Renting. AKA: Where did all my money go?
July 19th, 2007
I have been living in apartments/dorms since I was 18. That’s seven years. That’s…. a lot of living money. Let’s break it down:
((All rental prices include utilities and food.))
And actually these aren’t bad rents prices. I’ve always shared expenses with roomates and lived in a pretty cheap state.
So, if I had been living at home the past seven years, I would certainly have enough to at least consider putting a down payment on a permanent dwelling. It is quite more savings than I have now.
Which brings up a question, some people argue that children who live at home through their early twenties are “financially dependent” on their parents. While this may be true during their stay, they end up, in the long run, being much more financially independent by not throwing money away on bad landlords and overpriced cable bills. They are able to save money and can be proud that they own a place.
On the other hand, I have been financially independent for the past seven years. Which means that I am 100% self-sufficient and know exactly what it takes to live on my own. Instead of being twenty-five and having the realization that food does not automagically appear in the refrigerator. Perhaps it is this reality check that makes me not cringe so much when thinking of all the money I have delved into apartment complexes.
Entry Filed under: life
3 Comments Add your own
1. Sasquatch | July 19th, 2007 at 3:25 am
Double that. And I’ve wasted three times again as much on lost wages from going to school. Time to start playing for keeps, I think.
2. unknown | July 24th, 2007 at 9:56 pm
I think it all depends on the situation whether it’s harmful or helpful to live with your parents. If you’re actively saving money and have a goal, it is okay. And it is okay if you ventured out and ended up having to move back for a while to get your feet back on the ground. It’s more harmful when you never tried, and you don’t have a goal, and you don’t care. Judging someone might mean we don’t understand their situation completely. But of course being independent from 18 is something to admire.
3. shel | September 4th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
I never considered calculating based on rent. I’ve always gone with the “What Is My Brain Worth” math. About $30,000 for MSU…$40,000 for Chatham…It’s fun…then I watch the scene from “Alien Resurrection” where the alien’s tongue/tiny head-mouth thing punches through a guy’s brain and I weep.
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