How should I budget for my TCC apartment?

Whether you're moving out and into a TCC apartment for your first time, or your fifth time it is always of the utmost importance that you create a budget for your apartment. Having a budget keeps you in control of your money, keeps you focused on any financial goals you might have, it can help you see exactly where you're spending your money, and it can help you save money for the future or for emergency situations. The benefits to budgeting in your TCC apartment are truly endless; and once you get the hang of it budgeting can be a breeze.

The first thing you should budget for in your TCC apartment is moving in. This is obviously going to be a one-time expense but all of the little things can add up pretty quickly. Depending on how you're transporting your belongings that can cost money, and if you've decided to hire movers that can be a substantial cost as well. Keep in mind that you'll have to purchase cleaners, toilet paper, hand soap, and other odds and ends for the first time which will be an additional expense as well. If this is your first time moving out on your own then you may also have to budget for things like brooms, mops, vacuums, and even first time furniture purchases.

After you've made a budget for the moving in process of your new TCC apartment you have to actually create a budget for living there. Take a look at your expenses and expenditures the way they are before moving into your TCC apartment, and compare them to what they will be like when living in your new apartment. A few things you need to keep in mind when creating a budget for your new apartment is rent, heat/gas/AC, electricity, cable, internet, groceries, and going out money. Save some money immediately by looking for cheaper apartments; or even green apartments so you can save some money on your utility bills each month.

Once you've broken everything down and figured out how much money you'll be spending in your TCC apartment you need to take into account how much money you'll be making or already possess to go towards these expenditures. If you come to realize that you'll be making less money than you plan on spending then it's time to do some cutting. Realize that when living on a budget sometimes you can't always go out with your friends for drinks or a movie every night that they ask. There are generally a few places that are best to start cutting spending from. Money for going out is one of them. Don't cut this out entirely because everyone needs fun every now and then but you may have to scale down on your spending in that area. This can include passing up drinks with a friend, choosing to eat at home rather than out, or not buying those pricey concert tickets you've been eyeing. Check out out FSU Cost of Living Guide to get a comprehensive overview of budgeting as a college student in Tallahassee. 

Having a budget in your TCC apartment will keep you sane and help make you feel more secure in your living situation. Remember that paying your rent and bills each month is incredibly important and those should be a priority when it comes to budgeting in your new apartment.

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of RentTally.com or any of our advertising partners.