The new nuclear family



Our place sold. That nice, fancy, big house we've been living in this summer was finally purchased by some old cranky dude that left the toilet seat up and didn't flush when he was there writing an offer with the real estate lady. Ew. But I'm glad it sold. This will end the steady stream of realtors coming through who think they own the place.

We're even cutting our lease short--we're there till Oct. 1 instead of Oct. 31. But where to next? That's a huge question. If I leave for Kentucky in May, what do I do in the meantime? I've been spoiled by a two-car garage, yard, and way more bedrooms and bathrooms that we need. But we definitely can't afford all that in the city.

One option is to downsize again. Get another 1 bedroom and save save save our money till I go off to school. But that was miserable. We did that, and spent lots of money going out to eat and at bars because we'd get cabin fever after 20 minutes.

What about roommates? I know that's not a new idea, but at ages 28 and 34, it does seem a little weird. I guess it would be even weirder if we were married. But, we've got some friends who suggested moving in together, and we're really thinking about it. They are in the same situation we are: A couple who are both going back to school, paying down debt that accumulated in their 20s, and living paycheck to paycheck.

We're planning on finding a good-sized house in Portland, and splitting everything 4 ways. If it works out, maybe in the future we could buy a duplex together. $300,000 sounds a lot better when split between 4 people. Maybe that's how things have to be done these days for the few of us without rich grandparents, trust funds, or gifts from some unknown relative? We'll figure it out. Then we'll write a book.

Comments

Sallygally said…
just the other day jason and I were thinking of moving...again. to a cheaper place, just so we can save some money and pay off debt...it's CRAZY what it costs to live in this day and age.
4:41 PM
Cassady said…
Good lord- rereading this post nearly a year later made me want to scream out a warning to my past self, "Don't do it! Run away, far far away!!"

Egh. The whole "roommate situation" did NOT work out. Some people are just not meant to be placed in the proximity of others. eeghh.
2:32 PM
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