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…

First Apartment Budgeting Boot Camp: Couples

April 21, 2017 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

As promised last week, this is the couples week at the first apartment budgeting boot camp. We’ll try to figure out answers to Rachel’s, Celeste’s and Jimmy’s questions. Rachael Rachael asks: “Do you think $810 would be too much rent for my boyfriend and I together?” See Rachael’s question as a comment to https://www.myfirstapartment.com/2012/08/how-much-should-you-plan-for-utilities/this post.…

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…

10 Costs First Time Renters Don’t Think About

December 4, 2016 | By Contributors AuthorMy First Apartment

By Stephanie Lynch If you recently found the perfect apartment — congratulations! It can be pretty time consuming to find the right area, amenities, landlord and price. There’s nothing better than walking into an apartment and instantly clicking with it. While signing the lease to your new apartment may be exciting, most apartment tenants, especially…

First Apartment Budgeting Basics: How Much Rent Can You Afford on Your Salary?

May 13, 2014 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

The most frequent question we get is, “how much does it cost to move to an apartment?” We have covered the topic many times before, so this time we’ll start by looking at what it will cost to live in your first apartment. We estimate the cost at various salary levels, ranging from $20,000 to $50,000,…