Wow! I admire you for even having this on your radar at your age! You are going to do just fine!
In life you need a balance between spending and saving. You want to have money for a rainy day. However, you don't want to get to the end of your life being a miser wishing you would have had more fun. So, spend some, save some, give some away and you can't go wrong.
Anyway, I think the key is setting up a happy, fun lifestyle that doesn't revolve around spending. Learn to do fun, enjoyable things that don't involve buying stuff. Don't "hang out at the mall" or go walk around the mall for "something to do". The more you expose yourself to merchandise, the more you will buy, plain and simple.
At this point in my life, i absolutely HATE shopping and can think of nothing more boring. I would much rather spend the day at the park, taking a walk, cooking, playing an instrument, pursuing my hobbies, etc.
So, my suggestion to you is for you and your girl to visit the Library and get some cookbooks and go home and experiment with some recipies. Also, consider other ways you can enjoy spending time together such as exercising, hobbies, etc that don't involve spending money. And, since you both seem to be on board with this, that is fantastic! I predict a very successful life for both of you!
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