#i love talking money so hmu if you feel stuck :) the last 2.5 years i've made $25/hr but before that i made $19 so i promise im just regula

[hookedonyonics]

and similar to how exercise helps you sleep better which means you have more energy to see people which means you might eat a nice meal together etc etc, it all builds together...

once you (a) lower as many fixed expenses as possible (b) reduce non-fixed spending you will quickly start to accumulate savings. I know it's very bootstraps to be like don't get a coffee on the way to work but like. if you saved $3/work day, in 30 years you will have saved over $22,000 (if you get a coffee every day, not just work days, you would save over $32,000). if you cut your phone bill by $20, in 30 years you will have saved over $7,000.

once you have an emergency fund saved, then you can save enough to buy a used car outright. once you own a car that isn't on payments, you can lower your insurance tier and save another $50-$150/month.

like with mental illness, there is a lot out of your control and the hardest part is the beginning. it just gets easier and easier the more you do it.

you know how indulgent, wallowing mental health messaging ("I can't just yoga my depression away") has thankfully shifted to an understanding that diet, exercise, fresh air, socializing, and productivity will lift your mood and help alleviate and manage with other symptoms?

i feel like there is a strong indulgent, wallowing message right now re: personal finance... like yeah okay the avocado toast vs buying a house thing is stupid but like. you do actually have to try. some of this is in your power. you just don't want to have to face that a lot of this problem is in your control and if you made some sacrifices you could get some relief and make some progress.