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Thread: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

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    Featured Member Cashmere Star's Avatar
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    Question I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    I've been living with roommates and housemates for years, never my own place before except that one time my housemate was out for half a year. I LOVED IT.

    Now, I found studio apartments for $600-$800 (not counting utilities I believe) and they have pools in their gated communities and stuff. I live in Sacramento, so it's one of the cheapest in California. My current rent is $600/month for a room in a house, so a $200 jump for my own place doesn't seem bad.

    At the moment, I make $1500 a month from dancing (~$400-$500 a week for 16 hours a week) which is enough at the moment. I don't like being put in a situation where I *have* to dance to keep up my lifestyle, but I will dance more if I must. I also to school full time on top of this.

    $600 I am paying now is like 40% of my income. $850 (max I am willing to pay including bills) would be like 57% of my income, so I am going to have to work more hours. But in dancing, there is no guarantee that I will make more by working more.

    Is this stupid? I really would love my own place where I can have a peace of mind, not be accountable to anyone (I am very introvert and need total aloneness to recharge), have my own kitchen/bathroom and set up a pole I can practice on.
    Last edited by Cashmere Star; 04-07-2016 at 08:11 AM.


    Weekly earning target: $1000
    Saving for: school, traveling, rainy day fund

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    What would "future you" want you to do right now?




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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    Id actually advise against it as a student. Since that's a full time focus you wouldn't want to get caught neglecting it just in case work was slow a week or two. Just my two cents.
    Then , once school is done, go for it !

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    Featured Member Cashmere Star's Avatar
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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    Yeah that's what I was thinking, I want more time for school. But at the same time, if I had a better home life I might do even better in school because I have less to worry and be stressed about (when it comes to social stuff). It's funny, I never get tired from schoolwork or physically demanding labor, but get abrasive with someone or walk on eggshells even once, then I am tired all day.


    I also have a 15k SHTF fund, if that makes a difference in your answer? I am going to be moving next month once spring semester ends. I also wrote a pro/con list.

    Pros of moving to studio:

    My own kitchen/bathroom/fridge so no need to clean up after others or bicker (less stress on that part)

    More personal space, can have sex on demand, don't have to respond to anyone (less stress on that part)

    Could set up a pole to practice on

    Less social stress to wear me out, so focus better on my art and school (more efficient)

    Con of moving to studio:

    More expensive, $250 more at max.

    Need to work more/Less time for school (maybe I can get $250 more by working two more days a month)

    Getting along with landlord/neighborhood not guaranteed at the moment (but I am not getting along with my housemates atm either)

    Might have to buy all the furniture from scratch unless already furnished, but I don't mind that. But it's still a con to consider.

    ***edit: if I am only thinking this way because I am blinded by the appeal of it, feel free to knock some sense in me.


    Weekly earning target: $1000
    Saving for: school, traveling, rainy day fund

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    What would "future you" want you to do right now?




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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    Does your school have student housing, or dormitories ?

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    Veteran Member Dominic.2's Avatar
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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    I agree with Carmen. I was ready to answer 'yes' until I saw you were a full time student. The answer would be different if you were a part time student or dancing wasn't your sole income. The upside is that being a full time student you will graduate quicker (or on time) and can transition your life at that point. That's my general advice.

    If it were me, I would do it. I initially went through the calculations and mental gymnastics when I transitioned from having roommates (renting a house) to my own house (mortgage). My delta was $200/mo as well. Keep in mind I was a part time student with a full time salaried job, though. In my case I got rid of both roommates and the landlord, and whatever the cost was, it was worth it. I could not go back to having roommates at this point. The bliss of being able to kick everyone out and have a quiet place for yourself cannot be overstated. It was so worth it. That's my personal opinion.

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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    Slowpoke, I go to community college so no dorms available.

    I am a full time student at 12-13 units, so it's like 3 classes. The place I am looking at is 8 minutes from school, while the place I am currently at is 15-20 minutes. If I have to, I can sacrifice my art part to dance more or save time for school.

    I don't know how other students can take 4-5 classes at a min wage job.


    Weekly earning target: $1000
    Saving for: school, traveling, rainy day fund

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    What would "future you" want you to do right now?




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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    After I read everything you wrote I vote get your own place BUT screen your place & future landlord carefully. This thread is making me homesick lol.

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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    I just realized that the club I dance at is closer (40 min) than the 1 hr drive I am used to. Saving 40 minutes round trip. Oh god oh god I hope to get accepted for lease.


    Weekly earning target: $1000
    Saving for: school, traveling, rainy day fund

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    What would "future you" want you to do right now?




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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    Quote Originally Posted by Cashmere Star View Post
    Slowpoke, I go to community college so no dorms available.

    I am a full time student at 12-13 units, so it's like 3 classes. The place I am looking at is 8 minutes from school, while the place I am currently at is 15-20 minutes. If I have to, I can sacrifice my art part to dance more or save time for school.

    I don't know how other students can take 4-5 classes at a min wage job.
    Oh, okay. That changes the calculus. 3 classes is almost half time (to me) but schools consider that full time, understood. When you said full time, I thought you meant 17 credits at 4-5 classes.
    Last edited by Dominic.2; 04-07-2016 at 02:20 PM. Reason: Typographical error

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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    Quote Originally Posted by Cashmere Star View Post
    I just realized that the club I dance at is closer (40 min) than the 1 hr drive I am used to. Saving 40 minutes round trip. Oh god oh god I hope to get accepted for lease.
    I hope you get it too! I read everything and it seems like you'd really only need to pick up another day or two a month dancing which seems totally doable in your situation, especially since you have an emergency fund for if you get hurt or sick. Just don't forget to factor in extra expenses, like for new furniture and higher utilities and stuff like that. But you'll probably save money by not having roommates because you won't be tempted to go out and do things. That was my experience. It'll be easier to concentrate on your studies too. Fingers crossed for you!

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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    2ndhand furniture is the way to go. BTW since the economy tanked in the late 2000s more 2ndhand/consignment furniture stores have gained a foothold in cities. I know there's a huge one in West Sac. You don't have to get some hideous tragic 1970s cloth upholstery flower pattern couch, there are pleather & leather couches that end up being available.

    & Trust me, with a small apartment the less furniture the better. It's better for your well-being to not let your place get too cluttered.

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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    thanks rareaspasia!

    Speaking of furniture, now that I think about it... I just need a desk, a chair, a desk lamp, and a mattress for the floor. After that, I can slowly add up if I want, like a bean bag.


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    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    What would "future you" want you to do right now?




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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    Just ask yourself, "What price peace?", and you'll have your answer.

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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    Maybe I'll stop moving around so much once I get a place where I can be all to myself.

    Thanks everyone!


    Weekly earning target: $1000
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    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    What would "future you" want you to do right now?




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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    Just keep in mind the costs of utilities, which is nothing to sneeze at in CA. I'm guessing that you don't pay a utility bill now if you just rent a room. CA is one of the most expensive states in the country for electricity and a studio apartment could easily burn through $150+ in electricity, especially during warm months. A lot of electric companies also require an upfront deposit to turn service on, depending upon your credit. Internet will run you at least another $50 and potentially if you want TV service and may also involve upfront connection charges.

    Honestly, I don't see you doing it on $1,500 per month. $800 per month in rent becomes $1,000 per month after utilities and then you still have to factor in food, gas, non-food household needs (cleaning supplies, personal care items, etc.) and other living expenses for an entire month.

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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    Thanks for the tip but I've paid utilities before, so I know what the bill looks like (in Los Angeles). I am including utilities when I say my limit is $850 and I am getting a list of the utilities and what their estimates are when I talk to the leasing office.


    Weekly earning target: $1000
    Saving for: school, traveling, rainy day fund

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    What would "future you" want you to do right now?




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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    I would say do it and work more if you need to. If you're anything like me, you'll probably end up saving money because you'll be going out less because you're more comfortable at home. Plus you'll have your own privacy so you can study more at home. I live on my own now and feel soooo much more comfortable than living with roommates I didn't get along with. LOL I spend $30 a month on utilities and I live in CA, I think you'll be fine.

    DOOOOOOO ITTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!

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    Default Re: I really want to get my own place. Should I? (more details about income inside)

    It's worth it, what's an extra day or two a month? You van work more in between semesters. Your sanity is PRICELESS, it sounds like more privacy and independence is worth it.
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