Managing finances, buying a car.

[ItsElectric]

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

 

[Essex]

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

No magic way to stretch 500 a month into an independent wage.

 

[KiTTie8695]

Well however you do it, good luck ^_^

 

[The BTC Killer]

Sell drugs.

 

[iwant8inches]

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...

 

[philadelph]

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.

 

[ItsElectric]

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

 

[penguinsfan]

Yeah, you need to make considerably more money to do the things you want to do.

 

[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

 

[against_odds21]

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.

 

[ItsElectric]

What do you think the payments will be per month if I got a 3 year loan?

-ItsElectric

 

[penguinsfan]

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.