When my husband and I moved into our apartment back in September, we signed an eleven-month lease for one simple reason: it was the most affordable option. We both knew from the start that renting wasn’t our end goal. It’s just a step on the way to owning a home.
We dream about the day we can let Ealey run around in a backyard instead of having to leash him up for every potty break. We talk about painting the walls any color we want, maybe even remodeling a kitchen one day. There’s something so exciting about the idea of building a space that’s truly ours. But for now, we’re in the “apartment chapter” of that story.
We both work full-time and share a bank account, which makes our system simple: one checking, one savings. Every payday, I sit down and calculate what we need to keep for bills, groceries, and gas. Whatever’s left (minus the occasional dinner out) goes straight into savings on payday.
It’s not some strict “by the numbers” budgeting plan. It’s more of a “whatever we have left over” mindset. Some months, that’s a bigger chunk; others, it’s not as much. But the important part is consistency. By moving money into savings right away, we make progress even when things feel tight.
Apartment life actually has its perks, especially for short-term living while we save. We’ve got a gym and a pool within walking distance, a dog park for Ealey, and we couldn’t ask for a better location. It’s convenient, comfortable, and for this stage of life, it works.
Of course, there are challenges, too. Parking can be a nightmare, and sometimes I’d love to just open the back door and let Ealey run instead of bundling up and taking him out on a leash. And having neighbors on every wall can make things… interesting. Still, those little frustrations are reminders that we’re in a temporary season.
The housing market can be discouraging, and saving can feel slow, but we try to stay grounded in gratitude. Just because we’re saving for a house doesn’t mean we don’t love our current home. We do. This apartment has been a cozy, joyful space for us.
One day, we’ll get the keys to a place that’s truly ours. But for now, we’re learning to love this chapter, too. Because this is just one phase of the rest of our lives together!
Disclaimer: The information in this post is based on our own experience and should not be taken as financial advice. Everyone’s situation is different—find what works best for you and your family.
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