Moving back to Clear Lake Iowa in 6 months (job, Budget, cheap)

[MikiVanity]

Hey guys. Heres my situation.

I just started a new job here in Texas. I am 21 years old and originally from Clear Lake Iowa. I am wanting to move back in October. I am making 8.00 an hour at about 27 hours a week, and 9 dollars at 9 hours (On saturday we work 9 hours at a dollar more than the rest of the week). So I will be averaging about 36-37 hours a week.

My expenses are wonky right now. I owe 100 to my mother which im paying back before I even start saving for the move. I owe about 490 to my grandmother for tires which I am wanting to pay off in 100 dollar increments after the 75 this week I plan on paying. Also im factoring about 180 a month for gas (I am noticing 45 a week to fill up my 1995 dodge avenger) and around 109 for my cell phone bill.

Now I am wanting to save around or as close to 5000 as I can prior to the move, to cover a few months rent, gas and etc till I can find employment in or near Clear Lake. Is this possible?

I tried doing a ledger for my budget and its no bueno. I got conflicting results. Can anyone help with a budget and any advice? I moved back prior to this time but due to my leaving on a whim and 300 dollars I failed MISERABLY. I would like to be a tad more prepared this time. I hope this made sense O_O

[Sonnenwende]

I'd suggest a second job.

[swmrbird]

Look at your paychecks. How much do you bring home each month AFTER taxes?

Figure out how much you pay each month for: rent, bills (i.e. phone, internet, gas, electric, groceries, ect), and any other monthly payments you have. Deduct about 100/mo for the debts you have to pay back.

Whatever is left, is what you have to save from (the number won't necessarily be exact). However, while I haven't done the math, I'm seriously doubting that with your job/pay you will be able to pay all your bills each month and save about $1000 each month (to get you to the $5000 you want to have before you move). Either you need another job, have to delay your move, or go back without as much of a cushion.

[Lily0fthevalley]

One thing you can cut is your cell phone bill. Get rid of your cell phone plan (unless you're stuck more time in a contract) and get one of the cheapy cell phones where you buy a pre-paid card for certain #s of minutes. This has saved me TONS of money!!