conversation: User (kgulo): "So I am just about to graduate and I have a job in a big city makine 42k, as the title said (USD).  \n\nMy rent is usually going to come in at under $800 with utilities.  \nI should be spending about $140 a month on transportation.  \nI don't have any loans (thank God).  \nI have about 2.5k in the bank as emergency savings and to get me through to my first paycheck.  \nI have yet to figure out what my phone and insurance will cost. I'm on my parents right now, but they're pretty angry and threatening to cut me off.  \n\nI'm really protective of my money, I know how to shop for no-name brand foods, I know how to watch how often I eat out, and I take advantage of things like donation bins and thrift stores. I don't have a credit card, but I was co-signed on a car that is being paid off on time, so I might be able to get one. I don't want to rely on a credit card, but I want to have credit so I can get my own place after I am done with this one (I'm subletting).\nI've been saving for two years just to be able to jump start myself and not move into my parents house. My parents are trying to convince me that I won't make it on my own without them, though. Any advice? Any prospective on whether I'll be able to pay for things after taxes?"
  Self: "Don't let your parents manipulate you. Plenty of people live on 42k a year in every city in the United States. You'll be fine, especially if the numbers you're listing are accurate."
  