WeeklyBagel

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!

On this episode, I discuss the necessity of saving a few months worth of apartment rent. It saves you from the anxiety of a sudden income disruption. The last pandemic taught all nasty lessons, did it not?
Well, saving for an apartment starts with having a specific, realistic and attainable goal. Goals keep us grounded. I recommend buying one of those Walmart white boards and writing them on it. I talked about what to write on it here.
Additionally, I talked about tips to help you raise the money for an apartment quicker than the usual time. Below are some of the articles I mentioned on this episode.
7 Best High Interest Savings Accounts
Building Credit For the First Time
This episode is important to me, because it was actually how I started out as an independent working class adult. What I talked about here will set you up successfully, so you do not see a future where you move back in with your parents.
So, grab a bagel and some coffee. In case of any questions, shoot me an email at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. I'd be happy to hear from you!
Note: I write articles where I am able to talk more on topics I discuss on my podcast. Since I am a better writer than a speaker, I elaborated more about this topic on my article: How To Save For An Apartment For A First-Time Renter.

Zillow is a great platform for looking for an apartment, however it is not excluded from the iron grasp of scammers. On this episode, I discussed the red flags on Zillow that should tell you when a listing is fraudulent. Apartment scams on Zillow is a real issue.
Also, I talked about how to go about renting an apartment on Zillow the smart way. I figured this is important since there are a lot of reddit trends about people getting scammed on Zillow. I do not want you to be part of the statistics.
Scammers are not entitled to our hard-earned money. We should not make it easy for them. Right?
As working class adults, it is important we always go see the apartments we want before giving out sensitive information or making a down payment. It is how you avoid rental scams as a first-time renter, or any renter for that matter.
You can read my article on this podcast- Are there rental scams on Zillow?. I went in depth, given I am better at writing than I am at speaking the English language. I know- I am still working on my podcast skills!
So, go find a quiet to listen to this episode because it will save you a lot of heart breaks. Wishing luck on your apartment hunting!

Craigslist is a great platform for getting affordable rental properties. However, it is plagued with scammers trying to have a shot at your money. What pisses me off, is these guys are so good, you need to be good to spot Craigslist rental listings scam.
On this episode, I discuss what to look for. This is in addition to how you could avoid falling a victim. Finally, where to report scams or rental listings you suspect are fake.
You can check out the article I wrote on this topic- How To Spot CraigsList Scams Like A Professional. It is more detailed than what I talked about on the episode. If you enjoy reading, I recommend you check it out.
Now, go grab a cup of coffee and a bagel. I am about to save you from a whole lot of Craigslist rental headaches and heartaches. You are welcome!

Apartment rental scam is a big nuisance nowadays in the property rental industry. This is especially on websites showing apartment complexes. It is easy for scammers to get on there and set up apartment rental scams.
On this episode, I discussed how you could identify and avoid these apartment scams. This is to avoid being taken advantage of financially. Or worse, getting the apartment from hell.
You know, a bad apartment which was not what was shown on the pictures you saw on the leasing website.
Also, I shared my personal experience on narrowly escaping getting scammed with a bad apartment infested with bugs. So, this episode hits home. This is why you and I will explore ways to spot apartment scams, so we do not regret renting an apartment from shady leasing offices.
Feel free and email me on Chimezie@weeklybagel.com in case of questions. Grab a cup of tea and bagel, because I am about to lay it out for you.
 

In America, credit is King. Without credit score or credit history, it is hard to have access to financial services. This includes apartment services.
So, what is the average credit score for an apartment?
You need a credit score of at least 650 to be considered for an apartment. Anything less than a fair credit score ratings will make it hard. 
On this episode, I discussed about the credit score that is perfect for an apartment. I also mentioned the amount of income you need to be considered after your credit history is accessed.
Here is some articles I mentioned on this episode.
Building Credit For First-Timers
The Difference Between Credit Score and Credit History
The Average Credit Score For Young American Adults
If you have any question or anything you want to talk about, please email me at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. Enjoy the episode!

Is it better to get roommates or just live alone?
This is a question most young working class adults contemplate before getting their own place for the first time. This is especially, when you live in a city with high cost of living making a little above minimum wage. There are benefits to each, but making a decision on this depends on what your mental and financial needs are.
On this episode, I will be breaking it all down in WeeklyBagel style- no real, no bullshit and no shame in exploring this question. I explore how eachSo whether you are team "I want my own space" or team "Let's just split our monthly bills until we can make enough to afford our own places"- this episode is for you!
Here is the article I mentioned about on the episode: How to build an emergency fund.
Alright- that is it for today's episode.
If you are listening and you realize you are team "Live alone because I value my peace" or team "roommates until I retire", hit me up. You can tag me on thread or LinkedIn. Drop your city- I would like to see where everyone is thriving.
Catch y'all next week in two weeks where I would be getting into how to build a personal budget that does not make you want to cry.
If you have any question or anything you want me to talk about with respect to improving your life as a young working class American adult, email me at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. Until then, keep baking that bagel!

Hello, welcome to the 4th episode of the Weeklybagel podcast. On this episode, I discussed the kind of jobs out there that will pay enough to get a place of your own.
You have probably heard any job is good enough to help you make rent, but often this is not true. Some jobs will pay you barely enough to make rent and take care of yourself. To be able to sustain yourself after you have your first apartment, it is important to make enough to pay bills and take care of your needs.
Starting with a job that pays a minimum wage does not count. Yes- I SAID IT LOUD!
It is very misleading to give in to the pressure of having just about any job out there. If your goal is to save enough to move out and get a place of your own, then you need to be making at least $15 an hour. Personally, I recommend shooting for $18 an hour wage.
This is especially, when you do not have any skill or experience to offer. In this episode, I talked about how you could do it. I mentioned each industry's entry level pay and some examples of jobs in the industry to focus on.
I surely hope you will benefit from listening to this episode. I am rooting for your success. In case of questions, shoot me an email at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. 
Thank you!

Hello there!
The best decision any working class adult can ever make is having a place of your own. This is whether you are renting or buying your living abode. It is the first step towards financial independence.
On this episode, I talked about how to go about it in a systematic way which permits long term success. By long term success here, I meant never moving back to your parents' house, if you move out.
I have attached some articles below to elaborate on some of the things I mentioned during this episode. You can read the following articles below, if you do not understand the credit concepts I talked about.
What is a good credit score for an average American?
Getting Your First Credit Card
Learning the Difference Between Credit Score and Credit History
What To Know About Building Credit For the First Time
Places that Will Show You Your Credit Score For Free
In case of questions, you can email me at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. . I am rooting for your success. Good luck!

Hello there!
I am Chimé NU- the founder of WeeklyBagel, a professional personal finance blog that simplifies personal finance for young working class American adults.
This first episode is an introduction to what I hope to accomplish with this podcast and a little story about me. You can read Why I started WeeklyBagel to get a grasp of where I am coming from.
The podcast is for young working class adults straight out of high school, in college or workforce. If you fall in this category, I will be exploring the best ways to make financial decisions which favor your journey as working class adults.
If you have questions, I can be reached at Chimezie@weeklybagel.com. Or, send me a message through my Contact me form on my website. It is a pleasure to meet you.
Sincerely,
Chimé NU