Should I buy or budget... need some advice

I’m working part-time because I am in school full-time, and the program I’m in is very intense (grad program). I have my own apartment and I basically cover my rent from my part-time job. Everything else, like bills, I use my student loans to cover.

Rent is $1.9k, utilities are about $185, gym is $40, groceries are $100-150 weekly (including my meal prep service), and gas is $80 weekly. I’m trying to think about purchases before I impulse buy—like do I really need it or is it a want?

I am no longer spending money on makeup, but I’m thinking of spending on home furniture—like new bedsheets, a dresser for my closet to optimize my space, and possibly a vanity. Then some wall décor. I feel silly spending money on these things. I was looking into buying a new couch too since I’ve had mine for about 4 years now, but I guess that can wait until I hit the 5-year mark or when I graduate. I only have about 2 years left of school. I just want to optimize my apartment and make it cute and cozy to my liking, but everything is so expensive. If not now, then when?

When you’re working full-time.

I assume you will move post-completion of your graduate program. Wait to buy any new furniture until then. Just because something works in apartment A doesn’t mean it will in apartment B. Life in a university town has taught me that the end of spring semester and summer is great for finding gems on Facebook Marketplace, like things a 22-year-old bought a month and a half ago but can’t move across the country.

This is a good point. Moving sucks, and the more furniture you have, the worse it is.

You could move to a cheaper place and decorate it. It won’t be so sad to see you spending all of your money on rent.

You should budget and know if you still have excess money for buying those things that you listed. You can try tracking it to know if you go beyond or below your budget. Use an app like Copilot, Tracky, or Fina for better financial tracking.

Since money is tight, it’s good that you’re thinking before buying. Prioritize what will improve your daily life the most, like a dresser for better storage or new bedsheets for comfort. Decorative items and a new couch can probably wait until after graduation when your budget is better. You can also check Facebook Marketplace or thrift stores for cheaper options.

Save up for the things you want and don’t spend money that you don’t have. Give every dollar a job. Even if you have $3k in your bank account right now, you need $1.9k of it for rent, $200 for utilities, etc. After all the deductions, if you have money left over, you can buy some upgrades. If not, save up, cut out some things, and make more money.

When I did my undergrad, I lived with my parents. I worked full-time for 1.5 years and then started my graduate program. I’m expected to graduate next year, so I’ve been at my apartment for 4 years. The cost of living in my area is high since I’m close to NYC. I had to take out loans for school and to help out with my living expenses since I’m my sole provider. After graduation, I plan to work full-time, probably a full-time and a part-time job to save money and pay off credit cards. It’s just hard doing everything alone and it’s scary, but I’m also trying to be financially responsible.

Could you put some money away towards those goals now and buy later?

See what furniture is available on Facebook Marketplace. You may be surprised by the quality and price.