mountainsoft
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
Our 30 year old daughter finally got an apartment of her own! She has been working two part time jobs and not really getting anywhere. We've been trying for years to encourage her to find a better full time job, but that seemed to fall on deaf ears. She generally works 6-7 days a week, sometimes 10-12 hours a day. But the hours vary and the pay is low, so her total income has remained low.
Anyway, I found a duplex apartment in town, checked it out on my own and let the landlord know her situation. He's a nice guy and was willing to work with her to move in, renting month-to-month, no lease, etc. The apartment is in good condition, and so far he has been really prompt with the few minor repairs that were needed.
While we are excited for her, we're still a bit nervous as the rent is about half of her take home pay. With utilities, car insurance, groceries, etc. that leaves her very little money for emergencies or personal expenses. She has never been a big spender, but she hasn't had to struggle with money before either. We have tried to supply the basics to get her set up as best as possible, but now it will be up to her. We're hoping the change will be positive, and hopefully be the incentive she needs to find a better job.
On our end, it will be interesting to see how much our expenses go down, if any. At the same time, we are losing the money she was paying us for rent, so we won't be saving as much for retirement. For now we've pushed back our estimated retirement date about six months, but will reevaluate once we're in our new normal.
Even though she was rarely home anyway, it is weird to walk around the house and see all of her things gone. Or the little changes in our routines, saying good morning, or sending her off to work. My wife and I are enjoying our new empty nest freedom so far, but has been an adjustment. It will take a while to adapt to only planning meals for two. Our daughter is not very expressive and doesn't like to talk about her feelings, so it has been hard to read what she thinks of the change. We can't tell if she is excited, or feels pushed out. Either way, I think the change will be good for her.
Anyway, I found a duplex apartment in town, checked it out on my own and let the landlord know her situation. He's a nice guy and was willing to work with her to move in, renting month-to-month, no lease, etc. The apartment is in good condition, and so far he has been really prompt with the few minor repairs that were needed.
While we are excited for her, we're still a bit nervous as the rent is about half of her take home pay. With utilities, car insurance, groceries, etc. that leaves her very little money for emergencies or personal expenses. She has never been a big spender, but she hasn't had to struggle with money before either. We have tried to supply the basics to get her set up as best as possible, but now it will be up to her. We're hoping the change will be positive, and hopefully be the incentive she needs to find a better job.
On our end, it will be interesting to see how much our expenses go down, if any. At the same time, we are losing the money she was paying us for rent, so we won't be saving as much for retirement. For now we've pushed back our estimated retirement date about six months, but will reevaluate once we're in our new normal.
Even though she was rarely home anyway, it is weird to walk around the house and see all of her things gone. Or the little changes in our routines, saying good morning, or sending her off to work. My wife and I are enjoying our new empty nest freedom so far, but has been an adjustment. It will take a while to adapt to only planning meals for two. Our daughter is not very expressive and doesn't like to talk about her feelings, so it has been hard to read what she thinks of the change. We can't tell if she is excited, or feels pushed out. Either way, I think the change will be good for her.
