Leaving home at 17

d4n13773

kammyk wrote: »

Just £15?! :T your not eating the cat food are you?!:rotfl:

No but the cat turns her nose up at some of the stuff I eat!

I learned to eat cheaply when I first left home, at that time I was vegetarian, though I'm not now I don't need meat at every meal. I was earning about £2/hour working in a supermarket. i quickly learned that most of the cheap own brand stuff was pretty ok. i'm not a fussy eater so buy a lot of reduced stuff. I also learned what keeps beyond its sell by date and what freezes ok. I've just started baking my own bread as that has shot up in price recently, I usually take sandwiches or home made soup (made from what ever veggies I have) for lunch at work. And have porridge for breakfast.

I live on my own and try not to waste stuff, as well as shopping at a cheaper supermarket and taking advantage of BOGOFs etc. I didn't realise this was such a low amount for a single person?

hullight

I have been reading the forums and have seen that the 'sweet spot' for rent is about a third of take home pay - which isn't that much for me. I feel like I'm at the point where I could do it on my own and struggle a bit, or club together with someone and have it easy.

Just need to find someone in a similar situation to me! :beer:

MissEyre

IveSeenTheLight wrote: »

Do you seriously get buy on only £15 per week on your food, toiletries and cat food?

Can you please send me the recipes you use as for me and the wife we usually spend between 2-300 pounds per month on "supermarket" bills?

We know this is high and are looking at ways to reduce this, but still would appreciate your advice on how to get this so low.

Head over to the OS board-they have some great tips on reducing your monthly food bills. If you join the Grocery Challenge it will really focus your mind! I have set £30 a week as my starting point, and expect to get that down to £20 a week within a couple of months, for food, toiletries and cleaning stuff. It can be done!

shelley_crow

When you move out, look into working tax credit. If you are single and earning under 15k (i think) then you should be entitled to something (might not be a lot but it all helps). I was thrown at at 18 while still doing my A Levels. I worked P/T in a pub and earned about £70 per week. Although the circumstances are slightly different, i would echo what other MSErs have said and save as much as you can until you move out. If you don't need that money straight away then i'd put it aside for when you need it. Good luck

hullight

shelley_crow wrote: »

When you move out, look into working tax credit. If you are single and earning under 15k (i think) then you should be entitled to something (might not be a lot but it all helps). I was thrown at at 18 while still doing my A Levels. I worked P/T in a pub and earned about £70 per week. Although the circumstances are slightly different, i would echo what other MSErs have said and save as much as you can until you move out. If you don't need that money straight away then i'd put it aside for when you need it. Good luck

As far as I can tell, I need to be disabled, responsible for a child or over 25 and working more than 30 hours a week.

Melissa177

I grew up just outside of Hull, and have lived apart from my parents since I was 17 (albeit at Uni for some of those years). Living on you independence which builds maturity - something you already seem to have plenty of already.

The MSE thing to do would be to stay at home and save your cash. To be honest, if you have itchy feet and a job, why not branch out and find somewhere to rent? Rent is cheap in Hull - there are lots of one bed flats in the city centre on the market. It might be tight, but it will teach some good fiscal responsibility (not that you sound like you need teaching), and when the next challenge comes along - a new job, perhaps in a different city or country - you'll be ready to stand on your own two feet. An independent minded person like yourself might want to set up your own business. Having responsibility at a young age will help you.

Check out the Hull Daily Mail for accommodation, it's always a good start. My aunt has a flat in the Old Town that she is thinking about renting out at the moment (it's vacant, she's just bought a house with her fiance), and rents seem fairly cheap.

Fergie73

Bedsits are great. I had a couple when I first moved out, and I was on a similar kind of wage to you. They give the best of both worlds - independence, a place to lock the door, cooking facilities - but all bills and council tax thrown in so you can budget better, and company if you want it. Shared houses can be fun but hell too.

If you go for a flat rather than a room/bedsit you find costs can run away sometimes. Council tax, gas and electric (landlords often don't bother about cost effective heating systems) etc can all mount up, on top of a rent which is already much more than a room. But you have the benefit of not having to share a bathroom or kitchen, so that may be worth the extra expense.

Good luck with it. I'm sure you'll be fine and probably very happy doing it!

Tassotti

hullight wrote: »

As far as I can tell, I need to be disabled, responsible for a child or over 25 and working more than 30 hours a week.

Ha ha that made me laugh..Thanks..

Whatever you decide to do, ENJOY yourself. You are 17 and it is the time to have fun before you find yourself old and have too many responsibilitites.

Good Luck

Tass

21castlehill

Don't forget to budget for Insurance,
1 for your scooter &
2 for your possessions

Also TV licences as OP said already (if you have one)

azjh77

I left home - many years ago! - at 18 and looking back I should have probably waited a few years living rent free at home to build up a bigger savings pot. And once you have your own place it is hard to move back..I can't imagine living at my Mum's house now (although with 4 kids she wouldn't want me but thats beside the point!)

I'm sure you'll be fine whatever you decide, you seem like a very sensible lad (how patronising does that sound!) Good Luck!