I made it into DFW Saturday night right abou t 10 p.m.
I had a really great time in CA. There really wasn't any downsides, but I would say my two biggest highlights was getting to ride a couple of carnival rides with my brother, and having the chance to get to really know my sister in law.
I've spent the better part of three hours today updating YNAB. I really was in denial this month of my spending - I hadn't entered ANYTHING since May 6. Ooops!
My grandma and aunt each gave me enough money that completely covered my airfare and shuttle trips for the trip to my grandma's house, then back to my brother's house. That helped out a great deal.
One really big thing that came out of my trip --- the CA family is *really* wanting me to move out there -- specifically to Loma Linda. I'm considering it.
There's a number of things that would have to happen for me to go. The first has to do with a particular situation with a family member here. The second would be that I would have a job with much better pay and comparable benefits lined up *before* going.
I'd possibly be sharing a house with my grandma and dad -- with the intention to save most of my income for two years and purchase a home of my own.
I'm working on a pro and con list for this idea. In another post I may share some of my list and see what ya'll think.
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My computer is driving me nuts. Whenever I click on one of those click boxes I have to double check that it actually got checked. Also, I can't sign in to HSBC because when I try to do the security key my mouse keeps double clicking the letters! I've ran a spyware and a virus scan, and am not sure what else to do!
Back in Texas - But for how long?
June 2nd, 2008 at 02:05 am
June 2nd, 2008 at 02:33 pm 1212417217
June 2nd, 2008 at 08:01 pm 1212436889
My only advice is don't get sucked in by the wages. I don't know the particular area. But I've seen way too many people sucked in here by promises of high wages only to be dumbstruck at how expensive everything is. They always leave saying, "I knew it was expensive, but I had no idea it was this bad." BTW, they always come in saying. "Can you believe I make twice as much for the same job?" The novelty wears off quickly.
Just tread carefully. You certainly have an advantage though, to be able to live with relatives. Good Luck on whataver you decide.
June 2nd, 2008 at 08:46 pm 1212439585
I'm working on it.
MM,
From what I could tell in the few days I stayed in Loma Linda with my Grandma, the main difference in cost was gas. We shopped at Stater Bros and Trader Joe's. Stater Bros didn't seem that much different in price than here in Dallas, and Trader Joe's seemed to almost LESS on a lot of things.
As far as housing, that is definitely more expensive - but, at least in that area, not too much more so. Especially the rents (at least the ones advertised in the local paper.)
When I lived in CA before (Turlock - 1997-1999) I paid $450/mo for a nice sized two-bedroom apartment. Here in Dallas I pay $660/mo for a 737 sqft 1-bedroom apt. in a not so good area.
So, I think it really does have a lot to do with where in CA you live. For example, my brother and sil live in the Bay area and work in Napa valley. When my brother graduated from college in 2002, the cheapest entree at the restaurant was ~12 -- here in TX you could find essentially the same dish for ~7.
A lot of my expenses though will be less if I end up sharing a household with family. Although my plan is to make that as short term a solution as possible.
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:59 am 1212454740