🚀 LifeStarter

First Apartment Budget

How to afford living on your own

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The 50/30/20 Rule

50% Needs (rent, food, utilities)
30% Wants (dining out, entertainment)
20% Savings & debt payments

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Rent: The Big One

Keep rent under 30% of gross income. If you make $3,500/month, aim for $1,050 max. Roommates can cut this in half.

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Hidden Costs

Don't forget: renter's insurance ($15-30/mo), utilities ($100-200/mo), internet ($50-80/mo), parking, laundry. Budget $300-500/mo extra beyond rent.

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Food Budget Hack

Groceries: $250-350/month is realistic. Meal prep Sundays. Buy store brands. Limit dining out to 2-3x per week max. Cooking is the #1 money saver.

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Emergency Fund First

Before upgrading your furniture, save $1,000 in an emergency fund. One car repair or medical bill shouldn't send you into debt.