Sometimes, it will be hard to stay within your budget and save money. Sometimes, it may seem impossible when the bills are many and the dollars are few. The downside of savings: It can be as tough as boot camp.

The upside of savings is that you make yourself the most important item in your budget and then you will feel:

• more independent, because you know you can meet your own needs.
• safer, because you have the financial resources to survive tough times.
• a sense of achievement (and yes, happiness) as you make major purchases with cash.
• smarter, having avoided the trap of being too far in debt or even going bankrupt.
• increased self-respect, after having controlled your money (and yourself).