Budget for living in Northern VA with no full time job (mortgage, bankrupt) - Northern Virginia - Virginia - Page 3 - City-Data Forum

destinedtodave · 06-12-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boyd888

I think you should look into moving back in with your parents. It is very common these days.

Health insurance will easily be $300 / month - you can't afford it.

Three months to find a part time job? You can probably get hired somewhere in Tyson's mall tomorrow if you REALLY need a job.

What is your college degree in?

I worked for a year to get savings so I won't have to move in with my parents. I know it's very common but it's not for me.

My degree is in finance and I have internship experience with a major bank and an international consulting firm so hopefully I'll get some interviews. And yes, I was trying to be very conservative with my part time job figures so as not to give myself unrealistic expectations.

Well, if I can defer my student debt paying health insurance becomes much more reasonable.

tsuric · 06-12-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boyd888

I think you should look into moving back in with your parents. It is very common these days.

Agreed. I did this with my first full time job since it was so close to my hometown and since the relationship I have with my parents was very close. It was really a layoff, a lack of local job opportunities afterwards, stubborn refusal to pursue a master's degree, and boredom with my hometown that brought me here. Removing or greatly reducing housing costs helps a LOT. But if they were to move here I would gladly move in with them. Beats having strangers as roommates anyday. They actually want me around.

Especially when expenses of everything have to &*****ing increase at such a fast rate (not just rent, but healthcare, food, gas, metro, etc...). Makes me want to throw a table out of anger but that would be unproductive.

Besides, moving in with parents is far more common in other countries.

destinedtodave · 06-12-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsuric

Agreed. I did this with my first full time job since it was so close to my hometown and since the relationship I have with my parents was very close. It was really a layoff, a lack of local job opportunities afterwards, stubborn refusal to pursue a master's degree, and boredom with my hometown that brought me here. Removing or greatly reducing housing costs helps a LOT. But if they were to move here I would gladly move in with them. Beats having strangers as roommates anyday. They actually want me around.

Especially when expenses of everything have to &*****ing increase at such a fast rate (not just rent, but healthcare, food, gas, metro, etc...). Makes me want to throw a table out of anger but that would be unproductive.

Besides, moving in with parents is far more common in other countries.

There is a lack of job opportunities in SC where my parents live as well. I might be able to find something eventually there but I don't want to. If my parents lived in a major city then yes, I'd probably live with them for a while

Caladium · 06-12-2011, 10:58 AM

You might have a very rough year, but if you're willing to live simply I think it's doable. One good thing about the DC metro area is there are a lot of free activities, especially if you like museums. Of course, you have to be able to get to them which can eat up a little bit of money as far as parking or bus fare unless you live close enough to walk to lots of things.

Here are some threads you might find useful:

https://www.city-data.com/forum/north...s-do-nova.html

https://www.city-data.com/forum/north...ery-store.html

https://www.city-data.com/forum/north...y-looking.html

https://www.city-data.com/forum/north...ir-salons.html

https://www.city-data.com/forum/north...-get-free.html

https://www.city-data.com/forum/north...-have-you.html

destinedtodave · 06-12-2011, 11:58 AM

Are there a lot of good public libraries? Their website doesn't seem to be working for me...do you have to have your name on a lease to get a card?

Caladium · 06-12-2011, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by decafdave

Are there a lot of good public libraries? Their website doesn't seem to be working for me...do you have to have your name on a lease to get a card?

Yes, the libraries are, for the most part, unusually good here. They ahve all sorts of material, and are especially handy for people on a budget. For example, the music sections in some of the libraries are excellent, so you can check out a lot of current music instead of buying. Of course, some are better than others. This thread has a lot of the outstanding ones.

https://www.city-data.com/forum/north...rary-like.html

Yankeesfan · 06-12-2011, 12:50 PM

The Fairfax County libraries are great: Library - Public Library - Fairfax County Public Library - FCPL. There are multiple branches and you can request a book online and then pick it up in a day or two at your local branch.

destinedtodave · 06-13-2011, 06:39 AM

Good info, and it seems they are quite liberal in their membership policy.

Well, I welcome any more input into my budget/plans. So far I've updated it a little and the results still seem pretty encouraging.

vermonter16 · 06-13-2011, 07:30 AM

I think it's great that you are really trying to do this and figure it all out. I think it will pay off in the long run. I think it will also give you a lot of life experience right out of the gate and will increase your determination to do well. It's nice to see a young person plan and prepare for the future and the unknown and to know that it is a difficult road. Just the fact that you've been saving shows a lot. Most young folks wouldn't do that. They'd get through school and then run back home to mom and dad because - #1, they didn't save or plan ahead and they don't want the unnecessary hardship. Who wouldn't want to live with mom and dad and not have to worry while they find a job. I'm not saying running back home to mom and dad is bad - but it says a lot about someone who doesn't and wants to really make their own journey and succeed doing it the old fashioned way.

Good for you!

leighland · 06-13-2011, 09:40 AM

I'm assuming you are fluent in Korean. Google Annandale+Housing also, HMart. Also google for Korean newspapers in NoVa. They'll be tons of local Korean ads (Annandale is around Springfield/Falls Church/Fairfax/the 495 beltway). And you'll read deals I cannot understand. Then come back here or DC Forum for info on the areas.
The only place I've seen more new immigrant/1st generation Koreans in the USA was in LA. You should get lots of inside info.