You’re focused on saving more money, but giving up the things you love to build your account balance isn’t much fun. These seven simple steps you can help you cut back on spending and still maintain the lifestyle you enjoy.

1. Examine your budget

Take a look at all your monthly expenses. You may be surprised that you’re paying for things you don’t need or use. Reassess where you want your dollars to go. Remember, you can always adjust your budget as your circumstances change.

2. Pay cash

Heading to the store? Think about leaving the plastic at home. It can be too easy to pull out a debit or credit card and overspend on impulse purchases. Using cash can help you become a more conscious shopper.

3. Wait 24 hours

The next time you’re tempted to splurge on a big-ticket item, hit pause on your wallet. Give yourself a 24-hour waiting period, and spend that time reading reviews, researching alternatives and thinking about whether you really still want – and can afford – the item. The appeal may fade over time; if it doesn’t, go ahead and treat yourself.

4. Read personal finance resources

Improving your financial literacy can boost your confidence for money-related decisions. Read personal finance publications and blogs, and follow industry thought leaders for practical advice and ideas on how to budget, build your savings and plan for your future.

5. Cut down on energy usage

Whether it’s switching to LED lightbulbs, unplugging unused devices or looking for energy-efficient ENERGY STAR-certified products when purchasing appliances, consider ways you can cut down on your energy usage. Save on utility bills while helping protect the planet – it’s a win-win!

6. Be a guest

Resist storing your credit card information when shopping online at your favorite retailers. Check out as a guest. Having to input all your payment and shipping info each time you’re ready to buy adds an extra step to your checkout experience and gives you time to reconsider your purchase.

7. Save more where you save your money

Online-only banks have savings and eChecking products that can help you reach your financial goals, and many accounts have zero or minimal fees so you can keep more of what you earn.

Once you’ve reduced your expenses and started saving more money, consider an account that helps you get more from it, such as a CIT Bank savings account, money market or CD. With no account opening or monthly maintenance fees and interest rates that are higher than the national average, you’ll be able to grow your savings faster.

Let’s explore how we can help you power ahead with accounts aligned with your financial goals.