<prompt> Human: I dont know what most people would consider serious debt but I dont feel like I am there yet which concerns me. 80,000 dollars between two cars, student loans which account for most of it and about 5 grand in credit cards most of which I could pay off with about 5 grand in various savings accounts. My issue is I cant stop randomly spending money. I dont constantly spend but I randomly spend then struggle for a month or so to pay it off and promise myself I wont do it again and then I am back in the same situation. Case in point tax returns came around I paid off all my credit cards and then a month later justified buying a new laptop for school because you know I need it just like I needed to get one for my wife three months prior and I needed a new iPhone and those Adidas hightops because you know if I didnt have them my wallet might implode in my back pocket.End of the day I want to change but when I am in a store or just wondering around online I literally search for stuff I need and I fear it will get out of control. I want to buy a house and retire early while still living and having a good time but I know I have to change beyond the whole this is the last time I do that speech but how do I concretely change. How do I flip that switch because I cant be the only one and I feel like its a serious issue that I am willing to get under control but its probably what I would label as my only addiction as I dont drink often, smoke ever, or even go out that much...I have a budget written out and might post it if pressed but I kinda feel uncomfortable about posting it online no idea why. Take home is 2000 a month after TSP contributions.  <response>: First step is being honest about it. Second step is to learn discipline. Think of discipline as a muscle you need to work out. The more you exercise it, the better you get at it. When you revert back to your old ways, you take a couple steps backwards. Kinda like skipping the gym and eating cheetos all weekend. Expect this to happen. You WILL fail at it at the beginning. The important thing is to recognize it and get back to the discipline gym. Slowly, that muscle gets stronger and your desire to spend gets weaker.How do I know this? I was the worst spender in my 20s. Didnt know how to budget. Knew how to put a ton on my credit cards. Im in my mid-30s now, no debt and have a net worth of 150K. If I didnt change my ways, Id still be paying off debt. 