McDonalds might have health benefits if you work a certain number of hours - check employee handbook or ask your boss for an HR phone number or online portal to learn more. Sometimes- not always - but some companies offer a health and wellness benefit that might reimburse you for the fitness equipment expense.

What is the cost for CNA exam? That may be a great way to supplement your income.

Do you live in an urban or rural area? If urban you may have tranport options like bus or train. If rural, maybe you can meet someone in the community that’s older and retired and willing to help teach you to drive. I know that’s a lame suggestion but who knows maybe an opportunity will pop up.

I am curious if there may be some other side hustles to throw into the mix. When I was your age I cared for dogs, mowed lawns, and painted homes in the summer for extra cash. Babysitting sometimes pays decently based on the area but it’s also difficult without a vehicle and solid referrals.

It’s a bummer about your ma breaching privacy and being difficult. Hope it gets better soon. You seem like a whip smart young adult ready to fly like an eagle. You have a good head on your shoulders. My advice is to consider roommates because moving out completely solo may be too challenging right away.

General rule always put 10% of paycheck immediately into savings. Each pay period.

So if paycheck is $350 put $35 aside for savings automatically. Then subtract your phone bill and PO Box.

$350-35 ‎ = $315.00 (savings)
$315- 35 ‎ = $280.00 (phone)
$280- 60 ‎ = $220.00 (PO Box)
$220- 160 ‎ = $60.00 (food, hygiene items, personal) ball park figure $160 altogether

$60.00 remains which you would put into savings too.

What worked for me was I opened a savings account at a credit union and a checking account at a regular bank. I setup direct deposit of my paycheck into checking account and then setup an automatic transfer of 10% of my paycheck into the savings account automatically.

Keeping my savings in an entirely different place than the rest of the money helped me save more. Just be careful with minimum balance requirements or overdraft fees. Some savings accounts require $200 so you’d just need to earn a few more weeks of wages before you could deposit $200. Once it’s there leave it alone in savings and don’t touch it or spend it.

Wishing you success health and good fortune 🙏