<prompt> Human: Hi, Im a 38 year old woman currently living on disability. I rent a room from my mother, and after many years of being bad with money, I have less than 100 dollars in my bank account. Im taking extreme measures to save money. I live in New York City, a place with lots of services for homeless and low income people. Im hitting up soup kitchens for most of my meals because I believe that free is better than spending money, even if you spend a little. Is this going too far? Your thoughts?Assistant: As a temporary solution, I dont think there is anything wrong with that; however, are you okay living off soup for the rest of your life? If not, whatre you doing to get out of this situation? Are you prioritizing your current spendings? Water, food and shelter should come first, followed by electricity right after that. Whatever is remaining, tackle any debt you may have. Save up some amount, if any, then enjoy with whatever is left. Human: Yes. Ive recently discovered the concept of reverse budgeting, or pay yourself first. Before I spent most of my money, saved what little was left, and dug into what little savings I had when I had a money issue. I owe 2,000 dollars to my old college, and my first priority is paying off my college debt and returning to school. I believe that my lack of a college degree is whats truly holding me back.  <response>: You might try writing a letter to the college explaining your situation and asking for help. 2k to a college isnt worth near as much as it is to a person in your situation and they might write off all or a portion of it. Make sure to mention that in order to pay off this debt that you are eating at soup kitchens. Also address it to the bursar, but CC the department head that you were studying under or maybe your advisor. Hopefully the department head or advisor might have sympathy and help push the issue through the bureaucracy. Most people in college administration I think are decent people who want to see people succeed. 