As a renter, the first of the month can be a time of serious financial struggle. Not only do you have to pay your rent, you must pay utility bills and other living expenses.
There are ways to avoid the anxiety that comes with writing a rent check. Listed below are 5 ways you can save some money and better prepare for monthly expenses. You might even end up with enough money left over for a (healthy) splurge.
Start Budgeting
It seems self-explanatory, but budgeting is often a difficult lesson to learn. Especially for people who have grown accustomed to a life of eating out and buying whatever they please.
Mint.com has a budget app for iPhone users. Downloading apps for budgeting is the most effective way to remind yourself to save money. Once it becomes part of your everyday routine, it will become second nature.
Take Advantage of Apartment Amenities
Amenities exist for a reason. They are services and features that are included in your rent; they’re essentially free to use. You don’t need a gym membership if your apartment offers a small gym on site. Perhaps your complex even offers basic cable in your rent. Stick with the basic cable, don’t upgrade. Do you really watch that much TV anyway?
You can rid yourself of a costly internet bill by using the office computers. You might not get as much surf-time, but you can significantly reduce your expenditures. Also, there is usually tons of green space and gathering rooms for hosting parties. This is a great way to save money when you are hosting a birthday party or social gathering. You offer the party space, they bring the refreshments.
Utilize Your Location
Most apartments are within walking distance of stores and public transportation. If you are living in a college town or are in student housing, most campus apartments offer a shuttle system that will take you to and from campus.
Instead of jumping in your car to make a quick grocery run, put on your tennis shoes and walk there. If you have a bicycle, get a basket and put your groceries inside. You’ll be saving gas and money.
Get Crafty
DIY crafting is one of the top trends in 2013. With sites like Pinterest, you can draw inspiration from nearly anything. Instead of buying new things to decorate your home with, reupholster some old furniture. Buy items secondhand and refurbish them.
Even seasonal events that require gift-giving can be turned into a money saving opportunity. Make gifts, don’t buy them. Most of the time, handmade gifts have more of a sentimental meaning.
Clean House
Rid yourself of unnecessary items in your apartment. Not only will eliminating clutter help your stress level, it can add a few dollars to your wallet. Sell your unneeded items on Craigslist, or organize an apartment “garage sale” with your community.
This is a guest post from Marie Ortiz from DIYMother.com.
