The thing that surprised me the most about my budget was how much I will be paying in car expenses a month! I didn't expected it to cost so much to have and maintain the car I want.  Also, I expected that my phone bill would cost a lot more because my mom complains about how expensive it is so much. I think that I am ready for all of the responsibilities that come with living on my own and supporting myself. I had a few realizations when I was making my budget. One of them was that I will have to work more hours than I would like to and the other was that apartments are very expensive in the area I will be living in. I can work for the next two summers and get a job after school my senior year in order to start preparing for my college expenses. Also, I can start spending my money wiser and on important things, so that I will get used to being on a strict budget.