Community Resource Guide For Helena VISTAS Volume 1. July. 2014 | Page 9

Personal Development Areas
Set up your living space on a budget:
Other VISTAs- Email your VISTA leader and ask to be put in contact with current
and outgoing VISTAs. This is a great way to furnish your living space cheaply.
Good Samaritan Thrift Store- (406)-442-0780 Located on 3067 N Montana Ave,
Helena, Mt 59601
Goodwill-(406)-457-1325 Located on 1100 Road Runner St, Helena, Mt 59601
Spring and Summer Yard sales (May-June)
Budget during the first month of service before you receive your bi-monthly
stipend:
Surplus Funds- At minimum you will need approximately $1000 to pay your first
and second months’ rent, your first months’ power bill, set up your living space, and
purchase groceries for the first month of service.
Monthly excel spreadsheet budget- Keeping a monthly log of your expenditures
by adding up all your receipts and habitual expenses is very helpful for sticking to a
benchmark. It is even possible to save while serving as a VISTA.  Free Excel
Software: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us
Automatic online bill pay- To save on the cost of physical checks (22-24 dollars
per 50 check packs) set up automatic bill pay for all of your constant expenses (rent,
internet, phone bill, savings).
Become conversant with state and federal elected officials so you’re familiar
with those names in conversation: This obviously isn’t necessary but it helps
when you can associate individuals with their positions in government in
conversations. You never know whom you’ll run into in Helena!

“A View of Helena,” Mt Helena, MT

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