<prompt> Human: Hey! Im 17, I recently got fully legally emancipated from my parents and now have control of my own financial stuff. There isnt a lot of money to be worried about at the moment, but what steps can I take to prevent crazy people mostly my parents from fraudulently or otherwise accessing my money? So far, Ive secured a rented apartment in my own name, Im working a job and self employing a second job, Ive got my car into my name only, Ive gotten all of the stuff I bought from my parents house and bought all the stuff I want from my parents that they bought me when I was younger, and I have no idea where to go from there.  <response>: Make sure your bank accounts and money are in a separate bank - one where they dont have accounts. Dont tell them which one.Legally they should not be able to access your accounts - but banks sometimes make mistakes about access to joint accounts or for parents married couples. Sorting it out afterwards can take many months and potential lawsuits. If its in a different institution it adds an extra step and makes the bank employees look more closely at the permissions. 