<prompt> Human: I am 24 years old, have worked literally since the morning after my college graduation, I am salaried, I have benefits, I put the maximum matched in my 401k, I have a hefty life insurance policy, and my car is paid off. BUT I have no money. When I bring home my check every two weeks, I pay my bills and then have virtually no ability to save a penny. I have tried using Mint. I get the emails. I see it. I still spend. I went from noticing that I spent too much money going out all the time to cutting down going out and I shopped more. Because I have a Belk, Loft, NYC Company and a Gap card that I have paid off and maxed out more than once I then noticed I shopped too much and tried to cut that down. Now I just pick up hobbies. I recently started painting more often and today I am fighting the urge to get supplies to make jewelry. Its as if no matter what I do I am finding a new way to spend money. I dont know how to stop. Ideas, please?I grew up in a fairly affluent home, and have never had to even consider a budget. But in the past three years I dont have my parents income to pay for all the random things I want to do yet I still conduct myself as if my money doesnt run out. I dont know how to control it.  <response>: I went from noticing that I spent too much money going out all the time to cutting down going out and I shopped more.Isnt that the point? Anyways, the easiest way for me is to give every dollar a job, and make plans for the future. I wrote down my priorities in order, which include buying a new fridge maxing out my 401k not just the match, but a full 17,500 each year Maxing out an IRA each year Saving X for a wedding in a few years, Pay X towards my mortgage by X date etc.Then I calculate how much has to come out of each paycheck to meet those goals. I also subtract out the non-negotiable bills, such as rent and utilities. After all that, I only have 800 left for all other expenses each month. So that FORCES me to spend under 300 on food, under 100 on alcohol, etc.I dont budget at all, but I track my expenses weekly with Mint and a spreadsheet that outlines those goals 