Household Budget?

[kadan]

I'm thinking about moving out of my parents' house and getting an apartment. I'm trying to think of everything that I will have to pay for, am I forgetting anything?Rent + UtilitiesGroceriesHealth InsuranceStudent Loan PaymentsCar InsuranceGas for CarAm I forgetting anything?

[Jeff J]

Obviously you are "ONLINE" so you forgot your ISP bill, plus cable tv and phone not to mention the biggest expense other than rent, FOOD. A standard to go by is your rent should be the same amount you make in one week at your job, i.e. no more than 25% of your NET take home pay. Otherwise you will always be broke. Rents range from on average $395 to over $1,000 dollars or more. Plus you are young see if you can buy a house as soon as you are able, keep you credit score clean, it will open doors for you in the future. And rent is like throwing your $$ away, unless you are a senior citizen. Find a small cheap house try to get a loan & your parents might be willing to co-sign for you. This is the best way to establish great credit, pay off your first house with NO late payments then sell it or rent it and buy a bigger, better house. Here's an idea get a roomate charge them rent and put that towards your house payment, which could be less than rent. Plus you will build up equity in your house. Good Luck & God Bless.

[Josi]

You may also want to think about where your furniture is going to come from. What about window treatments and bedding?? Lamps, pillows, television stands, microwaves, dishes, televisions, washer/dryer. Imagine the apartment. Close your eyes and walk yourself through it. Now ask yourself where you got the kitchen table or the toaster oven?? You are responsible for accumilating everything in your apartment. I totally agree w/ the first answer. Save the amount of money that you think it will take you to move out for 4 - 6 months. If you can do it w/o dipping into the $, you have a good chance. If not, save a while longer. Also, don't forget about cleaning supplies (mop, broom, duster, vacuum) and clothes and toilettries. You'll still need all these things.Good luck!Happy Holidays!

[Middleclassandnotquiet]

Miscellaneous & entertainment, and a savings categorie would be good. Savings and/or emergency-things happen. Lots of info on the web-google "household budget""budget help" etc. Good luck.

[scarlet9900]

Clothing expenses, personal care, auto repairs, Retirement savings? Rainy day fund? What if I break my leg fund? You should have atleast 4 - 6 months in savings.