Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

68ch t1_j6im7mx wrote

So I did some math: 65k would be roughly 54k after tax (per smartasset.com calculator for married filing jointly), which is about 4500 monthly. Rent (for an ok place in safe neighborhood) - 1600 (ex: https://newjersey.craigslist.org/apa/d/lodi-bedroom-for-rent/7579087792.html) Utilities (electric + internet, heat/water is included in rent) - 100 Car payment + insurance - 500 Groceries (incl household items) - 800 Health insurance - varies but I played with getcovered.nj.gov and the cheapest plan was $51/mo for 2 with 65k income. Let’s call it $100 for a slightly better plan. Gas - 100 Phone plan - 100

So bare bones expenses would be 3300, leaving 1200 for others (clothing, eating out, shopping, subscriptions, personal care, etc.) which I think is doable, especially if it’s only temporary until your husband finds a job.

This is assuming no debt and no expensive medical care. Could cut back more if you can find a cheaper place (maybe central/south jersey), use mint mobile (cheaper phone plan), buy used car (historically cheaper than new cars but idk about the second hand market now), or really budget on making grocery money last with no eating out.

6