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Re: Budgeting -
April 16th 2021, 04:06 PM
The first thing you should do is calculate how much your bills will be. How much is cable/internet/phone (if you have it)? How much will utilities cost, will it be a monthly/quarterly/twice yearly payment? How much will electricity cost. This one fluctuates the most so it's best to wait a year or two before you really settle on a number to put aside.
Compare the total cost of that — and for now, just assume your electricity will fluctuate between an amount you choose — with how much you get from paychecks per month. How much do you have at the end of each month, after all paychecks have come in and all your bills are cleared?
Pets can be the most unpredictable, even more so than your energy bill. Think about how much you spend on everything to support the quality of life for your guinea pigs. How often do you do it; ie, buy them new food, change out their cages, etc? It's also a good idea to consider previous vet bills and how much they might cost... I would put a significant amount of your income towards that just in case; but only do it every few months, not monthly... unless, of course, either one of your guinea pigs have an ongoing health issue.
The other thing I am thinking of is more for the long run; but consider setting something up — either at the bank or a chosen secure location in your new apartment — where you set aside a small portion of your paycheck and any other income (birthday money, holiday money, etc) to use as a sort of emergency fund.
As for spending things, ask your parents and anyone else to give you gift cards from now on instead of actual gifts. This doesn't mean they will never be able to give you gifts; but if you have, for example, Amazon gift cards, you can use that to pay for things instead of paying with your debit/credit card. I got a $15 gift card to Starbucks for Easter, it saves me from having to pay for about three cups of coffee. Just something to consider. 
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