The wisdom of a teenager, the price of freedom

As a misguided teen I vaguely remember the day I wished I had more freedom. Back then, myself being the teen, of course I was right. Now, being much wiser and unfortunately much older, I am reminded of my own youth through my children and their desire for freedom. My first thought is " I wonder how much freedom costs these days?" We'll start with the freedom to be on your own, while maintaining the comforts of home. Let us all do some math.

1 bedroom apartment outside of downtown =$750
Basic cable= $60
cell phone with text = $70
electric = $125
Food = $300
transportation (car) $350
Insurance = $125
clothes, hygiene products = $100

Total expenses = $1880 per month

Really good starting wages for high school graduate $14.00 per hour
40 hour week.
Total gross wages per month $2240
Total net pay per month $1792

Total versus expense = negative $88 per month

I guess it's safe to say freedom has a price and most can't afford it. And It Just Ain't Right

Tax Increases Equal Service Cuts I don't get it

Why is it that the first thing Taxing authorities cut is services to the people who pay taxes.  It seems to me to be counter-productive.  Who wants to buy a house and live in a community where taxes are constantly being raised and services are being cut?  About 10 years ago our county, which will remain nameless(because they're all the same), raised property taxes 70%.  This year they are proposing a 17% increase.  Yet every year since the 70% increase, services have been cut, reduced or downsized.  The government has not downsized, cut or reduced their payroll or staffing.  We have lost funding in Parks and Recreation, police, trash removal, human services, the Arts and economic development.  I long for the day when we get what we pay for.  I know i'm not blameless in this becuase I hired them when I voted, but why do I have to wait so long to fire them and hire someone who will do the job right? Taking away services while increasing taxes and fees, making new taxes when you're not allowed to raise them anymore or calling it a "fee" when in reality it is just another tax well, you know, It Just Ain't Right!