Being paid once a month is really hard. I seem to run out of money before the month is over. To budget better I've setup a savings account called "buffer" into which I put spending money for each week of the month. As the week begins I release the money. However, the first few days after payday I seem to spend gobs.
Evidence:
1. New haircut (not a great face shot but good hair lighting).
2. New stereo system for my ipod
They both make me happy so that's worth a week's spending money.