Paying yourself first means putting money into savings or investments as soon as you are paid, before spending on non-essentials. Set up an automatic transfer on payday to a separate savings account, choosing an amount you can maintain after covering priority bills, debt repayments and everyday needs. You could start with a small fixed sum or a percentage of your income, then increase it when your circumstances allow. Keeping some accessible savings for unexpected costs can help you avoid relying on expensive credit.