The move was exciting, and I managed to execute my plan pretty well. It felt like I spent a ton of money, but looking back I probably spent 30-40% of what your average person would have to make the same move, and left myself fairly anti-fragile as a result.
I donated or sold 80% of my possessions, have another 10% in "storage" with my mother, and took 10% with me. I've obviously had to buy some stuff here, but I've kept it fairly minimalist.
I found a place that's central to all the many locations I have to attend meetings at. It's also near the strip and really cheap. Pretty much hit the jackpot, as it was a 2BR with a guy who was already established, so I didn't need to buy kitchen equipment, or anything decorative, outside of my bedroom. Total cost for October rent + utilities was < $500, so I should save an extra $100-200 a month in every month except the dead of summer.slimicy wrote:My big questions coming up will be where I end up living, and if I'll need to get a new car. Right now I'm leaning towards two options: finding a cheap living arrangement and getting a car or finding a nice living arrangement and skipping the car.
I did buy a new car. A BRAND new car. First time in my life, but I was so fed up with the old one I left behind on the east coast I was already looking to get something nice, and got a deal I couldn't pass up (manufacturer's rebate of ~ 18% off MSRP on a car I already did due diligence on).
Payments + insurance will be right at 300$/month with no maintenance costs for the first 3 years/36,000 miles. In the previous 6 months my maintenance + insurance on my old beater was > $400 a month. At least that's how I'm justifying it That and going from 20MPG to 35MPG, and being able to explore the southwest.
The new job is going well. My net income is up 10%, and I have tons of opportunities for 2nd jobs and playing poker. I've been playing a lot of poker, and am net even so far, but haven't been taking it too seriously.