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January 2017

Frustrated apartment tenant sitting on floor, with head in handsThere are plenty of things that can go right when you first move into a new apartment. You’ve got a fresh start in a new place and things are looking up! However, with ups come downs, and one of those could be a bad landlord. Though you may not realize it at first, your landlord has a lot of say over what goes, including everything from repairs to living conditions. If you’re unsure of how to approach a landlord that isn’t living up to the lease, learn how to handle the situation and if needed, file an official report.

Happy man, feeling good vibes, sitting on floor of apartment with computer in lapThere are a variety of reasons why people choose to rent furniture instead of buying it. Whether it’s a short-term or temporary move, a savvy financial decision, or simply a way to reduce the stress of having to buy and assemble stuff, renting furniture is becoming more popular than ever. If you’re on the fence about renting furniture, check out these 10 reasons why renting furniture might be the best decision you make.

Close up of man's dress shoes, standing on asphalt with two arrows in front of himThe Lunar New Year (AKA Chinese New Year) is once again upon us. It arrives at a particular point in history where tumultuous times are the center stage of news reports across the U.S. Fear not! This is the Year of the Rooster and change (whether wanted or not) is at the heart of this zodiac sign. For those seeking growth in life — whether mental, physical, or spiritual—this is a time of joy. But for those who are resistant to something different, the challenges will flourish because change is no longer coming… change is here. The decisions you make spurred by change is what will define you in 2017.

Three generations of a family, sitting on a bench and smiling at one anotherWhat is “family?” How do you define what constitutes the family dynamic? Less than 50 years ago, the term “family” referred to a married couple, often with child(ren). However, as society has evolved, so too has the definition of what constitutes a family. And all that time, apartment living has supported the ever-changing, ever-evolving family dynamic. So how do you define family?

Happy young woman checking bills and budgeting for her first apartment while sitting on blue sofaThe boxes are packed, the keys are in hand, and a little voice from within seems to be whispering, “YOU’RE AN ADULT NOW!” While getting out of mom and dad’s place or even your college dorm is the first step to really being out on your own, one small factor could stop you straight in your tracks: those dolla’ dolla’ bills. Budgeting for your first apartment can be, to put it lightly, a learning experience. Because if you like to move it, move it, you’ve gotta pay it, pay it. Did you know that according to Gallup, only 32% of Americans create a monthly budget? Somehow, budgeting has taken a back burner in the lives of young people, especially. But don’t worry – we can help. Here are some expenses that you may have forgotten about, along with some smart solutions to keep them in check.

Father in military uniform and young daughter happily huggingIt’s no secret that the heroes among us, our servicemen and women and their families, have to move…a lot. If you’re part of a military family, you know that the experience can be hectic and unpleasant. The whole thing gets old, doesn’t it? And you definitely don’t want to forget something important just because you’re sick of moving. You’ve got a lot of choices to make and things to keep track of, whether it’s your first move or your fifteenth. To help out our men and women in uniform, we’ve compiled some of the best moving info to make the transition as easy as possible.

Multi-generational family enjoying meal together at the dinner tableNot so long ago, the American dream centered around owning a home. Every kid had a vision of white picket fences near Main Street USA. But as our country has evolved, so too have those visions. Apartment living is now a dominate force. Once it was considered to be only an option for those who could not afford a home of their own, but now apartments are the preferred choice for over 38 million people in the United States. The people calling apartments “home” are incredibly diverse, made up of every conceivable family grouping, coming from social and economic backgrounds of all kinds, and working in a variety of industries.

Woman unpacking in her new apartment with the sun shining brightly through the windows behind herPacking up your belongings, loading them into your car, and moving across town is stressful. Moving all of your belongings across the country is a whole different ball game. If you’re doing it alone, major kudos to you – it’s a brave and certainly a life-changing endeavor. Enjoy the adventure and simplify the process with these handy tips for saving money, reducing stress, and most importantly, making it to your new home with your sanity and belongings intact.

Group of diverse sports fans tailgating in stadium parking lot before football game, dressed in blue game gearAs is yearly tradition, 2017 ended with a flurry of collegiate bowl games. As football teams met on the field to establish superiority, two teams emerged with the opportunity to be seen as the best in the nation. However, many fans (especially those living in the following towns) have already been vocal about which of their two towns rule. From student athletes to student housing residents, to the people who just love to live there, they say life in their city is the best. So who will win the bragging rights after this year’s NCAA Football Championship?