We questioned every expense we had. We didn't even have cable for a while. We treated everything we had like it had to last. We didn't buy anything over $100, without waiting a week to decide how bad we needed it. If we got any bonuses or extra's we paid our bills with it. Once we got rolling it went really fast. The first 6 months were hard.

Now we save in advance for any purchase. Instead of making a car payment with interest, we put away a car payment every month. We don't buy the car until we have the cash. It doesn't take long until you are far ahead of your peers with money, because so many people spend so much on debt and interest.

I really wish you luck and I support your desire to not be trapped in this forever.