Profound sticker shock...

[Ultralight]

So I ran some numbers -- and while I was a bit loosey-goosey about exact figures in the calculations -- I felt some of the worst sticker shock ever.

My rent is like $860 a month now. Student loan payment is $285 (which is slightly lower than last year, as I mentioned). My utils and renters insurance is going to be about $120 a month. My car insurance is $1000 a year (they tried to raise it on me when I moved by about $350 so I had to say: "I will sell this car and take the bus!" After that they rejiggered some things and got the price down to a reasonable amount though my coverage is not quite as good). My phone bill is $25 a month. I had to pay a "deposit" for the apartment, for my dog (along with $30 a month in pet rent), and all sorts of hidden "service fees" to process the application and the lease. Then there is gasoline costs too, which I need to re-estimate/track (though this ought to be lower with my 1.5 mile commute).

Throw in food, medicine, household expenses, dog food/medicine, some misc. costs for this, that, and the other and yowzah! Sticker shock. :0!

The last couple times I had sticker shock (like when I bought my car for $15,999 and was given a divorce direction to pay my ex $80 a month for 5 years at the same time or when I stared into the frightening abyss of my student loans) I was able to tighten my belt and come up with strategies for my new financial reality -- and largely mitigate them.

So now I am working on doing this...

Suggestions welcome -- don't be a prick or tell me to euthanize my dog though.

Most other suggestions are fine though. haha

[Williamsmith]

Shop around further for car insurance. I cut my gasoline costs by shopping at a store that gives fuel perks discounts for grocery spending. Don't eat out....to me that's the easiest and most effective way to save. Find a very reasonable veterinarian. There are big differences in clinics. Just the basic care for the dog, nothing fancy. Pay everyone in cash. It seems easier to rack up bigger bills if you use a debit card. Seeing the money go through the hand is more tactile, it hurts more.

Create a budget that gets you through the month and stick to it. Get a budget booklet. You can even live out of envelopes. It sounds way too low tech but it works.

You could probably renegotiate the student loan payment down again once you establish that you have less money available and more living expenses.

[Ultralight]

I guess that I know what I ought to do -- perhaps need to do. But it seems unpleasant...

[ToomuchStuff]

Euthanize the car, learn to figure this stuff out first, before signing a contract/lease.;) Ask for a raise. Part time job to build a bigger cushion, as you didn't say anything about savings/emergency fund stuff.

[Tenngal]

how much can you get for selling your blood in your area? I am not kidding, I know some people who do this........

[Ultralight]

Euthanize the car, learn to figure this stuff out first, before signing a contract/lease.;) Ask for a raise. Part time job to build a bigger cushion, as you didn't say anything about savings/emergency fund stuff.

Crazy as it seems, the apartment was the best deal all things considered. It allows me to bike, walk, or bus to almost all the places I need to go. So because of the apartment location I can cryogenically freeze the car most of the time, if not euthanize it. haha

Raises are a no-go at work. They give a half-percent to everyone yearly, more or less. But no one has gotten an actual raise in over 20 years.

I have an emergency fund where I could live about 8 months in my current lifestyle if I was let go from my job. I could stretch it to ten months by going super frugal.

I draw the line at a part time job. I'd sooner quit fishing.

Maybe it would be helpful for me to rattle off a few ideas I have...

[ToomuchStuff]

Your paying full coverage I would assume?
So you say there are other transport methods for almost all the places, what ones are their not?
Would you be better off, since your driving less, with a paid for used car, that you don't need full coverage on? (say a $5k car)
Why and where you draw the line, is always a personal thing, but it is why you and Lessisbest, or Redfox and several posters, get upset with one another.
Maybe rethink that, as you would rather quit fishing, well are their any fishing stores? You don't always have to hate a second job, and they can have other benefits.
Are you still putting money in savings as well?

[Ultralight]

Your paying full coverage I would assume?
So you say there are other transport methods for almost all the places, what ones are their not?
Would you be better off, since your driving less, with a paid for used car, that you don't need full coverage on? (say a $5k car)
Why and where you draw the line, is always a personal thing, but it is why you and Lessisbest, or Redfox and several posters, get upset with one another.
Maybe rethink that, as you would rather quit fishing, well are their any fishing stores? You don't always have to hate a second job, and they can have other benefits.
Are you still putting money in savings as well?

My car is paid for. I paid the 5 year loan off in 18 months.

I did reduce my coverage to get my price down from $1400 to $1000.

I can still put some money in savings. I was saving like $800 a month, give or take. Now I can probably still save about $400.

This situation brings to the forefront of my mind the struggle I have with driving vs. fishing.

I absolutely dislike driving for so, so many reasons. But driving is the only way I can get to fishing holes. And I love fishing.

[JaneV2.0]

The problem with the second job is that--unless you work from home--you're leaving your dog alone far too long.

[ToomuchStuff]

My car is paid for. I paid the 5 year loan off in 18 months.

I did reduce my coverage to get my price down from $1400 to $1000.

I absolutely dislike driving for so, so many reasons. But driving is the only way I can get to fishing holes. And I love fishing.

Reduced coverage, or raised the deductible? So you need THAT car to go fishing? (did you look closer to the fishing spots when renting)
Sell the boat and you could just as well transport your inflatable on a trailer behind a moped, or get some used car with higher mileage, for the fish transportation device.
What is the resale value for cars that smell like fish or wet dogs?
I can tell you from experience, almost nothing, as you can't get the smells out.

Jane, my late dog, was adopted from someone after a fire. Five of the neighbors wanted to adopt it and I would let it out front, and it would go visit them. There are people who dog sit and a part time job, doesn't have to be a long term solution (just to build a cushion).

[Ultralight]

The problem with the second job is that--unless you work from home--you're leaving your dog alone far too long.

I know. And I plan to take classes starting in the autumn. So this is more of a situation where I need to cut expenses rather than a earn more with another job.

Plus, I am just not willing to work another job and literally hate my life. I draw the line at hating my whole life.

[Ultralight]

Reduced coverage, or raised the deductible? So you need THAT car to go fishing? (did you look closer to the fishing spots when renting)
Sell the boat and you could just as well transport your inflatable on a trailer behind a moped, or get some used car with higher mileage, for the fish transportation device.
What is the resale value for cars that smell like fish or wet dogs?
I can tell you from experience, almost nothing, as you can't get the smells out.

Jane, my late dog, was adopted from someone after a fire. Five of the neighbors wanted to adopt it and I would let it out front, and it would go visit them. There are people who dog sit and a part time job, doesn't have to be a long term solution (just to build a cushion).

I reduced the coverage a little and raised a deductible a little.

My car does not smell like fish or wet dogs. I could clean it well, then take it to a pro to really, really clean it if I wanted to sell it. And I have considered selling it.

Heck, I have considered stopping fishing for 1 to 3 years.

But then who would I be? "UltraliteSpender?" haha

[iris lilies]

how much can you get for selling your blood in your area? I am not kidding, I know some people who do this........
Selling plasma is a decent idea. You can sit and read, and it makes a nice little income stream.UL, look into it. It soes have some medical restrictions, but if I remember correctly they are not as stringent as for giving blood.

[JaneV2.0]

I forgot about selling blood/plasma. I did that a few times in College, so I think it's a good idea.

[Tammy]

Idea #1

Sell the car and join a car sharing service. Or use uber. It's really cheap compared to owning. I assume you fish mostly on days off? So once a week fishing day as a treat and don't own a car. You will save so much money from lack of a car.

Idea #2

Since you're still saving 400 a month, change nothing. Tell yourself that this is the cost of living the life you want to live.

[Teacher Terry]

You can't afford to euthanize the dog-that costs $. so the frugal solution is to strangle poor Harlan:~). Seriously if you still can save 400/month the situation is not that bad.

[freshstart]

your case is tough because I assume with you that you have costs of living like food, home furnishings and clothing already cut to the bone. You just don't seem like you have an extravagant bone in your body. As for the car, it's paid for, I don't think that insurance is that bad and what if your job changes and you work somewhere you have to drive to? My hospice office moved 4 times in the 11 yrs I was there. It doesn't seem necessarily wise to get rid of it. I guess I would buckle in and keep saving that $400 a month and maybe live on ramen noodles for a while.

[catherine]

I would agree that maybe a part time job might help, at least for the short term. Selling plasma is one way to do it, I guess, but how much plasma can you sell? Seems weird to me, but you've gotten that advice from people I respect here, so go for it.

Do you have restaurant service skills? My son is server (full time) and he has 0 food bill because he eats free at the restaurant, so that's a twofer: you earn money and reduce food expenses. If you could get a Saturday job doing that, you could probably make a few hundred bucks a month. You seem like friendly guy, as long as you don't get confrontational with the clientele!

[JaneV2.0]

From Plasmadonating.net:

Economic hardship has led to an increase in blood plasma donation services for offered money. While many serious diseases can be treated successfully with plasma biotherapies, the number of families who benefit financially from payments received from a plasma donation centers are also significant.

Some companies (like Biomat USA) pay $ 40 the first donation and $ 60 after. Usually you can donate for around $ 40, and then come back in a couple of days and donate for another $ 40. CSL Plasma, for example, will give you $ 50 for your first two visits and Biolife Plasma will give $ 40 payment for your first two visits. Talecris plasma center pays the most at $60 for the first visit, $50 for the second, and $30-$40 a week after that.



I don't know that I'd want to do this regularly for a long period of time, but even once a month might help, if you're in dire need.

[ApatheticNoMore]

Is $400 the total savings or it not giving yourself credit for actual savings and something like "oh and I also put 10% in the 401k but that doesn't really count as savings ... and the employer also matches a few k but that's not really my savings ..." Probably not an entirely paltry % of income even if it's just $400 though (although no you don't have a super high income needless to say - which of course IS the fastest way to get ahead :)).

Sure you could rent a car for fishing, I'd tend to see a car being for more practical things like if you don't see being at that job forever though (job hunting, new job until you move etc..)

[Chicken lady]

Save on dog food - feed Harlan fish. Not the boney ones though.

do you know people who like fish? You've mentioned before that you often don't catch your limit. My dad used to trade a hunting guy fish for ducks. Maybe you could trade someone fish for ?

[Ultralight]

Seriously if you still can save 400/month the situation is not that bad.

I know... FWP.

[Ultralight]

Is $400 the total savings or it not giving yourself credit for actual savings and something like "oh and I also put 10% in the 401k but that doesn't really count as savings ... and the employer also matches a few k but that's not really my savings ..." Probably not an entirely paltry % of income even if it's just $400 though (although no you don't have a super high income needless to say - which of course IS the fastest way to get ahead :)).

Sure you could rent a car for fishing, I'd tend to see a car being for more practical things like if you don't see being at that job forever though (job hunting, new job until you move etc..)

$400 is what I project I will be able to save and put in my savings account each month. I have a retirement account, like a 401k, at work but my money is automatically deducted for that.

My savings account is to save for emergencies and eventually for a small campervan (with toilet and shower) which I hope to live in (like Bob Wells!) so that I can "retire" some day. I was saving for a tiny house but there are just too many zoning problems and moving it is apparently nightmarish.

[bae]

1 - spend less
2 - earn more

[Ultralight]

1 - spend less


Will do!

[Williamsmith]

UA, you are more of a conservative than you think. You are all for cutting the budget but no way will you raise taxes.

[ApatheticNoMore]

Or accept the situation (as far as we know your putting some massive chunk into a retirement plan and not counting it). Or some might say invest more aggressively but that's only for those who are counting on investments and fully accept that risk (although some can bear the risk more than they can being obsessive about another penny).

[Ultralight]

UA, you are more of a conservative than you think. You are all for cutting the budget but no way will you raise taxes.

This ain't the first time I have been told this. haha

[Ultralight]

Or accept the situation (as far as we know your putting some massive chunk into a retirement plan and not counting it). Or some might say invest more aggressively but that's only for those who are counting on investments and fully accept that risk (although some can bear it more than they can being obsessive about another penny).

I put about 10 percent of my income in a retirement account that my employer has rigged up for me. I make only $45k a year.

[JaneV2.0]

Funny. I made just a little more than that, and I thought I was rich. I'm making considerably less than that now, and I still feel well off. Perspective, I guess.

ETA: Of course it might also be that I'm old enough to have escaped exorbitant college fees and health insurance costs. I suspect that makes a big difference.

[Ultralight]

Funny. I made just a little more than that, and I thought I was rich. I'm making considerably less than that now, and I still feel well off. Perspective, I guess.

I know I mostly have FWP.

haha

When I go back to the old neighborhood and I see the poverty conditions, the drunkards without jobs, the junkies straggling for a few bucks here and there, and the generally depressing scene I think: "I ain't got it so bad!"

[Dhiana]

Get rid of the car!!

We are a car free household yet sometimes rent a car as needed, in just the size we want for that occasion.
From your car ins alone you have over $80/mo with which to rent as needed.
Need something bigger, rent a Uhaul for $20/day plus mileage.
There are non-owner car insurance policies, that can negate your need to purchase expensive rental insurance.
Our credit card covers physical damage to a rental vehicle when used to rent the vehicle.

[pinkytoe]

What do you want to be doing in five years?
I know it's easy to get caught up in the every day drudgery of surviving but it's good to have a plan.

[Ultralight]

Get rid of the car!!

We are a car free household yet sometimes rent a car as needed, in just the size we want for that occasion.
From your car ins alone you have over $80/mo with which to rent as needed.
Need something bigger, rent a Uhaul for $20/day plus mileage.
There are non-owner car insurance policies, that can negate your need to purchase expensive rental insurance.
Our credit card covers physical damage to a rental vehicle when used to rent the vehicle.

I am considering selling the car. But this would make fishing very, very difficult. Probably prohibitively difficult...

I read the book How To Live Well Without Owning A Car (which is a great book, btw!) and in it he said something like: "If you really want to go car-free then you will almost certainly have to change many of your hobbies."

[Ultralight]

What do you want to be doing in five years?
I know it's easy to get caught up in the every day drudgery of surviving but it's good to have a plan.

I'd just like to have a more interesting job where I am treated a little better. The money can be roughly the same and the benefits too, they can stay the same.

But since you asked, I'd also like to live in a place where I could simply cycle to a fishing hole and fish from shore. Surf casting into the ocean would be pretty sweet!

The truth is that I am so disoriented with my current job and the silly corporate restructuring that I am not planning especially well.

[catherine]

I am considering selling the car. But this would make fishing very, very difficult. Probably prohibitively difficult...

I read the book How To Live Well Without Owning A Car (which is a great book, btw!) and in it he said something like: "If you really want to go car-free then you will almost certainly have to change many of your hobbies."

Move to Burlington, VT. They have Zipcars and Lake Champlain.

[Ultralight]

Move to Burlington, VT. They have Zipcars and Lake Champlain.

I would love to!

[Dhiana]

I am considering selling the car. But this would make fishing very, very difficult. Probably prohibitively difficult...

I read the book How To Live Well Without Owning A Car (which is a great book, btw!) and in it he said something like: "If you really want to go car-free then you will almost certainly have to change many of your hobbies."

??? The title is How to Live Well w/o Owning a Car yet the author then says you'll have to change your hobbies??
What a crappy book! Seriously! He hasn't found a good answer yet so he says change your hobby.
*rolls eyes

How often do you go fishing?
How many months of the year?

[Ultralight]

??? The title is How to Live Well w/o Owning a Car yet the author then says you'll have to change your hobbies??
What a crappy book! Seriously! He hasn't found a good answer yet so he says change your hobby.
*rolls eyes

How often do you go fishing?
How many months of the year?


No, it is a good book! It says you may have to change your hobbies. He first explores all the car-free ways you can do all the stuff you like. Trust me -- it is a great simple living book!

I fish for serious during mostly April and May but a little of March (trout) and a little of June depending on water temps. The rest of the year I just go here and there for the heck of it.

[Williamsmith]

I have said this before I think but you are perfectly suited for life on a boat. A sailboat is perfect. You can have a kayak instead of a car.

[JaneV2.0]

I'm all for dog-sitting. Also doggie day care. All good. No lonely pups!

[mschrisgo2]

Hmm, totally new idea... in California and probably other places as well, there are resident camps for kids (classes come for 4-5 days) run by county offices of education, i.e. school district jobs where student loans are eligible for the forgiveness programs. Almost all of these camps are located on or very near bodies of water, i.e. good fishing holes for your days off; housing is provided; usually there is a car or truck available for an evening excursion into town; some of them allow staff to bring/have dogs. Some of the jobs are working directly with kids and some are support positions.

This is a totally different and much more dynamic work environment than where you are now. But it certainly seems like it would fit your desired life style.

[Williamsmith]

The National Park system also has various seasonal employment. Army Corp of Engineers, National Park Service and the Forest Service to name a few. When my wife decides to retire.....I would consider it for myself. A young man with not too many ties could easily make a living this way and be near activities that are considered hobbies plus remain friends with a dog. The recreational vehicle would be ideal for this and one could make certain environmental adaptations that would feed their sense of direction.

[Miss Cellane]

Sounds as if you can survive this way for a few years. What I'd do in your shoes is spend some time figuring out how to leave your current job. Do some in-depth thinking and research into other careers, or other companies that can use your existing skills. Work out a plan to leave this one particular company, either to move elsewhere with better fishing, or nearby with better money. Will you need to add skills, or save money, or something else?

And in the meantime, you might look for some sort of extra part-time or temporary work that you could do in the non-fishing season. There are jobs out there that can be done from home, or one weekend day, or the like. Some large stores will hire "flex" workers, who work one shift a week. Someone might need help on just Saturdays, or just two evenings a week.

This new apartment is one step on the road. Where do you want to end up?

And just a footnote: The rent seems reasonable to me. Everywhere I've lived, the closer an apartment is to public transportation, the rent goes up. The easier it is to walk to shops, services (Post Office, library), the rent goes up. If you want to go car-free or car-light, the location of your residence is key. Without a car, even basic errands take more time. Unless you want to spend hours every week walking and taking buses just to get to the supermarket, a centrally located home is a huge factor in making car-free or car-light work. When I lived in Boston, I'd estimate that an apartment close to a bus line was $25-50/month more expensive than apartments more than a mile away. Apartments close to a subway/trolley line were probably $50-100/month more than similar apartments more than a mile away.

[Zoe Girl]

Not sure what to tell you, My income is about the same possibly a little lower, my rent is higher even with my son's contribution (and he is getting pretty good savings for a car as well). But every dollar counts and I look for little ways to earn some more. Just tracking and turning in my mileage is a big step since the process got super complicated for us this year.

[pinkytoe]

Surf casting into the ocean
DH's best friend at one time was a plumber who retired and moved to the Texas coast. Spent his days fishing - in fact died instantly of a heart attack while on a pier - doing what he loved.

[ApatheticNoMore]

UL: Thought your income was about 35k, that's why I said $400 a month isn't that paltry a % considering. Definitely not getting very far ahead, but blood can't always be gotten from a stone as they say. When I hear spend less or earn more, I've always figured spend less was something I could do something about, but earn more was near 100% outside of my control. Yes I guess the only control one has over that is taking a second job and ugh (having one job already makes me hate my life enough). Get a raise, but in some companies noone is getting raises basically, although I do think you are in a good position to negotiate. Learn a new skill, but this is throwing dice in Vegas sometimes, who has any idea what skill anyone wants, this is just throwing the dice and hoping, not that that's bad, it's sometimes better than doing nothing, it's just not guaranteed to lead anywhere, one may spend a lot of money and time taking classes and get pretty much nothing out of it in terms of career. Negotiate hard if one gets to salary negotiations for a new job, yes but you may negotiate yourself out of a new job entirely that way, and if you want a new job that sucks.

[Teacher Terry]

Dog sitters make pretty good $. I think UL works for the government so he may want to stay in the system for pension, etc. Although you can change jobs within the system.

[freshstart]

my 2 cents is I don't think you are doing so bad, you're contributing 10% to a 401k, saving $400 a month, living simply, I think you can be proud of that. If you can live within those means without taking a soul sucking second job, then great. Or maybe one of those outdoor jobs others mentioned will pan out. I can totally understand not wanting to work more since you don't sound super happy in your FT job. You're balancing everything, try it the way it is for a few months and if it isn't working, then make adjustments. I think I already said all this, oh well, hopefully I'm consistent.

[LDAHL]

1 - spend less
2 - earn more

What I struggle with is the optimal ratio of 1 to 2.

[LDAHL]

Dog sitters make pretty good $. I think UL works for the government so he may want to stay in the system for pension, etc. Although you can change jobs within the system.

You make a very important point here. I happen to participate in one of America's few remaining fully funded public pension systems, and am close approaching the point where I could leave my present job for something paying a third of my current salary with no change to my after-tax income. I never thought much about it in my callow youth, but it's a pretty big deal now. I even wrote a poem about it on the occasion of a colleague's retirement.

Defined Benefit

Public life is rife with strife,
Futility and tension.
The pay’s quite low, but pundits know
We do it for the pension.

As years unfold and I grow old
I’ll know no apprehension.
No matter what the future holds
I’ll always have the pension.

And when I go somewhere below
Or on heavenward ascension,
Posterity will smile on me.
My wife will get the pension.

So serve the public cheerfully.
Endure their condescension.
For you have got what they have not,
My friend you have a pension.

[catherine]

You make a very important point here. I happen to participate in one of America's few remaining fully funded public pension systems, and am close approaching the point where I could leave my present job for something paying a third of my current salary with no change to my after-tax income. I never thought much about it in my callow youth, but it's a pretty big deal now. I even wrote a poem about it on the occasion of a colleague's retirement.

Defined Benefit

Public life is rife with strife,
Futility and tension.
The pay’s quite low, but pundits know
We do it for the pension.

As years unfold and I grow old
I’ll know no apprehension.
No matter what the future holds
I’ll always have the pension.

And when I go somewhere below
Or on heavenward ascension,
Posterity will smile on me.
My wife will get the pension.

So serve the public cheerfully.
Endure their condescension.
For you have got what they have not,
My friend you have a pension.

haha!! I'm sure that went over quite well at the event!!

DH's best man became a fire fighter in his 20s when the rest of us had loftier visions for our future and DH use to chide him (apologies to bae). But he had the last laugh when he retired in his mid-40s, and took on tiling jobs as time and inclination permitted. I'm figuring he's in his backyard playing with the grandkids right now, while I'm taking a short break from writing a wretched report on a Sunday afternoon.

(please say a prayer for my DS, who is up for a great job as a lawyer for a State department--his interview is on Tuesday. We're praying he gets the job, pension and State healthcare benefits)

[JaneV2.0]

Yes. A pension. There are some institutions from the past that bear bringing back. That's one of them, IMO.
My pension is tiny, but it makes all the difference.

You have a way with words, Shakespeare. :+1:

[LDAHL]

Some say the next great financial bubble to burst will be underfunded public pensions in places like California and Illinois. My state has largely obviated that problem by being not so generous to begin with, and limiting increases to what the investment portfolio can produce.

Still, I value my pension very highly. I like the idea of a basic income floor that will be there even if screw up in other areas.

[iris lilies]

Some say the next great financial bubble to burst will be underfunded public pensions in places like California and Illinois. My state has largely obviated that problem by being not so generous to begin with, and limiting increases to what the investment portfolio can produce.

Still, I value my pension very highly. I like the idea of a basic income floor that will be there even if screw up in other areas.
Nice ditty!

i have a public pensin that pays a bit less than 1/3 of my salary and I am deeply grateful for it. But, I have other income we could survive on if pension should disappear.

[LDAHL]

Nice ditty!

i have a public pensin that pays a bit less than 1/3 of my salary and I am deeply grateful for it. But, I have other income we could survive on if pension should disappear.

I think that's smart. Nothing is absolutely certain (my doggerel notwithstanding). Not pensions, Social Security, annuities, stocks, real estate, bonds or anything else. I'm trying to scrounge up as many multiple income streams as I can; and maybe also have a Plan B of lifestyle changes that might be needed in the event we really get beat up.

[pinkytoe]

My state pension is about 3/4 of my salary. I didn't realize its value until I got closer to being eligible and that gave me the motivation to hang on a few more years when I really wanted out. I do know that its requirements changed shortly after I started and as years passed, they raised the age and years of service required considerably. I consider myself very fortunate to have a pension stream of income. I thiink the real value of UL's current position is student loan forgiveness (at least I recall him mentioning that once) so perhaps he should hang on long enough for that to happen.

[Teacher Terry]

Great poem! Both my hubby and I love our pensions and our state is well funded.

[Ultralight]

DH's best friend at one time was a plumber who retired and moved to the Texas coast. Spent his days fishing - in fact died instantly of a heart attack while on a pier - doing what he loved.

What a way to go... :)

[Ultralight]

I rode my bike to work today for the first time. It was kinda fun. :)

[freshstart]

yay!

[ToomuchStuff]

I rode my bike to work today for the first time. It was kinda fun. :)

Consider a google image search. Bicycle boat trailers.

[Cypress]

From the first few posts, you are doing great with what you have. The fact that you have a dog and go fishing for fun says a lot about personal values. I don't see what you can do but here's an out of the box idea. Do you have a spare room in your apartment? A second bedroom?

When I travel, I use AirBnB for places to stay. I often see postings for folks renting out a private room. I am not sure if you are comfortable having strangers in the house but it might be a source of income from time to time. Research Airbnb for your city and see what is going on. You don't have to be a member to look around.

I had a 2nd job for about 10 years, all it gets you is tired and a little nutty with lack of down time. Maybe it pays the bills but it makes you hard about enjoying life. Always having to be somewhere and work can be a drag. You cannot get that time lost back.

It sounds like a zipcar would be an option if offered in your city. Or, be an entrepreneur and start a zipcar business.

You didn't mention if you have cable or internet service at home. These two can cost a whole lot of money.

The selling blood idea caught my eye. I appreciate seeing the $$ potential in earnings. I thought it was a volunteer option. Hmm, I have an unusual blood type so maybe I'll shop around. I could use the money for living too.

[Ultralight]

From the first few posts, you are doing great with what you have. The fact that you have a dog and go fishing for fun says a lot about personal values. I don't see what you can do but here's an out of the box idea. Do you have a spare room in your apartment? A second bedroom?

When I travel, I use AirBnB for places to stay. I often see postings for folks renting out a private room. I am not sure if you are comfortable having strangers in the house but it might be a source of income from time to time. Research Airbnb for your city and see what is going on. You don't have to be a member to look around.

I had a 2nd job for about 10 years, all it gets you is tired and a little nutty with lack of down time. Maybe it pays the bills but it makes you hard about enjoying life. Always having to be somewhere and work can be a drag. You cannot get that time lost back.

It sounds like a zipcar would be an option if offered in your city. Or, be an entrepreneur and start a zipcar business.

You didn't mention if you have cable or internet service at home. These two can cost a whole lot of money.

The selling blood idea caught my eye. I appreciate seeing the $$ potential in earnings. I thought it was a volunteer option. Hmm, I have an unusual blood type so maybe I'll shop around. I could use the money for living too.

My apartment is a tiny one bedroom place. I doubt anyone would want to live there with me or stay there. haha

Here in ColumbOhio we have car2go. They have those tiny Smart cars, the two-seaters. There are a couple of them parked in my apartment complex all the time.

I do have cable and internets. It is "free" (included in the cost of rent and you cannot get out of it).

Thanks for the kind words too! :)

[iris lilies]

The selling blood idea caught my eye. I appreciate seeing the $$ potential in earnings. I thought it was a volunteer option. Hmm, I have an unusual blood type so maybe I'll shop around. I could use the money for living too.

You dont sell blood, you sell plasma.

[Ultralight]

I ain't selling either one.

[Cypress]

I can connect with you in a lot of ways. I've always earned at the lower end of the $$ scale. I am single, happy like that and it wasn't until I was 50 that I had a chance to buy a house. The Obama administration had a credit plan for first time home buyers. I qualified and received $8K free cash. For me, it went right back into the house for windows, doors and house hold things. I manage to get by and have fund accounts for household, energy, savings, and a travel fund. Your saving rate is much more in control than I ever am. My job puts away 10% of my income into a retirement fund so at least that accumulates. I earn $40K net so I too have to do well on a small income.

Many readers may be taken aback at what I have to say. But, when the winters are very harsh and heating costs high. When I have to pay on my deductible medical bill or other day to day expenses that are hard for me, I have gone to the local food pantry for help. I don't go often but some months, I appreciate the support. There is also a local animal shelter that supports a food pantry for cats and dogs. Maybe it is somewhere you won't go, but it's out there.

I imagine you haven't bought new clothing in a long time, stretch out haircuts and go without a lot at times. The last movie I saw was the latest Star Wars film, before that, I cannot remember when I did go to the cinema. I loan most everything from public library. I have a yard and can grow some edibles. There have been times that I had to rely on home grown for fresh veggies. It's a fun past time but you cannot grow veggies in an apartment.

For laundry, I use the sun to dry my clothes as much as I can. The laundromat takes a lot of money but drying I never did. I just took it home and hung it on drying rack. Not sure if you do that already.

There is a low cost animal clinic near me that only gives vaccinations and charges only for that. If your dog is healthy and only needs yearly vaccinations, try that option. Rabies clinics in towns are easy to find once a year, not sure about in a city. The cost is $5 per animal.

This is a problem for many people. Do the best you can and it ain't coming back. Housing is expensive anywhere.

Oh! check the electric utility for lower costs to lower income people. National Grid does offer a reduced rate based on income in my area, you might qualify.

You don't say but I wonder if you home cook most of your foods. I brown bag everyday. I brown bag even when I take a day trip. It's tough to always have to think frugal and not get tired of watching every dime. As you know, suddenly a new fee creeps in. I wonder if your landlord is open to rent negotiations. When I rented, I wished I had some reward for good tenancy. Always paid on time, no noise, left it clean and no complaints. Did I ever get a reduced option for being a good neighbor? Nope. It's tough to always have to emotionally support yourself.

[Ultralight]

I can connect with you in a lot of ways.

I appreciate you saying that. From what you describe, you certainly have a number of reasons to connect.


Many readers may be taken aback at what I have to say. But, when the winters are very harsh and heating costs high. When I have to pay on my deductible medical bill or other day to day expenses that are hard for me, I have gone to the local food pantry for help.

I say: Do what you gotta do. I don't think I am at this point yet. Though if I live to be older, like 50s or 60s, then I might have to do this. Hard times are likely coming.


I imagine you haven't bought new clothing in a long time, stretch out haircuts and go without a lot at times. The last movie I saw was the latest Star Wars film, before that, I cannot remember when I did go to the cinema. I loan most everything from public library. I have a yard and can grow some edibles. There have been times that I had to rely on home grown for fresh veggies. It's a fun past time but you cannot grow veggies in an apartment.

I rarely buy new clothes. Though I had to buy two new shirts and two new pants for work. I rode my bike to target and bought them. I have only had about 3 professional haircuts in the past 5 years. haha I usually just shave my head. The last movie I saw in the theater was Mad Max Fury Road (great movie!). Before that? I don't know. I go perhaps once a year. I don't own books. I use the library also! I can't grow veggies at my place, but there might be community gardens in the area. I will check. I always keep an eye out for wild fruit trees and berry bushes. I have been known to forage gallons of berries in June -- mulberries and service berries, etc.


For laundry, I use the sun to dry my clothes as much as I can. The laundromat takes a lot of money but drying I never did. I just took it home and hung it on drying rack. Not sure if you do that already.

I have a little stackable W/D in my apartment. But I re-wear all my work clothes over and over without washing. I don't sweat in them and only wear them at my office job. So they are not dirty. I take them to the dry cleaner once a month every two months in the winter. This means no ironing! haha


There is a low cost animal clinic near me that only gives vaccinations and charges only for that. If your dog is healthy and only needs yearly vaccinations, try that option. Rabies clinics in towns are easy to find once a year, not sure about in a city. The cost is $5 per animal.

My dog is a rescue and has lots of dental problems. But other than that, he is fairly healthy. I still take him to the vet for immunizations and preventative meds.



Oh! check the electric utility for lower costs to lower income people. National Grid does offer a reduced rate based on income in my area, you might qualify.

We have no choice where I live for utils.


You don't say but I wonder if you home cook most of your foods. I brown bag everyday.

This is a major area for improvement for me. I need to focus more on cooking and preparing my own meals. I do it most of the time, but I am not a practicing brown-bagger yet!


I wonder if your landlord is open to rent negotiations.

Nope. Very corporate. Rules and regs out the wahzoo.


It's tough to always have to emotionally support yourself.

This is a point worth expanding on!

[Packratona!]

How often do you fish and how far away do you go to do it?

[Packratona!]

Ideas right off the bat:
Drop the renter's insurance.
You are buying too much expensive food. Try to buy/cook/eat for $1 a pound or less. You haven't said what your food budget is. Pack your lunch, stop eating out and eating expensive unhealthy junk food.
Can you find a job that is biking distance from fishing where the rent is cheaper and your pay is the same or better? Depending on how often you fish, could you just rent a car for that purpose, give up the car and bike to work? Move to a place really near work so that would be more feasable?

[Ultralight]

How often do you fish and how far away do you go to do it?

2 or 3 days a week from late March until mid June. Then about once a week until September, and I bounce back up to twice a week. Then it tapers off to zero times a week from November until March again.

I drive (from my new place) at least 25 mins to 35 mins to fish from shore, but if I get my canoe then the drives are 45 minutes at least, one way.

[freshstart]

how long have you been a fisherman? it makes me sad to see you pondering giving up something you love and reducing it to how many plastic bags you use cleaning up. I would sit with it for a month and see if you still feel the same way. I might be in the wrong thread but you kwim, hopefully

[Ultralight]

I fished some when I was a little kid. But I got serious in spring of 2013.

[Packratona!]

Is there any free camping near the fishing locations? Can you rent a car to go out there once a week, or better yet, advertise for a ride out that direction for the weekend? Is there any public transportation that would get you nearer it? Then you could go car-free, if it would make sense to pay your student loans off. Because you don't need a car to get to work from what I can tell. Sell the car, pay the loan off? You can buy a car again later after you save money up cash, if you want to.

[Teacher Terry]

What about Uber? Here it is half the price of a cab.

[Amaranth]

Columbus, Ohio does have quite a number of community gardens. Here’s a locator for them.
https://communitygarden.org/find-a-garden/
At this point you would probably need to get on a waitlist for someone who isn’t able to finish out the garden year.
Check out the gardens before you get on a waitlist though.

Community gardens are usually also good places to meet people who like healthy food, active lives, frugality, more natural living, international vegetables, and international recipes. I have known several who also had fishing as one of their top three hobbies.

The city is also looking for groups to create community gardens on the vacant lots that they have.

If you can catch extra fish, clean and freeze it.

Only other thing I can think of is if you can find a farmstand where the people might trade vegetables and fruit for some of your excess fish.
http://www.localharvest.org

Going carfree might be more workable at a future time. Doing it under the current circumstances would tip your life into too much drudgery and deprivation I think.

Would you want to be in another serious relationship that could lead to becoming roommates or does that still seem too dangerous/chancy after the situation with your previous wife? If it went well, it could cut the rent in half along with adding all sorts of enjoyment to your life.

[kib]

Create a weekend job taking other people fishing. :)

[Yppej]

So I ran some numbers -- and while I was a bit loosey-goosey about exact figures in the calculations -- I felt some of the worst sticker shock ever.

My rent is like $860 a month now. Student loan payment is $285 (which is slightly lower than last year, as I mentioned). My utils and renters insurance is going to be about $120 a month. My car insurance is $1000 a year (they tried to raise it on me when I moved by about $350 so I had to say: "I will sell this car and take the bus!" After that they rejiggered some things and got the price down to a reasonable amount though my coverage is not quite as good). My phone bill is $25 a month. I had to pay a "deposit" for the apartment, for my dog (along with $30 a month in pet rent), and all sorts of hidden "service fees" to process the application and the lease. Then there is gasoline costs too, which I need to re-estimate/track (though this ought to be lower with my 1.5 mile commute).

Throw in food, medicine, household expenses, dog food/medicine, some misc. costs for this, that, and the other and yowzah! Sticker shock. :0!

The last couple times I had sticker shock (like when I bought my car for $15,999 and was given a divorce direction to pay my ex $80 a month for 5 years at the same time or when I stared into the frightening abyss of my student loans) I was able to tighten my belt and come up with strategies for my new financial reality -- and largely mitigate them.

So now I am working on doing this...

Suggestions welcome -- don't be a prick or tell me to euthanize my dog though.

Most other suggestions are fine though. haha

No you don't need to euthanize the dog, but it would help if you stopped going on trips until you deal with the abyss of student loan debt.

[Ultralight]

No you don't need to euthanize the dog, but it would help if you stopped going on trips until you deal with the abyss of student loan debt.

Since you are a scholar of my previous threads why don't you look up the one where I explain how the PSLF program works?

[Tybee]

Create a weekend job taking other people fishing. :)

I thought this, too! I used to pier fish as a kid in Florida and Georgia and I miss it but would not know where to start. I would happily pay for a "fishing coach" to help me set up what I need and go out and get me started.

I think this could be a lucrative part time gig.