How much money should we save to get our own apartment?

Question

We are getting married in February of 2009. We want to move next month around my birthday (which is October 14). The apartments are all bills paid and start at $600 a month. They are right next door to my college. We also have a 07 Kia Optima and the car note is $390 a month.

Then, we have to pay for tutition, books, supplies, food and furniture (we live with my mom now lmao we are only 17 and 19!), gas, clothes, savings, etc. He has a job at UPS and will double shift to make extra money to save (like almost $400 a week) and I only work one day a week making like $50 a week (I quit the other job a few weeks ago so I could focus on school). I feel bad about it now and applied at Hollister yesterday. My interview is tomorrow.

So how much should we save to buy stuff like furniture and food?

Thank you so much for the answers!

I got the job at Hollister and my mom told me that she'll give us $1000. I am thankful for your advice!

Answer 1

In many apartments, major appliances like a stove and refrigerator will be included. Try to find one where they are - otherwise figure over $1000 new for the two, less if you can find used ones.

You can very possibly pick up some of your furniture used. Even then though, it will probably cost you around $500-$1000 for a minimum amount of furniture, and that's getting most of it from Goodwill.

There are lots of other things you'll need to if you don't already have them - towels, linens, dishes, pans. utensils......

Figure you'll be spending at least $100 a week at the grocery store including things like paper products and soap in addition to food - and that's if you really like to eat cheap stuff.

Answer 2

First and last month rent and security deposit so maybe 1,800 for the landlord. If you want you can buy used furniture or get some on freecycle or ask your families for things they aren't using. You don't need a lot of furniture a bed is most important and something to sit on would be nice. A folding table can be your dining table or I knew one couple that used an ironing board.
The problem is you may not get a lease if you aren't 18 yet so wait until after your birthday.
Staying with your mom would save you a lot of money making paying for college easier.

Answer 3

You can also get good furniture from Craigslist.com, in your area for free or really cheap. I furnished my house with things from there and it is good stuff. There are some people that try to get rid of junk, but you can filter them out. Contact other students for whatever they want to get rid of, barter.