I keep a running tally of all of the $ I spend on discretionary items (clothes I don't NEED, earrings, perfume, etc.).  I find that if I have to face that rather large number at the end of the month I'm more likely to stop myself from over spending.  It's amazing how quickly it adds up (and how easily I'm able to justify a purchase I do NOT NEED to make).

been doing this and was lucky enough to get in tow with a client who did porfolio management.

I invested and tried to save as much as I could. I want to retire by 50. so been working on building my savings. Ive managed to save in the past 20 years around ?235k. thats only 11k a year. and if you take off interest and all sorts then its not really putting in 11k Id say Ive averaged between 8 and 13 k a year in savings. 20 years putting by ?250 a week ? its hard going but its money in the bank

I have the opposite problem. I feel guilty spending money and I stress as soon as my "to spend" cash drops below a certain level - even though I have a sizeable savings buffer. It's so bad I hardly buy meat and treats because I cannot justify the per KG price to myself.

Anyone want some of my money paranoia, so we can meet in the middle with a healthier attitude? >.>

I'm exactly the same!!! I am always frugal whether i need to be or not. Bank manager's daughter, you see 

My few years in the work have enabled me to buy a property, a small one but it is mine mine mine! When I started the work I went a little silly with buying, just a novelty really which soon wore off.  I gave myself a good talking to, I could either keep on spending watch the wardrobe fill up with things which I would go off or have to keep replacing, fashions change so quickly. Or I could save and save some more and make good use of my earnings.
I still go on little spending sprees but I am happy with spending just a few pounds a few times a week on tiny treats for myself.
Now I have just about reached my goal and have some savings too I can start to relax and feel less pressure to make targets.
Not having a rent or mortgage each month makes such a difference to what I can comfortably live on and at the same time add to my nest egg.

I suppose it helps that I am low maintenance! I cut and colour my hair myself, do my own nails and never buy expensive make up or any of the other stuff that can run into hundreds a month. Designer clothes and shoes can be lovely but they don't pay the bills.
The "I can just make more money" way is all very well but I suspect the job would become less fun knowing you have to earn it this week or month just to pay the bills.  Thank goodness I have not done it that way.

My attitude to this has not improved and it's actually got worse. I spend far too much on luxuries and seriously need to learn to reign it in. I'm not always going to earn at the rate I'm used to and I need to start saving for when I retire, whenever that may be.

I used to be so frugal and good with money until I had a lot of it!

Same here. The money I earn goes on food etc. I would hate to waste any money I made doing this sort of work as each time I do it I hope it's the last time I will have to. It never is.