hand-to-mouth

hand-to-mouth  {adj.}

Not providing for the future; living from day to day; not saving for later.

Many native tribes lead a hand-to-mouth existence, content to have food for one day at a time.

John is not a saving boy; he spends his money without thought for the future, and lives a hand-to-mouth life.

See: LIVE FROM HAND TO MOUTH.