Get out of debt. Buy a really cheap place in the middle of nowhere in a county with low taxes and without building regulation offices. Situate yourself to avoid driving, and hypermile, when you must (tuneup, driving technique, air pressure in tires,...). Build the lowest cost heating systems possible. Garden. Raise livestock. Preserve food. Avoid buying anything that you don’t need for survival.
That seems to be the biggie.
After many months, I took ANY job offer which popped up. Little did I know that I would be fingerprinted so the FBI could process my global criminal check. Many folks didn't make the cut.
It pays to live somewhat clean.