While the concept to pay yourself first seems straightforward, putting it into practice may not be that easy – at first. The premise is simply this, each time you are paid, pay yourself first. In other words before you pay anyone else or buy anything else, you put a portion of what you’ve earned into a savings account.
To get into the habit you can make the percentage small. Even 1% saved is better than 0% saved. 
Once you gain traction you will find it easier to stick to the ‘pay yourself first’ principle.
Before you know it, you will be able to put away 10% or even more. There is an old adage that says “Give away 10%, save 20% and live on the 70%”. Having a goal for your savings will certainly help to keep you focused to pay yourself first.
Whether you are building a nest egg for a rainy day or stashing away enough money so that you can fund yourself while you create your new business the habit of paying yourself first can help you to build financial independence.
It is all too easy when your salary is deposited into your bank account and then rent, credit card payments and other expenses seem to just suck the money right out of your account.
Most employers have an option where you are able to allocate a portion of salary or wages into a separate bank account. In this way you are not even having the money in your everyday “working” account.
Check with your HR department or payroll people if this applies in your company.
Check with you bank or financial institution as many offer low, or no, cost savings accounts where you can start your savings strategy.
By establishing this as a habit you are:
• Joining other wealthy people; all wealthy people pay themselves first
• Acknowledging that you are your own first priority; remember the instructions in an airline emergency? “fit your own oxygen mask first and then assist others”
• Creating financial independence for yourself
• Putting savings before spendings
• Getting ready to move to the next stage – becoming an investor
