So, I started using budgeting software and I realized that I'm spending
a lot of my money on mental illness related things, which include therapy visits and medication. We're talking $130
a month, or $1560 a year. Ouch. Here is a breakdown:
- Therapy: 4x a month, $20 copay each session -- $80
- Medication: $30+ a month
- Medication appointment: $20 copay, 1x a month
My monthly pay is fine, but I have student loans and a car loan. I can't even afford to move out of my house because the cost of living is insanely high (Boston). Like, $1100 a month for a 500 sq ft apartment, then $300-400 a month for overnight parking (depending on the season). Utilities not included. Too much for too little.
I would do a roommate, but I don't trust people, and when I
did have roommates before, they stole from me... repeatedly! So that is part of my problem. Major anxiety.
Moving out of the city would make no difference. Sure, I could get the apartment down to $900 a month instead, but then I'll spend $200 a month in gas probably. (I was a moron and bought an SUV in 2014.) And I'll still have to pay for parking. Company doesn't pay for it.
And then there is the added stress of getting in/out of the city.
What would you guys suggest? I need therapy on a weekly basis (4x a month), but I guess it's not something I can afford anymore if I ever want to move out. At best, I can do 1x a month to save myself $60... which is good because my health isn't so great recently and I tend to spend $60 a month in copays between GP/specialist visits and temporary medication. So I have to save every penny I can.
BTW, I *do* need a car. I have two offices at my work now: one in Boston itself and one about 40 mins away from Boston. (But I'll have to stay in Boston more often than the other office... so it's cheaper to stay in Boston. Plus, apartments outside of Boston have surged in price. Everyone is moving out of the city instead of living in it, so inside the city is cheaper.) I don't want to give up the SUV; it's almost paid off and I love it too much.