conversation: User (yougotaweirdname): "Alright here we go. I'm 19 and just got out of a 2 year relationship. (Cheating is real shitty ya'll.) Some background: I'm young and really stupid. I was giving him my whole paychecks and letting him decide where what goes and how much I get back. I have no idea where all my money went. Stupid, I know. Bills were always paid for and I was pretty much always broke, but with everything I needed.  \nI live in apartment where my share of the rent is 600 and my phone bill is 100. \nGoing back home to family is unfortunately not an option.  \nI'm starting school soon and I need to figure out how I can save with what I have, and What I need to do. \nSo far I have a minimum wage job ($10) with 30 hours a week. I was looking for other jobs but can't afford to not work until then so this will do. I plan on getting a second job so I'm at least hitting 50 hours a week. I'm making tips too, and all of that immediately goes to savings. \nLuckily my job is within walking distance so I'm going to do that instead of paying for parking and gas.  \nI'm going to pack lunches and snacks but in case I can't, my job offers 50% off and the sides are 3 bucks to begin with, so it's not that hard on my wallet. I have a roommate so groceries and other expenses will be split.  \nI feel like I need to be doing more. What can I do at 19?  \nEdit 1: I've gotten so many positive responses and first off I just want to say thank you so so so much. Let me give a bit of an update because today has been a tiny whirlwind with work and all.  \nFirst off, I'm down to 5 bucks thanks to a forgotten gym bill I stupidly let my ex and our old roommate charge to my card. I know 30 bucks isn't a lot, but man if I didn't cry over losing that $25. But it's oh well, I'm canceling the membership and I'm getting tips tomorrow so I'll just start over again.  \nA lot of people have asked why I can't go home, and honestly, I have no beef with my family. My mother is a wonderful woman who works at a domestic violence homeless shelter a few cities away. She lives in a tiny house with my 4 younger siblings and has recently also moved in a woman and her child from off the streets. When I say tiny, I mean a 2 and a half bedroom house that takes almost 5 seconds to walk through fully. She doesn't make a lot, and taking me in could mess her up financially and honestly it's just so crowded. She has a heart of gold and tries to support me in any way she can.  \nI want to say something about my ex. Overall, he was a good person who let his depression consume him and didn't want to seek help for it. I tried and helped as much I can, but when I started getting hurt more than making any difference, I knew I had to go. He's never had an example of a healthy relationship. All in all, I hope he gets help and grows to be the kind of person I know he can be, and I'm sorry I can't be there with him.  \nI got in contact with a recruiter, I'm not sure if I'll enlist but I'm weighing it as an option and talking to someone about it will be nice.  \nI have a few leads on a second job, and I want to thank everybody who has been offering jobs and housing. Unfortunately, I don't seem to live near any of you! I'm a state by California.  \nAlso, I WILL NOT BE SPLITTING THE GROCERY BILL.  That seems to be unanimous.  \nI'll be looking at my phone contract as well.  \nWhen It comes to school, I'm going to talk to some school counselors to see what would be best to do. \nI didn't expect the support and outpouring of love that came from this post, but you guys gave me hope. I love you Reddit. Let me know if I can answer anything else, I think I covered it all but again it's been a crazy day, with work and walking home I had to take a nap I was so exhausted.  \nThanks again Reddit! "
  Self: "First off, dont underestimate 50 hours a week plus school. absolutly apply for scholorships and loans or grants. Talk to your counselor for more advice in those specific areas.\n\nSecond, check out jobs at banks, easy to do usually and they dont require too much in terms of skill besides the ability to count at the basic level.\n\nThird, total all of your wage for monthly earnings and yearly earnings. Then total all of your bills seperatly, like Utility, rent, car, misc, and balance your books to see what you have left over monthly and yearly. Doing this will tell you what on average you can spend/save. When it comes to your wages and figuring those out, round down; When it comes to bills and such round up.\n\nCreate a spreadsheet or add the bills in your calander for the specific days they are due, this will help ensure you remain in the positive and keep better track of your records. \n\nIf you dont have a savings account open one. It helps to keep your funds seperated for various reasons, you will not be as likely to spend it, outta sight outta mind, and you will also be semi protected in case of fraud through a debit card or check. This way you have funds to pay bills or just have for a rainy day should something unfortunate ever occur.\n\nI work at a bank, am a banker, not my job to help people out with this kind of stuff and I am by no means a professional financial consultant but I do this almost daily. \n\nLastly, Get a statement from your bank for your new account or your existing one. add up all the charges to anything not a necessity, if you dont like that number cut back.\n\nGood luck with everything, hope this helps and my apologies for any spelling, am on phone yo."
  