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Does anyone else receive a new credit card offer in the mail on a daily basis? The safe answer here is yes, we all do, and we are all sick of it. Luckily, there are ways to put this to an end. Whether your mailbox, voicemail box, or email is overflowing with pre-screened credit card offers, there are ways to stop it, and we’ve got you covered. While there are ways to opt out of these offers, it is important to note that they aren’t full proof. You may still get an offer here and there, and if that’s the case, requests to individual credit card companies may be the solution. Either way, any relief is some relief, and eliminating as much junk mail/email as possible is a huge de-stress for everyone.
How to Opt-Out of Credit Card Offers
Luckily, there is a way to stop those offers from piling up in the mail. Thanks to Federal law, the credit bureaus legally have to allow us to opt out of receiving the countless credit card pre-screening offers. Making matters even better, it is an easy process. There are two methods: online or over the phone. Visit www.optoutpresreen.com to remove yourself from the pre-screened lists online, or call 1-888-5OPTOUT (1-888-567-8688). By visiting the website or calling in, you have the ability to remove yourself from the pre-screened lists for as long as you wish, or indefinitely. Opting out essentially means that the credit bureaus can no longer sell your information to the various credit card companies out there. All you have to do is provide your name and address, how easy is that? If you decide you’d like to receive credit card offers again, opting back in is just as easy!
Say Goodbye to Credit Card Telemarketers
Nowadays, calls from credit card telemarketers feel just as common as the offers we receive in the mail on a daily basis. How do they get our numbers and why don’t they ever stop calling?! Whether they are calling about an unrealistic deal, credit card insurance, or interest rate reductions, the offers almost always seem too good to be true. Spoiler alert: they are too good to be true. These phone calls are typically scams, and definitely calls you shouldn’t pick up. A lot of these calls come in with numbers that appear similar to yours, and I don’t know about you, but that can be easy to fall for. By registering your phone number with www.donotcall.gov, you can avoid receiving these calls altogether.
Reduce Credit Card Offer E-Mails
They send direct mail, they call our phones, and they send e-mails too. It feels nearly impossible to get through a day without receiving a pre-approved credit card offer, doesn’t it? Putting an end to the email offers isn’t as direct as ending the direct mail and phone calls. The best way to go about filtering these offers out of your email is to continually update your spam filters. While it seems annoying at the time, marking offers as spam as they come in will pay off in the long run. Addressing them each one at a time will prevent you from needing a full day to sort through and delete the various offers you receive. Another great way to prevent an overload of offers in your email? Subscribe to www.unrollme.com. While this website isn’t specific to credit card offers, it can still help. Basically, you either unsubscribe from specific subscription emails or combine all of your subscription emails into one daily email. Maybe you like to see some of those credit card offers, but don’t want them overwhelming your inbox. That is where unrollme.com will come in handy.
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You may have read recently that apartments in DC aren’t affordable. If you’re new to DC, understanding the affordable housing options in the district can be a challenge, so we made you this handy guide. We also went on the hunt for you and found 13 apartments for under $1500 available to rent now in Washington, DC!
Apartment hunting on a budget in Washington, DC is all about what trades you are willing to make. A less trendy neighborhood will likely result in a larger apartment or a lower rent. Is a state of the art gym a must-have amenity for you? That’s okay, just know that you’re going to be squeezing into a smaller apartment. The good news is, there are plenty of options! This week we bring you 13 studio or one-bedroom and even a two-bedroom apartment for under $1500 available to rent now!
Looking for something different? Search other available apartments in the Washington, DC area.
The Foreland
Studio $1295 | Available Now 23 2nd Street, NE Washington, DC 20002
Everyday living is made comfortable and effortless at The Foreland. You can look forward to a convenient location, shopping, and a multitude of dining options. The units are equipped with hardwood floors and ample closet space. Multiple windows in each apartment provide ample amounts of natural lighting. The community is located directly across the street from the Supreme Court building and within walking distance of Capitol South Metro, the National Mall, Capitol Hill, and Union Station. Convenience and comfort are guaranteed at The Foreland.WC Smith embraces the belief that great customer service is our best amenity. Living at the Foreland means experiencing a higher level of service. Our service team is available 24 hours a day and you can access your resident account online any time; day or night. Discover classic charms and modern conveniences of the Foreland, located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC.
The Kenmore
1 Bedroom $1495 | Available Now
5415 Connecticut Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20015
Experience a lifestyle that is as rich in history as it is in local activities. The Kenmore’s Connecticut Avenue location is distinct and convenient. This residence offers a 24-hour concierge beautifully renovated, classic style interiors. Spacious studios, one and two bedroom apartments are equipped with expansive windows that offer exceptional views.
Hilltop House
Studio $1450 | Available 11/29
1475 Euclid St NW Washington, DC 20009
Hilltop House is a hidden jewel of the Adams Morgan neighborhood. This community offers studio and one-bedroom apartments for rent. Each apartment has large windows and breakfast bars; creating a cheerful, open, and bright atmosphere. To keep apartment living and budgeting easy, all utilities are included with your rent. Hilltop House faces Meridian Hill Park, where residents may take in a variety of social and cultural events. Every Sunday the park is activate with kickball leagues, yoga classes, Frisbee sessions, and drum circles. Just a couple of blocks from the Hilltop House apartment community is the Columbia Heights Metro station with access to both the green and yellow like. Hilltop House Apartments have the perfect location to take in all that Washington, DC has to offer.
1400 Van Buren
One Bedroom $1395 | Available 11/14
1400 Van Buren NW Washington, DC 20012
1400 Van Buren is an apartment community with one and two-bedroom apartments for rent in the Brightwood neighborhood. You will feel comfortable and at home in these apartments with their beautiful hardwood flooring, ceiling fans, central A/C, and spacious floor plans. The apartments are located in a charming brick building with controlled access, on-site maintenance, on-site management, on-site laundry facilities, and more. 1400 Van Buren’s convenient location gives residents access to everything they need on a daily basis.
Baystate Apartments
Studio $1495 | Available 12/4
1701 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington, DC 20036
Looking for features that look and feel like they came from a book and tell a story? The Baystate offers beautiful studio apartments for rent in a variety of floor plans. All utilities are included! No need to worry about extra bills. With the Dupont Circle neighborhood of Washington, DC only two blocks from your front door, be fascinated with local culture and flavor. Having the Red Line Metro within walking distance means all of Washington, DC is yours to explore. Find touches of extraordinary in the every day.
The Shawmut
Studio $1500 | Available 11/14
2200 19th Street NW Washington, DC 20009
Classic style and modern amenities are the perfect combinations to make you feel right at home. This pet-friendly building in the heart of Adams Morgan, just across the street from Kalorama Park, creates a comfortable living space for all. The Shawmut’s elegant, New York-style exterior gives way to beautiful one and two-bedroom apartments featuring hardwood floors, 9′ ceilings, and updated kitchens.Step outside and you are in the heart of a vibrant, thriving community. From the bustling 18th St Corridor down to Dupont Circle, you are never far from the energy of Downtown DC. Want to get away? The L2, 42, 43, and H1 bus lines are right outside your front door with direct connections to the Green, Red, and Yellow metro lines.
Studio $1450 | Available Now
4550 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008
The Frontenac is nestled in the heart of elegant upper-Northwest. The Frontenac boasts spacious apartments with updated kitchens and bathrooms. Its classic architectural style, evident in our grand lobby’s high ceiling and in our apartment units’, arched doorways and traditional wainscoting, attracts tours of local art history students.You can meet your neighbors or take advantage of WiFi on the Frontenac’s peaceful roof deck or in its spacious laundry room. Take a stroll to the Van Ness metro station, Giant, Whole Foods, pharmacies, dry cleaners, restaurants, shopping, and great schools for students of all ages. Our neighborhood is full of hidden gems..
Hampton Courts
Studio $1460 | Available 12/1
2013 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20009
Constructed in 1926, Hampton Courts has the elegant appeal of the early 20th-century architecture. The building is equipped with two elevators, a controlled intercom entrance, and a laundry room with a card payment system. The studio, one, and two bedroom apartments at Hampton Courts has updated appliances and spacious floor plans. All utilities are included in your rent, so no need to worry yourself about additional bills. The U Street Metro Station is three blocks away and provides access to the yellow and green lines. Zipcar and car2go vehicles, as well as Capital Bikeshare bicycles, are just a block from the building giving you endless means of transportation. The Saturday Farmer’s Market, Yes Organic Market, Trader Joes, Vida Fitness and several yoga studios are all a few blocks away from your front door. Come and explore the city living in Hampton Courts.
6100 14th Street
1 Bedroom $1395 | Available Now
6100 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20011
Located in the Brightwood neighborhood of Washington, DC. There are no limitations set when living at 6100 14th street; tons of shopping and dining options nearby, a Metro bus stop right at your doorstep and only a mile to the nearest metro station. Offering spacious and affordable one and two bedroom apartment homes.
Penn View Apartments
2 Bedroom $1315 | Available Now
2515 R Street, SE Washington, DC 20020
Design cannot be defined by one component but rather the artful intersection of style and function. Located just minutes away from Capitol Hill, Penn View apartments offer affordable efficiencies, one, and two-bedroom apartment homes for rent. Penn View’s luxurious kitchens and functional floor plans are just a few of the features you’ll find at this community. Quality is always on trend.
1401 Sheridan
Studio $1250 | Available Now
1401 Sheridan Street NW Washington, DC 20011
1401 Sheridan boasts spacious floorplans which include separate dining rooms in each apartment. Beautiful hardwood floors, expertly landscaped grounds, and abundant closet space add to the charm and convenience of these studio and one-bedroom apartments. 1401 Sheridan is located between 14th and 16th Streets near Georgia Avenue providing easy access to Rock Creek Park, Carter Barron, and much more.
Jetu Apartments
2 Bedroom $ 1125 | Available Now
2100 Maryland Ave NE Washington, DC 20002
Discover our beautifully landscaped community located in the heart of Northeast, near Langston Golf Course and National Arboretum. Jetu Apartments offers affordable one and two bedroom apartment homes for rent. Featuring gas range stoves, upgraded kitchens, frost-free refrigerators, mini-blinds, and wall to wall carpet. Each apartment offers a separate dining area with chandelier lighting. The grounds include two new playgrounds, a community room, and a community garden.
Skyland Apartments
One-Bedroom $1029 | Available 11/16
2333 Skyland Place SE Washington, DC 20020
Moving to the Skyland means you have a choice of a townhouse or apartment home. Our beautifully landscaped community is impeccably maintained. Enjoy the features of your new updated kitchen including; gas ranges, frost-free refrigerators, and garbage disposals. Dishwashers are available in 3 bedroom apartments. There is also an on-site dry cleaner and a tot lot. Skyland Apartments is located near Anacostia Metro and the new Safeway. Uncovered parking is available.
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For many people who live in the U.S., homeownership has long been touted as being a significant portion of The American Dream. As a result this is a goal that many Americans strive for and eventually the decision is made to enter the world of homeownership. This is often one of the biggest decisions of a person’s life, and it can also have the biggest impact on both the relationships and finances of the potential new home buyer. To make this a positive impact versus a negative one a person must take the right steps based off of educated decisions. Fortunately there are many resources available to offer assistance.
Before taking the first step towards becoming a home buyer a person must be positive that it is the best move for his or her lifestyle and finances at the moment. Although home ownership is the goal for many, it is not the best choice for everyone. For some, renting is seen as a more desirable option for them. To make the decision to become a homeowner a person must take a close and honest look at the advantages and disadvantages of homeownership in relation to their personal circumstances. When considering buying a home one must determine if all of the expenses that are associated with homeownership will put them at a financial disadvantage. Property taxes, mortgage payments, and maintenance costs are just a few of the home expenses that a person must consider. He or she must calculate whether these will take too much from their income and if they are willing to make the necessary sacrifices in order to afford them. Home ownership may also not be the best option for people who are not stable in terms of settling in one spot. A person who frequently moves due to work or other circumstances should consider the hassle and potential loss in home value if they must move and put their home up for sale. Advantages to home ownership are plentiful. For people who are financially able to manage the cost of buying a home, they can enjoy the tax deduction that comes from the interest paid on their mortgage payments and from property taxes. The idea of setting roots in an area is also an appealing advantage, particularly for people with children or for people who are starting a family.
Once the decision has been made to purchase a home, it is important to know what to look for in choosing the right home. Creating a checklist will help make it easier to find the perfect home. Location should figure high on the list such as the safety of the neighborhood, whether it is in a quiet area, and its proximity to quality schools, shopping, and one’s employment. Details such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, floors, property tax, and the presence of a home owners association must also be considered. To help reduce future home expenses associated with repairs, look for homes that have been well maintained in terms of the home itself and the yard. Obtaining a mortgage is one, if not the, most important steps that a home buyer must complete. A person should begin the process of obtaining a loan as much as a year in advance. This allows him or her to get their finances in order as they may be required to put down a down payment anywhere between five and 20 percent. For this reason, the home buyer should also be prepared to shop around for the best rates and terms that he or she can get. One of the best ways to shop for a home is to get pre-approval prior to starting one’s search. This lets the seller know that the buyer has been evaluated by the lender and what the loan amount is.
Why maximalism is the perfect home decor trend for small spaces
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2021-02-27T12:42:00Z
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Megan Zeitz/Sarah Unsworth
Maximalism has become more popular over the last year, particularly in small spaces.
It brings personality and depth to a home, according to experts.
The key to making maximalism work in your small space is to be intentional about your design.
Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Before the pandemic, there was a period of time where nothing was everything when it came to decor.
Whether it was Kim Kardashian West’s all-beige home or your friend’s new affinity for throwing away things that didn’t spark joy, minimalism was definitely “in” throughout 2019.
But over the last year, people have grown less interested in the less-is-more lifestyle, especially those who live in tiny homes or apartments.
According to Pinterest data, people are searching for “maximalist decor” five times more and “maximalist decor small spaces” three times more often on Pinterest now than they were a year ago.
Likewise, a quick scroll through Instagram or TikTok will show you a plethora of small spaces filled with color that are much more in line with maximalist decor.
Experts told Insider that the rise of maximalism is likely a result of people spending more time at home — and it’s a change they’re excited about.
Maximalism is a ‘more is more’ design style
As the name suggests, maximalism is a design aesthetic that leans into “more” to make a house feel like home. You can expect to see brightly colored walls covered in artwork, an abundance of plants, and statement furniture in a maximalist space.
It’s the polar opposite of minimalism, which was popular in 2019 thanks in part to shows like “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo.”
And while there’s certainly something to be said for decluttering, Michelle Fahmy, an interior designer and one of Apartment Therapy’s Changemakers for 2021, told Insider she thinks maximalism is often more practical for people in their day-to-day lives than minimalism.
Maximalism encourages personality in home spaces. Megan Zietz
“Minimalism is quite beautiful when done right, but there is also a starkness to it, an unlived-in and museum-like quality which makes it much less practical when you are living your everyday life, making your home your place of refuge, trying to raise a family, or setting up an impromptu home office,” Fahmy said.
“There is something about maximalism that allows people to be free and experiment, to have fun with the items and design choices in their space,” she added. “Maximalism gives people the freedom to express themselves through their surroundings.”
Megan Zietz, who decorated her space with maximalism in mind, echoed Fahmy.
“For me, maximalism encourages utilizing our small space in the boldest way possible,” she said. “It gives me the opportunity to play with colors, prints, and textures you wouldn’t necessarily think to use together.”
Maximalism has become more popular in the last year
Experts think it’s no coincidence that maximalism started trending during the pandemic.
“While stuck at home, people want to decorate their homes in a way that makes them feel good and reminds them of special moments, hence the rise in maximalism,” Swasti Sarna, Pinterest’s senior insights manager, told Insider.
Danielle Blundell, Apartment Therapy’s home director, agreed, telling Insider maximalism has a “cozy factor” that makes sense for people spending more time at home.
“It’s the idea of layering and filling a space with the things that you love in a way that can make you happy,” she said. “When your home is full of all the things that you like, it can actually boost your mood and make you happier and provide lots of different stimuli to let your eye wander around the space.”
Maximalism can make homes feel bigger. Sarah Unsworth
Fahmy also said maximalist decor can actually make a home feel larger when done right, which makes it a great design style for small spaces.
“Your eye only has so much ground to cover in a smaller space, so packing it in with thoughtful elements helps to actually make the space feel larger,” she said.
Experts told Insider that people who live in small spaces often pair maximalism with mid-century modern decor, as the latter can be a grounding style.
“The mid-century serves as a strong grounding presence in a small space because of its streamlined aesthetic,” Karina Lameraner, a creative stylist for the online interior design service Modsy, told Insider. “Maximalism beautifully contrasts this by inviting playful and adventurous elements into the space.”
The key to making maximalism work in your small space is intentional design
Maximalism is effective in a small space when the things in a room don’t look haphazard or thrown together, so it’s important to focus on the overall effect of a room when picking out pieces for it.
“The trick to achieving maximalism in your small space is ensuring that colors, textures, and patterns all work together — and not against one another,” Lameraner told Insider. “Small spaces require layering as opposed to spreading, which means that the pieces you choose need to play off one another.”
She suggests picking items that have similar patterns or shapes to create a sense of cohesion. For instance, your couch and your bookshelf might both have rounded edges, or you can pick pillows that match the pattern on your rug.
Blundell said it’s important to keep in mind that even maximalist spaces need to have some negative space, which can help ensure the room doesn’t feel too busy.
You can create negative space by leaving some parts of the walls blank, by having open space on shelves, or by making sure flooring is visible under a rug, according to Blundell.
Blundell also suggests buying simple furniture to ground a room, leaving the maximalist touches to more decorative pieces.
The key to maximalism in a small space is intentional design. Megan Zietz
Fahmy encouraged people who want to embrace maximalism to decorate slowly rather than all at once. You can add one statement piece to the room, and then see what you might need from there.
“As you add more, take a moment to stand back and look at the space,” she said. “There is an element of just the right amount of restraint that is needed when being a maximalist.”
Likewise, Fahmy thinks it’s important to remember that maximalism gives people the opportunity to put things that are important to them on display.
“Bring out those tchotchkes from your travels that have been tucked away and group them as a fun display on your mantle or shelf,” Fahmy gave as an example.
Maximalism can help you turn your home into one giant keepsake, quite literally turning a house into a home.
More: Home interior design Maximalism mid-century modern
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Learn how to get your finances in order and chart a new course after divorce.
Like so many single parents, Emma Johnson, 40, founder of WealthySingleMommy.com, worried about rebuilding financially after divorce and what the financial future would look like for her and her children, who were 2 and under 1 at the time.
“I was terrified that my kids and I would be living out of our car,” she says, “or that I would have to sell my home and move far from our community.”
Rather than continuing to see the prospect of managing finances after divorce as frightening, Johnson decided to use the life-changing 2010 event as an opportunity to re-evaluate her plans and create an exciting new future. She resumed working as a journalist and started her blog. This ultimately led to brand partnerships, speaking engagements and a book deal with Penguin Random House, not to mention new financial goals, including saving enough to retire by the time her children go to college.
“It is very scary to start out on life anew and without a partner,” she says. “Harness this fear to forge a new, exciting path that is free from an unhappy marriage. Your Plan B or C or Q can be far, far more fulfilling than you imagined.”
From separating joint bank accounts after divorce to revamping your financial plans, here are four things you can do to get your finances in order and chart a new course after divorce:
1. Update your budget
Getting divorced can come with financial costs and changes. From attorney’s fees to the tax consequences of selling assets, you may face some short-term financial expenses that could put a strain on your budget. For many people, managing finances after a divorce means spending less because you’ll only have your own income to draw on, and you might have to pay child support.
Jackie Pilossoph, 51, founder of Divorced Girl Smiling, got divorced in 2008 and found that getting a detailed understanding of what she was spending and what she was bringing in was critical. It helped her find places in her budget where she could cut back.
“I called all my utility companies and had the bills lowered, either through cutting plans or getting a better deal. I put a cap on Starbucks and allotted myself a weekly amount,” she says. “I also stopped buying bottled water, refinanced my home, stopped getting my nails done and basically didn’t buy myself a stitch of clothing for about two years.”
Other ways to trim costs and manage finances after divorce might include finding opportunities to save on attorney’s fees or making budgetary changes like downsizing your home, eating at home more often or even scaling back your children’s extracurricular activities.
While these changes can be difficult to make, Johnson, of WealthySingleMommy, believes that you need to be open to a new lifestyle after a divorce in order to create a future on firm financial footing.
“Let go of trying to maintain the lifestyle you had while married,” she says. “You don’t need the stress associated with being over-leveraged on a home, living in debt, penny pinching or living paycheck to paycheck.”
“The good thing about divorce is that you are solely responsible for your financial future from this point forward. When you start seeing financial success from your own plan and your own job, there is no better feeling.”
2. Evaluate your accounts
Just because you had certain kinds of banking and investment accounts as a couple doesn’t mean they’re necessarily right for you now as you rebuild financially after divorce.
“For both practical and emotional reasons, you need to evaluate every part of your financial picture during and after divorce,” Johnson says. “You now have to plan for a life without a spouse and invest appropriately based on your new lifestyle, goals and dreams.”
She suggests asking your accountant about your new tax situation, your financial planner about college, emergency savings and retirement planning and your attorney about estate planning. You could even explore finding an investment adviser who specializes in managing finances after a divorce.
Take the time to understand the details of your various accounts, such as how much you’re paying per month in fees, how many no-fee transactions you get and how much you’re earning (or paying) in interest. Perhaps you don’t need the pricier checking account that includes so many transactions. Or maybe your bank requires a high minimum balance to waive the monthly fee on your savings account, and now you’re looking for an account that has no monthly fee for maintenance. Maybe you do need a new credit card since your old one was a joint account shared with your ex.
If you’re taking stock of your joint bank accounts after divorce and close any credit accounts, pull your credit report to make sure all joint accounts are closed. If you want to ensure that new credit accounts aren’t opened in your name, you could consider putting a credit freeze on your report by contacting the three national credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian or TransUnion.
When thinking about joint bank accounts after divorce, you may also consider removing your ex-spouse as a beneficiary on retirement accounts, life insurance policies and from your will.
3. Define your goals and priorities
Just because you and your former spouse wanted to retire to Hawaii doesn’t mean that’s still your dream now.
“One of the saddest things about divorce that I hear from men and women is that the dream they always had is gone,” Pilossoph says, explaining that feeling is often only temporary. “What happens over time is that the dream just changes, and honestly, most of the time, it changes for the better.”
For Pilossoph, that’s meant that she’s developed dreams of retiring and moving to a warm Southern state, which she hopes to achieve alone or with a different partner.
She believes that rebuilding financially after divorce is a great time to rethink what you want to do professionally as well. Maybe you would rather stay home with your children, switch careers, find a better work-life balance or go back to school.
“Divorce is a great time for soul searching,” she says. “Divorce often makes people re-evaluate life and explore what is really going to make them happy.”
4. Sit down with a financial planner
Rebuilding financially after divorce and setting up a new financial plan can help you feel better prepared for life after your marriage ends. Although Pilossoph wanted to continue to stay at home with her children, who were 3 and 5 at the time, her financial planner helped her realize that wasn’t a good financial decision over the long term.
“It took a really good financial planner to get me to sit down and face reality. They forced me to look at what I was spending every month and what I was bringing in,” she says. “They made me see the deficit I was dealing with, and seeing the numbers on paper made me realize I had to make some changes.”
In addition to cutting back on expenses, she decided to return to work. She wrote a book, launched her blog and took a job with a newspaper.
A financial planner can be a critical resource when managing finances after a divorce, helping you turn your new short- and long-term financial goals into realities. They can clarify what you need to earn, how you need to save for retirement or your children’s futures and how your newly single status affects your taxes.
Stay focused on the positives
While divorce is undoubtedly an end to something important in your life, it is also a new beginning. If you look at it from that perspective, you may find it easier to focus your attention on rebuilding financially after divorce, rather than mourning the changes in your financial situation.
“The good thing about divorce is that you are solely responsible for your financial future from this point forward,” Pilossoph says. “When you start seeing financial success from your own plan and your own job, there is no better feeling. Looking in the mirror and being proud of your accomplishments and the way you live your life is very powerful.”
The top travel credit cards make it easy to earn travel rewards that can translate into free flights, luxury hotel stays, and more. With a solid plan in place, credit card rewards can even make your travel dreams come true.
Imagine flying business class to Tokyo for pennies on the dollar or spending five nights at a luxury resort in the Maldives for the cost of a boat ride to your secluded private island.
With travel rewards, all of that and more could be yours; all it takes is some planning, some time to build up your stash of points, and a few strategic cards that make sense with your travel goals.
Also remember that you don’t have to focus on luxury travel to make the most of travel credit cards. Many consumers find that these cards make it easy to take their kids on vacations further from home while stretching the family travel budget as far as it can go.
By putting almost all of your everyday spending on a top travel credit card, you can earn enough points to score free hotel stays, almost-free domestic and international flights, and plenty of other travel experiences your family might not be able to afford otherwise.
Best Travel Credit Cards
Before we dig into the details, let’s take a closer look at our top picks among all of the best travel rewards credit cards:
Best All-Around: Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Best Luxury Travel Credit Card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Best Hotel Rewards: Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
Best for Airline Miles: Citi®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® MasterCard®
Best All-Around Travel Card: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers more than just a huge signup bonus. As part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, this card doles out points that are highly celebrated and touted as some of the most valuable in the industry.
After spending just $4,000 on your card within 90 days, you’ll earn 60,000 points worth $750 in travel if you book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. And if you don’t want to book travel directly, you have several other options including transferring your points to the top airline and hotel transfer partners in the business or redeeming them for gift cards or cash back (if you are going to do cashback you should consider a cashback rewards card instead).
Transferring to one of Chase’s travel partners can be especially lucrative since all points transfer at a 1:1 ratio. Your current options include:
United Airlines
Southwest Airlines
British Airways Executive Club
Emirates
JetBlue
Singapore KrisFlyer
Virgin Atlantic
Aer Lingus
Iberia Plus
Air France/Flying Blue
World of Hyatt
Marriott Bonvoy
IHG Rewards
If you want to earn flexible rewards without paying a huge annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is probably your best bet. Here are the details you should consider before you pull the trigger and start racking up rewards:
Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 within three months of account opening
Earn 2X points on travel and dining, plus 1X points on all purchases
$95 annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
Free primary auto coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and other travel perks
Best Luxury Travel Credit Card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
If you like the idea of earning points in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program but want a more comfortable travel experience, make sure to compare the Chase Sapphire Reserve® to the “Preferred” version of this card. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has the same transfer partners and flexibility in how you redeem your rewards, although you’ll get 50% more travel for free when you use points to book. You’ll also get valuable travel benefits like a credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, a Priority Pass Select Membership, and a $300 annual travel credit in exchange for the $450 annual fee.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is also generous on the earning side of the equation, giving cardholders 3x points on all travel and dining purchases and 1 point per $1 on everything else. Currently, you can even earn 50,000 points when you spend $4,000 on your card within three months of account opening.
Earn 50,000 points after you spend $4,000 on your card within three months of account opening
Earn 3x points on travel and dining, plus 1X points on all purchases
$450 annual fee
Get a Priority Pass Select membership, $300 annual travel credit, credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, and valuable travel insurance
Best Hotel Rewards: Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
If you’re looking for a hotel credit card, make sure you consider the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express. This card does charge a $450 annual fee, but you’ll get benefits like a free weekend night each year (including your first year as a cardholder), a $250 annual resort credit, a $250 annual airline credit for an airline of your choosing, and automatic Hilton Diamond status.
You’ll also earn 14x points on Hilton purchases made with your card, 7x points on flights booked with airlines or through AmexTravel.com, car rentals, and U.S. restaurants, and 3x points on all other purchases. At the moment, the welcome bonus will also shower you with 150,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $4,000 on your card within three months of account opening.
Before you sign up, consider these pertinent details:
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors points when you spend $4,000 on your card within three months
$450 annual fee
Get automatic Hilton Diamond status
Receive an annual airline credit, a resort credit, a free weekend night each year, airport lounge access, and more
Best Flexible Card: Discover it® Miles
If you’re looking for a card that lets you earn miles good for anything, the Discover it® Miles is a smart option. With this card, you’ll earn 1.5 miles for every dollar you spend. Plus, Discover promises to double the amount of miles you earn after the first year!
After 12 months, you will have effectively earned 3 miles for every dollar spent. Since each “mile” is worth one cent, you can see how this could add up quickly. For example, $10,000 in annual spending would earn 30,000 miles worth $300 after the first year, while $20,000 in spending would equal 60,000 miles worth $600.
Better yet, you’ll never pay an annual fee. Keep reading for more details:
Earn 1.5 points for every dollar you spend
No annual fee
Earn double the miles during your first year
No blackout dates
Easy-to-Earn Signup Bonus: Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card
While the Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card isn’t one that would normally make our list, this card made the cut due to its increased signup bonus and low minimum spending requirement.
With this card, you’ll score an online bonus of 25,000 points after you spend just $1,000 on the card within 90 days. In addition to the bonus, you’ll also earn an unlimited 1.5 points on every dollar you spend.
While the points you earn with this card don’t transfer to specific hotels or airline loyalty programs, they are good for travel with any hotel chain or airline. Simply book any type of travel you want then redeem your points in the form of a statement credit. It’s as simple as that.
Before you sign up, here are some more details to consider:
Earn 1.5 points for every dollar you spend
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Spend $1,000 on your card within 90 days to earn 25,000 bonus points
Earn 25% to 75% more points on each purchase when you join Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program
Book Travel with No Blackout Dates: Capital One® Venture® Card
The unique way the Capital One® Venture® Card doles out miles makes it one of the most transparent travel credit cards currently on the market. With this card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases plus a signup bonus worth 50,000 points – or $500 in travel – after you spend just $3,000 within three months of account opening. That’s enough for at least one free round-trip domestic flight or several nights at your favorite lower-tier hotel or resort!
The cool thing about this card is that you can book any type of travel without worrying about blackout dates or capacity controls. Simply book any travel experience, flight, or hotel stay that works for your schedule with your card, then redeem your points as a statement credit. Interestingly enough, you can also transfer points earned with this card to a variety of airline partners.
Details you should know include:
Earn 50,000 “miles” worth $500 in travel after you spend $3,000 on your card within the first three months
Earn 2X miles for every dollar you spend
Qualify for a credit for TSA Precheck or Global Entry
$95 annual fee, waived the first year
Citi®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® MasterCard®: Best Airline Credit Card
The Citi®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® MasterCard® is the perfect card for anyone with a focus on earning free airfare. Whether your focus is on domestic or international destinations, the American AAdvantage program is known for offering plenty of availability (most of the time) and airline partners that make it easy to find award flights to nearly any destination in the world.
With this card, you’ll earn 50,000 American AAdvantage miles after you spend just $2,500 on the card within three months of account opening. That could be enough miles for two round-trip domestic flights. Beyond the signup bonus, this card awards you and four travel companions with a free checked bag on domestic itineraries, priority boarding on American flights, and no foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.
Earn 50,000 American AAdvantage miles after you spend $2,500 on your card within three months
$99 annual fee, waived the first year
No foreign transaction fees
Free checked bag for you and up to four travel companions
Getting Free Travel with Credit Card Rewards: How to Get Started
For the most part, the key to figuring out which card is best for your needs is deciding where you want to go. What does your ideal trip look like? Do you want to stay in a hotel or condo?
Do you want to fly all over the world or mostly stick to train travel?
Would you rather sink into a white sand beach with a cold drink or go hiking through the Swiss Alps?
When it comes to rewards, the sky is truly the limit. You can go almost anywhere and plan any type of trip you want, but your first step is figuring out a way to narrow your selection of destinations down. That way, you can focus on earning rewards that suit your specific travel tastes.
Aside from deciding where you want to go and when, here’s what you’ll need to get started:
A credit score over 700, but ideally over 720. The best travel credit cards are geared to individuals with good or excellent credit, which usually means a credit score over 720. Lower scores are occasionally acceptable if other employment and income conditions are met.
A debt-free lifestyle. If you are paying down credit card debt, you need credit card rewards like you need a hole in the head. Pay down your consumer debts and get on solid financial footing before you even consider travel hacking or pursuing rewards.
A plan to stay organized. While it’s easy to keep track of a single rewards card, having two, three or four can easily cause you to forget some of the important details. To stay on top of it all, you’ll want to keep a simple spreadsheet or list with details such as when you sign up, when you earned the signup bonus, and when (or if) an annual fee will be charged.
Rules for Getting the Most Out of Your Travel Credit Card
Before you sign up for any of the best credit card offers, it’s important to set yourself up for success. For most people, that means creating a long-term plan to pursue the upside of credit card rewards while minimizing your exposure to the downside.
Here are some tips that can help you earn an almost unlimited number of points and miles without getting in over your head – or worse, spiraling into credit card debt:
Rule #1 Only spend what you can afford to repay right away.
If you’re planning to use a credit card for the sole purpose of earning rewards, the most important thing you can do is avoid paying credit card interest at all costs! Paying interest will mostly likely cancel out the value of your rewards, which defeats the purpose of having a rewards card to begin with.
To avoid getting into debt, only use your card for purchases you know you can pay off right away. Never use your card for unplanned expenses or “splurges,” and pay your entire bill promptly as soon as you receive it.
Rule #2 Use your credit card as a compliment to your monthly budget – not in place of it.
If you’re worried paying with plastic might cause you to overspend, try using your credit card as a compliment to a monthly budget you create.
Write out a list of expenses you can charge on your credit card, then use your card to fulfill your spending plan for the month. Once you have put all of your planned monthly expenses on credit, feel free to pack your card away or stick it in the back of your wallet. The best way to make credit work in your favor is to only use it for planned expenses, and use it conjunction with a monthly budget or spending plan.
Rule #3 Rack up extra points by using your card for everyday spending, but pay it off right away.
The easiest way to rack up rewards quickly is to focus your credit spending on bills and expenses you needed to pay anyway – things like groceries, gas, and utility bills. However, some of these expenses tend to take on a life of their own if left unchecked.
If you want to stay on track, it might be smart to “check in” with your credit card bill at least once per week as the month progresses. That way, you won’t be surprised when your monthly bill arrives in the mail.
When it does, however, you should pay it off right away. Don’t let a balance carry over or you could easily wind up with a debt that will only grow over time.
Rule #4 Keep track of rewards details in a simple spreadsheet.
If you get to the point where you’re juggling multiple rewards cards, it’s extremely smart to keep track of any pertinent details in a simple spreadsheet. Factors you may want to track include when you signed up for a new card, when you earned the signup bonus, and when the annual fee comes due.
By keeping track of all of your rewards cards in one place, you can check in for a “snapshot” of your comprehensive rewards plan at any time.
Rule #5 Don’t forget to budget your entire trip – not just the parts you got for free.
The final rule to follow when using credit card rewards for travel is making sure you budget for your entire trip – not just the parts you paid for with rewards. If you’re flying somewhere on airline miles, for example, you’ll need to budget for hotel stays, food and drink, and entertainment once you arrive at your destination.
While travel rewards can make nearly any trip a lot more affordable, you shouldn’t let a lack of planning destroy your budget. Earning enough rewards for a free flight or hotel for a week is an awesome plan, but you still need to have money to eat, have fun, and enjoy yourself. And if you don’t plan ahead, you could wind up spending significantly more money than you ever dreamed.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been trying to save for the perfect getaway but can’t seem to set aside the funds, it might make sense to look into airline miles, hotel points, and other types of rewards to see what kind of savings you can find. With the right strategy, you could even fly around the world, visit places you have never dreamed of seeing, or take your children or parents on a trip that will cause envy among even your closest friends.
With the right combination of cards, good or excellent credit, and some self-discipline, any trip you can dream up can be within your reach.
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About the Author
Jeff Rose, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™, founder of Good Financial Cents, and author of the personal finance book Soldier of Finance. Jeff is an Iraqi combat veteran and served 9 years in the Army National Guard. His work is regularly featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Inc.com and Entrepreneur.
Celebrities have a hard time staying out of the spotlight. Their photos, daily habits, and personal lives are always gracing the pages of gossip magazines, whether they like it or not. And with the so-called paparazzi always lurking, it’s no wonder that Hollywood celebs value privacy above all else when buying homes.
For celebrities who have to stay close to the spotlight, but who also want to enjoy some quiet beach time away from the prying eyes of the media, Malibu is a highly sought-after destination.
This exclusive neighborhood has been a Hollywood favorite since the 1930s, and nowadays its private beaches are lined with stunning celebrity homes (and some quite memorable TV show homes). The Malibu lifestyle even appeals to real-life royals, as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were checking out properties in the area earlier this year — before they reportedly decided to settle down in Santa Barbara.
Celebrities that call Malibu home
Celebs love Malibu because, even though it’s just a stone’s throw from Los Angeles, it offers a lot more privacy and seclusion than, say, Beverly Hills, not to mention some downright gorgeous beachfront views. Some of our favorite movie and music stars have lived here on and off during the years, while some have no plans of ever leaving. Let’s check out 10 of the biggest celebrities who live in Malibu right now, in no particular order.
Courteney Cox
Hollywood darling Courteney Cox has a lot in common with our favorite F.R.I.E.N.D. One thing is that both Courteney and Monica, her character in the iconic sitcom, are highly attached to their homes. Cox has lived in Malibu for more than a decade, and she doesn’t have any intention of ever leaving.
Over the years, she has put in a lot of work into her forever , a Malibu beach house which features guest cottages, a movie screening room, as well as a tennis house, among other things.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s full-time residence is a 10,270-square-foot stunner right across from Zuma Beach. The singer paid $22.5 million for her home in 2014, and she’s become so fond of it that she’s dubbed it her ‘Gypsy palace.’ We’ve recently taken you on a tour of Lady Gaga’s precious sanctuary, which was also featured in the Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two.
Spoiler alert: the house isn’t as wacky as you might expect it to be, at least not when compared to the homes of other celebs on this list.
Lady Gaga’s house in Malibu, CA. Image credit: The Agency
Leonardo DiCaprio
Hollywood leading man Leo DiCaprio owns several luxury properties around the world, including a lavish oceanfront home in a part of Malibu known as ‘Billionaires Beach.’
DiCaprio bought his 1,765-square-foot home in 1998, presumably after hitting it big with Titanic, and invested in upgrades over the years. The actor, whose roles include Rick Dalton in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, decided to list the three-bedroom bungalow as a rental in 2017, for ‘just’ $25,000 a month.
Miley Cyrus
Singer Miley Cyrus has been living in Malibu for quite some time now, and she doesn’t seem to be in any rush to leave. She used to share a home here with her former husband Liam Hemsworth, but it was destroyed in the 2018 Woolsey Fire, which damaged a lot of celebrity homes in the area.
Cyrus wasn’t going to let this unfortunate event run her out of Malibu, so she bought the house right next door to the original site. Her funky bachelorette pad cost her $2.4 million, $4.4 million shy of the home she used to share with Hemsworth.
Miley Cyrus’s Malibu home. Image credit: Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage/MLS via Homes & Property)
Caitlyn Jenner
You might remember that during season 10 of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Caitlyn Jenner (back then, Bruce) moved into a stunning home in Malibu, yearning for seclusion and getting away from all the media hype.
Not long after, Jenner moved on to a stunning hilltop mansion (also in the Malibu area) that came with awesome views of the ocean, which she now shares with her dogs and current girlfriend, Sophia Hutchins. The 2018 Woolsey Fire nearly destroyed her idyllic home, but luckily the damage was contained and Jenner can continue enjoying her Malibu peace and quiet.
Caitlyn Jenner’s Malibu home. Image credit: 4 Malibu Real Estate via Variety
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr., better known as Tony Stark from his iconic run as Iron Man in the Avengers franchise, has been living in Malibu for quite some time now.
He purchased a massive $13.4 million property in 2009, which includes pretty much everything you could ever dream of, including a zoo, playgrounds, swimming pools, and jaw-dropping car collections. The actor must have seriously fallen in love with the area, since he snapped up another Malibu home in 2017 for $3.5 million.
Interestingly enough, this house shares the same zip code as Tony Stark’s fictional home near Point Dume. Coincidence? We think not.
Robert Downey Jr.’s $3.5M Malibu home. Image credit: Realtor.com
Rick Rubin
Def Jam Recordings co-founder and iconic music producer Rick Rubin is no stranger to luxury Malibu living. The producer purchased the legendary Shangri-La recording studio, which once housed Bob Dylan, in 2011, and he also bought several homes in the nearby area over the years.
Rubin seems to also have a hidden talent for interior design, as one of his Malibu projects was highly praised and featured by the Wall Street Journal in 2017. One of the most unique features of his Malibu oasis lies in its emphasis on music — every room in the house is fitted with a state-of-the-art speaker system that ensures uninterrupted listening experiences.
Rick Rubin’s Malibu home. Image credit: Martien Mulder via Curbed LA
Cher
Music and fashion icon Cher is another long-time resident of Malibu, which should be reason enough for anyone to move there immediately. The singer teamed up with Ron Wilson for the 19th time to renovate a Renaissance-style villa overlooking the ocean and turn it into a fortress of privacy.
The result is truly stunning, and reminiscent of the former Versace Mansion in Miami Beach, which Cher visited on multiple occasions. The 16,000-square-foot home is, as Architectural Digest put it, just ‘as dramatic as its owner,’ featuring Gothic chandeliers, Egyptian rugs, and more.
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson’s Malibu mansion looks like it was built centuries ago, but it actually dates back to the 1990s. The actor paid $11.5 million to buy it from David Duchovny and Tea Leoni in 2008, and has continued to own it ever since, even though he’s put it up for sale twice over the years.
In 2017, Gibson listed his 6,578-square-foot home for $17.5 million, but failed to actually found a buyer for it. He then listed it again in 2019 for $14.5 million, but the discount didn’t take the property off his hands (at least not yet).
Cindy Crawford
Supermodel Cindy Crawford and her husband Rande Gerber own quite a few properties in California. Among them is a gorgeous Malibu home that they bought in the 1990s, and which they’ve been using as a summer rental for $45,000 a month.
They listed the property for sale, and managed to find a buyer earlier this year who was going to acquire it for $6.5 million. Unfortunately, the buyer had to back out of the deal due to the global pandemic, but Crawford was very understanding of the whole situation, and graciously let the buyer out of the deal, even returning their deposit.
Crawford is so in love with the area that she’s got another gorgeous Malibu property to enjoy with her lovely family, which Vogue toured in 2017.
Cindy Crawford at her main Malibu residence. Image credit: Vogue
These are just 10 of the biggest Hollywood celebrities living in Malibu at the moment. But since the area is unlikely to lose its appeal among the rich and famous, expect to see many more A-listers flocking to its sandy beaches and oceanfront location. However, if Malibu doesn’t tickle your fancy, then be sure to check out these 10 celebrities who live in Beverly Hills.
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First of all, congrats! Now here’s how to put that extra income to good use.
Landing a raise at work is a big achievement. Major kudos. It helps justify the job you are doing and makes you feel like a valuable part of your company. But salary increases are never guaranteed. They tend to be directly correlated to the success of the business and the economy. And let’s face it: It can be easy to get a raise at work and then continue living your life business as usual, without making the most of those extra funds.
When you get a raise at work, think about how you can really benefit from your increased earnings. Enjoy the success hard work has brought you, of course, but remember that it’s also important to continue to grow your net worth when deciding what to do with a raise.
When you get a raise at work, consider the following five ideas for that hard-earned money:
1. Calculate your new take-home pay
“After getting a raise at work, don’t immediately start spending your new money,” says Michael Banks, founder of the blog FortunateInvestor.com. “Instead, take a moment to assess your current financial situation and plan for future financial security.”
When you get a raise, start by figuring out how your boost in salary will affect your paychecks. Just because you’re going to be earning an extra $4,000 per year, for example, doesn’t mean that will be your additional take-home pay. You’ll need to factor in your tax withholding and any other deductions from your paycheck (think health insurance, commuter benefits, office gym membership). To determine your net pay increase when you get a raise, subtract your old paycheck from your new paycheck. This is the amount that should inform adjustments to your monthly budget.
“You want to get rid of high-interest debt as soon as possible. That interest will devour your hard-earned money.”
2. Wipe out any existing debt
If you are working to eliminate debt, then when you get a raise it could be a great time to accelerate your efforts. Credit card debt, student loans, or even a car loan—the easiest way to build a positive net worth quickly is to eliminate any debt standing in your way. While reducing your debt load may not give you instant gratification like a treat-yourself splurge, just knowing you are debt-free (or moving in that direction) can be a major victory.
“You want to get rid of high-interest debt as soon as possible,” says Jackie Lam, founder of frugal blog Cheapsters.org. “That interest will devour your hard-earned money,” she adds.
3. Build your emergency fund
“Paying off high-interest debts and creating an emergency fund are two great places to incorporate this increased income,” Banks says.
It’s never fun to think about an emergency that may require you to dip into your savings, but building, or beefing up, your emergency fund is one way to put your increased salary to work. When deciding what to do with a raise, think of an emergency fund as peace of mind if an unexpected cost does creep up. It’ll be there for you to fall back on if your water heater brakes, you need to have work done on your car or someone in your family loses a job. Most experts agree that your emergency fund should cover three to six months of living expenses. Place your fund in a savings account so you can have easy access in the event of an emergency.
4. Contribute to your retirement
When you get a raise, you can think about your golden years regardless of your age. “Using your windfall to increase monthly retirement contributions, even if just by 1 percent, can have a dramatic impact on the stability of your future financial standing,” Banks says.
One of the easiest ways to make sure your retirement account is getting the attention it deserves is to make it automatic. Determine how much of your raise you want to place into your IRA (Individual Retirement Account) or 401(k) every year, and then automatically have the maximum amount possible transferred each month. If your employer will match your contribution, take advantage of that opportunity to grow your savings at an increased rate.
5. Do something for yourself
You worked hard to earn your raise, so enjoy it a little. Set aside a portion of your increased income and treat yourself. Maybe you’ve had your eye on a new pair of shoes, or you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger on some new furniture for your home. You could even place a portion of your raise into a separate savings account to be used for vacations.
“Whenever I got a raise at work I’d put a small percentage of it toward my 401(k) contribution and saved the rest toward my monthly savings and short-term goals, like buying a new computer or going on a trip,” Lam says. “I was careful not to undergo lifestyle inflation.”
Enjoy your success
Getting a raise at work is cause for celebration—and identifying new financial opportunities. Deciding what to do with a raise when extra income comes in can lead to long-term benefits and help ensure your extra cash doesn’t disappear each month.
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Rent control apartments can be rented by anyone.
Low and predictable rent increases are what make rent control apartments so desirable.
Why are they so low?
The annual increases in your rent may not exceed an allowable increase set by the city government. The annual adjustment is based on the Consumer Price Index CPI plus somewhere between 2%-10% of your rent. The combination of CPI + the % increase can never exceed 10% total. The law also sets that the landlord may only increase your rent once in any 12-month period. So, if in 2016 your rent was $1000 upon your anniversary/lease renewal, your rent could have a maximum increase of $25. Because the CPI was .5% and the city allowed an additional 2% increase.
We wrote a whole blog about it if you want to Read more…
Or if you want, just check out the rent control buildings below and score yourself some new digs!
One of the worst things about renting is the inevitable rent increases that you get every year. One way to combat the impact of those rent increases is to find a rent controlled apartment. Rent control apartments have a cap on how much your rent can be increased each year. How rent increases are calculated is a little tricky. You can read more about it here. We searched the Washington, DC apartment inventory and compiled a list of the top five rent controlled apartments you can rent today.
Frontenac Studio $1495
4550 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008
The Frontenac is nestled in the heart of elegant upper-Northwest. The Frontenac boasts spacious apartments with updated kitchens and bathrooms. Its classic architectural style, evident in our grand lobby’s high ceiling and in our apartment units’, arched doorways and traditional wainscoting, attracts tours of local art history students.You can meet your neighbors or take advantage of WiFi on the Frontenac’s peaceful roof deck or in its spacious laundry room. Take a stroll to the Van Ness metro station, Giant, Whole Foods, pharmacies, dry cleaners, restaurants, shopping, and great schools for students of all ages. Our neighborhood is full of hidden gems..
Wakefield Hall 1 BR $1895
2101 New Hampshire Ave NW Washington, DC 20009
Wakefield Hall’s decorative facade gives way to just as beautiful apartments. Hardwood floors, updated kitchens, and walk-in closets create a charming and comfortable living space. Wakefield Hall is located near U St./Cardozo Metro Station, giving you access to all DC has to offer via the yellow and green lines. You can step out your front door and experience the cultural vibes within your neighborhood.
The Calverton LEASED Studio $1485
1673 Columbia Road, NW Washington, DC 20009
Simple elegance. The best things in life don’t have to be bragged about. They can be simply appreciated each time you arrive home. The Calverton Apartments are in in the heart of the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC. An array of restaurants and grocery options are within minutes of your apartment. Inside, you’ll find updated kitchens with energy efficient appliances, grand living rooms and large windows for natural light to pour in. Whether you choose to rent a studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment, you will be treated to beautiful hardwood floors and ample closet space. This is thoughtful living.
Dupont Apartments 1 BR $1775
1717 20th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009
Choosing this apartment community is all about choosing the location. The building is located in one of the most desired locations in all of DC. DuPont Circle provides easy access to public transportation, a variety of restaurant and entertainment options, and a quick commute to many of DC’s finest attractions. Living at the Dupont Apartments will give you the lifestyle you want, and the location you need. The apartments feature hardwood floors, high ceilings, and spacious floorplans in a controlled access building.
Klingle Apartments 1 BR $1675
2755 Macomb Street, NW Washington, DC 20008
Right on the corner of Connecticut Avenue and Macomb Avenue, you will find The Klingle, a Cleveland Park apartment building with one-bedroom apartments for rent. The spacious layouts, beautiful hardwood floors, energy efficient appliances, and bright and open atmosphere of the apartments aren’t all that you will love. The Klingle community has on-site maintenance and management teams available to assist its residents, on-site laundry facilities, and it is conveniently located one block away from the Cleveland Park Metro. Comfort and convenience are a given when you live at The Klingle. Make it your home today!WC Smith embraces the belief that great customer service is our best amenity. Living at The Klingle means experiencing a higher level of service. Our service team is available 24 hours a day, and you can access your resident account online at any time; day or night. Discover true convenient living in the city, at The Klingle located in the Cleveland Park neighborhood.
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If you’re hoping to live in a popular city, neighborhood or building while sticking to a budget, considering a studio or efficiency apartment could help make your real estate dreams a reality.
These smaller living spaces are often located in desirable parts of town at a price point that’s more affordable to single renters. The downside? Less square footage. The upside? A chance to declutter and less space to keep clean!
With a few organizational skills and a little creativity, moving your belongings into a studio or efficiency apartment doesn’t mean you have to give everything up. Here are some creative storage solutions for studio apartments, efficiency apartments and other small spaces.
1. Multipurpose when possible
Because floor space will likely be limited, choose your pieces of furniture carefully and wisely. Opt for furniture that will suit your lifestyle and meet your needs (even better if you can meet multiple needs with one piece.)
Think sofas that pull out into a bed, TV stands that offer ample storage, coffee tables and ottomans with built-in storage and other creative solutions. You may not be able to fit in every piece of furniture you’ve always wanted, so decide what’s the most important and the most functional.
2. Go higher up
You might have limited floor space, but the walls of smaller spaces are often underutilized. Use bookshelves, mounted shelving, hanging fixtures and hooks to give yourself storage options without taking up too much valuable space on the floors.
You can hang pots and pans in the kitchen, use a hanging clothing rack to maximize closet space, display your personal items and more. The key is to be willing to think outside the box. Just be mindful of your security deposit and check with your landlord before installing any serious hardware in the walls or ceiling.
3. Baskets and bins
If storage is lacking, you may find yourself struggling to find places to hide necessary items that aren’t so visually pleasing. Today, baskets and bins are available in a wide range of materials to help give you some storage space without sacrificing your design aesthetic.
Store linens, office supplies, small kitchen equipment or clothing accessories in one easy-to-find location.
4. Don’t forget doors
Your studio or efficiency space may not have a lot of doors, but you have at least one! Doors are also often underutilized in small and large spaces, alike.
Add a hanging rack or hooks for compact, discreet storage of coats, hats, jewelry, towels or anything else you might be struggling to find a home for. Don’t forget about the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, too!
5. Rotate with the seasons
In order to be as efficient as possible, focus on keeping items you’ll use on a daily basis in the easiest to reach places. In the winter, store summer linens, shoes and clothing under the bed or in another location you don’t need to access often.
In the summer, do the same with heavy blankets, winter coats and boots.
6. Channel Marie Kondo
Stay organized and purge often. Learning to be and stay organized might be the biggest challenge you face in a studio or efficiency apartment, as clutter will become apparent much faster.
Use this as an opportunity to downsize and get rid of items you don’t really need — unworn clothing, excess dishware, materials for past hobbies and the like. Make a point to practice decluttering at least once a year to reassess the necessity of items you’ve collected throughout the year.
Don’t let a small space get you down
A small-space apartment can seem intimidating at first glance, especially if you’re downsizing or used to living in a larger space. Instead of worrying about the size of your space, use your move as an opportunity to reorganize and restructure your belongings.
If you’re willing to get a little unconventional and consider some creative options, you’ll find a place to store all of your favorite things.
