Money management problem/what should I do?

I have this bad habit that I can not save money or i'd better say manage or handle my money properly. I get ripped off often....when I write down my expenses I lose a lot of money because people easily can charge me for the same service that for example somewhere else charge a lot less. I tell you example....the phone company charged me 180$ just because I cancelled my postpaid mobile bill to prepaid when I realised that is just a way they can take money from your account for no reason. I went to a skin clinic for Laser hair removal and then during consultation they offered me a lightening cream that they just sell as the sole company and said I have to use it because otherwise after laser I will have darkening of my skin so they charged me 200$ just for two creams..a sunscreen crean and a lightening cream ....I bought a book and and dvd for my child for 10$ and when I came home and watched the DVD it was just for 5 minutes and of no use...absolutely waste of money...and so on...

Money management problem/what should I do?
Always ask before service what the total cost will be if it is to high, then don't use them. Or barter see if you can get them to lower the price to something you can afford.. I have had laser done and I never heard of the cream. Why didn't you take the book back for a refund?
Reply:What you need to do is set a household budget. no more messing about, it's like an obese person realising if they dont just do this with conviction and determination they will die. you will end up bankrupt or never be able to afford your home or whatever it is you need in the future. You need to sit down seriously, forecast what you intake each month and the strict necessity's for the month, eg food, electricity, water, gas whatever. be serious and ridged about it. work out then how much you have left to save. but be realistic. you will not and cannot save it all, you will need to put a certain set amount aside for leisure treats etc. but be continues and ridged about it only spend extra if it is absolutely unavoidable like a dentist bill hospital stay etc. also set up a savings account which makes it hard to take the money back out that way you'll be more likely to make sure and keep saving for longer. In regards to being ripped off you need to just flat out say no to every sales pitch you are thrown. say no before they even get a chance to sell to you. it may take time but work on it. just say no thanks and walk away!! If you really need something you will set out on a shopping trip with an aim to buying it. buy that thing you need and only it!!! if you don't really need something someone is going to have to push it on you. so just work on avoiding letting this happen! :D good luck! :D
Reply:Ask questions, but more importantly, stop impulse buying, that sounds like your downfall. Important that you prepare a monthly budget, that is reasonable, and includes savings. And force yourself to stick to it, that will help curb some of the impulse purchases if you remind yourself you don't have the $ for the item listed in your budget. Lots of budgeting help available on the web, including budget forms you can download and use. Good luck.