What expenses should I cut first when money is tight?

Start with discretionary spending that provides the least value relative to its cost. Cancel or pause subscription services you rarely use (streaming platforms, gym memberships, apps), cut back on dining out and takeout, and eliminate impulse purchases by waiting 48 hours before buying anything non-essential. These are painless cuts because they don't affect your core quality of life. After that, look at variable necessities like groceries (switch to store brands, plan meals, reduce waste) and utilities (adjust thermostat, reduce energy use). Avoid cutting things like insurance or minimum debt payments, as those create bigger problems later. The goal is protecting fixed essentials like housing, utilities, and food while trimming everything around them.