-Production funding and educational outreach for Biz Kids is provided by a coalition of America's credit unions, where people are worth more than money.

A complete list of individual credit union funders Is available at wxxi.org.

-Every day America's credit unions help members with their financial needs, and with programs like Invest in America.

It's only fitting that credit unions support Biz Kids, because financial education is what we do.

Learn more at lovemycreditunion.org.

-Well, old chum, fighting these dastardly villains won't be the same without you by my side.

-Holy guilt trips, Ratman.

Well, we can still fight crime on the weekends.

I just need my own space.

-I know Bobbin, but remember, you've got to watch your spending, my young ward.

Living on your own can be expensive.

-You have to pay for everything yourself-- like food, and clothing, and rent, and utilities.

It can all add up pretty quickly.

And you won't be able to borrow the Ratmobile if you don't live in the cave.

-Holy transportation crisis Ratman!

Well, maybe I can live with you for another year.

-Ooh, I'm sorry my old chum.

You might want to invest in a bus pass.

I've already promised your room to Squidman.

-Holy rat betrayal.

-Bobbin!

No!

-♪ When making money is the aim these kids they bring their game ♪ They're the Biz Kids can you dig it ♪ They know what's up and let you know ♪ Just how to make that dough they're the Biz Kids, right on ♪ So learn a little more about bringing money through the door ♪ They're the Biz Kids right on.

♪ -So I'm finally ready to move out of the house, get my own place, and be independent.

Yep, I can see it now.

I've got you, man, I've got you.

Oh!

Good job, good.

-You know what the first step is when moving out?

Reality check!

Now, assuming you have a job, can you afford to live on your own in this big scary world?

-I think so.

-Because one of the first things kids discover when they move out is that nothing's free.

-There are a lot of expenses that your parents pay for that you probably haven't thought about.

-Like what?

-Like the roof over your head.

-Oh, well... -Before you make that big move, you've got to make a budget.

For instance, rent.

Okay, got to pay your first month's rent, your last month's rent, a security deposit, and a credit check fee.

You can't forget these things.

-Then you need to figure in utilities.

-Right.

Utilities can be water, electricity, garbage, cable, Internet-- things your parents paid for that you've never thought of.

-Then there's transportation and food.

-Okay, I'm a light eater, it's going to work out.

-Work the numbers.

You'll find that it can cost a lot of money to live on your own.

Just how expensive can it be?

Well, that depends on the choices you make based on your income and budgeting skills.

-Right.

Are you okay living in a dorm, or do you need the penthouse apartment?

-Guys, I just want to live on my own and be free, that's it!

-Don't forget this guy.

-Aww.

-Poochie!

Well, I guess this means I'm going to have to schedule vet bills and dog food.

I'm going to need a roommate or two.

Oh yeah, Pooch.

-I hope life doesn't get too "ruff" for him.

-Oh, how cute.

-He likes your face.

That's weird.

Ah!

-I'm Kristine.

-I'm Sarah.

-We just graduated from NYU and we're looking for our first apartment.

-Hi.

I'm Morgan and I'm a real estate agent in New York City.

Whoo-hoo!

There are thousands of apartments out there in New York City to see and you usually don't know where to begin.

And that's exactly where I can come in.

So I run the searches for my clients.

I take them to exactly what they want to see that's within their budget and I think that they're going to like.

And as long as I can help prepare them with the paperwork and the funds that they need to secure an apartment, they should be good to go.

-Some of the things we're looking for are lots of light, huge, exposed brick or something like that.

-First time apartment hunters usually do set their expectations too high.

-Woah!

-Wow!

-Look at this, this is awesome!

-This is amazing!

-They call me and they say, "I want the penthouse apartment."

-Great, look at the view.

With two huge bedrooms and a large living room and a kitchen with a dishwasher.

It's $3,100 a month, but it's absolutely beautiful.

They only think about the rent.

-I mean, I want this one.

Can we take this one?

-There are other factors that they have to consider.

-Our budget's about $3,200 a month between the two of us.

-So did you guys think about all the other costs associated with renting an apartment?

There's electric.

That usually runs between $50 to a $150 a month.

Cable and Internet, $100 to $150.

Your unlimited subway card is usually around $104 a month.

-Yeah, I don't know if we can afford this.

-Forgot about that.

-The additional costs were really crazy.

-Yeah it was a lot.

A lot more than I expected or planned for in our budget.

-We definitely can't afford this place.

-The biggest thing is just setting their expectations, you know, at the right level, and budgeting accordingly.

So let's take a look at this apartment.

It's more within your budget.

-Exposed brick, which is awesome.

Way bigger than a dorm, that's so cool.

-Both bedrooms have a window, the nice hardwood floors.

My advice for first time apartment hunters is to really think about your budget.

It's not just about the rent.

I love helping people find an apartment in the city.

It's a very big decision for them.

Seeing the look on their face when they sign the lease and I give them the keys is really rewarding, and I really love it.

-She helped us find our apartment!

-Hmm.

I'm telling you Lucky, this living on your own can be mighty expensive.

-Have you thought about picking up a roommate or two, Fast Buck?

Roommates can help save on expenses.

-I don't want a roommate.

-Roommates can share the cost of food and rent.

-Where do I pick up one of them roommates?

-Well, what do you think about Gabby?

-Yeah, I'll be your roommate.

C'mon, you and me pal.

What do you say, huh?

-You smell funny.

-If you're budgeting to move out, you may need a roommate or two.

-Or three.

-Whatever the number, it's important for roommates to make a budget.

-Maybe four.

-In every household budget, there are fixed costs-- expenses that are the exact same every month, like rent.

-Maybe you split those evenly, but some costs are discretionary-- expenses that you control, like clothing and entertainment.

-Or transportation.

I ride a bike.

-Okay, well I do live pretty far away from work, which means I'm going to have to take my car.

Also means I need to budget for gas and maintenance.

-Son of a... -Now, wait a minute.

He doesn't need a car, he just wants one.

It's his decision, and that means it's discretionary.

-Actually, I do need my car.

-I'm late for work!

-I think he just likes his sound system.

-Which is pretty interesting considering his income.

-Hey, that's my business.

-Exactly, choices.

Now, some of these items are a little trickier, like food.

Everyone needs food, but it's up to you whether you go out to a fancy restaurant or cook from home.

That's at your discretion.

-When you're making a budget, it's important to know what's fixed and what's discretionary.

If you're having trouble making ends meet, you either have to increase your income, or cut back on discretionary spending.

-I'd rather increase my income.

-Yeah, that 25 cents an hour's really going to do him some good.

-Kaelon, you know how much you can buy with 25 cents these days?

-How much?

-About... -Nothing.

-Sayonara.

-Laugh while you can, monkey boys.

25 cents an hour equals two dollars a day, times five days a week, equals ten dollars a week.

Times four weeks in a month, that's $40 a month.

That's not chump change.

That's gas for your car, a payment on your electric bill, or even a nice lunch.

It all adds up.

But the best way to cut expenses is to pick up some roommates.

Like these girls.

-Hey Biz Kid, why have one roommate... -When you could have seven?

Whoo!

-Having seven roommates is a lot of fun.

It's really fun to have a house full of people that you can hang out with and interact with throughout your day.

It's also a little crazier having a lot of people you live with that are all independent.

-Hi!

-Hi!

-We have a chore chart.

-This is our chore list.

-Seven chores for seven women.

-And this is things to discuss at our Sunday night dinner.

-So all seven of us who live here, our names are all on the lease.

It's good to have all seven of us on a lease so then if at any point there's somebody's wanting to move out it kind of gives them the responsibility of finding a subleaser.

Otherwise they're legally obligated to continue paying their rent.

-If you guys could write me a check today, since we're all together, that'd be really helpful.

-Whitney got put in charge of bills and rent because she's a very organized person.

-Well I'm responsible for the finances of the house.

House financier.

I make sure to send out an email a week or so in advance reminding them, "Hey, the 25th is coming up.

Please make sure you have your check in."

And our rent is due on the first of every month.

-And she mails it in to our landlord at the first of every month.

-Never been late.

Seven checks.

I've got great roommates.

-Having roommate is great because it teaches you a lot about responsibility, but we get to learn about that together.

-Seven rent checks from seven girls!

-Kooky, let's get goofy.

Kooky, let's get goofy.

Have fun, let's get busy.

Have fun, let's get busy.

Kooky, let's get goofy.

-I'm going to go fix my hair.

-Ay.

-Hey you all, we all need to talk.

-Why?

You steal one of my boyfriends again?

'Cause you know I'll take you down.

Just get him to hold my... -No.

It's about the house.

-Slammi saying we need to talk is never good.

It's either about one of my boyfriends or money.

-So, like, what are we all doing?

-Well, I was going to go get my nails done.

-I'm working out.

-I'm doing my hair.

-No!

I mean are we all being good roommates?

Are we all pitching in to help pay for food and utilities and the rent?

-The show's network pays for this house.

Why should we?

-Well, it ain't always going to be like that.

What if we all had to get jobs?

-Hey!

You just used the G-word.

-Yo, jobs starts with a "J".

-Whatever.

And don't you start.

You made me mess up my hair.

If you're talking crazy, you going to have to get out.

-I'm not talking crazy.

It's what good roommates do.

They make a budget and they pool together all the money at the same time every month, so that they can get the bills paid on time.

We all got to be conscientious because if somebody doesn't pull their weight it's my name on the lease!

-Hello, I am Hilary Roommate Robot number 629.

I promise to pay my bills on time.

I will promise to be a good roommate.

Please love me.

-Come in!

-I heard that you are looking for a roommate.

-Yeah.

-I would very much like to move in.

-Oh my gosh!

That'd be great.

Like, what could go wrong?

-So like, I didn't know living with a vampire was going to be so expensive.

-I am sorry.

I have not had to use money since I was turned into a vampire back in the Civil War.

-Right.

Well, I didn't budget to keep the lights on all night.

This electric bill has just like, gone through the roof.

-Well, perhaps we should use more candles.

They are very romantic, no?

-We've blown our candle budget.

And all that synthetic blood stuff sure is expensive.

-Well, perhaps it is that we should take on another roommate.

I do know someone that has a job that could move in.

-Are they like, another vamp... -We would have to build another sleeping cubby, yes.

-No, I totally don't want to invite another vampire into my house.

(wolves howling) -Oh, my gosh!

What is that?

-Werewolves.

Don't worry, I will fight them.

(glass breaking) -Oh, great.

There goes my damage deposit.

-When you're preparing your budget to move out, there's a few things that your parents have been paying for that you've probably never really thought of.

-Like laundry.

-Internet access.

-Your phone.

-Most kids take some clothes and some furniture from home when they move out.

So that's not a big expense.

-Yeah, I can take my laptop, my games, my phone, and my lava lamp.

-And he said he needs his car.

-And he may have budgeted gas, but that's not the end of it.

-There's auto insurance.

-Maintenance.

-Taxes and licensing fees.

-Okay, note to self: budget for car expenses.

-You're entering a whole new playing field.

If you budgeted well, great.

If not... -I budgeted.

(phone rings) Hello?

-Hey they're towing your car, man.

-What do you mean they're towing my car?

-I swear!

-I'm Aeron.

-And I'm Kaliv.

-We're students here at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

-We run a Web site called HowsTheLiving.com.

What our site does is it allows students, both high school students and current college students to look at reviews and also to post reviews of student housing around college campuses.

-College freshman moving to campus for the very first time, by going to HowsTheLiving.com they're able to see ratings and reviews before they even move in on that move in day.

-Should I live here?

-Here?

-Here?

-So much to chose from!

-We're helping college students to find housing on campus, but we're transitioning to live off campus.

-Our budget is drastically changed since moving off campus.

There are a lot of incidentals that you have to account for by living off campus.

-Utilities, rent, furniture.

-We saved our money, we built up a nice savings account to have a cushion.

-Just like we budget for rent and transportation, we also budget for emergencies.

-You never know when things could come up.

We always have to expect the unexpected.

-Hey Biz Kid, make sure you have a rainy day fund for emergencies.

-Plan B.

The importance of having a plan B.

Having a plan B.

My plan B is my emergency fund.

My emergency fund is my plan B.

And that money can be used for anything that just pops out.

My plan B is my emergency fund.

You never know what's going to happen, when it's going to happen, and how much it's going to cost.

So have that plan B.

-Now, back to the Big Biz movie: X-Pense Men.

-Thanks for helping us move in, Professor.

-Of course.

Moving out and getting your own place is a very important time in the life of every young mutant, but you have to remember, with independence comes responsibility.

-What do you mean, responsibility?

-I mean that every time young mutants move out they act like they can do anything, especially with their finances!

But I'm telling you, if you and Buyclops don't start doing some serious budgeting you're going to run into serious trouble.

-Trouble?

I can shoot lasers out of my eyes.

-Your superpowers won't allow you to buy groceries or pay the rent!

-But I've got to eat.

-Well, I guess we never really thought about budgeting.

Is it difficult?

-Well, it's not that difficult.

I mean, observe the hologram here.

Now, this pie chart represents your monthly income.

Out of that, put aside 35 percent of it for household expenses.

The rent, utilities.

-35 percent-- but that's... -I'm not finished yet, Silverine!

Anyway, another 15 percent should be for transportation.

Your Mutant Mobile, gas, whatnot.

Another ten percent should be set aside for a long term savings plan.

Plus a five percent emergency fund for unforeseen emergencies.

-Like when we rip our super suits in a mutant battle?

-Precisely.

And then another 20 percent should be set aside for... -Rustproofing Silverine's claws?

-That's it, bub!

-Mutants.

Why couldn't I have opened a school for Biz Kids?

-What's up, Biz Kids?

Kaelon here.

Right now we're in Los Angeles.

And I am looking for a new apartment.

It is time for me to move out.

This is my place, where I live with two other guys.

I wish it was a little bit cleaner, but it's not.

Ah!

One of the bad things about living with two roommates, dirty dishes.

I need my own place.

So some of the things that may be challenging moving out are number one, obviously I've got to pay all of the rent.

I don't get to split it with two other guys, so it's going to be more expensive.

Number two, utilities.

I can't split that with anybody else now, so got to pay all that.

And Internet connection.

I need to pay my own Internet now, so now I have to pay for all of it.

Hi!

I actually just came across your ad on... online for your apartment in Studio City.

Are you guys available to show it in the next day or two?

So the new place that I'm looking for, obviously I'd love a pool because pools are awesome.

I'd love a gym.

But you know, at the same time I'm going to have to downsize and maybe even going to have to get a studio apartment instead of a one bedroom.

And I'm looking for a place that's pretty close to my work so that I'm able to bike to work.

Trying to cut down on costs so that I can afford to live on my own.

This is the one bedroom.

Pretty open, it's got a lot of windows.

This is a plus.

And it has a fridge.

This is a plus.

The water works.

This is a plus.

Pink tile, interesting.

Fan.

This is a plus.

Got some closet space here.

Could work.

Looks good.

So, one of the great things about living on my own is that when the dishes are dirty, the only person to blame is myself.

-Hi, I'm Capitalist Peg!

If you're planning on moving out and living on your own, you need to be prepared.

-Huh?

-It can cost a heck of a lot more money than you think, Brian.

-Well, I saved up money to pay my rent.

-But did you think of this?

-Cable, Internet, phone bill, toilet pa... -One of the most important parts about living on your own and becoming independent is learning to pay the bills.

-And pay them on time.

-If you're late, you'll get more than just late fees and an angry landlord.

-Late credit card payments, late utility payments, late cable TV payments, means you'll be paying a higher interest on the balance.

Did you budget for that?

-Plus, not paying on time can also hurt your credit score.

-Why is that important?

-Because when you try to get a loan for a car or rent a house, they always check your credit score.

-And that credit score follows you around.

-And you can be denied a loan or pay more if you have a bad credit score.

-And when it comes to having roommates, you may not be irresponsible, but if your name is on the lease or on the water bill... -Or whatever bill... -Guess what.

You are responsible.

-Even if my roommate flakes?

-That bill's got to be paid.

You could try getting the money from your roommate or do a better job picking one next time.

-That's why when you're trying to be independent, always budget for the unexpected.

-And keep an emergency fund to take care of unexpected bills.

-From flaky roommates... -To a car that blows a serpentine belt.

-You need to budget money to plan for the unexpected.

-I pay most of my expenses online.

It's easier, it's safer than sending them in the mail, and it's a great way to avoid paying late fees.

-Plus, it can all be integrated into your overall budget.

-Thus avoiding late fees.

-As long as you pay the Internet bill.

-(gasps) And I see it's due tomorrow.

Right on time.

-I pay my bills right from my cell phone.

See, I just type in... (crashing) -What does the ancient writing on the rock say?

-It says "Always pay your bills on time."

-It does?

-"That way you'll avoid paying fees and penalties."

-It says that?

-Yes.

-Mmm.

-And it says to always keep a good credit history.

-There's some additional writing here.

-Oh?

-It says... -Yes?

-"Whoever touches this rock shall be forever cursed."

-I didn't touch it.

-Me neither.

-I'm Kahinda.

I design dresses, and I pay my bills on time.

This is a size four.

I do fashion.

I've shown some of it at school, and I've dressed some beauty pageants in Africa.

When I get paid, I make sure I keep away a lot of money-- enough money to cover me for two months.

Every month I have to pay the rent, groceries, heat, and gas.

I've found it that if I have a month ahead it helps me not to panic or to worry about what I'm going to do the next month, how I'm going to get the rent.

Hey Biz Kid, if you want to live on your own, live within your means.

-Doc, you got to help me.

Dust off the time machine.

-What is it, Artie?

-Well you see, these debt collectors are after me so I've got to go back in time and tell myself to pay my bills on time, otherwise they're never going to get off my back.

-Sorry, I can't let you do that, Artie.

-But Doc, my credit score's going down the tubes.

-I'm afraid I can't help you, Artie.

I can't let you use the time machine.

-But Doc... -But nothing!

Listen Artie, it's your responsibility to pay your bills on time.

Your credit score depends on it.

-I know.

That's why I've got to go back.

-No can do, Artie.

No can do.

If I let you go back in time to change your credit scores you could alter the entire time-space continuum.

Plus, you'd learn nothing about managing your finances.

But you can fix your credit score, Artie, if you start paying your bills on time now.

How much do you owe, anyway?

-1.21 jigabucks.

-1.21 jigabucks?

Great scott!

-Hey Biz Kid, don't get caught by surprise when you move off campus.

Is that right?

I'm Taylor.

I am a junior at Indiana University, studying musical theatre.

My freshman year I lived in the dorms.

I wanted to kind of be on my own and I wanted to experience college.

But I didn't realize how much I had to pay upfront to live on my own.

It's kind of scary to live on my own, you know?

When we first came in and we were talking about the lease, and getting ready to sign it, I was a little shocked at... a little shocked?

I was really shocked at the money I had to pay upfront before even really moving in.

You mean I have to pay my deposit up front?

I kind of didn't realize, like, oh, I have to have this down payment of like, $350 plus a portion of rent, which is now $400-something.

And I didn't realize up front you had to do those utilities right away.

And my utilities?

I signed a piece of paper that said, "I am responsible for paying this much amount of money".

I mean, sitting there I was like, "This is kind of a big deal."

Like, I actually have to pay this money or I don't know what's going to happen, you know?

This is kind of a big deal.

After paying all these things up front, when I first moved in I didn't have the money to go out and buy a bunch of groceries, so I was eating noodles which you can buy for like 17 cents a package.

They're not the most filling things, but it's food.

Moving out and living on my own off campus I've learned how to budget my money.

I have so much money in my checking account that I use for groceries.

I have so much in my savings for my rent.

This is Matt.

-Hi Matt!

-We're roommates.

We split the rent.

And I had budgeted out how much that'll be for an entire year.

Also I have some money set aside in case something happens to my car and I need to go take it in to get fixed.

You have to budget your money around what you've done and then, "Okay but I still have enough for groceries, right?"

Hey Biz Kid, don't be caught by surprise when moving off campus.

Budget carefully.

-So this Biz Kid says to me... - Yeah?

-What'd the Biz Kid say?

-He says "When it comes to financial life skills, the first thing you've got to do is figure out how to budget."

-Budget?

-Budget?

-Yeah, but it's not always that easy to budget.

-Even with all of us trying.

-Exactly.

-That's right.

-♪ I've been saving I am moving out ♪ Budgeting is now the key to helping make the rent ♪ Finally I will stop my shopping sprees ♪ Go ahead and take me out and I won't buy a thing ♪ I've been saving I am movin' out ♪ Budgeting is now the key to helping make the rent ♪ The bills from shopping remind me of fun ♪ They keep me thinking that I almost spent it all ♪ The bills from shopping they leave me cashless ♪ I can't help feeling I could have spent it all ♪ Got to pay my rent ♪ I have to pay the rest of my bills ♪ Or the late fees will be big ♪ I could have spent it all got to pay my rent ♪ I have to pay the rest of my bills.

♪ Or the late fees the late fees the late fees the late fees will be big.

♪ -So how much does life cost?

-A lot.

-Now, when you move out you've got to make a budget.

From there you can trim your budget depending on the choices you make.

-When I move out of the house I'll have to keep a tight budget.

-And have an emergency fund in a bank or credit union.

-So after completing my budget I realize I'm going to need some roommates to make this happen.

So are either of you interested in finding a place to live together?

-Dude, I've seen your room.

-Yeah, and I've seen you cook.

Not going to happen.

-I guess it's back to the parents' basement for another year.

-Anybody need a room?

-No pets.

No loud music.

Recycling out at six P.M. And no hogging the bathroom.

-Gosh, you guys sound like my parents.

-Ratman's getting a gut.

- ♪ Leave me cashless ♪ I can't help feeling I could have spent it all ♪ Got to pay my rent.

♪ -At last.

Let's go get our nails done.

-Yeah, you know after that I really need to go to the tanning salon.

-Yeah, you do.

-What do you mean by that?

-What?

-What do you mean by that?

-I'm just saying that you could be a little darker.

-What?

What do you mean?

You got a big mouth, you know that?

-Turn around, say that to my face why don't you?

-Hey I'm Slammi, and when I'm not fighting with Snorki I'm watching Biz Kids on Public Television.

-Are you a kid that runs a successful business?

-If so, then go to BizKids.com.

-We want to hear all about it.

Like, are you hiring?

-Wait, are you looking for a job?

-No, just go to BizKids.com and you could be on the show.

-That's BizKids.com.

What?

-Nothing.

-Production funding and educational outreach for Biz Kids is provided by a coalition of America's credit unions, where people are worth more than money.

A complete list of individual credit union funders Is available at wxxi.org.

-Every day America's credit unions help members with their financial needs, and with programs like Invest in America.

It's only fitting that credit unions support Biz Kids, because financial education is what we do.

Learn more at lovemycreditunion.org.