Idols Making Big Moves

What's new with American Idol? For the first time ever this week you can download semifinalists’ songs on iTunes (AAPL) hours after they perform live on Fox's hit show (NWS). What's not so new? Controversial contestants: at least three, including Carly Smithson, have had record deals in the past, though none are currently signed. Oh, and that Simon Cowell dude still has an attitude.

American Idol’s top 12 men sang '60s songs on last night’s show and the top 12 women are set to perform this evening. Judges Paula Abdul, Cowell, and Randy Jackson gave high marks to David Archuleta who sang ‘Shop Around,’ Michael Johns who sang ‘Light My Fire,’ and Jason Castro who sang  ‘Daydream.' After votes are tallied on Thursday, the bottom two guys and bottom two girls will be sent packing.

For many of the remaining 20, the American Idol Hollywood experience will continue to be their first move from home. In the upcoming weeks, in addition to the free room and board they’re already receiving, the top vote getters will start receiving an allowance for new clothes, as well as the free services of stylists, and professional music coaches. (Only after the group is winnowed to the top 12 do the contestants start getting paid.) Back to reality: For most people, a first move can be tremendously expensive, not to mention intimidating. However, the right financial plan can lessen your first move stress.

Leaving mom and dad means dealing with bills and expenses that they always handled. The cost of furniture, pots and pans, food, as well as monthly utilities, Internet, and cable television can all add up quickly. “It seems really silly in retrospect, but at home your parents take care of more details than you ever give them credit for,” says Aaron Patzer, founder and CEO of Mint.com, an automated personal finance website.