HOUSING

Moving out on your own is a big step. You will have to plan for this event long before
you will actually live independently, and you will need to prepare for this move with the
help of your biological or foster family, teen living program staff, your social worker, and
friends. By the time you move out, you must have saved some money for the start-up
costs. You will have to know where you want to live. You will need a steady income, a
support system, child care and you will have to be ready.

The Planning Stage

The better you have planned and prepared for moving out, the more successful you will
be. There are many things to be considered and many decisions to be made. Before
deciding what kind of living arrangement would best fit your needs, you have to think
about the geographical area you would like to live in. be sure to consider such factors as
availability of support systems, transportation, and location of work or school while
making your choice.
Which community would you like to live in?
________________________________________________________________________
Why? Explain your choice:

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Another important part of preparation to move out is the financial aspect. You will need
to save money for leaving care. The amount to be saved greatly depends on your future
plans, anticipated living situation, and preferences.
START UP COSTS / SAVING FOR LEAVING CARE
You will also have to save some money before moving out on your own. The amount of
money to be saved depends on your plans for life after care.
How much money do you think you will need to move out on your own?

Lets evaluate your estimate by taking a closer look at the start up costs associated with
living independently.
Rent and Security Deposit
Landlords usually require the first and last months rent before allowing a new tenant to
move into an apartment. (For more information, refer to Module IV.) Given the amount
you budgeted for rent, how much do you think you would need for a security deposit?

I would need $ _______________

Utility Deposits and Initial Service Fees
Some utility companies require security deposits or charge initial service fees. You will
be charged, for example, $37 by the phone company to initially connect your phone.
ACTIVITY
Call all appropriate utility companies and inquire about security deposits or initial
service fees and list them below.

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Security Deposits/Initial Service Fees

Phone
Electric
Gas
Oil
Cable

$_________________
$_________________
$_________________
$_________________
$_________________
TOTAL $_________________

Food, Cleaning Supplies, and Personal Care Items

When you start to live independently, your initial costs for food, cleaning supplies, and
personal care items will be somewhat higher for the first few weeks than you estimated in
your ongoing personal budget. With that in mind, establish how much you would have to
spend for food and household items for the first two weeks when living independently.
To be purchased:

I would need $_________________

Furniture, Appliances, and Household Items
Before you move into your own apartment, you will need at least basic furniture,
household items, and appliances. Some things you might be able to get from relatives,
friends, or foster parents while it will be necessary to purchase others. You might choose
to buy some items used, although some might only be found in department stores. (For
more information, refer to Module IV.)
ACTIVITY
Use the following checklist to estimate the costs of listed items by pricing them in
new and used furniture stores, flyers, newspaper ads, and department stores.

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Furniture/Appliances/Household Items
Item

Have It

Need It

Cost

Bed

$_______________

Crib/rib bumpers

$_______________

Changing table

$_______________

High chair

$_______________

Shelf or box for toys

$_______________

Safety gates

$_______________

Stroller

$_______________

Couch

$_______________

Table

$_______________

Chairs

$_______________

Lamp

$_______________

Bed/crib sheets/blankets

$_______________

Towels

$_______________

Bottles

$_______________

Pots & pans

$_______________

Dishes

$_______________

Silverware

$_______________

Cooking utensils

$_______________

Toaster

$_______________

Microwave

$_______________

Can opener

$_______________

Toilet plunger

$_______________

Shelf

$_______________

Bureau

$_______________

Dresser

$_______________

Television

$_______________

Stereo system

$_______________
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$_______________

Desk
First aid kid, including
infants/childrens Tylenol,
syrup of ipecac, thermometer

$_______________

Curtains/blinds/shades

$_______________

Toys

$_______________

Baby monitor

$_______________

Baby bath tub

$_______________

________________________

$_______________

________________________

$_______________

________________________

$_______________

________________________

$_______________
Total

$_______________

After adding the prices of each individual item, how much would you budget
for household items, furniture and appliances?

I would budget $_____________

Miscellaneous and Emergency Costs
It would be a good idea to budget for some unexpected or miscellaneous costs when
first moving out. For example, you should consider the cost of a moving van or rented
truck if you are planning to use one.
Are there costs which are not yet covered in your start up expenses? Can you think of
situations where some unexpected expense might come up? If so, describe.

How much would you budget for miscellaneous or unexpected expenses?

I would budget $______________

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To estimate your start up costs, add up all individual items.

FIRST MONTHS RENT AND LAST MONTHS
RENT/SECURITY DEPOSIT
UTILITY SECURITY DEPOSITS/INITIAL SERVICE
FEES
FOOD, CLEANING SUPPLIES, PERSONAL CARE I
TEMS
FURNITURE, APPLIANCES, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
BABY SUPPLIES/FURNITURE
MISCELLANEOUS AND UNEXPECTED EXPENSES
________________________________________________________________________
TOTAL ESTIMATE OF START UP COSTS
Your total estimate of start up costs might seem like a lot of money to you. As you did
with your personal budget, however, you can review each item and evaluate whether or
not you can get by with less money. Once you have established your final total, you will
need to develop a savings plan.
ACTIVITY
Estimate how much you will have to save each month to reach your goal prior to
leaving care.

I would have to save $_________________ per month.

Will it be easy or difficult for you to save this money? Describe.

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What could get in the way of reaching your savings goal?

If you have difficulty saving money in the bank, you can put items on layaway or
purchase household items before moving out. Develop strategies with your foster parent,
social worker, or teen living program staff to help you save for your start up costs.
My strategies are:

Finding an Apartment
Finding an apartment can be difficult for young parents starting out. Some landlords
prefer not to rent to young tenants due to the lack of references, potential income
restrictions, and general concerns about possible difficulties. In addition, landlords have
to obey safety restrictions pertaining to children, such as providing a lead free
environment. It might take some time, therefore, to find an apartment. However, if you
present yourself as a responsible tenant and have proof of a steady income, you will be
able to find an apartment which best suits your needs.
Imagine for a moment that you are a landlord. What kind of qualities would you look for
in a tenant?

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Landlords usually ask potential tenants to fill out a rental application to evaluate whether
or not the applicant will be responsible and financially stable tenant. So be prepared to
provide the following information:
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Current Address: _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Telephone number:
(Daytime): ________________________________________________________
(Evening): ________________________________________________________
Current Employer: ________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Salary: __________________ Supervisor: _____________________________________
Supervisors phone number: ________________________
List your previous addresses below, beginning with the most recent.
Address: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Monthly Rent: _________________ Landlord: _________________________________
Landlords phone number: ____________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Monthly Rent: _________________ Landlord: _________________________________
Landlords phone number: ____________________

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Personal Finances
Checking Account Number: ________________________________________________
Current Balance: _________________________________________________________
Savings Account Number: __________________________________________________
Current Balance: _________________________________________________________
Credit Card Company: _____________________________________________________
Credit Card Number: ______________________________________________________
Expiration Date: __________________________________________________________
Drivers License Number: __________________________________________________
Expiration Date: __________________________________________________________
References
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Telephone number: _______________________________________________________
Relation to you: __________________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Telephone number: _______________________________________________________
Relation to you: __________________________________________________________

It is important to answer all these questions correctly. Failure to do so can have legal
consequences!
Remember to ask permission before listing anyones name as a reference.
Before you can begin your search, you will have to establish what you are looking for
in an apartment.

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ACTIVITY
Use the following exercise to determine your needs and what is important to you by
circling the item which best reflects your preference.

Would you prefer to:

Live in a small 2 bedroom
apartment Have off-street parking
Live in an apartment complex
Pay more rent with utilities included
Have carpeting
Have a modern kitchen
Live on the first floor Have
plenty of closet space Have
air conditioning Have a
dark apartment Rent a
furnished apartment Live in
a safe neighborhood Have a
dishwasher
Live in a bigger, older apartment
Live close to a playground
Live in a neighborhood with lots of
children
Live on a main street

Live in a large 1 bedroom apartment

Be close to public transportation
Live in a duplex
Pay less rent with utilities extra
Have hardwood floors
Have a modern bathroom
Live on the third floor
Have a lot of cabinet space
Have secure doors and windows
Have a light apartment
Rent an unfurnished apartment
Live closer to downtown
Have access to a washer & dryer
Live in a newer, smaller apartment
Live close to a park
Live in a good school district
Live on a side street

Can you think of additional qualities that are important to you in an apartment? If so,
list them below.

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Other considerations before deciding on an apartment are utilities. Some apartments have
utilities, such as gas and water included in the rent, which is, therefore, somewhat higher.
Other landlords require tenants to pay their own electric and gas bills, charging lower
rent. (Note: For more information, refer to the Utilities section in this module or the
Budgeting section in Module I.)
What do you think would be the advantages and disadvantages of:
Utilities included in rent
Advantages

Disadvantages

Utilities excluded from rent

Advantages

Disadvantages

Which of the options would you prefer and why?

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Prior to looking for an apartment, you will also have to decide whether or not you are
willing to sign a detailed rental agreement, called a lease. Most landlords require tenants
to sign a lease, which defines responsibilities and expectations for both parties. Leases
offer protection to the tenant and the landlord. They are legal documents and, therefore,
binding. By signing a lease, tenants usually commit to keeping the apartment for 12
months and are held financially responsible for the rent during this period. Leases also
specify rules and restrictions for tenants, i.e. pets, use of the apartment facilities (pool,
laundry), noise levels, parking, etc. Most leases also require that tenants do not sublease
(rent the apartment to someone else) without permission.
In general, a lease is considered a legal contract whose conditions are agreed upon when
both the tenant and the landlord sign their names. So be sure to read the entire agreement
carefully and thoroughly before you sign a lease.
ACTIVITY
Read the sample lease below and answer the questions which follow.
st

This 1 day of September, 19__, _____________________________________________

herein called (Lessors) hereby lease to _______________________________________
herein called the (Lessee) the following premises: A first floor apartment located at
_______________________________________________________________________.
Rent per month: Six Hundred Thirty Five Dollars ($635.00), term: 12 months,
st
commencement date: September 1 , 19__.
1. Rent
The monthly rental to be paid by the Lessee for the apartment shall be as indicated above
st
to be paid on the 1 day of each and every month, in advance, so long as this Lease is in
force and effect.
2. Security Deposit
The Lessor agrees to hold the security deposit of Six Hundred Thirty Five dollars in an
interest bearing escrow account, as a security deposit for the full, faithful, and punctual
performance by the Lessee of all lawful covenants and conditions of this Lease. It is
understood that this security deposit may be applied to damages caused by the Lessee.
The Lessors will return the security deposit, less the amount applied to damages, with
interest as required by law and make a full accounting to the Lessee for all damages
applied within 30 days after the building is vacated. It is further understood that the
security deposit is not to be considered prepaid rent, nor shall damages be limited to
the amount of this security deposit.
3. Pets
The Lessee shall notify the Lessors of any pets the Lessee intends to keep on
the premises. All pets are subject to the discretion of the Lessors.

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4. Utilities
All electricity and gas charges to the apartment, including electricity and gas charges
for lighting, appliances, heating, ventilating, or air conditioning shall be paid for by the
Lessee.
5. Insurance
The Lessee understands and agrees that it shall be the Lessees own obligation to insure
her/his personal property located in the building, and the Lessee further understands that the
Lessors will not reimburse the Lessee for damage to the Lessees personal property.
6. Assigning/Subletting
The Lessee will not assign this lease, nor sublet the building or any part thereof, nor make
any alteration in the building without the Lessors prior consent in writing.
7. Nuisance
The Lessee shall not cause any nuisance or act in an unreasonable manner either to the
Lessors or to the other Lessees.
8. Mortgages
The Lessors shall have the right to mortgage and the Lessees rights thereunder shall be
subordinate to all mortgages now or hereafter of record affecting the real estate of which
the building forms a part.
9. Fire and Casualty
The Lessee will, in case of fire or other casualty, give immediate notice thereof to the
Lessors, who shall thereupon cause the damage to be repaired as soon as it is
reasonable and convenient for the Lessors, but if the building be so damaged that the
Lessors shall decide neither to rebuild nor to repair, the terms of the lease shall cease.
10. Regulations
The Lessee hereby consents to and agrees to observe any reasonable regulations that may
be and as are in effect now or as may be promulgated from time to time. Notice of all
current rules and regulations will be given to the Lessee by the Lessors and shall be made
a part of this lease. The Lessors shall not, however, be responsible to the Lessee for any
non-observance of rules, regulations, or conditions on the part of the other Lessees.
11. Condition of Apartment
It is agreed between the parties that the apartment has been rented in good order and
repair. The Lessee acknowledges that the Lessee has inspected the building and the
apartment is in good order except as otherwise noted in writing to the Lessors. The
Lessee further agrees that upon vacating the apartment, it will be returned to a similar
condition as when it was rented, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
12. Complete Agreement
It is agree, except as herein otherwise provided, that no amendment or change or addition to
this lease shall be binding upon the Lessors or Lessee unless reduced to writing and

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signed by the parties hereto. It is hereby agreed that this is the entire agreement of the
parties.
13. Joint and Several Obligations
If this Lease is executed by more than one person or entity as Lessee, then and in that
event all the obligations incurred by the Lessee under this Lease shall be joint and
several.
14. Severability
Unenforceability for any reason of any provision(s) of this Lease shall not limit or impair
the operation or validity of any other provision(s) of this Lease.
15. Holdover
If the Lessee remains in possession without the written consent of the Lessors at the
expiration of the term hereof or its termination, then the Lessors may recover, in addition
to possession, the monthly rental stipulated above for each month, or portion thereof,
during the Lessees holdover plus either one and one-half (1-1/2) times the monthly
rental or the actual damages sustained by the Lessors, whichever is greater, plus the
Lessors costs of recovering said amounts and possessions, or if the apartment appears to
have been abandoned.
16. Right of Entry
The Lessors may enter the apartment at any time where such entry is made necessary by
an extreme hazard involving the potential loss of life or severe property damage, and
between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in order to inspect the apartment, to make repairs
thereto, to show the same to a prospective or actual purchaser or tenant, pursuant to
court order, or if the apartment appears to have been abandoned.
17. Delivery of Lease
The Lessors shall deliver a copy of this Lease duly executed by the Lessors or their
authorized agent, to the Lessee within thirty (30) days after the Lessee delivers and
executed copy of this Lease to the Lessors.
18. Renewal/Notice to Quit
It is understood that the Lessee shall notify the Lessors of her/his intention to renew
the Lease at the expiration of the term, or, alternatively, shall notify the Lessors of
his/her intention not to renew within thirty (30) days of the end of the lease term.
______________________________

_______________________________

______________________________

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Questions
1. How long is the lease for?
2. When does the rent have to be paid?
3. How much is the security deposit?
4. Are pets allowed?
5. Are utilities included in the rent?
6. Can the Lessee sublet?
7. Is the Lessee responsible for damages he/she caused?
8. How long before the lease expires does the Lessee have to notify the Lessors of
his/her intention to renew or not renew the lease?
What can you do to avoid unwelcome surprises?
Before signing a lease, make sure that you have answers to the following questions.

How long is the lease for? (One year is the most common lease period.)
Under what conditions will I get my security deposit back?
If I am late in paying my rent, what are the penalties? Can a landlord charge a
late fee?
Can the landlord raise my rent during the period of the lease?
Who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the apartment?
When the lease period has ended, what happens?
Will I be able to move out of the apartment before the lease expires? If so, are
there any exceptions or penalties?
Can I sublet the apartment to someone else? Are there conditions to be met
before I can sublet?
Can I be evicted?

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Be sure you know your responsibilities and rights as a tenant.

Now that you have an idea what you are looking for in an apartment, you need to
evaluate how much you can afford for rent.
What is your monthly income? _____________________________
How much do you think you can spend on rent? (Remember you should not spend more
than 40 to 45% of your income on rent and utilities.)

I could spend ______________________ for rent.

Explain your estimate.

Establishing and following a budget will help you develop good spending habits and will
assist you in making the best use of your income. Your budget should be simple and still
include all items that you will need to spend your money on.

My Personal Budget
Rent

Utilities
Gas: _______________
Heat: ______________
Phone: _____________
Water: _____________
Electricity: __________

Food

$
27
0

Child Care

Home Care

Personal Care

Medical

Insurance

Transportation

Clothing

Recreation

Taxes

Savings

Total

Apartment Hunting
Now that you are aware of what qualities you are looking for in an apartment and have
some idea what rent you can afford, you are ready to begin your search. Newspaper want
ads are probably the most common way to find an apartment. The weekend editions, in
particular, carry large advertisement sections for apartments. In order to be able to read
and understand the ads as well as talk to landlords and building managers, you will have
to be familiar with certain terms and abbreviations.

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ACTIVITY
Familiarize yourself with the terms and abbreviations listed below.
Abbreviations
a/C
Apt
Ba, bth
Balc
B, bdrm, br
Cond
Conv
Compl furn
D/D
Ex, exc
Fl
Frpl
Furn
Ht
HW
Hwd fl
Incls
K, kit
Ldry
Lge, lrge
Livrm
Mo
Mod
Nr
Park, pkg
Prch
Refs
Renov
Rm
Sec dep
Sgl
Utils
W/D
WW
Yd

Air conditioning
Apartment
Bathroom
Balcony
Bedroom
Condition
Convenient
Completely furnished
Dishwasher & disposal
Excellent
Floor
Fireplace
Furnished
Heat
Hot water
Hardwood floors
Includes
Kitchen
Laundry
Large
Living room
Month
Modern
Near
Parking
Porch
References required
Renovated
Room
Security deposit
Single
Utilities
Washer/dryer
Wall to wall carpeting
yard

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Terms

Efficiency apartment: A small apartment, usually furnished, with a private bathroom

and kitchenette (small kitchen).
Lease: A contract/legal agreement that allows you to rent an apartment/house for a
certain amount of money for a specific time period.
Security deposit: A specific amount of money that the landlord requires you to pay
before you move in just in case you cause some damage to the apartment while youre
living there. The landlord keeps your money until you move out. He/she will then inspect
the apartment and return your deposit to you if there is no damage. If there is some
damage, the landlord may use all or part of your deposit to repair the damage.

Studio apartment: A small apartment consisting of one main living space, a small
kitchen, and a bathroom.
Sublet: To rent an apartment you have signed a lease for to another person.
Utilities: Public services, such as gas and electricity.
ACTIVITY
Research your local newspaper, clip three apartment ads which meet your needs,
preferences, and budget, and place them in the box below.

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Explain your choices.

SUBSIDIZED HOUSING
Most cities and towns in Massachusetts have housing authorities that own and manage
apartments for low-income families, the disabled and the elderly. To be considered for
this type of subsidy, applicants have to fit one of the above categories as well as meet
income guidelines and possibly other criteria. If eligible, the housing authority may pay a
percentage of the rental costs for public housing. However, even if an applicant qualifies,
the waiting lists to receive such assistance average several years. Actually, they even may
have to wait prior to obtaining emergency housing.
In addition, low-income families can apply for Section 8, which is a federally funded
program that pays a percentage or the whole amount of rent. Section 8 certificates are
valid for the entire country and enable eligible families to rent apartments that are
privately owned. Section 8 eligibility is based on income.
Section 8 program
Income Limits
Number in Household

Very low income

(50% median income)
19,800
22,800
25,400
28,250
30,500

1 Person
2 Persons
3 Persons
4 Persons
5 Persons
Source: Boston Housing Authority

If a family meets the income guidelines and is issued a Section 8 certificate, they have
120 days to find an apartment that meets the approval of the Section 8 program
representative. The rent of an apartment must be within certain limits. For example, the
amount of rent the Boston Housing Authority approves for a two -bedroom apartment is
usually not higher than $808*. The share of rent for the families usually does not exceed
30% of their gross income*. The difference between the 30% a family pays and the total

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amount of rent may be paid by the Section 8 program. Section 8 also offers a utility
allowance depending on the terms of the rental agreement, size of the apartment, etc. The
apartment also must meet safety and sanitary standards. Section 8 certificates are valid
for the entire country. However, families must keep in mind that only a certain number of
certificates are given out within a specific time period, so that even if families are eligible
they many not necessarily get a certificate. Families also must remember that a certificate
itself will not guarantee an apartment, as it may be difficult to find a place within the rent
limits that meet the approval of the program.
Subsequently, teen parents cannot assume that they automatically will be able to get
subsidized housing. Therefore, while eligible parents should apply for subsidized housing as
soon as possible, they cannot count on availability and must plan and budget
for non-subsidized housing.
Consider the following:
Loretta, 18, lives in a Teen Living Program (TLP) with her one-year -old daughter,
Sherri. Loretta plans to live in a large urban area after she leaves the TLP program in
about one year. The TLP staff tries to encourage all their residents to save for an
apartment. However, Loretta states that she will not have to save any significant amounts
of money because she will get into Section 8 housing, just like her friend Mary and her
mother. Her staff is trying to tell her that she may not be able to get into housing just
when she wants to because, particularly in large cities, the waiting lists are quite long.
Nevertheless, Loretta insists that they do not have to worry about her because she will
obtain subsidized housing.
What do you think? Do you think that Loretta does not have anything to worry about and
does not need to save?

What do you think the TLP staff could do or say to help Loretta prepare for obtaining her
own living situation?

Adam wants to move in with his girlfriend, Rene, and their two-year-old son, Frederick.
Rene lives in a one room subsidized housing apartment she obtained through the housing
authority based on her low income. Adam works full time at a car wash. Rene tells Adam
that she thinks he should not move in because they would make too much money

275

and she did not know if the Housing Authority would even allow him to move in. But
Adam replies that it is her apartment and she can do whatever she wants to.
Who do you think is right? Why?

MAINTAINING SUBSIDIZED HOUSING

Tenants who rent a subsidized apartment must follow the conditions specified in the lease
and/or rental agreement just as tenants do for non-subsidized housing. For example,
tenants are responsible to pay their share of the rent on time, keep the apartment
reasonably clean, not disturb the neighbors, etc. Most of these agreements also specify
that tenants are responsible for their visitors behavior and conduct. Therefore, if a
relative or a friend of a tenant misbehaves or gets into a fight while visiting, the tenant
may be evicted. If tenants get evicted from a public housing or Section 8 subsidized
apartment, they do not automatically qualify for a new subsidized living situation.
Actually, in most cases it will take a while for evicted tenants to obtain a new and
appropriate living situation. Consequently, it is very important to maintain such a living
situation by obeying the rules.
Establish a list of strategies that would be helpful in maintaining a subsidized apartment.

RESOURCES
To obtain information on subsidized housing, call your local housing authority and talk to
your social worker and Office of Transitional Assistance worker. Also, depending on the
area you live in, there are agencies that can help you with your housing search.

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MAKING ENDS MEET

Money Management Tips for Young Parents
When parents are on a limited budget, it is important to make the most out of
available resources. Review the following tips and ideas for stretching your dollars.
Many consignment shops offer gently used clothing and baby items, such as
strollers and toys, at very reasonable prices.
Hand-me downs are great, particularly for play clothes.
When you purchase toys, furniture and clothing, evaluate all items carefully and
make sure that they are practical and durable. The cutest and most fashionable
items are not necessarily the best buys.
Purchasing expensive name brand clothing is not a good idea if youre trying to
stretch your dollars. Remember, designer labels are not important to infants and
toddlers! Usually you can find the same quality of the items in no-name brands.
When purchasing toys, make sure that you buy things your child can play with
for a long time, like blocks and art supplies. Action figures and other trendy items
are often very expensive and short-live.
Be creative, particularly when children are younger. Expensive toys are not
necessary. For example, a cardboard box and a ball can provide entertainment for
hours.
If you have difficulty saving money, you may want to put things on layaway.
Paying the monthly installments towards a larger purchase is often easier for some
people than putting money in the bank.
Take advantage of free recreational opportunities. For example, public libraries
offer free tickets to museums like the Childrens Museum in Boston and the
Aquarium. Your local libraries often have on-site activities, such as a childrens
reading hour, puppet presentations, holiday celebrations, etc.
Activities with your child such as a visit to a playground or a stroll in a park are
free and a lot of fun.
Home cooked meals and snacks are cheaper and much more nutritious than fast
food.
Comparison shop for all your purchases and use coupons to help you save. Your
savings will add up.

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Conserve electricity, heat and water to save on your utility bills. If you are not
sure how to preserve energy, you can contact your local utility company to help
you establish a personalized conservation plan.
Also, be careful with long distance phone calls and accepting collect calls. Those
can add up very quickly. If you are not sure if you can handle these types of calls,
you may want to consider putting on a phone block.
ACTIVITY
With these tips in mind, consider the following:
Leandra has $50.00 for the purchase of winter clothing for her one-year-old son,
Gregory. He needs a snowsuit, boots, a sweater, a hat, wool socks and gloves. When she
arrives at the department store, she finds out that she does not have enough money to
purchase all the items she needs. The cheapest snowsuit she can find is $28.00. Her
friend suggests that she may want to go to the consignment shop next door where they
have used snowsuits in her sons size for $10.00 But Leandra states that she doesnt want
her son to wear used clothes.
What would you do in Leandras situation? Why?

Katherine is on a tight budget and pretty much all her monthly income is planned for.
However, her boyfriend who is also the father of her five-month-old daughter, Abigail,
calls collect all the time because he lives about 20 miles away and doesnt have any
money. Katherine doesnt know what to do. She wants to talk to him and she doesnt
want to loose him. But she cant afford to pay for the collect calls.
What would you do in Katherines situation? Why?

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Tiara has nine-month-old twin daughters and has to budget really carefully to meet the
needs of her children. But each time she feels bad about something, she goes shopping
and spends her money on stuff she doesnt really need. Now she is in financial trouble
and doesnt know what to do.
What advice would you give Tiara? Why?

What about You?

Can you think of anything that might interfere with your ability to manage
your money? If so, describe.

Can you think of any strategies that may help you maintain your budget.

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