<prompt> Human: Hey! So at the moment Im staying with my aunt and her girlfriend. Ive been with my aunt since I was 15, but because we moved into a smaller house about 2 years ago, Ive been sleeping on the couch since then. Therefore, I feel like its time for me to leave. I dont go to college, the local community college I was going to stopped giving me financial aid because I cannot get a hold of my guardianship papers from my grandmother, and I am afraid to take out any loans so for now Ive made the decision to just work and learn. I make about 1000 a month. The CHEAPEST one bedroom apartment around me is 900 WITHOUT utilities. I have been trying to look for places with my best friend, and weve found some that we can afford, but she doesnt have good credit and I just dont have any credit. However, before I even think of moving I need to get a car. My aunt wants me to start throwing her 200 dollars a month to help with groceries or whatever so I have less than 800 dollars to work with on saving every month because I need to give people gas to get me to work, need to pay my aunt for my phone, and Ive been losing a lot of weight lately since Ive gotten a more physical job and I can tell that soon Im going to need to buy new clothes. So, how much should I save up, and after I have saved a decent amount should I buy a used car straight out or should I put down a down payment and finance a car? That question always seems to be half and half in responses I get from people. If I get a used car, it could be fine and I will own the car and not have to make payments BUT with all of my friends who have bought used cars eventually something in their car goes to shit, they cant afford to fix it, and they end up financing another one anyway. If I finance I will have a newer car that probably wont have too many things wrong with it but that will just be another bill when I move out. Please help. I feel like the people around me are already not very financially responsible and Im scared of debt and ending up unhappy because of bills ruining my life or something. Assistant: You have to increase your income. How are you earning only 1000 per month? That is less than minimum wage at a full time job.You should find out what it takes to increase your income. Your best bet is to develop marketable skills via college or trade school.You should not finance a car. You will get taken advantage of, and end up with a very high interest rate. You should save up a few thousand dollars and pay cash for a car. When you have established credit and have a much larger income, you will be able to finance a car. But thats not a realistic option for you now.Human: I make 9hr and get paid bi-weekly working about 70 hours every two weeks, sometimes 80 hours every two weeks. I get about 100 taken out in taxes so my check is usually 520. After my probation period is up, Ill be making 10hr but that wont be till August. Im becoming uncomfortable in my home. I havent had even my own bed since I was 12. Im scared that if I dont act soon Im going to end up in a rut. Assistant: Then take my advice and develop marketable job skills. Youll never get out of this unless you make more money.Human: Okay, thank you  <response>: Get into Payroll or any Accounting-entry type of job. Trust me, all you need is a High school diploma. it is easy to learn and will benefit you in the future 