Living on your own once you hit adulthood is the ultimate dream for some people. Nothing beats the feeling of being able to live freely and independently. Once you hit the right age, there is that inevitable stage of considering to live independently. No curfews, no rules to follow.
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If there is one thing that is the best reason to go independent, it’s privacy. You can still live the single life to its fullest. Yet you can still reward yourself with many hours of relaxation at your home. Even if you consider yourself a socialite, having a home that will accommodate your alone time is ideal. Gatherings and parties can sometimes be draining, and you will need a haven to give you peace.
Moreover, having your own space to decorate what suits your aesthetic needs is therapeutic. You will be in control of what happens within your walls. Especially in the current pandemic, you will be a lot safer when isolating alone. Living alone can be undoubtedly daunting at times. But not with the existence of technology and social media. You can still cope up while still being connected to the outside world. Having your own space is also ideal for those who are embracing the work-from-home culture. With your own home, privacy and peace will be your best companies.
Budget Concerns
Some people are blessed enough in the financial department to afford to live separately from their peers. But others still undergo difficulty in making independent decisions due to financial constraints. Living independently can be an absurd concept for those who live on minimum wage. The costs of rent alone can be expensive.
But it is not unattainable at all. If there is one thing that could solve your dilemmas of moving out but pulled down by financial constraints, it’s budgeting. Some people get intimidated by the concept of budgeting as it implies strict limitations of how you should spend your money. But no, it is how to spend your money a lot more wisely. Even if you live off minimum wage, budgeting is still possible as long as you have the compassion and patience to do it. Living alone is not a quick decision to make. You should train yourself to live with a bit more discipline if you want to achieve your goal.
Having a low income from your overall salary is not a reason to give up on your dreams of living independently. It is very much possible as long as you know how to handle your money. Even amidst student loans, you can still be capable of renting your own space. It may not be an easy road, but you will get there. You must also consider the following:
- The space that you will rent. It is important to find a place that you know you can afford. Don’t go too ahead of yourself and rent a big space that will only give you a headache with the expenses. Map out your net income and monthly expenses. From there, take a look if your rent cost takes up no less than 25%-30% of your income. Keep this in mind until you get a better job that can accommodate all your extra expenses better. Just be sure never to make your expenses amount bigger than your net income, or you will be in trouble.
- Buying old furniture and appliances. Aside from rent, your stuff at home will also cost a little bit more. Buying secondhand furniture will save you a decent amount of money. Don’t hesitate to go on yard sales and find cheap finds that you can still make use of. You can make your changes to them using the do-it-yourself approach. You may also ask to repair old appliances rather than spending a lot on a brand-new one. You must also make sure to get only the things you need.
- Planning your emergency fund. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Other than your expenses, you must also allow a small portion of your monthly income for emergencies. You will be already living on a tight budget, so it’s better to put a little money aside for medicine and necessities.
- Monthly household budget. Planning to move out is one difficult decision; maintaining your lifestyle afterward is another. You must be willing to make sacrifices in your lifestyle in the meantime. Try to cut off your subscriptions wisely, and use only the ones you can benefit from. Avoid subscribing to cable if you can just watch things off of the Internet. You must also weigh out the pros and cons of eating out versus making your own food.
The Downside
However, for some people, living alone has its risks towards their mental health. Isolation can sometimes take a toll on your thoughts, and it can be unhealthy. But it’s not irreversible. There are plenty of ways to help people cope up with isolation. By helping themselves up, living alone would be more bearable. Independent living is not for everyone. But for those who want to, there is no harm in trying. After all, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is one way for you to grow. And that would not happen if you would just settle for less. ;
If you think living independently is what you need, then don’t hesitate to make adjustments for you to achieve it. It is not completely impossible. You just need the right amount of patience and determination.
Meta title: How to Live Alone on a Tight Budget
meta desc: The joy of living alone is incomparable when you value peace in your life. While it may be difficult for those who live on a low income, it is not impossible to do so. Read on to find out what you can do to live alone even on a budget.
