conversation: User (ahimsasatya): "I am a yoga instructor and personal trainer, so you can assume right away that I don't make great money. I didn't choose this career to become rich. I make about $1500/month.\n\nMy husband just asked me for a divorce. He makes a lot more than I do. He also manages our money.\n\nI have found a place to live. My bills (rent, utilities, cell phone, car payment) total $975. That is without putting any money in savings monthly.\n\nIt has been almost 6 years since I've managed my money on my own. We got together at age 20. I know I can't manage my finances the way I did when I was younger. So I guess my question is, does anyone have some tried and true ways of managing their money (especially those with lower incomes)? I want to stick some away in savings, start saving for retirement and do some traveling.\n\nI am super low maintenance. I live a yogic lifestyle. I buy what I need, I don't overspend or party. I always try to live beneath my means.\n\nI also know $1500/month ain't shit. I'm sitting here trying to figure out ways to make extra money, but first I want to get a system down.\n\nAny feedback is greatly appreciated. :)\n\nEdit: Wow! Thanks so much for the replies. I definitely have help from my husband, he's not leaving me to fend for myself. This is mostly me wanting to become independent again. I see what I really needed was some ideas to further my business and make some extra money and you guys have given me some great inspiration!! Thanks so much!!"
  Self: "Depending on what state you live in, you may be entitled to some form of alimony. If you do, I would recommend you sock it away for a rainy day and learn to live within your own means. \n\nI work in a part of the divorce world and often we see the "non-monied" spouse hit a brick wall when they figure out that they can no longer can afford the lifestyle they once were accustomed to. \n\nBest of luck!"
  TaieriGold (TaieriGold): "I suggest she works for her own money instead of leveraging the state to leech money off her ex husband. She has skills and she chose her own career. Her husband didn't prevent her from working or training for a higher paying job, and they have no kids. Just because she might "technically" be able to get alimony, doesn't make it right."
  redditisbadforus (redditisbadforus): "You are either bff with OP or making a lot of assumptions. She should take what she legally can, no shame in that.\n"
  TaieriGold (TaieriGold): "Yes I am making a lot of assumptions, but she has a skill set, and I'm pretty sure nobody has ever been forced to become a yoga instructor, so complaining that it doesn't make much income is not a valid argument. \n\nJust because you are legally entitled to something, doesn't always make it right. Just because you married a guy, doesn't make it morally right to leech money off him afterwards."
  