I'm turning 18 in October, the fourth day to be exact. I have a few possessions I own, but most of them I sold (shampoo + conditioner that'll last me a few more months, my own plushies, school supplies, plus a mini rug and nightstand that I purchased myself). I live in foster care with a lovely old woman and my little sister, who will soon be going back to my parents. I won't, as they were the ones who heavily mistreated me. Even now, they want me to go back. I am not interested in extended foster care (staying here past 18), do NOT mention it.
I had a few jobs, about three. My first job was at a Kroger, my second at a McDonald's, and my third at an ice cream place. I actually had to abruptly leave the last one because I moved too far away since I changed homes again. I'm kinda worried because I know that it can look bad on resumes (my boss didn't even believe that I was in foster care moving away so abruptly), but I only worked there for like two weeks anyway. I volunteer at an animal shelter near my house, which is lovely! I help people reunite with their lost animals and it helps me keep my mental and emotional strength up. I'm also maybe getting another job soon that pays okay, but not great. It's a job my boyfriend had, and they already have my application and maybe will be calling me soon. I need it because I would only work Fridays and Saturdays, that way I'll have time for finishing high school (I am now a senior).I'll be making about 230$ a month from it.
Moving out as a foster kid turning 18 will let me qualify for independent living, hooray! That means I qualify for benefits and will be able to have people helping me with financial advice, and I can also receive an allowance from the government for living in an apartment or other housing. I am totally willing to roommate, but I don't have very many friends. I'm kinda introverted, but I promise I'm friendly! I also am making small money in giftcards and certificates (mostly just Walmart ones) by attending Independent Living sessions where I do stuff like learn about STDs and do nearby college tours for two hours each week or sometimes more. Tonight I'm getting a 40$ Walmart gift card for an STD and wellness session, yippee! My foster mom is willing to take me. I'm wondering what I can do there, as well as what the best use of those cards would be.
I don't have many friends, like I said, but the ones I have are mostly too far away to help or are too young. I have a boyfriend who is going into college, and his family is very supportive and helpful! I don't feel comfortable asking them for handouts, but they've expressed their full support for me before and are willing to help me in any way possible.
I'm aware of how costly it would be to move into my own place. I don't even have a car. I have a learner's permit (thanks bioparents for not letting me get one earlier), and I can take my driver's test as soon as I'm eighteen. I go to a highschool that is actually in the downtown of my city, and the university that I'm going for's campus is within walking distance in the city as well. I'd also have to buy sheets, food, mattress, etc... I'm worried and I don't know what I can do now to prepare.
EDIT: Actual question(s). What can I do now to prepare? What should I do to maximize how ready I am when I move out? Where can I move out to? Am I even able to rent out a place to live or live with roommates without credit?
Is there anything useful I can purchase with these Walmart gift cards?
Submitted July 25, 2017 at 02:19PM by brendontastic http://ift.tt/2tHm9ee
