advice needed...

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

OK I was just going off your earlier post where you said you couldn't afford to live off $8-10 per hour. And you also said 'at least I have a decent amount in my checking account to live off, but this place is freakin expensive.' If you do indeed have significant savings that certainly does help.

But being the financey type, I feel obliged to warn that your own savings could be at risk as part of a pending divorce settlement between you and your current wife. You mentioned the divorce was final as of Monday, do you know how much in savings you're obligated to pass over to her? And how much in the way of alimony, if any?

Also, important to note that moving expenses to get you from New Mexico to San Diego will amount to about $3-4K, assuming you have enough stuff requiring a moving company.

And I'd also caution that you shouldn't underestimate the difficulty of finding a job in this job market, especially one that will pay you an MBA's salary, which I know is a degree you have. And if you're going to settle in California with Julia, even significant savings can get sucked up quickly in such a high cost of living area. Besides, if you have that much in savings, no doubt your best financial move would be to put it towards a down payment on a home in San Diego for you and your new family. You'll want to do everything you can to preserve that savings to use for that purpose, otherwise you're stuck renting.

Good luck to ya.

My divorce is already done. When you have no kids and you settle yourself, they can go very quickly. We have already split EVERYTHING. I am moving myself with a trailer, so it will cost me about $400-$500 including gas to move. I decided to rent a room in a house with a firefighter and police officer, who seem like nice guys...save a ton of money that way. Instead of paying 1200-1400 for a 1 bedroom with utilitites, I'm only paying $675 with all utilities. Much better.
About my post referring to the $8-10 an hour jobs...well, I don't consider my savings something that I SHOULD live off. I'm pretty sure you understand this having a financial background. I am using it as a "last resort". I certainly don't want to use it. Thus my comments about needing a job and not being able to afford living off 8-10 and hour. I really don't want to touch what I have worked hard to save. What's the point of savings if it all gets used?
About what I bolded...YES! I absolutely do not underestimate this job market. This is why I asked about it. I am waaay out of my comfort zone.