<prompt> Human: I had a bad year last and was financially irresponsible. This year I really need to be making better financial choices. I just took a job in the Bethesda, MD area. Its underpaid but Im not going to find much better with my skill set, etc given the current economy. Ive been unemployed in Illinois for the last few months, so Im wondering if Im better off looking for a better job that is better paid? There is no opportunity for raises on this position for 18 months though there is a yearly cost of living raise. The numbers:Student loans- 26k 7 APR, all federal. When I was underemployed, my mom offered to give me 5k in mad money. Im considering using that 5k to pay off loans. Thoughts? Savings- 100.00 yes you read that rightDebt-600 for moving expensesPay: 22.36hour before taxes monthly 2600 after taxes. BudgetRetirement---50.00 I have a 401 k through my employerLoans---400.00 As I understand it if I pay some of the interest I can take that off my taxes correct?Rent utilities included---895 Im looking into finding something that is more of a roommate situation rather than a house with a basement apartment, but not common in Bethesda!Insurance---130Groceries--- 200TransportationGas--- 150 this is just an estimateEntertainment---100 this includes netflix and a New Yorker subscriptionHair---100 - I have thick and curly hair, I cant afford to spend less and still look professionalBeautyClothesHygeine-- 100.00Gym--- 40Therapy-- 120.00 Suffer from pretty severe anxiety and depression cant not do thisAnything left over will go to emergency fund and then savings. Im thinking of finding a second job on the weekends to make some extra cash but not sure how much better off I would be spending that time trying to expand my skill set.  <response>: Leave the 5k in the bank. The rest of your budget looks fine. The New Yorker doesnt seem worth it to me , but 100 a month for fun when you make 2600 a month isnt bad 