As someone who just managed that this year, a few pointers.

1. Budget. I know it sucks, and I know it is a hassle, still, no way around it. Grab excel or numbers or openOffice and do it start of each month.

2. Split accounts I have used this technique to great success. - 1st account is the "INCOMING" account, This is where all incoming money goes to and all fixed costs (see 1. Budget) go away from. - 2nd account is a "pocket money" account. Pocket money is transferred there. Nice about this: You can spend ALL of this and your bills and food are still paid. - 3rd account is a savings account. Not much to explain here. Make sure to save a good amount.

3. Keep at it

4. Get a seperate wallet for "food and household". I usually get a laugh about this, as it was something our parents used to do. Still, I withdraw cash beginning of the month and pay my groceries from this. Works wonders.

5. Keep at it

6. Use a big chunk from your savings account to remove all remaining debt at once.

7. Enjoy freedom.

I know people will go on about "credit history", "credit rating", etc... However, I plan to nev er go there again.

Best, ::captaink::