conversation: User (PotatoPotahto): "My necessary expenses are:\n\n$280 for car insurance\n$120/mth (ish) in gas\n$60/mth for my cell phone\n\nI occasionally put lump payments on my credit card to the tune of $250/$300.\n\nAnd I go on one vacation a year, but that's not for a few months at least and I have already started putting aside money for it.\n\nPlease help, I know I can do better than I currently am.\n\n(I'm in Canada btw)\n\nEdit:\n\nI legitimately wish to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. Even if I'll have to think about, or am not sure about your advice, you're still trying to help me, and you're all awesome for that.\n\nSome repeatedly pointed out things are listed here:\n\n&gt;Car expenses  \n\nYeah, I maybe drive an impractical car. I'll admit to that. But, I own the car cash, and my father is the primary driver listed on the insurance (Because he has access to it whenever he needs it). I find myself spending less than most other people I know when it comes to that. I have shopped around a bit for insurance, but with the benefits my company offers me (some of which I've already had to take advantage of...) the pros outweigh the cons here. If I were to get an other car, my dad wouldn't be listed on the insurance, which would make my policy go up substantially. \n\n&gt;Eating out\n\nI KNOW. Biggest problem right here, probably my largest expenditure.\n\n&gt;Emergency Savings Fund\n\nGetting a bit of a head start on that as we speak, removing money from an investment account and putting it in a savings account, also trying to sell something I won in a contest, it's just proving hard to get rid of. After those two are said and done I'll have $1300 or so in a savings-only account.\n\n&gt;Budgeting tools\n\nI downloaded Mint, working on getting it up and running. "
  Self: "280/month on auto insurance? That is expensive. What kind of car do you drive? Give some insurance companies a call and get that lowered. \n\nReduce the eating out and buying booze part if you are serious, that was my largest spending on nonessential items when I was 21.\n\nHow much is your rent?"
  User (PotatoPotahto): "I drive a sports car w/ my dads help. I've contacted a few brokers and they all say I'm getting a decent dealm"
  aerodeck (aerodeck): "ding ding ding, stop driving an impractical car"
  User (PotatoPotahto): "Thing is, I own this car cash.\n\nIf I were to get rid of it and get something else, I'd very likely be on my own 100% for insurance (as in, my dad wouldn't even be listed on it) and my insurance would increase.\n\nOr if I decided to lease/finance something, my monthly spenditures would go up.\n\nIt may be an impractical car but I find myself spending less on it than people who are the sole drivers on their insurance or who are leasing/financing theirs."
  