From Foster Care to Medicine

Tag: money management

  • The Foster Care Exit Plan: Your First Year on Your Own

    A survival and success guide for the year that sets the tone for your future

    Aging out of foster care is one of the biggest transitions you’ll ever face. You transition from a structured (sometimes overly structured) environment to full control — and full responsibility. It’s exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. This guide blends real-life survival tips with the lessons I’ve learned, so you can start your first year strong and build toward the future you want.

    1. Secure Your Housing Early

    Housing is the first big challenge — and there’s no one-size-fits-all path.

    If you’re in Florida, the RTI (Road to Independence) stipend can be a lifeline. If possible, save part of it before your exit date. That money can cover deposits, moving costs, or give you breathing room while you figure things out. Even small amounts set aside now can make a huge difference later.

    Your situation will shape your options:

    • Extended foster care can give you extra time to save, finish school, and prepare.
    • University dorms (my route) can offer built-in housing and financial aid through loans, scholarships, and campus jobs — that path gave me a huge sense of security in my first year.
    • Low-cost rentals could mean a small studio, renting a room, or sharing a place with roommates.
    • Family connections (if safe) can be a short-term bridge while you stabilize.

    General housing survival tips:

    • Read your lease before signing — it’s worth the effort.
    • Connect with your community — nonprofits, churches, or local aid groups can sometimes help with deposits or rent.
    • Use a friend’s couch if you have to — it’s not glamorous, but it’s better than unsafe situations.
    • Once you secure housing, build your home gradually as you can afford it. Essentials first, then small touches over time. The internet is full of affordable ways to make a place feel like yours — from secondhand lighting and lamps to artwork and small decor. But the priority is getting a roof over your head first.

    I remember in my early adult years having to be incredibly creative just to keep a roof over my head — whether that meant moving money around between accounts, finding quick income opportunities, or leaning on every connection I had. Times can be hard, and there’s rarely a shortcut, but adaptability and resourcefulness are your most important tools.

    2. Build Your Income Stream

    You can’t build stability without income — but how you get there depends on your skills, goals, and what’s available to you.

    Some of my foster brothers went straight for a CDL license and started trucking. Others learned trades like plumbing, electrical, or welding. These can pay well without requiring years of school, but they still demand training, certification, and a strong work ethic.

    College can be a good option, especially if it comes with housing or scholarships, but it’s not the only route. Without a clear sense of purpose, you can graduate with debt and still feel lost. The key is knowing yourself — what work you enjoy, what lifestyle you want, and how much you’re willing to invest in training or education to get there.

    Build two types of skills:

    • Life skills to save money and make daily life easier. For me, learning to fix computers meant I didn’t have to pay for repairs and could stretch my budget further. Cooking, budgeting, and basic DIY repairs can save hundreds each year.
    • Marketable skills to grow your income. Public speaking, for example, helped me deliver strong presentations in university — even against the toughest graders. Writing, leadership, communication, software skills, and team building all increase your value in the job market.

    Side hustles can help you build both skill sets while earning extra:

    • Freelance writing or design
    • Music gigs or event work
    • Selling products or services online
    • Leveraging skills you picked up in childhood or adulthood — tutoring, repair work, organizing, or other hands-on work

    Your goal is to eventually earn enough to invest — whether that’s in a business, property, or other opportunities. The internet is your friend for learning almost any skill for free or cheap. No matter the path, work hard, stay consistent, and be resilient.

    3. Take Care of Your Health

    You might be healthy now, but that can change fast — in my time in medicine, I’ve seen patients younger than me face life-changing diagnoses like cancer.

    • Get an annual check-up and include STD screening at least once a year.
    • Learn how to interact with your doctor: ask questions, understand your treatment plan, and keep copies of all important documents in one safe place.
    • If you’re a former foster youth, you may qualify for Medicaid until age 26 — apply right away.
    • Minimize alcohol — it might be fun, but it can ruin productivity and drain focus.
    • Heavy weed use early in life can hurt your memory and attention. If you’re curious, most people understand, but you could consider waiting until your 20s before making it a regular habit.

    Your health is an investment. Protect it early, because it’s much harder and more expensive to fix problems later.

    4. Build an Emergency Cushion

    We’ve already gone deep on finances in other posts — check out my money management guide for more. For now, remember:

    • Even $200 in savings can keep you from making a desperate decision in a crisis.
    • Avoid overdraft fees by keeping a small buffer in your account.
    • Know where to find emergency help — food banks, rental assistance programs, and foster alumni networks can bridge the gap.

    5. Find Your People

    Your network can shape your opportunities and protect you from isolation. As I said in my community involvement post, connection matters.

    • Stay close to at least one mentor or trusted adult who can help you think through big decisions.
    • Join activities that interest you — sports, volunteer work, creative projects.
    • Be selective about who you spend time with. I’ve seen foster brothers end up in prison, and the pull toward risky situations can be strong if those are the circles you stay in. You can still love and care about people without following them into trouble.

    6. Protect Your Identity, Safety, and Reputation

    Your reputation follows you everywhere — and the world can be quick to judge, regardless of what you’ve been through.

    • Keep key documents (birth certificate, Social Security card, ID) in a waterproof folder.
    • When you face a risky choice, list:
      1. What happens if it goes wrong?
      2. What happens if it goes right?
      3. Can you recover from the worst-case scenario?
        Early on, lean toward safer options until you understand the world better.
    • Learn as many useful skills as you can. If you’re great with people, lean into that — maybe create videos, network online, or put yourself out there in ways that align with your goals.
    • Give yourself grace. If your childhood was tumultuous, there’s going to be a lot of learning and unlearning. Depression, anxiety, and burnout are human, but if they spiral, they can block you from your goals. Stay ahead of them when you can, but don’t beat yourself up if they slow you down sometimes.
    • Avoid bad influences, especially if you know they could pull you into trouble. I’ve seen how quickly decision-making can blur when you’re in a dark place and surrounded by people in the same mindset.
    • Protect your reputation — once it’s damaged, it’s hard to rebuild, and unfortunately people may write you off quickly no matter what you’ve overcome.

    Bottom line: Your first year out is about stability first, then growth. Build a strong foundation so you can handle whatever comes next. You’ve already made it through challenges most people can’t imagine — that resilience will carry you far if you combine it with planning, adaptability, and good decisions.

    If you find this information helpful, please leave a comment below. Feel free to contact me with feedback for future posts and/or ideas. Thank you!

  • Money Management for the Less Informed

    Money Management for the Less Informed

    Real financial survival for foster youth, students, and anyone figuring it out alone

    Disclaimer: I’m not a financial expert. This is based on my lived experience navigating finances as a foster youth and student. Use what resonates, and consult a professional when needed.

    1. Know Your Numbers (Even If They Hurt)

    Start by listing all your income: part-time jobs, scholarships, grants, and any assistance you may receive. Not every foster youth qualifies for programs like RTI, PESS, or ETV, so don’t assume it’s guaranteed. If you do qualify, count that carefully and plan around disbursement dates.

    Budgeting tools:

    • Bank apps – Most automatically track spending. I personally use mine and just recategorize transactions as needed—low effort, high impact.
    • Apps:
    • Spreadsheets: Simple Excel, Google Sheets, or Apple Numbers templates if you prefer a hands-on approach

    2. Prioritize What You Pay First

    When money’s short, use financial triage to keep yourself afloat:

    • Tier 1: Rent, food, hygiene, medical, tuition fees that could drop your classes
    • Tier 2: Phone, bus pass, internet, minimum credit card payments
    • Tier 3: Subscriptions, non-essential purchases, takeout

    If you can’t pay everything, communicate. Landlords, schools, and service providers often have payment plan options—especially if you explain your situation early.

    3. Stretching Limited Funds

    If you’re receiving PESS/RTI stipends or ETV, treat it like your monthly survival kit.

    Tips:

    • Break your monthly money into 4 weekly chunks to avoid mid-month burnout
    • Don’t spend all at once—emotion-driven purchases can leave you stuck by week 2
    • Build a $10–30 cushion each month for surprise expenses (Uber in a storm, broken charger, laundry)

    No stipend? Budget even more carefully. Prioritize fixed expenses and hunt for school- or community-based emergency grants when needed.

    4. Save Something—Even If It’s Tiny

    Open a high-yield savings account (HYSA) with a bank like:

    Even saving $1–$5/week trains your brain and builds a buffer you can use when something breaks.

    5. Investing Basics: Keep It Simple

    You don’t need to be rich to start investing—but don’t jump in blind either.

    Start with education:

    What I do: I’ve only invested small amounts in the S&P 500 index fund (VOO). I don’t have time to study individual stocks. It’s simple, proven, and low stress.

    Avoid hype (crypto/TikTok trends) until your foundation is solid.

    6. Rent Will Make or Break You

    Rent is often your biggest bill—and it’s the one that can trap you for a full year.

    Ask yourself:

    • Can I still eat and survive after rent?
    • Can I cover it with just one source of income?
    • Do I have a backup plan if something changes?

    Roommates can save you hundreds, even if it means less privacy. If you get a stipend, make sure rent doesn’t eat the whole thing.

    If you’re stuck: Ask your school, local nonprofits (like United Way), or housing offices about rental assistance and move-in grants.

    7. Credit Is Real, Even When You’re Broke

    Credit matters—even if you’re living month-to-month. It affects jobs, apartments, even insurance.

    Monitor it for free:

    To build credit safely:

    • Use a secured credit card (your deposit becomes your limit)
    • Pay it off in full every month
    • Don’t open new cards unless you’re ready

    Bad credit isn’t always your fault—but it can hold you back if ignored.

    8. When Money Meets Mental Health

    Let’s talk about something deeper: spending to cope. A lot of foster youth struggle with trauma, mental health, and the urge to buy for comfort, control, or to feel normal.

    This is real. It’s not a failure of character.

    Ways to manage it:

    • Use a 24-hour rule before non-essentials, wait even longer for big purchases or shiny items (i.e., that fancy steam cleaner you saw on TikTok)
    • Budget small “feel good” money—guilt-free spending is okay if it’s planned
    • Talk to someone: student mental health services, Medicaid therapists, trauma counselors

    Set up friction: turn off saved card info, use balance alerts, and keep shopping apps off your phone. I personally love balance alerts. Every purchase made, I get an email notification, and furthermore, every day I get an email with my total balance. That way, I can’t hide my balance when I feel like I’ve been spending too much.

    9. For Future Doctors (or Anyone Considering Medicine)

    Medical school is a huge investment, and if you’re foster care or a first-generation student, it can feel impossible. It’s not. However, it is important that you know what resources there are and that you are proactive to not let your financial situation affect your academic performance. No one will fully grasp your life experiences, and residency program directors can be risk-averse.

    Start here:

    • White Coat Investor’s Investing 101 – written for medical students/residents
    • Learn about loan repayment options, scholarships, and residency finances early
    • Budget for exam costs, applications, and travel ahead of time

    If you can survive as a foster youth in undergrad, you can survive med school too. Just know the money game early.

    10. Medicaid and Food Stamps (SNAP) – Help You’re Likely Eligible For

    🏥 Medicaid Until Age 26 (Florida)

    If you aged out of foster care in Florida, you’re eligible for Medicaid until age 26—no income required. Food stamps are more difficult here, but may not be in other states. Be sure to check your local guidelines.

    • Covers: doctor visits, mental health care, prescriptions, dental, emergencies
    • Apply through ACCESS Florida
    • Choose the “former foster youth” category to avoid income testing

    If you’re skipping therapy or healthcare because of cost—this is your in.

    🥫 SNAP (Food Stamps)

    Depending on your hours worked and school status, you may qualify for SNAP benefits. Food stamps are more difficult here in Florida, but may not be in other states. Be sure to check your local guidelines.

    • Most students need to work at least 20 hours/week, but former foster youth may qualify under student exemptions
    • Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card usable at most grocery stores and major chains

    These programs exist because you deserve support. Use them.

    Final Thoughts

    You don’t need a trust fund to get through college or build a life. What you need is a plan, patience, and forgiveness for the hard days.

    Whether you’re budgeting RTI checks or side gig money, failing and appealing, saving $5 at a time, or just trying not to burn out—you’re already further than most.

    Track your numbers. Protect your peace. Keep showing up. The biggest advice I could give you is to try and develop resourcefulness. Get creative. I find that some hairy situations I encountered were handled through creative solutions and sometimes a drop of desperation.