Build a small buffer first, even a few hundred dollars, so one surprise expense doesn't force a credit card charge that eats into next month's paycheck too. Then track every expense for 30 days to find leaks, and automate a savings transfer for the day your income arrives so the money moves before you can spend it. Most people see real movement within about two months.
Want the full method? See how to stop living paycheck to paycheck for the full five-step sequence.