Looking for a new restaurant to try in Leander, TX? Look no further than this Redfin article. From Southern bistros and bakeries to Mexican and BBQ, this town has a diverse culinary scene that will satisfy any craving. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just moved to the area, we’ve compiled a list of the must-try restaurants in Leander that are definitely worth a visit. So get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover your new favorite spot.
1. Mouton’s Southern Bistro
Cuisine Type: American Restaurant, Cajun and Creole Restaurant Location: 309 N Highway 183, Leander, TX 78641 Website: Mouton’s Southern Bistro
Mouton’s Southern Bistro offers a unique blend of American, Cajun, and Creole cuisine. Their menu features classic Southern dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and fried chicken. With its cozy atmosphere and flavorful dishes, Mouton’s is a must-visit for food lovers in Leander.
2. Casa Costa Bake Shop
Cuisine Type: Bakery, Brazilian Restaurant Location: 201 Bagdad St, Leander, TX 78641 Website: Casa Costa Bake Shop
Casa Costa Bake Shop is a delightful bakery that also offers Brazilian cuisine. From freshly baked bread and pastries to traditional Brazilian dishes like coxinha and pão de queijo, Casa Costa has something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in their delicious treats and experience a taste of Brazil.
3. The Thirsty Chicken
Cuisine Type: Karaoke Bar, Wings Joint Location: 104 W Willis St, Leander, TX 78641 Website: The Thirsty Chicken
The Thirsty Chicken is not just your average wings joint. With its lively karaoke bar atmosphere, it offers a unique dining experience. Enjoy their mouth-watering chicken wings while showcasing your singing skills on their karaoke stage. The Thirsty Chicken is the perfect spot for a fun night out with friends.
4. La Tapatia Mexican Res
Cuisine Type: Tex-Mex Restaurant Location: 651 N Highway 183 Ste 310, Leander, TX 78641 Website: La Tapatia Mexican Res
La Tapatia Mexican Res is a Tex-Mex restaurant that serves authentic Mexican cuisine with a Texas twist. From sizzling fajitas to flavorful enchiladas, their menu is filled with delicious options. Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico right in the heart of Leander at La Tapatia Mexican Res.
5. Smokey Mo’s BBQ
Cuisine Type: BBQ Joint Location: 11880 Hero Way W Ste 101, Leander, TX 78641 Website: Smokey Mo’s BBQ
Smokey Mo’s BBQ is a beloved BBQ joint. They specialize in mouth-watering smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. With their homemade BBQ sauces and hearty sides, Smokey Mo’s BBQ is a go-to destination for barbecue enthusiasts in the area.
6. Kai Sushi
Cuisine Type: Sushi Restaurant Location: 1805 S Highway 183 Ste 400 Ste 400, Leander, TX 78641 Website: Kai Sushi
Kai Sushi is a top-notch sushi restaurant. Their menu features a wide variety of fresh and expertly crafted sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. Whether you’re a sushi connoisseur or new to Japanese cuisine, Kai Sushi offers a delightful dining experience for all.
7. Lin’s Cafe II Asian Cuisine
Cuisine Type: Asian Restaurant Location: 15609 Ronald W Reagan Blvd, Leander, TX 78641 Website: Lin’s Cafe II Asian Cuisine
Lin’s Cafe II Asian Cuisine is a hidden gem for Asian food lovers in Leander. Their menu showcases a diverse range of Asian dishes, including Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. From flavorful stir-fries to aromatic curries, Lin’s Cafe II Asian Cuisine offers a culinary journey through Asia.
8. Saccone’s Pizza & Subs
Cuisine Type: Italian Restaurant, Pizzeria Location: 11880 Hero Way W Ste 205, Leander, TX 78641 Website: Saccone’s Pizza & Subs
Saccone’s Pizza & Subs is a go-to spot for Italian cuisine. Their menu features a variety of delicious pizzas, pastas, and subs. With their authentic flavors and generous portions, Saccone’s Pizza & Subs is a favorite among locals craving a taste of Italy.
9. Woks It 2 U
Cuisine Type: Chinese Restaurant Location: 1101 S Highway 183, Leander, TX 78641 Website: Woks It 2 U
Woks It 2 U is a popular Chinese restaurant offering a wide selection of classic Chinese dishes, from savory stir-fries to comforting noodle soups. Whether you’re in the mood for General Tso’s chicken or Mongolian beef, Woks It 2 U has got you covered.
A typical 20% down payment on a home in a U.S. metropolitan area costs $80,250, based on the median price of a single-family home of $402,600 in the second quarter of 2023. However, for many first-time homebuyers, the hurdle of making a substantial down payment can seem insurmountable and many can only put down 3-5%, or $12,078 – $20,130.
This is where down payment assistance programs can come into play, offering a lifeline to those aspiring to become homeowners. But, what are they exactly and how can we help our clients utilize them?
What are down payment assistance programs?
Down payment assistance programs (DPAs) are initiatives designed to help first-time homebuyers bridge the gap between their savings and the down payment required to purchase a home. These programs are typically offered by government agencies, nonprofit organizations and occasionally private entities. DPAs can take various forms, such as grants, loans or second mortgages, and they are typically tailored to meet the specific needs of the target demographic.
There are four main types of down payment assistance:
Grants: Gifted money that never has to be repaid.
Loans: Second mortgages that are paid monthly along with your primary mortgage.
Deferred loans: Second mortgages with deferred payments that only have to be paid when you move, sell or refinance.
Forgivable loans: Second mortgages that are forgiven over a set number of years (often five, but maybe up to 15 or 20). These only need to be repaid if you move, sell or refinance too early.
Examples of down payment assistance programs
The FHA offers low down payment loans to first-time homebuyers. With an FHA loan, borrowers can put down as little as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price. This low barrier to entry makes homeownership more achievable for those with limited savings.
Many states in the U.S. also offer their own DPA programs to assist local homebuyers. These programs can provide grants, low-interest loans or second mortgages to cover a portion of the down payment and closing costs. The specific details vary from state to state, but they generally aim to make homeownership more accessible.
Some local housing authorities and city governments provide down payment assistance to residents. For instance, the city of Denver has its “metroDPA” assistance program, which is currently helping people throughout the Front Range become homeowners. If you make up to $188,250 a year and have a credit score above 640, metroDPA can help with a home loan and down payment assistance to help you buy a home.
Nonprofit organizations like Habitat for Humanity have been instrumental in promoting homeownership among low-income individuals and families. They offer sweat equity programs and interest-free loans to help prospective homeowners achieve their dreams.
We all know that one of the most significant barriers to homeownership for first-time buyers is the initial down payment. Many people are eager to learn ways they can afford it but feel lost as they try to navigate the landscape of what to do next.
This is where we as Realtors are ready to educate our buyers with information and help clients find the right path(s) to alleviate financial burdens by providing funds to cover a portion of the down payment.
Remind clients about demographics for DPAs
First, we educate clients that DPAs often target specific demographics, such as low-income families, veterans or those living in high-cost housing markets. By doing so, these programs broaden the pool of eligible homebuyers and ensure that homeownership is not solely reserved for the well-off. As a result, we should also set expectations for clients so they don’t assume they’ll have DPAs to rely on.
Explain the different assistance programs available
Another factor to guide clients on is that DPA programs provide assistance in the form of grants or forgivable loans, though these are harder to lock in. These funds do not need to be repaid if the homeowner stays in the property for a specified period, typically several years. This helps lower the overall cost of homeownership, making monthly mortgage payments more manageable. Be realistic with clients on whether this is a viable option for them and their current financial situation.
Suggest credit counseling services
Educate clients on where to turn to for credit consulting. For so many, one medical bill or missed payment can take a hammer on credit scores. Clue clients in on places they can turn to in order to help improve their credit scores.
Find a housing counselor
Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures and credit issues. The counseling agencies on this list are approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and they can offer independent advice, often at little or no cost to the client.
Over time, homeowners build equity as they pay down their mortgages and as property values appreciate. DPAs set first-time homebuyers on the path to wealth accumulation, enabling them to build a financial foundation for the future.
The resurgence of down payment assistance programs represents a ray of hope for first-time homebuyers, particularly those facing financial constraints. These programs play a pivotal role in reviving the dream of homeownership by reducing the initial financial barrier and making it more attainable for a diverse range of individuals and families.
By offering assistance in various forms, from government-backed loans to nonprofit grants, DPAs allow first-time homebuyers to step onto the property ladder. This not only benefits the homeowners themselves but also strengthens communities and fosters financial stability.
As the popularity of DPAs continues to grow, they hold the promise of expanding homeownership opportunities for countless individuals, ensuring that the American dream remains within reach for all those who aspire to call a house their home and ultimately build generation wealth.
Jessica Reinhardt is the 2022-2023 chair of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.
[Note from editor: The “Mastermind Showcase” highlights companies and news from members of the GEM. Today’s showcase: Bluestreak IoT]
BlueStreak IoT optimizes operational processes for commercial business owners and facility managers by adding an intelligence layer to existing products and enabling smart and connected features. It sits at the center of information from sensors, devices, networks, and software that combine to deliver valuable, actionable data and automate functions across retail, hospitality, entertainment, health & fitness, real estate, and other commercial venues. Its services are uniquely positioned to enhance the efficiency and performance of services in commercial real estate, including ScentBridge’s ambient scent delivery, indoor air quality monitoring, clean air as a service, resource utilization, replenishment management and performance compliance.
It works with companies to explore “Smart Products as a Service” opportunities and offers a comprehensive range of services, which includes strategy and IP consulting, hardware and software design, as well as commercialization support.
What we like: Offering differentiated IoT solutions by adding a smart layer to existing operational tools that increases performance and uptime of “Product as a Service” tools while lowering operational costs.
When architect Simon Storey’s clients took him to a steep lot of undeveloped land for sale in Silver Lake, he advised them to pass. Storey’s firm, Anonymous Architects, is used to building on difficult sites, but he knew this particular lot would be especially challenging.
“It’s more difficult and more time-consuming,” says Storey.
The lot lingered on the market for a few years and then the asking price dropped. That’s when Storey and his wife, Jen Holmes, decided they were willing to take on the difficult ground-up construction.
Sloped lots typically require excavation and complicated and costly foundations, and have issues ranging from erosion to drainage to landscaping. It’s not for the faint of heart.
“It’s such a huge pain. But I proved myself right: It wasn’t easy,” he says.
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Storey and Holmes bought the 2,900-square-foot lot in 2017 for $92,000 and started to plan their home. The land was not just steep — a grade of 33% — but also long and narrow. (For comparison, the steepest street in Los Angeles, Eldred Street in Highland Park, has the same slope.) The couple bought the land from entrepreneur Judd Schoenholtz, who bought the lot in a trust sale. Ironically, Schoenholtz was considering how to build on it and had looked at some of Storey’s other houses for inspiration. “Simon is probably the only one who could figure it out,” he says with a laugh.
Working within the constraints of a narrow lot was familiar to Storey, who had previously built his own home in Echo Park, a compact but elegant structure whose 960 square feet exceeded the 780-foot-lot it was built on.
Storey’s previous home, dubbed Eel’s Nest after the slender homes typical of dense neighborhoods in Japan, was a study in efficient urban living. He found ways to enlarge the space, just 15 feet wide, through the clever use of windows and skylights, high ceilings and a floating staircase that did double duty as a light well.
Storey and Holmes wanted to take the best parts of Eel’s Nest and the lessons learned from living in that space for more than a decade and apply them to this new project, which they called the Box. Once again the constraints of the lot dictated the design. “We had no choice but to go right up to maximum width and stick with it for the entire building,” explains Storey.
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The result is a long building that spans just 18 feet across and 100 feet long. Yet adding just three more feet than their previous house makes a dramatic difference. “Every inch makes an outsize difference. I don’t think of it as being a narrow building,” says Storey.
Storey wanted the house to be as utilitarian as possible. He chose a corrugated cement panel typically used for farming and industrial buildings in Europe as a siding material above the two-story concrete base.
With the structure built three feet from the property line, the couple were constrained by city code in the amount of windows allowed on the side of the building. As a result, the windows are arranged in a horizontal expanse, providing panoramic views of the hills in Silver Lake and Echo Park.
The entrance to the house is set back another five feet, allowing double-height windows that span two stories, bringing in more light. The floating staircase from Eel’s Nest makes another appearance in the Box, across from the entrance. A narrow walkway on the top floor connects the front and back of the house but allows light to filter in on both sides to the floor below. The skylight in Eel’s Nest also reappears in the Box, bringing more light into the shower in the primary bathroom.
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With a workshop sitting between the ground-floor garage and the two main stories of the house, Storey and Holmes were able to construct all of the cabinetry, millwork and even features like their stair treads on-site. “Anything made of wood we built ourselves,” says Storey.
Holmes, who works in development at LACMA but was an art student in college, found her sculpting skills came in handy. “I knew how to weld but didn’t do it for 20 years,” explains Holmes, who took a half-day welding class at Gearhead Workshops in Torrance to brush up on her skills.
In fact, much of the construction they did themselves, as a budgetary consideration but also to ensure the level of detail met their standards. Weekends, holidays and vacation days for nearly three years were spent working on the house.
The couple estimate they spent 5,500 hours working on the house, not including the hours spent on planning, designing and general contracting, and saved about $520,000 in construction costs based on pricing from comparable projects Storey has worked on.
“I’d take naps on a furniture blanket on the floor or in the car,” says Holmes, who became a regular at the nearby Whole Foods to pick up meals before they had a working kitchen. “Everyone [who works] there knows me and I know all of them.”
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Other expenses included $300,000 for the foundation, more than three times what it would have cost for a similarly sized project on a flat lot, and about $20,500 for geology consultants to survey the slope. All together the project came in at roughly $1.3 million. However, the average homeowner shouldn’t expect such a deal. Acting as his own architect, general contractor and builder helped Storey and Holmes save considerably. Additionally, every hillside lot presents its own hidden expenses — and what a house costs to build is often very different than its market value in competitive L.A.
Before they started on the cabinets, the pair worked on sealing the envelope of the house to ensure better air quality and circulation. They meticulously identified every gap in the framing stage, foaming and caulking the gaps to improve efficiency.
Once that was complete, they set about building their own window frames and cabinetry. The two handpicked all of their own lumber from Bohnhoff Lumber Co. in Vernon, a decision Storey says is key to guaranteeing high quality. “It was a cost issue but also a quality issue. There is a shocking level of inconsistency when you don’t pick it yourself.” The natural wood provides a calming contrast to the industrial materials used on the exterior.
Most of the casework is a mix of red and white oak. With construction of the house happening during the pandemic, the cost of white oak saw a precipitous rise. Storey and Holmes began to introduce red oak as an accent material, though the effect is still monochromatic. “I don’t want to live somewhere austere, but I like things that are minimal,” says Holmes.
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All of the cabinetry and woodwork is custom, designed to suit the couple’s needs. Separating the kitchen and living room is a multipurpose room-within-a-room that includes a custom pantry on one side and cabinetry to house their record collection and stereo on the other.
“Every element of the house has a function,” says Storey. The focus on utilitarian design is a carryover from Eel’s Nest. “We are squeezing as much utility into the building as possible.” Appliances, primarily Fisher & Paykel, are hidden behind custom wood panels, as are closets and bathrooms.
With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the house was designed to be flexible enough to adapt to changing needs. Planned prior to the pandemic, Storey’s design called for his office to occupy the back of the house, with living spaces in the front. However, the office can easily be converted into a guest suite for relatives or visitors that includes a kitchenette and a private entry.
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As a passionate cook, Holmes programmed the layout of the kitchen to her specifications. The sink is placed in a central island, facing the views. “Every party I go to, people end up in the kitchen,” says Holmes. “I wanted it to be comfortable to cook in but also a place to entertain. We can have four or eight or 20 people here and it doesn’t feel too big or too small.”
While Holmes wanted the kitchen to be as functional as possible, Storey wanted the kitchen to not look like a kitchen at all. “The fridge and freezer vanish. Nothing screams ‘kitchen.’ We had competing objectives but managed to merge into a perfect solution,” he says, adding, “It’s a good allegory for marriage.”
Hear how to generate your own real estate leads for free via Facebook groups on today’s podcast with Laura Griffin! In this interview, Laura tells listeners how to set up real estate Facebook groups, how to moderate them, and how to win business from those who join. Laura and Shelby discuss the various ways to grow a group, what information to capture, and more in this comprehensive guide to generating leads via social media.
Listen to today’s show and learn:
About Laura Griffin [2:02]
Generating real estate leads without focusing on real estate [4:33]
Tips on setting up a Facebook group for real estate leads [6:41]
Information to capture from new Facebook group members [9:42]
Browser extensions for building a Facebook group [11:35]
Welcoming new members to your real estate Facebook group [14:39]
Rules that will help you run your Facebook group [17:56]
Whether or not to let other real estate professionals into your group [20:06]
Group guides for buyers, sellers, and more [21:42]
Ways to grow your real estate Facebook group [26:29]
Contests for generating potential clients [28:57]
Group analytics for catered content [32:25]
How a content calendar can help you with consistent content [35:41]
A great post for digging data out of your real estate group [38:15]
Promoting listings via your Facebook group [41:31]
Why people leave real estate Facebook Groups [43:13]
What most people miss when creating a Facebook group [44:41]
Laura Griffin’s real estate coaching program [45:35]
Where to find and follow Laura Griffin [47:36]
The great thing about Facebook groups [49:13]
Laura Griffin
Laura Griffin is an expert at leveraging Facebook Groups for lead generation in her real estate business. With over 15+ years in the real estate industry she has leveraged the power of her local Mom Facebook Group with over 10K moms into her main lead generation source creating over $20+ million dollars a year in sales. As a result of her Facebook Group she has been honored to be recognized as a Top Producer in the Northern Virginia Association Of Realtors® year after year. She now teaches other agents how to use the power of Facebook Groups as a FREE lead generation tool in their business by coaching other agents and her course on Facebook Groups.
Related Links and Resources:
It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email.
Most of us have experienced getting fired from our jobs at some point in our lives. Some were for petty and weird reasons, others were valid—whichever it is, here are the 18 reasons people get fired!
Caution! Some were so crazy and hilarious that you won’t believe they really happened.
1. Exchanging Alcohol for Shrimp
One person shared, “I gave the fry guy an alcoholic beverage from the bar in a kids cup. He used to hook me up with coconut shrimp and fiesta rolls. They fired both of us lol. I wonder how Jamaar is doing nowadays.”
The second person replied, “I drank alcohol from a kid’s cup and got fired. I just wanted to try Angry Orchard. It wasn’t even good. I made the mistake of leaving the cup amongst other employee cups and a manager found it. I don’t even like drinking and it was just extra. But I am glad I am not the only person let go for drinking alcohol from a kid’s cup out there! Lol.”
2. Manager Scheduled Me During Class
Somebody commented, “My manager kept losing my class schedule. Worked at a subway. I had class two days a week. Several times he put me on those days anyway. I gave him multiple copies every time. Owner took me off the schedule for ‘Calling out too much’. When I showed the owner proof he said it was too late and they already hired someone else. This was 12 years ago. I’m still mad.”
Another Redditor replied, “I always hated the ‘taken off the schedule’ bull. Just fire me officially instead of taking the cowards route. This happened to me as well when I did not tell the general manager about a floor manager switching a product display TV to football one day. To be clear, she asked me, ‘Why did you not tell me?’ So she already knew it happened and was mad that I did not say anything. So I got ‘taken off the schedule’ because the other manager did something against policy and I did not narc.”
3. They Fired Me Before I Started
“A business I went to long ago was hiring, and I got the job. Right after I signed all the paperwork, the department manager comes in and asked who I am. I tell him I was just hired as a temp. Manager says he never authorized any hiring and fired both me and my boss on the spot. I did not work for this company at all, and they fired me,” said one.
The second person replied, “I had a similar experience. I was interviewing for a sales position and I made it all the way up the ladder through three different managers, to the advertising director. Had a great interview. He told me I would be the future of this industry shook my hand, led me to the HR manager’s office, clapped me on the back, and said to her, ‘We’re hiring him. Start the paperwork and I’ll see you Monday.’
“She was pregnant, tired, and annoyed. She looked at me with disgust and said, ‘We eliminated that position yesterday. We’re not hiring anyone.’ I asked if the director or managers knew that. She said they should. What followed was an embarrassing two weeks of promises that they would make a spot for me and weak apologies from the hiring managers. Ooof. Hired and fired within seconds.”
Finally, the third added, “They did you a favor. Working for a company that is broken and dysfunctional would be a nightmare.”
4. I Requested a Raise
One user commented, “I was denied a raise by HR after consistently working 60-70 hours weeks, and my VP (who had supported and requested the raise for me) told me to stop putting in the extra time, work my 40, and spend that extra time applying to new jobs. Within a month, a meeting was called to ‘mutually part ways’ because my work wasn’t getting done. I was gratified to learn that they had to hire two people to do my job after I left.”
Somebody else added, “Bet that felt good knowing they had to pay two people for what you did all by yourself. Glad you got outta there though!”
5. Fired for Putting in My Two-Week Notice
Somebody shared, “I got fired once for putting in my 2-week notice. The only other time I’ve gotten fired was working for a trade company during the first week. I was a supervisor, and there was a second supervisor on site. I got a call that my wife had been rushed to the hospital, which was literally less than a mile away. I asked the other supervisor if I could go to attend to her, and he said, ‘Sure, no problem, I’ve got things here. Go.’
“I returned to the job site later to find the boss there, and he let me go on the spot for leaving the team ‘Without a supervisor’. He knew what had happened, and still fired me. I won’t lie, that one kind of [made me mad].”
Then somebody else added with a similar experience with their wife, “Happened to my wife. She was due her first commission check, but they fired her on the spot when she gave notice. Literally about 100 bucks too.”
6. Fired for Sitting Down
One user said, “For doing my job too quickly and sitting down the rest of the time. Gas station cashier 3rd shift.
“Me: ‘Why should I stand when I’m the only person in the store?’
“Manager: ‘It’s more professional to stand than sit.’
“Me: ‘Then why do you sit in your office?’”
Another one replied, “I never understood that. Not once have I walked into an establishment, seen an employee sitting, and gone, ‘Wow. He’s unprofessional.’ I literally don’t give a f-, as long as you do your job.”
“Especially gas stations. If anything, they’re the kind of jobs I would expect to see someone sitting,” added another.
7. “I’m Only Here Until Something Better Comes Along…”
Somebody shared their hilarious job-related experience during the interview, “This isn’t why I got fired, but this is why I didn’t get a job. I was 16 and looking to work at a Dairy Queen as my first job. My mom drove me to the interview and I was super nervous.
“She looked me in the eye and said, ‘Just be honest and be yourself, and you’ll do fine.’ I walked into that interview, and when he asked me, ‘How long do you think you’ll work here?’ I responded, ‘Until something better comes along…’”
“OMG. My parents had to coach me on how to get a job when I started hunting. They were wondering why none of the jobs I had applied to had called me back so they started asking questions about the application process. Turns out you shouldn’t be honest on those personality assessments, at least not to the extent I was. They basically told me to answer as if I were another person,” added the second person with a similar experience.
Then somebody else added, “Amazing! Around the same age I was asked, ‘How would your friends describe you?’ and honestly answered. ‘They say I’m the crazy one.’ Weirdly did not get that job.”
8. They Handed Me a Check and Walked Me Outside
“I talked my way into a job at a software company when they put a hiring notice in a local paper. I had no idea what the software did. I still don’t. They hired me as a trainer and no one ever explained what the product was. I did a few weeks where I was trained on the software but literally none of it ever made sense to me. It was like they were speaking gibberish.
“One day I showed up, a lady I had never seen before gave me a check, and walked me out to the parking lot. No one even ever said ‘you’re fired’ or anything. It’s one of the strangest things that ever happened to me,” shared somebody.
“That reminds me of a time that I got escorted out early from a group interview. The company was a little suspicious altogether, and the interviewer was even more sus because he was just wearing all black (polo and jeans) and was absolutely decked out in gold jewelry. Looked like he stepped out of a mob movie or something,” the second person replied.
9. Because My Wife Was Ill
One user said, “I missed a lot of work because my wife got brain cancer. They called me in for a meeting and said, ‘Sorry, we are downsizing and letting a lot of people go’. They didn’t fire anyone else, including a co-worker who was caught fabricating reports.”
Then another one added with a question: “They didn’t announce the layoffs over the intercom in alphabetical order, did they?”
10. Job Abandonment; But I Was at the ER
Somebody stated, “I went to the emergency room instead of work. Came back with an ER note and they said, ‘We won’t be needing that. Can you come with us?’ I was 18 and it was my first full-time job.”
“I had pneumonia and a doctor’s note. Came back to work a week later wheezing and puffing an inhaler. Got fired the next week. Jokes on them. I still got unemployment benefits when they tried to fight it. Doctor’s notes are good things,” added another person.
Finally, the third added, “I went to a funeral and took the three paid days off and called off a fourth because it was my grandmother and we were very close. They called it job abandonment.”
11. Working With a Felony
Somebody commented, “My parole officer wanted to make sure I actually had a job, so he went to my employer listed on my file to surprise visit me on the job. I did home wiring so I worked at different job sites and rarely in the office. He called me to say he was going to charge me with a violation for lying to him about my whereabouts (this could’ve landed me back in prison for my remaining 10.5 years sentence).
“The owner of the company had to speak with him and vouch for me. My parole office didn’t charge me, but the owner sure did fire me that day. Finding a job with a felony isn’t an easy thing, and it wasn’t long before my PO threatened to charge me with a violation if I didn’t find a job soon.”
The second person replied, “What a f- clown process. I’m sorry you went through that.”
12. Let Go to Hire the Manager’s Girlfriend
Somebody said, “I was a kid and just started at a local pizza place. I was let go couple weeks later because a pizza chef from Chicago had moved into the area and needed a job so it was a business decision that I totally understood. Week later, went to go get my last check and asked how he was doing, the girl up front was like, ‘pizza chef from Chicago? The only new hire was the manager’s new gf.’”
Somebody else replied, “I got let go in favor of hiring the manager’s gf once too. Very irritating.”
13. Fired for Being 10 Minutes Early Instead of 20
“I refused to come in 15-20 mins early unpaid for my shift. I was always 5-10 min early but they decided they wanted me there earlier. I carried on as normal as I’m not coming in if I’m not being paid. Turned up for a 12pm shift at 11:49, no one would look at me when I arrived, then was thrown in a meeting and fired for being ‘late’. Was out the door before it even hit 12. It was the only time I’ve ever been fired,” shared somebody.
14. Building a Snow Sculpture
“I built a snow scorpion sculpture (I used ketchup for the red glowing eyes and everything) on a particularly miserable day at a ski resort. The guests enjoyed my sculpture very much, management weren’t so happy,” said one.
“Sounds like crap management. Sad. I’m glad to hear you made the guests happy, though,” the second person added.
15. For Sneezing
One person stated, “They sent me home because I sneezed and I was forced to get tested for Covid. Then, when I tested negative, I was terminated for ‘Abusing pandemic policies to stay home.’”
“That has to be illegal in some form,” replied somebody.
16. The CNA Lied About What Happened
“I asked the CNA I was working with to stay with a confused patient, while I went and put a new IV in another patient. The CNA left the patient alone. She fell out of bed and got a big bloody skin tear on her arm. After I took care of that, I went and found the CNA and told her the patient was injured because of her insubordination. The CNA cussed at me, and left the unit. I did not see her again that shift. She and another CNA decided on their own to trade assignments.
“I wrote the CNA up. The CNA went to mgmt and lied about me. She said I called her by a racial slur and yelled at her. I did neither. Mgmt fired me rather than deal with a false claim of racism. I collected unemployment.
“The CNA did something similar with another nurse a couple of weeks later, and was fired. My mgr asked if I could be rehired. HR said no. When my mgr quit to start her own nursing agency a year later, she hired me,” one person stated.
“You can’t pay me enough to go back to work in a nursing home. I have so many stories of problems between nurses and CNA’s getting each other in trouble and the residents caught in the middle,” replied another.
17. They Lowered My Pay So I Slept During My Shift
“They lowered my pay, so I started sleeping at work and did only half the task they wanted me to do. Took them 3 years to fire me,” shared one Redditor.
“I’m amazed at how long it can take sometimes to fire a person. I had a boss who got shoulder surgery and was wildly add*cted to pain meds. Dude would show up to work high as a kite and started at the ceiling for hours. He got away with it for about 2 years before anyone said anything,” the second person replied.
18. I Gave My Employee Meal to My Mother
Somebody commented, “I gave my employee meal to my mother. That’s literally it. I didn’t like eating the food there, so I had my mom bring me lunch, and I just gave my employee meal to her. Apparently, that was considered theft, so I was fired.”
Wow, some of the reasons above for getting fired were just crazy! Did you experience the same? Let us know in the comments!
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Source: Reddit
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A small number of subprime mortgages that are outstanding are seeing higher year-over-year delinquencies in all categories, echoing broader market trends for that credit band.
Home loans that were 30 to 59 days past due and made to borrowers with credit scores of 600 or lower had a 17.81% delinquency rate in October, compared to 15.82% a year earlier and 21.14% in January 2020, according to Vantagescore.
Borrowers in the slightly higher near-prime score band of 601 to 660 favored by some lenders that make loans outside the qualified mortgage definition had a 2.69% early stage past-due rate last month. The equivalent for those with scores in the prime 661 to 780 range was just 0.17%.
Although subprime borrowers are a relatively tiny part of the mortgage market today, they tend to be a leading indicator of current conditions.
That’s in line with conditions in consumer finance overall, where delinquencies are still historically low and fairly stable but showing small signs of pressure.
“Interest rates are high and the credit card balances keep going up,” said Susan Fahy, executive vice president and chief digital officer at Vantagescore. “That adds to the stress that consumers are feeling, and we’re definitely seeing that it’s not isolated to lower scoring consumers, but they’re the ones that they’re the ones definitely being impacted the most.”
While mortgage delinquency measures have been mixed recently, with some emphasizing that upticks tend to be in the early-stage phase, tiny increases across all past-due categories in Vantagescore’s data suggest they’re becoming increasingly consistent.
Late-stage subprime mortgage delinquencies in particular have shown a very small but steady uptick recently, rising to 2.69% in October from 1.77% a year earlier and 2.63% the previous month.
How many of these will continue to foreclosure remains to be seen given the Department of Veteran Affairs’ recent call for leniency as it bridges a transition between the end of temporary relief it offered during the pandemic and a new policy that’s pending.
VA loans have recently been a significant segment within the U.S. mortgage market but not necessarily a driver of overall trends.
Vantagescore’s standard home-loan information comes from credit bureau data reflecting all active mortgage accounts undifferentiated by factors other than score, and regardless of which provider’s measure was used at origination.
Currently, most mortgage originations employ an older FICO score because it’s used by two influential government-related loan investors. But those buyers are preparing to use new Vantagescore and FICO measures in the future due to a congressional mandate.
The effectiveness of those measures as a gauge of mortgage performance could be more important in the future if credit does continue to soften broadly.
Vantagescore declined to forecast mortgage performance, but indicated current measures do suggest limited consumer spending in other areas, given less issuance of credit cards and higher rates seen recently for existing ones.
“I think that’s definitely something to watch,” said Fahy, noting that consumers still appear to be fulfilling what’s generally a tendency to pay mortgage bills before others.
Inside: Are you struggling to keep up with your variable expenses? Whether it’s groceries, gas, or rent, managing these costs can be daunting. This guide will teach you how to budget for variable expenses and reduce the strain they put on your wallet.
Understanding and effectively managing your variable expenses is a crucial aspect of maintaining financial health.
These are expenses that fluctuate on a monthly basis, such as groceries, fuel, and entertainment. Their inconsistency can make budgeting a challenging task.
For many people, this is where they give up on budgeting because variable costs can sway too much for the average budgeter to know what to do.
Around here at Money Bliss, we know those who efficiently manage their variable expenses tend to fare better in achieving their financial goals. Furthermore, it empowers you to anticipate, plan and manage costs better, and avoid unnecessary financial stress.
Our focus here will be on explaining how variable expenses can make notable changes to your personal budget and offer strategies to manage them effectively.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What is a Variable Expense?
A variable expense is a cost that changes from month to month.
Unlike fixed costs that are paid at regular intervals and may endure only slight fluctuations, variable expenses undergo a higher degree of fluctuation depending on consumption or quantity used. These expenses can comprise costs such as groceries, entertainment, and fuel for your car.
What primarily distinguishes a variable expense is its potential to vary from one period to the next, making it an important calculation in accounting for a comprehensive monthly budget.
Knowing the intervals of these variable costs can enhance the accuracy of your budgeting, turning this challenging aspect into an opportunity to reduce costs.
What is an Example of a Variable Expense?
Variable expenses typically entail a high degree of personal discretion and vary substantially between individuals. While one person may see dining out as a variable expense, for another, it may be a rare treat. Either way, it is still an example of variable expenses.
Here are a few typical examples:
Groceries: You decide what food to buy, and it depends on your food preference, the number of people at home, and special dietary needs.
Gasoline: This expense is dependent on how much and how far you drive.
Utilities: Electric, water, and gas bills fluctuate based on usage.
Clothing: The cost can vary each month depending on how often and how much you choose to buy, such as seasonal shopping, special occasions, or replacing worn-out items.
Gifts: Costs can fluctuate depending on the occasion, person, and your personal budget for the period, making them unpredictable and potentially impacting your monthly budget plans. Especially for Christmas gifts.
Entertainment: Costs such as movie tickets, concerts, or amusement parks may vary depending on your social life.
Repairs: Costs for home and car repairs are unpredictable and can markedly vary. Essentially, any expense that is not fixed (like rent or car payment) can be considered a variable expense.
Taxes: Yes, even your taxes are variable based on your income.
Don’t forget to use a savings account with one of the popular money saving challenges.
Difference between Fixed and Variable Expenses
Understanding this difference is a significant step toward setting realistic savings goals
Fixed expenses are constant costs that remain the same each month, like rent, insurance premiums, car payments, or childcare. They’re predictable, making them easier to incorporate into your budget without unexpected surprises.
On the contrary, variable expenses fluctuate month-to-month and include items like groceries, utilities, gas for your car, or entertainment. The unpredictability of these costs can cause potential challenges in budgeting and limit the consistency of your financial output.
Nevertheless, variable expenses often present more opportunities for saving.
You have greater control over these costs, giving you a chance to limit expenditure and prioritize savings.
How to Budget for Variable Expenses
Personal budgeting is an essential tool. Despite variable expense’s unpredictability, it is possible to plan for these expenditures by applying practical tactics and strategies.
From using budget apps to examining previous spending patterns, this type of budgeting enables you to maintain control over your finances and make adjustments as necessary.
50/30/20 Budget: An Effective Approach
The 50/30/20 budgeting approach is a simple yet effective method that can help you manage both fixed and variable expenses.
This method suggests you divide your after-tax income into three categories: 50% on necessities, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings or debt repayment.
By categorizing this way, you ensure your most critical outlays (the necessities ) first. You then allocate your income towards discretionary spending (your wants), and finally squirrel away a portion for savings (hopefully 20%) or paying off debts. This budget calculator strategy can serve as a foundation to guide your spending, helping you to stay on top of your finances.
Quicken
Personal finance and money management software allows you to manage spending, create monthly budgets, track investments, retirement and more.
I have used this platform for over 20 years now.
Pros:
Birds-eye view of your complete financial picture.
Conveniently download your spending activities, and automatically categorize them (Quicken connects to over 14,000 financial institutions).
Track investments with it’s features like portfolio analytics, retirement goals, and market comparison.
Cons:
Little complex to use at first, the learning curve is moderate.
Yearly subscription-based model to use the platform.
Zero-Based Budget
A zero-based budget is a technique where you make a budget from scratch or “zero” and allocate every dollar of income towards different categories of expenses until they sum up to zero at the end of the month.
This budgeting strategy, very popular due to the budgeting app, YNAB, can be a rewarding technique that solicits justifying every expense’s worth as you give every dollar a job.
Distributing money toward fixed costs is usually shoo-in, but budgeting for variable costs can be tricky because you won’t know how much you’ll spend on them. The solution is to estimate as closely as possible.
The beauty of a zero-based budget is that it ensures your money is purposefully allocated, leaving no room for unexplained spending especially when used with sinking funds.
YNAB
Enjoy guilt-free spending and effortless saving with a friendly, flexible method for managing your finances.
Pros:
Comprehensive approach to budgeting, helping you plan monthly budgets based on your income.
Offers expert advice, making it suitable for those who require an in-depth, forward-thinking budgeting strategy.
Superior synchronization skills make it the winner in this area.
YNAB has extra features like goal setting for budgeting, shared budgeting tools for partners.
Option to manually add and upload transactions from accounts each month.
YNAB prioritizes user privacy.
Envelope Budgeting System
The envelope budgeting system is a successful method for managing variable expenses. By dividing your income into envelopes assigned to different categories like entertainment, groceries, or transportation, control over fluctuating costs is established.
With each paycheck, you determine a specific amount for each category and stuff that envelope with cash. By strictly adhering to this limit, you thereby avoid overspending.
This hands-on approach provides an exact idea of available cash and creates a stronger sense of financial accountability. In fact, recent data indicates that the envelope system has successfully helped many people stay within their budget, primarily by making expenditures more tangible and easier to track.1
What is most likely the reason variable expenses should be planned after fixed expenses?
When preparing a budget, it’s typically suggested to plan for fixed expenses first before variable expenses.
The primary reason is that fixed expenses are generally non-negotiable costs that are essential to your daily life and take up much of your budget. These costs are predictable and regular, making them easier to budget for.
Variable expenses, on the other hand, tend to fluctuate and often include discretionary spending like dining out, shopping, or entertainment. This category, despite its variability, carries a certain upside as you possess more control over these expenses than your fixed ones.
By planning for fixed expenses first, you ensure to cover your essential needs before budgeting for lifestyle choices and discretionary spending, which can flex more easily around your remaining income.
Tiller Money
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Pros:
Tiller automatically updates Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel with your latest spending, balances, and transactions each day.
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Tips to Control Variable Expenditures
Managing and controlling variable spending is an essential aspect of sound financial planning.
Honestly, the more proactive you are in monitoring the continuous changes in variable expenses and introducing strategies to suppress any unnecessary hikes, the faster you will reach your goals.
This section will provide insights into various effective methods to control variable spending, as well as the behavioral adjustments needed for successful implementation.
Tip #1 – Save on fixed and variable costs
Everyone wants to save money and here are a few tips on reducing both fixed and variable costs:
Fixed costs: Considering these costs are more constant, savings can usually only be achieved by longer-term changes. This could be refinancing your mortgage for a lower rate, negotiating a lower car insurance premium, or switching to a cheaper phone plan.
Variable costs: Changes in habits can lead to significant savings. For instance, cooking at home instead of dining out, carpooling or using public transport to save on gas, or unplugging electronics when not in use to save on utilities.
By scrutinizing both types of costs, you can identify opportunities to cut back and increase your savings over time. Being frugal green is a huge topic! Remember, the little things can add up!
Tip #2 – Set expense limits and find ways to save
Budgeting requires discipline, and setting limits on your variable expenses is a big part of that. You can do this in three ways:
Start by reviewing your spending patterns: examine your transaction history to identify areas of overspending. Once you’re aware of these, set spending limits that align with your financial goals. Drawing from my experience, I can assure you that awareness of overspending areas, followed by setting spending limits, can significantly align with your financial goals.
Consider taking part in a no spend challenge. Personally, that is when I realized I spent a lot of money on things that didn’t matter to me in the end.
Adopt practical money-saving habits like adopting DIY approaches (e.g., home repairs, sewing, cooking), utilizing coupons and cash backs, shopping secondhand, or carpooling.
Remember, you have control over your variable expenses, and setting restrictions doesn’t mean depriving yourself. It just means making informed decisions and prioritizing your spending according to your financial goals.
Tip #3 – Use Sinking Funds
A sinking fund is an effective money management strategy that can help handle variable costs. It’s a fund where you regularly set aside a certain amount of money for a specific expense. For instance, you might establish a sinking fund to cover property taxes or unexpected costs (but they will happen) like car maintenance, vet bills, or holiday gifts.
When the time comes for these expenses, you won’t have to scramble to find the money because you’ve already collected a fund over time.
This approach can ease financial stress and prevent unplanned debts, making sinking funds an excellent remedy to unexpected variable expenses. For us, this is when we maximize the placement of our hard-earned money across multiple bank accounts.
FAQs about Variable Costs and Budgeting
While all expenses matter, we generally advise budgeting for fixed expenses first. These are critical costs that typically stay constant month-to-month, like rent or mortgage payments, insurance, and fixed utilities.
Allocating money toward these essential costs first ensures that you’re covering your necessities. Once you’ve accounted for these, you can then budget for variable expenses which are discretionary and fluctuate based on personal usage.
Thus, it helps you realize your spending habits and identify areas where you can cut back if needed.
Yes, entertainment is typically considered a variable expense. These costs vary month-to-month based on your discretionary spending habits.
For instance, your spending on concerts, movies, dining out, or subscriptions can fluctuate based on your lifestyle, events, or personal choices. Remember, since entertainment costs are discretionary, they can often be trimmed when looking to make budget adjustments.
Ready to Master your Variable Budgets?
Understanding the ins and outs of variable expenses and strategizing accordingly can empower you to manage your money more effectively.
By distinguishing between your fixed and variable expenses, budgeting effectively, and identifying potential savings, you’re setting yourself up for financial success.
Whether you’re using the 50/30/20 budget approach, a zero-based budget, or sinking funds, the goal is to ensure your money is being used wisely. It’s all about creating a balance that nurtures a comfortable lifestyle while paving the way toward your future financial goals.
So review your inconsistent costs, implement new financial strategies, and take control of your variable expenses.
The key takeaways is a well-planned budget is not just beneficial for controlling spending, but also integral to your financial freedom.
Source
Ramsey Solutions. “How to Budget With the Cash Envelope System.” https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/envelope-system-explained. Accessed November 28, 2023.
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When your pet faces a medical issue, your vet may prescribe a special diet to help manage the condition. While prescription pet food can be a critical part of your furry friend’s treatment plan, it can also come with a hefty price tag. If you’re wondering whether pet insurance covers the cost of prescription pet food, the answer is: It depends on the provider.
What is prescription food for pets?
Prescription diets are formulated to address specific health conditions in pets, ranging from allergies to kidney disease. Unlike regular pet food, these generally require a vet’s prescription, ensuring they’re fed to pets who genuinely need them.
Why might my pet need prescription food?
Your vet might recommend a prescription diet if your pet has conditions like:
Arthritis.
Food allergies.
Kidney issues.
Heart problems.
These diets cater to the pet’s unique nutritional needs and can help manage or treat their condition. They usually come with a higher price tag than standard pet food.
Does pet insurance cover prescription pet food?
Some pet insurance plans cover prescription food, but it’s important to read the fine print. Your policy might cover prescription diets under certain conditions or up to a specific limit.
Pet insurance company
Covers prescription food in standard plan?
Covers prescription food through add-on?
Sometimes.
Nationwide
Sometimes.
Sometimes.
AKC’s prescription food coverage
AKC won’t cover most pet food, but it makes an exception for prescription diets used as the sole treatment for a covered condition. So if your veterinarian prescribes a special diet to manage your pet’s condition, AKC will consider covering the cost.
Embrace’s prescription food coverage
Embrace generally doesn’t include prescription food coverage in its standard insurance plans. One exception may be if your vet prescribes a certain type of diet for hyperthyroidism in cats. But if you enroll in the optional Wellness Rewards program, you can get reimbursed for prescription diets purchased through your vet. The Wellness Rewards program also covers other routine expenses like wellness exam fees and vaccines.
Figo’s prescription food coverage
Figo offers optional “Powerups” that you can add to its standard accident and illness plan. One of them reimburses you for vet exam fees and will pay up to $250 per policy term for food prescribed as the sole treatment for a covered illness. So if your dog is diagnosed with an ailment that requires a special diet and your vet prescribes a therapeutic food as the only treatment, this rider can help offset the cost.
MetLife’s prescription food coverage
MetLife covers prescription pet food from a veterinary provider under its standard accident and illness plan in most states.
Nationwide’s prescription food coverage
Nationwide may cover prescription food under certain plans or with an extra rider. If it’s included, the food must be a therapeutic diet prescribed by a veterinarian to treat a covered medical condition. Your vet may need to provide Nationwide with details about the type of food, which condition it’s treating and how much you should feed your pet.
Pets Best’s prescription food coverage
Pets Best doesn’t cover prescription pet food or supplements.
Spot’s prescription food coverage
Spot’s core pet insurance plan includes coverage for prescription food and supplements when they’re prescribed by a licensed veterinarian to treat covered conditions. The policy reimburses actual costs for these prescription foods, up to the limits specified in your policy.
However, Spot doesn’t cover prescription food used for general maintenance or weight management, or any food you can buy without a vet’s prescription.
Trupanion’s prescription food coverage
Trupanion covers prescription pet foods for dogs and cats when they’re prescribed by a licensed veterinarian for the treatment of a covered illness or injury. This coverage reimburses 50% of the cost, minus any deductible. But the policy covers only the first two months of the prescribed diet. After that, you’ll pay the full cost out of pocket.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Pet insurance often excludes pre-existing conditions. So if your pet was already on a prescription diet before you bought your policy, it probably won’t be covered.
How does coverage for prescription food work?
First, check your policy details to make sure prescription food is covered and see what restrictions apply. To find this information, look in the fine print and read through your plan’s endorsements.
Typically, your vet must prescribe the food for a specific medical condition affecting your pet. It usually can’t be for general health or weight management.
If it’s covered, you’ll generally pay upfront for the food and then submit a claim to your insurance company. The insurer would reimburse you according to your plan’s terms.
For example, if your dog develops kidney disease, your veterinarian may prescribe a special low-protein diet. After buying the prescribed food, you’d submit the receipt and any other requested documentation to your insurer. Depending on your plan, you might be reimbursed for a percentage or up to a certain limit of the food’s cost. If you haven’t met your deductible, the insurer may subtract that amount from your claim payout.
Other ways to save on prescription food
Prescription pet food can be a game changer for pets with certain health issues. But if your policy doesn’t offer coverage, there are other ways to make these diets more affordable. Consider:
Buying in bulk or during sales.
Joining loyalty programs or subscribing to regular deliveries for discounts.
Exploring homemade diet options (with guidance from your vet).
Northwestern Mutual launches Market Pathway model portfolios, broadening access to professionally advised offerings Younger investors can now more easily begin relationships with financial advisors MILWAUKEE, Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Northwestern Mutual announced the expansion of its professionally managed investment offerings with the launch of Signature Portfolios Market Pathway models, which require a minimum investment … [Read more…]