Easy steps, Move to a white area. Become more self sufficient. Get to know your tradesmen, they appreciate repeat business, and can teach you how to do the small jobs. Go to smaller family owned restaurants, the family usually works there. Purchase a car outright, no payments. get a spare if you have space, preferably older, pre electronics that you can work on, or if space is an issue get an older motorcycle, again something you can work on.