<prompt> Human: I have been wary of posting one of these for quite some time, but Im finally breaking down. I am 27 years old and am a general manager of a restaurant. I cooked for the last ten years but have managed to wiggle my way into management. The good news is running a restaurant at 27 is incredible on a resume. The bad news in I make just under 30k a year. After taxes I make around 1700 a month. I have two kids one step child, no help from child support. Which is perfectly fine by me. A 6 year old and a 2 month old. My fiancee isnt working hence the 2 month old but plans to start soon just as long it is beneficial considering daycare cost. I receive anywhere from 100-300 a week in tips which covers gas, smokes, and food for the family. My other bills are around 1150 a month. I have been in my position for around 6 month at work. Kind of hard to ask for a big raise. I am paid hourly 13.50. Of course it seems like I should be slapping 550 in the bank every month but it never happens that way. Something always comes up. Car trouble property damage florida you name it. Help!!!Edit. Finance list.450 mortgage.200 rent to own appliances. Building credit.100 on car insurance for both cars100 for phones100 for internetRoughly 100 for baby expenses100 for afflacfor myself. Everyone else receives MedicaidEdit2 I have an associated degree and 2 semesters remaining of my business degree. Took a semester off for incoming baby.  <response>: no help from child support. Which is perfectly fine by meThe child support is for your kids, even if _you_ dont deserve it, your kids do - if your childs mother is dodging it when she can pay, you should pursue it. I receive anywhere from 100-300 a week in tips which covers gas, smokes, and food for the family.This goes without saying, but you will save a lot by quitting smoking. Look into the cost of a vape pen instead if quitting is difficult - if you live in a state like my old state New York where packs are 10 each, youll save even more than the article says. I have an associated degree and 2 semesters remaining of my business degree. Took a semester off for incoming baby.With extra time as permitted, you should finish your degree, and look into switching jobs. As you said, general manager looks great, so you can look for places that are higher paying. 