My credit union attempts to form a “personal budget” based on my account activity. My biggest expenditure is labeled as a question mark.

Inflation, housing costs, and slave wages = AI to confusion because there's no way the math checks out! Yes, computer, I am spending almost 70% of my paycheck on rent.

After taxes (in OR) I take home ~$1600 per month. My rent is 1100 (1 bedroom apartment), and utilities/extras push it to $1300. I have a storage unit (temporary but necessary) that costs $190. That leaves me with ~$300 for food/basic necessities, gas, insurance, and emergencies.

I am 26 years old with a BSc. in a STEM field. I live paycheck to paycheck with no end in sight.

Sorry for the rant, and thank you for listening.