help if you never get started. If you don't have commitment, it won't succeed. Only you can make it happen. No one can do it for you.

It is really hard for most people to save money. The hardest part seems to be getting started and really sticking with it. Many people who are avid savers and investors will tell you that once you start, the rest is easy. This is true. Once you see those savings add up, you will want to continue.

The key is in having a reason to start and stick with it. You have to have a goal. Personally, my family's goal is an early retirement for my husband. I want him to enjoy his retirement years, not work them away. I don't want us to worry about money like our parents did. I want us to enjoy that time of life together.

Yes, there are other short term goals, but that one really keeps me going. But short term goals are important as well. You have to get something in return for your hard work. I'm not talking in twenty years. I'm talking about relatively soon.

Setting short term goals gives you a sense of accomplishment. You are able to really see your efforts pay off. For example, my husband and I plan to redo our daughter's nursery. New carpet, new walls and new furniture. Some days it seems like I just wish we could do it now. And we could -- on a credit card. But that jeopordizes our long term goals or college and retirement and debt-free living.

So the short term goal keeps my focus strong. I really want that new nursery. So I remember this in my shopping decisions. I know that if I go out and spend $250 on a new microwave (my old one is ugly, but works), that I will have to wait even longer to start on that nursery.

When you are saving, you have to have commitment, but flexibility as well. Things happen. You have to use your short term savings. Try to not touch your retirement if at all possible. But emergencies do crop up. And accidents happen.

Sometimes, we just go crazy and spend too much money. It happens. Don't beat yourself up about it.

Just sit down at the table and start over again. Keep your goals where you can see them on a regular basis. Mine are listed right next to my computer -- a great deterrent from online auctions! Put them in your wallet. Put them in your checkbook. Put them on the refrigerator. Keep them in your mind.

After all, if you didn't have a reason to save, you wouldn't want to.

I do understand how hard it is. We struggle with it just like everyone else. Yes, I understand all the ins and outs of finance, but I slip up just like everyone. I'm human. It's easy to look at those people who just spend away and have all the newest and latest and be a little envious. And then you have to remind yourself of what will happen to them when it catches up with them. The credit cards will soon be maxed and they won't be able to enjoy anything, not even a good night's sleep. Then you can thank yourself for sticking to your goals, because you wouldn't trade spaces with them for all the glittery stuff.

Saving money really is essential. You have to learn to do it. If you don't, how will you retire? How will you buy the things you really want to own someday? Debt isn't the solution, it's part of the problem. With goals and saving, you can live life to the fullest.

You simply have to get started, keep going and roll with the punches. And in the end, you'll see the rewards are far greater than any little sacrifices now.