<prompt> Human: So I was in the shower, pondering lifes mysteries and throwing out some comebacks to my school bullies 4 years too late, when I began to start thinking about the positive changes Ive made financially. They saved my ass a couple of times, and so I wanted to share. I. The saving accounts. - Get a saving account with interest. Period. I use Discover for a cashback debit and a savings account. Shop around for one that best suits you.- Some people still dont know you can have more than one dedicated savings account. If you dont know, now you know. You can get creative with these hoes, too. I had one dedicated to 3x rent, utilities, and groceries. I say have a minimum of 2x, but if you can add more, add more. - I had another one dedicated to emergencies. I have 4.5k in there. This covers car problems, anything my insurance doesnt cover, hotels, food... you get the idea. Much like everything else, your goal will and should depend on your financial situation. Again, add more if you can. Always. - If you can, have a fun times account. I, at my core, am a materialistic motherfucker. I love watches, cars, clothes...everything. But, I refrain from living like one, because Ive developed discipline over the years. However, Im also in a position where I can throw in money into a more flexible account like this, so I do. This gets last priority. If I have any money left after RUG and my emergency account, then Ill throw it in this guy. II. The talk. You know you. And sometimes, you just have to get real with yourself. When I see that Lego set, Im telling myself you lazy motherfucker, youre not going to spend your time building that. And when I see that beautiful Solar G Shock that can be submerged for 17 years at 50000 meters, I think but whens the last time you actually went outside? Think things over. Find reviews. Imagine yourself using it. Then repeat the process. I sit on purchases for MONTHS sometimes before actually going through with the purchase. Sometimes, by the time Im ready to buy whatever it is, theres a nice discount on it. Other times, they raise the price and I just repeat the process again. It happens. III. Eating out is your enemy. As I grow older, I find that most of that fun time money is going towards eating out. The money is fair game, so financially, its fine. But mentally? Imagine the toll. Postmates and GrubHub are cancer. Its convienent. Too convienent. And the additional fees are outrageous. Do yourself a favour. Go to the grocery store more often. Buy shit youll actually want to eat. Buy what you crave. Live a little. Remember, its fun money. Not grocery money. 20 of food from the store would have satisfied me more than 20 of delivery fees from Postmates.And thats it. Budgeting can suck at first and can be hard depending on what your situation is. I just wanted to share some points and tips that might help the average guy out. EDIT: Firstly, thank you for the gold, stranger. Secondly, I wasnt expecting this to blow up, but Im glad I was able to make some points that resonated with people! Also wanted to note that Im an amateur when it comes to saving and budgeting. This post wasnt intended to go into the realm of investing, 401k, etc. Not to say you shouldnt! Theres plenty of people that have recommended investing, and that have also given some tips on where to start. Thanks, yall.  <response>: Regarding II:I have a fixed upper limit for spontaneous buys. If I want to buy something which is more expensive and is only a want, not a need I wait one month. During that time I try to think about it a few times - If I still want to buy it after one month, Im buying it :This saved me some questionable gadget-buys ;Second aspect:I always try to gauge the happiness-value of new things. If it doesnt make me reasonable more happy e.g. decision between 60 TV and 40 TV, I wont buy it. 