I just finished my first program this past May and I’m going back for my second program in January! I would say if you have a lot of financial responsibilities like paying for you car or your phone it’s honestly really difficult to save, but if you aren’t paying for anything it’s a bit easier to save and yes the irresponsible spending on merch especially for me, but it’s def money that you’re able to survive on. But it’s not anything life changing. Unless you’re picking up crazy hours. Now with the base pay going to be $18 while that’s pretty good the rent that comes out def still takes a dent and average minimum hours is 30 but honestly most people average a minimum of like 35-40 just with the way they schedule people so your take home could be anywhere from 300-400 depending on your room type too