To add to this, I think it's really helpful to have a monthly (or whatever works best for you) budget, and to compare your predicted versus actual balance at the end of the month. It may: give you feedback and increase your awareness (and decision-making) of your spending and budget, increase your confidence in your ability to manage your finances, help you manage them more rationally (versus emotionally at the time of "where'd all the money go?"), and truly help you reduce debt/ save money. I use a spreadsheet that I update with each paycheck. My parents are very financially literate, but I had to learn this stuff for myself. I reckon it might be a bit of a lost (and sorely missed) art in the age of credit cards, in-app purchases, online gambling, and an over-reliance on subscription services. It's not a panacea but it really helped me get out of the debt I had