How Would You Budget This?
By dismalgrin
@dismalgrin (2604)
United States
November 18, 2010 12:43am CST
Well, I just found out that I have two months and then my mom is kicking me out, place to live or not. I currently get 600 dollars a month, I might be able to fix it so that I get closer to 700 a month, but I wouldn't bet on it. This is not my online earnings.
So, I found an apartment that is 295 a month is I participate in the community, and I'm not sure what that means, but it's 320 a month if I do not.
I have 400 dollars that I owe to the electric company, but I figure if I pay 200 dollars now they may let me sign up for electric and I'm good at keeping costs down on electric if it's just me in the house.
I intend to continue paying 40 dollars a month for my internet
And I may have to end up paying the same for a cell phone (perhaps 35 if I get the right phone plan)
I own a car that I will have to drive an hr away once a week (two hrs if there is traffic because it's country roads). Mostly I won't do that. I have been budgeting gas as 100 dollars a month, but I somehow doubt that I will be able to afford that anymore.
Also, I do not have any furniture for a home. The apartment I'm looking at has all hardwood floors in it. I have a queen sized comforter and two pillows to sleep with. I don't have dishes, I don't have hangers to hang up clothes, I don't have shelves for all my books. I really don't have anything, but clothes, books, and beauty products. Lol
So, this is what I'm looking for from you, how would you arrange this budget, and how would you go about furnishing an apartment in the middle of winter. If it was Summer I would be dumpster diving. But, I don't think that is so easy in winter.
Also... I have about 400 extra this month because of school financial aid stuff. But, I do need to get my boyfriend a Christmas present and I think I may be expected to get his mom one too. I'm not sure yet. I'll try to keep that cheap though.
7 responses
@FrugalMommy (1438)
• United States
18 Nov 10
I'd start out by joining your local Freecycle group. Someone in your area may be looking to get rid of some of the items you really need to get out on your own, and all you need to do is go pick them up in most cases. Another great place to watch is the freebie section on your local Craigslist page. Try to get everything you need from Craigslist and Freecycle, then take a look at the local thrift stores for the things you haven't been able to find.
If you have Goodwill or Disabled American Veterans stores in your area, I really recommend trying there before any other thrift stores. All of the stores I've been in have had fantastic deals on clothing and housewares. Some stores have appliances, but not all will. For hangars, try asking around at some local stores that sell apparel. Sometimes they just throw them out because they're constantly receiving new ones.
If I were in your position, I'd consider eliminating my internet for a couple of months. A lot of businesses are introducing free WiFi connections, so if you don't need it constantly you could save the $40 and put it towards something else. Another thing I'd consider if I didn't need the cell phone constantly would be getting a Magic Jack instead, since it's $19.95 a year. A prepaid cell phone might be an option, too.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
18 Nov 10
I think we do have a Disabled American Veterans store in the area... at least I think I heard my boyfriend talking about it. He and his uncle are also trying to get me to sign up for help for veterans since I am one... which I feel funny doing since I'm still youngish. Lol
That is a good idea about the hangers, I've always asked to keep hangers in the past when I bought clothes, but when I moved in with my mom I had to stop that because I didn't get any hanging space.
I am planning on getting a prepaid cell phone. I actually have one buried in the bottom of my car because my mom keeps threatoning to shut off my cell phone on her plan. I offered to pay for my line, but she said know, she would rather be able to shut off the phone. I'm not turning down my free phone from her as long as I can, but I don't want to be left high and dry without a phone. This one is a tracfone so it isn't the best, but it will work for emergancies. I also have a phone card tucked away with it.
I'm probably going to have to get the internet anyhow because I do take online classes right now from school and I need the internet for that. Also I'm planning on trying to suppliment my income with some more stable online earnings (like etsy or bitwine, or tutor.com) Maybe that will help me out a bit with being able to afford the thrift store stuff.
We also have a couple Goodwills around. Some are better than others, depends on which store you walk into.
Thank you for your response!
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
18 Nov 10
Yes, I'm going to have to, I guess. 600 a month is not enough to live off of. Lol
@gambama (90)
•
18 Nov 10
if you are a veteran, take advantage of all the benefits. My son-in-law is an Israel army veteran, and benefits have made all the difference the last few months.
In fact, investigate what else you are entitled to. Do you get student discounts anywhere? These are not charity, but things you deserve because of what you do.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
24 Nov 10
I would look to see if your area has freecycle or in the free section of craigslist for furniture. Even though not as many people are moving in the winter, people are still decluttering, etc. You don't need to furnish the whole apartment right away, just a bed, a table and chairs, and some lamps if there aren't overhead lights already.
320 + 40 + 100 + 35 = 495 which leaves you with 105 - 205 to pay for food, electric, insurance, and anything extra.
You'll need to stockpile money for the next couple of months so you have a buffer for anything like a car repair.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
27 Nov 10
oh!
Even if you don't decide to stay in a shelter, contacting a shelter may be a good idea. They might be able to inform you of any programs that can help you.
I'm sorry this has happened.
And just in case you are looking for ways to make more money, I have been paid by reviewstream and swagbucks. It's not an efficient way to make money, but little bits help too.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
27 Nov 10
Thank you... I like how you sorted it all out. I'm not too sure that I have the ability to stockpile anything at this point in time. I currently am homeless and trying to weigh my options. Thinking about calling about a shelter tomorrow if nothing else pans out. I might just renew my hotel room for an extra night to get some calls done on monday. My reserve sure is running out. I'm only lucky at this point that my phone hasn't been shut off yet, even though I do have a back up phone, I'd rather not have to use it just yet.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
18 Nov 10
First of all, what kind of deposit will you need on the apartment? Often, they require "first and last month's rent", which would be a minimum of $590 in this case. Take at least $300 from the extra $400 you will get this month and hang on to it. If you need a deposit, that would just about do it, along with what will be regular rent money. From $600, that's going to leave you around $395 a month, minus $80 for communications, then electricity or whatever other utilities you will have to pay. It's going to be tight, but I guess you knew that! :)
Part of how to handle it depends on what you have on hand right now. You will have that and two month's worth of income, right? Put back money for deposit, rent, utilities and food, in that order.
You won't have to have everything the first month, but hold on to whatever money you can to save for a bed, chair and table. I'd want a bed first, if I were you, but it's up to you. Second hand stores are good for that, or if you're where you can, ask for things on Freecycle. People give away a lot of things.
I don't know where you are, but you should be able to find a thrift store somewhere near. For $100 you should be able to get a a frying pan, a sauce pan, a couple of plates, bowls, glasses and cups, plus a coffee pot or tea kettle, flatware and some utensils, some blankets, a pillow and so on. It will be the very basics and you'll have to watch it closely, but it can be done.
More than anything, face this as a challenge that you can have fun in meeting. Take everything into account, down to the penny, and try to find ways to get what you need for free. Not only Freecycle, but clothing banks and church run charities are there to help.
Let us know how it goes!
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
18 Nov 10
I just checked the apartment deposit. it's 320 not matter what. And actually the 400 I mentioned having extra is what I have after the amount I figured into the deposit.
I like your idea of freecycle and thrift stores. I think I'm going to go to the dollar store and buy a camping mattress for 30 dollars to start out with until I can get ahold of a real matteress. I am also going to get some bleach and use a lot of that. Lol.
My boyfriend lives in the city so I guess I'll have to see if he can help me run down some charities. Also, I just noticed that this apartment does accept section 8 help so if I can get on that list it will help me out a lot. I think it will bump my rent down to 180 which would be so much easier to handle!
@gambama (90)
•
18 Nov 10
I agree with everyone who says "freecycle" and thrift shops. Check if you have friends/relatives/neighbors who might be de-cluttering and getting rid of stuff.
Christmas presents don't have to be that expensive. Be creative on that.
The extra money should not be used for gifts or expenses. Set it aside for 2 things- start up costs and emergencies. During the time you are still at your mom's save every penny. No beauty products, clothing or books.
Storage can be improvised. Clothing can be folded if there are no closets. Ask people for hangers.
Above all, think ahead and be creative.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
18 Nov 10
You do have some right on comments. Thanks. I'm not going to ask my relatives for anything this time around though. The first time I got out on my own they pretty much furnished my apartment for me... and it's been held over me ever since. I think that if freecycle, craigslist, or thriftstores don't have it I will just have to do without until I can get it.
1 person likes this
@rovered777 (649)
• United States
18 Nov 10
Dismalgrin, I will suggest that you join an online group that makes money. Right now the program is guaranteed to give you return on income. I currently make 10 dollars a week, and think that since its online Alexa rating is going up, this company is surely for the future. This money making program acts like a savings account, as lots of interest is made from investment. I believe you will have to budget income, by shopping frugally and living at home on a fixed budget.
In order to achieve your monthly budgets, I suggest for you to use an excel spread sheet and input all cost figures. -There is no need to pay cell phone fees of $35, because if you use Pay as You Go service, the rate of payment is rather cheap. You definitely should not miss out on choosing a bargain play for your cell phone.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
19 Nov 10
What pay as you go phone is cheaper than 35 a month. I know there is the 30 dollar a month plan for just talk. But the one I'm speaking of is talk and text unlimited for the entire month. I think adding text is a better deal because there are some members of my family that will not speak on the phone at all, they will only text and they are people that I HAVE to keep in touch with.
I am interested in working online to supplement my income. I will also try to get a job to supplement my income. It will be tight and I will probably not get much sleep since I'm also going to school but I do intend to make this work.
@KSmith526 (58)
• United States
18 Nov 10
One suggestion is to find a local Goodwill, Salvation Army type place for furniture. The first item of furniture I would get is a couch which could double up as a bed, since you only have a comforter and pillows. I would speak to the electric company first and see if they will turn on your electric if you pay less than what you owe, if not then I would find another electric company in your area and start out fresh. Of course, in time you should pay off the companies you owe. You could always use paper or plastic dishes and silverware for now until after the holidays when you won't have gifts to get for people. For gas, I would keep it to a minimum or ask others if you can carpool.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
19 Nov 10
Very good ideas, I know the Salvation army sometimes has couches for 25 dollars. That is a really good idea. And I also know of a place that sells plastic dishes for a dollar a piece... actually I think they have some glass items for this price too.
I think our area is overrun by AmerenUE... lol but I will check into that one too. Thank you so much for your advice!
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
18 Nov 10
First off I would say that your boyfriend and his mother should be able to understand the fact that you don't have money to do a Christmas gift this year.
As far as furniture and such, do you have freecycle in your area? If you do, that would be a good way to try to get some things for your new apartment. Also, you might want to consider getting a roommate because that will help to stretch your budget a little bit as well. As far as utilities go, I might also see if there is a place that will have utilities included so that you are able to avoid deposits on those.
@dismalgrin (2604)
• United States
18 Nov 10
Thank for your response. Yes, I think they would understand and if worst comes to worst I will go to the dollar tree and pick up a coffee much or something for them. Lol.
I have looked into utilities included deals in the area and most of them ended up charging more per month. So in the long run it would be even harder. But I do believe most places around here include water, trash, and sewer in rent. I hope so!
I did try to sign up for freecycle and got denied but they told me I could try again. So I'm going to do that, because I agree, I do need that.
