Create a budget.

Allocate and stick to a budget for your personal spending habits. Look at your annual expenses and divide by 12. Total up what your monthly expenses: electricity, gas, water, cable, internet, etc. Also, you may want to keep track of for two months to get a reasonable idea of what you spend.

Protect your property. 

When you a homeowner, you need insurance to protect your belongings. Check with your local insurance agent, you might be able to get a discount if you have things like dead bolt locks, an alarm system, or smoke detectors, or if you already have a policy with that company, like car insurance.

Protect your safety.

Make sure all of the locks on your doors and windows work properly. Look into having an alarm system installed. Also, check your fire and carbon monoxide alarms once a month to be sure they’re working. If you have a dryer, clean the lint from the entire system, from the dryer to the exterior vent cap.

Take your tax deductions.

Be sure you know all the tax deductions associated with your new home. If you use a portion of your home for business purposes or moved for a new job, you may be able to take deductions. Homeowners can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes and loans for home improvements.

Make your house - or apartment - your home.

Decorating your space will make it more comfortable and personal.Be smart about where you invest your money on improvements to ensure you’re building equity in your home. For example, updates in the kitchen and bathroom usually provide the best return on investment.

Save up for a rainy day.

It’s a good idea to create a rainy-day fund. The fund should have at least three to six months of living expenses in case you or someone in your household loses a job or becomes ill and unable to maintain employment.​​