Start with a month at a time.  Figure your spending.  I've been working so hard at this myself this year - more debt management on my end which will lead to a reasonable budget.  Definitely, it's hard work.  I'm almost out of my credit card debt and, already, it feels like such a huge weight lifting.  Once the habit is made, life all around is so much easier. 

Take the time, do the work.  You'll never regret it!

I wish you the best with this important goal. It seems to me, this goal ties in directly with our quality of life. So many benifits to be had, when we don't need to worry about balancing the bills with the budget. I, too, am working on paying off all my bills and creating a savings plan. Good luck and I would like to follow your progress as you go.