First Apartment Smarts
This exciting book provides solid tips in planning for a first apartment, including strategies to help in searching for one. It also offers readers guidance in trying to avoid possible differences with roommates (such as suggestions for terms to be covered in a roommate agreement). Students learn about planning for the costs of living on their own, budgeting for expenses, including moving, rent, utilities, food, transportation, and maintenance, as well as those expenses that are unexpected. The application, inspection, and rental agreement stages are explained, as are the steps for moving out of an apartment.
* Reviews *
Book Review: First Apartment Smarts"Although it's easy to get excited about leaving home, there's plenty to be overlooked in one's haste to get out. Have no fear: Byers presents a nice primer in apartment shopping, dividing the process into five steps--planning, budgeting, searching, moving in, and living smart--and covers everything from nitty-gritty details like forgotten expenses (What? I have to pay for bleach?) to difficulties caused by lack of established credit...As part of the practical Get Smart with Your Money series, this is an important topic rarely discussed with teens, and it subtly advises financial responsibility by asking questions like "Can you really afford your own place?" and encouraging apartment seekers to invest time researching their fiscal circumstances."
--Booklist
