GirlsGuideTo | Question: I'm 19 and I've been arguing with...

I'm 19 and I've been arguing with my mother for a very long time. I've been trying to find apartments to move into with no luck- everything is way too expensive at about $600-$700 a month. I have a part time job that gives me about $90 on the weeks with the least amount of hours, but I usually get about $120 a week.
Just yesterday, I found out that my friend's mother is renting a room in the finished basement of her house. There's a kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and all utilities are included for $80 a week/$320 a month.
I'm wondering if I would be rushing into things by renting the room. What do you ladies think?

Comments

Posted by Anonymous on August 30, 2012 at 2:33 AM

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While $320 a month is a good deal, I agree that you should wait until you start earning more money. It never seems like it at first, but living on your own costs SO MUCH when you add up everything you'll need. Food, gas, cleaning supplies, toiletries...and even if you don't consider yourself high maintenance or materialistic, you'll eventually realize that you just can't afford the things you want, and it's not fun. Also, if you ever look into getting an actual apartment, it won't be easy to get someone to rent out to you on that salary. They want to be assured they won't have to worry about you paying rent on time.

I'm sorry about your issues with your mom. I know how that feels, but trust us, waiting to move out is really in your best interest.

Posted by Anonymous on December 29, 2011 at 1:32 AM

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I always try to have 5 sources of income (I make it a goal for 7). It's great for extra cash that I can spend on bills or just to splurge while I keep the main check to handle bills. This does not mean have 5 jobs, it just mean do extra things on the side that your good at. For me I have a daytime job, recycling, I sell baked goods which I love to do, I babysit/house sit/Pet sit, and I also work on the side under the table as a photographers assistant. Holiday/Birthday money from family is also considered income although not very stable. Remember to try to find something that you love and are good at.

I also save a few consistent dollars a month just for moving expenses or what ever I need until I reach my goal....could be from $5+ depending on your financial situation even loose change is fine.

Posted by Anonymous on November 21, 2011 at 5:45 PM

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Hi, i agree on this reply of the person above me.

You should stay home and save money for the furture, untill you're done with your study, and then get a full/part time job. if you earn around 120 ea week, and pay 80 ea weak for the rent, have you thought about the water,gas,food, clothings? savings for unexpected things? etc etc!

Posted by Anonymous on October 30, 2011 at 1:02 AM

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I don't think moving out is going to fix your problem.

I hate to break it to you, but you can barely afford the room on your paycheck. Your living expenses should not exceed 1/4 of your income, or roughly the same amount as one week's pay. (If you make $120/week and then shell out $320/month for the room, that would only leave you with $160/month for everything else, like food and gas. After that, you wouldn't have much money for any leisure purchases or to save for the future.) If you really need to move out, take on more hours at work (at least 36 hours/week total) or go full time.

Moving out is a big deal. You have to work hard in order to be able to afford to pay for your own living space. If I were you I would wait, especially if you're in college (at least until after you graduate). You should always live within your means as best you can.

Instead of moving out, I would suggest either trying to work things out with your mom or spending some more time out of the house, like with friends, to reduce the possibility of an argument happening.