Never done this before...

[belladonna]

Okay, so I just got out of a serious relationship(I say out of, but in reality we're not really "broken up." He's here right now, and has been all weekend.), and moved into my own apartment.

It's one bedroom, 720sqft. I'm paying $499 a month. (Living in a town with 5 military bases, that's a ridiculously good price) The place is gated, has security patrolling all night, has a neighborhood watch. 3 pools, one of them is indoor and open all year round. It also has a giant hot tub with the indoor pool. 24hr fitness center. The works, the place is amazing. And it's a nice place too. Big balcony on my apartment

So, I've never lived on my own before, and I have, at the same time.

I lived with the boyfriend, for almost a year. We were completely self sufficient, and I handled the finances.

However, he paid 99% of the bills. I was only responsible for the groceries. So this is the first time I've been completely responsible for everything.

I have a gas water heater and furnace. I've NEVER had gas anything before, so I have no idea what to expect as far as the gas bill goes. My stove and everything else is electric. I've been told my electric bill will only be about $15 a month.

I have paid up front for the months of February, March, and April. My next rent bill is not due until May 1st. So right now, my worries lie in the following:

My cell phone bill($60)
Comcast Internet/Cable($100)
Colorado Springs Utilities Gas/Electric($?)
Water/sewer attached to rent($?)

I don't spend money on extra things. I don't buy clothes, I go to the movies a couple times a week but it's $1.50.

The only entertainment I have really, is my internet/cable. And the internet is because I'm a full time online student. So, that's staying.

I just need suggestions I guess on how to keep the rest under control. Oh, my cell phone isn't an issue either. It's never over $60 a month.

Tia

[sabrelvssammy]

check out all the posts on how to keep your utility bills low...there are literally TONS and TONS of ideas here...just make sure you impliment them or the advice is useless.. alot of us are in the midst of trying to beat these darn utility co's at their own game so you should be able to find some good stuff here (plus some pretty radical ones too...but remember EVERY little bit adds up).... good luck in your new place ...

[dcompton]

I don't know the price of gas where you live, but with hot water and furnace both gas, I imagine it could be fairly high for the winter.

What about air conditioning? Do you use it? If so, expect higher electric bills in the summer.

You might see if your gas company has an average billing program. This evens out the cost over the year and makes it easier to budget.

A lot will depend on your apartment. How well insulated it is, if you have sun on windows in the summer, that sort of thing.

Anyway, congratulations on the move. It sounds like a nice apartment.

[Denvergirlie]

Can you ask the apartment management what the prices of those utilites were for past tenants? Or call and ask the utility company what the last tenant paid on average.