Discussions

I am a college graduate, stuck paying $300/month in student loans, but I make bit more than minimum wage because of that eduation. I own my car, which is no "sweet ride", believe me. I live in a small cheap apartment. I buy my clothes at Value Village or Superstore. Gas and groceries at Superstore... maybe Wal-mart if I'm feeling particularily rich. I restrict my entertainment by avoiding restaurants and bars... and when I do go out, I always eat/drink according to price, not what I ACTUALLY want. I sell every belonging I can just to make some extra cash. I took on an at-home job to try to help pay the bills...  
 
All this, and I'm still digging myself further and further in debt every day.  
 
My question? HOW DO SINGLE PARENTS DO IT?!?! Or how do people on minimum wage do it? How do kids my age with my education somehow have brand name clothes and steak dinners at The Keg?  
 
I can't imagine having a 2nd person to care/pay for right now! Or making less than I do! Or even having an addiction to LuLuLemon! It is unfathomable!  
 
My mom was a single mom with two kids, probably making just above minimum wage, and somehow, she did it, and now she's pretty well-off. I've asked her for advice, and all she can say is not to go out. Ya, don't order that bowl of "today's soup" and glass of water. Like that would help me pay all the bills, including my debts....  
 
So how does everyone pay the bills?!? Does ending your social life REALLY help that much? And even then, do you just coop yourself up in your house 24/7?  
 
Somebody, tell me what to do. Or just slap me in the face if you must. Either way, I need help!