Joining this discussion...some stuff will be estimates, some we already know what they will cost. This is combined for my wife and myself, and definitely on the high side just to make sure.
Required:
Rent: $1800 (dog makes options limited) but includes parking
Cable/Internet: $125
Utilities: $50
Cell Phones: $85
Food etc: $600-700 (400 for groceries, the rest for going out for dinner which we will probably do more than we do now and costs in Chicago are pretty high for nice places)
Entertainment: $200-300, definitely going to some sporting events so averaging for the year
Car: $250 Paying off my car and selling the wifes, so insurance, gas (probably wont drive much), maintenance.
Misc: $400 everything from toilet paper to clothing stuff you cant really budget for just need to have a reserve
Class related stuff: $250 (books and everything else I might need probably high but better to plan)
Optional:
Trips: $750...2k each, a couple a year and then trips home another 1k for flights
Total : $4,000 or so but could go up to $5k if we arent careful
Luckily my wife will be bringing home a good paycheck so in reality my debt wont be as bad as a single person even with very high looking payments.
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Kellogg Class of 2010...still active and willing to help. However, I do not do profile reviews, don't offer predictions on chances and am far to busy to review essays, so save the energy of writing me a PM seeking help for these. If I don't respond to a PM that is not one of the previously mentioned trash can destined messages, please don't take it personally I get so many messages I have a hard to responding to most. The more interesting, compelling, or humorous you message the more likely I am to respond.