Tag: money

Moving out of home – what I wish I knew

When I moved out of home almost two years ago, I had no idea what I was in for. I had just turned 18, started university, got my licence and had less then $100 in the bank. Why I decided to make all these changes at once? I don’t know. But I’m as stubborn as they come and there was no way I was going to give up, so it was going to work. 

It wasnt easy by any means. Baked beans were a staple for a while. But I made it work.

Here are 10 things I wish I’d known before I moved out. 

1: Good quality laundry detergent is expensive but worth it. Invest in the good stuff.

2: Fresh Fruit and Vegetables are expensive but worth it & better for you. Find green grocers that have cheaper prices to big supermarkets. 

3: My washing doesn’t just appear clean & folded on my bed every week. Funny that! 

4: You are responsible for booking (and paying for!) all your appointments. Doctors, dentists, optometrists & hairdressers! 

5: You are responsible for buying and cooking all your own food. It doesn’t matter how tired you are – it isn’t going to cook itself. 

6: Petrol! – It is so expensive! 

7: You need to make an effort to see family friends. Your parents aren’t going to invite your friends over for you. 

8: No one is going to chase you up on things. Organise yourself! 

9: Vacuuming needs to happen at least once a week. Don’t leave it until the place if filthy. 

10: The independence is great and awfully lonely at the same time. 

Budget

One of the ‘joys’ of being a uni student is, I now have no money.

I never used to worry about money. I never had to pay for anything and everything was provided for me. I spent money as I got it and didn’t think of savings.

Oh how times have changed!

Ben is very good and saving money. He knows how to do it, and how to do it well! He doesn’t need budget planning or excel sheets. Somehow, only God knows how, he manages to keep it all in his head and still come out of each month spending less money than he earned.

Me on the other hand… oh how I wish I could do that.

Despite all my excel sheets and budgeting plan, I still can’t save money.

I blame it on the fact that it costs him $10 to get a good haircut and it costs me $130 in order for my hair to just look reasonable!

He walks to uni, but it costs me $100 in petrol each week.

But this month, oh this month.., I’ve managed to come out ahead!

I changed my Excel sheet, I limited my spending (And I even got my hair done!) It’s the little joys in life J

I didn’t buy the stupid things, or overspend on etsy. I didn’t spend money on those really cute pair of ballet flats that are really so impractical. I limited my coffee intake (Which surprisingly saves $8 per day!) AND, I brought my own drink bottle with me to Uni, which, if you know me, is amazing.

It’s amazing what you can do when you have to!