<prompt> Human: Like I said, im 28 years old, Ive been working since i was 16, but ive been so terrible with my money, that I only have 250 dollars, which is whats left of my most recent paycheck.I make about 350 dollars a week, but I have no idea how to fight the urge to spend my money. I am really good at sticking to a structured system if theres one in place but I have never been able to figure one out for my finances and Ive always felt overwhelmed by any kind of banking. Because of this, i end up spending my money on unimportant things like clothes i dont need, alcohol, weed, or food thats ridiculously expensive, when I know how to cook fine dining.I want to be able to help pay for things for my girlfriend, but I want to be able to sustain my wealth in a more long term so that it doesnt eventually just dry up. Im one paycheck away from being homeless, with the advantage that I still live at home for now.The dilemma for me is that I need a lot of money right now, in order to get my drivers license, and any hope to move out of my parents house. After all the paperwork necessary, to get my license back and to get back on the road i need about 1200 dollars. Then I need money for a car, so to be reasonable i would assume around 3000 dollars. To move out of my parents house I think i would need about 3000 to start again. I also am looking to get a criminal pardon, which will cost me roughly 1000. How do i save 8200 when I have no idea how to do it? Im sure the answer is simple but I havent been able to figure it out and its starting to count more and more. Any and all help on this would be very much appreciated. thanks for reading.  <response>: I think short term you need to stay living with parents to get your saving and spending behaviors started without the added pressure of coming up with rent and utilities. I know the current situation hasnt prompted you to seriously work on this but I am being realistic here given your absence of savings.Track your spending in a little notebook or using an app for two weeks. Every thing. Dont try to curb spending in particular: just start to gather data so you can see the scope of the situation. It probably seems mysterious how you can always find yourself on the edge of spending as much as you make. Youll be embarassed by how much food and drinks and other transitory amusements are costing, but this is just a reality check for your eyes. It will make it easier to make incremental realistic adjustments in your spending, which could be more encouraging and sustainable than trying to go cold turkey.Budgeting using ynab.com or mint.com or simply a spreadsheet or envelopes system is next step. Be realistic and flexible, but if youre serious, this will involve some prioritizing savings and definitely some cutting down on discretionary expenses. Hopefully in positive ways, like less on smokes and prepared food and more on healthy food, inexpensive entertainment.I think youll probably have to face the fact that cash flow in of 350week is going to make it hard to live on your own. It doesnt give you much leeway to save for moving, license, and pardon costs. So finding better pay, additional hours, or more jobs is something to consider. Being at home has perhaps sheltered you from this.I dont know how long it will take. But you will want to get hefty emergency stash 3 months living expenses before even thinking about moving out. Seriously consider controlling or stopping your alcohol use if this has resulted in danger to you or others; side benefit is money put to better uses. You said this would be easy. Not sure thats true, esp if your license was suspended for dui, but its worth trying.Include your gf in your new plans. Show her what you are doing and why. Maybe she will be a source of encouragement and ideas.I recommend moving into shared housing situation with non using roommates. Craigslist in your area can let you see who needs empty bedrooms filled. Having one or two jobs and having 3 months extra stash will be important when you interview for housemate situation. Avoid sketchy housemates; find instead ones who are on the track you want to be on. They might be a little younger than you but still a good match based on where you are. Focus on locations close to work and your other needs. Good location will make it easier to find housemates when you need to. I dont know where you live but seriously consider bicycling or public transportation friendly location, to avoid needing a car at all. That sounds extreme but everything you can do now to reduce costs is prudent, at least for next three or four years. 