I’ve done crazy things to save money but none of that relieved the financial pressure entirely. I realized abundance is a choice first and always. Especially with our economic and materialist system, you cannot "tight-wad"  your way to freedom. I believe that it is mathematically impossible due to our tax code and financial structures.  Many well respected financial educators suggest beans and rice until you are debt-free. I respectfully disagree. There is a deeper answer. I found that answer in changing my heart first, before financial provision would come.