How can I improve my finances?

Caren gives you good advice. As for credit cards, here is the best approach:

Do NOT close any credit card accounts. Simply stop using most of them. Select one or two cards with he best reward system. Charge no more than 30 percent of the credit limit on a card, and pay off the full balance each month on time. That gives you free credit, establishes a record of reliable payments and judicious use of credit. Each month do what Caren suggests: summarize your expenses into classifications to see where your money is going. Then eliminate or reduce expenses that you can do without.

It also helps to prepare a budget for the next few months. Use the previous few months to plan for the future. You will know when big items are due (car insurance, rent, credit card payments). Compare the next month's expenses with the budget to see how well you are doing.

Know where all of your money is going! Track every penny of your money(Using something like a notebook, or Excel, or the notes section of your phone) and keep track of your bills(Always pay them on time, it's bad for your credit if you don't). Set aside bill money just for bills and pay them. Reduce the things you spend your money on(The things you don't need constantly Ex. Buying fast food every week). If you have credit cards pay more than your minimum balance every month, If you have too many credit cards close them. Put extra money towards your debt, but remember. When you get paid always pay yourself first before handling bills and stuff like groceries.

for one year, i carried a notebook with me.

i wrote down everything i spent money on. even gum at a gas station. always had it in my car or in my purse. just keeping track makes you more aware.

once a month you take it it put everything in categories and see where your money is going. this is easier to do if you use debit cards. never cash a paycheck. never.

the people that deal with cash are usually the ones with the worst problems.

Get a job.