I think because you’re settling into a new place it’s to be expected that you’ll end up spending more during the first month or so getting settled and making the place look/feel like home. I think the important thing is making sure you have enough allotted for essentials during the month, and make sure any necessary bills are paid immediately.

I had a manic episode once where I spent all my rent money which is like very out of character for me.

I think the next step once you’re settled is start putting money into savings and try to get like $1,000 in savings over time for an emergency fund. That’s what I’m working on doing right now.

I have bad spending habits in general. I had a payee from the time I was 19 up until a few months ago (I turn 31 in a few weeks) so my money was always managed for me till now and I’m struggling but I’m working on it. Before I was 19 and on SSI , the years before that my mom and I were homeless and bouncing around a lot so there never was much in terms of money and so when I got older and was on SSI my psychiatrist made it so I had to have a payee because she was concerned about mania and overspending. Thank god she did that. Cause I wasn’t ready to be my own payee back then. I barely am now but at least now I’m working on better spending habits and savings.