MFA IRL: How Should Sheamus Budget for Rent and Living Expenses on His Fixed Income?

April 26, 2019 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Sheamus asks: “Hello I am autistic and I am looking to get a place of my own. I am on a fixed income and I was wondering how I can budget that?” Hi Sheamus, We are excited to hear that you are about to move to your own place. It’s a big step for all…

MFA IRL: Can Kiya and Her Fiancé Afford $750 Rent?

April 9, 2019 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Kiya asks: “Hi, I currently make $12/hr and bring home $300-550 a check or $1,200-2,200 a month. My fiancé makes $15/hr and brings home $1,440 a month. Our max rent that we’ve been searching is $750. We have car insurance $500, groceries $330, gas $80, and phone $30. Can we afford to move ? We’re…

MFA IRL: Can Tori Afford $ 753 Rent?

March 15, 2019 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Tori asks: “Ok, I make $14.25 an hr, get paid every week. Car note is $528 and my insurance is $293 a month, plus phone bill $80 a month, gas to work is $40 a week. I have a 4 yr old son. Can I afford 753 for rent?” Tori, Like many young adults you…

Make It a Frugal February – 6 Tips to Recover After Holiday Splurges!

February 3, 2019 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

If the holidays wrecked your budget, it’s time to catch up. Are you among the 57% of Americans who don’t have enough cash to pay a surprise $500 bill? Here are some of our best frugal living tips that will get your Frugal February started. Check your January bank and credit card statements Go through…

MFA IRL: How Much Rent Can Olivia Afford?

January 27, 2019 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

We are starting today a new series, MFA IRL or My First Apartment In Real Life, where we answer selected reader questions that were posted in the comments. You can also email your questions/comments to [email protected] Olivia, 23, moving out of her parents’ house later this year, asks: “How much rent can I afford?” Income:…

Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2018 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Merry Christmas from the MFA Team! We hope that all your presents are perfect and your every wish comes true!

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 22, 2018 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Thanksgiving from the MFA Team. We’ll see you again when all the pies are gone!

Easiest Ever Last-Minute Thanksgiving Dinner Party

November 20, 2018 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

It’s your first Thanksgiving away from your family and the budget does not allow you to go home. Instead of getting depressed and crying into your sushi dinner after a lonely movie, throw your own last-minute Thanksgiving dinner party. The menu planning is a breeze, and by now it’s a truly casual invite so nobody…

Our Most Popular Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving Decor and Party Tips

November 14, 2018 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

It’s not too late to plan your first Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Party! Here are some great party ideas from our bloggers. Decorating Tips from Audra Inevitably, not being able to head home for Thanksgiving leaves many feeling blue and wondering how to get that holiday feeling without family around. The truth is, staying local and…

How Much Does It Cost to Move Out? You Need to Save For These 5 Expenses

October 18, 2018 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Before you are ready to sign the lease to your first apartment, you need estimate the cost to move out and save enough money to cover these 5 expenses that you’ll have to pay before or on your moving day. 1. Payments to the landlord Your landlord will require you to pay the first month’s…