When planning for your future you should also plan how you will finance it. Understanding how budgeting, saving, and managing debt can help you reach your goals is important. But the key may be adapting habits so you can save as much as possible. Here are five habits of successful savers.

1. Start a budget
Having a complete understanding of your total income and expenses so you can create a budget is essential. Include categories for saving and donations. It’s a good habit to add sub-categories for future purchases, trips, or a down payment for a car or home. And make it a habit to donate to those organizations whose missions you are passionate about.

2. Minimize debt
Successful savers make it a habit to pay off their credit card balances each month. If you have more credit card debt built up, apply a method to pay it off, such as the avalanche method (pay off high-interest balances first) or the snowball method (focus on paying your smallest balance first).

3. Save for retirement
As soon as you can, begin saving for retirement. Studies show that the sooner you start saving, the more funds you will have once you reach retirement age. At the very least save enough to receive the maximum employer match in its retirement plan. Another habit is to apply any annual raise you receive toward your retirement savings.

4. Establish an emergency fund
If a $400 expense would throw off your budget significantly, consider starting an emergency fund. You can use this fund to cover unplanned expenses, such as car repairs or medical costs. The habit of using these funds instead of a credit card will keep you from adding to your debt.

5. Learn more about personal finance
Continue educating yourself about personal finance topics such as investing, taxes, and estate planning. This will allow you to make better informed financial decisions.