Would you personally choose to live alone in a decent but plain studio or upscale apartment w/roommate?

[Mr. Fantastic]

Originally Posted by jackie100

Hence why ignored the Waterman's comment about income since even though my income is more than 5x the studio in Westminster, after careful calculation it's still out of my budget due to massive back taxes that I owe (in the multiple five figure range). I might still have to rent a room with my own entrance until I pay it down and accrue less interest this way.

If you owe that much in taxes, rent as cheap as possible. Forget about fancy indulgences like a "high class" apartment and concentrate on paying down your debt. A five figure tax debt makes you toxic from a financial standpoint.

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Mr. Fantastic

If you owe that much in taxes, rent as cheap as possible. Forget about fancy indulgences like a "high class" apartment and concentrate on paying down your debt. A five figure tax debt makes you toxic from a financial standpoint.

This is what I'm doing, but not from a tax debt. The sooner you get back in the black financially, the better, even if it means slumming it for a while.

[Mr. Fantastic]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

This is what I'm doing, but not from a tax debt. The sooner you get back in the black financially, the better, even if it means slumming it for a while.

It's a good strategy and shows that you aren't infected by the "American sense of Entitlement". Too many people think they "need" something when in reality, it's just them "wanting" something.

[jackie100]

Originally Posted by Mr. Fantastic

If you owe that much in taxes, rent as cheap as possible. Forget about fancy indulgences like a "high class" apartment and concentrate on paying down your debt. A five figure tax debt makes you toxic from a financial standpoint.

You're right, I calculated all my bills and it looks like the Westminster studio isn't good for me either; I'm better off renting one of those "Asian Rooms" for cheap. The interest rates are pretty high on the tax bill and if I keep on dragging it on it will just get bigger and bigger. It's really depressing as I make an ok income (not as much as before but still enough to get my own apartment if I didn't have this problem).

EscapeCalifornia, btw not all of the Asian rooms for rent are in the ghetto, there are plenty that aren't! It's just that it's a hassle dealing with other people and you're at their mercy. It's always best to have your own place if possible.