1. Get a new job. Six years is too long because raises no longer keep up with inflation. I’m aware that the job market is shit right now, but it’s easier to find a new job while you currently have one.
2. Never accept the counter-offer from your current employer. They’ll just keep you on long enough to replace you with someone cheaper.
3. Cycle/metro to work if possible to cut health/car costs. Consider the price difference of jobs/housing close to metro stops.
4. Meal prep and refrigerate weeks worth of lunches at a time. Don’t go to bars. Consider vegetarianism.
5. Focus on your cheaper hobbies. Cancel all subscriptions and pirate everything instead.
6. Download your bank and credit card statements, then make a pie chart of where all your money is actually going.
7. Once your monthly income exceeds your monthly costs, start by saving a 6-month cash reserve (as per the meme). Being poor is expensive, you’ll need this for surprise expenses.
8. Once you’ve got 6 months of savings, start dollar cost averaging into volatile long-term investments. Never attempt technical analysis; it’s bullshit. Stick to your plan during bear markets. You are not a genius day trader waiting to happen, stick to the plan.
9. Never feel bad about lying to your employer, be “sick” whenever you want. Don’t do unpaid overtime. Don’t fall victim to Stockholm syndrome. Fuck 'em. Your mental health matters more.

Inb4 capitalism bad: no shit. Unionize if you can, participate in mutual aid if you can, but don’t listen to crabs in a bucket who tell you it’s hopeless.