Month: October 2023

Apache is functioning normally

One of the most exciting aspects of renting an apartment or home is the decoration opportunities to add your own spin and style to each room. Whether that looks like a Barbiecore-inspired bedroom or curating a dark academia vibe in the office room, the possibilities are endless. A simple way to set the tone of a space is with wall decor, from prints to hangings to customized artwork. In interior design, your wall decor choice is the ultimate finishing touch, turning a mere living space into an expression of your unique identity.

We’ve pulled our top picks of large wall art options that are sure to make a statement and tie any room together.

Note: When you buy through links in this article, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Source: Amazon

Although canvas art accounts for most wall decor options, selecting a perfect piece of art to reflect your style is often tricky. This macrame wall hanging takes the confusion out of the selection, especially for lovers of bohemian decor. This piece is perfect for above the bed or above living room couches, as its images balance neutrality with visual interest.

Source: Amazon

This art set proves good things come in threes. With an understated color scheme, this canvas trio makes for a great addition to your minimalist space, while paying tribute to amazing artists and their legacy. Available in two sizes, you’re able to carefully select which size is needed to spice up your room and wall decor scheme.

Source: Amazon

Art has the ability to transport viewers to another space and time, allowing them to escape the confines of reality. This abstract wave art piece does just that, bringing the peace and tranquility of a serene ocean right into the heart of your living space. The 3D design separates this canvas from others, ensuring naturally sparked conversation at your next dinner party as well.

Source: Amazon

Another trio set made our list, and for good reason. This bohemian-inspired canvas set blends neutral colors with interesting patterns to generate intrigue while tying together your room. Fade-resistant and waterproof, this canvas art set is built to withstand life’s challenges, ensuring long-lasting beauty in your living space.

Source: Amazon

Sometimes our favorite decor items are those that hold special meaning and value. If you have creative little ones, who bring home new artwork every day, look no further. Not only does this wall-mounted frame display special creations, but stores them as well. Place your newest display piece in the frame while leaving the last creation stored inside, ensuring art rotation throughout the seasons and time.

Source: Amazon

If you’re looking for art beyond a canvas or print, check out this set of seagrass wall baskets. These woven baskets blend seamlessly with various interior styles, from that chic boho look to the cozy modern farmhouse feel. Available in four different arrangements, this natural collage is a one-of-a-kind addition to any wall in your home.

Source: Amazon

Getting creative with wall decor is easy, there are endless options of varying textures, materials, patterns and sizes, depending on your style preference. This metal outline of the mountains is a statement piece, perfect for above your bed or couch. Its sleek and modern design adds a touch of sophistication to any room, making it a focal point for your interior decor.

Source: Amazon

Looking for wall art to brighten your day and set a positive tone in your place? This retro poster does just that while bringing a cute vintage charm to your space. The encouraging message, sitting permanently on your wall, will dually uplift and brighten both you and the room.

Bring life into your space with large wall art

Navigating the huge selection of wall art on the market can mean scouring the internet trying to find the perfect piece for the empty wall spot you’ve been eyeing. Utilize this list as inspiration when digesting between fine art, framed prints and printed photography to find what speaks your personal style and personality.

Still looking for that perfect apartment to decorate to your heart’s delight? Find the perfect place in one of our available apartments for rent.

Source: apartmentguide.com

Apache is functioning normally

Medicare beneficiaries can buy Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, to help cover certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare Part A and/or Part B. (If you’re shopping during Medicare open enrollment, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, remember that people with Medicare Advantage can’t buy Medigap plans.)

For example, depending on which plan type you choose, a Medigap policy could cover the 20% Medicare Part B coinsurance for office visits and the $1,600 deductible before Medicare Part A starts to pay for inpatient hospital care.

Medigap policies are sold by private health insurance companies. They’re regulated by the federal government and have certain standard benefits. But shopping for them isn’t always straightforward.

Shoppers might expect higher prices to come with more benefits, but that’s not always the case. Here are three scenarios to watch for so you don’t end up paying too much.

1. Paying more for the same coverage

New Medicare beneficiaries in most states can choose from up to eight out of 10 letter-named Medigap plan types: A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N. Each plan type offers a different set of benefits. (Medigap Plans C and F aren’t available to new Medicare members.)

“One of the most common and popular counseling tips we provide is that all plans of the same letter, i.e., A, B, C, D, are exactly the same. So there is no reason to pay more for one Plan A, B, C, D, over another,” Maureen McIntyre, CEO of Connecticut’s North Central Area Agency on Aging, which offers free Medicare counseling for local residents, wrote in an email.

It’s worth comparing quotes for the plan type you want. Companies might differ in terms of customer service and minor non-Medicare perks, but there’s no additional coverage to gain from buying a more expensive Plan G policy when a cheaper one is available, for example.

Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans

2. Paying more for less coverage

Of the eight standard Medigap plan types available, Plan A has the most basic benefits and Plan G is the most comprehensive.

One might expect Plan A to cost less than other plan types with more coverage. But sometimes lower-coverage plans are priced higher.

For example, for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Chicago, Cigna quotes monthly premiums of $152.06 for Medigap Plan G and $169.33 for Medigap Plan A, with identical discounts built into both rates. The lower-coverage option (Plan A) costs $17.27 more per month.

“While it is not typical for Plan A plans to be rated higher than Plan G, we recognize that this can sometimes happen, due to the actuarial experience and cost relativities related to those plans,” a Cigna spokesperson wrote in an email.

Plan A might have higher premiums if the insurance company expects members with Plan A to have more expensive claims, even though Plan G has more coverage, according to the Cigna spokesperson.

Representatives for State Farm, Mutual of Omaha and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas offered similar explanations for instances when their quotes showed Plan A priced higher than Plan G.

When you’re shopping, your own budget is what matters, so compare prices carefully to find the most cost-effective option.

3. Paying too much for add-ons

Some companies offer add-ons for purchase with their Medigap plans. For example, UnitedHealthcare’s “wellness extras” packages include access to a 24/7 nurse line, vision, hearing and dental discounts and a gym membership. (In some locations, these perks are included at no additional cost.)

Sometimes adding these packages might have unexpected effects on the price of the plan.

For example, here’s what it costs to add UnitedHealthcare’s wellness extras — the same package — to two plans for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Dallas:

  • Plan G: $6.62 per month ($133.22 for the base plan, or $139.84 with extras).

  • Plan A: $174.80 per month ($130.81 for the base plan, or $305.61 with extras).

These extras might be compelling with Plan G, but the drastically higher price to add the same perks to Plan A is a much worse deal.

On the other hand, there are also scenarios when add-ons make the whole package cheaper.

In Columbus, Ohio, UnitedHealthcare quotes $91.71 per month for Medigap Plan A for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker. But Plan A with wellness extras costs $87.23 — $4.48 cheaper. Even if you never use any of the extras, Plan A with the add-ons would still be a better deal than the option without them.

This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press. 

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Thanksgiving decor can look just as good outside the home as it can inside. From beautiful wreaths and garlands, to pumpkins and cozy lights, these festive decorations are all about making your home look and feel more cozy, special, and seasonal. 

The beauty of outdoor Thanksgiving decor is that you can use a lot of the same items that you would use for outdoor fall decor and even outdoor Halloween decor, so many of these decoration ideas can be embraced from the beginning of fall all the way through to Thanksgiving – then it’s time to start getting creative with outdoor Christmas decor.

Spruce up your outside space with outdoor Thanksgiving decor

fall flower and foliage inspiration for your front door, or are looking to decorate with pumpkins on your front porch, our ideas can elegantly elevate your exterior so it’s beautifully in sync with the season.

1. Pumpkins

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

This seasonal squash is synonymous with fall, Halloween, and Thanksgiving decor, and is probably the most traditional and popular seasonal decoration of them all. 

Whether you style your outside space with pumpkins freshly picked from a day out at the pumpkin farm, or opt for a more contemporary look with stylish faux pumpkins that can be used year after year, it doesn’t get easier than placing a pretty pumpkin by your front door.

Here, interior designer Shea McGee from Studio McGee has created a beautiful blend of traditional Thanksgiving decorations with more modern color palettes. The scattered pumpkins in a palette of pastel shades perfectly complement the planters and their home’s white exterior. Shea says of the design, ‘our wreath (currently sold out but our Oversized Fall Leaf Wreath can create a simple effect) is from our Target for Threshold line, we tied a pretty fall-hued ribbon around the top of it to add some more interest.’

For some further inspiration, take a look at Shea’s similar Halloween porch look below.

Faux Pumpkins & Gourds

Lit Woven Pumpkin

Full Moon Pumpkins (Set of 5)

Studio McGee, with her husband Syd in 2014. They later launched their e-commerce brand, McGee & Co, and starred in their very own Netflix show, Dream Home Makeover.

2. Wreaths and garlands

(Image credit: Balsam Hill)

A traditional festive decoration that beautifully celebrates the colors of fall and seasonal plants and flowers, a wreath or garland can add wonderful texture, color, and shape to your outside space. Wreaths are perfect for sitting pretty on a front door, and garlands can be used to decorate door frames and porch railings.

Whether you fancy embracing a Thanksgiving craft and having a go at making your own Thanksgiving wreath from flowers, branches, and foliage gathered from your yard and garden, or opt for an artificial design (we love Balsam Hill’s Autumn Abundance collection) you can never go wrong with styling your outside space with stylish natural accents.

Autumn Abundance Foliage – Wreath

Autumn Abundance Foliage – Garland

Autumn Abundance Foliage – Swag

fall planters filled with fall flowers and plants for fall color’ says designer, Chantelle Malarkey. ‘It’s great to get bunches in reds, oranges, and purples.

‘Or, for a more modern Thanksgiving decor idea, why not try styling your outside space with some pretty pampas grass? It’s one of my all-time favorites to style with, both indoors and outdoors, and can add a unique, neutral texture to your Thanksgiving decor.’ Pampas is perfect for using in a minimalist Thanksgiving scheme.

In this colorful outside space by @carlosriveracruet, the front porch area has been elegantly uplifted by pumpkins, a unique hanging foliage basket on the door (a great alternative to a wreath), and pretty pots filled with orange, yellow, and white flowers.
 

Chantelle Malarkey

Outdoor Fortune lanterns from Pottery Barn are great for using all year round too, creating a wonderful seasonal scene that can look just as good at night as it can during the day.

Designer and landscaping expert Ward Dilmore also suggests, ‘as the sun sets, create a cozy and warm atmosphere with string lights. Hang them across your outdoor area or wrap them around porch railings. These lights not only provide illumination, but will add a magical touch to your Thanksgiving gathering.’ These Connectable String Lights from Balsam Hill are perfect – and they can be used for your outdoor Christmas lighting ideas too.

Ward Dilmore

Liz Marie Galvan has created at her farm, featuring cushions, throws, and decorations from the Target x John Derian Thanksgiving collection.

Square Pillow Fall Pumpkin, 18″

Quilted Throw Blanket Fall Mums, 50″x70″

Assorted Fall Paper Decor Pack

fall porch ideas for some further outdoor seasonal inspiration.

Embracing festive window decor, similar to Halloween window decor ideas, can also help to elevate your outdoor Thanksgiving scheme. Hang wreaths and lights in the window or style a window ledge with a stack of pumpkins, perfect for creating a cozy seasonal display that can be appreciated both inside and outside of the home.

Source: homesandgardens.com

Apache is functioning normally

Want to learn how to make money on maternity leave? Parental leave can be a time of joy and excitement with a new baby around, but it can also mean money stress for parents. While you spend time taking care of your newborn, you may also need to find ways to make extra money to…

Want to learn how to make money on maternity leave?

Parental leave can be a time of joy and excitement with a new baby around, but it can also mean money stress for parents. While you spend time taking care of your newborn, you may also need to find ways to make extra money to pay for your expenses.

I had a baby not too long ago (she is currently 1.5 years old – time flies!), and being able to work while taking care of her has been a lifesaver. So, I understand why you’re reading this article – because I also had to work with a newborn.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make extra money while still being present for those early months with your new baby.

Why You May Need Extra Money On Maternity Leave

Many families have to take unpaid maternity leave, and others may find their leave is simply not long enough and want to extend it longer (many families in the U.S. get 3 months or even much less time).

Not only that, but maternity leave is an expensive time with medical bills coming in, the cost of baby essentials (diapers aren’t free!), and everyday living costs.

Also, there might be unexpected costs that weren’t part of your maternity leave budget. Perhaps your baby needs special formula or medication, or maybe your car broke down. These unplanned costs can put a dent in your finances, especially when your income may already be reduced during your maternity leave.

Or, you might also be looking to create a financial cushion for the future such as by saving for vacations or even starting a college fund for your baby. So, finding ways to make extra money during your maternity leave can be very helpful.

Recommended reading:

How To Make Money On Maternity Leave

When trying to earn money during maternity leave, here are three things to think about:

  1. Flexibility is key – Choose work that can adapt to unexpected baby-related needs. It should let you manage your time effectively.
  2. Think about earnings and growth – Think about how much you can make, how quickly, and if there’s room to grow.
  3. Pick something you like and fits your goals – Do you enjoy the work? You may want to find work that matches your interests, skills, and future plans.

Read further to learn how to make money on maternity leave.

Top ways to make money on maternity leave

There are 27 ways to earn extra money on maternity leave listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:

1. Start a blog

Blogging is my favorite way to make money from home, and this is what I do while also raising my daughter.

Being a blogger involves creating content for online readers. You have the freedom to write about a topic you’re interested in (such as finance, travel, lifestyle, or family,) and freedom to decide how you want to make money on your blog – there are many different ways available such as affiliate marketing or displaying ads.

Blogging is my main source of income, and it has completely changed my life. I have the freedom to travel whenever I want, set my schedule, be my own boss, and I can spend all day with my daughter.

Learn more at How To Start A Blog FREE Course.

2. Sell printables on Etsy

Creating and selling digital printables on Etsy is a great way to work on your own schedule and earn money.

Plus, it is fairly passive income as you only have to make one digital file for each printable, and you can sell it as many times as you like. Another positive is that you can start it very affordably because you only need a laptop and internet.

So, what is a printable? They are digital items that you can download and print at home, such as grocery shopping checklists, budget planners, wedding invitations, wall art, and more.

I recommend signing up for Free Workshop: How To Earn Money Selling Printables. This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.

Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy

Other than printables, there are many other things you can sell on Etsy as well, such as soap, candles, jewelry, and more.

3. Transcription work

Transcription jobs are flexible and can be done from home. By turning audio files into text, you can earn money when it’s most convenient for you.

An online transcriptionist listens to audio or video recordings and writes down exactly what is being said. This process is called transcribing. The goal is to do this without any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

If you want to learn how to make money on maternity leave, this can be a great option as you can do this at home.

I recommend watching Free Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? to learn more.

Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly

4. Freelance writing

Freelance writers write articles, website content, social media posts, or even ebooks for clients.

I was a freelance writer for many years before switching to working full-time at writing here on Making Sense of Cents. It is a great career path where you can work from home and make your own schedule, such as writing while your baby is sleeping.

Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs For Beginners

5. Virtual assistant

One of my first side hustles was working from home as a virtual assistant. This is a great way to work from home and have your own schedule.

Virtual assistants do many different kinds of tasks for clients, such as answering emails, scheduling appointments, managing websites, sending invoices, and so much more. It simply depends on what the person who is hiring you needs done.

If you want to become a virtual assistant, I recommend watching the free training 5 Steps To Become a Virtual Assistant.

Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs

6. Bookkeeper

If you’re good with numbers, you could sell bookkeeping services online or for small businesses, either on a freelance or part-time basis.

Bookkeepers are individuals responsible for managing financial things for businesses. This includes recording sales, tracking expenses, and generating financial reports.

If you want to become a bookkeeper, I recommend watching the free training How To Become A Bookkeeper.

Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs

7. Freelance graphic design

With design skills, you can create logos, website designs, business cards, marketing materials, and more for clients and make money even during your maternity leave.

Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer

8. Data entry

Data entry clerks are like computer organizers. They enter, update, and double-check information in lists or tables. They type things like numbers and names to keep everything neat and organized.

Data entry jobs pay around $15 to $20 an hour, on average.

9. Create Canva templates

A Canva template is a pre-made design you can sell for things like social media graphics, ebooks, and presentations. It’s a handy starting point if a person is not great at designing from scratch.

Businesses, advertising professionals, social media influencers, and more all buy Canva templates all the time.

Canva templates have blank spaces where you can add your own words and pictures. You can also change colors and fonts to suit your preferences. They’re really useful for making things look good without spending a long time on it.

With Canva templates, you can sell a single design an unlimited amount of times. If you are looking for something passive, this is a great way to learn how to make money on maternity leave.

Recommended reading: How I Make $2,000+ Monthly Selling Canva Templates

10. Tutor

Tutoring students can be a great way to make money while on maternity leave, as there are many options to tutor from home. You may be able to create your own schedule and pick how much or how little you would like to work.

You can find online tutor jobs on websites such as Tutor.com. If you’d prefer to do in-person tutoring, you can call or email local tutoring companies in your area or share your tutoring services on social media or in local Facebook parent groups for your area.

Recommended reading: 11 Best Places To Find Online Tutoring Jobs (Make $100+ an hour)

11. Rent out your baby gear

Since you have a baby, you probably have a lot of baby gear.

Did you know that you can make extra money by renting it out?!

Renting out your baby gear on sites like BabyQuip can be a game changer when it comes to making extra income during maternity leave. This site allows you to share your baby items with families in need (such as a person on vacation), turning your baby gear into a source of income.

From strollers and cribs to high chairs and toys and more, you can list many different items on BabyQuip’s site.

Plus, you don’t need to have a lot of baby gear in order to get started – you can start with as little as a crib (which is the most commonly rented item).

According to BabyQuip, the average person can earn around $1,000 a month, and some are able to make over $10,000 per month.

12. Baby sleep consultant

As you already know, sleep is so important for a baby (and for the parents!).

You can earn a living while on maternity leave by becoming a sleep consultant. This is where you help other parents by helping them improve their baby’s sleep habits and routines.

Pediatric sleep consultants are experts in helping children sleep better and they make a big difference in families’ rest.

Read more at How To Become A Sleep Consultant And Make $10,000 Each Month.

13. Deliver groceries

If you want a flexible side gig while on maternity leave (and you also have someone to watch your child), then you may want to look into delivering groceries and food.

This can be a flexible side hustle because you can choose your hours and how much you’d like to work each week.

Services like Instacart need grocery shoppers, and the average shopper makes $15 to $20 an hour to deliver groceries. Drivers are paid per order, and you get to keep 100% of your tips. With Instacart, you would be physically going into grocery stores, picking out the food items yourself, checking out, and then delivering the groceries to your customer.

You can also learn more at Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?

There are other food delivery gigs that you can do as well, such as GrubHub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.

14. Airbnb host

If you have a separate space to rent in your home, such as an in-law’s quarters or an apartment above a garage, then you may be able to make money during your maternity leave by renting this space out.

You can learn more about this at What You Need To Know About Renting A Room In Your House.

15. Pet sit

If you are a pet lover, consider pet sitting for friends, family, or through an online service. It’s a great way to make some extra cash while you’re home and can be a fun addition to your day if you already have pets and babies at home.

If you’re interested in watching pets or dog walking, Rover is a platform where you can list your services and find clients.

16. Answer surveys

While answering online surveys and focus groups isn’t a way to make a ton of money, it can be a way to earn some extra money with whatever spare time you have from your newborn (such as when they are sleeping).

You simply share your opinions and answer simple questions, and in return, you can get cash or rewards like Amazon gift cards.

The survey companies I recommend include:

  1. Survey Junkie
  2. Swagbucks
  3. Branded Surveys
  4. InboxDollars
  5. PrizeRebel
  6. American Consumer Opinion
  7. User Interviews – These are the highest paying surveys with the average being around $60.

Recommended reading: 18 Best Paid Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month

17. Affiliate marketing

If you want to learn how to make money while on maternity leave, one of my favorites is affiliate marketing.

I have been an affiliate marketer for years through this blog, and it is what allows me to stay at home with my daughter.

Affiliate marketing means making money by sharing a referral link on your website, YouTube channel, social media account, and more. When people use your referral link to purchase something, you then earn money.

For instance, consider sharing books from Amazon on your blog. You give your readers a link to a particular book and encourage people to buy it through your affiliate link. Companies like Amazon value affiliates who bring in high-quality traffic because they appreciate the extra support in helping them make more sales.

If you want to learn more about affiliate marketing, I recommend Affiliate Marketing Tips For Bloggers – Free eBook.

18. Proofread and edit

If you have an eye for detail, you may be able to sell your services as a proofreader or editor for different types of content.

Writers, business owners, and more hire proofreaders and editors to improve their work. There’s a big need for these types of positions, and you can find jobs through many different platforms.

If you want to become a proofreader, I recommend joining the free 76-minute workshop – Learn How to Become a Proofreader…and Start a Freelance Proofreading Business.

Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year)

19. In-home childcare

One great way to make money while on maternity leave is to provide childcare services for other families in your area, either part-time or full-time.

This is one of the best stay at home jobs for someone on maternity or paternity leave because it allows you to stay home with your kids while making money at the same time. 

Depending on your location, you might need specific licenses. But you could potentially begin without the extra legal steps by working with just one or two children. Just be sure to verify with your local city or state regulations beforehand. It’s also very important to make sure that your home is safe for children and that you are CPR certified.

20. Sell baked goods

Do you like to cook? You may be able to make money at home by starting a home bakery for people and/or pets. You can sell homemade baked goods at local farmers’ markets or online too.

You can read more at How To Make Extra Money By Starting A Home Bakery. Here, you’ll learn about the equipment you need to start a home bakery, food laws, how much to price your baked goods at, and more.

If you are interested in baking goods for pets, then I recommend reading How I Earned Up to $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).

21. Stock photo photography

Selling stock photo photography can be a great way to learn how to make money on maternity leave. This is because you would be working for yourself and can take pictures in your free time.

Stock image sites are popular sites for photographers to sell their photos. These sites allow customers to purchase pictures for various uses like websites, TV shows, books, and social media.

One great thing about stock photo sites is that they can be a great form of passive income. You can take pictures, upload them, and earn money from an older photo for months or even years in the future.

Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures

22. Social media manager

Social media managers handle businesses’ social media accounts with the goal of attracting new customers and helping a business grow.

They might share images or videos showcasing products or the company, take part in popular social media trends (like on TikTok) to increase visibility, and respond to common customer questions.

23. Book reviewer

Book reviewers read books and share what they think through paid reviews.

Yes, there are websites where you can receive payment (as well as a free book) for sharing your thoughts about books. Some companies that pay for book reviews are Online Book Club, Kirkus Reviews, and BookBrowse.

Recommended reading: 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books

24. Flea market flipper

A flipper buys items from places such as garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, or thrift stores and resells them online for a profit.

You may be able to earn extra money by flipping items for resale or possibly earn a full-time income! You can even be able to make this a more flexible gig, such as only working during nap times.

A helpful free training that I recommend is Turn Your Passion For Visiting Thrift Stores, Yard Sales & Flea Markets Into A Profitable Reselling Business In As Little As 14 Days.

25. Rent out storage space

If you have unused space in your home, you can sell it as storage for rent to people in your local area. This can be a garage, driveway, closet, basement, or even an attic.

You can use a site called Neighbor to list any extra space you have available for rent and have the potential to make up to $15,000 per year.

You can sign up at Neighbor for free here and list your space.

You can also learn more about Neighbor at Neighbor Review: Make Money Renting Your Storage Space.

26. Sell an online course

Selling an online course is a great option for stay-at-home moms and dads who want to have control over their schedule and earn a somewhat passive income.

Some topics that you can teach in a course are:

  • Fitness and exercise programs
  • Time management and productivity hacks
  • Parenting 
  • Arts and crafts
  • Languages
  • Programming
  • Personal finance
  • Traveling
  • Photography and photo editing
  • Plants and gardening 
  • Baking and pastry making

And so much more!

You can sell a course in many different ways, such as through Udemy or Teachable.

27. Rent out your unused RV

Instead of letting your RV sit in your driveway unused, you can list it on RVshare and make some semi-passive income. My sister has rented a few RVs from this site, and she has had a great experience each time!

Renting out an RV can earn you anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars each month.

How To Manage Your Money On Maternity Leave

Managing your money while on maternity leave can be tough at times. If you are looking for more things that you can do other than only learning how to make money on maternity leave, you do have some options.

Below, I will be talking about how to cut your budget so that you can save money, as well as your rights and benefits on maternity leave.

Cut your budget

During parental leave, cutting your budget can be a great way to manage your finances while adapting to life with a newborn.

Here are a few ideas to help reduce your expenses during this time:

  • Evaluate your current spending habits to determine where you can make adjustments – This might involve tracking your spending for a month or looking back at bank statements. You’ll likely find areas where you can save, such as dining out, entertainment, or shopping.
  • Cut back on subscriptions and memberships – Assess each subscription and determine the must-haves and those you can temporarily suspend or cancel.
  • Batch cook freezer meals before the baby comes – This is where you make a bunch of meals before the baby is born and freeze them. This can give you an easy meal to pop in the oven before the baby comes.
  • Cook at home – Getting food delivered can be convenient, but it’s usually more expensive than making your meals at home. Plus, cooking allows you to control ingredients and portion sizes.
  • Buy in bulk – When possible, get the items you use most frequently in bulk. Items like diapers, baby wipes, and nonperishable foods have a longer shelf life, and buying them in larger quantities can offer considerable savings.
  • Get secondhand and borrowed items – Instead of buying new baby gear and clothing, try borrowing from friends or family, or shopping at thrift stores like Once Upon A Child. Babies grow quickly, and they often outgrow items before they wear out.
  • Negotiate medical costs – If you have medical bills, you can try to negotiate them. Medical providers may be open to setting up payment plans or giving discounts for paying up front.

Short-term disability insurance

You may want to look into short-term disability insurance options before your maternity leave starts to help cover lost wages during your time off.

In some cases, your employer may provide this benefit, or you can purchase a policy separately. These policies typically cover around 60% to 80% of your regular income and may have a waiting period before benefits start (so, you will need to have the policy before you get pregnant).

Government assistance programs

There are government assistance programs that could help you during your maternity leave. For example, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy food benefits for eligible families.

You can also check to see if you qualify for financial assistance from your state or other programs related to maternity and family support.

Find charities for help

During maternity leave, managing money might be tricky, but there are places that can help, like charities and groups that want to support new parents. You can find them online or at local community centers. Libraries, online parent groups, and special organizations are also great places to get help.

Remember, asking for help is a strong and smart thing to do, and there are lots of resources out there to help parents during this special time.

I recommend reading:

Know your state and federal law rights

I recommend learning about relevant state and federal laws governing maternity and family leave. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The law also says that you cannot be replaced or overlooked for pay raises and other promotions during your leave.

However, paid maternity leave policies differ by state and company. Some employers may offer a certain amount of paid leave, while others may offer none. Make sure to review your state’s laws and your employer’s policies to understand your rights during your maternity leave.

By knowing your rights, insurance options, and the benefits available to you, you can better plan your financial strategy during your maternity leave.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Make Money on Maternity Leave

Below are commonly asked questions about how to make money while on maternity leave.

Can I make money while on maternity leave? Are you allowed to make money while on maternity leave?

If you are in the U.S., then yes, you should be able to make money on maternity leave. If you are unsure, check your employment contract or talk to your employer’s human resources department to be positive.

Before starting any side income streams, if you’re worried about whether or not you are allowed to make extra money while on maternity leave, then double-check your company’s policies and your leave agreement to make sure that earning money during your time off is permissible. Some employers may have restrictions on outside work or income during your leave.

How do I survive financially during maternity leave?

To survive financially during your maternity leave, you may need to find ways to cut your budget as well as learn how to make money on maternity leave.

Does unpaid maternity leave qualify for unemployment? Can you collect unemployment after having a baby?

This depends on why you are no longer working at your job. If you simply stopped working because of your pregnancy, then you may not be able to receive unemployment pay.

However, if you are pregnant or recently had a baby and were fired or laid off, then you may qualify for unemployment pay.

What are some ways to make money while on maternity leave? How can I make money while taking care of my baby?

There are many ways to make money while on parental leave, such as by working online, selling photography, renting out storage space or an RV, and more.

How can new mothers use their time efficiently while working from home?

Time management is important for new moms working from home. I recommend creating a routine, setting realistic goals (if you are working and watching your baby, it won’t always go perfectly), and designating work hours during the baby’s nap time to help manage work alongside childcare responsibilities. It’s also important to take regular breaks to avoid burnout and feeling stressed. Working while also taking care of a child can be very tiring.

How to Make Money on Maternity Leave – Summary

Federal law, specifically the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), does not require employers to give paid maternity leave. Eligible employees are allowed to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, and because of this, you might be worried about money during your maternity leave or feel like you can’t afford to take the full 12 weeks.

There are many ways to make money while on maternity leave, which may help you to pay your bills without sacrificing quality time with your new baby.

For example, you can sell handmade items or even sell consulting services. Remote jobs and work-from-home jobs are also an option (and my favorite), allowing you to use skills like graphic design or writing to make money.

Remember, it is possible to make money while on maternity leave. Yes, it will most likely be very hard at times and even feel impossible. But, you do have many options to try and make it work.

Do you want to learn how to make money on maternity leave?

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Hedging, Webinars, HELOC, Prequal Tools; STRATMOR on Servicing; Lunches and RESPA

<meta name="smartbanner:author" content="We now have a native iPhone
and Android app.
Download the NEW APP”>


This website requires Javascrip to run properly.

Hedging, Webinars, HELOC, Prequal Tools; STRATMOR on Servicing; Lunches and RESPA

By:
Rob Chrisman

Thu, Oct 26 2023, 12:32 PM

It is said that if all the hunters on opening day(s) of deer season in Wisconsin were grouped together, they would comprise the sixth largest army in the world! Sometimes lenders feel that they have a target on their backs, and here at the WMBA’s 49th Annual Real Estate & Finance Conference in Milwaukee, some of the informal talk in the hallways is about avoiding redlining, a focus of audits and exams. Another is RESPA. When does “As you wish” or “intent” figure into lending? “Rob, is it true that the same business lunch can either be a RESPA violation, or not?” I am not an expert in compliance, but yes, that is true. If you’re an LO who takes a real estate agent to a nice lunch as a thank you for sending business your way, that is seen as a thing of value and would be a RESPA violation. If the same nice lunch is used to discuss new programs and training that your company offers real estate agents, then it is copacetic. Make sense? (For more RESPA tips, read this edition of attorney Brian Levy’s Mortgage Musings focused on Ted Lasso.) Today’s podcast can be found here, sponsored by Visio Lending and its top notch broker program. Visio is the nation’s premier lender for buy and hold investors with over 2.5 billion closed loans for single-family rental properties, including vacation rentals. Listen to an interview with Selene Finance’s John Vella on revenue targets and P&L examinations going on at mortgage companies and what is setting apart successful from less successful mortgage service providers at a time like this.

Lender and Broker Software, Products, and Services

Great mortgage professionals aren’t always great marketers, and most mortgage companies’ in-house marketing teams lack the bandwidth to create new creative content week after week, month after month and year after year. ICE understands these challenges, which is why its Surefire℠ CRM and Mortgage Marketing Engine creative team works nonstop to deliver an ever-growing library of timely, relevant, on-brand content that captures borrower interest and keeps relationships warm long after close. With turnkey automated marketing campaigns, a single marketing administrator can automatically customize and deploy award-winning, multi-channel campaigns for hundreds of loan officers. Schedule a demo with the ICE team to discover how Surefire works around the clock to help keep loans coming in.

Uplist Unveils Revolutionary Real Estate Technology to Empower Loan Officers. In a difficult market where efficiency and speed are more crucial than ever, Uplist is setting a new standard in real estate technology for lenders. The platform’s unique suite of features eliminates the need for loan officers to spend time on mundane tasks, like updating listing flyers with accurate rate and payment information. The patent-pending technology, with real-time rates thru Uplist SmartView™ listing flyers, makes it easier for homebuyers to receive immediate, accurate payment information, thereby accelerating the sales process and cultivating stronger business relationships. Loan officers who are interested in taking their business to the next level with Uplist can visit GetUplist.com to schedule a demo. Don’t like forms? Email your questions at [email protected].

If Amazon were a mortgage lender, do you think its borrowers would have to call loan officers to get payment and closing cost summaries? Do you think its borrowers would have to wait around on nights and weekends to get updated PDF pre-approval letters? Obviously not. The good news is that you can stay ahead of the curve with QuickQual by LenderLogix. It’s already integrated into Encompass® by ICE Mortgage Technology™ and you can be up and running in days. Check it out here and they’ll text a sample to your phone.

A Consumer Rewards program at The Loan Store?! That’s right, word is that TLS is enabling its mortgage broker and non-delegated correspondent partners to offer homebuyers up to 40 bps in pricing enhancements (plus other money-saving rewards) on first-lien loans. It’s clear that The Loan Store is in a giving mood with its wholesale loan originator partners, considering this program PLUS the fact that TLS is compensating originators 200 bps on HELOCs. Make your money on HELOCs, and save your customers money on first-liens, by getting signed up with The Loan Store!

Training and Webinars

Lending operations leaders who care about driving greater efficiency and profitability, while optimizing the borrower journey, join your tribe in this live event. We will dive into specific examples that lenders can take back to their teams, today, and improve their businesses. Some of these strategies are saving 50-80 percent per month on the larger costs that lenders face. Others allow for greater automation, reducing the load on reduced teams, and allowing them to do even more. Efficiency and optimization aren’t the keys to winning in this market. They are the requirements to survive! On November 2, 2023 at 1 PM EST, Join Femi Ayi, EVP of Operations at Revolution Mortgage, Kirill Klokov, CEO at TRUV, and Jason Perkins, CEO at Bonzo as they break down efficiency and optimization strategies that you can put into practice today!

Do your borrowers need payment relief? Newfi Wholesale designed the Graduated Payment Mortgage to help! This 30-Year Fixed solution has lower initial payments than the interest only option and can be used on purchases or refinances. More brokers and loan officers are asking about this product than ever…to learn more call John Wise EVP, Sales at (818) 391-4131 or register to join our free webinar Wednesday, November 1st!

Mortgage lenders are at a pivotal juncture. The MBA forecasts that next year interest rates will soften after an extended bout of exceptionally challenging market conditions. To help you take the reins of fresh opportunity, TrustEngine is proud to present the final part of its Path to Profitability webinar series. On Thursday, November 9 at 2 pm ET, join Dave Savage, Steve Majerus of Synergy One Lending, and Brett Brumley of Lender Toolkit, for a session on how AI will be critical to conversion in 2024. Tune in for expert insights, best practices and actionable steps leaders can be taking to leverage emerging opportunities in the year ahead. Register now to grab a front row seat.

STRATMOR on Servicing Strategies

It’s no secret that lenders are not making enough money on originations to sustain their organizations. Many are losing money on each loan originated and need to leverage revenues earned from servicing rights to balance profitability. This is why developing and deploying an effective servicing strategy is a mission critical priority. In STRATMOR Group’s October Insights Report, Senior Partner Michael Grad offers insight into creating a sustainable servicing strategy. Grad discusses the servicing quadrant model that STRATMOR employs in the strategy development process and provides an overview of what’s involved in a transfer of servicing. Lenders, if you would like to discuss your servicing strategies, contact us, and don’t miss Grad’s article, “Maximizing Lender Profitability: Transferring the Servicing Asset” in the October Insights Report.

Capital Markets

Maintaining optimal hedge coverage mitigates the risk between mortgage rate lock and funding. This forecast equation is one of the most important responsibilities of the Secondary Manager (and their hedge advisor). In this article, Pipeline Pull Through Rate Analysis Explained, MCT reviews key concepts related to pull-through rate analysis, mortgage pipeline forecasting, and its importance in deriving an accurate mortgage pipeline hedging recommendation. For additional information on improving pipeline profitability, view MCT’s recent webinar on maximizing loan trading profits. In the webinar, panelists provide a current market overview and review strategies for improving loan sale performance. You’ll leave ready to analyze performance and make actionable changes to boost profitability.

Well, with the election of a Speaker of the House the odds of a government shutdown have lessened. There’s a tentative autoworker’s strike end. Both of these pieces of news would help the economy. Jobs and housing drive the U.S. economy, so what’s going on there?

We learned yesterday that new home sales jumped 12.3 percent in September and 34 percent year-over-year to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 759k units, according to the Census Bureau. This marks the largest monthly jump in over a year and the highest level of new home sales since February 2022.

Even though the series is notoriously volatile (there was a decline of 8.2 percent in August), it points to continued resilience in the new home sales market. Of note is that the year-over-year change in the median sales price was -12.3 to $418,800, the largest decline since February 2009 and consistent with anecdotes of homebuilders offering price discounts and mortgage rate buydowns to drive sales and further changing the mix of homes being offered to more modest products.

Keep in mind that new home sales make up a much smaller chunk of overall sales in the housing market than existing home sales, where the trailing 12-month average has been on a downward trend since May 2021 (when it reached 898k). The September reading of existing home sales came in close to the trailing average this millennium (699k) to show the housing market is holding up despite higher mortgage rates. Markets do receive the release of pending home sales later this morning, which will provide more housing market clarity after the figure was down almost 19 percent year-over-year in the last report.

Today’s economic calendar kicked off with the European Central Bank leaving its rates unchanged. In this country, we had the first look at Q3 GDP (4.9 percent growth rate, stronger than expected), durable goods orders (+4.7 percent for September), and weekly jobless claims (210k, up from 200k, 1.79 million continuing claims). In addition to the Pending Home Sales Index, today also brings Kansas City Fed manufacturing for October, a Treasury auction of $38 billion 7-year notes, Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, and more earnings from Wall Street. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices unchanged from Wednesday, the 10-year yielding 4.95 after closing yesterday at 4.95 percent, and the 2-year at 5.11.

Jobs

Are you ready to enhance your company’s marketing and success? Meet an experienced marketing leader on the lookout for their next career opportunity! This executive-level marketing professional is known for energy, passion, and an impressive track record of increasing growth, engagement, revenue and volume (generating over $425 million). They have a proven history of building marketing teams, focusing on loan officer needs, brand building and development, creative design and content marketing, and their hands-on experience with leading mortgage technology tools plus a keen eye for reputation management can elevate your company’s marketing efforts. Plus, their cross training in multiple marketing disciplines guarantees they are never afraid to get their hands dirty. If you’re looking for a new SVP/VP/CMO to bring fresh energy and expertise to your team, reach out to Anjelica Nixt (specify the position) for a confidential discussion. Please note that this professional is interested in remote opportunities but is open to occasional travel to corporate headquarters and branches as needed.

Please join us in congratulating Steven A. Milner on being named the new Chairman of the Lender Board of The Mortgage Collaborative! With decades of experience and outstanding leadership as the Founder and CEO of US Mortgage Corporation, Steven is the perfect fit for this important role. As Chairman, he will help guide The Mortgage Collaborative’s continued growth and innovation in connecting top mortgage lenders with premier service providers. We are thrilled to see Steven take on this position and know that under his direction, The Mortgage Collaborative is sure to achieve even greater success. His commitment to helping Lenders operate at a high level is invaluable. Congratulations on this well-deserved appointment, Steven! We look forward to seeing all that will be accomplished under your leadership as Chairman and your continued success as the Founder & CEO Of US Mortgage Corporation. Feel free to send a congratulatory note to Steve directly.

An independent mortgage bank is searching for a Servicing Manager to lead its servicing group. Qualified candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of direct hands-on servicing experience with FNMA, FHLMC and GNMA loans as well as sub-servicer oversight. This is a remote position and confidential inquiries should be sent to Anjelica Nixt for more details and specify this opportunity.

Independent Mortgage Banker owners: If you are uncertain how you will survive this winter if rates remain higher, please confidentially contact us to discuss a win-win opportunity. We are a very well-established and privately owned mortgage banking company that has been in business for 30 years, a direct seller with Fannie and Freddie and issue our own government securities. We do service the majority of our closed loans, and offer a full marketing team, social media team, and a media/video production team to provide best in class support to our loan officers and referral partners. Our history and culture are exceptionally important so let’s have a conversation to see if we may be a fit. We are large enough to offer exceptionally sharp pricing, products, a dedicated marketing team, and an exceptional operational team, yet, we have a boutique feel where you may talk to the owner of the company at any time. Partner with a company where your voice and input is valued! We have a successful history of incorporating other companies into our model. For a confidential conversation please contact Anjelica Nixt and specify this opportunity.

 Download our mobile app to get alerts for Rob Chrisman’s Commentary.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

There’s not much by way of “new news” for the housing market when it comes to sales data.  New home sales continue strongly outperforming while Existing and Pending Sales suffer.

This week’s reports for the month of September offer no objection to that thesis.  Yesterday’s New Home Sales report showed a 12.3% surge to an annual pace of 759k. This is a notoriously volatile data series in month-to-month terms, but September’s gains were more than enough to offset the downtick seen in August. The result is the highest sales pace since 2021 when the housing market was still decelerating from the post-covid surge.

Improvement was broad-based across regions.  As is the norm, the southern region does most of the heavy lifting with the West playing a supporting role.  The Midwest is measurable but barely, and the Northeast continues to be “out of land.” Still, the Northeast managed a 22.5% increase from last month, adding 4k to the total.  Contrast that to a 14.6% uptick in the South for a total addition of 36k.

Builders continue working through their construction pipelines.  In non-seasonally adjusted terms, unsold homes under construction remain in the 260k range, down from the low 300s in late 2022.  Completed homes have consistently hovered in the same 60-75k range.  

One of the most notable shifts in the data series is the percentage of homes in the 200-299k price range.  21% of homes fell into that category in 2021, followed by only 9% in 2022.  With rates and median prices increasing since then, it’s a surprise to see a bounce back to 16% of the market in the most recent data.  Granted, that’s just for September, but the 2023 average is already up to 13%.  If you’ve seen an ad for a shoebox on a postage stamp recently, you have a sense of how these numbers could actually make sense.

In any event, it’s clear and it’s no surprise that new construction is the only game in town when it comes to inventory.  Builders are also being aggressive in their efforts to offer buyers the lowest possible rates in this high rate environment (frequently by using sales margins to buy down interest rates at “preferred lenders”). 

Pending Home Sales are dependent on homeowners listing their homes.  Some have to, but the barriers are very high in this interest rate environment.  Logical outcomes ensue.

Did you see this month’s “uptick?”  Yeah… it is hard to see.  At least it was an uptick.  Thanks, Midwest!

This too shall pass, but not until rates come down a bit, or some other creative means of promoting residential mobility are devised.

Here are the official releases:

Pending Sales – https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/pending-home-sales-grew-1-1-in-september

New Home Sales – https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/pdf/newressales.pdf

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

The week has started with Westpac raising all its fixed home loan rates, and two term deposit rates.

These home loan rate changes put them mid-pack among the main banks, no longer the lowest one year or 18 month in this group, and now the highest carded rate (with ANZ) for two years.

Outside these post popular terms, Westpac still shines for a five year fixed rate, but closed up that advantage with a chunky 26 basis points rise to 6.65%.

At the same time Westpac has raised its six month term deposit rate for savers five basis points to 6.00%, which is just a catchup to main rivals. However it has launched a 6.10% eight month offer, which is the same as offered by ASB and Kiwibank for nine months, and not too far away from the 6.15% offered by a few challenger banks for nine months.

Westpac last tweaked its term deposit rate offers less than a week ago.

Westpac’s rises in themselves aren’t market leading, but they do add to the momentum of rate rises by all banks, large and small, responding to the background pressures coming from global uncertainty, rising wholesale rates, and general inflationary pressures. Still, financial markets are no longer seeing the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) raise rates any further and market pricing has removed almost all premiums for that. But global pressures remain and that background is doing the RBNZ’s job for it. There is little indication yet that we are at the top of this current cycle.

Obviously you should negotiate and shop around. Most banks will discount their carded rates if you have strong financials. You shouldn’t need them but if you are uncomfortable negotiating, a broker can often be helpful. But be aware some brokers won’t offer you the best over the whole market, only the banks they have approved connections to in their “lending panel.” And clearly bank mobile managers are there to pitch their company’s own product.

One useful way to make sense of the changed home loan rates is to use our full-function mortgage calculator which is below. (Term deposit rates can be assessed using this calculator).

And if you already have a fixed term mortgage that is not up for renewal at this time, our break fee calculator may help you assess your options. But break fees should be minimal in a rising market.

Here is the updated snapshot of the lowest advertised fixed-term mortgage rates on offer from the key retail banks at the moment.

Select chart tabs

unweighted

unweighted

unweighted

unweighted

unweighted

unweighted

Select chart tabs

Opening daily rate

Opening daily rate

Opening daily rate

Opening daily rate

Opening daily rate

Opening daily rate

Opening daily rate

Comprehensive Mortgage Calculator

Source: interest.co.nz

Apache is functioning normally

For the first time in about 15 months, the number of homes listed for sale increased on an annual basis — albeit by a very small amount, Redfin reported.

New listings rose by 0.3% for the four weeks ended Oct. 22 compared with the same time frame one year ago; this is the first rise since July 2022.

With the 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaging close to 8% last week, many potential sellers have decided those are unlikely to decline by a significant amount anytime soon, Redfin said. Another factor might be the impact on prices.

“Some people are selling right now because they’re concerned home values will go down, though that’s definitely not a foregone conclusion,” said Ali Mafi, a Redfin agent in San Francisco, in a press release. “Others are noticing an uptick in demand and testing the waters.”

Pending home sales increased unexpectedly in September, a report from the National Association of Realtors noted.

However, those now moving to list need to be realistic about pricing. “Even though there are a few more buyers out there, this isn’t 2021,” Mafi said.

Approximately 6.8% of properties for sale reported a price drop during the four weeks ending Oct. 22, the highest share on record, Redfin claimed.

Still for the period, the median sales price was $369,975, up 3.1% over the prior year, while the median asking price rose 5.4% — the biggest increase in a year — to $384,375.

“Prices are up partly because elevated mortgage rates were hampering prices during this time last year,” the Redfin press release said.

While active listings declined 12% from one year ago, to 841,697, this is the smallest annual drop since July.

The supply of homes for sale was 3.5 months, a 0.2 percentage point gain to the highest level since February, Redfin said.

The median time a home spent on the market was 33 days, a decline of 3 days, while the share of homes sold above list price 29.8%, up from 28% in August 2022.

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com