"Do at least a week (preferably a month) where you figure out the absolute minimum amount of money that you need to survive. Buy nothing that isn't an absolute necessity. Once you have that number and that experience, figure out what luxuries are really important to you and if they're worth the cost. Do you really need Netflix when you have a library card? But maybe takeout after an awful day of work is worth it — just pick it up on your way home instead of getting delivery."