<prompt> Human: Hi all!I apologize in advance if this post isnt suitable in this sub. Im just really in need of help. So, I may be one of the worst people in the world with regards to money management and fiscal responsibility. Im not kidding. It really doesnt get much worse than me. My 14-year-old sister typically has a higher net worth than I do, and apart from being completely humiliating, its also exhausting. Im 23, finishing up my undergrad, and I feel very strongly that Im coming up on some a major financial turning point in my life, and I dont want to be on the wrong side of that change. Im hoping you guys could shed some light on how you stopped spending and started saving. Ive tried it all - Mint.com, elaborate Excel budgets, simplified Excel budgets, buying with cash only rather than debit to actually SEE the money, trying to spend a little less where I typically splurge e.g. grocery store - I stopped buying pretentious olive oil, probably for the best, and still... Im in a giant, stinking pile of financial shit. And its very clearly because I do not have the right perspective on money. I really dont know what to do anymore. It keeps me up every night, has led to countless arguments with my SO, my parents having to bail me out over and over again.. You get the idea. So now, this is where you guys come in! : For those of you who went from superfluous spending to frugal gurus, how did you change your mindset? What tips and tricks and magic did you employ to turn it all around for yourself? Lastly, Id appreciate some assurance that feeling physically ill when thinking about money is completely normal. Kidding!... Mostly.Thanks!Edited for clarity.  <response>: My approach to budgeting is a bit simpler. I dont have a formal budget. I simply pay myself first. I basically have a pre determined amount 60 that I need to save every month. If I fall short, thats too bad - I do without. I literally dont have immediate access to the money that I pay to myself because it is locked in retirement accounts. I make my budget by creating an artificial scarcity of money. Here is a quote on how it works:To pay yourself first means simply this: Before you pay your bills, before you buy groceries, before you do anything else, set aside a portion of your income to save. Put the money into your 401k, your Roth IRA, or your savings account. The first bill you pay each month should be to yourself. 