Helen seems to have a head on her shoulders and seems to be doing ok.  
My advice to her would not so much be financial as personal.  
Do not totally forsake living today to save for tomorrow...do some living now.
Try to associate with  people that understand and know what it takes to do your job.  Don't let the complainers get to to you or it will wear you down.

And ps.... don't read the comment sections in any articles.