Allen Arnold earns $$3,000$ per month. He pays his mortgage, utilities, grocery and other bills and then he makes sure to set aside $$150$ for his savings and investment accounts before he spends money to go to movies and other personal expenses. Which suggestion for obtaining the money he needs for investing is he following?

Paying himself first

Taking advantage of employer$-$sponsored retirement programs

Participating in an elective savings program

Making a special effort once or twice a year to save

Taking advantage of gifts, inheritance and other windfalls