Step 1

Finding a Job
Finding a job can be extremely difficult and almost considered a full time job by itself, but don’t give up, you will find a job. It is important to keep in mind that you want to find a job that can support you and you enjoy working at.

-Look on these websites and find three jobs that you like.
post the job description and what you liked about the job. It does not need to be a job that you would really apply for.
Craigslist
Boston Job Zone
Monster.com

Step 2

How Much Will I be Making?

Having a job is a huge part of being able to live on your own. Lets say that your job pays $15.00 an hour and you work a typical 40-hour workweek. Follow these steps to find out how much you will be making a month.

Post your answer to these questions
1. $15.00 an hour multiplied by 40- hours a week =

2. That total multiplied by 4 weeks in a month = Total you will be making a month

-How much money will you be making each month?

Step 3

Planning
It is always a good idea to make a plan for your life, especially when it involves huge life decisions, like renting an apartment, and figuring out your expenses.

- In a post, make a list of all the things you may need to include in a budget.
*hint think of your basic needs

Step 4

Finding a Place to Live
Finding an apartment can be a lot of fun, as well as very frustrating. There is a lot of planning that goes into finding a place to live, so things you want to think about

- What area do you want to live in, (how safe is it?)
- How many roommates would you like to live with?
- What types of accommodations would you like your apartment to have?
(Washer and dryer in the apartment, dishwasher, utilities included?)
- Post a list of all the features and accommodations in your apartment
- Then using online websites post 3 apartments that you like, and what features you liked in them.
Craigslist
Boston Apartments
Area Guide

Step 5

Cable, Internet, and Phone Bill
It is important that you have access to a phone in case of an emergency. Many people also feel the need to have cable T.V and access to the Internet. Determine what kind of technology you would like in your apartment and go shopping online for different rates for these services.
Comcast
Verizon
Time Warner

In a post answer the following questions
- What services do you want in your apartment?
- How much will you be budgeting in, and with what company?

Step 6

Utilities Bill
Utilities may include your heat, hot water and electricity depending on your Lease. (A lease a contract between you and your landlord that legally defines specific details to renting someone else’s property,)
Lets say that your utilities bill comes to $300.00.

In a post answer the following questions:
- Depending on how many roommates you may have, figure out your part of the utilities bill you are responsible for.
$300.00 divided by number of roommates

- Calculate your expenses so far
Rent + Cable & Internet + Utilities =

Step 7

Budgeting in Food
Food is one of our basic needs that we must include within out budget. In order to get a idea of how much you should put into your budget for food follow these steps.

In a post:
-Create a grocery list for a week, including food for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
-Using this website go grocery shopping to find your weekly expenses for food
(DO NOT ACTUALY BUY THE FOOD! this is only for practice)
Peapod
-Take your weekly total of food and multiply it by 4 to find out how much you may spend on groceries in a month.
-What is your total?

Step 8

Budgeting in Miscellaneous expenses
In a post tell me:
-What are some things you may want to include in this category?
Calculate $250.00 into your budget for miscellaneous expenses.
-are you still with in your budget?

Step 9

Total expenses for the month

In your last post, answer these questions:
-Did you stay with in your budget?
-Do you have any money to put into a savings account?
*Why might you want to put money in a savings account?
-If you went over your budget, where can you cut cost?