My first VERY OWN budget!

**AnW819** · 03-30-2011, 10:16 PM

Wow...can't believe its all my own. And I can't say that I am not happy with it. I am gonna need your help with it though, because I may have a hard time making a budget just for me.

Job 1: $1000/mo MINIMUM ($320 more a month if I work 5 days instead of 4)
Job 2: $680/mo MINIMUM ($200 more a month if I work an extra shift depending on if help is needed)
Total Monthly Income: $1680
-$950 rent (its $950 for 6 months because I put on security and last months rent onto it because I don't have it up front. Monthly rent after 6 months is $750)
$75 electric?
$25 trash
$75 groceries
$35 cell phone
$100 transportation (lots of train rides, unfortunately, but hey, still cheaper than gas!)
$30 internet (when I can afford it, but ill add it now)
-----------
$390 monthly income left.

Now, where do I go with this? Do these amounts seem outrageous? Transportation may be way less. I am really not positive on that one.

**NikoSan999** · 03-30-2011, 10:27 PM

Groceries...$75 a month..that's $18.75 a week...can do it but going to be rough.

You know on the electric you can call the electric company and give them the address and apt # and they can pull up for up to a year of what the previous tentants paid...it will give you an idea...but they may have had a housefull...

You have to pay trash at an apartment? Amazing...least to me...we never had to.

You still have money left until the bugs are worked out...you've got a plan, run with it.

**Inkstain82** · 03-30-2011, 10:33 PM

Eeek, that is a LOT of rent relative to your overall income. But you probably can't help it, I don't know what area you live in. You make up for it by being pretty frugal with the rest.

**Palooka** · 03-30-2011, 10:38 PM

Yeah, I've never heard of paying trash in an apartment. And that's 25 monthly? Dang that's high!

Not enough for groceries I would think. But I know you can do this!!

Is that 30 a month for the net using a landline?

Good luck.

**AnW819** · 03-30-2011, 10:42 PM

I don't have many options with the rent situation. The $750 is NOTHING compared to 90% of the apartments around here. This one is ideal because its right next to the train station.

The $950 is a lot, but if I work as much as I can for a while, and save everything I can, I an cut that 6 month $950 rent, to a 2-3 $950 month rent.

If I don't take this apartment, I really have no where to live. I can't go to NJ with my dad. I will loose my jobs. And finding another apartment, with just me, and my income and credit I am not sure I will get rented to. I am really not sure?

Move in is in 10-13 days anyway so I gotta work with what I have.

**TigerGirl1226** · 03-30-2011, 10:42 PM

I would give myself a little more for groceries. $100 sounds more reasonable and it seems you have room for that in your budget. At least give yourself $100 for the first few months as you will starting from scratch, after that you can go back down to $75.

ETA: I don't think your rent is unreasonable at all. When I was single, my apartment was $680 and the cost of living in Louisiana is much less than where you are.

**AnW819** · 03-30-2011, 10:47 PM

And yeah, I gotta pay trash =/ Its a bummer, especially for the small amounts of trash I will have.

I am a really simple eater just myself. I will probably not cook myself full meals. Just sandwiches, soup, veggies, canned fruit. I do not eat meat.

**AnW819** · 03-30-2011, 10:49 PM

I do think its a good idea to up my budget to $25 a week til I start to get some type of pantry! Good idea! Also, I would like to add something as far as clothing goes. I currently need new work clothes, and I would really like to have some type of building envelope with money in it for clothes when I need it.

**frugalwarrior2** · 03-30-2011, 10:50 PM

Too low on the groc. Would you qualify for any help w/ food from the gov't.?

Some where along the line you have become an awesome adult. Thats a great start on a budget. You can tweak it as it goes. We'll be glad to help if we can. You got your transportation figured out and everything.
And forgive me but you may find that your ship will sail better w/o the Wayne anchor. Hugs and best wishes.

**AnW819** · 03-30-2011, 10:52 PM

Thanks

I never thought about getting help from the state. My only worry is whats gonna happen if I can't keep up with both jobs for forever? Then I am pretty screwed.

**NikoSan999** · 03-30-2011, 10:56 PM

One step at a time...get thru the now...in this case worry about the later...later

**McD** · 03-30-2011, 11:02 PM

Will you have to pay for water or is that included?

Do the utilities in your area charge deposits?

What about renter's insurance?

**frugalwarrior2** · 03-30-2011, 11:04 PM

Deal w/ the present w/ an eye to the future. 1 thing at a time. Work steady,put away as much as you can. Build a pantry,pay your bills,put away savings. Take time to heal and build faith in yourself. Let your confidence grow.
Someday you may meet someone who values you for exactly who you are and is glad to see you. Someone who elevates you to be the best you can be and walks beside you. then pairs up w/ you and builds a better and better life. This person won't be threatened by your success or sit on his rear while you suffer.
It will be clearer as you move forward.
You will get raises and upgrade our skills,your smart enough to make a life plan.
And when she gets tired of him he will wander back at you. Think about how to guard yourself so he doesn't try and ride on your success.

**Dixie** · 03-30-2011, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by AnW819

Thanks

I never thought about getting help from the state. My only worry is whats gonna happen if I can't keep up with both jobs for forever? Then I am pretty screwed.

Would you qualify for govt. housing?