It's simple: until you have the minimums to get hired at your target airline or corporate operation, or other company, you look at everything and every purchase in terms of multi-engine time. A bag of groceries? That's one fourth of an hour of twin time....
The biggest costs are in money and commitment, which you will truly need if you are not financially independent.
If you do not have a marketable skill or ability, or a degree as a fallback, do not go to the airlines. they are far too insecure and cyclical.

I'm a cfi in msp, pm if you wish...