re: .

I do it on 50k and am able to save/invest some money and also go do things I enjoy that cost money pretty often. If I want to buy something or if I need to repair my car or whatever I’m able to well enough. But I don’t have children, live in the ghetto and drive a 14 year old Honda sooo yeah.

10 years ago I could've told you $40k would work. Realistically you can get by with $50k but with a lot of personal restrictions.

Rent is where your biggest expenses will go. You'll be lucky to find a safe place below $1600/mo. Good thing is more of the new apartments are furnished. Electricity/water/internet can add up to another $250.

Yes. Internet is important because it's your way of keeping up with the world and being able to entertain yourself unless you just don't want any of that. Very few people like that especially for younger people.

If you want to go liability only on car insurance you can do that. Save you a ton per month if your car is the type to be totaled out in a minor accident.

I would say avoid alcohol like the plague. Drink only when you go out if that's your thing. Shop at Walmart or Costco/Sam's Club. Learn to meal prep. Avoid eating out often. Pack a lunch to work. Make your own coffee.

I've heard of people who get memberships to gyms with showers because they can't afford water at home. Not saying you have to do that, but a Crunch membership is $10/mo (I think PF is as well) and you can do that. Working out is a solid activity that's extremely affordable and a serotonin booster.

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groceries- if you can cook $250Lol. I see you haven’t been grocery shopping in a while…

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Family of 4 here and we budget $800/mth. But we also cook 90% of our meals. Shop the sales and you can easily eat for $60/week.

You can make enough red beans and rice to last a week for 1 person for $15. Or chicken and sausage gumbo for $20 to freeze and last a week. $250 isn’t going to get you steak and lobsters, and you won’t be buying bags of chips and ice cream but it is 100% do able.

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No internet

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a real job will require you to have internet and a cell phone

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Nobody has a "modest" lifestyle.
No internet
No alcohol / smoking jernts /
Ramen soup 4 days a week
Pre paid Obama phone
Rent $1300 for a 1 bedroom without riff-raff.
Did I mention car insurance and a note?
How about a GF? Getting laid does cost money.

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The Cosby show had a hilarious scene where Theo didn't want to go to college. Cliff pulled out a roll of $100 bills and gave Theo his take home pay, then started taking money back for monthly expenses. Theo cut his expenses by living in Jersey and eating cheap. Finally Cliff asked if Theo wants a girlfriend and he said "yes". So Cliff took all the remaining money.