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Originally Posted by safari
If I understood you correctly, your total income is about $450 a month, so after paying for gas, you're left with about $300. Even you save enough money for a security deposit and first month rent, how are you going to pay monthly rent going forward? What about utilities, food and all other expenses? It doesn't sound like your boyfriend will be able to contribute any money, so I don't see how you can afford a car, let alone an apartment, given your financial situation.
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Yeah, that's pretty much what I was thinking too. I'm not sure if getting an apartment is really practical right now with the income you earn. You're cutting it really close. What are you going to do when your car dies or have some other kind of emergency?
Plus you said your hours are variable at your current job and the job is ending in November? What kind of money are you going to be able to count on for rent? Most places won't rent to you unless you can prove you have a job with enough income to pay the rent. They check your paystubs, run credit checks, and will sometimes even call your work to verify.
It looks like 1 bedroom apartments in Shelbyville, IN cost about $500 a month, give or take about $50. Assuming your boyfriend was going to split the rent, here's what your situation would look like:
Income: $ 400/month
Rent: $250/month
Utilities: $50/month (This would have to cover electric and/or gas, phone, TV, water, and trash. You can do without some of these, and your apartment complex may provide some of this as part of your rent.)
Gas: $120 (Based on $30/week or one tank of gas per week).
Total: $420
In this scenario you're already $20 in the hole every month and you haven't even eaten yet! Let alone paid car insurance, cell phone bills, gone to a movie with your friends, and any kind of car payment, maintenance, or repairs!!!
The other thing that you need to think about is whether it's really a good idea to move in with your boyfriend. I'm sure he's a great guy, but what if things don't work out? Anyone's who ever shared an apartment can tell you horror stories about roommates who skipped out on the rent, moved out without telling anyone, ran up huge phone bills and then disappeared, etc.
You've got to be really careful about who you move in with. Personally, I wouldn't recommend moving in with a guy unless you're engaged. It's just so easy for things to go wrong, and for you to be left to answer to the bill collectors. I'm sure you care for each other very much, but moving in is as much of a financial decision as a romantic one.
You're very smart to be considering these kinds of things BEFORE you take the plunge. I know you'll make the best decision for you!