<prompt> Human: Firstly, I make 32kyear. I realize its not uncommon to live paycheck to paycheck on this wage, however, I have a rent payment of 500month and dont even have to buy my own groceries right now. My credit score is 590. Id like to get a USDA mortgage soon, but I need a 50 point jump for that to happen. I have about 4,000 in credit card debt, and no monthly payments other than 250month in phone and internet bills and 100 in minimum CC payments.Any tips or guidance to get through the next few months and perhaps get my credit score up to the mid-high 600s? Thank you! Assistant: Why get a mortgage when your rent is so low? Save up a deposit of 20 first. If you cant do that, you wont be likely to be able to afford mortgage payments and the many unexpected expenses that come from owning a house surprise! You need to buy a new 5,000 boiler!Human: Yeah, that is very true. I guess, my thought was that rent is pointless if you can afford to have a small home. But when you put it like that, it sounds kind of silly for someone like me at this point in my life. My rent is only 500 because I live with my parents. To live alone, it would cost at least 650 for a half decent place. Assistant: Very sensible.As for the money disappearing, have you tried tracking your expenses for a month? It might be going to places you dont expect. You can reduce your phone bills by getting a cheaper phone. You can get good deals on Android phones if you shop around. For internet, dont you split the bill with your parents if you are living with them? Or do they not use it?Human: Thanks! I try to be reasonable, as Im eating for free at home right now. 500 rent and 80 bucks Internet seems like a compromise that is still unfair to them when you think about it. But if I paid all my own expenses, splitting it would be great! Do you recommend a pencil and paper style budget, or an app? I cant decide what is better.  <response>: Personally, I use an app so that the moment I spend money, I can log it. Other people prefer pencil and paper or have a google doc where they keep track. It all comes down to what works best for you.Pick one and give it a try. You might have to switch methods or adjust a certain method to work for your life, but youll find the right one. 