<prompt> Human: Im going to try and keep this short for the sake of whoever decides to read this. As you can see from the title, I am jumping into making serious money - 70,000-80,000 salary - within the next couple weeks. I have practically NO experience in saving well and dont have too much credit to my name. I opened up a credit union credit card one you put money into yourself and pay it off and havent been paying attention to paying that off in time which I fear has ruined my credit. I have to move out of my family home for personal reasons by the end of this year. Not to mention I desperately need a newer car as mine is breaking down or dying every other month. I already pay for my phone bill 100month with a phone that isnt paid off and will be taking over my car insurance as I get settled into my new career. My job is offering medical and dental deducted out of pay for a great price but with the profession Im going into, life insurance would be a smart choice. When I tack all of these things off in my head it just sends me into a spiral of anxiety and fear that Ive already set myself up for failure. I come from a single mom who is smart with money, but wants to control everything I do with it partly where my bad spending habits come from. I have no idea about investing, saving, monthly budgeting or anything of the sort. I need some solid advice outside of my Mom. Note: Sorry if this is all over the place, this is the first time Im putting it all in writing and asking for help.  <response>: Congratulations! The money you save and invest now will have the biggest impact on how much you have when youre ready to retire, so make it count.Like others have said, this will be easier if you continue living like you earn 400 a month. Maybe even treat yourself by living like you earn 1000 a month, but dont spend anywhere near 4500month.I was in a similar situation as you when I graduated in 2004 and mostly did the right things, maxing out 401k and ira contributions, but I also did some things I regret. I bought a 15,000 car, a 1200 bed, 1200 recliner, and 2200 DLP TV remember those? A couple years later I moved overseas and had to sell all of those at a big loss. 