I'm working on figuring out how to totally reorganize my budget -- I want to move to a cheaper apartment that's further away from the university, which'll decrease the amount I'm paying in rent by about $300 but increase my commuting costs by about $75. And I want to use that savings to get a car. (I'm thinking I'll buy a used car. My mother's trying to tell me that leasing would be better, but so far, I'm not convinced -- it seems to me like leasing will involve spending more money, and when I was done paying, I wouldn't still have a car.) And this is all really frustrating me to try to figure out what I can afford.

Thanks, Sparky! I knew the Hivemind would have some answers for me.

My mother's trying to tell me that leasing would be better, but so far, I'm not convinced --

Leasing is usually not a very good option. I think there are some situations where leasing is a better plan than buying, but buying the car is (in my understanding) almost always better.

Hil, I don't envy you. I hate trying to figure that kind of stuff out. Also, I have no advice, so I'm also not helpful.

Snow pictures: [link]

Hil, that's very smart of you, though I know how frustrating figuring out that kind of thing can be. I haven't worked a car into my budget yet.

vw, are those gross icicles inside or outside the house?

Leasing is usually not a very good option. I think there are some situations where leasing is a better plan than buying, but buying the car is (in my understanding) almost always better.

Yeah. My parents lease their cars, but having a new car every few years is important to them. Having a car that'll get me from point A to point B in relative safety, and which I'll have for the longest amount of time and the lowest amount of money, is what's important to me right now.

vw, are those gross icicles inside or outside the house?

Inside. Aren't they disgusting? Oh, and now they're melting, but re-freezing to the stairs, so there's ice on the stairs...kind of dangerous, in my opinion.

I say, "pretty!" when looking at those pictures, vw. I suspect this is because I am sitting on my ass in CA, and haven't shoveled show in years.

Thanks, Sparky!

No problem, Sail. I'm always happy to offer up help I only have to facilitate, not actually supply. Hee!

Hil, the DH and I have been writing down every penny we spend for a month in an effort to actually cut expenses and come up with a budget we can live with. Fortunately, we are probably living in the cheapest space we can hope for, all things considered, so actual packing and moving is not on the near horizon.

Sparky, insent.