WeeklyBagel

Episode 19 : Intro To Building Credit For the First Time

When it comes to credit, young working class adults are not guided into building them prior to independence from their parents. Most would build it later, but a lot would ruin their credit history before doing it.
On this episode, I introduced you to the concept of credit history and credit score. As I mentioned on the episode, building credit is a starting point to financial independence. This is especially now you have your own place.
The reason is because most comforts in the US cannot be gotten without financing it. I know, you can pay cash too for some things. But, most things like a house, a college education or a car are so expensive it requires being financed.
For example, not everyone has $20,000 to put on a new economic car. Or, $30,000 to pay for a Batchelor's degree. Now unless your parents are rich, the rest of us young working class adults have to ask for federal or private loans to get it.
And without a good credit, this is hard to do. Do you know that?
So this episode is for people who just got their first job, moved out on their own, or simply realized their credit score is a blank slate. It is a starting point. Also, you can read my guide on building credit for the first time by going to my platform to read the article. I believe I mentioned this guide on this episode as well.
Additionally, I mentioned a beginner credit card which helps people build credit without getting them in debt. It is called Chime credit builder card. It does not have fees attached to it. Hence, why I recommend it to young adults.
Having said that, I hope this introduction to credit episode helps warm you up for the credit building journey ahead that you and me are about to embark on. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this has helped you, share it with our fellow working class adult who needs to hear it.

Episode 3: Saving To Move Out: Choosing right bank account

Hello there!
Your goal to have your own place can be disrupted, when you do not have the right bank account to help you meet your saving goal. This is especially, when you maintain an account with a bank that charges you monthly fees.
On this episode, I talked about the right kind of bank account to help you save to move out and have your own place. I have also attached a couple of articles I mentioned on this episode.
7 Best High Interest Savings Accounts To Beat Inflation
4 Major Kinds Of Bank Account In the US
2025 National Interest Rates
You can read the above articles for more information on what I barely discussed on this episode. This is especially, if you are looking for high interest savings accounts to save your money in.
In case of any question, you can email me at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. I hope you have a great day!
Sincerely,
Chimé NU

Episode 18: How To Evict A Roommate

On episode 5- Is It Smart To Get A Roommate , I emphasized the need to have a good venting system to avoid potential issues. Even when venting is done right, a roommate can still turn on you and make life miserable.
Have you experienced it before, my dear listener?
I hope you have not. The emotional stress on it can take a toll on you. Hence, why I mentioned going about it the right way. This is to avoid getting sued by the roommate and having to pay back financial compensation as a result of emotional damages.
I know. Yeah- in the United States, you can still get sued for kicking someone out of your house or apartment. There are laws protecting people from this kind of scenario. Hence, why I stressed on how to go about finding the right roommate on episode 16.
On this episode, I walked you through on how to evict a roommate without financial or legal repercussions. So, grab a bagel and a cup of coffee because it is worthwhile you stay attentive to the end. I do not want you messing your future because of a rogue roommate.

What To Do If Roommate Doesn't Pay Rent - Episode 17

A while ago, you and I contemplated on whether it was smart to have a roommate or better dealing with rental alone as a young working class adult. It was on episode 5- Is it smart to have a roommate or pay bills alone?. Sounds like forever ago.
Anyways one of the worst things which could happen to you as a young working class adult, is getting a roommate who turns out to be a burden to you. This is especially, when he or she reneges on agreed contract on bills.
Oh, it is one of the scariest things about having a roommate. Do you know that?
There are laws in place to protect such a person, should you try to evict such a person from the shared housing. Hence, why I emphasize on venting people well prior to giving them access to your shared living. I believe I mentioned this on last episode- How To Find A Roommate.
On this episode, I walked you through the steps to go when a roommate has refused to pay his or her fair share of rental bills. That way, you are protected financially from carrying the burden of handling another grown adult's rental responsibilities while dealing with you.
If this episode helps you, please share with other young working class adults who need to hear it in order to make sound decisions with respect to this issue. I hope you enjoy- Ciao!
Note: You can follow this podcast or subscribe to my newsletter so as to get updates, whenever I post a new episode.

How To Find A Roommate - Episode 16

The current economy situation has some young adults seeking roommates in order to afford a roof over their heads. This is according to National Association of Home Builders. It says young working class adults of age 25 to 34 constitute 23% of 6.3 million households in shared housing.
That is a whole lot, is it not?
Well, I am not surprised. Millennials and adult Gen Zs have been having it rough compared to those before them, when they were our age. We are all trying to make the best of today's situation.
Simply put, some of us have to get roommates so we will not homeless. Not because we don't have a job, but due to the fact that the cost of living far exceeds our wages.
Speaking of roommates, where do you find these roommates?
This is what I talked about on this episode. I elaborated the roommate search process. Also, the things you must consider to avoid being miserable living with another person.
When it comes to finding a roommate, it is a decision which could alter your life in a good way or a really bad way. Hence, why I always recommend considering the pros and cons of having one. I discussed this in great details about this on episode #5.
So, use the websites I mentioned on this episode to find a good roommate for you. There are other ones out there. Be sure you are doing your due diligence before accepting a roommate. By due diligence, I mean you are venting and making sure they meet your standards. This is because there are a lot of dysfunctional people out there.
The last time you want is to a free loader. Check out Episode 15- How to split rent with roommates, so you can be better prepared on drafting a good contract when it comes to splitting monthly bills.
 

How To Split Rent With Roommates- Episode 15

Do you remember when I asked: Is it smarter to get a roommate or rent it alone on episode 5?
Well, it turns out one of the biggest issues renters face is having their roommates not pay their share of their rental bills. Most times conflict arise from young working class adults sharing an apartment, it is often money issues.
Why is money issue the biggest conflict, my dear listener?
This is because some young adults do not discuss aspects of rental bills with their potential roommates. Or, draft a contract where that specifically highlight who pays what and what percentage monthly.
On this episode, I talked about the six ways of splitting rent with your roommates. Also, how you could go about it without the other person feeling the burden of rental expenses have fallen on them. That way, there will not be conflict down the line.
So, grab yourself a cup of tea or coffee. This episode is about +25 minutes long. I hope it answers your questions.

How To Set Up Utilities In Your New Apartment

There is no joy better than having a place of your own. You get to make it a home away from the home you were raised in. Utilities play a big role in shaping this home for you.
Without them, half your creature comforts are out the window. Now, it is important you set up your utilities before moving in. If not, you can do it a day or two after you move in.
But any more delay may incur a fee from the apartment. This is because apartments keep paying the utilities bills of an occupied unit, until it is rented. It is expected you transfer your utility accounts to your new place or create a new one.
If not, the responsibilities fall on the apartment. And trust me, you do not want to start being an issue when you just barely moved in. Am I right, my dear listener?
This is why I recommend discussing about any hidden cost of renting an apartment from the leasing office. This is to avoid surprises or extra fees you did not budget for. I talked about this on Episode 11.
On this episode, I talked about the different kind of utilities you will expect in addition to your base rent. Also, how you could go about setting up utilities in your new apartment. So, grab a freshly baked bagel and a cup of coffee for this one.
Try not to fall asleep to the sound of my voice! ; )

How To Rent An Apartment With Low Credit Score - Episode 13

On episode 6, I talked about the credit score apartment usually look for in renters. 
Personally, I recommend young working class adults work on their credit first before trying to get a place of their own. But, let us be realistic. Sometimes, circumstances call for us moving out immediately and our credit score may not be up to par.
In a situation like this, what do you do?
On this episode, I discussed how you could still rent an apartment with a low credit score. This is regardless of whether it is poor or bad. With all the things I listed here, apartments can be convinced to rent out to you.
This is especially, if you have a good rental history. So, grab a cup of coffee to wash down the bagel I am about to give to you.
Note: If you want to build your credit first before moving out, read the following articles below:
What To Know About Building Credit For the First Time
Credit score vs Credit History
I recommend building your credit first before trying out to get an apartment with a poor credit score. It increases your chances of getting one. But if circumstances demand you get an apartment now while your credit score is bad, just do all I talked to you about on this episode. You will be alright.

Horrible First-Renters Mistakes Young Adults Make

When trying to rent an apartment, it is important you do your due diligence. This is to avoid an apartment being an extra burden to you, besides the usual expenses. You avoid these by having an apartment checklist.
They make sure you do not neglect asking the right questions prior to signing a lease.
On this episode, I discuss the common mistakes young working class adults make  when trying to get a place of their own for the first time. I talked about how you could avoid these mistakes to prevent additional unnecessary rental expenses. To simplify, I show you how I would do it, if I were you.
So, grab a cup of coffee and a bagel. I am about to save you from a world of heartbreaks and financial stress. 

The Hidden Costs Of Renting An Apartment- Episode 11

One of the problems with renting apartments is some leasing agents do not disclose the hidden fees associated with renting an apartment with them. Sometimes, these fees could rack up a substantial amount for the average renter. As a result, rent becomes a burden for the average working class adult trying to eke a living while needing a roof over their heads.
This is usually where we start seeing rent becomes 45% or more than half of the monthly paycheck we bring home.
On this episode, I encourage my fellow young working class adults to ask apartments for hidden fees, besides the usual base rent, trash and water bills. I listed the usual reoccurring bills you should be familiar with and I discussed the hidden fees some apartments do not disclose prior to lease signing.
I lay out how to deal with hidden costs that add to your monthly housing costs before it becomes an issue. So, grab yourself some coffee and a bagel, because I am about to save you from a world of financial stress caused by some bad apartment complexes out there!
Note: I also elaborated more on an article I wrote- The Hidden Costs of Renting An Apartment. I highly recommend you read it. You can share with any young working class adult out there hunting for an apartment. You will be doing a great service to him or her.
Wishing you the best in your art of living. Good luck, friend!