That's true for a lot of people and we can find ways to be creative with the money we have. Whilst I do not profess to be a finance expert, I do believe having a mentally good attitude with money.
Most of us have rent or mortgage to pay. First things first, we all have to pay someone something for a roof over our heads. If your rent or mortgage is becoming overwhelming here's some options: Remember this situation is temporary and not forever, you are trying to get some breathing space from the crunch.
1. Speak to your mortgage people and/or landlord for a temporary or permanent solution to lower your rent/mortgage for a period of time, extend the lease or mortgage over a great period to give you some grace right now.
2. A payment holiday period.
3. If you have space in your home that you can lease out (be picky about your roomie!) this could get your extra money, or perhaps someone can come and use your space as an office for a fee. Win win for both people.
Most of us have utility bills.
4. Call each provider and ask what other options for those in financial poverty.
5. Shop around for better deals (links below)
6. Most of us have some fuel in our household. Can you offer your car as a car pool or travel with someone else in a car pool? Share the cost.
7. About credit cards... you can find cards that have a benefit. Example, if you are dreaming of a holiday, join avios.com or collect points through your credit card that give you something back.
8. If you have a student friend, ask them about Unidays. Students often get discounts they never use, what's the harm in finding out if they can help you out.
9. If you are a foodie and like variety but often waste food or ingredients, why not team up with someone else or others to do a join shop at costco and buy in bulk and split the food and the cost.
10. If you like variety of food and are bored of eating the same thing. As friends to cook a meal and all share one meal each so you get theirs and they get yours.
11. If you commute to a workplace, work with your company to allow you to travel off peak times.
12. If you don't need to replace something until a sale, hold off. Borrow until you can get it cheaper, sign up for email notifications to places you shop. Often if you sign up you'll get a discount code.
13. When shopping for insurances (home, contents, travel, car etc) check websites like avios.com shopping portal to collect points.
You can join The Coach House Community on facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/363654112497765