Struggles With Mis-Managed Money

The following is in responce to a post found on Joanna's LJ
PS: You really should read her blog post first! I would have to agree with everything you say here. I have worked sense I was 13 years old (legally) and have always saved ALL my money, I never spent a cent of it - even for things that kids "needed" like cloths and stuff, I had things so I did not worry that much. When I went to my new school for middle school I realized I did not have much money and then thought that if I did I would have lots of fun, and therefore be happy. I continued to save while being madder at myself for saving like I should have (and did) but not spending it on myself. I continued to do this and save and never spend until I started doing 40 hours/weak with a full senior-level high school load. I realized I could now start spending in moderation, so I did. I started getting the things I wanted, a cell phone, some new cloths (Cloths that the school did not give me) and the electronic devices I wanted (Palm, cheap MP3 player, Computer game or two, and a few CD's and DVDs). Finally I can be happy! No, unfortunately it is not that easy and in saying that it is even harder to stop spending money! From what you are saying you went like I did with less money for "fun" things then others to being able to spend some money, to know where you are learning/ have learned to stop it and even spend conservatively. I applaud you for this because I have such a hard time with this myself. I think the only way left for me to limit myself is to take my checking(s) account and take all the money I have from it. This would allow me to only spend what I make (including bills) rather then slowly (or not so much) deplete my extra (what little bit I now have left. .... I need a Blog so I can do that stuff there!!! I have one made but dont post to it much.