TJ - You were right to catch the contradiction between first post – I did state that my roommate was not a friend. My first post was me trying to learn to take risk/steps without being dependent on my roommate. I guess I’m still trying to figure out how to do adult things with my money, resources and time following mustachian principles. So I was trying to discourage the “drive your roommate’s car” advice as we really are different people, different lives and different priorities. At the time, she was still unemployed and really really stressed out. It wasn’t a good time to lean on her for social support/car buying, and I needed to find my own way. I should not have been so misleading. Sorry, really.
Regarding the rent discrepancy, the 3rd roommate was paying 200/month for a while to make up for bailing out of the lease (she moved in with her folks). So I was paying 900 until October, then I picked up her 200 monthly contribution recently, so I’m now paying 1100. Allison was paying $600 the whole time.
As others pointed out – my question wasn’t very clear. For those asking if Allison and I talked about it – yes, to some extent. But at the end of the day – talking about it doesn’t change her circumstance – she feels bad, and it isn't my intention to bring it up frequently and remind her. I’ve also realized that I can’t change her financial, motivation or priorities. That is her decision. So yes, (Johnny849), you are right, telling her to have an emergency fund in a year isn’t necessarily going to go over very well. I’ve told her that I’m looking at other jobs, but I’m not planning on getting serious about it for another 9 months at the earliest. And at the end of the day – she still might not be financially where she needs to be for the time when I leave and I might just have to accept that. I guess all I can really do right now is budget my funds carefully and give her as much warning as I can.
Regarding the $600 rent situation – if I could, I would offer the situation to Allison – but the offer was extended by a couple that I go to church with – they want me to tutor their daughter in the afternoons – I work 6–3:30. I don’t think they would extend the offer to Allison and I don’t think Allison would make that commitment.
For now, we still have a few months before the lease renewal, so I’m just going to see if I can flex some mustachian muscles and see if I can pick up couponing or maybe consider tutoring the daughter anyway for second income. Allison and I will likely look for cheaper alternatives, but we have a pretty good deal for the area as it is. This is the first time for me living in a high cost of living area - so the concept of paying so much for rent is hard for me. My hometown has apartments for $400/month.
Anyway, I’d delete the post so no one felt compelled to respond or rereading, but it won’t allow me to and I’m grateful for those who took the time to respond! It has given me something to think about!!! This forum has been so wonderful!