upgrade

 after viewing the apartment ..... i would definitely want the upgraded one if i can. the lowest tier didn't have a dw or disposal which were major selling points. And honestly that carpet was so warn down and it had a weird smell.

lets test some numbers:

income: $3087 + 175 = 3262 = 3260

$1200 Rent

$30 internet -- address qualifies for the discount internet like present. 

$90 utilities ([50-60] MG&E electric, portal: trash [10]& gas [50-60 in winter], pest [5 if needed])

$271 loan --> pay it back with student loan (could be until May that i even see financial aid)

$120 (25, 40, 50) credit 

$35 payment for flight up there to look at apartments. (this is almost paid off)

$70 Joint membership 

$235 car payment

$90 car insurance 

$370 health insurance through marketplace

$117 student loans (current is $170 but it will be redone in May; i applied for SAVE program)

$200 groceries 

$90 pets

$20 subscriptions ($9 hulu, $7 pandora, $1 cloud space)

$90 gas (only 6 min from work!! Might be able to get it even lower tbh) 

$75 savings 

$ 6 laundry (coin operated - 1.50 per load)

$50 Roth IRA

-------------------------------------------------------

2743 = 2750... almost 300 wiggle room BEFORE any bonus pay. 

If i'm spending $120-$130 in gas each month traveling 240 (to see mom) plus 129 (32 miles 4 times a week to work) for 4 weeks = 756 miles a month for $130 in gas each month. 

If i lived 6 minutes/3 miles away instead of 16.7 miles away.... I could get like 1 tank of gas to last almost 2 weeks, plus seeing mom, so like... 2.5 tanks a month maybe? thats like $90 in gas. 

so with the lowering of gas and student loan repayment, and making sure i actually turn off electrical stuff if i'm not using it I can afford the nicer apartment WITH some wiggle room. Theres like no parking for guests so that will be a treat to figure out, but the walls didn't seem that thin, it had an indoor hallway with locking doors for entry - meaning its safe, heated, and less chance of burglary... the reviews have been very favorable of management and maintenance. 

- kitchen is smaller but with a dining room area it gives additional space for coffee nook, pantry shelving, and deep freeze. 

- living room will comfortably fit the couch, coffee table, and book shelves.

- guest room will comfortably fit the bed, desk, second coffee table, otoman, and storage needs. 

- main bedroom will comfortably fit everything i currently have in my bedroom. 

- additional storage in basement for my tires. 

- bathroom is quite small; it may be too snug to fit the shelving i have however it has under sink storage AND A BATHTUB. 

- upgraded appliances: disposal, dishwasher, flat top stove all stainless steel

- upgraded flooring: no carpet = get a swiffer & a roomba, the floor is even there so easy clean

- upgraded kitchen counters and cabinets

- dumpsters <3

I would def be comfortable having people over and would be able to put up my decorations. (the walls are too hard here, i need actual screws and nails. there i just need thumbtakcs)

Honestly the upgraded portion makes me think of my apartment back in NC if it was just a tad bit nicer. 

it doesn't have a lot of space for snow, greenery wise. at all. theres a little bit of greenery between the buildings, i could also walk 15 min and get to some parks/walking trails.