<prompt> Human: Hi, I need some help. 3-4 years ago I was enlisted in the USAF. I was making next to nothing, and living paycheck to paycheck. I got out and have been working my way up, and today was offered a raise that puts me over 100k. That said, I never learned how to manage money, and came from a family that said, If you can eat steak, eat steak; when you have to eat beans, eat beans. ___Im still living paycheck to paycheck, living in NYC. I need to get out of this cycle, but I keep increasing my standard of living must be as Im getting raises. I got paid today, and yesterday I had 35 in cash, and nothing in my bank account. Fixed Expenses: 1100 for rent and utilities 110 for a metro card pretax 30ish in taxes 100month phone bill___Long ago I trashed my credit. I took those shark loans while I was in the AF, and recently early this year got all of those paid off around 15k. I also had my car impounded the year I got out of the AF and was looking for work, which is still a negative hit on my credit. Suffice to say, I cant get any credit card other than a secured card, so if an emergency comes up during the year I have to borrow from a meager 401k 5k saved in about a year, all taken out for 401k loans, 1k left in the account currently. ___I cant move out of my apartment if I have to. In NYC you typically will pay Brokers Fee, 1st months Rent, Last months rent, and a security deposit. Average rent in decent areas is 1000-2000. That can cost around 7k just to move. I do not have family who can help me out. ___I have no assets. I live a fairly spartan existence. I own a phone I purchased it in full, no contract, my mattress, a computer, and a dresser. If something comes up and I need money, or Ive over extended and need cash, Ill return something to the store or sell it. ___I cant live like this anymore, it gives me anxiety and Im in my late 20s, I need to be an adultier adult, but Im not sure where to start.  <response>: You dont need to move. You have great rent and a good income. You need to spend less on... whatever it is youre spending your money on. Death by a thousand papercuts. YNAB is a budgeting software that I use and really like. I dont want to be too preachy about it, and it is just a fancy spread sheet. There are plenty of spreadsheets in the sidebar too. Other people like Mint, but I think mint makes you look backwards what you already spent instead of forwards how much youre allowed to spend. Also, lets talk about your 401k loans. You do know they are payable, in full, immediately after leaving your job right? 