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How to Move to Chicago

2010-03-16T22:21:00Z

I update and re-post this blog entry on how to move to Chicago monthly. It was inspired by a woman in LA, who gave advice about how to move to Los Angeles on 6/15/08. Apparently, a lot of people want to know how to make a go of it in LA. It reminded me of when I was trying to move to Chicago. Here's my advice:

A few facts...

According to Sperling's Best Places, these cities are more expensive than Chicago: San Fran, NYC, Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, and DC.

Chicago has the highest sales tax of any other U.S. metropolis: 10.25%

Average price of regular, unleaded gas: $2.92/gal, regular unleaded (Mar. 2010)

The best way to find an apartment?

The Reader or Craigslist. You can also try the “free” apartment services. An agent will take you out in his/her car to look for a place. These companies will charge you a finder’s fee of $200-$300 if you take one of the apartments they show you.

Cheap rents and rental advice?

I checked the Reader, where I’ve always found the best deals. Live-able apartments in decent neighborhoods can be found at these rates, heat included:

Studio: $600-$700
1 BRM: $750
2 BRM: $1,200
3 BRM: $1,450-$1,500

It’s a renter’s market right now, so please negotiate! Many management companies are taking action, reducing $15-$20/mo from the advertised price to further entice a potential tenant. Management companies are also changing their policies regarding security deposits. Some ask for $250-$350 in non-refundable “move-in” fees, instead.

Cheapest safe neighborhoods?

Most common to entertainment industry folks just starting out are Andersonville and Wicker Park. Also try Lincoln Square, Wrigleyville, and Albany Park. Be near a grocery store: Jewel, Dominick’s, Aldi’s.

Transportation?

You’re a performer, student, etc.? Forget your car. We have plenty of trains and buses. Live off the Red or Blue lines and you’ll be fine. The Brown line is safe, but may be inconvenient if you frequently travel after Midnight.

How much money should I save before I move?

I recommend 4 months of your projected Chicago rent as your emergency fund. (Out of college, I sold my car to raise the funds.) But, more important is to have a skill and some related job experience: typing & computers, coffee slinging/waitressing, dog grooming, some time in a law office, personal trainer certification, etc. Whatever you do, don't come without a marketable skill and at least a little experience. It may be a renter's market, but the job market is very difficult.

What about jobs?

The unemployment rate in Chicago was 11.6% for January. No industry has been spared job losses. If you're an artist, try the temp agencies first, then the papers -- Tribune, Sun Times, Reader. I also suggest you walk around your neighborhood and look for businesses that are hiring.

If you're working under a temp agency, you can leave with very little notice should you land something better or more permanent, and that's the advantage. The Larko Group is often advertised in PerformInk. I was a Kelly girl myself for a number of years.

How do I break into the entertainment industry?

That's a post of a different color, but I can tell you that print ads, commercials, and television series are non-existent right now, and feature film shoots are sporadic, even though we renewed our tax incentive. Also, Oprah and Bonnie Hunt are leaving, which means the Chicago job market will soon be swimming in highly qualified television workers.

Other advice?

Get yourself the Not for Tourists Guide to Chicago. And read my other posts:

Buying Kind Bars from Amazon is Cheaper

2010-03-08T17:32:00Z

I really love the Almond, Walnut & Macadamia bars from Kind. You can get them at Jewel on sale for around $1.70 (plus tax)... if you're lucky. Recently, it occurred to me that maybe I could buy boxes of them on Amazon for less. Oh my gosh, they're SO MUCH CHEAPER on Amazon! I got two boxes of 12 for $35.62. Shipping was free. That translates to $1.48 per bar! Why didn't I do this earlier?

By the way, I also looked at Drugstore.com, too, but Amazon was just a little cheaper.

Mike Laid Off AGAIN!

2010-02-17T03:11:00Z

My sister's boyfriend, Mike, was just laid off... AGAIN! They told him they wanted to keep him, and would gladly serve as a reference for him, but they just don't have the work to keep him.

I don't see the Chicago job or housing markets improving. Do you?

See backstory at:

Mike Gets a Job!

My Riveting Financial Information Revealed

2010-02-12T15:18:00Z

I recently read a post from a woman who was miffed that more financial blog authors don't share their financial information. I have no problem revealing this information, I just didn't think anyone was interested!

Wages and Wage History
Prior to 2007, I made $25,000-$30,000 a year before taxes. Then, my wages jumped to $47,000 pre-tax, because I started working for three bigger, more prestigious companies, foregoing my other clients. My income for 2009 was $53,000 owing to a promotion and raise I received from my primary client. I've included the $1,600 annual fee received from my largest client in these figures.

Benefits
I'm only employed 37 weeks per year. Client #1 employs me twenty-nine weeks; Client #2, six weeks; and Client #3, two weeks. Luckily, my weeks of employment are consecutive, leaving my summers free!

Client #1 pays my health insurance year-round. There are co-pays, and I pay 50% of the services provided by my one out-of-network doctor. The prescription discount program isn't much of a help. No vision or dental. Clients #2 and #3 put a little money into something like an FSA/HSA. It usually amounts to $600/yr. Even with all this, I was out-of-pocket $900 on medical expenses last year, which I'll claim as a tax deduction.

Clients #1 and #2 pay 7% of my salary into my pension.

Client #1 gives me 2 weeks of paid vacation at Christmas.

Assets
I have almost no physical assets; no real estate, car, collectibles, etc. Just a little furniture, a flat-screen television and a Blu-ray player.

Liabilities
I have no debt. I do use credit cards (primarily my Schwab Invest First Visa), but pay them off every month. My rent on my studio apartment is $840/mo, including cooking gas and heat. My living expenses total $1,860/mo.

Investments and Net Worth
In 2006, I had $27,000 to my name. My parents gifted $50,000 to me, and I've been able to save and invest $41,000 total in the last two-and-a-half years. I count my pension toward my worth: $7,000. I've realized around $23,000 in investment growth and interest... most of that's been since April 2009 (crazy!). So, my net worth is $148,000 in investments and pension.

Did I miss anything? Please let me know if there are other areas I should discuss!

$100 from Bank of America

2010-01-05T17:14:00Z

Hustler Money Blog tells you how to get $100 when you sign up for a Bank of America checking account. I did this myself. What I like about BOA's promotion is that the account itself has no fees and no direct deposit requirement.

Resolutions for 2010

2010-01-04T14:02:21Z

Folks' resolutions for the New Year are all over the web! I don't do New Year's resolutions, so I had no idea people were so serious about them. Usually, if I need to do something, I just do it right away, like:

1) Going to the gym more often. I haven't stopped going, I've just been going less in the last 6 weeks or so. And, there've been undesirable changes in skin clarity, abdominal tone, flexibility, so I'm going more frequently.

2) Tracking my check-savings account and living under budget. Since combining my checking and savings account, it's become harder to determine whether or not I'm living within my monthly budget. Last month, I took my take home pay for the month, subtracted recurring bills and my monthly savings goal, and wrote the remainder on a Post-It. That's how much I have available, monthly, for all other expenses. At the end of each day, I subtract the day's expenses (if any), write the new number on the note, and scratch out the old number. Thus far, I'm well within my budget, and will probably have a surplus at the end of the month. It's possible had a surplus every month, but I just didn't KNOW which was uncomfortable. Now I know and am relieved.

3) Not paying for clothing with salary. This is more like a game I play, rather than a resolution. I have a list of clothing I need. I try to get these items as gifts or pay with them through gift cards, bank rewards for new accounts, or profits from day-trading. In 2009, I got an evening gown, shirt, and scarf as birthday gifts. For Christmas, I received gloves, tennis shoes, and a Victoria's Secret gift card which will help replace some unmentionables. Day-trading paid for socks, hose, and part of a suit. I also just opened a Bank of America checking account, and hope to get Hunter wellys with the $100 bonus.

4) Learning French. I've meant to do this for 2 years. A few days ago, a friend gave me some software. I started right away. Instead of $370-$400 for the software, it was free.

Did you make resolutions? What were they?

Christmas Breakdown

2010-01-03T04:12:00Z

This was one of the best Christmases ever! To say my family is eccentric is an understatement, but we were all on our best behavior this year. It was the best gift I could've received.

But, I got other things too... like a new Sak purse and a Victoria's Secret gift card from my sister; Starfrit cookware, a Panasonic Blu-ray DVD player, and 2 DVDs from my folks; cash and candy from my aunt & uncle; gloves, a bracelet, and slippers from my aunt; and the Small Fry skillet (just large enough for one egg), an egg slicer, and hand sanitizer from my cousin.

While in the Midwest, I took advantage of the 6% sales tax and a sale at Dillard's to purchase 2 Ralph Lauren bath towels and 4 wash cloths for $38. I also bought 2 pair of pumps to go with a brown suit. Yes, they were on sale, but not enough for me to recommend.

Did you have a good Christmas? Feel free to tell us all about it!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-29T17:01:00Z

Happy Holidays! I was away for Christmas, but now I'm back. Check back soon for the post-Christmas breakdown.

Dumped My Magnavox for a Vizio

2009-12-09T04:32:00Z

On Black Friday, 1993, my father bought a 19" Magnavox television set for every bedroom of our home. The Magnavox delegated to my bedroom served me through high school, travelled with me to college every semester, and came with me to every Chicago apartment. It survived all of that, plus time in a storage unit, and an entire cup of water accidentally poured down the back vents when my college roommate tripped watering her plants.

This year, I decided the Magnavox had reached the end of its usefulness. I found myself using my computer with it's 17" screen for all my entertainment. It was just easier.

Sixteen years and a day later, I bought a Vizio VO320E LCD television for $388 from Amazon. With 2% of the purchase price as a cash reward on my Charles Schwab card, the final price of the television was $380.24. Oddly enough, Amazon raised the price to $411 on Black Friday AND Cyber Monday, decreasing the price in-between. $411 is also the price today.

This Vizio is highly rated by Consumer Reports and by the vast majority of consumer reviewers on other websites. Remember, I never rely on just one source! Delivery was no problem, and the TV worked great right out of the box, requiring no attempts to calibrate from me.

Thank you little Magnavox. We have some great memories, but I look forward to the future with my new Vizio!

Great Christmas Gifts for 2009

2009-12-03T02:26:00Z

Stuck for Christmas gift ideas? Here are some gifts I'm giving this year, maybe they'll work for you, too.

Ralph Lauren men's beige terrycloth robe, one-size-fits-all from TJ Maxx: $44

Carbon Fiber & Stainless Steel (21 mm long x 14 mm wide) cuff links from Overstock.com: $34

Gift certificates to a local pizza parlor: $30

Planet Earth DVD set from Amazon: $26

Self-assembled food gift bag of gingerbread cookies, peppermint cookies, Ghiradelli holiday chocolate assortment bag, and chocolate bar all from Filene's Basement for my company's gift exchange: $25

Sony Power Battery Charger with 4 AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries from Amazon: $17

Monet hanging 2010 calendar from Borders: $15

It's A Wonderful Life: 60th Anniversary Ed. DVD from Amazon: $14

Cinnamon/Vanilla toiletries in a green Christmas bucket from TJ Maxx: $11

Schmitt Sohne Spatlese 2007 Riesling from Binny's: $10. This will be bundled with some cheese from Pastoral, and a whole pineapple or some pears.

Manneheim "Christmas" CD from Amazon: $9

At my aunt's request, I'm also donating to a local charity instead of giving her a gift. I've made a certificate signifying my donation, printed an envelope with her name and some Christmas graphics, and bought a stuffed Snoopy from CVS ($5) to hold the envelope under the tree.

If you've got a killer Christmas gift idea, feel free to share it!

I should mention that my Christmas budget comes from an extra fee I receive at this time every year. Christmas travel and gifts don't disturb my regular contributions to savings.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T15:38:00Z

Happy Thanksgiving weekend! Look for more Christmas shopping posts coming soon.

Amazon Saves Christmas

2009-11-09T01:40:00Z

Amazon is getting a huge amount of my Christmas business this year. I think I getting some pretty good deals, but you be the judge. Here are the gifts I've purchased on Amazon thus far (prices include tax & shipping):

Book for cousin: $8
Sonicare toothbrush for cousin: $27
Automobile booster seat for Mom: $15
Dexter, seasons 1-3 DVDs for Mom: $67

I should mention that my Christmas budget comes from an extra fee I receive at this time every year. Christmas travel and gifts don't disturb my regular contributions to savings.

Vanessa Moves, Then Gets A Job

2009-11-06T02:54:00Z

Vanessa had a big fight with her parents, so she moved... to New York City. Fortunately, once there, she was able to find THREE waitressing gigs.

She's living in a studio on the Upper West Side, and actually making ends meet.

Who Wants $150 From Chase?

2009-10-14T15:50:00Z

Today, I got ONE $150 Gift Cards from Chase, good through November 14th, 2009. Who wants it? First come, first served. Here's what to do:

Email me (ChrissyTalley@hotmail.com), and ask for the unique code.

Open a personal Chase checking account online with $100 of your own money, and the code.

Keep the account open at least 6 months, or Chase takes its $150 back.

Set up direct deposit, or use your debit card 5x/mo, or Chase takes $6/mo from the account.

Customers can use one reward per calendar year, so, if you used one in '08, feel free to do it again.

Even if you opened the account, and let them take $6 every month, you'd still be $114 richer at the end of 6 months!

Scored a Great Winter Coat

2009-10-13T13:30:00Z

Chicago winters are brutal, and my ancient, polyester coat was not cutting it. So, last week, I bit the bullet and went coat shopping.

I decided a down coat would be best for our legendary winters. I really had to check the fabric tags inside each coat to see what made up the fill. Some puffier coats don't have down in them at all, but are made of polyester shreds. Don't be fooled. Down and waterfowl feather are desirable.

TJ Maxx was a total washout. Filene's Basement had plenty to choose from, but none that I liked. Macy's coats were SUPER expensive, even with the 30% off sale; the cheapest I found was $140 w/ tax.

I hit the jackpot at Nordstrom Rack. I put off going until I'd struck out at the other stores, because I hate how it's so cramped and crowded. But, it didn't take too much looking around before I found an Anne Kline coat that was my size, knee-length, down-filled, with a flattering quilt pattern, and a normal hood instead of a giant collar (what's that about?), for the right price: $99 w/ tax.

They also had a ton of down vests for $40 ea. If you're in the market for a coat or a vest, take a good look at Nordstrom Rack.

Free Month Trial of Netflix

2009-09-18T14:11:00Z

I have 4 free one-month trials of Netflix for those who want to give Netflix a shot. Offer available through October 31. You can cancel anytime, just click the "Your Account" button for instructions. With Netflix, you get DVDs in the mail in one business day, AND can watch available titles instantly on your computer. If you want to watch Netflix instantly on your TV, I believe you have to get a device from Netflix.

If you've ever wondered whether or not Netflix could replace your cable, here's your chance to try it for a whole month. Email me at chrissytalley@hotmail.com, and I'll send you a unique code that will let you start your month of free Netflix.

Mike Gets a Job!

2009-09-16T14:41:00Z

After six-and-a-half months of unemployment, my sister's boyfriend, Mike, has a job! HOORAY! Mike's previous job was as a statistics guy in marketing. The new job is the same gig, but with a different company. While my sister and Mike live close to downtown, this new job is, unfortunately, in a suburb... but I don't think Mike is complaining. Hopefully, they can get serious about wedding plans now, which were vaguely discussed before Mike lost his job.

Loving My Kasasa Checking Account

2009-09-16T03:30:00Z

I am loving my high yield Kasasa checking account through County Bank! The requirements to get the 4.65 per cent interest rate were easy to meet: each month use the debit card 10 times, sign-in online to the account, and have one automatic bill pay or direct deposit. What made me nervous was the third requirement: sign up for electronic statements. Only, County Bank isn't offering e-statements, yet! They're still "coming soon". I was sure this would be the catch-22 that would keep me from getting the rate and ATM fee refunds.

But, no! Everything went smooth as silk. When does THAT ever happen???

Kasasa's high interest rate and complimentary starter cheques are what gives them an edge over ING Direct. They also gifted me the high interest rate for the first month without making me meet the requirements.

The drawbacks of Kasasa are that you can't push money by ACH transfer into another account, and their bill pay takes 4 days to initiate. I've been able to overcome these obstacles by pulling money from Kasasa using another account, and paying bills instantly on the vendors' sites.

Unfortunately, County Bank is no longer accepting customers from Chicago, but you can find similar deals available locally or nationally at Bank Deals, located on the Blog Roll.

Related articles:

Getting More Interest By Switching My Checking Account

Public Transit Saves Chicagoans $936 Monthly

2009-09-05T14:30:00Z

The American Public Transit Authority just published an article listing the annual and monthly savings generated by taking public transit instead of owning and driving a car. You can find the article here. Chicagoans using public transit save $936 per month!

Related articles:

American Express Blue Cash Back Again

2009-08-25T16:40:00Z

Remember, last year, when I received a $194 cash back in 2008 from my American Express Blue Cash card? On annual spending of $13,042, I averaged 1.48% in rewards. I’d never had a reward card before, I was pretty stoked about the extra money.

I'm less in love with my American Express Blue Cash card this year. I got $186 on $12,913, averaging 1.44% cash back. Note: My annual spending includes some expenses which were reimbursed, like a $488 airline ticket and $500 for my parents' television. Kudos to me for spending less this year!

Reward cards can be tricky because they entice you to spend, but I'm always careful. I use the card for almost every expense including all my bills (except rent), and pay it off entirely every month. The drawback of AmEx Blue Cash is that you get only 1% on the first $6,500 you spend in the year. After that, you get 5% on drugstore and grocery purchases only, and 1.25% on everything else (down from 1.5% last year).

As we speak, I'm in the process of switching to the Charles Schwab 2% Cash Back credit card, which will give me 2% cash back on EVERYTHING. Schwab pays the rewards monthly, and you can withdraw them in cash. If I'd had it this year, I would've gotten $258.

Sorry, AmEx. We had a good run, but you're just not competitive anymore.