Tornado, taxes and debt

Yesterday a tornado hit a near by town.  It caused quite a bit of damage, trees landing on cars and houses.  Two days ago I scraped together enough cash to pay school taxes. I should be glad I don't have to make house repairs. Then there is credit card debt.  I am making the effort  to get paid up.  My friend Sarah says to stop wanting things.    I do not buy frivolous things but the house seems to require a new purchase now and then.  For example, the bathroom needs a wheelchair accessible door.  I know the key is to save instead of having immediate gratification... always a problem for me.