Alex's post was excellent.
1. Read a GOOD book on the subject, one you can understand and put into practice. I've read lots, and by far the best is 'Making Money Made Simple' by Noel Whittaker. He's Australian, and his info is all very relevant and easy to digest.
http://www.noelwhittaker.com.au/ie/books.html
2. Don't use credit. Get a debit card instead, and have it running from a separate account to the one your pay goes into. You can only spend what transfer into that account.
3. Marry well. No, seriously! I know lots of guys who are on the bones of their arse because their wives spend beyond their hubby's means. Big mum-mobile silver or black combat vehicle, designer label kidswear, coffee and cake with their friends every second day. Best to marry someone not so high maintenance, preferably with financial smarts of their own.
Most of all, enjoy life. If you can't afford something, either do something about it, or forget about it, don't waste your life wishing and being dissapointed.
Cheers,
Jason.