How much money to take?

[mickeyonasticky]

I've seen the "recommended" amount of money to take to get through the first 3 or so weeks (before paychecks start evening out)... It's about $300-400, right?

But realistically, how much money does one really need? Groceries for 3 weeks for 1 person -can't- cost that much.

I just bought my shoes today (which can be returned in case my role changes), so I've already spent money on that. The only home type of thing I need to still purchase is one of those foldy mesh hampers, about $6-10.

Just looking for some opinions :] Thanks!

 

[SportsChick]

As much as you can. Remember that you may not be making that much (during slower times, I was scheduled exactly 30 hours with no chance to pick up shifts, so after rent I was broke) so better to have a cushion if you want to go out and have fun

 

[ltwentyone]

Yeah, if you plan on living off of a Disney's pay, prepare to be broke all the time haha. I'd suggest bringing 600-700 for a cushion, depending on how big of a spender you are.

 

[littlewitch34]

I've seen the "recommended" amount of money to take to get through the first 3 or so weeks (before paychecks start evening out)... It's about $300-400, right?

But realistically, how much money does one really need? Groceries for 3 weeks for 1 person -can't- cost that much.

I just bought my shoes today (which can be returned in case my role changes), so I've already spent money on that. The only home type of thing I need to still purchase is one of those foldy mesh hampers, about $6-10.

Just looking for some opinions :] Thanks!

I hope to take as much as I possibly can. I am flying down from Massachusetts, which doesn't leave room for much in my suitcase. I'm going to have to go to Walmart on the first day and get myself an egg crate, bed-in-a-bag, etc. I can pack clothes, toiletries, and essentials. I'm not getting shoes until I get down there. I have to buy more that first week because I'm flying down.

 

[NicoleRose]

I would recommend bringing $500 with you. Thats what I did my first CP and that's what I'm planning on for my second this spring. When you do the math you'll probably find you don't think you need that much but you also have to think that you'll probably be meeting a bunch of people and you don't want to miss out on any bonding opportunities with new coworkers or roommates b/c you cant afford to go for dinner. Also, if you're going in the spring you will realize that you have this incredible holiday discount on merchandise that goes away by february...When you're living on CP wage, the 40%/50% is a HUGE saving compared to the normal 20%.
Just some things to consider

 

[mickeyonasticky]

I hope to take as much as I possibly can. I am flying down from Massachusetts, which doesn't leave room for much in my suitcase. I'm going to have to go to Walmart on the first day and get myself an egg crate, bed-in-a-bag, etc. I can pack clothes, toiletries, and essentials. I'm not getting shoes until I get down there. I have to buy more that first week because I'm flying down.

I'm flying too, but I'm not buying a lot of things when I get there. Remember, you have to fly with it all back home (or ship a box).

 

[mickeyonasticky]

Okay now I'm curious. (Not that I'm going to do this, but..) What is the absolute least amount of money you would arrive on check-in day with?

 

[jwcmtn]

I brought down exactly 300 and I was fine. Luckily I got a job were I work 48 hours a week every week. 300 should keep you covered, though.

 

[littlewitch34]

I'm flying too, but I'm not buying a lot of things when I get there. Remember, you have to fly with it all back home (or ship a box).

Or find someone who is in desperate need of freshly-laundered sheets. If I have to throw it away at the end of my program? Not the end of the earth. Shipping stuff costs a lot of money.

 

[jewjubean]

I ended up bringing almost 1,000 with me in my bank account (not including savings and credit cards) and I am SOO glad I brought that money. There were things during my program that I wanted to do and at the time my paycheck money didnt cut it. I bought pretty much everything I needed when I got there in bulk and didnt have to buy much for a month or so.
Heck I bought a huge bottle of Laundry detergent and I didnt even use it the whole year I was there, I ended up giving the rest to CP's that extended after I had left.

Hope that helps...
Btw ONe thing that everyone forgets to put on their list is tupperware. I ended up with tons that my whole apartment used and it cut costs alot when I cooked and froze things.

 

[Frizzbird]

I brought along 1,000 with me as well. I came home with about 300 ish of that left. I saved that 1,000 over 6 months with the intention of having enough padding to not have to worry. I would just suggest that you bring as much as you can. Its better to have more than less. You can always save and not use it.

and on the topic of tupperware... best idea ever. I bought some at big lots (which is not close at all) and I used it my whole program.

 

[dreamitdisney]

I brought down exactly 300 and I was fine. Luckily I got a job were I work 48 hours a week every week. 300 should keep you covered, though.

I'm curious, where did you work?

 

[taythegibs]

Okay now I'm curious. (Not that I'm going to do this, but..) What is the absolute least amount of money you would arrive on check-in day with?

$200 CASH thats $100 less than i brought in cash but i also had about $300 in a bank account that i could use if needed and i still felt iffy about it but i know a few people who brought only $200 and made it by.