My life was pretty much normal until I was six then it became more and more difficult. My parents used to fight a lot. Then my parents split up. My dad traveled a lot for his work, so I didn’t see him much. My mom dated a lot. Some of her boyfriends did drugs and so did she; all her money would go there and she became addicted to drugs. I went into foster care. I lived in many places and it was hard to realize that I can’t rely on either of my parents. That part of my life is behind me now, and I really want to make something of myself.

So now I'm in the middle of finishing high school and trying to figure out how to reach my goals. I've been working at a diner in town, and I'm learning a lot. But it's been tough trying to handle all of the different tasks my boss has me doing. By the end of my shift, I'm so exhausted, and there's usually still homework left to finish from my classes.

I'm earning $8.00 per hour, but there are lots of things I have to pay for right now that are taking up parts of my paycheck. I am living with 3 roommates to try to afford it - but it is cramped. I'm still trying to figure out how to save up for a car and for living on my own after high school!

I've seen debt pile up for my parents and other people, and I really don't want to end up there. My dream job is to run a business, maybe own a restaurant. But how do I get there?

I want to be successful and provide for myself, but no one else is going to do this for me. I have to do this for myself. But how do I save up and still have enough money to live my life?

-- Follow me on this journey…..