just one break, that's all I need

[smileyeagle1021]

How old are ya if u dont mind me asking?

crap, I actually have to think about that one... (I know, that should be a sign I'm old enough ) umm, 23 (turning 24 later this year)... have to be 25 or married (which I can't do in the Great State of Utah) to not report your parent's income.

Smiley, have you tried calling your internet company and telling them you can no longer afford to pay? They might be willing to work with you, despite the contract.

two problem, one even if they were willing to work with me... I still need internet for school (because driving or taking the bus down to Orem to do homework is not a viable option)... and if I am going to split rent with someone, not having internet is a deal killing, second, I have too much pride to call them and ask them to change it... I haven't had some traumatic unforeseeable life event that I would have never seen coming when I signed the contract (prices have just crept up faster than I could earn wages)... I'm not going to try to weasel my way out of a contract because I didn't think ahead. I have integrity and I won't sell it for a cheaper internet plan (not that it matter, I could save $10 a month at the most lowering my internet costs).

also, 100/mo for groceries is amazing for 2 people,

That is thanks entirely to the bulk food section at WINCO... we have a LOT of pasta, and a lot of rice, and a lot of home made bread... we also do a lot of canned goods which we stock up on sales at WINCO... also my mom's subsidy is $100 cash and permission to use her sam's club credit card for $100... you can get a LOT for $100 at Sam's Club.

[smileyeagle1021]

Also, it doesn't help that I had a roommate, and he's moving out because of me constantly sheltering my friend and her son from her abusive husband... I can't say that I blame him, he doesn't really know her, before she started sleeping on the couch every other night he had never met her... I wouldn't want to get involved in something like that either. That is why I'm really looking at my finances now... and I know that no one wants to rent a room in an apartment that is harboring a woman hiding from her abusive husband... I do not blame people not wanting to get into that... but I can't turn her away. I made her a promise that I would do whatever was needed to protect her, and I'll be damned if I fail on that promise.

[Amina516]

How about having your friend stay there and rent the room with her child? Shes there anyways. Is that a possibility?

[ArcticChicken]

I'd double-check the requirements for age. I don't seem to recall there being an absolute need for age, just income-- and if you're a dependent

Yeah, and if you're under 25, have never been a ward of the state, unmarried, and (I think) have enever served in the US armed forces, you're a dependent.

I haven't had some traumatic unforeseeable life event that I would have never seen coming when I signed the contract (prices have just crept up faster than I could earn wages)... I'm not going to try to weasel my way out of a contract because I didn't think ahead. I have integrity and I won't sell it for a cheaper internet plan (not that it matter, I could save $10 a month at the most lowering my internet costs).

When you signed the contract you believed you were capable of paying. You were mistaken. It's not selling your integrity to call up the company and tell them that. The worst they can say is "no".

And that extra $120 might pay for some or all of keyboarding class for your fiance.

[jnd4rusty]

Here is another suggestion, maybe you could go to a bank and secure a private loan for school expenses. You could check and see if your mom is willing to co-sign. This could be an option. It really sucks that you are just under the age requirement to be independent! I am sorry, I am all out of suggestions, I understand that the economy is sucky and all and it makes it extremely hard for those living paycheck to paycheck and trying to get an education.