+1 on Captains buying a drink or a meal every now and then! That saved me on more than one occasion at my last job flying the Dash, and I return the favor every chance I get. Granted I just fly a 402 but the kid sitting next to me is making something like 9 bucks a duty hour, so I know they appreciate it!

Also, these guys are right on about the Dave Ramsey book. I was one of those guys who called into the show and got the book for free. The advice is priceless! I'll be cutting about ten years and something like 20k in interest off of my student loans by following the program...

As for food, you can pack enough food for a 4 day and still not worry about looking like a bedouin crossing the sahara when you walk through the airport. I have the ebags cooler and could fit enough perishables in the bottom (with a medical ice pack from the pharmacy and ice from the galley) and dry goods in the top to last for most of a four day trip. There are plenty of threads in the forums with great food suggestions.