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…

Do You Need a Financial Adviser?

February 11, 2019 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

When you venture out on your own, there are plenty of new responsibilities that come your way… like being financially responsible and planning for your future! A financial adviser may help you set and meet financial goals and introduce you to the world of money management during this new chapter of your life. Here are a…

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:…

Which TV Subscription Service Should You Pick?

January 9, 2019 | By Shea AuthorMy First Apartment

When it comes to cutting the cord, there’s a lot to think about. Is it really cheaper (yes, it is)? Will I miss cable TV? Which TV subscription service should I use? Thankfully, there’s a way to decide that last question. With so many TV subscription services out there, you may be lost in a…

How to Navigate a Housing Budget

January 6, 2019 | By Nat AuthorMy First Apartment

The general suggestion for rent is 30% of monthly income, but many people end up paying far more. In fact, 1 in 5 millennial parents report spending 50-59% of income on housing, according to a 2016 report from the National Endowment for Financial Education. Crazy, right? Due to rising rental rates and fewer available units,…

5 New Year’s Money Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

January 1, 2019 | By Alex AuthorMy First Apartment

These simple money tips by Alex will give your 2019 a great start. Maybe last year’s resolution to hit the gym and drop 10 pounds didn’t work out so well, nor did that plan to write a best seller. Perhaps you were over-reaching a bit. Luckily, a new year means new beginnings and a chance to make realistic…

Are Meal Subscription Services Worth It?

December 9, 2018 | By Shea AuthorMy First Apartment

Sometimes, you just don’t want to plan a menu, figure out what you need, and go to the grocery. That’s when meal subscription services come in. From Blue Apron to Hello Fresh, there are more than enough of these meal kit plans on the market for you to choose from, but given their price tags,…