Life Before Lectures — Worked Example
Independent living in Boulder, CO before classes begin
This example shows what one intentional year could look like for an 18-year-old who lives independently near the University of Colorado, works two part-time jobs, pays ordinary living expenses, and prepares for whatever comes next.
| Room / Area | Total |
|---|---|
| Entire Apartment / General | $192 |
| Sleeping Area / Bedroom | $559 |
| Living Area | $646 |
| Kitchen | $436 |
| Bathroom | $84 |
| Work / Study Area | $79 |
| Furnishings & Household Supplies | $1,996 |
| Security Deposit | $900 |
| Apartment Application Fee | $50.00 |
| Total Needed to Move In | $2,946 |
Basic furniture, bedding, cookware, dishes, cleaning supplies, bathroom necessities, household tools, a television, and a small work/study setup.
The figures reflect modest, practical purchases rather than luxury furnishings. Full detailed list can be provided.
Park Mesa - $845/mo
Annex Flats - $787/mo
Parents could loan the student the initial Total Move-In-Need, to be paid back at the end of the year. The student should only use a debit card and NOT have any credit cards to avoid debt and spending beyond their means. Parents may help with true emergencies.
Beautiful, exciting, and picturesque Boulder sits in the Rocky Mountains at 5,400 ft, just a short drive to major ski resorts and home to the breathtaking University of Colorado. This school boasts a magnificent campus with nearly 37,000 students, and an incredible nightlife with such attractions as the eclectic and vibrant 4 block stretch called "Pearl Street Mall".
Life Before Lectures — Worked Example
A realistic budget built on modest wages and ordinary living costs
| Job | Hrs/Wk | Wage | Gross | FICA 7.65% |
State 5% |
Fed | Tithe 10% |
Net/Wk | Weeks | Net/Year | Net/Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Job 1 | 20 | $15.00 | $300.00 | ($22.95) | ($15.00) | $0.00 | ($30.00) | $232.05 | 50 | $11,602.50 | $966.88 |
| Job 2 | 28 | $15.00 | $420.00 | ($32.13) | ($21.00) | $0.00 | ($42.00) | $324.87 | 50 | $16,243.50 | $1,353.63 |
| Total | 48 | $720 | ($55.08) | ($36.00) | $0.00 | ($72.00) | $556.92 | 50 | $27,846.00 | $2,320.05 |
| Expense | Annual | Monthly | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $900.00 | ||
| Utilities | $125.00 | ||
| Internet | $50.00 | ||
| Cell phone | $20.00 | ||
| Renter's insurance | $150 | $12.50 | |
| Car payment | $0.00 | $0.00 | Parents pay |
| Auto insurance | $0.00 | $0.00 | Parents pay |
| Health insurance | $0.00 | $0.00 | Parents pay |
| Fuel | $150.00 | ||
| Car repairs / oil | $200 | $16.67 | |
| Groceries — food | $250.00 | ||
| Groceries — non-food | $50.00 | ||
| Fast food | $50.00 | ||
| Dining out | $30.00 | ||
| Entertainment | $50.00 | ||
| Savings | $100.00 | ||
| Vacation | $1,000 | $83.33 | |
| Misc. household | $50.00 | ||
| Streaming | $20.00 | ||
| Health club | $0.00 | At apartment | |
| Haircuts | $25.00 | ||
| Presents | $500 | $41.67 | |
| Clothes | $400 | $33.33 | |
| Total Monthly Expenses | $2,058.00 |
At the end of the year, the student could repay the full amount advanced by the parents with the amount shown above in savings, and begin the next stage of life with a furnished household, work experience, and a full year of independent living behind him.
The numbers are not intended as a promise. They show one practical scenario in a college town where modest housing and ordinary entry-level wages (which are typically pentiful near a college campus) can make the plan workable.
This example is based on this specific town and apartments within a few miles of this campus. Housing costs and job opportunities will differ by city, and the same model may not work near every university.