<prompt> Human: I will have 2 roommates in my new apt and the total expense per months should be around 1000mo.One roommate has her parents paying her portion, which is actually about half. The other roommate and I will be splitting the rest 5050.I have a minimum wage, part-time job at a local 7-11 making around 200-250 a week, give or take. I also have a son that is 2 and stays with me when I have a few days off in a row and I visit him at his mothers house, via public transitcity bus whenever possible.My personal monthly expenses total up to about 200-250mo for both me and my son.I have food stamps and the girl I mentioned earlier usually does the food shopping anyway, so groceries are covered.So my overall monthly expenses will be around 500.Now, my question here is, what can I do to maximize savings other than get a newbetter job?No such thing as a stupid question or bad suggestion. Im all ears and Ill answer any questions I can for a better understand of my situation for better advice.  <response>: Dont plan your personal budget around somebody else paying half unless they are living in half of the apartment. The same goes with buying your food, your roommate will soon get tired of this arrangement. Plan your budget around splitting in thirds and buying all of your own food and if they happen to pay half good for you. Your apartment office or owner should be able to approximate utilities for you.Set aside different buckets for rent, utilities, food, transportation, child care, personal hygiene, clothing, engertainment, and savings. Move the savings into a separate account and keep the rest in your checking account or use a weekly envelope system. 