It's not difficult to do, but it is hard. Cut as many expenses as you can. Examples: cook your own meals instead of eating out; bring a lunch from home; shop for groceries more carefully - use coupons, get stuff in bulk & freeze it; build some security into your food supply - get extra cans of corn or boxes of macaroni when it is on sale - the stuff lasts forever; don't buy anything unless you absolutely need it.
At the same time, eliminate debts as quickly as possible. Start with high-interest credit cards - eliminate them one at a time, then ensure you pay of the one remaining card every month so there is no interest. If you have a car - do you need it? If you're in/around NYC you could take public transport for most things and eliminate the car payment, insurance, maintenance, etc. If you need a car sometimes then consider renting it only when you need it.
Housing - could you live a bit further away for cheaper & commute in via train? Have a roommate?
Cut back on entertainment - wait for movies to come out on TV, eat in, use the library - it's a great resource and costs nothing.
Main focus is on needs vs. wants. You NEED a 1 month cushion of cash in a savings account to cover any emergencies w/out resorting to credit cards. It's nice to have 3-6 months. So start with a few $hundred and just keep adding to it.
My wife likes the Dave Ramsey books - they seem to offer pretty solid advice. There is no reason to be living paycheck-to-paycheck, even in NYC, if you're making 6 figures. It may not be as fun or glamorous, but it is completely doable.
At the same time, eliminate debts as quickly as possible. Start with high-interest credit cards - eliminate them one at a time, then ensure you pay of the one remaining card every month so there is no interest. If you have a car - do you need it? If you're in/around NYC you could take public transport for most things and eliminate the car payment, insurance, maintenance, etc. If you need a car sometimes then consider renting it only when you need it.
Housing - could you live a bit further away for cheaper & commute in via train? Have a roommate?
Cut back on entertainment - wait for movies to come out on TV, eat in, use the library - it's a great resource and costs nothing.
Main focus is on needs vs. wants. You NEED a 1 month cushion of cash in a savings account to cover any emergencies w/out resorting to credit cards. It's nice to have 3-6 months. So start with a few $hundred and just keep adding to it.
My wife likes the Dave Ramsey books - they seem to offer pretty solid advice. There is no reason to be living paycheck-to-paycheck, even in NYC, if you're making 6 figures. It may not be as fun or glamorous, but it is completely doable.