<prompt> Human: Im 34 years old and it seems that I dont have the ability or willpower to save money. My 401k has a paltry 400 dollars in it. My savings account is non-existant. And I have one kid. I also have a girlfriend, thats in school, yet she manages to bring in an extra 25k into the household---yet she may need to quit her job soon.As Im staring down the barrel of 35 my actions are really starting to weigh on me. Im seriously depressed at my inability to save money.Fortunately I have a job in which my salary will increase by at least 8 or more each year so I PLAN to be at around 100k at age 38-40. But If im unable to save anything, even with a good salary then it feels like its all for nothing.I want to sock away at least 500 a month into my 401k but I cant do that and build up an emergency fund at the same time.And what about getting a house? Im 34. If I were to get a 30 year mortgage it wouldnt be paid off until Im 64. And how in the HELL do you save up for retirement and the down payment on a decent home in a decent neighborhood?Is there any hope for my situation? Is it possible to start seriously saving for retirement around 34-35 and save for a downpayment on a 200k-300k home? Or am I looking at this all wrong? I seriously dont want to screw up anymore...x200B;Edit - My BudgetMonthly Take Home Pay 150 a month going towards 401k, with company matching 25 --- 3800Dry cleaners 40Barber 40TV 40Internet 60Car Insurance 150Student loan 179Utilities 100Credit Card payment 250Rent 1200Fun--have to distress or Ill go nuts 200Car note 300Savings in Ally savings account 400Tax payment to IRS 120Groceries ---girlfriend takes care of this 50Discretionary Income---665x200B;  <response>: What are you spending so much money on? Show a budget and lets see what we can cut300k home with 100kyr is very doable. You can usually pay off mortgages earlier as well. It doesnt take 30 years at 100k to pay off a 300k house. 