<prompt> Human: My original post was here!Its been just over a month and half since I started my strict budget. Im happy to say that I am way ahead of schedule, and Ill have paid off CC 3 4 by tomorrow. It honestly hasnt been that difficult, but it is depressing not being able to splurge - I guess Ive been breaking myself from my rush of buying! Now I have to calculate everything. Im also happy to say that I will be able to afford everything I want from Christmas approx. 650 worth of presents from scrounging my gas money I usually over-estimate. That being said, my SO is very proud of me and is very encouraging, but its hard to think about living like this for a few more years to pay off student debt and save for a house etc. Does rPersonalFinance have any ways to stay on track even when the going gets tough?  <response>: This is exactly why it is recommended that people live below their means. Breaking bad spending habits is really hard, partially because shopping is known to have real physiological effectsLike any addiction, withdrawal gets easier with time. Buck up, you got this. 