Dear Laura,
Your message almost seems like a solicitation for donations. I don't really think you have shared any wisdom & think your post is inappropriate. I am sorry to hear that you are going through rough times, but as someone who did not grow up 'comfortable,' nor did I land a sweet, high paying job right out of college, I am having a hard time feeling like you have it worse than anyone else. Perhaps if you were grateful for the money that you had and lost, you may stop feeling like you did something to deserve not having any money left. Your 'poor me' attitude is doing nothing to help you, or spread happiness to people who have come here looking for help finding it.

I already do all the things on the list, but yes , Luchis08...being comfortable being you on a budget is important. That is the hardest part for me....my 'peers' spend so much more than I do & want me to go to dinners & lunches & shopping with them. It is hard to always refuse them. I don't want them to think I don't want to be with them. The worst thing about living in suburban America trying to save some cash is the at home party. Southern LIving, Pampered Chef, Lia Sophia...being invited to 4 parties a month at which spending money is expected. Buying little tokens just to show some support has been embarrassing & almost humiliating at times. I stand behind my behavior, I just have to find a way to feel good about it.

My portfolio is automatically diversified by having the contributions in my 401(k) invested in the Fidelity Freedom Fund, which is a retirement age based fund that does all the work for you. It doesn't give the absolute best return, but it is the easiest.

Raquelita, paper bags are not the answer. I am a 'North American' who is trying to make a difference & I bring my own bags to every store & farmer's market, among other efforts. Reusable bags are a huge help and can be fancy at the same time.

that's really beautiful. I will try to remember that.