Is smoking cigarettes down to the filter really bad? cant afford them anymore

Yes: Smoking cigarettes is always bad. You are inhaling toxic smoke---nicotine, arsenic, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, etc., whether just half a cigarette, or all the way down to the filter. You might think of it as a blessing that you can't afford them anymore financially, because you can't afford it physically. See you doctor right away to get help with this.

Time to see your Dr.: This is a terrible habit to continue doing, when your life is at risk. Withdrawal from smoking is easily managed when working with your doctor. S/he can recommend taking nicotine patches or gum to help you get out of cigarettes altogether. Smoking down to the filter is the most dangerous thing you can do. Beware!