I am 20 years old and have been on my own supporting myself completely for about 2 years now. I work 2 part time jobs and am a full time student. My first 2 years in school, scholarships and grants covered housing, but this year, rent and tuition are both so much higher, and of course, my funds have not raised. Working about 30 hours a week, I make about 850 a month after taxes. I’m looking around for a 3rd job to work for now, and trying to make enough to live while prioritizing school. One big dilemma I am currently having is that my car is in pretty rough shape. Over the passed 3 years, I have put about $6-7,000 into repairing this car that is only worth maybe $1500-2000, if even that. I have at least a $600 repair that needs to made in order for it to keep running, but I’m wondering if I should just get a new car at this point. I mean, my car is 2 months passed due on an inspection because it can’t pass, and spending $600 to repair won’t change that. So I can either put more money into a car that’s illegal to drive and going to break down again in two or three months, or I can just suffer with a monthly car payment. My mom suggested taking out student loans on top of my grants and scholarships, but also she took out student loans 25 years ago, has been paying them ever since, and still owes $65k on $40k worth of loans so I’m hesitant to take her advise. I am just afraid that I’ll commit to a car payment that I can’t afford. I am always broke and at this point I’m wondering if I should sell my nice things like my Nintendo switch or my piano just to get by. All of my clothes have holes because it’s been so long since I’ve been able to afford more. I often have to decide between lunch or a tiny bit of gas in my car. I never have the money to go out and have fun with my friends. All of my friends live with their parents and have everything taken care of for them so none of them really understand how hard I have to work to not be homeless and carless. My mom is unemployed and lives across the country. My dad is in prison. My older brothers are both unemployed living off of their girlfriends’ successes. I am doing it by myself and there’s no one I can ask for help. I just want to make a better life for myself and I really don’t know how to do that while needing to focus on school. Anyways please someone give me some useful advise that will help me with my situation in both the short and long term. Thanks!
Submitted July 25, 2021 at 10:46AM by emilytett17 https://ift.tt/3eU5nhq
