For a good deal of my life, I lived under a dark cloud of fear that I would end up financially destitute — a bag lady. Studies reveal that I’m not the only one. Most of us have felt that way, not because we’re broke but because we lack confidence. That makes us timid, worried and financially insecure.

Look, we don’t have to accept financial insecurity as some kind of life sentence. And that constant and gnawing fear of becoming destitute? Forget it! We can do something about this.

BECOME A SAVER

Saving money is like magic because it changes your attitude and calms your fears. I saved my way out of a six-figure pile of debt. Knowing I had cash tucked away in a safe place quieted my insatiable desire to spend. That is where I found my determination to stick with repaying the debt.

You must start now — today — no matter your situation. Even if you are in debt and struggling to catch up and even if you are already contributing to a 401(k) plan at work. This is different. You need money in the bank to boost your financial confidence.

Start with $1, and stuff it in a coffee mug if that is all you can manage. Then make it $5. Soon, you will be saving $10, $20, even $50 a week, plus all the change from the sofa cushions and washing machine.

MAKE IT AUTOMATIC

Setting up a plan where you have money automatically transferred to your savings will move your financial confidence to a new level. Create an online savings account, or fill out an automatic deposit authorization form at the bank or credit union where you have your household account. Here’s the principle: If you don’t see it, you don’t miss it.

SET A FINANCIAL GOAL

Decide on one specific financial goal you want to accomplish.

For any plan to succeed, it needs to be specific, reasonable and measurable. Example: Let’s say you want to save $2,400 — about $50 a week. That may be reasonable, provided you are motivated to stretch and make adjustments in other areas. Measure your progress by checking your account balance regularly.

GET ANGRY

Debt is the pits. It eliminates your options and keeps you awake at night. It can make you lie to your creditors or even lie to your spouse. I know. I’ve been terribly in debt.

So, what are you going to do about it? Whine? Complain? Continue feeling sorry for yourself? I have a better idea. Get mad!

Decide once and for all that you will not sell your soul to a credit card — not one more day, not one more purchase. Get righteously indignant at the very idea of transferring your future wealth to a piece of plastic! Decide right now that you will do whatever it takes to get out of debt.

Determine to adopt these four behaviors into your life right not. One step at a time, you will make progress and gain confidence. Single steps made consistently become miles!

Would you like more information? Go to EverydayCheapskate.com for links and resources for recommended products and services in this column. Mary invites questions, comments and tips at EverydayCheapskate.com, “Ask Mary.” This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a lifestyle blog, and the author of the book “Debt-Proof Living.”