Basic Expenses
This is the biggest expense most adults have to consider
Rent/Mortgage
Colorado Rent is around 1100 a the lowest for a 1 bedroom apartment.
This is the amount of money you have left over after taxes and bills and what you should budget savings around
Net Income
Opposite is gross income, the total amount before taxes and expenses.
Before making ANY major purchase, looking up these online is important to make sure your purchase is wise
Reviews/price comparisons
The time of not being able to compare prices is long gone. Use the resources
This type of general labor is typically felon friendly and can result in a livable wage after sometime, though does have limits based on the weather
Construction
Pay reaching between 20-30 dollars an hour. Hard work and seasonal limits however
Covered by medicaid and sometimes a sliding scale payment model, this mental health expense is just as important as recovery meetings and groups
Therapy
If you don't currently have a qualified councilor or therapist, get one.
While not REQUIRED, this expense is critical to ensuring you can afford medications, regular check ups and emergency room/ambulance expenses
Health Insurance
Around 3-350 monthly assuming you don't have Medicaid.
Medication gets pricy. Especially branded or off label
Even a day or two in the hospital can cost 10k
An amount of money you keep set aside for a major crisis. Car breaking down, unexpected medical bill etc.
Emergency Fund
Not always money, resources can count as well. Figure out if you have someone who could help financially or have other options lined up
When seeing something you want to buy, this practice of waiting will help you avoid impulse spending
The 24 hour rule
You would be surprised to see how many things you want now hold no sway over you the next day
This job opportunity is steady all year and is almost always hiring. Though prepare for the worst of the worst in terms of customer base
Telemarketing, retail and food service.
All jobs with high turnaround and constant hiring phases. Can be a livable wage with enough time.
This type of housing expense is valuable for creating a strong sense of structure and support that will lead you to higher chances of sustained recovery
Sober Living
Still cheaper than an apartment
The second largest expense an average person needs to be able to afford. You won't be getting anywhere without it
Transportation
Not just car payments. Maintenance, gas and especially insurance all adds up.
Tip - Always be on the lookout for cheaper insurance. Once you are in the system, other companies will compete for your business.
The process of an employer putting money straight into your account instead of cash or paper check payments
Direct Deposit
Many banks offer separate account types that you can split your paycheck into. If a certain amount goes straight to savings, it doesn't feel like you "lost" that amount
Make sure to get a snack before going here in order to avoid making unneeded purchases due to hunger
The Grocery Store
Always eat something first or don't go to the store hungry
A popular alternative to college, this type of secondary education takes around 6 months to complete with average wages that people with 4 year degrees get.
Trade Schools
HVAC, Plumbing, Welding and even some medical positions can come from short times in a trade school
Don't forget your physical health! Colorado Springs has places like these where you can get free gym time and training for the cost of simply being sober
The Phoenix and Boxing/Open Gym Events
An average person can expect to drop anywhere from 300-600 dollars a month in this crucial expense. Tasty!
Food
Food banks, food stamps, eating at home and meal kits can all help
Save what you can. Don't put yourself in a bad spot by striving for a certain number. Even if its only 20 bucks, that's still better than nothing
The practice of only buying things you can comfortably afford based on your budget.
Living in Your Means
Businesses will be sneaky and try to make you think you can have a brand new car and live in your means. On paper maybe, but the interest and years of payments can screw you over
The job involves hectic hours and deadlines, but has become especially high paying with things like Amazon offering crazy fast shipping
Commercial Drivers and Delivery Drivers
Stressful, but high paying especially with the holidays coming up
There's always help available. Places like these can offer low cost or free detox and crisis services if life simply becomes too much to manage
Cedar Springs, Peakview Health, Diversus Health and Crossroads Detox
While overlooked, this expense should never be undervalued. Expect to drop around 150-300 dollars a month for these expenses. At least if you want a clean environment
Household Items
Cleaners, paper towels, toilet paper, dish and laundry soap etc.
The get rich quick scheme of today, this type of currency has become a widely popular source of investing and saving.
Cryptocurrency
Not a great way to invest or save. Volatile market where every one success story comes with a million bad investments
The idea that buying something of higher quality, while being more expensive in the moment, will ultimately be a better investment down the line
Cost-per-use
If a pair of work boots costs 20 dollars and falls apart after two months, it ends up being a worse deal than a pair that costs 80 dollars lasting two years
Using what you learn in sober living and other recovery programs, this type of contract work is available for felons and does not require more than 6 months or so of secondary education
Peer Coaching
Can result in a livable wage, though does have disadvantages due to constantly changing standards and political shifts
Recovery may have its own expenses, but its better than the alternative of active use, which comes out to ROUGHLY this amount per year
Depending on substance and frequency, 20,000 to 50,000 a year
This doesn't even count legal expenses, money lost due to missing work and related medical expenses