7 Ways Frugal Rents Can Hunt for a Cheap Apartment

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With rental prices increasing across the country, it’s more important than ever to be savvy about where you’re staying. Here are seven tips to help you look for an apartment within your budget and potentially even spend less on rent.

1. Don’t Hesitate to Negotiate

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Too many people are afraid to negotiate their rent. Still, if you’re in a good situation with good credit and references, there’s at least a chance the person you’re renting from will work with you. Discuss your budget with them and see what they can and can’t do. You might even be able to work out something mutually beneficial, like signing a longer lease.

2. Explore Different Neighborhoods

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Broaden your horizons and search for the up-and-coming neighborhoods in your city. These areas often have hidden gems tucked away at incredibly affordable prices. Keep your options open, and you’ll find options everywhere!

3. Use Your Resources

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Social media, home and apartment rental apps, and word of mouth are all phenomenal ways to find incredible deals you might not otherwise. This method is often how people find more exclusive listings that aren’t on your typical platforms. Asking friends or even walking around your neighborhood and researching companies can also help.

4. Set a Budget for Your Apartment (And the Search)

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You’ve probably already set your price range for your apartment, but are you budgeting for the search itself? Unfortunately, apartment hunting can be expensive with application fees and security deposits. Remember to budget for these things appropriately so you aren’t caught off guard when you’re ready to move. If you haven’t set your budget for the apartment, do so right away, lest you fall madly in love with a listing that’s way out of your price range.

5. Look for Listings Without Broker Fees

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Many listings will include hefty broker fees that can significantly increase your moving cost. Ignore these listings and look for ones offered directly by the owner or property management company for the best price possible. Some listings might also specifically offer move-in specials or deals when you work with the company directly, which is another bonus.

6. Let Go of Those Amenities

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As lovely as it sounds to have a pool or a gym on-site, you have to ask yourself how much it is worth paying the higher rent price for these amenities. Many people don’t realistically use these amenities as much as they thought they would. Ultimately, they’re paying significantly higher rent for something they aren’t benefiting from.

7. Consider Roommates

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If you’re searching for places alone, this might be an excellent time to consider living with someone else. If a one-bedroom costs $1200, you pay that entire amount yourself. But if the price of a two-bedroom is $1600, that’s $400 a month you’re saving on rent — not an insignificant amount at all! However, this can backfire if you don’t find someone reliable to live with peacefully. If you can’t do that, you’re probably better off living alone and finding a cheaper option.

20 Frugal Tips From the “Grandparents Generation” That Still Apply Today

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Many of today’s grandparents had parents or grandparents who lived through the Great Depression. They adopted many of the frugal living tips they learned and passed them on to their own children.

Grandkids sometimes think that they know everything and that their grandparents are out of touch with today’s world and reality. And while there might be a kernel of truth to that, grandparents still have a wealth of knowledge that can really help. They may need to be tweaked to fit the current world but they are still valuable.

20 Frugal Tips From the “Grandparents Generation” That Still Apply Today

13 Signs You’re Financially Better Off Than the Average American

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Achieving financial stability where you can meet your current financial obligations comfortably and still plan for the future is a goal everyone strives to attain.

However, while you may be able to pay your bills, save for vacations, and afford to dine out occasionally, you may feel left behind, especially if you compare yourself with your peers or others with higher salaries. You may be doing way better financially than the average American.

13 Signs You’re Financially Better Off than the Average American

14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking

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More companies are now offering free samples to get customers to try a new product. Over time, these companies gain loyal customers and can increase their sales. As a customer, you also get to test out free products and sample foods you’ve never tasted.

Read on as we explore some companies that will give you food and products for free just by asking.

14 Companies That Will Give You Free Food and Products Just for Asking

14 Powerful Frugal Living Tips for Middle-Class Americans

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Inflation is high. This means that we don’t all need to understand, but we do understand that prices are high on basically everything. Everything costs more, and things are tough. Basic necessities like housing and healthcare are becoming increasingly unaffordable for most people.

As middle-class Americans adjust to the new reality, here are some powerful frugal living tips that can make our lives easier and better.

14 Powerful Frugal Living Tips for Middle-Class Americans

 

Author: CJ Darnieder

Bio:

CJ is a writer and musician from Chicago.  When he’s not practicing the divine art of stoicism, focusing on achieving a deafening inner quiet, or attempting to reconcile with the inherent powers of the universe, he loves to cook!

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