Many young adults find themselves in a position where they might have to move back home, and it can feel like a major step backwards after years of freedom.If you focus on your finances and make other living arrangements, you can avoid moving back home.
Step 1: Start saving now.
Saving money is the best way to prepare for living on your own.If you have a job, put a portion of your paycheck into savings.Depending on your current expenses, anywhere from 10% to 20% of your paycheck is a reasonable amount.You will need a source of income if you don't have a job.You will not be able to rent a place on your own or with a roommate if you don't have enough money.
Step 2: A budget is made.
You should create a budget for yourself with categories for your current expenses after you have decided how much you want to save.Money can be broken down into food, car payments, entertainment, and monthly subscriptions.As you create your budget, you might see that you are living outside of your means.You can prepare yourself for independence by creating and sticking to a new budget.
Step 3: You can use apps to keep an eye on your spending.
Mint, for example, has apps that will show you where you are spending your money, help you create a budget that works for you, and put more money into savings.It is easy to have all of the information on your phone.Decide if you want to manage your spending, get out of debt, or increase your savings by using different apps.
Step 4: You can get some extra cash by selling items that you don't need.
You can make quick money by selling furniture, gaming consoles, appliances, books, and clothes that you don't need.If you want to get rid of them, you can list them on Facebook, take them to a store, or ask your friends if they want them.It is possible to make a quick buck by having a garage sale with a few friends.
Step 5: Gym memberships and tanning costs should be eliminated.
These things are not needed.If you want to be prepared for life on your own, you need to get rid of the added costs and put that money toward your living expenses.You don't need a gym membership to get your daily exercise.You can work out at home.
Step 6: Cancel or pause unnecessary subscriptions.
If you forget about recurring charges, check your bank statements.If you don't use your streaming services, it's a good idea to put them on hold and save $10 per month for something more useful.Most subscription services make it easy to cancel or pause your subscription, and many will offer you a lower rate to re-subscribe after a few months.In your email, keep an eye out for special deals.Ask a friend or two if they would be willing to split the cost of a subscription with you if you don't want to cancel completely.Depending on your subscription level, most streaming services allow 2 or 3 users per account.
Step 7: Cook at home to save money.
Eating out is not a good idea for many young people.If you want to avoid spending money on takeout or fast food, start grocery shopping on the weekends and buy enough food to cool off for the entire week.It would be great if you could make a meal plan for the week so you know what to eat.It will be harder to resist the temptation to go out to eat.
Step 8: If you're looking for a steady position, get a temporary job.
A temporary job will allow you to save, make money, and possibly pay rent while giving you time to look for a position in your field.You can make your own hours with the apps that allow you to use your car to drive people around or deliver food.If you're looking for something to do while you search, look into tutoring in your field.Even if you don't find a job, you can keep up with your other job and make some extra money.
Step 9: You can meet with a career counselor.
If you are a recent graduate, your university may have a career center that is meant to help you plan your future.A career counselor can help you create a path for yourself if you're having trouble finding a job in your field.Many states offer free counseling for job seekers, as well as resume assistance, if you didn't attend a university.You can find a list of organizations by searching for free or public career counseling in your area.
Step 10: A great resume can be created.
A resume is the next step in finding a job.A career center can help you get started with this process, and make sure that you include all important information.highlight your most important achievements in your current position and previous jobsIf you don't have a lot of employment experience, focus on your community involvement, academics, or other activities that you have devoted your time to.What makes you a good candidate?
Step 11: It's your number one priority to find a job.
Before you move on your own, it is important to find a job that will support your living expenses.It will make landlords more likely to rent to you, and make your parents more confident in your decision to live by yourself.You need to look for new positions and submit your application at least an hour a day.This time will be used to fill out online applications, write cover letters, and send inquiry emails.If you want to find a position that works for you and your budget, you need to put a lot of effort into your job search.
Step 12: Ask friends if they would like to live together.
Your friends may be in a similar situation when it comes to the future of their housing.If you know a friend who might be interested in living with you, you can ask them if they would be able to split the cost of a small apartment.Don't press the issue if they do not think it will work.You should respect their decision and move on.If you don't have friends who are looking for roommates, try local roommate wanted ads.Before signing a lease, meet strangers in a public place and talk to them about their expectations.
Step 13: There are many roommates in a larger house.
If you want to lower the price of rent, you might have to find a different place to live.If you want to split the rent, share large rooms between two people, or turn a living room into an extra bedroom.It will be less expensive if you have more people living there.Check your lease to make sure you don't have too many roommates, as some landlords have rules about the number of tenants that can occupy a house at one time.
Step 14: If you are in between houses, stay on a friend's couch.
Ask your friends if you can stay with them for a short period of time while you find a place to stay.Follow their house rules while you are there.You can offer to pay them per day that you stay if you can afford it.This will cover your portion of the utilities.It is important to be respectful of their wishes.Try to be understanding if they don't want to stay.
Step 15: There are cheap apartments in your area.
If you can't find what you're looking for, try searching on the internet for cheap studio apartments.Outside of major metropolitan areas, look at the suburbs and small towns.Rent and utilities will be cheaper in these areas.The average cost of living in that area will affect prices.It won't be fancy, but try to keep a positive outlook for cheap apartments.
Step 16: If you can stay with other family members, ask.
If you have an older family member who lives alone, ask them if they would be willing to let you live with them in exchange for helping them with day-to-day activities.You will have a place to stay if your grandparents, aunts, or uncle appreciate the help.In Europe, these arrangements are very popular because they are beneficial to students and the elderly.It's a good idea to sit down with your family and work out their expectations for you.