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hey girl,
My name is Stephanie. Im 21 now, but Ive been on my own since I was 18. The reason I moved out is because my parents were fighting alot, and it was a very bad place for me to be. Once they decided to split up, my mom moved into a small one bed apartment, and my dad moved into an even smaller one bed apartment.
Where does this leave me?? nowhere
in all their bickering and fighting, neither of them seemed concerned with where I would live.
Therfore, I had to make a tough decision.
The night of my high school graduation, I was NOT able to attend the project graduation party that runs all night for the seniors because the very next morning at 6am, i started a new job. I got myself the highest paying job I could find, because I knew I would need all the money i could earn.
You have to be VERY mature when you decide to move out. You are going to have to sacrifice almost all your freetime to work to pay bills. it takes alot of responsibility. I couldnt take a full load in college because I had to work so much. I havent graduated from college yet.
i live in a 600 sq ft 1 bedroom apartment. Just to give you an idea of all the bills i pay heres my list:
rent: $565.00
Electricity: $110/month
cell phone: $132/month
Groceries: $200/month
Car payment: $306.73/month
Insurance: $221.01/month
Gas: $80/month
and thats just the necessities.
my internet service is $45/month.
not to mention, buying everything i needed to furnish my apartment cost about $2000.00 and there are application fees to get an apt too.
whatever you do, dont get any credit cards, and if you do, only have 1 and use it for emergency purposes only. being in Debt these days is very dangerous. Im glad I dont have any credit cards because all my friends and coworkers are stuggling in this recession.
my biggest piece of advice to you is THINK.
think this all through and be realistic about what your income is, if there is ANY way that you can stick through the tough times and stay at home, i would say DO it. Dont leave unless you absolutely have no choice.
I made it and Im happier than Ive even been, but living on your own can be scary and lonely. If you are going to have roomates, make SURE they are the most reliable people you know because if the bills dont get paid, it doesnt matter if its your fault or your roomate's fault. It will affect both of you in a bad way.
all in all, it CAN be done, but it takes alot of hard work and sacrifice on your part.
If you want to know more, email me. I can answer any questions or give you some support. Im here for ya girl,
stephanie.ellick@gmail.com
steph/21/f
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