I was told that learning how to save for the future is a mature and wise thing to do. 

I find this difficult to do.  I am a woman, and a woman always thinks that she needs everything, even if she only wants it. Thus, saving up means that one should have much self control and a great deal of skill to be able save successfully. 

So, how could one save up?  I think that before everything, he should be able to know how much income he makes on a monthly basis. Then from his monthly income, he should learn to budget making it a point to spend within his income.  It is also important to identify the needs from the wants.  This identifying the "need" from the "want" is often the culprit on why we can not save as much as we should have.  It is a given fact usually it is the "wants" who take up much slice in our budget.  Think and deliberate before buying something on whether you really need it, or you just want it.  From there, you will be able to save some amount for your future. 

I was always told to spend within my means. I think that is such a sane advice.