How to survive until your first paycheck?
Hello everyone, dear friends! I hope each of you is already planning your summer, has received your visa, or read my previous article about the consulate and feels confident enough to get your ticket to a wonderful summer. Today, I would like to write another article about planning your upcoming trip, specifically to cover the question of how much money you should take with you.
To figure this out, we need to understand what you need money for in the USA during the first stage and why you might run short. Let's go!
First, let's talk about the first paycheck. Unfortunately, you won't receive it soon—specifically, about 2-3 weeks after arrival. Why? To get paid, if you are going for the first time, you need to apply for an SSN (Social Security Number). To get it, you need to go to a special office, the Social Security Administration, and provide all documents confirming your eligibility. I will explain why the SSN is important later. After submitting your documents, you will wait for the coveted envelope to arrive by mail. The waiting period is up to 3 weeks. Luck plays a role here—some get it in a couple of days, while others wait a month. Once you receive the card, you must provide it to your employer, after which they can issue your first check, which will make your head spin, and you will feel rich because it will include several pay periods at once. I remember I had $800 and posted a photo of the check on Instagram:).
Next, let's break down where you will spend the money you bring. Here is the breakdown:
travel to your workplace/housing ~ $50;
weekly rent ~ $100-150 per week (multiply by the SSN waiting period);
purchase of essential living items ~ $30 (basic things like toilet paper or plastic plates);
food - this varies for everyone, but in my experience, you can survive on $50 a week by eating cheap food;
other unexpected purchases (pills, hand cream, etc.);
laundry and drying fees ~ $5-10 per session.
Thus, with a two-week SSN waiting period, you need to bring about $500. The absolute minimum you could take is $400, but you might have to negotiate with friends and borrow money.
How to take less and survive? You can try to negotiate with your employer to deduct rent from your paycheck, but that doesn't always work. You can also plan your two-week life in advance and bring as many items as possible from home.
I would also like to recommend that you avoid shopping and eating out at restaurants at least until your first paycheck. In the USA, money comes and goes quickly, so it is worth keeping track of your expenses and income.
Personally, I always took $500 with me. The first summer, it wasn't enough because I waited a long time for my SSN, so I had to pay for purchases with my Sberbank card. The second summer, I already had my SSN (it is issued for life), and I received my salary quickly. Honestly, $250 would have been enough.
That's all! I hope this guide helps you determine how much money you really need in the early stages. Thanks for your time and good luck! #travel #USA #WorkAndTravelUSA
