<prompt> Human: This is an update to this thread: First I want to thank everyone for their advice. When I originally wrote the post I was in a bad place mentally. I felt like I was in the bottom of an inescapable pit, I was seeking advice from anyone, anywhere. I knew reddit would give me an unbiased and clear summary of my situation, what I didnt know is how it would affect me. I find it remarkable how genuinely concerned some of you sounded. Many people were thoughtful and encouraging, while others were harsh, critical and brutally honest. It all helped a lot. My intentions are to give those of you that are curious an update on my situation. Its changed a lot in the past 8 days and I can safely attribute a lot of that change to the wake up call you guys delivered. Thanks again.I reduced my monthly bills by 400. I removed all the insurance and added frills from my insanely high phone bill through sprint. I also made an effort to discover why my car insurance was so high and took it from 229 to 135. I was in the process of cancelling cable when I originally posted, I followed through with that. My cable bill went from 286month to about 70 for just broadband internet. I got rid of my seedbox and usenet subscriptions, as well as ABCmouse my son doesnt play it.I stopped buying energy drinks and instead take caffeine pills. It wasnt easy, but its been 8 days and Im doing well. This is the first time Ive gone a week without energy drinks in over 5 years. That probably sounds ridiculous to some, but Ive always battled with chemical dependency in one form or another, this is really just an extension of that. Its not just the energy drinks though... I dont go to conveinience stores at all anymore. Ive probably avoided wasting 80 this week in comparision to what I spent the week before. It feels good, at least an extra 200month. I got my wife to stop smoking! Shes vaping like me now, which should save us over 100month. Its not ideal, hopefully soon well be willing to stop altogether, but baby steps, yeah? So thats a difference from last month of about 700 thats easily identifiable. I say easily identifiable because thats how Ive always thought about it, Im not spending X dollars so Im saving money! Ive made a lot of changes to get away from that mentality, which brings me to the second part of this post.YNAB! Thanks a lot to everyone that recommended it, I think it will be a life saver. I have never felt more in control, more aware financially than I do now. I know exactly where all of my money is going, what the plan for that money is, and how much money I have right now. Its pretty liberating. I hope to be at a point to where Im paying next months bills with this months paychecks in 3 or 4 months. Im planning ahead for the first time ever, I even have my wife involved. Unfortunately the inevitable has occurred and I received a garnishmentlevy at my office for state taxes on Tuesday. Im almost happy that this portion of my debt will be taken care of, if it wasnt for the brutal way in which it is being carried out. 50 of my gross pay will be gone for the next 2 months or so. Were looking at it as an exercise in restraint and control. If Were successful in making it through the next two months with all of our bills paid and food on the table, theres no reason we cant resolve all of our debt in the next two years. Its not going to be easy, but to be honest weve been on easy street for far too long and its time to grow up and be adults. Weve set goals, realized what its going to take to reach them, and fantasized about how good it will feel once this huge weight is off of us. Once the garnishment is finished Ill be able to clear up the payday loans. In the mean time Im going to get on an installment arrangement with the IRS and state DOR I just filed previous year taxes. Once Im able to budget for these two things, the rest should come pretty naturally. Once again, thank you for everything. Youve all opened my eyes and me realize how delusional I was being. Its sad that it was this easy, that just a bit of effort on my part has gotten me to a place where I can say Im being financially responsible. Why didnt I do this years ago? Im not sure it matters now, as long as I continue on this path. Assistant: Congratulations!Please keep in mind that this is a life style change, not a temporary saving spree.Human: I agree completely. Its always been easy for me to do something for a week. In fact, thinking and acting short term has always been part of the problem. Ive never been very good at goal setting, it will take a lot of effort to keep focused and understand that the small daily goals I accomplish will eventually allow me to accomplish the long term goals. One day at a time to build a lifetime of success, or something smart anyway... thanks.  <response>: Please make an effort to follow up with us again in a month. Lots of people like to read positive posts and see examples of people turning things around.The community offered its support, and while there is absolutely no obligation, consider paying it forward. 