It’s normal to worry about your financial future. We often ask ourselves what we can do to stay on track for our financial fitness. Do we ever stop to think about how banks and financial services could do better to help us, too?

Our guide to renting your first apartment

August 4, 2021

Renting your first apartment is a moment to celebrate. It does not matter if you are moving out of your parents’ house, upgrading from dorm life, or jumping into professional life in a big city. Figuring out how to find and rent your dream space can be tricky.

What is a security deposit?

August 2, 2021

A security deposit is money given to your landlord at the start of your lease as a safeguard against damage. Think of a security deposit as a measure of protection. Your landlord holds onto the cash to pay for repairs if you damage the property.

Tips from entrepreneurs for your first apartment

March 2, 2021

We spoke to YC founders and entrepreneurs to get their take on what they wish they knew when looking for or moving to their first apartment.

Where have all the rentals gone?

December 23, 2020

Drive past an apartment complex in your area and you will likely see a “For Lease” sign. At first glance, you’d be led to believe you could find a rental almost anywhere, with no competition to get in the door. However, census data paints a different picture, with vacancy rates at an all-time low.

Financial literacy in the United States of America

November 10, 2020

Too many Americans learn about money the hard way. We make an expensive mistake. Weeks later, we discover that we had better options. We try to remember the lesson we learned to do better next time. Only next time may be too late. Our largest transactions only happen every once in a while, like borrowing a mortgage or buying a car. When we miss the opportunity to win in these moments, we may not get a second chance [...]

“My deposit cost me $3,000 that I could have invested or spent on furnishing my apartment!”

A picture of a renter with a testimonial

Jessica R.

Miami, Florida

The Safely Finance Blog