To start, make sure you’re separating honest-to-goodness obligations from habits disguised as necessities. It can be hard to distinguish between the two at times. Just remember that your habits are ultimately negotiable in a pinch—your obligations are not. You could come up with an alternate plan for buying lunch if you really needed to. Paying your rent or mortgage? Not as easy to get around unless moving in with your parents is on the table. No shame.
