<prompt> Human: If possible Id like to figure out exactly what I can spend per day and stay in budget, any and all help will be greatly appreciated!  <response>: Well, first make a list of all your expenses, such as rent, utililties, food, gasoline, any insurance. Then, list about 200 extra dollars, for incidentals. Add it up. Subtract from your total net income. If you have enough left, put a certain amount into savings. Pay things early or on time to avoid late charges, cause those can add up quickly. Go online and google ways to save on things like utilities and food. Shop around for better deals on insurance. Identify any bad spending habits and eliminate them. Find ways to drive less, such as taking public transportation, walking or car pooling. Find ways to entertain yourself that are low cost or even free. And heres one thing I do to keep myself from impulse buys. Before I get in line to pay, I stop and look through everything I have in my cart. I ask myself do I really need this? Or do I just want this? If the answer is I just want this, back it goes. Another help is to put any regularly occurring expenses on automatic payment through your bank. That way they get paid before you can spend the money on nonessentials and find yourself on the receiving end of shut-off notices. Oh, and heres a bit of advice thats not really related to budgeting, but will make your life a hell of a lot better when you hit your forties and fifties: START YOUR RETIREMENT NOW. I know its hard seeing money taken out of your check that you wont see or be able to touch for years, but the years go WAY fast. You dont want to hit your forties and realize that you cant retire, no matter how tired you are or how damaged your body may be, because you wont be able to live. Also, make sure you have your W-2 filled out correctly, so that you end up getting money BACK at tax time and dont end up owing. The IRS is ruthless about getting that money from you. Okay, enough nagging. Good luck and congratulations for trying to be responsible.Sorry if this is too long. 