<prompt> Human: So, Im not sure where to start. Ive been living with my girlfriend for several months, but things just got real rocky. We live in an apartment on our shared income, but its in my mane due to her unfortunate credit history Yeah, I know, rookie mistake . Which means she CAN move out whenever with very little regard for my situation. But this isnt about our relationship. Even before things got really bad, weve been living paycheck to paycheck. Things were good for a while, then she had to skip a months rent due to lack of work she has a seasonal sort of job. Pays well when its on and shit when its off. We got through it, but kicking and screaming was involved on both ends to pay the bills. Now that she may be leaving me, Im trying to figure out how the hell Im supposed to move on financially. I dont have a lavish lifestyle, Im a full time hourly wager in New Jersey. Doing a rough estimate of net income vs bills, I come to 1650 in, 1780 out, and that doesnt include day to day expenses such as gas and groceries. I also have no savings due to that aforementioned missed rent and 2 maxed out credit cards, totaling 5500. My car is about 5 months away from being paid off, so that will help eventually, but Im feeling very scared now on how I can make it till then. I have no idea what to do or where to start or who to ask.I wish I could spend the time fixing our relationship, but sadly this very real fallout crisis should I fail is much more pressing.Assistant: Doing a rough estimate of net income vs bills, I come to 1650 in, 1780 out, and that doesnt include day to day expenses such as gas and groceries.What are the bills?Human: Rent: 940Elec: 50Tvint: 120Car: 172Car Ins: 220Cell: 125CC1: 120 minCC2: 25 minAssistant: Just suggestions, so do your research obviously:1. Get rid of your TV and switch the internet only. If possible, drop the internet as well and stop by somewhere public when you need it.2. Drop the cell phone, go with a Cricket or something similar and you can cut that bill by well over half.3. Consider changing your car insurance policy temporarily. 220 is a ton if you ask me. Increase your deductible and use your car less.Youre looking at saving at least 200 this route, which gets you into the positive. Get those credit cards paid off ASAP as well as the car. Once those are done, and you move into a cheaper place when your lease is up, you can be in the positive 500 a month. At that point you can consider adding some luxuries like a better cell phone and TV.nbsp;I used to be in your situation not relationship-wise, spending more than I was earning. It took eight years, but I went from losing 100-200 a month which would go on a credit card to saying 2500-3000 a month. Everything changes when youre earning more than youre spending.Human: 2. Drop the cell phone, go with a Cricket or something similar and you can cut that bill by well over half.I want to, but just renewed with a phone payment plan because of course thats what Verizon does now for upgrades. Not sure yet if I can cancel and forfeit the phone without penalty. 3. Consider changing your car insurance policy temporarily. 220 is a ton if you ask me. Increase your deductible and use your car less.Its high because New Jersey, and also the car is still being paid off and requires collision. I planned to drop to the bare minimum after I finished off the loan.  <response>: You cant afford a phone upgrade. you are broke. 