how should i manage my expenses?

Question

im 18 and started working at my first job about a month ago. I don't make very much but need to buy myself a smartphone, but I'm not sure what kind or how i should budget for this. I also my own car, but I have one that doesn't work that I might be able to sell for parts (kia optima 2002 with extensive damage). I want an environmentally friendly car, and it doesn't need to fit a lot of people, but I know someone who wil help me fix my car with junkyard-bought parts. I also have to start building my house, which is going to be mostly recycled/reused things and cost roughly 2000 dollars when done (it will be a tiny house) before the end of next summer when I go off to college. I want to make sure i don't spend more than I can afford on these huge purchases, especially since I don't make a lot of money (151.08 was my last paycheck) and I want to assure that I'll be able to pay for any unexpected costs (i.e, a speeding ticket).

scootertrashbadboy · Accepted Answer

If i knew i was going off to college, i wouldn't plan on building a house, not just yet. Concentrate on keeping your car going because their will always be something unexpected come up that you'll need money for.

SAVE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN TO MAKE THOSE HARD TIMES EASIER.
You can actually LIVE without a smart phone, im living proof. I still have a flip phone and do fine with it.
LIFE is not about..."keeping up with the joneses".

? · Answer

How?  Be Smart !!  Do you really NEED (<underline) a "smart" phone?? Forget the house. [Keep living at home.] And for environmentally friendly, buy a bicycle (if weather permits where you live) or take public transportation (including a taxi / uber from time to time with all of the money you save by not paying car insurance, repairs, gasoline, licensing, etc).

Anonymous · Answer

An environmentally friendly car: if you mean an electric one, you can't afford it.
No way on earth you municipality is going to give you a permit to build a house out of junk, and a house built of junk is not going  to get a CO (certificate of occupancy)

If you hadn't trashed your car in an accident, you'd have one to drive.  Incidentally, keeping an old car on the road is infinitely superior, environmentally, than manufacturing a new one.

daniel g · Answer

First thing you should learn is how to save money and not let it burn a hole in your pocket.
Don't collect irresponsible debt like speeding tickets.
Not really how much you make, it is how much you can save. Being frivolous and resourceful helps.
Stay well within your means.

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how should i manage my expenses?

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