Like the tides of a roaring ocean that ebbs and flows, so does your financial security.

Whether you are riding high or just making it by the skin of your pants, it’s not unusual to worry and wonder about your own financial security. Financial stability, apart from being able to pay unexpected bills and fund your own retirement, gives you the confidence and strength to carry on with everyday life.

By saving money and increasing your income, you can move toward banking your nest egg or reaching your long-term goal, maybe your first $100,000.

And once you do reach those goals, the way to even more financial security becomes easier.

Here are some tips as suggested by Investopedia.com.

Keep Positive

For many, saving their first $100,000 is a goal that isn’t short-term or easy. To do so means you need to start training your mind, and understand how to achieve this goal and plan accordingly.

If you are someone who never follows a budget or watches expenses, you might want to start. Begin thinking about achieving the goal of saving; in other words, bear in mind small things can add up.

For instance, cutting back on daily visits to the coffee shop or taking public transportation to work instead of driving a few days a week can make a world of difference, the website suggests.

Launch Short-Term Saving Goals

If you imagine yourself in a fabulous home post-retirement, good for you, but dreaming may not get you going today. To stay motivated, break your long-term saving goals into short-term goals. These can be weekly goals. Set aside a little bit here and there when possible if it doesn’t interrupt or really affect your day-to-day life.

Hence, saving on the daily coffee habit and making your own cup of Joe at home, or carpooling with colleagues. Starting the process early and saving small amounts steadily helps in the overall scheme of things and toward your long-term goals.

You can have daily saving goals, too, as this will help keep you pushing forward toward the longer-term goal. For instance, savings accounts, certificates of deposits, money market deposit accounts and Treasury bills are good short-term money-saving instruments. A savings account is particularly useful as an emergency fund keeper, the website suggests.

Save on Dreaded Taxes

If you are employed and your employer offers a 401(k) tax-deferred savings plan, opt in. The amount you contribute to the plan and the earnings on it are tax-free until you withdraw the money for retirement. The percentage you contribute also reduces your taxable income by the same percentage. If your employer does not offer a 401(k) plan, then consider opening an individual retirement account (IRA). Earnings in an IRA account are also tax-deferred. To enroll in either, fill out a simple form and contribute. This is a structured way to save, where the interest is compounded, with a tax savings, the website suggests.

Reduce the Interest Burden

Prioritizing debt and reducing it is a critical step to saving. Check out your loans and see how long it will take you to pay them off. If you have savings or fixed deposits, you can liquidate some to reduce your debt burden. If you get a bonus or a dividend, why not prepay a part of your mortgage to reduce the interest burden? As for credit card debt, talk to the credit card company and negotiate a lower interest rate if possible. Some companies may offer to take on other credit card company loans at a lower interest in the pursuit of reaping new customers. If you need to take out a loan, shop around and choose to borrow money with the lowest interest rates, the website suggests.

Taking Advantage of Employee Benefits

See if your employer can be your partner in your savings goal. Some employers offer a company match – meaning it contributes – to the 401(k) plans offered. Contribute to this fund as much as possible. Check out other benefits your employer may provide, such as special discounts at stores, or health club memberships, or even health savings accounts. Also, see if your employer helps with any going “back-to-school” programs, and take advantage of the opportunity, the website suggests.

Seek Out Additional Income

Generating revenue outside of your daily job may also help you reach your long-term goals/or dream a lot faster. Do you have a hobby or service you can teach for money to others? Don’t let any of your skills or talents go to waste.

Watch Spending

There are always ways to keep your own costs down such as eating out less, walking short distances rather than taking the car; buying groceries in bulk versus visiting the grocery store to often; giving up smoking and other expensive habits; taking lunch to work; recycling and reusing items as much as possible; using alternative energy to light and heat your home; and giving away or selling whatever old clothing, or household items you don’t use, the website suggests.

In the end, there are many ways of saving if you just look around. Before you know it, the extra money you are pocketing will add up and you will make your long-range goal (s) or dream.