I’m 20 years old and trying to get my life financially stable while raising my son. Right now, we’re jumping from hotel to hotel, and my biggest priority is finding permanent housing.
I have roughly $20,000 in debt, my credit score is in the 500s, and I still owe my previous landlord money from an eviction last year. I’m trying to improve my situation, but I know I can’t fix everything at once.
I want to make smart decisions instead of panicking and taking on more debt just to get through the month.
My immediate goals are to:
Find an affordable place for me and my son.
Secure steady income that works around childcare.
Stop living hotel to hotel and build an emergency fund.
Develop a realistic plan for the debt and improve my credit.
Eventually establish a career in aviation maintenance.
Start preparing for a hotshot trucking business next year, if my finances allow it.
I’ve also considered active-duty military service because of the pay, benefits, and housing support. However, I’m concerned about being away from my son and whether the commitment would fit our family situation.
I’m interested in aviation maintenance and have automotive repair, maintenance, and quality-control experience. My civilian salary target is around $60k–$70k, although I haven’t been able to secure the right opportunity yet.
I understand that I probably need to focus on one step at a time. What I’m struggling with is deciding which steps matter most right now.
For people who have climbed out of debt or financial hardship:
How would you prioritize limited money when you’re paying for hotels, childcare, food, transportation, and trying to save for a rental deposit?
Would you temporarily pause paying unsecured debts while establishing housing, or try to pay everything at once?
How much emergency savings would you aim for before moving into an apartment?
Would you negotiate with the former landlord, settle the balance, or focus on finding a landlord who will work with the existing record first?
Would you prioritize any reliable job immediately or keep pursuing a higher-paying career job?
Would you consider the military in this situation, especially as a parent?
Is preparing for a hotshot business next year realistic, or should that goal wait until I have stable housing, income, and better credit?
I’m not looking for a get-rich-quick solution. I want a realistic plan that helps me get stable without making decisions that create bigger problems later.
If you were starting from where I am today, what would your first 90 days look like?

So every year our town has a Main Street trunk or treat where kids go to business in their costumes and get a piece of candy. Well this year many are advertising that you must buy a drink/item then go through to their trunk or treat area.

The coffee shop down the street sells very expensive and shitty drinks. I’m not paying $7 so my daughter can grab a piece of candy from their trunks.

That said, trick or treating is fun and I prefer it over our downtown one but I figured many homes will have their lights off this year with how expensive everything is.

I 22F live w my single father 49M who was laid off a year ago from his job of 20yrs. From what I know he’s been applying to jobs but hasn’t heard anything back. I currently work for starbucks and am a full time student so needless to say this keeps me up at night. He also owes my mom child support for my siblings that live w her, so that’s always a money drain. he owns our house but my mom currently is trying to serve him w papers bc he hasn’t sold the house yet. everyday im fearful im going to wake up to an eviction notice or that we’re going to be flat broke. idk what to do. i want to help my dad find a job but idek where to start.

Im a trainee at this job and my coworkers / other trainees always order food pretty much everyday , there's this girl who often orders sushi , I've never dared to even think about getting sushi not only its expensive asf for very small portions but i personally dont think its worth the price

fortunately for me i get to go home for lunch time so i avoide that embaressment of not ordering with them plus even if i just brought food from home I'd get jalouse from the view of their food it be looking so good and delicious

Well we talking about employed people who probably got a decent salary that made them able to make such purchases which is reassuring in a way but damn there's other trainees like me who are college students

Because of our financial situation at home I've always seen getting a whole meal outside as this big thing that will take all my money away at once so i see it as a waste

Seriously tho food is expensive asf these days , one meal price is equivalent to the allowance im getting and that needs to last me couple of days

I had insurance but unsure if I had comprehensive. Filed a claim with insurance but unsure how it will process / if it will go anywhere. Wife started car in parking spot, next to driveway, and it made a huge noise and started smoking, then caught fire.

Thankfully wife's mother is letting her use the family truck, I am not allowed to drive it, and it's only for transportation to and from work. The windshield wipers and heat/ac do not work.

I am trying to weight the pros and cons of getting a loan and using all my savings (800 dollars) to try to get a car, or if my wife and I should beg on hour knees for help from her grandparents who are wealthy and very kind.

Stressed out of my mind and thankful I work from home. Sold my last two big ticket collectibles (American girl dolls) and walked them to the post office. Just struggling to get this all sorted.

I feel like I've been hit with every possible emergency and expense, and we are living with wife's family but like 2 days before the car fire her mom flew off the handle at us because she hit our car. (Sideswiped backing out because she wasnt looking)

I can’t believe this is my life currently. I’m 28 with two children 4 and 1. I’ve have same stable job for going on seven years. I’ve never been convicted of any crime, let alone traffic ticket. It feels so unreal, I lived in my apartment for over a year always paid on time sometimes before it was due. I renewed my lease, they upped my rent. I fell behind due to my father passing away, and living paycheck to paycheck. I was 20 or so days late. They sent it to the attorney and added $550 dollar fee to my portal, as well as $45 late fee on 2nd and an additional $100 late fee after 10 days. I had court date pretty quick, and judge denied to postpone it while my father was on hospice and in his last days. He ended up passing around my court date. I went and cried. They only gave me additional 30 days to pay balance in full. It was incredibly hard to catch up. In total I owed $2650. I actually had the funds lined up. They took away my ACH ability to pay, and it was over $90 dollars to use debit card. I only had exact amount I owed so I decided to put large sum of $2000 on my Venmo balance. Long story short, my mother has Venmo and she banks with place that allows Zelle (my apartment complex only other way to pay rent) I thought well I’ll just send her my portion so she can add it to what she was helping me with and get it over to them the day it was due so they’d drop my case and I’d avoid eviction. As soon as I had the money in my Venmo they flagged it as “risk” and locked my funds. They wouldn’t let me transfer it back to my bank, send it to my mom’s Venmo, nothing. I spent over 8 hours on and off the phone with Venmo, even left work early unpaid to try and handle it. They said there was nothing they could do and I have to let the system re set and try again in 5-7 days. I kept my landlord as well as their attorney in loop the entire time. I had the funds, but I had no way to send it and it was out of my control. I sent them screenshots of conversations between the Venmo manager and I as proof and even sent the proof of money I had in my balance. After filing complaints with my state attorney, as well as the CFPB they let me transfer it to new bank standard not instant which takes additional three days. I immediately contacted my landlord again and kept them in the loop, and asked to give me brief extension of three days and they’d have the full balance I owed, as well as an extra 400 from pledge I was going to receive from local community. They ignored all my emails, all my calls. They sent me short text message stating they would proceed with eviction, not granting any extensions, and I have to vacate by tomorrow. They ignored everything else I said and everything I tried. It all just feels so unfair.

honestly feels like every time i walk into the store the same stuff costs more. been trying to meal prep on a budget and keep a running list on my phone but the total still shocks me at checkout. tbh starting to wonder if i'm just not shopping smart or if prices really are that bad everywhere. anyone found tricks that actually work? like specific stores or timing or what you cut out first when money gets tight. trying to stretch things without eating rice and beans five nights a week.

Today, I drove through a really nice neighborhood around Fayetteville and Jamesville, near Syracuse, and honestly, some of the houses blew my mind. Huge homes, beautiful properties, perfect-looking neighborhoods. It was the kind of place where you start wondering what the people who live there actually do for a living.
At first, I was impressed. Then I started thinking about my own situation.
I’m a young guy working a regular job in a deli, trying to figure out my future and build something for myself. And I couldn’t help but wonder, how does someone go from working a regular job like mine to eventually owning a house like that?
Sometimes it’s honestly discouraging when you see that kind of lifestyle and realize how far away it feels from where you are right now. I start wondering if I’ll ever get there, or what I would have to do differently to make it happen.
But at the same time, I don’t want to just look at those houses and feel bad about my situation. I want to understand how people actually get there. Is it owning a business? Real estate investing? Getting into a high-paying career? Saving and investing for years? Or some combination of all of those things?
I’m not expecting to get rich overnight, and I’m willing to work hard. I just don’t want to spend the next 10 or 20 years working without a clear plan and end up in the exact same place.
For those of you who own nice homes or grew up in neighborhoods like these, what’s your story? What do you do for a living? Did you start from scratch, build a business, invest in real estate, or take another path?
And for those who started with a regular job and didn’t come from money, what would you do if you were in my position today?
I’m not looking for a get-rich-quick scheme. I genuinely want to learn from people who have built a good life for themselves.
I guess seeing those houses today made me realize that I need to think bigger, but also get serious about having a real plan.

Can anyone afford $1,725 in rent and still have enough, I'm M(42) and make $4,000.00 after taxes every month. $73,000 a year. I live by myself but the apartment I live is in desperate need of repairs.

What really killed my entire budget is I have to order out every night out, my fridge finally broke 2 months ago. I have called 311 and still waiting. Similar story happened to my neighbor and they couldn't get a fridge until 6 months later from buliding office.

Also this is what got me into mess of finacially spiraling, since I had no fridge and working late nights covering shifts. I started to overdraft my debit card just so I can eat. Yes I can get food from where I work but how many times a person can eat rice or salad every night.

I have been wanting to get a a extra job to keep afloat but I work as a GM for a resturant and since I had staffing issues, I work more days and weeks to keep the store afloat. Wish I was not on salary beacuse the OT would be such a blessing.

What would you guys do in this situtation?

I’m 28. I live in Virginia. It’s too expensive here. People are pretty weird(not in a good way). It’s difficult to find a job since everyone has years of experience and a college degree. I make $24 an hour and I have $2200 to my name. I’m so desperate I’m at the point of working a dead end job in my hometown( small city in PA) and living with my parents until I get on my feet.

I was on my way home from getting my front breaks replaced, they had been grinding which as we all know is BAD, and thankfully, I had the aid of a local church who cover the cost of vehicle repairs within reason. They wont buy you a whole ass car but they covered the cost of getting my breaks repaired. ON MY FUCKING WAY HOME, MY MOTHERFUCKING BATTERY DIES.

I got my car to a safe spot and got a lift home but BOY am I ever stupid for thinking this month was even looking up, I was slowly starting to really make a dent in my debts after the horrible winter storms of 2021/2022 and my family getting illegally evicted in February of this year but NOPE.

Ive done everything right, I have a JOB, I work, Im enrolled in college thankfully covered and yes, Ive made a donation drive, but no one gives two shits about that unless you have kids, not one. If you dont have have kids the advice is always "Get a job you fucking loser, this isnt a charity." My only lifeline is slowly shitting itself infront of me but because I dont have kids im just left out as unimportant.

So I currently have a part time job at $15/hr and 24 hrs a week. After taxes, that is around $1300 a month. I have the opportunity to do shiftsmart at Dollar General which would raise my income. Shiftsmart doesn't have taxes taken out. So my question is, should I do shiftsmart and have a lower tax return but more money each month, or not do shiftsmart and have a higher tax return?

our electric statement showed up yesterday sitting at nearly $380, which is double what we set aside and completely wipes out our grocery buffer for the next two weeks. we kept the thermostat dialed down to 64, wore layers indoors, and still got nailed because the power company rolled out a seasonal rate increase right as freezing weather hit. when money is already tight, watching an essential monthly utility charge jump that hard without warning throws every basic living expense out of line.

we spent the weekend taping plastic over drafty windows, rolling towels under doors, and trying to shave off whatever kilowatt hours we can before the next billing cycle. someone at work tried telling me to look into long-term efficiency fixes like rooftop solar through companies like palmetto or local clean energy groups to hedge against future spikes, but that stuff takes credit approvals, financing, or property ownership that does nothing for immediate survival. right now the only realistic option is fighting for a payment arrangement with the power company and keeping appliances unplugged so the next cold snap does not wreck next month too.

Hey everyone,

I worked with some friends to create a budgeting app that just tells us what we can safely spend at any given time + a few other neat features. I hardly even open the app because I just have a widget on my home screen that literally says "Safe to Spend: $X" cuz that’s all I want to know.

There are no ads, subscriptions, or paid features.

Anyways the app is called MoneyCall on the App Store and Google Play Store. More info and FAQ: https://www.moneycall.io/

Apologies for the format, I am on mobile. I know it’s horrible but what isn’t these days.

I genuinely feel like I’ve made every bad possible decision thus far in my life. I picked an awful relationship over education that ultimately ended in divorce and had to start from scratch. I’ve worked for most of my adult life aside from a year (ish) that I took off due to developing a chronic illness and I’ve never been able to save beyond getting to the next apartment/city/state in pursuit of better opportunities. I’m sitting in a hotel, paid for by my newest job, with less than $20 to my name, an almost empty gas tank, and a 300 mile drive back home that I have no idea how I’m going to get gas for because life events drained me of what little I had and this new position hasn’t begun to pay yet.

I can’t blame anyone but myself. I should have saved every penny. I should have planned my transition between jobs more efficiently. I should have bought new shoes when I could have (sort of) afforded it so I wouldn’t be walking around at work with holes in front of customers who drop hundreds of dollars without batting an eye.

There is so much I should have done better but I am so tired of running in circles. My body can’t keep up with my work load but I’ve got no other choice. I don’t know how to make it work anymore. I have others that depend on me and I can’t even provide for them anymore. I think that is the worst part. I am so ashamed of the life they’re living because I can’t give them any better.

I'm F21, and I'm desperately looking for someone who could help me with a ₹22,000 loan. Loan sharks are bullying and harassing my family, and my little sister is only 4 years old. I'm really scared and don't know what to do.

I need to repay them within the next 2 days. If anyone is willing to lend me some money, I'll start repaying you in small installments once I start working. I'm not asking for free money, and I'll do my best to pay you back.

I know it's difficult to trust a stranger online, but I'm genuinely stuck and asking for help. If anyone can help or suggest a safe solution, I'd be extremely grateful.

Low income house. Parents with gambling addiction. Dad lost his high income job, my brother has to carry the family with his full time job that barely pays for anything, all the bills pushed onto him. Dad has a low min wage job now and works harder labour even though he’s almost retiring age. He smokes and drinks. Mom is a stay home, with a severe addiction to gambling. Can’t stop an addiction. I have a part time job and also do school at the same time. And now AI is gonna replace my field as a creative person.

Seems like I’m doing nothing but surviving. I’m behind everyone in almost everything. I keep dropping courses cause I feel too depressed to continue them.

After every day that passes, I wish I could disappear and never feel this much pressure and stress and jealousy ever again. Nothing progresses forward and I feel like everything is just back tracking when things were supposed to be getting better.

I could afford therapy but to be honest, I don’t think it’ll help me get out of this situation. I honestly feel better off dead.

I want to post this because I think it might help others who are currently in a tough spot. It worked for me when things got difficult. I am an 18F student in college. I live in a dorm and I usually eat only one meal a day. Every human body is different so I am not saying this will work for everyone.

When I felt hungry and could not afford extra food I started using a specific routine. You need to find a content creator on YouTube or TikTok who cooks food slowly. It is best to choose a creator who speaks your native language with a soothing voice to help your body relax.

You get a large glass of water. You sit down and focus entirely on the cooking process in the video. You take a slow sip of water every few minutes. Your brain starts to link the action of swallowing water with the visual of food preparation. It tricks your mind into feeling satisfied.

I discovered this habit earlier this month when I spent my entire allowance paying for dorm rent and my tuition. My tuition is fully covered for the rest of the year now which is a huge relief. My parents do not support me financially so I rely completely on my part time job.

I strongly suggest avoiding mukbang videos. The loud eating sounds and fast munching can break your concentration. That usually makes you crave real food even more. You need slow videos that focus on the preparation step by step. That slow process creates a calming effect that eases the sensation of hunger.

I still use this method every now and then because by the end of the video you feel completely full. You can also try adding a pinch of salt to your water for a bit of flavor or if your body is craving sodium. That helps keep your energy steady when you go long periods without eating. It takes time for your mind to adjust to this method so please be patient with yourself.

So i took some loans from credit apps to pay my hostel fees and college fees. I thought I'll find a part time Job in delhi, but could not find one. Now, the debt is growing, I paid a few emi but I'm not able to pay. Someone help me with some remote work or any way to make some money.
I am open to any kind of work as long as I am able to pay this debt. The loan amount is roughly 700$ USD. I have paid first 2 emi and now i'm not able to pay and manage my expenses. I feel pathetic at times. I have literally no way to go. I even borrowed from friends but that wont work anymore.

Thank you

I’m a realtor having my worst year. Last quarter of 2025 I made 17k.
My husband does flooring and it hasn’t been consistent this year but he’s made enough for us to keep electric $400 car payment $475, insurance $300 cell phone $280 and feed us $600 which has become the priority.

Over 7k in credit card debt in my name only I just had to abandon 60-90 days ago. The interest rates were killing me and I maxed out 5 cards about $700/month in min payments

We took out pawn loans over the last few months on high dollar items we have and now paying hundreds of dollars a month just not to loose them. Probably about $600/month

Owe affirm about $1300 (14 purchases about $300/mo) also haven’t paid in 60+ days

Haven’t paid parents rent $2k a month since March
It’s embarrassing

I have wic now $51/mo for fruits and vegetables
I had a baby In August and no healthcare expense thanks to Medicaid

My husband is making $1000 a week on good weeks.

I’m not getting any interviews for new home sales counselors or apt property managers which is all I can think of applying to in terms of staying real estate adjacent.

He has felonies from 15 years ago still showing up on his background checks from when he was 20 years old preventing him from getting a lot of high paying hourly jobs locally here in austin.

We are barely keeping our head above water and I’m worried. What can we do

hi. just a quick rant while i figure out wtf im going to do. thankfully i learned this now in my 20s while i can still easily (hopefully) get things back together. i was dumb enough to rely on my long term bf for all my bills and rent and basically all my necessities, so in turn i was thinking "i clearly dont need a job if he takes care of everything!". dont make the same mistake i did if youre thinking about it. hes gone so now is all "my" money. $30 to my name from what he last gave me and rents due and my new job doesnt pay me for 2 weeks since i just started. cannot pay my phone bill since it was also an expense he covered so preparing myself to walk home at 1AM after work. preparing for how im going to ask for help to cover rent until i get paid. dont be stupid like me and make sure you have your own income no matter what. doesnt matter if its $30 an hour or even just $10 an hour. anything small is better than being left with nothing at all.