Saving money can be a challenge in today’s world, where advertisements and the temptation to spend are everywhere. However, there are ways to automate your savings and boost your success. Here are nine simple steps to help you save more money:

1. Earmark income for investment

The first step towards automated savings is to identify a portion of your income that you are willing to save or invest. It can be anything from babysitting money, coins received, or a portion of your paycheck. Whatever it is, it’s important to designate these funds for savings and investment. Choose an account that you can funnel these earnings into and deposit the money immediately. No amount is too small as your savings will grow quickly through the benefits of compound interest.

2. Save your tax refund

Your tax refund can be the perfect lump sum to get started in the savings game. Pledge to save your refund every year if possible. If your savings account already contains 6-12 months of emergency expenses, consider putting your tax refund directly into your IRA.

3. Regularly deposit into savings

Automated deposits are easy and effective because they take money directly from your paycheck and add it to your savings account. You should aim to save enough to cover at least six months of living expenses or unforeseeable emergencies. Preferably, you should have a year’s worth of savings. If your savings account has enough funds already, reroute your automated deposit to investment accounts such as mutual funds, IRAs, or Health Savings Accounts. Alternatively, continue to build savings towards a large investment purchase, such as a house or land.

4. Split your direct deposit

If your employer offers direct deposit, ask if they accept multiple deposit accounts. If they do, split your direct deposit into your savings and checking accounts. If not, set up a recurrent transfer on your payday. Since a savings account has a higher psychological resistance to spending, this can help you save more money.

5. Favor interest-bearing accounts

Once you start saving, make sure those accounts work for you. Research online, or call up a bank representative to learn which accounts bear the most interest at your institution. Often, something as simple as keeping less money in your checking (which typically has a low-interest rate) and more in your savings can result in more significant gains over the year.

6. Use a cash-back credit card

When you spend money, do so with a credit card that earns cash back. However, remember to treat it like cash and only buy what you can afford at that moment. Additionally, make sure you pay off the credit card balance regularly.

7. Household accounts

Some banks offer incentives for “householding,” which means consolidating your checking, savings, investment, insurance, and other relevant accounts at the same bank. For example, some banks offer cash incentives or higher interest rates to those who meet a certain threshold of net investment with the bank. This is free money, so it’s worth reaching out to your bank to find out if they offer such a program, or alternatively, shop around for a bank that does.

8. Know your bank’s rules

Some banks charge a fee after a certain number of transactions between checking, savings, and/or investment accounts per month. They may also cap the amount of money that can be transferred in a single transaction or 24-hour period. Be sure to review your financial institution’s rules, and plan accordingly.

9. Automate bills

Automating bill payments is essential, as it eliminates delays or the possibility of being charged late fees. It’s also more convenient and can save you money. Once you have a cash-rewards credit card, paying bills from your card can increase your benefits even more.

Whether you are just beginning to save, or a seasoned saver, you can use these nine steps to automate your savings and boost your success. Remember that saving money is not only about cutting costs, but also about investing and making the most of your money.