Good things in life come to those who work hard for them. So when you finally get where you want to be in life, you deserve to treat yourself. Living in a luxury apartment home in Little Rock could be just the ticket!

The best way to enjoy a luxury apartment home is by sticking to realistic budget that leaves plenty of room for it. To help you live your best life, the team from The Pointe Brodie Creek in Little Rock has put together a list of essential budgeting tips. These tips aren’t meant to be torture; rather, they’re meant to be truly helpful so you can set yourself up for a lifetime of good times! Start saving now for the European vacation, sports car, or big family you have always wanted!

Budgeting Tip #1: Shop Around

How much should you spend on decorating your luxury apartment home in Little Rock? Do some research! Make a list of the things you need (curtains, side tables, bar glasses) and start comparing pricing between retailers. This process should give you an idea of how much you need to spend overall so you can set individual budgets for the things you need.

It’s typically best to spend more on items made from quality materials that need to last longer. Your furniture, especially, should be strong and stylish, not just one or the other. Your dishes, however, are always going to be relatively inexpensive (when compared to something like furniture), so just find a pattern you like and go for it. Just remember to set a budget and stick to it! If you go over budget for one item, you will have to scrimp on something else.

Budgeting Tip #2: Get Your Priorities Straight

Have you heard of the 50/30/20 rule? This rule outlines that you should budget your income according to this ratio: 50% goes toward essentials, 30% goes toward personal lifestyle, and 20% goes toward savings. When you think about the “essentials” in your monthly budget, they include your rent, car payment, groceries, etc. The next 30%, that “personal” chunk, will look different depending on what “extras” matter most to you: your data plan, shopping excursions, bar tabs, etc.

Start tracking your spending so you can understand what costs the most month-to-month and why. If something is costing you more than you thought, evaluate whether it is an expense that you really need. Just remember to start saving! That 20% rule is not just a suggestion! You don’t need to save just for the fun stuff – You need to be setting aside funds for emergencies and rainy days, too.

Budgeting Tip #3: Invest in the Right Things

Good and bad investments exist and they will tempt you from time-to-time. The key to investing in the right things is surrounding yourself with the right people.

You know that guy at the bar that wants you to invest in his “million dollar” idea? That guy is not your friend. How about your sister’s husband who works for that bank? Talk to him about setting up the best saving account and applying for the right credit card. Remember that family friend that has investment properties around the state? You should probably talk to her next and learn how she became so successful! Making the right contacts and finding the best mentors will help you learn how to budget appropriately. If something is right for you, start setting aside money for it in your monthly budget.

Budgeting Tip #4: Monitor Your Bank Accounts

Technology is your friend when you’re try to establish a budget. There are some really useful (and even free) apps on the market today that can help you set a budget and monitor your progress throughout the month. You should also download the app offered by your bank, as well, so you can set up alerts and manage your money more efficiently. Be wary of threats, too! Keep your cards with you at all times and stay informed about identity theft issues in the news.

Are you ready to live the rich life on a smart budget? Come take a tour of our luxury apartment homes! Our upscale amenities—HD cable and high speed Internet, 24-hour fitness center, and 78-seat movie theater, to name a few—are included in the cost of your monthly rent – no extra fees! All you pay for separately is electricity. Sounds pretty great, right? We thought so.