Tips to Living on Your Own

Before The Move.

1. Create a Spreadsheet. Create your budget. How much will you be making? How much will rent & utilities cost you? Gas? Groceries? Entertainment? There is a lot to consider when you start to create your budget. If you are renting, many renters want 1st and last month’s rent, application fees, and security fees. Make sure you add this to your spreadsheet for the first month or so.

2. Contact Companies. After you have found a place to move into you need to find out what bills you will be responsible for. For example: gas, electric, water, trash, cable, the list goes on. After you have the list now you need to start making those phone calls to get your accounts set up, set up a start date, and get an estimate of how much it is going to cost you. It’s also important to contact other companies such as your credit card and cellphone companies and let them know you will be moving. Some companies require a piece of mail from your new address with your name on it before they will do an address change.

3. Get the Essentials. *Bed & Linens *Kitchen Supplies; pots, pans, can opener, microwave. *Bathroom Supplies; shower curtain, toilet brush, trash can. *Cleaning Supplies *Etc.

After the Move.

1. Keep your spreadsheet updated. A budget is something that always needs to be kept up to date. This will ensure you know where all your money is going and helps you better prepare for the future.

2. Pay Your Bills on Time. This is an important one. You do not want to jeopardize your credit history just because you forgot to pay on small bill. Find a way to remind yourself when payments are due. Since you are on your smartphone most of the time anyways, why not add a reminder to it?

3. Stock up on Groceries. You will save money if you keep your fridge and cabinets stocked. Why? Because you will be less likely to order delivery!