#my electricity bill for my one bedroom apartment was $200 this month though

[wizardpink]

I have created the perfect cool air vortex in my room and it actually feels TOO good, like I got at least 8 hours of sleep last night and yet here I am at 5pm like my god I could take a nap right here right now.

[absurdthirst]

(T/W: MENTIONS VERBAL ABUSE AND VIOLENCE) Hi Keri, so I’m almost 20 years old and I really want to move out of my parents house. I live in California and I know it’s extremely expensive for anything here but I’m being smart about things. But let me get into a few things, the reason why I want to move is because of my sister. She lives with me and my parents, and I would be fine with that if she wasn’t such a toxic and manipulative person. She constantly berates me, sometimes even escalating to…telling me to harm myself and getting in my face when yelling at me. I’ve finally reached the peak of toxicity I can handle from her and it’s why I want to move.

I’ve already looked at 1 bedroom apartments and I knew right away, even with the job that I currently have, I wouldn’t be able to afford it. So I’ve been talking to a friend of mine about possibly becoming roommates and getting a 2 bedroom together. We both are smart with our money and save it when necessary and we both have well paying jobs. My friend was in full support of the idea, and we’re looking until we find the right place that works for us. But when I brought up the idea to my parents they kinda flipped.

Instead of being supportive like I thought they would be now that I’m starting to try and be more independent, they’re kinda upset with me. They keep telling me I have no idea about being an adult especially since I’ve only ever had one real job. I even asked for their help with figuring stuff out like the utility bills and the others but they just started getting onto me about how I’d never be able to pay them because I keep “spending money.” I should probably add that I do have a 5 day trip planned in June where I only have to pay $1000 and another 5 day trip in November to visit my friend in another state that’s already been paid for.

But other than that I have enough at the moment to get an apartment if I wanted to move out tomorrow. I’m just being smart and saving as much as possible (only giving myself $200 to use each month) and waiting until the winter when people aren’t looking for apartments as much. And I’m trying to save even more money by keeping the furniture I currently have for my room instead of getting a new set.

I get the whole “parents are just protective over their kids and never want to see them leave” thing but shouldn’t they be supportive that I’m trying to put my mental health first as well as trying to be independent?

Absolutely, completely agree with you. Would I worry my ass off if my son told me he wanted to move out? Hell yes. Would I do everything in my power make sure he’s organized and ready to do this? HELL YES.

But your parents already have a mark against them. They don’t take issue with your sister’s behavior and they enable it. So…yeah…..

I hope you find a good place for you and your friend soon. (Please remember to put both of your names on the lease and draft a contract that states both parties will be responsible for 50% of the bills - water, electricity - that kind of thing. Believe me, even though they are your friend, it’s always good to CYA)

[ambitiouslyamanda-blog]

THIRTY WAYS TO EFFECTIVELY SAVE MONEY AS A UNIVERSITY STUDENT — 05.12.17

University is a weird, interesting experience — one minute you’re out at a bar, drinking with your friends, and the next you’re eating ramen, and only ramen for weeks. With various expenses like books, rent, and tuition, it seems impossible that as a student, you would even have any money left over to save — but it is possible. By being frugal, smart, and aware of your spending habits, you can easily start saving money for further experiences or maybe some food that isn’t just instant noodles as a post secondary student! Read on for thirty excellent tips on how to save money while away at university.

1. Have a budget.

A basic, but necessary tip is to have a budget. By putting aside money for certain things like rent, bills, groceries, and other mandatory amenities, it leaves you with an amount to utilize for other important, but not necessary things like entertainment, shopping, and travel. It’s important to set the budget and follow it, however, so make sure you’re not just setting a budget to go over it each month! You can create a budget through Excel, or if that is too daunting, just start by tracking your expenses to see where the bulk of your money goes so you can adjust accordingly.

2. Take better care of your things.

Another easy tip is to simply take better care of your stuff. This saves you money in the long run because you won’t be going out and repurchasing replacement items as often. If you’re someone who ruins their charger cords in a month or breaks headphones in a matter of weeks, it’s time to be more careful and take better care of your items, not only for your sake, but your wallet’s sake as well! Instead of throwing clothes on the floor when you get home, hang them up; put your laptop in a case; clean your shoes every once in a while! These tips can ensure that you will save money in the long run by having your items for longer.

3. Put a certain % of your paycheck in a savings account you don’t touch.

If you currently work a job, an effortless way to save some cash is to put a percentage of your paycheck into savings each month. Whether it’s 5% or 50%, the savings will accumulate and help you budget the money you do have for spending more accordingly.

4. Thrift everything.

I am a firm believer that if you need an item, you can thrift it. From clothing to appliances to even furniture, your local thrift store has decent quality items for a cheap price that will not only please you, but your wallet. You would be surprised at the amazing selection some thrift stores have and how much money you’ll save buying used instead of new.

5. Only shop fast fashion clothing on sale.

I usually only shop fast fashion twice a year — before school starts and on my birthday — but if you’re someone who doesn’t like thrifting (for whatever reason) or is aching for a traditional shopping spree, only shop in the sale section. If you’re just shopping to shop, its better to pay less with sale and discounted items than to go crazy and buy an expensive t-shirt that would cost you $50 from Urban Outfitters. Just try to make sure you’re buying clothing items you need or will wear, or else you’re really throwing your hard-earned money down the drain on absolute trash.

6. Stop eating out.

Or eat out less. Making your own food can save you an exponential amount of money, while also being much healthier for you in the long run. Forbes.com reports that cutting out restaurant trips for a month can save upwards of $200, which equals $2400 yearly.

7. DIY everything.

Have experience building furniture? DIY your own! You can also DIY your own clothing, home décor, beauty products, and accessories. r/DIY is my favourite resource to find DIY ideas that don’t break the bank.

8. Only drink water.

If you’re already paying for your water in your bills, you might as well drink it. Coffee, alcohol, pop, and juices can add up to a hefty penny every month; switching to water will not only save you calories, but a significant amount of cash as well. The Simple Dollar found that you can save around $70 dollars by switching to water each month, accumulating to a staggering $840 annually.

9. Buy a water filter.

Taking the previous tip up a notch, cut out buying bottled water and switch to using a water filter.  Assuming you drink your eight glasses a day, the Treehugger reports that you spend $1400 on bottled water a year. Crazy, right? Buying a filter can save you that money, along with the environmental stressors plastic bottles harbour onto our ecosystems.  

10. Quit smoking.

If there already weren’t enough reasons to quit smoking, the fact that someone smoking a pack a day spends about $91 a week on cigarettes, which is over $4745 each year should be enough to reconsider this dangerous habit.

11. Get a library membership.

Instead of buying books, rent them from the library for free. If you’re a massive bookworm, this tip will save you more money as compared to someone who reads minimally.

12. Stop buying lottery and scratch tickets.

Since I turned 18 in 2016, I haven’t purchased one scratch ticket. With the very slim chances of winning, one can spend their saved money from not buying lotto tickets on more important things.

13. Buy reusable bags.

Another environmentally friendly tip, buying reusable shopping and grocery bags may not save you a lot, but it will eventually add up in the long run. If your grocery store gives back a reusable bag credit (usually 5 cents or so), this tip can also make you money, though not a staggering amount.

14. Have a meatless Monday!

Meat is delicious, but also staggeringly expensive. If the thought of going vegan or vegetarian terrifies you, start off by having a “Meatless Monday”, which depending on the number of people in your household, can save you upwards of $520 a year.

15. Switch to cloths and rags instead of purchasing paper towels.

Paper towels are stupid expensive and quite wasteful when you consider using rags or dishcloths instead. Growingagreenfamily.com reports that ditching paper towels in favor for washcloths can save a family around $1000 in five years.  

16. Ditch your debit and credit cards and start paying only with cash.

I noticed when I shop with my debit card, I am much more likely to spend a higher amount of money than when I use cash. When you can physically see the money you’re taking out, you have a conscious reflux to spend less of it as compared to using debit or credit.

17. Make your own coffee.

The Simple Dollar reports that the average coffee runs between $2 to $5 dollars and making your own home brew will save you around $2.50 per coffee. Assuming you drink one coffee a day, everyday, you would save a whopping $887 a year, which in Toronto is equivalent to one month of rent in a two-bedroom apartment shared with your roommate. Absolutely crazy.

18. Have a no spend day, week, or month.

Really hurting for some money? Stop spending it entirely. Survive off of what you already have for a day, week, or month and save a good amount of cash.

19. Buy things from the dollar store.

I love the dollar store. I buy everything I can there, from groceries to medicine to beauty products. Instead of purchasing at the grocery or traditional store, check to see if the dollar store has your favourite items for a cheaper price. It’ll save you a lot in the long run!

20. Stop drinking and doing drugs.

Like cigarettes, alcohol and drugs are a dangerously expensive habit. Whether it’s drinking less, making your own drinks, or cutting out alcohol and drugs completely, each will save you a good chunk of cash to place in your savings.

21. Grow your own food!

It’s amazing how easy you can grow fruit and vegetable plants from scraps. If you can, start growing your own spices and seasonings to start, and progress onto fruits and vegetables for maximized savings.  Follow this guide for information on how to do it!

22. Do your own manicures and facemasks.

While the saying that beauty is pain might be true, it should be changed to beauty is money instead. If on average you’re spending $30 bucks a manicure twice a month, getting your nails done can cost around $720 a year, while facials can cost much more. DIY instead and see much more money in your pocket!

23. Walk, bike, or take public transit.

Owning a car and paying for it is expensive. If you can, walk or bike to school or work instead to save you a significant chunk of money per day instead of wasting it on gas.

24. Handmake presents and cards.

Why pay $5 for a card when you can make one yourself? With a little bit of creativity, you can give wonderful handmade cards to your family and friends instead of buying them. If you’re handy and very thoughtful, you can also DIY gifts, like making handmade soaps, necklaces, etc. Your family members will likely appreciate these more than store-bought varieties because of the hearty amount of thought and personality you put in. Cute!

25. Hang your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer.

Hanging your clothes up, either in your room or backyard, can save you a little bit of change from your bills while also conserving energy.

26. Use less.

A pretty vague tip, but using less water, electricity, and gas can save you some good money long term. You can also save more by using less of everyday items — shampoo, cleanser, dish soap, food, paper, ink for your printer — you get the idea.

27. Switch your feminine hygiene products.

If you menstruate, switching from tampons to a device like the Diva cup can save you around $120 a year assuming you spend $10 on sanitary products each month. Not to mention the environmental impact it’ll have! Check out the Diva cup here.

28. Buy higher quality items.

Though it sounds counter-intuitive, buying high priced, quality items will last you longer as compared to a cheaper alternative, saving you money from not having to repurchase as often. Buying nicer quality jeans and shoes are a good example of this.

29. Use the thirty-day rule.

Browsing online out of boredom and find something you “absolutely have to have!!!” like a cute shirt or new video game? Wait it out for thirty days to dispel any impulsiveness. If you’re still thinking about the product after a month, you can buy it.

30. Stop using your phone’s data.

Nowadays, there is wifi basically everywhere. Unless it’s an emergency, turn off your data and scour for wifi hotspots instead.

So those are my thirty tips for effectively saving money while in university! Any tips you’re anxious to try? Let me down in the comment section below.

Ambitiously,

Amanda

Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Tumblr | Twitter

[cometkins]

thinking about things and stressing myself out over things i have to decide by monday and my bpd/impulsive ass is having trouble

so the apartment i just moved into is great and the roommate is also great, but i’m a little stressed rn. been waking up every 3 - 4 hours and i’ve kinda felt like shit since i moved in tbh :’)

it’s currently $695/mo, and it can drop down to $645/mo if somebody wants to take my parking spot (which is $50/mo), and hopefully it does, bc that $50 could go to utilities instead or smth. $645 is much more manageable

now, unfortunately, because i came in the middle of the lease, i have to decide by monday if i want to stay in this apartment past july, since csu students might want to nab this for fall semester. so i’m trying to weigh pros and cons, but unfortunately i’m kind of.... leaning against staying past july rn so i want to organize my thoughts.... by the time july rolls around i should hopefully have better savings from the big cons i’ll be going to at least.

pros:

roommate is great. lochlan is lovely and their cat is cute. we have a lot of similar interests so we’ve been able to decorate and stuff and we’re both happy with it. if i have to have a roommate, lochlan is the ideal.

really close to friends, so if i’m ever in trouble, or just want to get to dnd on time for once, i’m not in a bad spot

lots of great stuff nearby once i have a car, fort collins is a cool city

really spacious and nice and the leasing staff/landlords were really helpful and nice

allows for pets, so if i want one down the line, i can have a dog

cons:

rent is kind of high while i have to pay for this parking space, until/if somebody else picks it up. i am already nervous about making payments on time, but hopefully when cons pick up i’ll have a better gauge of things.

rent will go UP to $695/mo before parking fees if i stay past july 28th, and if somebody STILL doesn’t want my parking spot by then (or if i decide i need to keep it), i’ll be paying $745/mo, which i really would rather not do. $700/mo is my CEILING for rent.

really close to csu, so traffic is ass pretty much all hours of the day, i have discovered

basement level. i thought this wouldn’t bother me but not even being able to see the sun or tell what time it is during the day hasn’t been very funky fresh so far. it is very dark pretty much constantly. constantly need lamp light to see even in the day, so i’m nervous about the electric bill. also i might lose my goddamn mind.

sharing space with somebody else. lochlan hasn’t been a problem at all, but i’m just a very private person and i wish i could properly explain why i so badly want a place entirely to myself but living with other people who i haven’t known for a good while just makes me nervous and uncomfortable. lochlan has been great but i’m still kinda not feeling it now mr. krabs

pros and cons of moving to a different place at the end of july.

pros:

rent is cheaper and not basement level, even in fort collins, if i go with a different 2-bedroom location not by csu and that is not directed at students. they don’t typically charge parking, and most of these places even have covered parking for free. if i split a different place with somebody else (since current roommate re-signed already), i could get my rent down to $500 - $600/mo (and $600 tops is much better). i would not mind still having a roommate if i could stay in fort collins and also have cheaper rent that’s slightly away from csu.

rent is cheaper if i’m in greeley vs fort collins if i want a place just to myself. i’m seeing around $500/mo for a studio, or $600 for a 1-bedroom, on average (and again, $600 tops is much better). they tend to come with the same benefits in that parking isn’t typically charged as well.

saving $100 - $200 a month with either choice that can go towards groceries and utility bills and idk FUN SHIT every month is much more financially doable for me i feel. this is the biggest thing for me; if it’s not financially doable i don’t want to keep doing this, and i already feel like i can’t really keep this up.

if i stay in fort collins, i get to keep all the benefits of this current location with friends being close by and nice shops and stores being around me.

cons:

having to pick up and move again is going to feel stressful, but i already did it once, and i’ve moved houses and cities many times before this.

if i decide on greeley, then i will be MUCH farther away from anybody i know, though i know friends of friends live in greeley and maybe i could make friends too. i will be prettttyyyyy lonely in greeley i feel

maybe i am being overly critical esp since this is my first place but i feel like i can find better if i can find other roommates by the time july comes around i can have a slightly more doable place to live... and there’s gotta be other options for even single-person living by that time too, if i can’t find anybody.

this is just a lot to decide on by monday wheezes please help

[jazzeria]

Home Dysphoria

I’m having some home dysphoria.  I don’t know if my home feels like my “home” any more.  

This is for many reasons, but partly because this is the first time I’m living alone (my roomie moved out); the space feels too big for me (maybe), or maybe too expensive.  I mean, I can afford it.  I really can.  I just keep asking myself: why?  Why should I pay this much for a two-bedroom apartment, when I could get a one-bedroom for cheaper?  

To be fair: a 1BR would only be about $200 /month cheaper.  That is a lot of money, yes.  But I’d also have a lot less space.  

So I thought I would take some time to reflect on what I like and don’t like.  

Things I love about my home: 

Windows!  So much daylight!  And I’m on a higher floor, which is even better!  

My suite runs the depth of the building so there’s always sunlight somewhere.  This also means I can always open a window for ventilation; or open two for a cross-breeze!  

Old, character building; but modernised.  Original oak window and door framing!  Tall ceilings!  Tall windows!  Wood floors!  

I have a balcony!  I have a small balcony garden!  

I like my neighbours in the suites beside mine.  They’re older folks (retired I think), quiet, and have cats because they were allowed cats under the old management.  

I like the caretakers!  And I think they like me?  

Kitchen size: it’s a good size for me.  Not too big, and definitely not too small.  (The fridge is in an awkward place, and there isn’t as much functional storage as I’d like, though.)  

I have a living room AND a dining room!  

Location:  I loooove the neighbourhood!  The character of this old neighbourhood!  Lots of friendly doggos.  

Location:  I’m not far from work.  I could walk 20 minutes (it’s also about a 20 minute bus ride).  I’m just far enough away from a bustling nightlife that it doesn’t disturb me, but close enough that I can walk home from a night out.  

Location:  I have access to two excellent bus routes in a 3-5 minute walk; both go downtown.  Walking 6-8 min, I get two more bus routes which both take me North/South.  There are also weird (very “neighbourhood”-specific, rather than “this bus goes east/west”) bus routes that can take me to a big shopping district with the IKEA.  

Things I don’t like: 

My new upstairs-neighbour.  He plays loud music and doesn’t know how to walk quietly apparently.  

Heating is electric, which means I pay for it.  The most expensive electric bill I’ve ever gotten was $120--in Spring, where I absolutely refuse to be cold any more!!  (But in Summer it goes down to about $20.)  

Not all of the electric heaters work: the one by the kitchen and the one in the bathroom don’t work.  

No insulation in the exterior walls.  (But my long walls are interior, so it’s not as bad as the 1BR suites here.)  So it’s hot in Summer and cold in Winter.  (There’s an AC unit that came with the place, but I’ve never used it.)  

My apartment faces a school and sports field and park, so there are often loud children .  And because there is no insulation here, I hear them very clearly.  Actually, I can hear anyone on the street very clearly, even though I’m not at ground level.  

Electrical:  Old building, so the wiring is a bit unintuitive.  My bedroom has two outlets.  Other bedroom has one.  My bedroom lightswitch is outside my room.  Other bedroom, switch is behind the door--you open the door to go in, you turn around and have to close the door to reach the light switch.  Hallway and dining room lights are on the same circuit.  Hallway lights are halogen so I don’t want them on.  Dining room has no outlets, so I can’t use a floor lamp without running a long-ass extension cord.  (Oh actually I just realised I have outlets in the hallway--I could use wall lighting!)  

[blueonerealty]

8 home repair tasks every landlord should learn how to do

A lot can go wrong with a rental unit, but a landlord with the skills, knowledge, and tools to handle basic repair tasks can save lots of money.

If you aren’t interested in doing maintenance and repair work yourself, because you prefer a hands-off approach, that’s great. But you’ll need an extensive contact list of home repair pros. If you want to do this work yourself, you’ve reduced your dependency on third-party schedules and can potentially save significant amounts of money.

Note: Even if you’re in a position to do repairs yourself, you shouldn’t expect to handle all of them. Certain repair tasks, such as those related to heating and cooling systems, require professional certification, while others, such as changing a shower valve, call for specialized skills. That still leaves a fairly long list of basic repair tasks you can do yourself. Here are eight of the most common ones.

1. Basic plumbing

Faucet leaks waste water and stain sinks and tubs, and they’re usually easy to fix. In most cases, it’s simply a matter of disassembling the faucet and replacing a worn gasket or washer. For this simple job, expect to pay a plumber at least $125 for a service call. You can usually find instructions for completing the job on the manufacturer’s website. After you’ve done this task once or twice, you’ll be an expert.

Toilet and drain clogs have a way of happening at inconvenient times when plumbers aren’t available. To avoid leaving your tenants in the lurch, learn how to snake a drain, disassemble a P-trap, and properly plunge a toilet. And yes, there is a proper way to do it.

Useful tools:

Slip-lock pliers

Multidriver

Sink auger and toilet auger (they’re not the same)

Bell-shaped toilet plunger

Potential savings: $125 or more per leak or toilet clog

Know how to shut off the water

Plumbing leaks can cause major headaches. While you may not be able to fix every one by yourself, you should know the locations of the water shut-offs so you can turn off the water to prevent further damage until a plumber comes.

2. Electrical switch and outlet repair

Dimming or flickering lights and short circuits are systemic problems that require professional attention, but when a switch or outlet doesn’t work properly, you can often restore power to that device by tightening a loose connection or replacing the device. This is a 10- to 20-minute job. Just make sure to turn off the breaker controlling the circuit before you remove the outlet or switch cover.

Useful tools:

Voltage tester

Pliers

Multidriver

Wire splicing tool

Potential savings: $125 or more per repair

Related: How to get your landlord to fix a bad electrical system

3. Appliance troubleshooting

Problems with refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and other major appliances often boil down to a simple cause, such as a blown fuse, broken drive belt, or internal obstruction. While there’s no formula that works for every situation, many appliance repairs are easier than you expect. You’ll save the cost of the repair as well as that of the service call.

If you don’t have the user’s manual, chances are good that you’ll find a YouTube video to guide you through the process. The most difficult part of appliance repair is often moving the machine into a position that allows access to the damaged component. You may need help for this.

Useful tools: See A landlord’s toolbox for appliance repair and maintenance

Potential savings: $200 to $500 per repair

Related: How long should appliances last?

4. HVAC maintenance

When a heating or cooling system breaks down, you usually have no alternative but to call a licensed repair pro. However, you can perform a number of maintenance tasks yourself to help prevent breakdowns and avoid expensive furnace repair bills. They include changing filters regularly, cleaning refrigeration coils, and lubricating fan motors. If you have a gas furnace, you should familiarize yourself with the procedure for changing a faulty thermocouple or heat sensor, which is often responsible for the failure of the pilot to stay lit.

Useful tools:

Multidriver

Pliers

Crescent wrench or spanner

Potential savings: $500 or more

Related: Is my landlord required to provide heat and air conditioning?

5. Pest control

Insects and rodents thrive in unsanitary conditions, and while tenants must share responsibility for keeping them at bay, it’s ultimately the landlord’s responsibility to eradicate them. Pest control is something of an art that takes research and the right materials. You might not be able to get rid of an ant infestation, for example, until you find out what kind of ants they are so you can use the right bait. It may take homework and persistence, but developing a knack for pest control can save you the hundreds of dollars you’ll have to spend for professional extermination and the monthly fees for upkeep.

Note: If you discover termites at your rental property, don’t try to exterminate them yourself. Termite control is a multi-step procedure that is best left to pros. You can handle bedbugs yourself, though.

Related: How to deal with bedbugs at your rental property

Useful tools:

Traps

Bait

Caulk for sealing access points

Potential savings: $500 or more for extermination and $150 or more per month for upkeep

6. Basic roof and gutter repair

Although a major roof leak is a job for a roofer, a handy landlord who isn’t afraid of heights can often fix minor leaks with roofing tar and caulk and save significantly. The cost average cost to repair a leak on a shingle roof is between $500 and $700, and on slate roofs, it can run into the thousands.

The intrepid climber can also stop gutter leaks, which can damage siding, undermine foundations, and create dangerous icicles in the winter. Gutter repairs often involve little more than cleaning out debris, adjusting the hangers, and sealing joints with caulk. Preventing leaks by cleaning the gutters at least once a year should be one of the repair tasks you complete as part of routine maintenance.

Useful tools: 

Ladder

Putty knife

Caulking gun

Bucket

Gloves

Potential savings: $500 to $1,000 or more per leak

7. Drywall patching and replacement

It’s often possible to repair impact damage in drywall with patching compound or joint compound, but replacement is the only option for water damage or mold. Either way, you’ll save $300 or more per repair being able to do this work yourself. Drywall repair can be messy, but it’s straightforward, and it should be part of your repertoire. You’ll be glad you know how to do it when you have to get a property ready for new renters after a long tenancy.

Useful tools:

Tape measure

Straightedge

Utility knife

Drywall saw

A selection of drywall blades

Potential savings: $300 or more per repair

8. Painting

Each rental property you own gives you an opportunity to hone your painting skills, and a high-turnover property will give you lots of opportunities. Painting isn’t rocket science, but it isn’t trivial work either, and it takes time to develop an efficient routine. The sooner you do, the sooner you’ll save the $300 or $400 per room that professional painters charge. For a three-bedroom apartment in an average rental market, that could be more than a month’s rent.

Useful tools: See The top skill you should perfect: painting.

Potential savings: $300 to $400 per room

To DIY or not to DIY? That is the question!

Even if you’ve developed an extensive repertoire of home repair skills, it may not be worth your while to take on certain repair tasks. Before undertaking a repair, consider what your time is worth and how that compares to the going rate for the job. You may choose to hire a pro if one is available and it’s more cost-effective to do so.

8 home repair tasks every landlord should learn how to do published first on http://blueonerealty.tumblr.com/