Participation opportunity

This is not an area of expertise for me, but I would like to share with you what I have learned from experience.

1. track your spending for a week - you do not need anything fancy, I use a free app called Expense IQ. This will give you a good understanding of where your money goes.
2. Start small with your savings. Try 10% (or even 5) so it doesn't hurt so bad. Gradually increase it. If possible, set your direct deposit to automatically withdrawal and place it in savings that are not connected to your checking. Increase it every couple of paychecks until you get to a comfortable percentage. You won't notice the gradual 1 or 2% but if you start high, that will hurt. Yes, you can refinance your car, but it is a little more difficult because cars depreciate - property doesn't do the same. Do it as soon as possible.
3. Once you get a good handle on your finances, you will find that you are much warier when spending money. You will really think about whether or not you need that pair of shoes or the cute dress that is too expensive.

What are your thoughts?

Note! To be answered in the first-person point of view