I found that the best thing for me to do was to have a budget in excel, so I know how much money I have to put aside for bills.

I have 3 bank accounts: 1 for current stuff, wages coming in, food coming out. Then another one where I put all the money for bills. The bills come out automatically, but each pay I put in a share of each cost, based on what I expect it to be. So there's always money in there, but it's 'taken'.

the third is savings. And this is a huge deal if you are poor, less of a deal if you earn lots of money. If you don't earn lots of money you have to have savings. That way when you get a parking ticket you can pay it and not have it increase and add charges, etc. Or if the fridge blows up, you can get another. Not having savings if you are on a low income is a terrible idea. Try to put aside at least 5% of your income after tax every pay and don't dip in unless you absolutely have to, or else reach a savings goal.

Other than that - anyone here will tell you how to do anything. :) All you have to do is ask!

Have trust in yourself, you can do this. Many of us do even if we have the same worries and I think you should be proud of yourself. I pre-pay my utilities even if its only a small amount each pay so I never get hit with a big bill. If I try to keep money in the bank instead something always happens that I have to use it for. Good luck

Well it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders and you are doing the right thing by taking each thing at a time. Thats all you can do do not fear on the what ifs (easier said than done ) but just take it step by step like you are doing and you will find what your own grove is. Being on your own is scarey. I got married at 20 and moved out of mommy and daddys house knowing nothing so thank the lord for my husband lol.

I get overwhelmed by day to day things as well. What helps me is to write out a schedule each week, and spread my to-do list out through the course of the week. Feeling organized helps me to feel in control and on top of things, which helps ease my stress and anxiety. Hope this helps. Hugs.

I get overwhelmed with some of these things too. I actually made a list and keep adding to it titled "things to be thankful for" I write positive things in my life and when I feel everything is going wrong and I get worried about things I can't control I read the list and remember all the positive things in my life that other people may not have in theirs. Try that :)

I am also on my own for the first time. It IS scary and I have the same thoughts about "what if something happens and I need a large amount of money on short notice." I try to pay off my credit card bills every month to have that money available but not create debt. I also created a work document with all of my bills, payments, etc, and listed every single possible thing I may spend money on to know how much I can handle.

I try to spend my free time doing activities that are healthy and cheap like walking on a bike trail, hiking, things like that. Don't be afraid to say no if you can't afford to go out to dinner with a friend. Buy ingredients and make it yourselves! Treat yourself when you can but be smart. If I want to buy new piece of clothing I'll wait until I get a coupon to help. I've also considered talking to a financial advisor to see if there is anything else I can do to be smart with my money. HANG IN THERE. You're not alone.

Thanks, everyone.