I have only started reading the blog and following along on the forums for a few months now. I never considered myself super consumeristic and have always been leery of the classic American dream (accumulate as many things as possible). I feel like this blog really gets it and I want to pursue financial freedom.
However, I think I may have made a few mistakes before reading this blog. The first mistake was going to a private college and racking up $50k of student loan debt. The second, more recent mistake was taking out a loan for a car. I bought a 2008 Prius (85k miles) for $10.5k and I still owe ~$5k. It's a great car, but I'm not sure I should own it in my current situation. I also consider myself handy enough to not need such a new and reliable car.
I am 27 year old single male.
Here is the breakdown of my monthly expenses:
Rent: $283 (I live in Kansas City with 2 roommates... pretty damn cheap)
Utilities: ~$100 (utilities and internet)
Car: $375 (This is combining my car payment, full coverage insurance, gas ~$50, and maintenance)
Phone: ~$20 (I am always changing my phone around because I'm still kind of a consumer, but I am on Republic Wireless currently)
Food: $220 (This is groceries and eating out)
Giving: $200 (I'm not sure if this is going to continue)
Other random expenses: ~$100 (this is shopping, dating, necessities...)
Income: $2800/mo
Whatever is left after my expenses goes directly towards high interest student loans.
Before you get started... I'm going to be a complainy pants and say that I live 13 miles from work. I would absolutely love to bike to work because I love riding my bike (and I have a few times), but there are no showers there and I do face to face customer service. I only ride my bike when I don't need to look professional. Honestly, my dream is to live within 10 miles from work (where I can store things and shower occasionally) and bike everyday.
Your thoughts!