<prompt> Human: To sum this up quickly. I graduated culinary school in 09. Came to the conclusion after about 3 years that it wasnt the career for me. I was stuck struggling trying to figure out how to go about a career transition. After seeing a career coach, updating my resume, going to plenty of interviews, I landed a job for an insurance company making 40k a year. Working in kitchens I was averaging about 20k a year. Barely making rent. Living off raven and staff meals. I had no concept of saving money as I was living check to check. My question is, now that Im making decent money, how do I go about saving, and stretching my money? What do I do? Ill be moving in my partner in month or so, so rent wont be as big of an issue. Ill be helping with condo fees probably above 500 a month. Phone is 70, my remaining credit card fees will be paid in full with my first paycheck so that wont be an issue. Few bonus questions:I have a debt with a student loan. I havent paid it once since I left college as I just havent had money. Ive tried to save but always found myself being broke after rent and phone was paid. So it has 0 put into it. I was talking to my partner about it and he said it may be better to ignore it. He said i know it sounds shifty and irresponsible, but after so long of not receiving a payment, it costs them too much to even keep the debt active. Theyll either call you and ask for a settlement like half of the entire amount made in full, or just wipe it out all together. For now I would ignore it. is this true? Is it a myth? What should I do? -my credit is terrible. I was very irresponsible at 18 when I got my credit card. Still paying for it now, but its almost paid off. In a month itll be gone. Any tips for repairing bad credit? Do you think the bank will allow me a credit card knowing my bad credit history? How should I use said credit card to repair my debt safely? -I also smoke pot regularly. Id say in a week Id spend close to 50-60 on pot. Everyones got a vice. Thank you so much.Assistant: Lol. Came here for advice on moving forward. So many sharks smell blood in the water and just attack me. I should note the pot is medicinal. I suffer from depression and anxiety. Not the fake kind to get me medicinal pot. But the kind that was at one point debilitating and had me frequently contemplating suicide. I was very irresponsible with money from 18-24 and am paying for it now. I realize I didnt make smart decisions. Im trying to move forward. So yes, when the decision to spend money on pot was made, it was a smart decision. Some people have a glass of Scotch after a tough day of work. I have a bowljoint to keep me from losing my shit. I came here hoping to read try putting some money into a savings account each paycheck. And not lolll pothead loser.  <response>: I came here hoping to read try putting some money into a savings account each paycheck. And not lolll pothead loser.And nobody is saying that. Im not seeing any judgement past if you cant afford to make payments on your student loans, you probably cant afford 200-300 a month on pot. Its a financial statement, not a values judgement. 