Ive read that NH is succumbing to the recession like everywhere else, altho not as badly. Look around, save up before you go, and take a lesser job until you can get settled.
My plan is to save several thousand dollars in FRNs and silver, then get a cheap apartment somewhere in NH, find a job that gets me started, and then look further. I am a good saver, so I should be able to pay rent, food, utilities, and still save, even on $7.25 an hour, which is $1160. I can live on that and save at least $100 a month easily. I also may have some self-employment that could be transferred up there easily.
You're very optimistic! haha. I think you can definitely do it if you put your mind to it, though. I'm not quite sure about surviving on roughly $1,000 per month after taxes. The reason I say this is because most apartments I've seen, alone, are at least $600 per month for a one bedroom. Then you have to include utilities, the option to eat, and transportation. I suppose it
is possible but looking from out of state it's looking extremely tight. Maybe I've just been looking at apartments in the wrong areas?
When I moved back here, I took a $1/hr pay cut. I had a 40% improvement in cashflow, between lower taxes and specifically moving close to where I would be working, thereby lowering my commuting costs. And I don't smoke, not drink in large quantities, so the lower taxes on those things didn't impact that.
That is actually a pretty awesome improvement! I did hear that the taxes on Cigarettes are lower; but I think that's a regional thing. As far as I know, they're on par with Ohio which is pretty high compared to the rest of our region (e.g. Kentucky). I don't know what your tax bracket is but I'm surprised to see the State and Local Income taxes making that large of a difference. Is there other taxes I'm missing out on? Maybe I'm just used to living in a really cheap state and didn't even realize it?
I'm not finding that to be the case at all, since I am moving within a few days from Long Island, a lot seems to be cheaper in NH compared to here.
Try renting a single room in a decent area for any less then $800 a month around here. Impossible. So I'll be renting for less and making the same amount I did here on Long Island, but without the Income and Sales tax. The other bonus is that I will be working on a farm and getting a lot of free food. Gas was cheaper. I found more options to buy bulk food in NH. More open areas and recreation. Less laws.
I completely agree with you. NH would be a lot cheaper than certain areas of the country. Especially somewhere like Long Island. However, my concern (not only for myself, but others) is that most people do not live in places like Long Island and may be coming from places, like where I live, where it is much cheaper?
Either way, that sounds like a huge win on your end! From what I've read, New York is no joke. $8 for cigarettes and insane State/Local/Property taxes! The option to buy bulk food was not something I considered since we have a Walmart at practically every highway exit from Toronto to the Southern Tip of Florida following I-75. (btw, I don't shop at Walmart, I just know it's available). I imagine Long Island, particularly, doesn't have the room and there's so many people the demand would be high, thus making the prices higher anyways.
So in your case, and many people like you, it looks like NH is actually a better option. I wonder (rhetorical) what percentage of people live in states more expensive than NH? Maybe NH is the middle-way; half live in cheaper areas and half live in more expensive areas?
Compared to the rest of the Northeast and other high-cost areas of the country (like California) the cost of living seems low to me. I did some calculations and figured I can live on ~$1000 a month with some decently careful budgeting (and roommates). Obviously it'd be more if you have a family to take care of.
I can see how it might seem high if you're from certain areas of the south (for instance). But keep in mind that average wages generally take that into account.
As far as the FSP helping people find work, it just doesn't seem viable, considering participants are coming in with widely varying skill-sets, experience, education levels, and goals. But it certainly can't hurt once you arrive to have a group of like-minded people to network with. I know that I'm planning on starting a business after I move (online education related) and I will be happy to consider free staters first and foremost when it comes to hiring, if all else is equal why not?
Again, I'm not sure on the $1,000 per month budget. I will agree that it is
possible, as I believe just about anything is possible if you can find a way. And like they say, where there is a will there is a way. I just haven't ran the numbers on that low of a budget to see it feasible. Of course, like you mentioned, my personal difference is supporting another person (my son). Unless I'm looking at the wrong areas, even a two bedroom apartment is going to run
at least $900 so you're looking at $450 per month in rent and giving yourself very little room for living expenses. That doesn't even include being safe by putting back a little bit just in case something happens (it always does).
And I
completely agree with you on the FSP not having the resources to find everyone work. That would just be crazy, especially when most people who are part of the FSP haven't even moved yet. I like the idea of starting your business there and giving priority to other Free Staters. I'm not the hiring type but I'd love to help out other Free Staters any way that I can if I decide to move my business instead of simply taking a job with an existing company.
By the way, to anyone who is planning on living on a very tight budget (Let's say $1,500 per month or less), would you mind to show me your actual numbers you're working with? e.g. Gross Income, Net Income, Housing, Transportation, Food, etc. Just a typical "Home Budget". I want to see if I'm neglecting something obvious that makes this feel more feasible to you? Thanks!