...something is terribly, terribly wrong. Is there some reason you are willing to remain in a job that pays barely above minimum wage? Why did you bother to go to college if you're going to settle for some slave-wage job? BTW, while life may not be cushy, even at your income level, you could afford an apartment.....especially if you looked for a roommate. You might also ditch the car and consider using public transportation, if possible. There's more to your story.....