<prompt> Human: Hi all,Ive just recently accepted that Im terrible with money and need some help. I dont find myself strapped for cash or anything but I definitely spend more than I need to and fear Ill never get ahead if I keep going the way I am. So heres the deal, I have a pretty good job and bring home a pretty decent income Around 53k. My rent is pretty reasonable around 950 a month, which my girlfriend contributes 300 dollars to. I generally pay for most of the food in our house hold as well as the entertainment. I likely spend too much on entertainment and probably could save on food. I think my basic problems are I dont know where to start with my budget. I dont know what a reasonable amount of cash for food is a month, or a good amount of cash for entertainment should be. This all comes down to I just spend without little thought about if Im overspending or not, and then at times I dont have as much money as I think I shouldcould have. I guess what Im asking is where do I start? I want to have spare cash so I can indulge myself but also want to be able to make sure Im not overspending and at least tucking a bit away each month so I can afford big ticket items and what not. Anyway the question is reddit, where do I start? What should I do? Help please :?  <response>: Use Mint or your banks website or just track it the old fashioned way, but figure out what you spend on those things for a month or two, then set your budget around that amount. If you feel its too much, reduce it by 5-10 for a month. Continue and repeat if necessary. Figuring out how to get by within that budget will give you new life skills. 