Managing finances, buying a car.

I

ItsElectric

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Currently, I'm working on trying to get all of my finances and everything straightened out. I'm not in debt, I go to college and I'm looking for a reliable used car. Unfortunately, I work at Big Lots making $6.25 an hour and it doesn't seem to be coming together for me.

I'm also trying to get my own plan or room with a friend of mine, but with no car and only making about $580/month I'm finding it to be difficult. I live with my best friend and his parents and I believe they're getting tired of me living here and giving me rides to work and school.

I tried to estimate the cost of gas for going to school 4 days a week (35 minute drive once a day), going to work and just going to necessary places (store etc..) but I'm not too sure about how I would afford getting a place after getting a car.

From what I have seen on here a lot of you guys are financially successful and I'm sure would have some good advice to give me. I don't have any money saved up and I have a cell phone bill to pay every month which totals about $55 a month.

So I'm begging you guys to give me some financial advice wether it be on buying used cars or finding a good, cheap place. ANYTHING is appreciated and I'm hoping to have a lot of feedback on this thread. :)

-ItsElectric
 
You are working backwards. You need to find a better job somehow.

No magic way to stretch 500 a month into an independent wage.
 
find a new job...do something easy...home depot or something...can get a job answering the phone for like 10 dollars an hour...i am applying this week. lol I only make 7.98 an hour right now...lose the cell phone for at least a few months...we once used to be able to function without them...other than that...the job at big lots has got to go soon...
 
Get a motorcycle instead of a car. Cheap on gas and you should be able to find a good running one for under 1000, plus insurance is cheap as hell. Also get a better job! Try getting into waiting tables, it is great money.
 
Ok, so I'll start looking for a new job as soon as I can. Any suggestions on used cars since I need to get one of those before I start looking into moving out.

I would love to get a motorcycle, but with Winter not too far around the corner I wouldn't be able to drive it.

-ItsElectric
 
Ok, well I still at least need to get a car but I dunno really where to start. I'm skeptical of used car dealerships due to all of the bad stories I've heard, but there's no way I can afford monthly payments on a new one. Also, I think I'll need a co-signer if I try to get a loan for a new or used car.

-ItsElectric
 
Don't go to a dealer. Check out auto trader or similar magainzines. You could get a Cavilier or S10 for around 3k. Talk to the banks about a loan, but try and keep it to three years or less on the payments. Don't quit your job before getting another.
 
Your payments will depend on the sales price. What do you think is the most you can afford as a car payment? Consider your other expenses and give us an honest assessment. That will tell a great deal about what kind of purchase is wise for you.
 
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