I’m reminded of this often. Every time I visit my parents, they ask the same question: “When are you buying a new car?” My car might be aging – 1999 Honda Civic, 178,000 miles – but it runs well and has been paid off for nearly seven years. Buying a new car to replace my well-running older car is not in my immediate financial plan. I tell this to my parents and I’m pretty sure they think I’m being cheap. I’ve explained to them that my wife and I are saving money to buy a house. Even so, the inevitable car question comes up when we see them. It’s getting old, but I just shrug it off now.

I was reminded again today when I found out that my sister-in-law and her husband are buying a house. They’re picking up a two-story house with three bedrooms and a bath and a half. They’re already planning to repaint walls, build a deck and construct a new entryway to the dining room. They’re plunking down 3%, which is required for the mortgage they’re signing. They’re 25 years old.

I think my wife got a little bummed when she heard the news. I know that she too wishes we were buying a house. But the thing is, when it’s time for us to buy a house, we’re going to be in great shape. In fact, we’re hoping to put at least 20% down on a home, and at the rate we’re saving, it could be more. That decreases the likelihood of struggling each month to pay the mortgage. That makes me happy.

So here are some tips I came up with to stay focused on saving, even when the people around you are spending:

1. Don’t let emotions get in your way – don’t try to keep up with your neighbors’ spending habits. We’re all guilty of impulse purchases. These impulses can eat away at a long-term savings goal. Take some time to think about purchases before making them.

2. Make saving a habit – have a portion of your paycheck deposited automatically into a savings account each pay period. This money will add up quickly, and you won’t miss it. Always remember to pay yourself first.

3. Treat yourself once in a while – sitting home all the time in an attempt to save money will drive you crazy. Be sure to go out and do things you enjoy. They don’t have to be expensive things. Check local publications – they’re usually filled with fun and inexpensive things to do.