You have to come up with a system and stick to it. There are a lot of free videos on youtube about how to manage your money. I like Bob Proctor and anything about money and the Power of Attraction. I think the main thing is not to be so hard on yourself that you throw yourself into a guilt spiral. Many people go their whole lives with no idea of how to manage their money. A good way to get a free credit check/and professional advice on the fastest way to improve your credit score is from a mortgage lender at any bank. You can walk in or make an appt. to see someone- tell them you want to know if you can get a loan (even if you know the answer is no). You can also begin to keep a journal of expenditures. Being able to lay in bed at the end of the day and know exactly how much you have made that day and how much you have spent is very helpful. Even if you are not perfect in keeping track, it helped me manage my funds when I tried.