With most people, the tendency is to spend first, and then try to save whatever is left over. But it is hard to find money left over after paying taxes, utilities, mortgage and loans, car payments, food, clothing, and so on.

You should save before you spend. In other words, think of your savings as yet another bill that has to be paid. It's a question of discipline: by paying yourself first, you are taking charge of your financial future.

Let's face it, the government gets first crack at your paycheque. Taxes and other deductions come right off the top. However, if you are participating in a Payroll Deduction Plan and if you make the decision to save a regular amount from each paycheque for your retirement, it comes off your gross earnings - before taxes. In doing so, you get an immediate tax reduction. So a good part of the money going into your savings fund is money that would otherwise have gone straight to the government in taxes.

The tax advantage is immediate... and even small amounts contributed on each paycheque can really amount to an impressive total over the years. You probably won't even notice the deduction, but you will notice how quickly your savings build up!

	Over time, by making simple changes to your lifestyle, you'll be amazed at how a few dollars saved can really add up. By saving just $10 per month, your investment will grow to about $5,690 after 20 years (assuming an 8% average rate of return). And, if you double this amount to $20 per month, your savings will grow to almost $11,380.