sprocket change

What’s up, fellow degenerates So I’ve gotten myself into a bit of a pickle with my bike. I’m doing a sprocket and chain swap for the first time, and I can’t seem to get the front sprocket nut off. I’m assuming I was meant to loosen it with the chain still on so I could hold the rear brake, but...

I know this stuff is all over the site and I'm supposed to read it all before I post. I'm trying. I want to know the hot, effective, easy (and cheap) setup for fixing the snatchy throttle, lack of helmet lock, rear fender shortener (and license plate light), lack of anywhere safe to carry...