I finally got the keys to my apartment today:) I'm so excited...idk what to do next!!!!?

First, I must applaud (in astonishment) the previous answers to a question like this. It is the first time I have seen good, constructive information provided without some other morons weighing in with idiotic comments. I am truly amazed.

To add to the other excellent suggestions, I might add a few tips from having read all the travails of other youthful first-time renters.

- Open a checking account, and pay your rent by check. You will have your cancelled check to use as proof of payment if there is ever a question.

- If you don't or can't use a checking account, use US Postal money orders and keep the receipts. If the landlord claims they did not get a payment, the USPS can provide information of their deposit, or can replace it for you if it has been lost.

- If you end up resorting to cash, ALWAYS get a signed receipt from the landlord. Never part with one penny without getting a receipt. Even if they say "I'll get you one later", tell them you can come back later with the money when they have the receipt book handy. Then hold on to those receipts. The idea in all the above is to have proof that every payment was made in full and on time, if that proof is ever necessary.

- Invest in a small fire proof lockbox, available at office supply stores. Keep all your receipts (from above) in there, along with a copy of your lease and any other papers you signed. A small one will hold quite a bit of this paperwork. If you move, keep all these past receipts until you have received all deposit refunds you are due from the previous landlord, and I'd even keep them for a year after that.

- Get a renter's insurance policy. They are not terribly expensive. This will provide some protection for your personal property in case of fire or other perils. It will also provide you some protection if something you do causes damage to the property or other tenant's property (leave the tub running, for example). Or if you have a guest over and they are injured in your unit.

- Before you move in, do a walk-through of the unit. If there is any damage existing, note it in writing and I would also take a photo and save the images. Get with the landlord to show them this, and have them sign off on your list of preexisting situations. Keep your copy, and this will prevent you from getting hit up for repairs to things that were already there.

And what a wonderful feeling it must be for you!!!!

To stay on track, make lists and budgets. Even if you have to do it weekly, it will help you to keep your mind on what is important.

Off hand I wouldn't know one specific web-site but I will google something for ya!

http://www.pgeveryday.com/article/5-steps-to-reduc...

http://www.organizeyourself.com/?c=org-g-543-rmk-f...

Just have fun with your new adventure!

These articles have *lots* of *good* suggestions:

"Manage Your Money Wisely"

wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102009082

"How to Live on Less"

wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102010243

"How to Protect Yourself From Fraud"

wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102004522

"You Cannot Save It, so Use It Well"

- (Time)

wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2006562

"Making Your Youth a Success"

wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2001601