How to Host An On-Budget Friendsgiving Party with Roommates

November 20, 2015 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

Thanksgiving is just around the corner (what?!) and for a lot of us, that means the 3 F’s: food, friends, and family. Even if you get to head home for the holiday, host a little Friendsgiving get-together with your roomies and take this opportunity to sit down for a fun meal and remind yourselves why…

Fill out a Quick Utilities Survey for a Chance to Win a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate

August 4, 2015 | By Jennie AuthorMy First Apartment

The survey is closed. Thanks for all survey participants. The results will be reported in an upcoming post. Congratulations to Alize from Greenville, SC, who was the randomly – selected winner of the $50 Amazon gift certificate. At MyFirstApartment.com, we are asked every day how to estimate apartment utilities. We want to update our previous utility…

Is It Time to Upsize?

May 8, 2015 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

This is the time of year when many first apartment leases are up and it’s time to decide should you to stay or move. So, is your apartment’s feeling a little cramped? Maybe you got a new roommate, or just let your things get a little out of control. It’s one thing to feel frustrated,…

Apps and Tricks to Help You Save More, Spend Less

July 25, 2014 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

The biggest transition for me after moving into an apartment is dealing with MONEY. Or lack thereof. While I was prepared for paying bills and living on a budget, it was is hard to adjust to having the majority of my paycheck dissolve into rent and utility payments. My boyfriend and I are used to going out…

Surviving the Holidays Without Going Broke

November 29, 2013 | By Audra AuthorMy First Apartment

It’s that time of year again — Black Friday deals beckon, department stores are exploding with fake snow and plastic Santas, and children are dreaming of what cool toys to add to their lists. That’s right folks, the holiday season is coming to a doorstep near you! Whether you are the embodiment of holiday cheer…

Savvy Financial Tips: How You Should Budget For Rent

September 7, 2012 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

We’re back with our second installment of tips from the folks at Apartment Guide, this time with your wallet in mind. Check out our first installment here, designed to make your home feel warm and cozy – not to mention reward a lucky commenter with $50 for sharing a tip for how to best turn an…

Equip Your First Kitchen for under $170

September 21, 2011 | By Sam AuthorMy First Apartment

When you have to equip your first kitchen, buying the right tools can be daunting and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. The key to properly outfitting your kitchen with the basics is collecting a handful of multi-purpose tools that can be used in a wide array of food preparations. I recommend that you…

Furnishing Your Apartment for $2000 or Less

July 31, 2011 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed our past posts detailing our suggestions for furnishing your apartment for $500 and $1000. Today’s post, the last in our series, is for the big spender – with $2000 in his/her apartment piggy bank. At this budget level, you can afford stuff that is worth moving to your next place and maybe the…

Furnishing Your Apartment On $500 or Less

July 11, 2011 | By Alissa AuthorMy First Apartment

We’re often asked for advice about how much to budget for apartment essentials. For instance, “What kinda apartment can I get for X amount per month?” Or, “If I have $1000 to move cross country. . . what then?” And, perhaps the most frequent . . . “How can I furnish my apartment without totally breaking the…

5 Flights or Staying on Budget and in Shape

November 12, 2010 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Our blogger Elyse shares her exercise secrets. 5 Flights: Staying on Budget and in Shape When you’re living on your own for the first time, it’s probably safe to say you don’t really have the money to spare on a gym membership. (Especially if you live in New York City.) When I first moved in…