Save Money by Living with the in-laws

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Part of my plan to mitigate my law school debt is living with my in-laws. For many, this would be the equivalent of stabbing yourself in the eye repeatedly with a hot ice pick. For me, the experience has been surprisingly wonderful.

My in-laws are great people. They’re fun and super nice. Because they live in two story home, they gave the upstairs to us. There’s so many extra rooms up there, that my wife and I each have our own office to do work. Pretty nice.

Here’s a list of the perks of living with the in-laws.

1. No rent. We’re saving about $500 a month
2. No utilities. That’s probably saving us about $200
3. Free cable and Internet. Savings: $75
4. Free laundry.
5. Big family dinners once a week.
6. The in-laws take us out to eat every once in awhile.
7. I can talk football with father-in-law
8. My wife has someone to talk to when I’m gone all day at law school

It’s not like my in-laws aren’t getting anything out of this deal either. In return, my wife and I have taken on the chores my in-laws did not like to do. I mow the yard, rake the leaves, and take the recyclables to the recycling center. Mrs. FLS vacuums the house, makes dinner every once in a while, and does the dishes. Mother in law even said she’s going to miss us when we move out. We just might have to spend another year here.

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5 Comments

1. bc on 31.10.2006 at 13:39 (Reply)

   If either my husband or I even liked our parents we’d consider living with them. But alas we don’t and they live in another state. But color me impressed on a very frugal living situation.

2. Chitowngirl on 12.02.2007 at 08:01 (Reply)

   I think that was a very smart idea, especially since you have your own personal space.

3. Top 5 Ways to Save Money While in School | The Frugal Law Student on 09.05.2007 at 09:13

   […] Live with your parents. Right now, my wife and I are living with her parents. This has been our biggest money saver. It’s worked out rather well for us and my in-laws. We have rent free housing and they get in home service. My wife cleans the house and makes dinner for them every once in awhile and I take care of landscaping and the recyclables. […]

4. links for 2007-09-12 | The Frugal Law Student on 12.09.2007 at 00:28

   […] Save Money by Living with the in-laws | The Frugal Law Student Many of you know that my wife and I are living with my in-laws right now while I’m in school. People’s first reaction is “In-laws? How do you do it?” It’s actually worked out quite nicely for us. […]

5. Steve T. on 22.03.2008 at 10:31 (Reply)

   there’s not a day that goes by where I don’t have an urge to stand infront of a speeding Mac Truck. My wife’s parents AND ingrate of a sister keeps reminding us how much of a burden my kids and us are to them!! My life has been sucked out of me, i have no idea what to do. I am living in a place where we are not wanted!! But we have nowhere else to go!! you are incredibly lucky, my friend!!

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