When purchasing thing about whether or not you need it right now and make sure you know exactly it's purpose it'll serve to you. If it's not something that could affect your living situation, health, or other things of that nature then it can wait; especially if you're not in the best financial situation.  This is how you determine a want from a need. Still confused? A want is something you desire to have for pleasure purposes but, wouldn't cause you any harm if you didn't have it.  A need is something that will ABSOLUTELY cause you harm or affect you at that exact moment if you do not have it. An example of a need is food, water, a place to live, etc. Some people often think when moving into a new home/apartment that furniture, TV's, decorations, etc. are super important as soon as you move in. They're not ! As long as you have a place to sleep and food in your house you are good. Accepting hand me downs or thrift shopping is fine your first few months, or maybe even year, of living in your new home.