Automated savings is one of the simplest behavioral hacks to build reserves without relying on willpower. Many banks and fintech apps offer scheduled transfers, round-ups, or rules-based moves to segregate money automatically into savings buckets. Sinking funds for predictable goals — like a move, a wedding deposit, or annual insurance — work particularly well with automation: you tell the system the goal and timeline, then the transfers happen without daily decisions. This reduces friction and mental load and increases the chance you’ll actually hit the target. When planning, use round numbers and timelines that match pay frequency to make contributions predictable and small enough to be sustainable. This scenario tests the straightforward math you’d use to set up an automated monthly transfer for a short-term goal.