Research suggests that some have saver personalities; others tend to be spendthrifts.
If the latter, how do you learn self-control and good habits? Calculating what you need for retirement and doing a budget can help.
"A key trait in successful savers is the willingness to create a plan," says NEFE president Ted Beck. (Try the tools at Mint.com for budgeting help.) And do a workaround by signing up for payroll deductions into a retirement plan and automatic shifts every month from a bank account to a mutual fund.
