"Pay yourself first" means putting aside your savings before paying any of your bills. Most people pay their bills first. Any remaining money may go towards a savings account. However, there always seems to be competition for your dollars i.e. an emergency repair to your car, a wedding your must attend, a dinner with friends you haven't seen since college, etc. so money is never put aside for savings.

How to get this to work?

1. Make it automatic. You will not forget to do it.

2. Place money in a seperate account. You will be less tempted to withdraw the money. Watching the money in this account grow will motivate you to continue adding to it.