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…

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…

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:…

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,…

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…

6 Grocery Apps To Help You Save Money + Plan Your Meals

April 28, 2018 | By Shea AuthorMy First Apartment

Sometimes, bills pile up. You’ve got a lot of responsibilities now that you’re living in an apartment. From your rent payment to your utilities, theres a lot to keep track of, and the money coming out of your pocket can seem overwhelming. If you’re looking to get more organized and save cash, though, these 6…

Here’s Which Streaming Services To Consider When Cutting The Cord

March 25, 2018 | By Shea AuthorMy First Apartment

Everyone loves saving cash. Whether it’s going out to eat less often or something more drastic like finding a roommate, having a bit more money in your pocket never hurt. One popular way to save on your monthly expenses is cutting the cord. What does that mean? Eliminating your cable services and opting for “Netflix…

Grocery Coupons and Sales: Are You Really Saving Money?

September 2, 2017 | By Taylor AuthorMy First Apartment

Shopping sales and using coupons are a great ways to save money, but only if you’re using them the right way. If you’re not, they can actually end up costing you a lot more. This is especially true if you are just learning to shop for one person. The tips here are focuses on grocery…

Don’t Forget to Plan for These 6 Moving Costs!

July 26, 2017 | By Kalee AuthorMy First Apartment

Let’s just face the fact that moving costs add up quickly, especially if you’re moving for the first time. The best thing to do is research and plan so you can set a realistic moving budget that you can stick to. Knowing all of the costs associated with moving will help you stick to your…

$5 Meals: Pinto Beans & Andouille Sausage

July 22, 2017 | By J Simpson AuthorMy First Apartment

Pinto beans, rice, and Andouille sausage is one of the most delicious, healthy $5 meals you can make! Dried pinto beans are a staple of the bare cupboard. How many times have you gone into the kitchen, pilfered through the cabinets and thought, “There’s nothing to eat!”, despite seeing copious mason jars, ZipLoc Bags, and…