Link your checking account (assuming you have direct deposit for your W-2 income) to a mutual fund company's investment account in your name. Take $50 or whatever you can reasonably afford on a monthly basis and throw it into a mutual fund that has historically outperformed the market. I look to funds that have been around for at least 20-30 years so I know that the management team is routinely outperformed the market.

As a financial advisor in 16 states, I have found that American Funds is my go to for clients with less than $100,000. If you are under 40, go for Growth Fund of America or AMCAP Fund (ALWAYS class A--it's the cheapest in the long term).

Whenever you get to a sizable amount in one fund, switch the auto-deposits into a different fund so that you diversify amongst the broader market.

If you are over 40, look for more conservative investments in equities or in the very least, a target date fund with your expected retirement year.

The bottom line: get in the market as soon as you can with as much as physically possible. The primary reason why wealth inequality is so great in this country is because so many choose not to invest or buy/sell based on emotions (buying high/selling low). The market, since inception, has averaged over 10%/year.

Just play the math and utilize the amazing powers that technology has allowed us when it comes to investing our money.

Have a smoke or candy jar.

Every time you want to have a smoke or candy put the price of the item in the jar.

Have a curse jar. If you use a curse word, you have to fine yourself for say the bad word.Put the"fine" money in a jar.

Auto deposits into a 401k.

There is only one. Buy only what you really need

and save the rest.

What Scott said :)