<prompt> Human: So, I dont know if Im being rational, or rationalizing... I currently live in a 2 BR apartment with one other dude, and with utilities, it costs about 940month for me. Hes moving out, and Im moving into a 1 BR in the same building, which will be approx. 1320 on the high end with utilities. The issue is that I already feel a bit stretched on expenses, and have been able to save nothing over the next several months. What Im telling myself to justify the move is that 1, given the fact that my current roommate totally dominates our kitchen, and so I never, ever cook and eat out for basically all but one or two meals per week... I should be able save a ton of money by cooking WAY more, basically flipping things from cooking once or twice to eating out once or twice per week... And 2 I am planning on getting rid of cable when I go to my new 1 BR, and Im currently spending about 150mo on that... The basic math works out this way: Monthly Income net of taxes401ketc.: 2800 Rent 940-1300 Student Loan Pmts: 530 CC pmts: 250 Food: 560 Beergoing out: 200 Entertainmentmisc: the rest So I guess what Im wondering is... am I being realistic? Any tips on saving money? I know my budget is not the most practical. Any input is appreciated.  <response>: You spend too much on food. You shouldnt spend hardly anything on EntertainmentBeer until your CC is paid off. CC debt is bad. Once you have the CC paid off thats an extra 250 a month. Keep your foodbeer bill at say, half what it is now that is an extra 380 a month on top of that. Now you have an extra 600 and can afford your rent. Theres no magic answer. Make more or spend less, preferably both. 