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…

5 Places to Get Quarters for Your Coin-Operated Washer/Dryer

May 27, 2021 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Many people don’t carry cash anymore, and it’s increasingly less common for people to carry change as well. Additionally, getting coins can be a hassle during a coin shortage, but you’ll need them if your first apartment has coin-operated washers and dryers. Alternatively, if your apartment doesn’t have washers or dryers in your apartment building,…

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…

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…

How to Apply for Apartments if Your Income Changes

October 28, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

If your income has drastically changed, you may have to move to a more affordable apartment. However, when applying to rent an apartment, you will usually need to show your income to prove that you can afford the rent. Given this obstacle, how can you relocate with a significant decrease in your budget? Here are…

Four Easy Summer Meals That Fit Your Grocery Budget

September 10, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Everyone has recurring fixed expenses in their budget, especially first-time apartment dwellers learning to balance life costs. Among these costs, keeping track of food can be tricky. It’s tempting to save time and order delivery or takeout, but that’s always more expensive than using your groceries to make a home-cooked meal. Yes, food is a…

How to Have a Social Life on a Budget

July 27, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Life as a financially independent, stable adult means always being able to pay your monthly bills. When these financial obligations take priority, you may have to cut back on other costs that aren’t obligatory. For many people, these cutbacks can impede social life spending. But you can still easily have a social life on a…

How To Plan (And Stick To) A Food Budget

July 13, 2020 | By Stella M AuthorMy First Apartment

Life without food wouldn’t just be literally impossible – it would be really boring. Three good meals a day aren’t just vital to your health, but a good meal can also be a highlight of your day. Not everyone, though, can easily afford the groceries involved in making an extravagant dish – or buying one…

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…

Must-Have Budget Apps

October 24, 2018 | By Sarah AuthorMy First Apartment

“There’s an app for that!” In fact, there are mobile apps to solve most problems these days, and your budget is no exception. If you’re like me, your mobile phone is never far from reach, meaning your budget shouldn’t be either! Check out these must-have budget apps and get downloading! Bank, Credit Union, Credit Card…