I'm rubbish at saving. I think my habits are very much influenced by events in my past.
My Dad was in the RAF for 20 odd years then became an aircraft engineer. He was a model of financial restraint - always working, always saving for the future and never really treating himself to the things he wanted (such as a nice motorbike). He often talked about the things he would do in the future. Then one night, without any warning, he died of a heart attack. He was 42, not overweight, didn't smoke and hardly ever drank.
I am completely the opposite. I pay my bills and meet all of my financial commitments but the rest of it gets spent on having a nice life with my better half Jane and the things I want.
I totally get the point about saving for a rainy day. I've been with same public sector employer for 20 years now and it's no longer the case that these jobs are secure - I've faced possible redundancy twice in recent years and I expect it again after the election. The one good thing about public sector employment is that the redundancy payment is a good cushion. Due to length of service I'd get a year's pay with the first £30k untaxed. I feel for people in the private sector who don't have that kind of protection.
I know it's a cliche, but my past has taught me that life is too short...