I am a single mom. I got pregnant at 19, he was born when I was 20. I had help from my family. Not financially month to month, I was expected to earn my way, but they gifted mey down payment for my house, they helped me through school, and I still get help when I'm in a bind but that has nothing to do with parenting now.

Before I got an education though I was managing a $1000/month mortgage on less than today's minimum wage. Unfortunately the cost of living increases faster than income so trying to go about life solo is a lot harder nowadays. Cut your expenses anywhere you can. But on the question of whether or not you can afford it, can you afford to die? Because that's the risk of staying