I guess I shouldn't be talking, since I'm only 20...
But I lived in a big town working a dead end job barely making ends meet for a year. It sucked. Now the GF and I live together. Makes ends meet a little easier. But I learned a lot about life. Helped me realize the value of money a bit more, although my father did his best to teach me.
Blkhogan, I wish you luck with her. I realize teenagers are a handful, god knows I was. Hopefully she comes to her senses and realizes that you aren't as bad as the real world, and that your just trying to prepare her.