I (19F) recently started working at McDonald’s a few weeks ago.
My paychecks are around $360 before taxes (\~$300–320 take home) every two weeks. I make $11.50 an hour, work 4 hour shifts 1 day and 8 hour shifts 2 days each week.
I’m trying to build financial independence and eventually move out, but I’m feeling overwhelmed and not sure if my plan is realistic.
Here’s my situation:
I pay a $35/month phone bill
I’m planning to rent a PO Box in my name (large size \~ $60/month) because I need privacy and control over my mail and financial documents
I want to start saving for moving out within the next 6–12 months if possible
I also need money for groceries, hygiene, and basic living expenses. Hygiene so I can get my own soap, toothpaste, etc, keep it all in my room. I want to get my own groceries especially for my fitness goals, I want to start a calorie deficit and increase my protein and fiber intake.
On top of that:
I want to start focusing on fitness/health, but I don’t live near a gym so home workouts are my only option
I’d be buying basic fitness equipment, protein foods, and small supplements over time
I also need some small personal/fun money (makeup, clothes, etc.) so I don’t burn out
Another issue is:
I’m trying to get my driver’s license, but I don’t have reliable access to practice
My family is busy and inconsistent, I don’t feel comfortable learning with my mom, and the closest driving schools are 1–2 hours away, so that option is difficult too.
There are also some family privacy issues that are affecting my planning.
For example, I just found out my mom has been keeping my mail that have to do with credit card eligibilities and plans, and I’ve been waiting on an $89 refund check from my school (I only took 2 courses). I’ve been waiting for that check for WEEKS. I found it in her room along with a credit card eligibility letter. Both in my name. A while back I found a credit card letter but thought that my mom might’ve forgotten to give it me or go it mixed up with the rest of my mail but it doesn’t seem that way now that I’ve discovered this.
She took my debit card a while ago cause she didn’t like that I was spending my money on CDs and stuff. I made my own bank account and everything in my name, completely separate and a different bank than the one she uses cause I knew she’d try to control something. I’m considering getting my own PO Box because of this, and not receive any of my mail in the main PO Box our entire family uses it. I’m not even gonna tell her the number or anyone in my family and jsit go get my mail myself.
So I feel stuck trying to build independence without a clear way to:
•drive
•earn enough
or fully control my situation yet
My main questions:
How should I realistically budget this income for:
• moving out saving, essentials (food, hygiene, etc.)
•phone + PO Box (phone is around $35 after taxes)
•fitness/home workout needs (I want to get a walking pad/treadmill for my room)
•small personal spending
Is a $60/month PO Box worth it at my income level, or is there a better privacy solution?
•How much should I realistically be saving per paycheck if I want to move out within \~6–12 months?
•Am I trying to do too much at once with my income level?
I’m trying to be responsible and build independence, but I don’t want to set myself up to fail financially or end up broke every paycheck.
Any realistic advice or budgeting breakdowns would really help.
Just to add, I don’t want to rely on my mom or ask her for anything at all. She says that everyone in the house is old enough to fend for themselves. I turned 19 recently, my brother is 18, and my youngest best brother is 15. Me and my 18 year old brother work both at McDonald’s. I get what my mom is saying but it’s like her responsibility as a parent just vanishes cause we’re working and just cause she’s mad at us. There’s tension going on at home, I’m already used to it and it’s a pattern honestly. It’s always been like this and I’m just over it. I want to move out sometime next year, my goal is to be out of here by the time I’m 21, which I will be around the end of February 2028.
I do plan on picking up a second job that pays more, I don’t think I will quit McDonald’s yet I’m not sure what I want to do yet. I can pay for my CNA state exam and I could get paid more with that as a second job but again idk what I want to do or should do yet. But this summer I am definitely going to transition to a full time job at McDonald’s OR stay as part time at McDonald’s and do part time somewhere else or just get a higher paying full time job. I also don’t want to be home all the time dealing with this crap so working my ass off not being home all day would be great.
Any advice?
Need budgeting + independence advice (McDonald’s job, low income, PO box, moving out plan, driving struggles, family privacy issues)
byu/sillycars_27 inpersonalfinance
Posted by sillycars_27