<prompt> Human: So for starters, im 25, and have been working since I was 18. I grew up in the country, and never really had the chance to work through school because my parents were too broke to help me get a vehicle, so after highschool I went and lived in Maryland and started working. I am 25 now, with a beautiful son and another one on the way. Kids arent as expensive as people say granted, mine doesnt do stupid shit to get himself hurt yetI make roughly 1350 every two weeks, working 40 hours a week. I havent been able to get any overtime for roughly a year. This will be changing in November. Rent: 950mCar Insurance: 130mPhone: 110m two linesLoan: 153moElectricity: 200-300mo double-wide trailerInternet: 75moGroceries: 350moI dont drink. I do smoke cigarettes. We really dont do anything, sitting at the house because we are always broke or we take my son to the park, because its free. I dont know if there is something I can be doing with my money now, because I feel hopeless. Im utterly exhausted with working as hard as I do and just having nothing to show for it. edit: jesus christ thanks for the responses everybody. i have read 105 comments so far and i am learning a lot of stuff. my parents werent really great role models when it came to finances, so i really dont know what to do when it comes to this. i am going to write down everything i spend this month, and maybe see why my insurance is so high. i dont know how people found out I am from maryland, but I am living in georgia. it is sweltering hot 90 F currently and I live in a manufactured home, which is why the electric is so high. I dont have a water bill also, we have a well, so I think that adds to the electric as well. thank you to everyone who commented, this place is full of great people who are willing to help anyone!Assistant: The only way to get ahead is to increase your income. You may need a second job for now if your partner isnt working. You dont make enough to support a 4 person family. Long term you need to get a skill so you can earn more. You make about half the average wage in the United States. Look into getting a second job or student loan to go to community college or a trade school like plumbing or electrition. Human: I am currently an NDT Technician, which is basically just a weld inspector. The guys with advanced certs make around 50hr working 60-80 hour weeks, but I took a residential job because it worked out for me. The hours are finally catching up with me though.  <response>: Sometimes an employer will pay for you to get your certification. My husbands employer paid for advanced schooling. Give it a shot. It takes time but you can do it. My husband studied at lunch, after work and on weekends but now he makes great money and gets job offers all the time. 