Hello! My name is Alexis, and I’ve been homeless for a little over six months now. I’ve recently started a job, and as I’ve not had a steady income for a long time, and I was TERRIBLE with my money previously, I’d love some advice.
For example, I got my first paycheck. Granted it was only $71 for a couple days of work. I’ve already run out due to needing a few things for work (clothes and shoes), and I don’t want this to happen again, so what is important?
Obviously, housing is a big one on my list. I need some place to safely shower and sleep. However, it’s a giant expense to save for a deposit and first month’s rent. What percentage of my check every two weeks should I be saving for this particular thing.
Second is possibly a vehicle. Should this be over housing since I could technically live in my car while I’m waiting to get enough money for a place or is that counterproductive?
Third is all other basic needs. I can’t cook food, so how do I maximize my food budget while not being able to purchase cheap things like pasta, rice, etc because I don’t have anyway to cook these things. Is it better to buy soap and wash my clothes in a sink somewhere than to spend my money at the laundromat? Should I be paying for a hotel once a week to get a good shower or would a gym membership be a better idea?
Sorry for all the questions, but I have never been in this situation before, and I used to be incredibly careless with my money, so I am trying really hard to do everything right this time around.
Submitted April 23, 2021 at 10:22PM by justbored1996 https://ift.tt/3eqy6cF
