If You Work A Minimum Wage Job, We Want To Know How You Handle Managing Finances As Everything Is Getting More Expensive

It's important to have realistic conversations about money — no matter what you situation is.

Growing up with a single mother who was a waitress for the majority of my life, I saw how near-impossible (or honestly impossible) it was to budget or save money when someone has a minimum-wage job.

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While this has created a scarcity mindset for me as an adult, as a writer, I often have a hard time writing or gathering information for "how to save" stories because I know a lot of the tips are geared toward middle-class (or above) nuclear families (which can be incredibly frustrating for a lot of people). 

So, instead of going to the experts, I thought it would be more helpful to connect with the BuzzFeed community to hear real-life stories from people who current have minimum wage jobs, how they're trying to save money (or just stay afloat), the tips that helped them and why — or maybe even why saving is not an option right now and why.

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For instance, maybe you are able to some save money, but it's only because you don't have any kids and because — after years of paying it off — you don't currently have debt.

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Or perhaps you're able to put a few dollars away because the retail or grocery store job you have gives a certain percentage off your overall bill that helps reduce home costs. 

Or perhaps saving money is not an option right now because a family member needs help, your rent is taking over your paycheck, or you simply haven't been able to for whatever reason.

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Or finally, maybe saving money is an option, but it requires having a very strict budget, being strategic with income tax refunds (if you receive any), being on food stamps (SNAP), having two or more jobs, and/or living with a partner or roommate who helps split the bills.

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Also, what is your relationship with money currently? Did growing up a certain way help determine this or something else? How is this situation currently affecting your mental health, if at all?

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On the other hand, what do you wish other people would talk more about when it comes to money for people with minimum-wage jobs? Is there any advice you would give to people who are currently experiencing similar situations? 

Whatever the situation, tip, or piece of advice may be, if you feel comfortable doing so, please share your story with us below. However, if you prefer to stay anonymous, feel free to share by filling out this Google form here.