Yeah, I spent a period in my 20s fairly poor; I wasn't homeless or anything but I worked two jobs, didn't own a car, and had to exercise extreme discipline with my budget. I can agree that the "spend less" solution is logical but doesn't actually work. "Whoa look at you big spender, with your $10/mo Netflix subscription!" In all seriousness, I could suggest working in a grocery store or restaurant so you can "obtain" free food. The way I got out of it was by applying for jobs in a different area and borrowing money from family to move.