All these ideas are great! I've been out of work and so is my SO. We don't have a vehicle, use bus and very kind neighbor's car; she lets us borrow it just about every time we need it. We buy in, stocking up on staples (toilet paper, canned goods, etc.) and only buy generics, no name brands. We have an apartment, so there are benefits (landscaping, repairs, business center, pool). It's just big enough for the 2 of us. and rent is what we can afford.