What's the smartest way to automate my savings so I never forget?

Automation removes willpower from the equation, which is why it works. Set up an automatic transfer from checking to your savings or high-yield account for the day after payday, so the money leaves before you can spend it. Split direct deposit if your employer allows it, routing a fixed percentage straight into savings and the rest into checking. Automate retirement through your 401(k) and set an automatic monthly contribution to your IRA or brokerage. Schedule sinking-fund transfers for known future costs too. Review the amounts twice a year and bump them whenever you get a raise. The key principle, pay yourself first, means savings is a scheduled bill, not whatever happens to be left over at month's end.