A constant balancing act in life is making and sticking to a strong budget, which is very important, especially when you have your own apartment. It makes life a lot less stressful and more organized when you have a budget planned out. If you’re not sure where to start or how to get back to a good place financially, here are some key steps to consider.
Pay off debt – Debt is the most common plague to someone’s financial status, and the best way to eliminate that burden is to pay it off, whether you can in full or through an extended payment plan. Once debt is out of the equation, you can focus on investments and things you actually want to spend your money on, not to mention improve your credit score and avoid collections agencies.
Future Focused – Instead of a retrospective budget, or one where you analyze the previous month’s spend, plan out what your expenses will be ahead of time, and plan your spending accordingly. This will control how much you spend and what you spend it on, and avoid overdrawn charges or any financial surprises.
Keep a reserve – Whether it’s a savings account or a set amount you always leave in your checking account, make sure you have some back up money in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses. You never know when you might have car trouble, need to make quick travel plans or any number of things you’ll need access to extra money for.
Looking for a great apartment in the New Orleans area? 1st Lake has many attractive and convenient options!
The Northshore is a fantastic community located on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. The Northshore provides plentiful opportunities for outdoor recreation, dining and apartment living.
1st lake properties has apartment communities all over the Northshore in Mandeville, Covington and Slidell.
If you’re moving to the Northshore, here is a guide to all of the hot spots you should know about.
Established in 1813, Covington has a rich history and a charming historic downtown. Columbia Street in Downtown Covington is a great place to spend your Saturday, whether you’re shopping, dining or just grabbing a quick drink. Here are some of our favorite spots:
All of these stores and restaurants are easily accessible from 1st lake’s Brewster Commons.
Brewster Commons at River Chase is a tranquil apartment community in Covington, LA. You have the option of one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments with carports and detached garages. You can enjoy indoor appliances such as full size washers and dryers and refrigerators with ice makers. Outside, you can relax in the hot tub or take a dip in the pool. You will also have full access to the fitness and yoga centers. With all of the activities to do in and around Brewster Commons, spots are filling up quickly. Reserve your apartment home today.
Mandeville is a historic fishing community with beautiful views of the water, plentiful outdoor activities, and great dining options. Here are some highlights:
All of these activities are right near the Grand Palms apartments in Mandeville.
1st lake’s Grand Palms in Mandeville, LA is a beautiful gated apartment community. Grand Palms has spacious floor plans, floor to ceiling windows and brand new cabinetry. This apartment building is for people looking for a modern living space- either loft style or single story villas. You are just thirty minutes from Metairie and Downtown New Orleans, so the commute is minimal. If you are looking for quiet living outside of the city, Grand Palms is for you. Apply for a lease today.
Slidell is a unique Cajun town surrounded by rivers and bayous. The town is full of cultural attractions you won’t want to miss.
1st lake’s Audubon Gates apartments are close to all of these wonderful establishments.
1st lake’s Audubon Gates in Slidell boasts a swimming pool, tennis court and playground area. Indoors, you will find bright kitchens, washers and dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers. This apartment community is conveniently located near I-10 and I-12 making New Orleans, Covington, Mandeville, and the Mississippi gulf coast extremely accessible. Audubon Gates is pet friendly. Apply today to secure an apartment!
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Related posts: Neighborhood Guide Metairie, Neighborhood Guide River Ridge.
The May flowers are in full bloom after the April showers, and so are the specials on 1st Lake apartments! Check out these great deals, special offers and reduced rental rates on select metro New Orleans apartments this month, and start making your moving plans!
Hickory Creek – The savings are big at this great River Ridge location in May. Specials include two weeks of free rent, a $99 deposit on two bedroom rentals, and reduced rents on select apartments.
Fox Run – The Fox Run apartments in Metairie offer excellent amenities and a unique 1,200 square foot loft available for immediate move-in. Make an appointment to visit this community and check out the beautiful interior upgrades including large kitchens with modern features and appliances, plus a private entrance!
Premises – The Premises apartments in Metairie are located in a great, convenient location just blocks away from Lakeside Shopping Center. Check out the fully furnished, corporate apartments available now that make business travel a pleasure.
Sawmill Creek – Sawmill Creek offers spacious and comfortable apartment homes in River Ridge with $175 in savings on move-in costs for select floor plans and special rental rates on one and two bedroom apartments!
Park Oaks – These pristine Metairie apartments on Lake Avenue have great studio and one bedroom floor plans available with unbeatable values. Check out the rates today!
Sugarmill West – These resort-style Kenner apartments are offering up to $175 in savings on move-in costs, plus special rental rates on select apartments for May!
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and for those last minute-shoppers out there, we’ve got ideas for affordable gifts you’ll be able to find at your nearest shopping center. Make mom feel special with any of these Mother’s Day gift ideas!
Summer scarf – Scarves aren’t just for winter! A bright and light summer scarf can be just the thing for adding a pop of color to summer basics – something moms are sure to love!
Stationery – Whether you’re giving your mom a custom-made card for Mother’s Day or a set of stationery with specialty messages in artistic type, note cards are always a good idea.
Coasters – Up your mother’s coaster game with special linen or satin stitched coasters that add a touch of sophistication to the common surface protectors.
Knit kit – Whether she’s just learning or it’s been a long-time hobby, a knitting starter kit or new needles and thread makes a great gift for any mom.
Floppy hat – Make sure your mom is protected from the shade with a new, stylish floppy hat. No matter if her style is casual or dressy, there are types for every taste.
Cactus garden – Many moms enjoy planting a flower or vegetable garden, but when it comes to low-maintenance plants that can live inside, a variety of cacti is the way to go!
Rolling pin – If your mom loves to bake, a rolling pin is essential. Personalize a basic rolling pin by getting it laser-engraved with her name and even a favorite recipe.
Looking for a great new apartment in the New Orleans area? 1st Lake Properties has over 9,500 apartments in Metairie, Kenner, River Ridge and across southeast Louisiana and Mississippi!
Tortillas make a great base for quick, easy and lighter meals for when time is tight, energy is low and diets are conscious. Any of these lunch or dinner ideas can be used with whole wheat, corn or gluten-free tortillas for a healthier substitute to the standard flour if desired. These are also adult and kid approved!
Photo courtesy of simplyrecipes.com
Tortilla Pizza – Using tortillas for pizza crust is easier than making homemade crust and healthier than buying frozen pizza, plus you get to build your own pizza with your choice of toppings! Just spread pizza sauce over the tortilla, add cheese and your choice of meat or veggies, pop in the toaster oven or regular oven and presto! Add your choice of seasonings like garlic salt, Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes and cut into triangles. Dinner is served.
Hummus Wraps – This is a popular way to use tortillas and the combination possibilities are endless. Spread your favorite hummus over a tortilla, top with greens, cold cuts or prosciutto, fresh veggies and cheese, and wrap like a burrito for a delicious, hearty snack or light dinner.
Quesadillas – This is probably the most common use of tortillas and for a good reason. You can also make many different kinds of quesadillas, just like with the tortilla pizza or hummus wrap. Heat up butter or oil in a skillet or sauté pan on medium heat, place a tortilla in the pan, top the first layer with your choice of cheese like cheddar or a Mexican mix, the second layer with beans or veggies like onions and peppers, and a third layer if desired with meat like chicken or steak. Fold the tortilla over and make sure to flip the quesadilla until both sides are golden brown, transfer to a cutting board and cut into triangles.
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
