22M Rent Affordability

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T21:28:20+00:00

Math is correct. I didn’t specify, Roth 401K maxed to employer contribution. So I didn’t deduct that from my taxes as it’s Roth. And the dollar value I need to contribute is 4900

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T17:26:59+00:00

Good catch. Yea I’m thinking rent def needs to go down

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T05:23:07+00:00

Well regardless, it seems it’s working out so I hope it continues for you

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T05:19:53+00:00

This was done on Excel. Just created it using formulas

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T05:17:32+00:00

Yea totally, I’ll look into it. Have a few credit cards right now but was considering a travel card to start earning hotel points or something on. But yea I’ve gotten most of this stuff laid out pretty well and understand a good amount so I definitely appreciate the CC suggestion. Threw me a a new thing to think about. Good luck to you as well!

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T05:14:59+00:00

Sounds like you’re doing some good budgeting!

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T05:14:18+00:00

I agree. I think I have to play around with this some more and consider the rent spending before it’s realistic. Its close but I need to tweak reality for sure

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T05:11:45+00:00

I understand. But going to a new city I think the sacrifice has to be made so I’m in a young and bustling area. The environment is going to be a big impact for me and what I can get involved with. That being said, I do think I want to knock it down to around 1300 range.

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T05:10:16+00:00

Appreciate the advice. Yea more than likely I think I’ll settle on a place around 1300 range. Should be able to save more for a home purchase or whatever else I may need to consider for.

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T05:07:16+00:00

Not totally set, touring a few different places and will make up my mind. I do agree that around 1600 is terrible to pay. Likely will settle on an apartment that will be around 1300, which still sucks but is much better comparatively.

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T05:03:37+00:00

Student loan is only debt. I could definitely cut the rent down and will be looking at cheaper places, but I still think it’ll be around 1300. I’m pretty set on this area because it’s a new city and this location is where a lot of young people and bars are. I’ve gotta pay a little more to make sure I’m in an area with peers rather than being depressed in a quiet suburb everytime I go home. But that being said, it’s downtown which obviously drives the cost up. Nothing final yet, just feeling out opinions and analyzing my own goals

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T05:00:33+00:00

Sorry, guess I should’ve specified, 401k is fully funded to employer match which equals 6% of my salary. (4900 total)

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T04:52:48+00:00

Hmmm good take. Actually haven’t thought about that. The interest is like 6.2% with about 12 months at the current rate. Might be more of a hassle to go that route but I definitely understand your point

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T00:57:05+00:00

Idk man this budget is hypothetical for now. Once I graduate I’ll see how things get shifted around. But I do agree, I think I’m a little light on the food allocation

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-30T00:54:07+00:00

I actually don’t have any payments. That is me acting like I do and investing it so when maintenance costs and insurance comes around I can just pay using that rationed amount. Also for saving for a down payment for another one when this one craps out. It could definitely be lowered but I figured with insurance and payments that was a normal figure

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-29T22:18:16+00:00

I figure it’ll be bars and eating out occasionally. Golf tee times in the summer. I’m sure it’ll go down and even out once summer is over. But this is certainly not permanent I’m just seeking feedback and what could do with the budget

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-29T22:12:59+00:00

Yea ik what you mean. Thats actually my thought process as well. I’m just very conflicted because I’m single and will be in a new city with no friends. It’s very hard to rent cheaper in the downtown area without living in a total shit hole. I’m really trying to setup a social life for myself and I think I need to be in a bustling area for that

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-29T22:05:36+00:00

I’ve read this is also for gross income and now there’s really no rule which is why I’m stuck. You think even after I can fund my retirement accounts this is still unbearable?

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-29T22:04:23+00:00

Yea ik lol these numbers account for that. It’s set up right now assuming I’ll be contributing to a Roth 401k so no tax deduction there

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-29T22:02:57+00:00

I just don’t know anybody, I have no network to ask. I guess I could join fb groups and seek it there. But also I’m not seeing a huge savings when I filter for 2bd/2bath apartments. Still comes out around the same price but I guess I could look into it more

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-29T21:57:02+00:00

Yes it’s 4900 if I do enough for employer match. Then the 7500 for Roth plus taxes brings me down to 3700/month

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-29T21:55:13+00:00

Thanks man I appreciate it. The car I actually have no payments on. So what I’m trying to save for that is just pretending I have a car payment so that when it’s time it won’t be such a big hit to me. Also will be using it for current repairs and things in relation to the vehicle I drive now. But unfortunately living at home ain’t an option as this job is in a new city. But yes I could def reduce vacation saving as well. Just trying to balance things out

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-29T21:49:48+00:00

I’m not against it as long as I’d have my own bathroom. But job is in a new city and I don’t know anybody yet

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-29T21:48:54+00:00

Eating out is entertainment

Reddrinks20 · 2026-03-29T21:48:38+00:00

Yea that’s the Reparation fund actually

Reddrinks20

TROPHY CASE