<prompt> Human: As a college student, living paycheck to paycheck is the common lifestyle. After racking up a couple thousand dollars in credit card debt, it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. How did you pull yourself up high enough financially to not cycle through paychecks just constantly throwing money into paying off debt and living expenses and actually build financial security?  <response>: by not spending more than you make. youre never stressed about paying bills or waiting till payday to buy things and youll actually be able to splurge on things without regretting it later. 