How much money do you need to have a basic life?

[SandyJet]

Originally Posted by barkomatic

What was the rent on your stabilized apartment? At $45K in 1993 at the minimal expenses you describe you should have had a decent discretionary amount every month.

Rent was $785 a month. But as a NY City resident with no deductions really that was almost one entire paycheck.

And I dated girls, went to bars etc. Even back then Thursday night at happy hour, followed up by Friday night beers, followed by taking a girl to the Movies on Saturday even hitting the cheapest places possible, having a budget of $700 for a month to pay for subway, laundry, food, beers etc. It goes quick. Even a bacon and egg cheese sandwich with a large coffee and copy of NY Times was a luxury item I rarely could afford. .

[livingsinglenyc]

Originally Posted by SandyJet

Rent was $785 a month. But as a NY City resident with no deductions really that was almost one entire paycheck.

And I dated girls, went to bars etc. Even back then Thursday night at happy hour, followed up by Friday night beers, followed by taking a girl to the Movies on Saturday even hitting the cheapest places possible, having a budget of $700 for a month to pay for subway, laundry, food, beers etc. It goes quick. Even a bacon and egg cheese sandwich with a large coffee and copy of NY Times was a luxury item I rarely could afford. .

You made $865 a week, Thats about $690 after taxes. So you had about $2700 a month after taxes. Your rent was ONLY $785, the fact you were barely getting by meant you were horrible at budgeting. If I had $2700 after taxes each month... I could do a lot with that and again my rent is several hundred more than yours. Not to meant ion its years later and everything costs more. Sorry dude don't feel sorry you weren't wise and able to manage your money back then. Hopefully your better now.

[jcha]

2 bedroom in Manhattan for 1 person is luxury. You'll be paying $3.5-4k/mo in rent for a True 2-bed. So I'd be sure you're making at least $180k.