[SmartBlondeGPhB]

Good credit is incredibly important.

The tax idea is ok except you'll probably end up getting a large amount back at tax time from the gov't and if you have trouble not spending a dollar here and there, having a large amount of money all at once is probably not going to last long either.

Really the only way is to just stop spending. Find something that you want (a house, a new car, etc) and just start putting money away for that. I recommend against the new car, a house is a MUCH better investment. When you have a goal it's much easier to save towards it. Also, it's never too early to put money away for retirement. Starting early in small amounts makes it become a habit and you start to not even notice the money's not there. Not to mention that it lowers your taxes.