How to Find the Right Apartment for Your Budget

September 23, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Amid COVID-19 rental market fluctuations, it’s almost as if the housing market benefits the buyer one day and the seller the next. As such, finding an apartment that you can afford can be quite an arduous task. Are you looking for a new place and having no luck? Here’s how to find the perfect apartment…

Five Ways to Budget Better This April

April 20, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Spring is here, and the warmer weather might make you feel more inclined to go outside and spend more money. If you’re experiencing a large increase in your spending as sunny days get longer, now is the right time to budget better so you can stay on top of rent, utilities, and all your other…

Ready to Buy Your First Apartment? Here’s What You Can Afford

February 10, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

According to a recent study, 32.6% of Americans rent their homes, whereas 67.4% of American adults own their homes. These numbers reflect that homeownership has been increasing over the past few years, especially outside metropolitan areas and in the Midwest. If you want to become a homeowner but don’t want to commit to a full…

Here’s Which Kitchen Tools You Can (and Can’t) Buy Secondhand

November 5, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

To many apartment dwellers, apartment life means serious budgeting. Furniture, cookware, and other household items can be expensive, so you may want to buy some things secondhand. However, that’s not always the smartest move. Below, learn which kitchen tools you can and can’t buy secondhand. Why buy secondhand? When you’re buying used kitchenware, you’ll pay…

What Is Net Effective Rent?

October 6, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

If you are currently searching for a new apartment, it’s possible to come across listings that offer a month or two of free rent. While it may be exciting to see discounted rent, you should be aware of the potential long-term consequences of short-term cheaper rent. Below, learn all about discounted apartment rent, often called…

How Can You Get Rent or Mortgage Relief Despite the CARES Act Expiring?

August 19, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Starting Aug. 24, the CARES Act will stop shielding millions of renters from eviction. On July 31, jobless workers stopped receiving $600 weekly enhancement benefits. President Trump has issued a memorandum lowering the unemployment benefit to $400 a week, but some people may not receive the payments for weeks. Additionally, underfunded states may not have…

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:…

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…

3 Top First Apartment Money Traps and How to Avoid Them

March 4, 2018 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

This post is aimed at all you new grads starting to plan for your first apartment. Watch out for these three money traps that can foil your plans for getting your dream apartment or bust your budget once you get one. Trap #1. Your Car Your car? What does your car have to do with…

First Apartment Budgeting Boot Camp: Brit and Billy

April 14, 2017 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Your first apartment budgeting boot camp continues. Today we look at two real life examples, based on questions we have received from two of our readers, Brit and Billy. (Next week’s lesson will cover apartment budgeting when you are moving in with your significant other.) Brit: “Hi there, I’m also looking to move out of…