I hang on to money too much?

I believe it's probably because my family was never well off. For the most part we were ok and got by, but there's been rough patches, like when I was a young teen and mom had to go to the food bank a few times. Mom also declared bankruptcy 5 or 6 years ago when she had a nervous breakdown and quit working.

I've always been extremely careful with my money. I will hum and haw over purchases, sometimes for days or even weeks in regards to online purchases. I never splurge on anything. Sometimes I won't go do things because it'll cost me bus tickets. I mean I'm glad I'm a saver, there's people I know that spend any money they get and then are always broke. But on the other hand, what good will that money be to me if I die tomorrow? I don't necessarily think about having money for emergencies (I still live at home for one, I'll get to that in a bit), but I guess it's like a security blanket for me? I look at my bank account and in my drawer where my tips from serving are and it makes me happy lol. But then it's like, what's the point of having it if I don't do anything with it.

One of my biggest issues has been moving out. I REALLY want to, but I just look at the cost of rent and other expenses and I think, geez that's a lot of money I could just keep if I stayed here. I could use that to go on a trip or something (which I rarely do because that would require spending a lot). It doesn't help that I hear my friends/co-workers complain that they can barely pay their bills/rent. My boyfriend wants to move out soon, and would like me to live with him.  This would be good because we can split the rent and things like internet, etc. But I still think about all that money I could be saving instead.

Anyway does anyone have some words of advice? Maybe I should just do it and eventually I'll get used to it... :s

I've always been cheap so i had the same problem.

I moved out on the 1st though and my plan is to set aside money for bills, for me, and to save. I feel better if I know I am saving at least some.

Just look at it like you cant live at your parents house forever, so might as well jump into it now where you can form some good financial habits.

And then think that at least your not WASTING the money, it is going towards something that you worked hard for and is yours and is providing a necessity to your life

I grew up in a single parent household and there was enough money, but not extra money.
I learned to be frugal.  I have no problem spending money on what I need, but I also can go for weeks without buying anything except for food and necessities.  It doesn't bother me.
You should have six month worth of savings in the bank for emergencies.  In case you lose your job or get sick and can't work.
Live debt free.  Pay for everything in cash.  Live within your means. 
Put at least 10% of your income away for retirement.  Yes retirement is a long way for you, but if you start with GICs now, it will add up.  Even if you use this money to buy a house the GICs can help pay for your down payment on your mortgage.
Go on vacation if you want to.  Enjoy traveling now without kids.  It is a different experience and will help you grow.  Traveling with kids is a lot different then traveling by yourself.

Good luck with your financial plans.

I was raised by penny-pincher parents. They both grew up super poor, but now they have lots of money. I used to never buy things for myself. Hell, I used to shop at a thrift store for clothes! I think part of me also thought that I "did not deserve" to buy and have new things.

But when I moved out to college, I met my boyfriend. Damn does that boy know how to spend. I remember the first time he took me shopping for clothes, he made me buy things, and I ended up crying at the cash register and almost had a nervous breakdown after buying a pair of jeans (I had only brought shorts with me), a belt, and two shirts, all reasonably priced.

Now I think I have learned more of a balance. I enjoy my money occasionally by splurging on a new shirt or some jewelry, but I don't go crazy with it. I also plan on travelling when I'm young, rather than waiting until I'm old and crusty when I'm retired. Enjoy your money, I know I have become much happier now that I allow myself a treat now and then. :)

That's funny, my boyfriend is the same. We are starting to rub off on each other though, he's been getting more money conscious and smarter about spending, he's also been putting a portion of his paycheck into savings. As for me I'm not quite as uptight, I don't deny myself as much.

And then think that at least your not WASTING the money, it is going towards something that you worked hard for and is yours and is providing a necessity to your life

I was actually trying to tell myself the same thing.

Anyway thanks for the tips!

If you're careful with cash, that's not a bad trait.  But if you were keeping all your money for yourself and not contributing to the running of the household that wouldn't be good. 

If you don't already, start paying your parents rent at the level of what you'd likely pay for a flat with your boyfriend.  They can opt to spend it on housekeeping or they could choose to put it in a savings account for you....  But at least you'd get the idea of how to budget rather than simply hoard.