How do you save yours?

Andy McQueen, savings and mortgages director at Nationwide, offers tips on how to get into the savings habit.

Given the tough economic climate it's easy to understand why just under a quarter of UK adults admit they don't save any money. The simple fact is, though, that everyone should be saving regularly, both for the short and longer term. Saving towards a holiday or car can be rewarding as you get to benefit from the fruits of your labour, but it is equally important to save for the unexpected.

Getting into a savings habit needn't be as hard as you think. The trick is to find a method of saving that suits you and your lifestyle and stick to it. That way, it becomes a habit, rather than a chore. To help you get started, why not pick a savings style from the tips below, and make the decision to start saving for the future, today.

Savings style 1 - The pay day depositer

Do you check your current account on pay day to check you've been paid? Why not move £25/£50/£100 into your savings account at the same time and feel good that you've already put some cash aside?

Savings style 2 - The end of the month sweeper

When you get paid, move all of your previous balance into your savings account and start the month afresh i.e. balance of £126, paid £1500, balance shows as £1626 - move the £126 into your savings account.

Savings style 3 - The drip-feeder

Does saving a large amount at once leave you with a feeling at the back of your mind that you can take it back if you're short later in the month? If so, the drip-feed could suit you.

Move £10/£20/£50 into your savings account on the same day every week - you'd put some money into a collection for a friend's birthday or the lottery syndicate at work, so why not do the same for your own savings account?

Savings style 4 - The lazy saver

Are you too lazy or forgetful to remember to save each month? If it's one of the things you always mean to do but never get round to, why not set up a standing order to move money from your current account straight into your savings account? It will be painless each month and rewarding in the future.

Savings style 5 - The penny pincher

Are you feeling the pinch at the moment? Why not work out how much your existing direct debits would be if you rounded them all up to the nearest £10 and save the difference between that amount and your direct debit into your savings account, after all, every penny counts. For example, phone bill £16.99 month - save £3.01 into your savings account; gym membership £36 per month - save £4.00 into your savings account.

Whichever method of saving you choose make sure you do it. A few pounds here and there will soon start to build up and the peace of mind you have from knowing it's there in an emergency will more than outweigh the effort. And don't forget, if you've got an online account it's easy to save regularly - and easy to watch your savings grow.

Nationwide offers a range of savings accounts including children's, over 60's, regular and online savings accounts, making it easy for everyone to save. Pop into one of our branches or visit our website to find out more.