I grew up in poverty, so my default mindset is pretty much "Eh, I've already been in dire straits, so I know I'll be alright if it happens again (I'm miserable most of the time anyway), so oh well, I'll buy a cup of coffee and a cardigan if I want to". However, America is forcing me into a bizarre mix of forced frugality and immense spending at the same time. Last week I spent a month's worth of wages paying for healthcare (after insurance), and then had another procedure done that is over a month's worth of wages (out of pocket, after insurance), and today I got a letter confirming that yes, I have effectively signed up for fifty thousand dollars worth of student debt. I've applied for so many jobs in my field, it would be so nice to have one full time job at a decent wage, instead of two that have no benefits, a miserable commute, pittance wages, and a steady line of people who would be more than willing to replace me.