mattw89

Hi Everyone,

I'm 22 and about relocate to Seattle, leaving behind all friends and family. So a pretty big step.

As you can probably imagine, at 22 I've still not had a load of experience in things like pensions/savings/outgoings/picking providers for x and y, and all that kind of thing you get through age and wisdom...

So I haven't got that for the UK. Nevertheless, while living in the UK i managed to read up from people who've been there done that on websites. One website which i found amazing as a forum and also a decent enough article resource was moneysavingexpert.com. Does anyone know of a US equivalent?

Also I liked to grab the odd bargain or deal here and there and there was sites such as hotukdeals.com. Again, anyone know of one similar to the USA?

I'm coming on employment, with around $72k pre tax, but apartments are expensive here also. So I'm sorting out all my outgoings but now I'm having to pick things like which bank account to go for, what credit card to pick, and all that kind of stuff is great on MSE, so wondered if anyone had any links to share?

(of course now, thanks to this website I'm aware I will probably run in to difficulties initially such as credit etc. in which I've read plenty of threads here on how to cope with that. I'm up to page 104 through the thread list - loserrr!! lol).

Thanks everyone,
Matt

meauxna

Welcome to the neighborhood. Bring your umbrella.

Save yourself some time with the threads; get to advanced search eventually (some of it you just do have to do the reading.. I don't think you're a loserrrrr.. I love you already!) But save even more time by checking out the wiki. There are several great articles in there regarding credit & getting yourself set up.

This is a great site:
http://www.bankrate.com/

This is a great guy; you'll learn lots (site is really dragging right now, don't know why).
http://www.clarkhoward.com/

You will become a fan of Fred Meyer stores and probably Costco. Whatever you need to buy, shop for it, there is always a deal to be had.

Are you going to the big bookseller in the sky? You're going to love the PNW in the summertime.. welcome!

Bob

Motley Fool have a US version.

The wiki here is also a good starting point on understanding credit issues and banking.

The relocation thread in the wiki is also a good place to consider what to look for in a relocation package and if you can't get them covered, give you an idea of what to save money aside for.

fashionista

When you're looking for your bank- make sure you size up how many ATMs they have in your area. Otherwise you could get hit with a 'convenience fee' every time you draw money from a different bank's ATM.

For general deals consider signing up to Groupon.com for the Seattle area- they have deals of activities and restaurants, etc.

Check out Best Buy (they have physical stores all round the area) for good deals on electricals.

Also- make the most of your discount/loyalty schemes. For example- if you shop at Fred Myer you can get money off your fuel at Shell garages. If you shop in Gap, the receipt will invite you to feedback online about your shopping experience and in return you can get 20% off your next purchase.

Food wise you can get some good deals at late happy hour. Because people seem to eat quite early (at least in the PNW), lots of restaurants serve half price appetisers after 9pm, and if you're used to UK portions, one or two of those will be more than enough food!

We moved to the Seattle area at the end of April and are loving it! I'm sure you'll have an awesome time here!

Mummy in the foothills

If you want to find out about being frugal here.
http://www.daveramsey.com/home/