Budgeting Tips for Renters
Money is what makes the world go round, but is there a way to stretch it when it comes to renting? The answer: Yes, there absolutely is a way. Talking about budgets and financing can be intimidating for most. In this article, our goal is to make this topic a little bit more digestible so that you can gain the confidence needed to become a budgeting master. Without further ado, here are some of our favorite budgeting tips for renters:
Buy Second Hand
It’s almost too easy to splurge when it comes to furnishing an apartment, especially if it’s your first apartment or you’re upgrading to a larger space. And while there is nothing wrong with wanting to fill empty space, it’s a need that can quickly become expensive. This is one of the many reasons why we encourage renters to purchase things second hand. Not only is this better for the environment, but it’s better for your budget–helping you achieve the same look you want for your rented space without needing to spend hundreds of dollars on brand-new furnishings. You can achieve this by scouring thrift stores, asking family and friends for hand-me-downs, or searching online marketplaces.
Follow the 50/20/30 Budget Rule
To help you create and stick to a renter-friendly budget, we suggest you follow the 50/20/30 rule. This budgeting rule is pretty simple:.
- Spend 50% of your after-tax income on must-haves
- Spend 20% of your after-tax income on savings/debt repayment
- Spend 30% of your after-tax income on wants
There are oodles of articles out there that can help you further define these percentages and what to include. For renters, this rule is ideal thanks to its simplistic organization. To help you stick with this budget once you create it, consider making a budget log to learn more about your spending habits and where you can make changes.
We hope these budgeting tips help you! To learn more, visit our blog. PepperTree Apartment Homes is a luxury apartment complex near The Villages, FL.