How do you save?

For years, I've been working for myself but I have never really had any savings. I'm not sure how to effectively do it. Everytime I attempt to save money, I end up using it one way or another. I usually just put my money in my savings account and leave it there to "save but I end up withdrawing most, if not all, of it. This was okay when I didn't have plans to start a family but now everything has changed. I have a girlfriend and though it's only been six months since I met her at a marriage tour, I realized I need to get my life together and I should start by saving for my future. Do you guys have any suggestions on how to save effectively? Should I start segregating my salary?