Serious question

Post by **Uaintseenme** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:47 am

All sarcastic and spamming jokes aside, I'd like to ask a question to anyone who's experienced moving out on their own.

As most of you know I work at wallyworld(walmart), I make about 500-600 every 2 weeks and since I've finished paying for bullshit on my car, I don't have much to pay for. I have an average cell phone bill that's about 70 dollars a month, which is really insane and $103 car insurance bill to pay every month. That's basically it. I've been putting some thought into it and I think I could live in my own place, but I'm not quite sure, because my job is not really providing the big big bucks, like most every one else here seems to be making.

My question is: Would I be able to survive off of this shit? I'm talking a basic apartment, I probably wouldn't even bother getting the internet. All I need is a TV, a couch and a bed. My main concern is food. Let's say I rent an apartment for 400 a month, along with my cell bill and car insurance, that's about 600 bucks a month, it sounds like I should be able to afford food and a little extra cash. But I've never done this before, and who knows, maybe I'm wrong. Plus, aren't 400 dollar apartments crappy, rat infested hell holes?

little help here

Post by **Nightshade** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:55 am

Make yourself a budget, include all your basic expenses and include some savings. You'll need power and water costs, rent, cable tv(a luxury, but most have it), groceries, car insurance, etc.
Look for apartments with rent specials and included services. There are a lot of apartment complexes that will pay water and cable.
As far as the apartment goes, you'll just need to do a lot of legwork. Check out the neighborhood, ask people questions about crime and all that. The reason why I mention the rent specials is that you can sometimes find places that won't charge the first month's rent, so you'll only have to pony up a security deposit, which is usually one month's rent. Pet deposit, too if you have one.
Moving out on your own is NOT cheap, but it's quite doable provided you stick to a budget.
You can also look into getting another job. UPS pays fairly well for unloading trucks, and you only work 4 hours at a time. Lowe's and Home Depot pay $10/hr for people to retrieve carts from the parking lot, and it's weekend work.
You can also go with a roommate, which is the most common way to reduce your expenses. Get ready to experience hell, unless you know the person quite well.

Post by **Uaintseenme** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:59 am

Yea, I've asked a few friends to room with me, one would love to do it, but he can't because he'd end up having to move out sooner or later and doesn't want to do that. Another friend doesn't wanna move across the river, instead he wants me to move over there, I like this side better. :P A second job though...If I wanna goto school, I'd have a pretty tight schedule. But I gotta do what I gotta do.

Post by **werldhed** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:02 pm

There will always be more little things to pay for that you won't remember to add in to your calculations: heating/electric, paying the city for waste disposal, buying toilet paper, fast food, car repairs, internet, laundery, a microwave, etc.

Not saying it can't be done, but be sure to account for a large amount of unseen costs.

Post by **Doombrain** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:03 pm

live alone, lol.

Post by **busetibi** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:03 pm

so youre saying you have $600 per month for food,petrol,booze,cigs(if you use them) substance abuse( again if you use them) entertainment,would the $400 for the apartment come with free services like electricity or would you have to pay for that seperate? how good /reliable is the car? does it break down much?
its hard for me really as i live in oz, but if i only had $600 per month to live on (taking into account the bills) i couldnt do it

Post by **Uaintseenme** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:05 pm

I get 500-600 per paycheck, I get payed twice a month, so every month I make about 1000-1200. It does basically look like I'd be fine, but I know this doesn't look right, somehow.

edit: btw, my car's a 91 probe, been running it for about a month now and havne't had any problems, but then again, it's only one month.

Post by **Uaintseenme** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:11 pm

Asked a friend about apartments in this area, apparently they range from 600-700 a month. Wtf.

Post by **Ryoki** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:19 pm

Try and keep the rent under 40% of your income or you'll be in for a very exciting time. Getting a roommate is someting that could help you out here, although this usually brings a whole set of problems of it's own.

Post by **Uaintseenme** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:22 pm

Yea, like my roommate walking out on the lease. This is something I'd really like to do though, have buddies whenever the fuck I want, sit around and do whatever, hell even have a chick over every now and then. It'd be great for me to do, especially if I goto my local community college, peace and quiet for studying and working, no interruptions. Oh and no one on Q3W will make fun of me anymore for not having my own place.

Post by **Nightshade** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 12:50 pm

No, but we have lots of other reasons.

Post by **stocktroll** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 1:01 pm

lol 400 a month? dont know where you live but here in cali 400 month rent will barely get you worst of slum shacks
heck when i was in school you couldnt even roommate with your own room at under 450

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 7:28 pm

lol you're definitely making enough money to live on your own. It's not like you'll be living it up but it's above the poverty line anyway. Around here rent is roughly 400-800 a month for a decent to a really nice pad. At a thousand bucks a month you'll basicly be getting by but not making much money. Look for a new job, something that pays better or find a way to make money on the side.

I'm finaly doing well for myself but it took awhile since I've always lived on my own. It's all about money in the end and how much you need to live comfortably. Some need more than others.

Post by **Uaintseenme** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 10:19 pm

Kracus wrote:lol you're definitely making enough money to live on your own. It's not like you'll be living it up but it's above the poverty line anyway. Around here rent is roughly 400-800 a month for a decent to a really nice pad. At a thousand bucks a month you'll basicly be getting by but not making much money. Look for a new job, something that pays better or find a way to make money on the side.

I'm finaly doing well for myself but it took awhile since I've always lived on my own. It's all about money in the end and how much you need to live comfortably. Some need more than others.

I could sell stuff on ebay.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 10:23 pm

I have a friend that does that actualy. Sells old transformer toys and other old toys.

Post by **Uaintseenme** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 10:25 pm

Well I guess it would be a matter of what I would want to sell. I have loads of movies, but none I'm willing to part with. I could get back into mmorpgs and sell virtual credits, which is actually pretty lucrative, but that's a time consumer.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 10:38 pm

Well pawning shit isn't neccessarily a new idea, you might want to stick to something you can renew and make a profit with. mmorpg credits is a good one.

Post by **duffman91** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:11 pm

Getting a room mate can proove to be a worth while experience. Moving in with friends isn't always as great as you'd think.

I'd suggest, putting up flyers and moving in with somebody you've never met. That'll ease you into moving out by yourself.

My immediate suggestion would be to get a better job though :\ .

edit: I just remembered this: ask somebody that's already 100% moved out what their expenses are in 1 month. Then use that as a guide.

Post by **bitWISE** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:13 pm

I pay about $800 in bills and I make $1440 a month. I don't live like a king with what's left over but I live better than most of my friends. Get a better cell phone plan and find yourself a roomate and you will be just fine. Moving alone might make things a little tight once you factor in all the little things. (Remember, you wont just need food but also household supplies, hygene, etc.)

Post by **Uaintseenme** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 11:19 pm

bitWISE wrote:I pay about $800 in bills and I make $1440 a month. I don't live like a king with what's left over but I live better than most of my friends. Get a better cell phone plan and find yourself a roomate and you will be just fine. Moving alone might make things a little tight once you factor in all the little things. (Remember, you wont just need food but also household supplies, hygene, etc.)

True, can't forget toothpaste, shampoo, soap, and a way to wash clothes.