How do I prepare for a big life change?
<div class="user-question">How can I relocate to a new city without the available funds? Moving from Florida to Dallas.</div>
Hey there! Congrats on the move! Seriously - deciding to pack up and start fresh in a new city is a bold move, and you deserve some credit for taking that leap.🤩🤩🤩
At 26, you’re already ahead of the game in many ways. You’ve got a steady income, you’re thinking long-term, and you're brave enough to move from South Florida to Dallas. That takes courage. Most people stay put because change feels risky - but you're choosing growth, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Moving without much extra cash is a challenge. But it’s not impossible! With thoughtful planning and a few smart decisions, you can land on your feet and start building real momentum. This isn’t about having it all figured out - it’s about taking intentional steps to make you feel stable, confident, and in control of your next chapter!
🌴 Florida vs. 🌵 Texas: Key Differences That Matter
When relocating, one of the biggest questions is, "Will my money stretch further?" The good news is if you're moving from South Florida to Dallas, the answer is yes. Texas - especially cities like Dallas - offers more affordable living across the board. From rent to groceries to gas, your dollar tends to go further. Here's how the two stack up:
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: If you plan to drive to Dallas instead of flying, there are a few ways to keep your road trip and first few days in the city as affordable as possible. Use GasBuddy to map out the cheapest gas stations along your route so you're not overpaying at random stops. Once you arrive, apps like Too Good To Go and MealPal can help you score discounted meals from local restaurants, bakeries, and cafes - perfect for keeping costs low while you settle in.</div>
Budgeting for Rent: Roommate or Solo?
Rent is likely your biggest monthly expense, so your housing decision will majorly impact how comfortably you can settle into Dallas.
Before you move, try to have:
- First month’s rent: ~$1,400 (targeting a room or small studio)
- Deposit: Often 1 month of rent (less with good credit)
Getting a roommate is often the most affordable option. Not only do you split rent, but you’ll also share utility bills, internet, and even some furniture.
Moving Tip: Less = Less Stress
The fewer things you bring, the cheaper your move. Avoid large moving costs by traveling light - clothes, essentials, and a few personal items. Buy furniture once you arrive, and for your first few months, check out Goodwill, Facebook Marketplace, or local antique stores for secondhand finds that are way more budget-friendly. Once you’re on solid financial ground, you can upgrade later.
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: Subletting a room is a great short-term option if your budget is tight. It usually requires less upfront cash, and spaces are often furnished. You can also find rooms for rent through Facebook housing groups, Roomies, or Craigslist, where you can skip the traditional deposit entirely. I personally did this in my twebties, and it helped my wallet a lot!</div>
Credit Score = Your Rent Superpower
Before you move, check your credit score - it could shape where you can live. Check out this blog post on this topic.
You are eligible to pull all three credit reports for free annually, but getting a credit score is not required to be free, although there are promotions that provide a free score. Review all three credit reports because there can be discrepancies, and you don’t know which one a rental agency or potential landlord may pull.
There are two major credit scoring models, FICO and Vantage Score, and you should pull both because they can be different, and again, you don’t know which one a rental agency or landlord may pull. Landlords often use your score to decide how much of a security deposit they’ll ask for or if they will approve you. A higher score can open more doors (literally 😜), and, in many cases, reduce how much cash you need upfront. Your score can also impact your ability to get utilities like water and power.
Your credit score determines if you need:
- A higher security deposit
- A co-signer
Let’s quickly examine how much your credit score can impact your financial future. Even if buying a home isn’t on your radar right now, this comparison helps show just how much money a better score can save you over time - especially when it comes to big-ticket items like cars and homes.
While you might not be applying for a mortgage anytime soon, these numbers show how valuable it is to start building your credit now. A higher score doesn’t just open more doors - it saves you serious money in the long run and even lowers upfront costs like rental deposits and car insurance today.
Short-Term Credit Boost Tips
If your score is above 700, great - you’ll probably have more rental options and might even dodge those annoying high deposits.
But if you’re sitting below 670, don’t freak out! You’re not doomed; you’re just in your "it’s time for a glow-up" era 💅✨.
There are plenty of quick, doable ways to give your credit a boost before the move - and trust me, future you will thank you.
- Pay down credit cards to below 30% of your limit
- Ask for a credit limit increase - without taking on more debt
- Become an authorized user on someone’s good-standing card (like a parent or sibling)
- Dispute any errors on your credit report (you can check all three for free at AnnualCreditReport.com)
- Transfer high-interest debt to a low/no-interest card (if available)
💸 Stretching Your Financial Runway
If you’re relocating without much in savings, it’s tempting to swipe your way through the move - but relying on high-interest credit card debt is the most expensive option. Here’s a better breakdown - from less ideal to smarter ways to cover your move without sabotaging your financial future.
🔴 Avoid: Putting Moving Costs on a High-Interest Credit Card
Credit cards can be helpful, but they’re also one of the fastest ways to spiral into debt if you’re carrying balances month to month. With average interest rates above 20%, it’s not worth using credit cards to fund your move unless it’s an absolute emergency - and even then, it should be a last resort.
🟠 Okay Option: 0% APR Balance Transfer Card (If You’re Already Carrying Debt)
If you’ve got high-interest credit card debt, see if you qualify for a 0% interest balance transfer card. The key is paying it off before the interest rate kicks in.
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: Here are some of our favorite cards offering up to 21 months of 0% APR.</div>
🟡 Better Option: Low-Interest Personal Loan
If you need a chunk of money for your move, a personal loan with a low interest rate could give you breathing room. These loans often have fixed payments and lower interest than credit cards. They can even improve your credit score by adding an installment loan to your credit mix (which helps diversify your profile by adding to your credit mix - 10% of your credit score).
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: Take a look here if you qualify!</div>
🟢 Best Option (If You’re Disciplined): A New Credit Card with Rewards
If you don’t already have a credit card and are confident you can pay off what you charge each month, apply for a credit card with a 0% intro APR and rewards (cash-back or travel points). This gives you a no-interest grace period and can help cover move-related costs you were already planning for - as long as you don’t overspend.
You can even look into charge cards like American Express, which require paying off your full balance monthly. These often come with great perks (and higher annual fees), but they can build discipline and boost your score without racking up interest.
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: Remember, the only way to build credit is with credit. The most powerful product for your credit score is a revolving credit card, because it touches all the major scoring categories: 35% payment history, 30% amounts owed, 15% length of credit history, 10% new credit, 10% credit mix.</div>
<div class="frich-tip">Frich tip: To build credit, you don’t need to carry a balance - you just need to use your card regularly and pay it off in full. Here are some of our favorite premium credit cards.</div>
Btw - here's how others are doing👀
How are you choosing which city to live in?
🏙️36% How much I like the city
🫂16% Based on where most of my friends live
💼48% Based on the best job I can get
Moving with little to no savings? Yeah, it’s a challenge - but it’s also a power move. You’re choosing to bet on yourself, to chase something better, and that takes guts!! The fact that you’re even planning this move means you’re already taking control of your future, and that deserves some serious recognition. 🫶
Remember, your credit isn’t just a number - it’s your financial passport. And this move? It’s not just a change of address - it’s the start of something bigger.
You’re stepping into a whole new chapter - with more control, more clarity, and way more potential than you might even realize right now. Keep going. Keep building. This is how financial freedom starts - with one bold move and the belief that yeah, you really can do this!
Gwyneth Borden
Founder & CEO, Remynt
