<prompt> Human: Pertinent info: 30, M, un-married, full-time employment, 15hr, U.S., only real expenses are rent, cell, and car insurance on paid off car. I have almost no remaining student loan debt, and have no degree to show for the money spent. Mid-500 credit. Up to this point Ive just been trying the wing-it approach. I was never really taught how to budget properly, I have an idea of my basic expenses but I still end up spending more than I should and keep living pay-check to pay-check with nothing saved up. If an emergency comes up mid pay period, Im screwed. I need to sit down with someone and go over everything and formulate a plan, a very specific step-by-step plan, the more detailed the better. Where do I start when looking for someone of such a position? What should I expect from counseling? And what kind of fees should I plan for? Reading about budgeting and finances and saving just doesnt work for me. Update: Thanks for the advice everyone. Ive started using the YNAB app. I didnt realize how simple it could be. Budgeting has kinda been an anxiety trigger until now.  <response>: Why not start here for free? You dont have much money to begin with; the first step in not spending more than you should is not paying for something if you dont have to. 