Is it permissible for a 17-year-old young man to marry a girl older than him who will cover the marriage expenses until he completes his studies and finds a job, especially in times of discord?

Marriage is good, and a Muslim's initiative towards it is a good deed due to the worldly and otherworldly benefits it entails, such as safeguarding one's chastity, producing offspring, and increasing the Muslim nation. Your marriage to the girl is permissible if she is religious and chaste, and there is no harm in her spending on you, as the age difference is not a religious impediment. Nevertheless, we do not advise you to rush, as emotion might be the driving force. Therefore, you should take your time, consult your parents and those who offer good advice, and then perform Istikhara.