i had cut all costs i was willing to, and just started a side hustle the last couple of months. the breathing room is sooo nice, and the work is easy enough (per sitting at other people’s houses via rover).
[united states] i use a credit card for anything that i can. the perks are nice (as others have mentioned), and i never spend more than i have. i’ve never paid a penny in interest. i always pay the statement balance on the day it’s due.