Just lost my only parent today at the age of 19, I don't know what my first steps are.

Hey, sorry to hear your lost. I don’t want to sound like a recruiter or anything like that, cuz i aint. But i just wanted to share some “safe” bet going into the future. Some background story, I pretty much had to financially support myself ever since out of high school and i had some walls to overcome and stuff. I mean, we all do, its called life. I joined the US Army as an IT person, got my clearance, stayed away from trouble and still continuing to living this lifestyle. I’m 30 years old, making a GOOD salary and enjoying life. I think i figured it out. Yea, life sucks here and there, but there's ALOT to benefit from it, especially the perks. My younger brother was in limbo with his life and i encouraged him to join and it was the best career path for him. I mean, people have all different sorts of motive to join, but im talking about securing your future the safe way. through the military, you'll get paid bi-weekly, have a roof over your head, food, and friends. So going onto the point, i say enlist with the military and go active, get an IT job with the military and get a clearance, travel the world, meet new people, experience new stuff, and at the same time, finish college through the military, try to get your bachelor degree, cert up in the IT world, network with as many people as you can. I would recommend you do your 20+ and retire early, say, 40, and get a military-civilian job. Easily you can make 100K if you go overseas and live the expat world after retirement from the military and it's all adjustable. Sure, military life is not for everybody, but dude, its easy. As long as you stay out of trouble and make the best in life.

I only say this cuz thats what Im doing right now and love what im doing and no looking back. and money is a very stressful burden. anyways, take care and hope you crawl out of the dark hole and find the light.

/r/personalfinance Thread