Is $40K a year enough......to live off of? (Houston: health insurance, high crime)

[Ron.]

The burbs are not my forte'. I just thought that's where I would need to move to live without straining my savings and other things I have going on.

Originally Posted by sevfiv

^You'll be more than fine here, and not necessarily in the 'burbs either (if that's not your cup of tea).

[Ron.]

Good to know.....



Ron

Originally Posted by jfre81

I get by on a lot less.

[westhou]

A year ago I was only making $30,000 and was living just fine here. I had to budget a lot but I was still able to live a comfortable life here. I'm single as well and that definitely helps.

[westhou]

I'm making just a little more than you right now and live in a safe area for a great price. Here's a link to where I live. You might want to check it out.

Broadstone Uptown Lofts

[crbcrbrgv]

Originally Posted by texas7

Yeah you can make it - you'll live tight but you'll be fine. You'll live about like a single school teacher would live (salary-wise).

Tight? Why? The average Houston family of four makes about 46,000. If you can't live off of 40,000 a year in Houston as a single childless person, you need to take a serious look at your budget and finances.

[Ron.]

I'm pretty good with managing money.


Here's what I what budgeted:

$3300/month

800-rent
300-utilities
400-food
400-fun
500-savings/retirement investments
500-car related stuff
250-student loan
100-drycleaning/laundry
50-household items


Some are over estimates.....just to play it safe.

Originally Posted by westhou

A year ago I was only making $30,000 and was living just fine here. I had to budget a lot but I was still able to live a comfortable life here. I'm single as well and that definitely helps.

[xavier1774]

you may look also at the Yorktown/Galleria Area too

[Ron.]

Cool place. I did not want to spend anymore than $800 a month.


Thanks for the link. I can still look into it.......

Originally Posted by westhou

I'm making just a little more than you right now and live in a safe area for a great price. Here's a link to where I live. You might want to check it out.

Broadstone Uptown Lofts

[xavier1774]

$400 Gas! we drive 3 gas guzzzzlers with V8's and don't spend that much!
$500 Car Related??? please tell me that is not because it is in the shop

Originally Posted by Ron.

I'm pretty good with managing money.


Here's what I what budgeted:

$3300/month

800-rent
300-utilities
400-food
400-fun
500-savings/retirement investments
500-car related stuff
250-student loan
400-gas
100-drycleaning/laundry
50-household items


Some are over estimates.....just to play it safe.

[Grunn]

Originally Posted by Ron.

I am thinking of moving to Houston or Forth Worth......

I'll be generating my income from my online businesses. I've set a budget of $40k/a year as a reasonable amount to live off of. I am single and I have no children.

I do have a job here in Chicago but I just wanted to ensure that my online businesses were steady before I made a move.

I could allocate more but most of my money is going towards another business venture.


Is $40k enough?


P.s- When I say Houston I am talking about the suburbs as well. Not just the city limits.

I find it hard to manage on 6 figures but there are 2 of us, 2 cars and associated expenses, larger house and we have expensive tastes.

I figure on my own and sharing an apartment I could make 40K last a year.