A loan for making a move and getting settled?

**Debt Vigilante** · 07-21-2010, 01:44 PM

With all my student loan experience, the funds were sent to the school and the school gave me the surplus. How much do you need to cover moving expenses?

**disneysteve** · 07-21-2010, 02:13 PM

This might be one of those rare instances where I'd be okay with carrying a credit card balance for a couple of months. Pay cash for what you can and charge the rest. Just be sure to pay it off as soon as you possibly can once your income starts coming in. Don't go buying a bunch of junk for the house until you erase that moving debt.

**beat02** · 07-21-2010, 07:03 PM

I haven't calculated the expenses of getting to Seattle yet. I have a pickup truck and I can fit all my belongings in that. If I need to, I suppose I could even live out of the damn thing until my rent money comes in (that would be a nightmare though). I'm talking to someone that has friends in Seattle and seeing if I might be able to stay with them until I get my feet on the ground. Hopefully it wouldn't take too long.

I figure that I'll need several grand. I do have a monthly truck payment, auto insurance and a cell phone that I need to continue paying on. My monthly expenses comes out to about $425 (and that's not including food).

I do have a credit card, but it's got a $500 max. I'd prefer to take out a loan and even one I don't have to pay on at all for at least 6 months to a year...

**Debt Vigilante** · 07-21-2010, 08:17 PM

You think your move will cost several thousand? How much stuff are you moving?

**Stuartthomas** · 07-21-2010, 10:15 PM

it seems to be interesting ..but what i got about your moving involves a huge money..

**wincrasher** · 07-22-2010, 05:47 AM

I'm kinda surprised you have virtually no money saved after coming out of the service.

Your best bet is to stay with friends if you can, get a part-time job if you can find one, and credit card the rest. Keep to an austerity budget for a few months - starting right now - no partying or going out - and you should be OK.

Have you checked into any veterans groups in Seattle? Maybe there could be some help.

Good luck!

**terces** · 07-22-2010, 07:17 AM

Have you applied for the Post 9/11 GI Bill yet? It does take several months for the approval process. (DH is currently utilizing it.) Plus you have the application process at the school you are looking at attending. I would think the soonest you could start school would be for the Spring semester in January if you are talking about a tradition type university. That would give you time to work and save up money.

Make sure the full tuition is covered at the school under Post 9/11. Some schools come under the Yellow Ribbon program and pick up the additional fees. Tuition money is sent directly to school so you won't have any out of pocket with that. For books you are given a $1000 stipend per year, so you have to hope it covers all your books. They are expensive.

Also were you eligible for any VA compensation? I assume you were evaluated by the VA.

**beat02** · 07-22-2010, 08:19 AM

Well, I've been out of the service for almost 3 months now, and I did have a little bit of money saved (though not as much as I should have). It has dwindled down to almost nothing by now though (and finding part-time work hasn't been a success thus far). I've had bills to pay on. Moving going out, but not coming in. :/

I said $3,000 but that's just to be ultra safe. I'm very apprehensive in moving to a place where I know basically no one and running the risk of running out of money and being screwed. Also, I can't count on finding part-time work quickly (though I'll definitely try).

I have enrolled in the Post 9-11 GI Bill. I'm all set to utilize it. -- No, I made no claims with the VA.

**terces** · 07-22-2010, 08:58 AM

You should have been evaluated by the VA after getting out of the service. Everyone should. Anything physical or psychological that affected you during your time could get you a disability rating... and a monthly check depending on the rating. It doesn't stop you from continuing to work. DH got a rating and started a new career as a cop.

Take advantage of all that the government offers its veterans...you deserve it.

**beat02** · 07-22-2010, 09:08 AM

Already did the evaluation and made no claims... Really, I just had nothing to claim and I wasn't gonna pull something out of my rear end (though lots of people seem to do/attempt that).

**terces** · 07-22-2010, 09:32 AM

True, better to be honest. You are very fortunate not to have anything to claim. I was just doublechecking. I'm a big advocate of the military and veterans. Been a part of my life a long time.

You should be able to get student loan and financial aid info from the school you are wanting to attend.

**beat02** · 07-22-2010, 11:08 AM

Thank you for your suggestions and advice.

**Joan.of.the.Arch** · 07-22-2010, 02:31 PM

Sounds as if you will be driving to get there. Have you heard of organized Couch Surfing?

CouchSurfing - Participate in Creating a Better World, One Couch At A Time

My DH and I are considering registering with that site in order to host travelers. We did host a traveling veteran last summer, but it was quite the spontaneous happening, not through any introduction or website.

**snafu** · 07-22-2010, 05:18 PM

Have you been accepted by the university of choice in Seattle? If not, your move is premature. Who has been spotting you for the past 3 months? If you have a network in Tn why not stay put hopefully find work/earnings to cover payment for truck, phone, & moving expenses.

Will you lose 9/11 GI aid if you defer until you have confirmation of acceptance?

A loan for making a move and getting settled?