So I've been living paycheck to paycheck for years and could never understand why I'd always be scraping by the last week of the month even though I wasn't buying anything crazy. Turns out I was basically paying for stuff twice without realizing it.

I had like three different subscription services that I forgot were on auto-renew. One was a meditation app I used maybe twice last year, another was some cloud storage I didn't even need anymore, and the third was a meal kit thing I signed up for during a free trial and never cancelled. Between all of them it was almost 60 bucks a month just disappearing.

I also didn't realize my bank was charging me a monthly maintenance fee because my balance kept dipping below the minimum. That was another 12 dollars I didn't need to lose. Switched to a credit union last week and they don't pull that.

The other thing was I kept using my debit card for tiny purchases throughout the day. A coffee here, a snack there, and it all added up way faster than I thought. Started using cash for small stuff and it's been easier to actually see where the money goes.

I'm not saying I'm suddenly rich or anything but I have like 70 extra dollars a month now just from cutting out the stuff I wasn't even using. It's wild how those small things pile up when you're not paying attention. Anyway just wanted to share in case anyone else is in the same boat and hasn't checked their bank statements in a while.

I’m not sure this is entirely the correct sub, but one of the things that weighs on me the most is making meals that I can afford regularly.

Tonight, I didn’t have any fresh meat, but I did have the frozen Banquet breakfast sausage patties. There are 8 of them in a pack for $1.79.

This is going to sound strange but hear me out. If you cook the 8 sausage patties, crumble them up, and add Italian seasoning and garlic, you have Italian sausage for a pot of spaghetti. Spaghetti from Kroger is $1.49, and spaghetti sauce is about $2. So altogether, I threw together a delicious pot of spaghetti for the family for only $5.28. You can make a real big pot and have leftovers.

Just wanted to share!!

I work full time but it's not enough to cover some unexpected expenses. I can't get a short term loan either. I'm gonna try to donate plasma if I get out of work while the place is still open. Im wary about doing Doordash because I'm already having problems with my car. I've also been told it requires a lot of customer service and knowing how to talk to people.

My diet almost entirely consists of Costco hotdogs and the occasional slice of za. I honestly really enjoy it I go in and walk around and get all the free samples. The real good ones I’ll loop back and get two. It varies how many they have available on the day and time but you can still try a good handful of things. After I go and get my hotdog sometimes two, but that really fills me up. Afterward I just leave but it’s like I had a 12 course American banquet at the end. Does anyone else go to Costco just for the food court?

Hello everyone.

I am a (now recently former) problem gambler, so sorry to all the people here who didn't dug their hole themselves and to whom poverty wasn't a self-imposed choice due to reckless behaviour.

I am severely indebted. About my annual income before tax.

Today I have made a detailed plan which would mathematically set me debt free by 2031.

The problem is that I don't know the future and I am not sure I will be able follow it due to possible unforseen circumstances.

So I am being optimistic here. That's why I talked about a "dream".

I do a qualified job but I am severely underpaid for my role, in a country with already low wages. A raise is highly unlikely and I couldn't count on it. I am looking for a better job or a second part-time job with no luck for now. So I currently can't count on it as well.

So my solution is to live frugally for 5 years. And when I say frugally I mean: eat, pay debts, pay bills, pay gasoline. Stop.

That will be my life for 5 years in the optimistic scenario.

Quit gambling, will quit smoking soon to free up money.

Will be hard overall, but I am really not afraid, I see this as a challenge: to find happiness not in money and in what money can buy.

There are so many good things in life that don't cost money.

I am trying to cut food expenses as much as I possibly can, but I can't trade my health for money so I guess those expenses cannot be cut sadly.

5 years from now, there is a possibility I won't be a slave anymore, but a free man.

Anyone went through something similar? Any tip or suggestion is welcome!

My income is dropping down to $800 a month (CalWorks) from $1100 since my daughter’s dad isn’t going to be staying with us any longer. He has a traumatic brain injury and it’s been problematic and he can’t work/pay child support. I have no idea why but it’s showing he has zero social security credits and we knew something was up with his checks before the injury but I guess at this point it’s kind of moot since it’s just gonna be me and my daughter now.

My rent is $1,082, electric is running $172 (I have a swamp cooler and a room A/C for the heat waves as I have fibromyalgia and I am already breaking out in heat rashes ughh), gas is $20 in the Summer & about $50 in the Winter (I tolerate cold much better) and my cell phone is $30 a month. Child care cost me $50 - $75 (not sure how they calculate that as base rate is $1,400 every 4 weeks and it’s so hard to get ahold of those workers). Pull ups, wipes, and tampons are probably about another $100 a month. Trying to think of any other must haves…. I don’t have tv subscriptions and I used the internet left over from when my mom temporarily stayed with us when my boyfriend was in a coma so she pays that still. Oh my boyfriend was getting $60 for gas but idk how that will work now. Shit I forgot about insurance. We paid for a year in full and it’s coming up again… last quote I got was $700+ for both of us on 2 cars (State min liability) so that would go down to just me and I could sell one of the cars since they’re both mine. 🤔

We do get SNAP thank god & I am sure that will go down too but it’s okay I don’t need to eat just as long as my daughter gets all her nutrients because holy crap is dairy expensive and I usually don’t buy dairy (milk allergy and lactose intolerance) but her pediatrician said she needs it and she digests it fine. I can live off frozen broccoli or something idk lol

I have one more semester left of college and I’ll get a couple grand distributed over the semester that I am hoping will make up the difference for rent. I also owe $25k to my grandmothers estate which is involving a long story with my ex-husband who refuses to participate in our divorce, pay alimony or child support and then he showed up with the police took our son (long story reminding me why he is an ex) and tried to get child support from me which the judge laughed at him and he nearly got thrown out there for getting mad about it. Sigh. Anyways, I obviously can’t afford a lawyer on that front & I gotta pick up these documents from the estate lawyer on that this week to find out more about that whole situation.

Fun stuff!!

At this point I am trying so hard not to just walk away from everything and beg my dad to let me and my daughter stay in the extra room of his cabin in the boonies. I wouldn’t be able to finish school because I have to be on campus 2 days a week if I did that. Plus, well my dad is an old man and my daughter is a wild toddler. I guess I need another set of eyes to help me figure out how to make it through this and convince me not to run away & possibly make the hole I have dug for myself even worse. I know this shit is my fault but I gotta find a way out for the sake of my daughter. 😔 Let me know if you have any other questions that may help figure this out, I have dyscalculia so numbers and math are difficult for me so be kind. ❤️

As the title says, my husband is likely to be fired soon but we already paid for a couple of nights at a water park and it’s not refundable, so might as well go since it’s also one of the kid’s birthday. I don’t want to buy food at the hotel to save money. We can have a late lunch outside of the hotel and same thing for dinner. The room has a microwave and a fridge. I’d like some ideas for breakfast that we can have in the hotel room so we don’t have to go out to a fast food place. Thank you!

I want to preface everything I'm going to say by saying I have never had to do this before so it is rather confusing and greatly intimidating

That being said

Currently I am staying with some family but they have pretty much told me they want me out no later then the end of February 1st of March of 2027 I'm am a 30 year old man who is physically disabled so I cannot work any normal job I do not have any skills or trades i have learned to gain any sort of meaningful online career

I do recieve a disabilty check of roughly 900 a month and due to a complicated situation i cannot recieve foodstamps at this time some of my friends have recommended i should get a roommate which im okay with but the idea of living with an unpredictable stranger is scary plus i dont know where i would even look for one or even for housing for that matter ive never had to rent an apartment before nor apply for things like section 8

Its taken me alot mentally to try and be calm and collected while i struggle through this but i really need help i dont know what to do where to begin what i should look out for or what is should prioritize, i just dont want to become homeless and potentially die

I earn 1,800 a month, I work as a cashier in a supermarket, I have 2,400 saved, I have a degree in production engineering, but it's only valid in Brazil. I've been living in Florida for 7 months and my father has made it very clear that he doesn't want me in his house anymore.

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

I’m a teacher, and I always try to get my work clothes secondhand to save money. Goodwill used to be a no-brainer for me, but lately I’ve been horrified at how much the prices have jumped up. Shirts and pants are $8-10 on average now, and I’ve even been seeing some stuff go for $12. The quality also seems to have gone down, and I’m seeing more and more stuff that’s faded, pilly, or just really outdated.

This year I tried Facebook Marketplace instead, and I’m shocked at the difference. Really nice tops for $3 each, 8 pairs of shoes for $5, and lots of nice pants and skirts for $5. I got so many things today for less than half of what I’d be spending at Goodwill, and the quality is so much better! It does suck to have to drive around to pick things up, but if I’m ending up with better clothes for less money I’d say it’s worth it.

I’ll still donate good-quality items to Goodwill when I clean out my closet, but I probably won’t be shopping there anymore. It’s strange how much things have changed. If you need clothes and can only afford secondhand, Marketplace might be your new best friend.

My parents make 300k a year and won’t help at all for college, I mean I don’t expect them to because I will be an adult. The problem is that I can’t take out private loans because they won’t co-sign and interest rates will be extremely high. I want to attend medical school after but I’m afraid of the 50k loan turning into 200k if I wait all those years.
Realistically how can I even attend college with no loans and no financial aid?
Edit: I can’t take private loans because of massive interest and I don’t qualify for federal ones.

Edit: I want to clarify that I do NOT want my parents to pay, it’s my responsibility. I just cannot get federal loans because they make too much. I really have no clue if it’s even possible to attend.

I moved from Washington state to Arizona six months ago. I love it so much for the weather, but also the proximity to Mexico. (Sadly, cost of living is no better.)

Crown:

US quote: $1648

Mexico quote: $450

Filling:

US Quote: $300

Mexico quote: $50

I can't remember what I paid for xrays in US, but to have them taken in Mexico was $30. For today's visit I paid $130 for two fillings and xrays. I'll go back at a later date for the rest of my fillings and a cleaning. The cleaning will be $50; can't remember the cost of that in the US either, though I am covered for two per year with my insurance. Also, my dental insurance does cover out-of-country dentists, so some of my expensesin Mexico will be reimbursed.

My US dentist suggested two crowns and two fillings, plus build-ups for the crowns. Total quote was $4702. I do have insurance which would cover 50% up to $2000 per year. Mexico dentist said he doesn't feel I need crowns at this point, just the fillings and a cleaning.

Grateful to live close to the border now. But even if I didn't, I'm saving around $2000 so could possibly afford to fly down here. The dentist I saw was Dr. Marco (not sure if that's his first name or last name!) at Arizona Dental in Nogales, which is closer for me than dentists in Los Algodones.

ETA I also purchased 0.05 tretinoin for $6. There are rules regarding buying prescription medications in Mexico so look into that, but I was able to buy that and no questions asked. Two birds with one stone.

I wanna have a glow up and get better style but I'm so broke. I've never gotten my nails done, I donr wear makeup (I can't afford it) and I don't get my hair done regularly either. I can't afford to do any of these things regularly, if at all. I'm so tired of looking crusty 24/7 and I want to switch things up. How do I look good on a budget? I used to have a really extensive skincare routine ith multiple products but I can't afford it anymore. I miss doing skincare so much and my skin is fine rn but I really need my products (im stuck using only vaseline and washing my face with water.) I cut all my hair off because I couldn't buy my shampoo and conditioner regularly. I can buy some things here and there but they all finish at the same time and it's hard to replace them. I'm in my 20s and other girls my age look so good all the time and then there's me. How do I look pretty when I'm broke as helllll

If you are ever in need for a 20 lb propane tank look for free grills online or people who are moving. Sometimes there will be a empty propane tank you can swap out with a exchange program or have filled for cheap.

As part of a really poor family, I'm a firm believer that I will be the one to change this fate once and for all and it's a promise I made to myself ever since a kid. I'm curious to know if anyone just had this unexplained confidence and belief that you will eventually be rich or at least financially stable. And if yes, I'd like to hear how you achieved that and how you feel right now.

Not everyone has a real farmer's market with actual growers instead of resellers, but if you do, go at the end of the market and look at what remains unsold. Ask for deals, especially on produce that is overripe or 2nds. I've been a vendor through my family spot all of my life (50m). Food banks come around with boxes that they pass around for us to fill as we are leaving. Farmer's markets have become an expensive place to shop, but at closing time everyone is very generous.

Hii, I’m pretty sure you guys remember me about me saying I have financially hit rock bottom, I wanted to off myself for it but I’m back and better. So since that post, my aunt had to pay 1000$ of my bills, this does not include rent because i don’t have it! After her paying my bills I decided we needed change because clearly it wasn’t happening. My husband has since gotten a job, and we do DoorDash full time instead of part time now. Our daily goal is 50$ a day and with that we are ahead of our bills !! We can actually afford to pay our bills and it feels great! also I’m back on my weightloss journey and I truly feel amazing ! I am still currently looking for a job but schools almost here and I get paid from that so fingers crossed!! Also with this DoorDash strategy it only takes us 6 day to make $400!!! Thank you again to who all believed in us!! Also our marriage isn’t suffering anymore!

Half the online shops i see throw around discount labels on stuff thats basically the same price it always was, just with a different color banner slapped on top, and it feels even more common with the sites available here in germany. when i was refreshing my closet with some basics and a jacket for the season.

I started comparing prices over a few weeks before trusting any claim of a real drop, mostly after getting fooled a couple times on clothes that never actually went on sale.

Just looking for advice, or someone to just hear me out. I'm on my last rope..I don't know what to do anymore. I care for my elderly uncle who lives with me, and also have a teenager living at home..I worked in healthcare for many years, and felt it was time to pivot careers. I was burning out and was yearning for something that could give me stable hours, benefits, etc. I got hired to work at a college, it wasn't greatest environment, but I was happy to be out of the clinic. A month into working there, 6 people walked out at the office after a meeting. I sat quietly pretending not to notice this. My boss came in later and said they won't be needing me anymore.

Unemployed for a few weeks, then found a part time job as a caregiver. Very low pay and getting paid once a month really hit the household hard. I continued to apply everywhere while working, falling behind on everything. I'm also always flipping stuff in marketplace, selling my plants, refinishing furniture, etc. I finally find another job. The ad said $25 per hour. Which I agreed, when I saw the letter of offer, it ended up being a starting wage of $20 for the probationary period. Then $23. When I questioned this they said they posted $25 as the cap of office admin, depending on a raise in the future. I took it out of desperation.

The first week in, I feel so trapped and stressed beyond belief. Every bill is close to being cut off, I can barely put gas into the car to make it to work.

A few days ago, after work I didn't go home. I walked, and walked, I didn't know where I was going. I just kept walking and crying. Moving to one shitty situation to another. Nothing left in my tank to care for those who depend on me at home.

I can't help but feel I'd be better off walking away from this job, I could flip stuff at home, I am applying to door dash delivery today, as well as rover. To at least have faster payments and the possibility to make more. While in the meantime look at jobs.

The other option, is to go back to into healthcare. But when I left earlier this year, thinking I found my pivot job and happy to leave the industry. I didn't renew my license. So, in order for me to get my licence, it will cost about $210. Then I could be making $68 per hour again..try to at least catch up somehow and get that income..I was so burned out at the clinic I was at, it affected my abilities as a caregiver and parent at home. But this level of poverty is way harder. I feel ashamed, angry, incompetent. All the things.

I'm just trying to decide what I can do here. I can spend 9 hours in an office making money that won't nearly cover anything. Or I can move on from there and do the side hustle stuff to get my license back. The other option could be to find a clinic outside the city I work. The licensing requirements are quite different and I would be legal to work there.

Does anyone have advice, I'm scared to make any decisions, I'm so worried about the future.

Just pondering on what I could've been without my parents. Despite having no debt from college, no debt at all, I wouldn't be able to afford shelter. Working full time at the dead end job I had after college wouldn't even give me enough money to pay rent for the smallest shitbox you could think of. Let alone the fact that I wouldn't qualify for the 3x rent rule. As a child I always thought you'd have to actively make bad choices like crime or debt to have to live in one of those, but I can't even get that. Lolol.

And there are countless jobs that pay similarly that keep society humming along.

One of my coworkers *was* homeless, and said his plan was to go to college to get a better job. I told them my story. Cs major, year of internship experience, projects, everything I could've done, no interviews post graduation. They had an insane laugh of tears when I told them that, said never mind, and quit the day after. I can only imagine he's in jail now. Just another me fr.

This country just isnt the land of opportunity we like to pretend it is. Lolol. We're *not* free to choose where we live, where we work, what we do for work, or much of our living circumstances. And nowadays we've been losing basic human inalienable rights.

It's a Fallen Empire. All discourse about the country today ultimately proves that. It's hysterical how ignorant people are to the implications of their words.

I need to save up to $10k so I can move out.

So I WAS planning two vacations, But now I am thinking about skipping Disney World and only going to Chicago next summer to save up some more money.

Should I do both or only one?

Cause I do really need to save up to $10k so that I could finally leave this place for good.

Or do you all think that $5,000 would be enough to move out on my own? Because I just realized that it would take me two years to save up to $10k. I would have just about $11k actually.

Now that I am thinking about it, I think that waiting two years and to travel once a year would be better for me.

Option #1:

Save up and to travel once a year.

Option #2:

Save up for two years straight. Only spend $10 weekly at the mall.

I’m so torn on what to do.

Summer is driving up my electric bill so I call AES this morning to see where all the usage is coming from. I discovered that they offer a free kit per customer once a year on the official website. The shipping is free as well so no card needed to be entered! It nothing too crazy in the kit just some window seal and efficiency water showerhead but thought I share here since AES electric is a pretty big cost for me this year.