<prompt> Human: I currently live paycheck to paycheck and have no idea how to budget, save money, or anything about finances in general. I do know that I am tired of living this way and that is why I am turning to this sub. I have seen a lot of really positive stories come out of here and I am hoping I can get some advice. Thank you.Assistant: If you post your entire budget, youll get better long-term advice.For the short term, peanut butter sandwiches and ramen can help you survive a week. Or maybe hit up a food pantry.Human: I currently make just under 1600 a month after taxes. I get 750 first of the month of which 462 goes to rentI get 825 every 15th of the month of which about 450 goes to bills.Usually with the money I have left over I use on food which I eat out a lot because I dont know shit about cooking and am lazy, personal stuff, and going out. But it seems to never fail that I am broke as shit a few days to a week prior to pay day.  <response>: If Im understanding correctly, you have about 700 leftover after fixed expenses and arent getting by at present.1st: going out is likely sinking all your money away. Cooking isnt that tricky, and to be honest, a few hours devoted to it a week will get you where you need to be, and this is an amazing life skill, stress remedy, and money saver. You will save thousands, if not tens of thousands, over your lifetime. You should be able to eat for under 150 for one for a month, depending where you live.2nd: get an emergency fund, and budget it to your fixed expenses. You have enough leway that you can set aside even just 100 bucks a month so that when you have to do a car repair, get sick, etc. You arent screwed. Doing this will save you hours of anxiety and fear for making ends meet.3rd: If this sounds scary, start by budgeting. Write down everything you spend, and at the end of the month, evaluate it. Youll be shocked and automatically become more conscious of where youre wasting.In the meanwhile, rice and beans, ramen, spaghetti. If you get a giant bag of rice, salt, pepper, and eggs, you should survive okay. And as others said, dont be afraid to go to a food pantry. They are there for you, there is no shame in surviving. Good luck. 