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I never thought I would be able to do it, but somehow I am managing to do ok while only getting $190 a week. The poverty level for a single person is $10,890 a year. I am only getting $9,880 a year now. With that, I am paying rent and utilities for my apartment, maintaining a car with insurance, and I even have HD digital cable and internet. I really am not suffering, although I thought I would. For the record, I am not on section 8 nor do I get food stamps. $190 a week is all I get. Sadly, I am unemployed now but that is what I get for my check. I am proud of my super frugal habits that I have learned and lived by in the past that are now allowing me to live on such a tiny amount. It can be done if you are resourceful.
Studio apartment: $350 a month that includes cable, internet, telephone and all utilities except for electricity.
Electric: Ranges anywhere from $30-$75 a month. Last month was $33. I did a 12 month average on my bills and came up with $52 a month, so let's use that for reference.
HD cable: Cable is included in my rent, but I pay $37 a month extra to have HD cable with a DVR.
Gas: I barely drive anymore, but I do get 35 mpg in my Ford Escort. I am going to say $20 a month at most.
Food and toiletries: About $40 a week. I only buy what is on sale.
Beer: I know, not good, but about $20 a week drinking the cheap stuff.
Car insurance: $198 every six months, let's use $33 a month for reference.
Health insurance: None, cannot afford it.
That all comes to approximately $732 a month. That is basically it. Some things will come up here and there periodically which I will have to account for, but so far so good for now.
In what city/state do you live to pay $350/month for an apartment that includes all utilities and cable ? You couldn't even rent a closet for that price in my area
In what city/state do you live to pay $350/month for an apartment that includes all utilities and cable ? You couldn't even rent a closet for that price in my area
Las Vegas, Nevada. Remember though, it is not all utilities. I still have to pay for electricity.
That is pretty impressive, especially since I remember you saying you've got a fairly solid chunk savings stashed away. I think that is what upsets the apple cart on many people living right on the edge, a sudden expense like car repair or medical bills puts 'em in a hole they can't crawl back out of but you've got buffer to handle that.
When frugal habits do stick it can certainly pay off, and that works both ways. People who suddenly greatly increase double their income but only manage to keep approx same lifestyle they can really start piling up cash over the years.
Las Vegas, Nevada. Remember though, it is not all utilities. I still have to pay for electricity.
WOw that is damn good!!!! Most of your utilities are included, what a dream A few years ago when I was in college, I rented a small studio and the rent was $1100 and nothing was included so yeh I'm still shocked to see that in some parts of the country you could rent a decent apartment for $350 including most utilities
That is pretty impressive, especially since I remember you saying you've got a fairly solid chunk savings stashed away. I think that is what upsets the apple cart on many people living right on the edge, a sudden expense like car repair or medical bills puts 'em in a hole they can't crawl back out of but you've got buffer to handle that.
When frugal habits do stick it can certainly pay off, and that works both ways. People who suddenly greatly increase double their income but only manage to keep approx same lifestyle they can really start piling up cash over the years.
Is your neighborhood safe?
You're right, I would be in trouble if it were not for my savings. All these years of making $1,300 a month and saving $400-$500 a month of it has saved me from heartache considering the situation I am in now. In all honesty though, I have managed (so far) to not go into my savings even living on $190 a week. That surprised me. I managed to get a better deal on my car insurance today, and I have been more frugal than ever at the grocery store. As far as my neighborhood, it really is not safe. If I had a nice car outside it would surely get stolen. However, I personally have never been bothered and I have been here nearly a year and a half.
WOw that is damn good!!!! Most of your utilities are included, what a dream A few years ago when I was in college, I rented a small studio and the rent was $1100 and nothing was included so yeh I'm still shocked to see that in some parts of the country you could rent a decent apartment for $350 including most utilities
I really cannot say it is decent. I am not going to lie, it is a tiny 300 square foot roach motel. I am used to it though.
Las Vegas, Nevada. Remember though, it is not all utilities. I still have to pay for electricity.
That's still a good deal. It reminds me of what I once paid for an apartment. You used to be able to get an apartment in that price-range where I live, but now it's hard to find one under 500/mo. Then you've got to rule out the ones that don't have bed bugs. Someday I will get out of here...
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so yeh I'm still shocked to see that in some parts of the country you could rent a decent apartment for $350 including most utilities 
I am used to it though.
Someday I will get out of here...
