Want to move out, need suggestions - WickedFire - Affiliate Marketing Forum

JamesH · 07-25-2008, 01:47 AM

Alright, its time for me to move out. I make a minimum of $1200 per month, yet I have made as much as $1500 in a month. I work as a waiter, so tips fluctuate and therefore the amount that I make fluctuates. This isn't counting online income.

Anyways, I want to move into an apartment somewhere near Louisiana State University. It looks like I'll need to spend ~$400 for rent. Insurance on my car will be paid by my parents as long as I'm in school. Tuition is paid for by a scholarship, however I need to cover roughly $1100 in books and fees per semester.

Based on this information, do you think I'm financially ready to GTFO? I know gas, utilities, food, and the other random shit that pops up needs to be calculated as well, so check over my numbers:

Near school, drive a '95 Civic, I'm physically fit (ride my bike to school?) so maybe $75/month for gas
Utilities meaning electicity and interwebs. Phone should already be included, but I have a cell phone for that. I'm sure my parents will keep paying the little amount they do on the family plan for me. So electricity and water, $100 maybe? I have no idea...
Food; I weigh 120 lbs however I really enjoy eating. I'm not saying this because its a cool thing to say, I really like going out to eat, and enjoying good food. I'll obviously have to cut down on that, but is $300 a month a good amount for groceries and the occasional dine out?
Whatevers left will go into the Buy James Beer fund and then savings.

So that adds up to $875 a month, including rent. So I earn ~$14,400 a year, minus 875 * 12 = $10,500. So $14,400 - $10,500 = $3,900 which is enough for books and fees every semester. But not enough for beer and shit.

Do my numbers look about right? I hope not, because the outlook doesn't look good. But look at it this way, I'm assuming I'll make $50 a night average on 6 shifts at work. I can easily make over $100 on Friday and Saturday, especially when the busy season gets here. So if I knew I had to pay bills and I needed the money, I bet I could make $1500-$1750. That would make life a little bit more comfortable.

Thoughts?

+rep to people who give a shit about rep.

-Matt- · 07-25-2008, 01:58 AM

You're cutting it close. What if you get in a car accident, drop your laptop, spill water on your phone, etc.?

jelf · 07-25-2008, 02:04 AM

Ya, I don't know about you but I think I would recalculate the numbers and make sure you include all the small things.

amanda11 · 07-25-2008, 02:12 AM

Fuck I can't sleep.

Anyways, I suggest you try it ... worst comes to worst, you move back home.

So fucking try it, don't over think.

johnmatrix · 07-25-2008, 02:16 AM

get a VOIP phone... a hell of a lot cheaper than a mobile

pocketrockets · 07-25-2008, 02:37 AM

Have you considered living in the dorms the first year instead of off campus? Not sure what the costs are today but when I lived on campus it was quite reasonable and it included all utilities, food, tv/cable and I didn't need a car.

Living in the dorms was probably some of the best times for me as I met a ton of great people and I still am friends with many of them today. Your going to be more isolated residing away from school and find it more difficult to network and meet new people the first year.

JamesH · 07-25-2008, 02:51 AM

@ Matt, good points. Even though I take pride in the way I take care of my possessions, you just never know what could happen.

@ jelf, most of these numbers are just approximations on the high side. I'm not sure if my numbers are correct.

@ amanda, tbh thats some pretty shitty advice.

@ john, I'd need the mobility of a cell phone, so VOIP wouldn't work.

@ pocketrockets, I tried to get a dorm for first semester but I was to late. I'm probably going to get one second semester however I'm also considering the option of getting an apartment (aka this post). At first I didn't like the idea of a dorm, however I'm really warming up to the idea.

-Matt- · 07-25-2008, 02:53 AM

Actually, I think Amanda had a good point. Talk to your parents and have an agreement that if you just can't stay on top of your bills that you can always move back into their place.

Things don't always work out the way you plan for them to, so its good to have a backup plan.

MyOwnDemon · 07-25-2008, 03:03 AM

Moving away from home is always a scary thing. I mean, you grew up there - you've become comfortable there. It's security to you and you've grown used to it, but I think you're overthinking it a bit.

Moving out of your parent's house for the first time should be an adventure. You'll make mistakes, but so what? We all do.

When I was 18 (hahah, wow 10 years ago) I moved out of my parents house with absolutely no plan at all, a crappy job, and little money. Haven't been back since. You'll make it work. Sure, there will be obstacles and unforseen expenses along the way, but just take it as it comes and roll with the punches.

You've got to spread your wings and fly eventually. Time to be independant. Just be a man and go for it.

erect · 07-25-2008, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesH

@ amanda, tbh thats some pretty shitty advice.

That's the best advice you've gotten.

No kids, no spouse, no tuition ... what's the hold up? If you fail, at least it's just you & you're young. Stop sucking mommy's nipples (though I'll attest they are tasty) and make this stand for yourself.

More good advice ... stop waiting tables at ihop. If you aren't skilled enough to get a job waiting at a better place then go deliver pizzas. I used to pull your monthly salary working 1 night a week at a kick ass little cajun seafood restaurant in Memphis (The Half Shell if you're ever in town). When picking remember fine dining != good money ... pick a hole in the wall joint that's been around a long time and dinners average $15/plate. Ooh yea, and the later they are open the better (restaurant alcoholics rock).

Also, pick yourself up a roomate or 3 and start splitting internet, telephone & utilities.

JamesH · 07-25-2008, 03:05 AM

The way amanda's advice sounded to me was to just throw myself out there and see what happens. Whether it works out or not, thats a thousand dollars down the drain. I'm all for the 'just fuck it' attitude however I feel this situation needs to be taken seriously.

I will look and more importantly feel like a failure if I have to move back in with my parents. That is something I just won't be able to get over. Because of that, I'm hesitant to move out.

subigo · 07-25-2008, 03:06 AM

That's way more than enough. I spend less than $500 a month.

-Matt- · 07-25-2008, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyOwnDemon

Moving away from home is always a scary thing. I mean, you grew up there - you've become comfortable there. It's security to you and you've grown used to it, but I think you're overthinking it a bit.

Moving out of your parent's house for the first time should be an adventure. You'll make mistakes, but so what? We all do.

When I was 18 (hahah, wow 10 years ago) I moved out of my parents house with absolutely no plan at all, a crappy job, and little money. Haven't been back since. You'll make it work. Sure, there will be obstacles and unforseen expenses along the way, but just take it as it comes and roll with the punches.

You've got to spread your wings and fly eventually. Time to be independant. Just be a man and go for it.

That was a good post, but tbh while I was reading it I was expecting you to start promoting an ebook or something.

JamesH · 07-25-2008, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erect

More good advice ... stop waiting tables at ihop. If you aren't skilled enough to get a job waiting at a better place then go deliver pizzas. I used to pull your monthly salary working 1 night a week at a kick ass little cajun seafood restaurant in Memphis (The Half Shell if you're ever in town). When picking remember fine dining != good money ... pick a hole in the wall joint that's been around a long time and dinners average $15/plate. Ooh yea, and the later they are open the better (restaurant alcoholics rock).

Also, pick yourself up a roomate or 3 and start splitting internet, telephone & utilities.

Well sorry to contradict your first paragraph, but I don't work at iHop. I work at a cajun seafood restaurant (ironic eh?). Average price per person is roughly $20. Tonight I saw 3 mother fucking tables, but managed to get $55 (Around 19% average gratuity, not bad). It's just the slow season. Once the summer is over business should start picking back up.

And there is no way in hell I'd be able to afford to move out and live by myself

MyOwnDemon · 07-25-2008, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Matt-

That was a good post, but tbh while I was reading it I was expecting you to start promoting an ebook or something.

Sorry to disappoint.

-Matt- · 07-25-2008, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyOwnDemon

Sorry to disappoint.

Yeah, now I'll have to go look somewhere else to buy my next ebook.

MyOwnDemon · 07-25-2008, 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Matt-

Yeah, now I'll have to go look somewhere else to buy my next ebook.

Warrior Forum, Go 2 miles and then make a left. You can't miss it.

PRandContent · 07-25-2008, 03:18 AM

Me! I give a shit about rep especially since I'm new around here

Anyhoo...you forgot furniture, small appliances and groceries. You're attending school so you at least need a comfortable nook to study...have a table, chair, good lamp. What about aircon or fan? Bed? Your groceries? Soap? Blanket? Etc etc etc

Don't move out just because you think it's "probably going to work." Personally, I'd rather stay put, save up, help my parents a bit. I'd rather stay put and have money than move out, realize that I wasn't ready, and then go move back in with the folks.

07-25-2008, 01:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
JamesH Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,009 iTrader: (7)	Want to move out, need suggestions Alright, its time for me to move out. I make a minimum of $1200 per month, yet I have made as much as $1500 in a month. I work as a waiter, so tips fluctuate and therefore the amount that I make fluctuates. This isn't counting online income. Anyways, I want to move into an apartment somewhere near Louisiana State University. It looks like I'll need to spend ~$400 for rent. Insurance on my car will be paid by my parents as long as I'm in school. Tuition is paid for by a scholarship, however I need to cover roughly $1100 in books and fees per semester. Based on this information, do you think I'm financially ready to GTFO? I know gas, utilities, food, and the other random shit that pops up needs to be calculated as well, so check over my numbers: Near school, drive a '95 Civic, I'm physically fit (ride my bike to school?) so maybe $75/month for gas Utilities meaning electicity and interwebs. Phone should already be included, but I have a cell phone for that. I'm sure my parents will keep paying the little amount they do on the family plan for me. So electricity and water, $100 maybe? I have no idea... Food; I weigh 120 lbs however I really enjoy eating. I'm not saying this because its a cool thing to say, I really like going out to eat, and enjoying good food. I'll obviously have to cut down on that, but is $300 a month a good amount for groceries and the occasional dine out? Whatevers left will go into the Buy James Beer fund and then savings. So that adds up to $875 a month, including rent. So I earn ~$14,400 a year, minus 875 * 12 = $10,500. So $14,400 - $10,500 = $3,900 which is enough for books and fees every semester. But not enough for beer and shit. Do my numbers look about right? I hope not, because the outlook doesn't look good. But look at it this way, I'm assuming I'll make $50 a night average on 6 shifts at work. I can easily make over $100 on Friday and Saturday, especially when the busy season gets here. So if I knew I had to pay bills and I needed the money, I bet I could make $1500-$1750. That would make life a little bit more comfortable. Thoughts? +rep to people who give a shit about rep. __________________ JamesHume.net

07-25-2008, 01:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
-Matt- Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,277 iTrader: (7)	You're cutting it close. What if you get in a car accident, drop your laptop, spill water on your phone, etc.? __________________

07-25-2008, 02:04 AM	#3 (permalink)
jelf Teh ***** Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 643 iTrader: (4)	Ya, I don't know about you but I think I would recalculate the numbers and make sure you include all the small things. __________________ my blog bitch If your not nettin over a million a yr then signup with ads4dough or copeac and advaliant!

07-25-2008, 02:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
johnmatrix Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 332 iTrader: (1)	get a VOIP phone... a hell of a lot cheaper than a mobile __________________ People dont realise how much fucking money there is in shopping carts, I take em home and fix em, and sell em back to a different mall for 18 bucks. Got the 2 malls playin off each other, thats how I make my livin.

07-25-2008, 02:37 AM	#6 (permalink)
pocketrockets Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 604 iTrader: (1)	Have you considered living in the dorms the first year instead of off campus? Not sure what the costs are today but when I lived on campus it was quite reasonable and it included all utilities, food, tv/cable and I didn't need a car. Living in the dorms was probably some of the best times for me as I met a ton of great people and I still am friends with many of them today. Your going to be more isolated residing away from school and find it more difficult to network and meet new people the first year. __________________ Need Cheap Hosting w/ UNLIMITED Websites? Get 1st month FREE! 1. Select "Baby" plan 2. Use coupon code "WORDPRESS" at checkout

07-25-2008, 02:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
amanda11 The village idiot. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 383 iTrader: (0)	Fuck I can't sleep. Anyways, I suggest you try it ... worst comes to worst, you move back home. So fucking try it, don't over think.

07-25-2008, 02:51 AM	#7 (permalink)
JamesH Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,009 iTrader: (7)	@ Matt, good points. Even though I take pride in the way I take care of my possessions, you just never know what could happen. @ jelf, most of these numbers are just approximations on the high side. I'm not sure if my numbers are correct. @ amanda, tbh thats some pretty shitty advice. @ john, I'd need the mobility of a cell phone, so VOIP wouldn't work. @ pocketrockets, I tried to get a dorm for first semester but I was to late. I'm probably going to get one second semester however I'm also considering the option of getting an apartment (aka this post). At first I didn't like the idea of a dorm, however I'm really warming up to the idea. __________________ JamesHume.net

07-25-2008, 02:53 AM	#8 (permalink)
-Matt- Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,277 iTrader: (7)	Actually, I think Amanda had a good point. Talk to your parents and have an agreement that if you just can't stay on top of your bills that you can always move back into their place. Things don't always work out the way you plan for them to, so its good to have a backup plan. __________________

07-25-2008, 03:05 AM	#11 (permalink)
JamesH Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,009 iTrader: (7)	The way amanda's advice sounded to me was to just throw myself out there and see what happens. Whether it works out or not, thats a thousand dollars down the drain. I'm all for the 'just fuck it' attitude however I feel this situation needs to be taken seriously. I will look and more importantly feel like a failure if I have to move back in with my parents. That is something I just won't be able to get over. Because of that, I'm hesitant to move out. __________________ JamesHume.net

07-25-2008, 03:06 AM	#12 (permalink)
subigo Veritas Aequitas Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 406 iTrader: (1)	That's way more than enough. I spend less than $500 a month. __________________ ZenSix Hosting: Shared hosting starting at $25/year. Pick a host that visits WF daily. Use coupon code "wickedfire" for $5 off any plan.

07-25-2008, 03:18 AM	#18 (permalink)
PRandContent Publicist/Writer Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: www.QualityArticleWriters.com Posts: 113 iTrader: (4)	Me! I give a shit about rep especially since I'm new around here Anyhoo...you forgot furniture, small appliances and groceries. You're attending school so you at least need a comfortable nook to study...have a table, chair, good lamp. What about aircon or fan? Bed? Your groceries? Soap? Blanket? Etc etc etc Don't move out just because you think it's "probably going to work." Personally, I'd rather stay put, save up, help my parents a bit. I'd rather stay put and have money than move out, realize that I wasn't ready, and then go move back in with the folks. __________________ Professional, quality press releases for only $50 (manual distribution starts at $10) Quality articles, web content, blog posts, forum posts etc (starts at $1.50 per 100 words) PM ME FOR MY LIST OF COST-EFFICIENT ARTICLE PACKS!