So, the take-home verdict is in. My monthly income should be $2,025.962, but I'll be rounding that down to $2,000 for the sake of paranoia and Nice Round Numbers.
Ahead comes guestimations of future expenses.
Rent: $500
This is with a roommate. At least it includes heat and hot water, is close to the shuttle bus, and is within reasonable walking distance of my favorite grocery store.
Electricity: $20
This is split with the roommate.
Internet: $30
Also split with roommate. Can't live without broadband. This expense doubles as entertainment in the form of internet radio and bittorrent.
Natural gas: $50
Don't really know if this is accurate, but I'll probably be footing the bill for this one alone, since I am the sole cook of the household.
Groceries: $100
I budget $100, but I usually spend $60 - $80. I also get the use and abuse the CostCo membership of my roomie. Yay! Bulk nonperishables, here I come!
Student loans: $250
Again, an overestimate of what I'm required to pay, which is $133 for my Stafford, the only loan currently in repayment.
Retirement: $150
This figure is another random shot in the dark. I need to do more careful analysis before deciding on the final amount.
Savings: $900
Over a period of 12 months... that's approximately $10K into savings? If these projections hold true... Only time will tell.
Preliminary budget
August 9th, 2006 at 03:53 am