Make It a Frugal February – 6 Tips to Recover After Holiday Splurges!

February 3, 2019 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

If the holidays wrecked your budget, it’s time to catch up. Are you among the 57% of Americans who don’t have enough cash to pay a surprise $500 bill? Here are some of our best frugal living tips that will get your Frugal February started. Check your January bank and credit card statements Go through…

$5 Meals: How To Make 3 Meals Out Of 1 Rotisserie Chicken

September 9, 2017 | By J Simpson AuthorMy First Apartment

Finding time to make delicious, healthy, homemade meals is hard to do, despite our best intentions. Between work, school, running errands, paying bills, and trying to have a life, dinner has a way of falling by the wayside. Either we end up starving or we go out to eat – one is bad for the…

How to Use Leftover Ingredients to Minimize Food Waste and Save Money

February 4, 2017 | By Anna R. AuthorMy First Apartment

Sometimes we feel inspired to make a dish we see on Pinterest and shop for the necessary ingredients, only to find out that we only need a little bit of an ingredient. I’ve definitely been there, as the person who was stuck with a 14 pack of tortillas when I was making fajitas for only…

Tips for Recovering after Moving Costs Wipe Out Your Savings

September 14, 2016 | By Anna R. AuthorMy First Apartment

Moving into your first apartment is very exciting, especially when it comes to furnishing and decorating your apartment within the first month! Starting off in a new apartment is also very expensive, with landlords often asking for first and last month’s rent, a hefty security deposit and any fees tagged on for using a broker…

Moving to a New City Without a Job? Make Your Savings Last!

February 26, 2015 | By Naomi AuthorMy First Apartment

Since moving to the Bay Area in October without a job, I’ve basically heard two different reactions from people: “Wow…you’re brave.” And, “Well that was dumb.” I’m convinced that both reactions mean the same thing, but I have no regrets! Although it’s been almost four months and I still don’t have a job, I’ve managed…

Learning to Grocery Shop for One

October 2, 2014 | By Mary AuthorMy First Apartment

You’ve moved into your new apartment and think you are all settled in until you look in the empty fridge and realize it is time to go grocery shopping. At first I thought this will be easy; it’s not like I haven’t been to a grocery store before. But then I realized I am shopping…

11 Tips for Living Green & Frugal

November 28, 2012 | By MFA Editors AuthorMy First Apartment

Living a green lifestyle isn’t supposed to be an expensive venture. Sure, there are all kinds of cool yet pricey eco-friendly products out there, but when it comes down to basic living expenses taking a green approach and plugging it into your daily life can make a big monetary difference. It’s like being frugal with…