Going out on my own

So far I'm one of the very few people who hasn't jumped on the cell wagon around here. I've got too many friends that end up going way over their limit and spend somewhere in the $50 range every month.

Don't forget most places have you pay at least a month advance rent, sometimes two months. Also find out if the heat is included in the rent, if it is gas heat it might be, if it is electric heat you most likely will have to pay for it... it is a good idea to find out what utilities are included in the rent and what you have to pay for out of pocket.

There are also fees for hooking up certain utilities, like the phone, cable and possibly internet (though sometimes some of them offer free hookups).

Apartment insurance is a good idea and relatively cheap as well.

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Originally Posted by Raz0r

I hate Jersey City. Every apartment that is decent downtown is expensive as hell because it's close to NYC. I tried looking for a place to move into, but in order to afford a place downtown(away from the crime) I would have to room with about 6 other people in a one-bedroom apartment. Dorms at my college are also about $6,000 a semester.

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I can go to one of the state colleges for a year on that, minus a meal plan.

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Originally Posted by shidoshi

Anyhow, $100 a month for electricity? Where are you talking about? I guess I forgot that electricity can cost that much in certain parts of the states. My advice on utilities is go for the level payment plan. They give you a level monthly payment according to the standard usage for your place. That way, you know what you're going to pay each month, instead of being hit by a big surprise. This is especially nice if you live somewhere colder and can get shocked by high gas bills in the winter.

Learn to not rely on the AC so much. When I lived in Japan, it was hot and humid as all hell, but even using the AC on a semi-regular basis could easily get us $200+ electricity bills. At the least, find the setting you would set the AC to, and turn it up a degree or two.

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That would be me! I live in Texas, where the summers can be sweltering. I never heard of anyone talking about humidity, until I moved to Texas.

The balanced electrical bill payment plan, only works if you have had a history at said residence. I moved into a new home about 3 months ago and we could not get the plan, even though I've been with TXU electric for over 14 years. They need a history, from your residence, of at least 6 months.

if you're worried about crime or shitty neighbors in your apartment, keep a look out for places with security cameras and door persons. they're usually a little more expensive, but it might cut down on you getting shit stollen outta hour place on a regular basis.

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Originally Posted by gamevet

The balanced electrical bill payment plan, only works if you have had a history at said residence. I moved into a new home about 3 months ago and we could not get the plan, even though I've been with TXU electric for over 14 years. They need a history, from your residence, of at least 6 months.

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It depends on where you live. Around here they take the average of the place you're moving into. That’s what I did at my last apartment ($45/mo) and I ended up not having to pay my last bill because they were a little off. It may be different with houses though.

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Originally Posted by animegirl20

On a side note, you pay 525 for a one bedroom apartment?!? We pay 625 for a three bedroom 2 bathroom! I live in southern Texas so housing must be cheaper than in the big city.

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My studio apartment in San Francisco is $1,100. Die.

Studio apartments around here used to be 400 or under, and a three-bedroom was about 600. They've gone up since the population burst, but it's pennies compared to the part of CA my brother's moving to. Our family has bets on how many weeks he lasts before he figures out he can't live on his own.

One bedrooms around here can go from $300-$1500/mo. Depends on the location, there's only one area (near campus) where the $300-$450 range places are livable. Unless you like the ghetto atmosphere the West & East side provide. Not me, oh hells no, been there done that (that's one scary ass story). I've even seen some 2 bedrooms go for as low as $300, but you wouldn't want to live there.

Credit cards are very dangerous if you are not disciplined with your expenses. If you are not the type of person who can pay the balance in full each month, steer clear of them.

If you can pay the balance in full each month, a credit card can be an excellent alternative to carrying cash around. Furthermore, certain cards like AMEX Blue Cash give you a cash rebate (albeit a small one) after a year of using their card.