Spend money on needs before wants. Keep a spending diary, maintain a budget, evaluate ads and comparison-shop. A credit card is not free money. Curb impulse spending, pay your bills on time, and choose a credit card that won't rip you off. Saving money is better than spending money.
Most people pay bills first and then put anything left into the emergency savings account.
That's the wrong approach. It's your money, so pay yourself first - even if it's just a few dollars every paycheck. A bank is a smart place to keep your money. Learn how a checking account works, how to write checks and how to make deposits. Money can work as hard as you do.