Here's what you do: when you get that influx of cash, put a good chunk (like 30%) into an account that you can't touch, like a retirement account. Do it BEFORE you do anything else with the money. Now, you'll find ways to live just as comfortably on significantly less money. It's like magic when you have a good income. You won't buy shit that you never use anyway, things like that. And, this will get you to automatically be more financially responsible, without any actual work or effort.