is good to treat yourself to something like a movie or a lunch out with a friend once in awhile or you will get depressed.
recycle and bring the plastic and aluminum cans to a place that will pay you. (if you are obsessive about it – you will wind up with a cleaner neighborhood, too, since people seem to toss water bottles everywhere).
if you have some hints on living on minimum wage (or close to minimum) – please share them in the comments. life can be hard, but it is better when we share. 