Hi guys,
Last week I wrote to you about my current financial situation, and you all were SO kind in your responses. Truly, I am so grateful that so many of you reached out and were so supportive about helping me get back on my feet (and realize that this isn't bottom, I can get out of this with some budgeting and hard work).
I have a small update. I wound up finding a cheaper apartment and would like to pick your brain about something.
NEW BUDGET
INCOME
29500:- monthly salary which is 21900:- after taxes $2619.00
1050:- stipend for child care $125.00
10 000:- side income (after taxes. Typically monthly but not always, it depends on how much work there is for me to do) $1196
32 950:- total $3941
COST OF LIVING
7130:- Rent (including heat and water) $845
250:- Internet $30
400:- Electric $48
200:- Rental insurance $24
250:- Cell phone $30
800:- Childcare $95
3200:- Food budget $383
19 820:- left after all of those are paid $2348 (9 820:- without side income $1163)
tl;dr So, bascially, I am saving a little over $100 USD by taking this apartment instead.
Now I am wondering if I should use that extra $100 a month and use that additionally toward my debt payments, or if I should use that extra money as a "mental health" stipend and spend it on something that will help me feel better and keep up with my new frugal lifestyle. For example, I was considering hiring a cleaning service to come into my apartment twice a month to do deep cleaning (3 hrs per day, 6 hrs total per month). Cleaning has always been a very difficult thing for me to keep up with when my depression has been at its worst, and I feel like it could be a great way to keep myself motivated. Only having to maintain my apartment's state of cleanliness between their visits is very doable, and considering how much I am working and am a single mom, it would be a huge help.
Am I silly for feeling like this is something to indulge on? It's $100 a month but I feel like it's money well spent, and in my last post there were a lot of people telling me to be sure to reward myself somehow or do things to keep myself motivated. Tax benefits make it so affordable.
I'd love to know your thoughts. Thanks again for all the support!
Submitted November 06, 2017 at 04:51AM by sweetenthedeal_0 http://ift.tt/2j5BJfh
