<prompt> Human: Hi PF, Im a graduate student making 22,000 a year. I split a 675 rent with my girlfriend. As things are so far, I save some money each month but then end up spending on car repairs, or a weekend road trip or furniture for the new house. Overall Id say Im fairly comfortable, I try to be frugal but 6 months into my program, Im basically back where I started after a large car repair.My question to people making this kind of money is, is there a point to introducing discomfort in my life now to try and save a couple thousand a year, or should I just spend as I go and worry about that after school?EDIT: Thanks for replies thus far, I just want to clarify that I do have an solid emergency fund, its just that my savings havent grown.EDIT2: Im studying neuroscience, Im considering joining a successful pharmacology lab as it would be more marketable if I want to work in industry later.  <response>: In my personal opinion, having more money laying around is better than not enough.Its not like if youre not frugal youll never have a large car repair or hospital bills. What if it takes you a few months to find a job after you graduate?Im not sure what level of discomfort youre considering, but I would at least start a budget so you know where your money is going. 