I am 33 and also have had my share of "over-spending." I try to stick to a budget monthly, and it is hard; especially when hefty jackpots tend to sway you. I also went through the "giving up" stages, but I am glad I did not give up because my Big 4 win was just around the corner. $2,600)
I won it by playing ONE ticket with a number I played for years, and that day was finally the day. I used to play 5-10 tickets at a time, and matched all except one number on many, and straight which made the pain worse. The problem I always have had is that I cannot actually afford to play the lottery, but I also cannot afford not to.
In my situation it is the ONLY thing that will allow me to live the way I want to live, which is actually very modest by most people's standards. So I just stick it out. You have to figure that if you saved all the money you spend on the lottery, it might take you 30 years to save $30,000. that is it not going to provide me with adequate housing and financial security, not to mention it will 30 years from now.
So I am willing to risk for a chance at millions, to live NOW as well as I possibly can, and while I am young. Like I said, the money I spend on the lottery is not life-changing money regardless, but that little bit of money CAN bring my that life-changing money in an instant. But you always have to be in to win, otherwise you will be a definite loser for sure. Pay a dollar though, and you just never know...Just something to ponder.
The best thing you can do is create a modest budget, or save up to play big when the jackpots are large enough. My budget is somewhere between$30-$50 per month. I wish I could spend more, but I just cannot afford to do so. If I could, I would not be playing the lottery. I like to play a lot of tickets, and then be able to get a few here and there when I want to.
The lottery can be very discouraging, but I am willing to keep playing until my day comes, and the BIG payoff along with it. Because if you hang on to every little dollar you have, you will also be hanging on to poverty the rest of life. No risk, no reward...