Money Matters, Part II

I'm hoping this blog will be helpful to people contemplating a move. To that end, I advise having some serious bank saved up before moving, especially if you are heading for one of the coasts. Moving and it's associated costs will run around 5-7k, and then there is the likelihood of being without a job for months on end. Even with temping full-time I will be partially living off savings. Of course, there is always the possible cost of having to move back home... I planned well financially, but I'm also kind of old to be making a move cross country.

I try to keep all this in perspective by considering that some people spend 30k on a wedding (an expense it appears I will be avoiding) or 12k on annual daycare for an infant.

This temp job has helped rein in the spending. Now when I consider purchasing something, I think along the lines of "that ticket is the equivalent of two hours of temp work" or "that shirt will cost me four hours at my temp job." It really brings it home. Since I have limited time to cook, I eat a lot of hot meals at Whole Foods, and I've become skilled at weighing the box in my hands and keeping it within the $5-$7 range. Due to all the stress of moving, I've lost a good five pounds, and hopefully I'll keep it off, since food costs are outside the budget.

Oh, that brazen hussy L.A. I'm loathe to spend money on her until she starts putting out. You've got to give to get, baby!

Lucky for me, I am not a professional good-looking person, unlike my roommate. Looking good is a part-time job for her; it's unbelievable the amount of time and money that goes into it. As befitting my amateur status, the requirements are lower, and there is a 15-20 lb. leeway. The day I start spraying on self-tanner... okay I don't want to think about it.