First Time Away From Home - Help Needed

[Josephhgoins]

Personnally I think a shower is always cheaper, but it all depends on your habits.

When I had to start living on less, I first made a budget. I then followed it for a few months to make sure it was legit and made changes as necessary. My next step was starting at the highest costs things first, review and lower if at all possible.

I, like you, was really concerned with my power bill, but it turned out that my food bill was a lot higher than it could have been. By shopping for food more wisely, I was able to take the 30-45 min showers I liked without blowing my budget. Also, other things could be easily tweeked with no bad repurcussions to be. I lowered my car insurance by switching companies. I lowered my health insurance by switching from the one my employer provided to an alternate one.

[shoiji]

Try to keep track of where you are spending money. Meaning save all your receipts for everything you purchase for a whole month, better to do it all the time. After the first month you can see where your money is going. You might find you are spending more on small items such as a drink then you thought you were.

It will take time to figure out what works best for you. So do not worry if you need to change your budget or spending habits over time.

Good luck, you definately have the right idea as far as budgeting and wanting to know how to get the most for your money. It definately helps to start out thinking this way when you first move out on your own. Many of us here have learned the hard way the necessity to live within our means.

[nkotbjrkgirl]

congrats on your apt!