So basically I'm wondering how I go about setting up a budget and how to project what it would cost to live on my own. I am hoping to move out with my girlfriend about this time next year. We're both going to the same college and we currently live at home. She'll be 18 and I'll be 19 assuming it's exactly a year from now.
We already have furniture and all of that good stuff, and we need nothing more than a 1 bed 1 bath apartment. We both work about 20-30 hours a week making a dollar more than minimum wage (hopefully I'll have had some little raises between then). Also, we're setting aside money out of each paycheck to have some savings and backup money. I have $2500+ saved up in my account which I do not touch. She has just started saving last week and has $250.
I'm just trying to factor in all of the things that are going to cost money and about how much they will cost. I live in Northeast Florida, USA if that helps at all. I think the cost of living where I'm at is .94 x the national average give or take. What are all of the possible expenses and the rough cost I'd have to pay monthly?
-Gasoline (I go through about $100 every month for gas, give or take)
-Rent
-Groceries (Willing to eat super cheap and minimal meals)
-Car Insurance (Not certain on price, but my car is a piece of junk so probably not too much)
-Cell Phone / Cable / Internet (No need for landline)
-Utilities / Electric / Water
-Renters Insurance
-Leftover Expenses and other things
What am I leaving out and how can I make this work!? I need to be realistic though. I make $8.25 and hour and my girlfriend makes $7.50 an hour before taxes. Thoughts (don't say 'stay home')?
My parents came to America with nothing but 100 dollars 17 years ago, and they're living well today; you have enough money to make it
[QUOTE=Juice_Layer;27763890]-Gasoline (I go through about $100 every month for gas, give or take)[/QUOTE]
Try walking or using a bike. Or public transport.
I live with my girlfriend in Kalamazoo, MI so I can try and give you some numbers:
Rent: $600 total, $300/person
Groceries: <$200 total. If you qualify you should look into food stamps.
Cable/Internet: $30 for basic cable and good internet.
Electric: $20-40 depending on season. If you're looking to save here get a watt meter and see what's using power. I found out that my stereo draws a constant 20 watts even when off. Just by unplugging it when it's not used we save $4/mo.
I'll post more if I think of anything.
EDIT: [url]http://www.aircrack-ng.org/[/url] if you feel like stealing WiFi.
Dont bother with cable, just get internet and a subscription to Netflix, all the movies you want and hulu has all the shows
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