We all want to see the balance in our savings account grow. It helps make it feel like all the effort we put forth at our job is worth it. However many of us work very hard only to see our savings account balance remain at a paltry level. How can you build up your savings account?

Debt is one of the most daunting things that prevents us from building up our savings accounts. Quite simply you cannot start to build your savings until you get rid of your debts. Unless you plan to simply declare bankruptcy or ignore your debts, you’re going to have to deal with them sooner or later. The sooner you do the less interest you pay and the more of that money which goes into your savings accounts.

Of course paying off debt and building your savings require the same thing: Bringing in more money than you spend. Many people look at their lives and wonder how they can get ahead when they are spending more than they earn. The answer to this question is simple: You can’t. If you are spending more than you earn, you have to cut expenses or increase income. What’s interesting is that most people overlook some of the most obvious ways to do this.

One often overlooked way to build up your savings account or pay off your debts is to sell things. Every dollar you make from selling something you don’t use can be immediately put towards debts or savings. People often overlook this option because they don’t want to sell things for less than they paid for them. You must clear your mind of thoughts like that. If it’s not doing you any good, it’s worth nothing to you. Sell it and get some cash.

The other often overlooked way is to make some extra money through a side job, or by earning money online. This may sound farfetched, but millions of people find various ways to supplement their income. They might start their own business, get a second job, or even do something as simple as getting paid to take free online surveys for a few extra dollars. Instead of bemoaning your situation, the key is to get out there and do something about it. If you want to build your savings account, you need to become proactive and start searching out solutions.

Of course the most obvious way to build your savings is to save. You pay some kind of tax on almost every dollar you earn, but you don't pay any tax on a dollar you save. If I use a coupon and pay one dollar less for a loaf of bread, I can put that right into my savings account or pay towards my debts. Every dollar saved is actually worth more than a dollar earned when you take taxes into account. Look hard for ways to lessen your expenses, even if you become a little more uncomfortable for a while. Can you live without cable TV? Many people think it's a necessity, but don't miss it once it's gone. Think hard about what you really need and make some hard decisions so you can start having something to show for your hard work.