How to Live on Your Own in Your Twenties
Living on your own in your 20s is the start of your life's adventure. There are no more parents, curfews or siblings to compromise with while you are in your own space. But with your newfound freedom comes more responsibility. You now have to take charge of handling every detail of your life, on your own. Living on your own takes planning, hard work and confidence. Making the leap to living alone should be planned out carefully.
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Instructions
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Save enough money for the first and last month's rent in a new apartment or house. When you begin looking for a place to live, have a price range in mind. Decide whether you want to sign a month-to-month lease or if you would rather go long term. A month-to-month lease gives you leeway to move out, with notice, in case the living arrangements don't work out. If you sign a long-term lease, you're locked in unless you pay penalty fees.
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Find a place to live that is ideal for your situation. If you are still in college, moving to an on-campus apartment is an optimal choice. You will save on gas because you will be able to walk to your classes. You will also have a support group in friends and faculty to help make the transition easier. Moving close to your parents' house could save you some money if you get permission to do laundry at their place.
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Balance your budget and keep up with bills. Knowing what you owe will help you stay out of debt. Decide how much you will put into a savings account each month and stick to it. Open a separate account with a set amount of emergency money deposited. This way, if your car needs an unexpected repair or you need to replace your broken laptop, you have the cash on hand.
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Keep credit cards to a minimum. It is easy to pull out a credit card and use it like it's free money. One credit card is enough, and should only be used in emergency situations. Starting out on your own with credit card debt is not a healthy beginning, and can spin out of control easily.
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Stay healthy by eating right and exercising regularly. Living on your own in your 20s means that it's up to you to make sure you are taking care of your body. Start a regular routine of exercising, and make healthy food decisions, like choosing a salad over fries.
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Ask for help or advice when you need it. Living on your own doesn't mean you have to miss a meal or live without electricity. If you have a problem, go to a friend, your parents or other trusted person for help and guidance. Twentysomethings living on their own might go days eating cold noodles for dinner, but it doesn't mean you can't go to your parent's house for a home-cooked meal now and then.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider finding a roommate to share living expenses.
Ask your parents if they'd be willing to help you financially for a set amount of time.
Research neighborhoods before you choose an apartment. Try to stay away from those with high crime.
References
Resources
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