(Pardon my ADHD thought process)
I'm currently living in a sober living apartment complex and have 4 other suite mates so I'm trying to save up money to have a place of my own. I don't have a car and my (new) job is only about a 10 min bike ride away. THAT being said, I live in the Chicago land area - and by extension - Cook County IL. This is relevant because it gives context as to just how OUTRAGEOUSLY high the cost of living is.
Anyway, I'm looking for an apartment (1 bedroom) and there is nothing around me for less than $1,000 -1,100 per month. Recently I've floated the idea of rooming with a friend, but that would be temporary and 2 bedrooms are 1,300-1,500 per month. (This is PURELY rent, not including utilities, food, medication, etc.)
So being that my take home every 2 weeks would be roughly 1k, how can I/will I be able to pay for an apartment AND save up and/or pay for a car (with insurance) and moreover, be able to pay for school down the line? If I have a roommate, it seems feasible, but ultimately I'll be living alone for awhile and I don't see how I can make any shortcuts here. I was born and raised to be frugal, but with the price of living as it is, what more can be done?
Other potentially important details: - If I were to move further from work to a less expensive area, I'd need to rely on public transportation that doesn't run early enough for me to get to work on-time. - I just started my job so I won't be getting a raise for awhile. - The place I'm currently living has a rent of $190 per week.
September 20, 2018 at 02:53AM
