We know what you’re thinking: Is it too soon to start thinking about winter holiday decor? The short answer: Absolutely not, especially since it’s the last day of Amazon’s massive Prime Big Deal Days sale event. That means this is your last chance to save big on home decor.
Luckily, we took the time to look through every single deal and bring you a careful edit of the top holiday home decor essentials markdowns you can’t miss. Get ready to save on mantel statement pieces, outdoor decor, and beyond. Check out our top 13 picks below.
Our Top Amazon Prime Day Deal Picks on Holiday Decor
Sanjicha Lighted Birch Tree Two-Pack
These battery-powered, little birch trees will give your living space a warm glow and help foster a festive atmosphere instantly. Keep them together on either side of your mantel, or use one as a centerpiece and the other for your entryway.
Ivenf Christmas Outdoor Porch Sign Set
If you’re looking for traditional outdoor decorations beyond string lights, consider this two-piece porch sign set. The larger lettering on the traditional tartan print will add a playful touch to your patio or front porch.
National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Garland
This pre-styled artificial garland will do the heavy lifting for you regarding greenery and lighting. The 9-foot garland is clustered with pine cones and berries and pre-strung with lights, so all you have to do is find a place for it and plug it in.
Kwaiffeo Meteor Shower Lights
Give your outdoor space a charmingly whimsical flair with the Kwaifeo Meteor Shower Lights. The cascade of white LEDs gives a breathtaking visual of bright icicles or falling lights for a low-maintenance outdoor decoration that brings the holiday spirit to life.
Aetegit Christmas Pillow Covers
An easy way to awaken the Christmas spirit inside your home is by refreshing interiors. Swiftly update your space with this four-piece set of throw pillow covers that showcase different cheery messages and phrases.
Neilden Three-Piece Gnome Decor
Bring the adorable gnomes out to play when you need to give your space an extra joyful vibe. Each of these gnomes is about 20 inches tall and are easy to move around, so you can have them by the presents under the tree one day and by the window sill the next.
Oriental Cherry Floating Candles
You may recall the floating candles from the magical world of Harry Potter, but now they’re fit to bring into your living or dining room for a truly magical experience. A wand controller powers them too, making it more convenient to turn them on and off.
Puhong Outdoor Star String Lights
Hang this tree-shaped light display right outside your home to add some Christmas cheer outdoors. The string lights can work as a perfect backdrop for the rest of your outdoor holiday decor or stand alone as an eye-catching focal piece.
Runleo Snowflake String Lights
Is it really Christmas time without snowflakes—even artificial ones? Invite the winter delight of the outdoors inside with this enchanting set of string lights. Use them to line a doorway or to wrap around your Christmas tree.
Funpeny Lighted Gift Boxes
Stick these gorgeous lighted gift boxes under your tree for an elevated ambiance. They’ll make a beautiful statement, especially after you fill your tree with gift-wrapped presents. This set comes with three different sizes to ensure you can create a diverse display of gifts.
OuMuaMua Hanging Snowflakes
Finish off your winter wonderland with these hanging paper snowflakes. At $9 per 12-piece set, we wouldn’t blame you for wanting to buy a bundle to bring the magic of a snowy Christmas day inside your home, no matter the weather outside.
ProductWorks 24-Inch Charlie Brown Christmas Tree
For a very nostalgic evening of celebration, center your decor on the iconic Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. The nostalgic display includes the classic red ornament with Linus’ blue blanket wrapped around the base.
Snowkingdom Gold Table Runner Set
Amp up your tablescape this year with the set of gold-flecked table runners. Made of a soft fiber mesh decked out in gold foil, the 9-foot runners can be used alone or layered over another decorative tablecloth for a more dramatic effect.
Christmas is right around the corner, which means it’s time to decorate. Everyone has plans to create a magical, winter wonderland in their apartment, but there’s one vital thing yet to figure out — do you get a real Christmas tree or an artificial Christmas tree?
Both have their pros and cons, so how do you pick? Well, you better not pout and you better not cry because we’re telling you what you need to know.
A brief history of Christmas trees
Germany is credited with the first use of the Christmas tree starting in the 16th century, and German settlers in Pennsylvania made Christmas trees popular in America in the 19th century.
Ever since then, picking out and decorating a tree has become synonymous with the Christmas season.
Things to consider with artificial Christmas trees
Artificial Christmas trees have been around since the 19th century. Considering they started off as dyed goose feathers, it’s safe to say they’ve come a long way. You no longer have to pluck the goose to decorate your apartment.
Today, you can get a really nice looking tree from a local craft or big box store for a reasonable price. The cost of fake trees can be anywhere from $30 into the thousands depending on what you’re looking for. As you’re making your decision, here are a few reasons to consider a fake Christmas tree this year:
1. Variety of styles and options
There are a lot of different types and styles of trees to choose from. From the traditional-looking green pine tree to sparkling silver to trees dusted with fake snow, you can pretty much buy any type of pine you want for the holidays.
2. Ease of use
One of the benefits of choosing a fake tree as an apartment dweller is how easy it is to set up. Most fake Christmas trees come in a box, so it’s much easier to get it into the apartment, especially if you live in a building with a small elevator.
A great deal of fake Christmas trees come pre-decorated with lights attached. That alone saves you a lot of time and energy. They’re easy to maintain as you don’t have to water them and you also avoid needles constantly falling and cluttering up your space. It’s also not as much of a fire hazard as a real tree because there are no dead pine needles that could spark.
3. Reusability
Unlike a real Christmas tree that has a short life span, fake Christmas trees are a one-time purchase that can last you for years to come. You’ll never have to purchase a tree again and can use the same, beautiful tree year-over-year.
When you’re done with Christmas and it’s time to put away the decorations, all you have to do is break down the tree and stuff it back in the closet it came from.
4. Lack of pine smell
While fake Christmas trees have a lot of perks, there is a con. With a fake tree, you’ll miss out on the fresh pine smell that’s linked to Christmas. Of course, there are candles and other substitutes to fix this problem, such as Thymes Frasier’s dispensers, but at the end of the day, nothing is as good as the authentic smell. But, if you have allergies, a fake tree is a great solution.
Things to consider with real Christmas trees
Christmas tree shopping is one of the many joys of the Christmas season. The thrill of picking out which tree shall be yours is exciting and can be a great family tradition. There’s nothing like walking the rows, debating between the small, Charlie Brown-looking tree or choosing the largest tree in the lot. But there are some other things to consider, too.
1. Choose a unique tree each year
The experience of picking out a fresh tree each year is unforgettable. You can find great trees in your local forest and chop them down yourself. Or, if sawing at a stump for hours in the cold isn’t your thing, then you can go Christmas tree shopping at a local lot. Either way, you’ll be sure to get a tree that is special and doesn’t look like everyone else’s.
2. Fresh pine tree smell
With a fake tree, you won’t have the crisp pine tree smell. But, with a real tree, your apartment will smell like fresh pine the moment you bring the tree home. No diffuser or candle can quite replicate that balsam fir smell.
3. Size and upkeep
There’s the joy of decorating your tree and deciding which ornaments go where. But, you can safely decorate both fake and real trees, and a downside to having a real Christmas tree in an apartment is the sheer size.
It can be a pain to lug a massive pine up to your apartment and then take it back down only a couple weeks later. There’s also the matter of having to care for the tree, making sure it gets enough water on a regular basis. When you’re deciding between a real and fake Christmas tree, make sure you consider the upkeep involved with a real tree.
Your final decision
There are many pros and cons to real Christmas trees vs. artificial Christmas trees. At the end of the day, it’s really up to you and what’s best for your apartment.
Do you want the authentic feel of a real Christmas tree or do you want the ease of an artificial tree? Either one is a great option and will make your apartment feel like a Christmas wonderland.
Ashley Singleton is a writer who loves following and writing about current lifestyle, DIY and home improvement trends. You can read some of her other work on the Lady Spike Media website. In her spare time, she performs stand-up comedy in Los Angeles.
Hate cold calling? Hear how to ditch it entirely on this podcast with organic-lead-gen expert Charlie Cameron. Charlie generated an incredible amount of real estate business incredibly fast, and it was very inexpensive. Today, he shares the low-cost tech tools and proven strategies that helped make it happen. Discover how he built a booming Facebook group, how he consistently ranks above competitors on Google, and more on this Real Estate Rockstars!
Listen to today’s show and learn:
About Charlie Cameron [0:54]
“Easy money” [2:20]
Getting clients from a Facebook group [3:25]
You don’t have to cold call [4:54]
How NOT to fail at Facebook groups [6:37]
Ways to help your Facebook group grow [8:46]
Charlie’s follow-up process for Facebook leads [12:44]
How much business Charlie gets from his Facebook group [19:22]
Attracting clients and agents with blogging and SEO [20:43]
How to ensure potential clients find you online [27:42]
Ways to get ahead with organic lead gen now [30:14]
Charlie’s content-machine goal [36:44]
Advice on picking a platform for your content [38:11]
Charlie Cameron’s advice for real estate agents [44:56]
Charlie Cameron
Real estate super nerd, family man and veteran! I’m passionate about real estate and obsessed with helping others win and with continuous growth.
Charlie Cameron is a Dad, military spouse, and Air Force veteran (turned reservist) who found a passion for real estate while serving. Thanks to real estate—largely eXp Realty and investing—he was able to transition out of Active Duty military service to focus on real estate! People and real estate are his passions, and helping other succeed is what he finds most rewarding.
Charlie enjoys mentoring growth-minded agents the most. At this time, he is growing an international real estate team, building a local military-focused real estate team along the Florida Panhandle, and scaling an as-passive-as-possible real estate portfolio of short term rentals, residential assisted living, and more! He is also an Air Force Reservist in a part time capacity (2 weeks a year) as a weapon program manager.
By leveraging teams, systems, automation, and intentional task prioritization, Charlie is able to prioritize his most important thing: living in the moment with family & friends!
Current lines of effort:
Grow international real estate team: help other real estate agents become successful, grow their leads and business, create multiple income streams, and achieve financial freedom. Team growth achieved through blog and content creation.
Lead a local military-first real estate team: though long term low effort client attraction efforts, Charlie provides clients to his local military focused team to work and close!
Scale a real estate investment portfolio: real estate investing is best investing!
Charlie has a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia and a Masters in Industrial Engineering from New Mexico State. He starting investing in real estate while serving in 2017 by STARTING with 8 apartments which he self managed. After scaling a small multifamily portfolio he transitioned and 1031 exchanged into a self managed short term rental portfolio, all of which he managed from afar. Recently he has pivoted again into the residential assisted living niche. Charlie partners on just about every investment deal he does.
Charlie spent 11 years on Active Duty, as an engineer and officer developing, testing, and managing cutting edge weapons systems programs to ensure the Air Force stays undefeatable! He led hundreds of tests and ran hundreds of million dollar a year programs and contracts developing, acquiring, and testing new weapons for the warfighter. During that time, he also served as a USAA Advisory Panel Member, providing direct feedback on bank and insurance products as a military member to the board of directors. In a past life, he has also been a Firefighter, EMT, and lifeguard.
Charlie is a nerd who loves to tinker and find new ways to grow and implement things in his businesses. While he wishes he was able to focus on only one business, he knows now that resistance is futile and he must find ways to grow multiple lines of effort without consuming more time!
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.
It’s high time you bring a spooky vibe to your home. Fall and Halloween are right around the corner. Spruce up your space with Halloween and fall decor that’s sure to impress. Incorporate classics like ghosts and pumpkins to add a some ghoulishly good fun to any room in the house.
Below, the best Halloween and fall decor for your home. From a spooky village to a ghostly pillow, these items will get you in the spirit of the season. This reviewer-loved decor works within a variety of budgets. Also be sure to shop the best Halloween lawn decorations in 2023 to make your outdoor space feel more festive.
The best Halloween and fall decor for your home
Find this Halloween and fall decor at Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Terrain and more.
Concordville spooky village
Buy each piece to this delightfully spooky village. There’s a mausoleum, a chateau, a gate, a haunted house, two half houses, tombstones, an iron tree and more.
Prices for each piece run from $18 to $78. You can buy a gilded leaves table to display it for $1,198, but it also looks great on a space like a mantle or coffee table.
Why we like this spooky village:
This spooky village is delightful to adults and kids alike. Pair it with color-changing lights to up the magic factor.
Gus the Ghost with pumpkin pillow
This adorable throw blanket/pillow hybrid is named Gus. This soft ghost who holds a pumpkin makes an excellent addition to your couch or bed.
See how other shoppers styled it on the Pottery Barn site.
Why we like this pillow:
This comfy pillow reads more cute than spooky.
Peanuts Halloween tableware
Find a selection of Peanuts Halloween tableware at Williams Sonoma. These practical items double as decor, featuring Halloween-ready characters from Snoopy to Charlie Brown.
Find mugs, platters, plates, bowls, juice glasses and more in this collection. The glazed stoneware is microwavable and dishwasher safe.
Prices range from $15 to $60.
Why we like this tableware:
Kids will love this tableware that incorporates a Halloween classic. Bring it out each year to signal the start of the season.
West Elm glass pumpkins
These chic recycled glass pumpkins from West Elm make for ideal display pieces on your mantel. They’re available in three color variations, two sizes and to be purchased as individual pieces or a pair.
Prices range from $30 to $85.
Why we like these pumpkins:
These pumpkins aren’t too flashy but add a festive touch.
The Pioneer Woman 10-inch ceramic pumpkin pie plate with lid
Check out The Pioneer Woman’s take on the fall season at Walmart. This 10-inch ceramic pumpkin pie plate with a lid doubles as decor. It’ll make an excellent fall centerpiece on your table.
This pie plate comes in an orange and a cream color. It’s also dishwasher safe.
Why we like this pie plate:
You’re getting great bang for your buck with this pie plate that doubles as decor.
Brush pumpkins (set of 3)
There’s no such thing as too many pumpkins. Use these brush pumpkins as decor accents.
Choose from two color directions in this set of three pumpkins. One has neutral hues while the other features purples.
These sweet pumpkins are handcrafted and intended for indoor use only.
Why we like these pumpkins:
You can add these pumpkins anywhere, from your mantle to your tablescape, to offer a fall touch.
Rifle Paper Co. Halloween trick-or-treat garland
Add this cute, handmade trick-or-treat garland from Rifle Paper Co. to a kids’ room, or use it as decor for a party. This 84-inch-long garland is made from wool and is adorned with festive jack-o-lanterns and stars. There are loops on each end of this garland for hanging.
Why we like this garland:
This sweet garland announces that trick-or-treat season is here.
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Carolin Lehmann
Carolin Lehmann is an expert in health, fitness, furniture, apparel, gift guides and books for CBS Essentials. She’s always testing new products to recommend. Some of her current favorites include Stanley cups, Alo Yoga workout sets and the Cuzen matcha maker.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has ignored numerous sexual harassment complaints, including against its president Kenny Parcell, according to over two dozen women who spoke to the New York Times in a bombshell exposé about the trade group.
In all, 29 women described to the Times a culture of fear, intimidation and harassment at the 1.56 million-member nonprofit group and its subsidiaries. Nineteen women told the Times they experienced sexual harassment.
“There is the sexual harassment, and then woven into it, this culture of fear,” Stephanie Quinn, the organization’s former director of business meetings and events, who worked at NAR for more than a decade, told the Times.
Sixteen complaints reviewed by the Times involved Parcell, a Utah Realtor who began climbing the leadership ranks in 2020. Three women went public with what was described as a pattern of inappropriate behavior by Parcell, who runs the Kenny Parcell Team at Equity Realty in Spanish Forks, Utah.
One woman reported that Parcell placed his hands down his pants in front of her, while another woman received unsolicited lewd photos and texts from him, including a picture of his crotch. Parcell denied he had done anything inappropriate. He said the picture in question was of a promotional belt buckle and he was asking for input on the design.
A third woman, Janelle Brevard, who filed a lawsuit in the summer, disclosed a consensual relationship with Parcell that lasted months and ended with the NAR president allegedly retaliating against her. (Brevard settled a lawsuit with NAR that included a $107,000 severance payment and signed a nondisclosure agreement, the Times reported.)
Another woman, Amy Swida, a director of business meetings and events at the organization, filed an internal complaint of sexual harassment or gender discrimination by Parcell. Swida alleged that he was cruel and condescending to her after she became pregnant. She worried about being cut off from future opportunities.
“I’m scared every day coming to work,” she told the Times. The NAR said Swida’s complaint was documented and she was promoted several months later. Parcell also denied any wrongdoing toward Swida.
Quinn, who left NAR in 2022, told the Times that Parcell attempted to arrange meetings with younger colleagues at night and that she was constantly expected to hug the president. After she put out a palm to block a hug, Parcell began raising issues with her work. NAR said it never received a complaint from Quinn.
“His behavior is predatory,” Quinn, 52, said of Parcell. “I feel like I was constantly screaming, ‘This is so inappropriate.’”
In a written statement to the Times rebutting the allegations, Parcell said: “I am a friendly and outgoing person in a world that is growing ever more cynical, conflicted, and cold. Well-intended actions on my part are being twisted and distorted.”
Parcell was paid $164,569 by NAR for the 2021 tax year when he was first vice president, according to the nonprofit’s tax records. Charlie Oppler, the NAR president in 2021, was paid $294,798 that year.
Women comprise a majority of the trade group’s membership, but NAR has been led by men for years. Multiple women interviewed by the Times described other alleged incidents they say weren’t addressed by NAR.
Suzi Dunkel-Soto, a Realtor based in California, said the trade group’s chief legal officer never responded to her multiple complaints after a male colleague took a photo under her skirt at a NAR Leadership Academy graduation ceremony in 2018. NAR told The Times it “addressed this incident appropriately with the male Realtor involved.”
Despite a history of complaints of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retribution by Parcell and other leaders, 29 women told the Times that NAR hasn’t addressed sexual harassment issues.
“Everything gets brushed under the rug,” Dunkel-Soto told the Times.
The trade group told the Times it has acted responsibly and responded to complaints properly.
“We follow clear reporting procedures to investigate any issue of concern brought to our attention and take corrective action as needed, up to and including staff termination and member suspension,” the statement said.
Bob Goldberg, the group’s CEO since 2017, told the Times he wouldn’t characterize sexual harassment at NAR “as a problem,” though he later said through a spokesperson that, like any organization, “we are not immune to these challenges, and any single allegation concerns me.”
The NAR, which has more than $1 billion in assets that controls access to nearly every American home listing, is facing other threats – two explosive multibillion-dollar lawsuits threaten to upend the entire system propped up by NAR.
The plaintiffs, representing home sellers around the country, accuse the trade group and several of the country’s largest brokerages of using MLS rules to charge excessive fees and unfairly prop up agent commissions. Should they lose, a judge could rewrite the rules of how agents get paid and it could result in up to $30 billion per year in savings for American consumers. Damages for the cases could be north of $40 billion.
James Kleimann is the managing editor of HW Media’s newsroom.
The audience notices when television series producers try to squeeze too much juice out of the rind. The law of diminishing returns? More like the law of diminishing re-runs!
Some television shows should have quit while they were ahead. Too often, that’s just not how Hollywood works.
1. The Walking Dead
The rare zombie show that receives high critical praise, The Walking Dead eventually became a dead show walking thanks to repetitive plot points, bizarre characters, and increasingly belief-defying storylines. Nearly every Walking Dead fan will give you a similar evaluation: Great, but 11 seasons was far too much.
2. Grey’s Anatomy
Nineteen seasons! That’s how long Dr. Meredith Grey and her band of merry physicians have remained on the air. Many marriages have grown stale after 19 years. How could a television show expect to capture the viewers’ imaginations for darn near two decades (and counting)?
2. Grey’s Anatomy
There’s only so much to do in a hospital, but you don’t let go when you’ve got the coveted 20-to-70-year-old female viewer demographic in a stranglehold. We’re going to need a doctor over here!
3. That 70’s Show
Eight seasons is hardly overdoing it for a comedy show as popular as That ’70s Show. Unfortunately, however, the show went downhill quickly once Topher Grace’s Eric and Ashton Kutcher’s Kelso became increasingly sparse (both actors were increasingly pursuing film roles).
4. Two and a Half Men
Remember when Charlie Sheen was a bona fide television star? America loved them some Charlie Sheen, along with his cast members on Two and a Half Men. After Sheen revealed himself to be a raving lunatic, the show proceeded for four more seasons with Ashton Kutcher in Sheen’s place.
4. Two and a Half Men
Kutcher is entertaining enough, but he’s not a 1-for-1 replacement for Charlie Sheen. And thus, Two and a Half Men slowly fizzled and faded away.
5. The Simpsons
Arguably the best-animated comedy series of all time, The Simpsons has become a parody of itself. Still a plump cash cow after nearly 40 seasons on the air, the comedy aspect of The Simpsons has been lacking for years. Aye, Kurumba, let The Simpsons be d’oh-ver already.
6. Arrested Development
Loyal fans of Arrested Development will attest that the original show ended far too early. As a result, the cult classic never got the expected ratings of a Fox primetime comedy and was canceled after three seasons.
6. Arrested Development
But the two rebooted seasons that aired almost a decade after the original’s cancellation fell flat. Many feel that three seasons of can’t-miss comedy was plenty.
7. Riverdale
Slated to end after seven seasons, Riverdale is a hip twist on Archie Comics. With that pitch, it’s a miracle that Riverdale made it on the air for one episode.
7. Riverdale
But after attracting a sizable, youthful audience, the Riverdale creators have discovered the fickle nature of a young audience. As teen viewers get older, Riverdale stays the same age. Unfortunately, that’s not a good thing.
8. The Big Bang Theory
How much Sheldon is too much Sheldon? Some might say one season is too much, Sheldon. So, The Big Bang Theory’s twelve-season run (with inexplicable popularity throughout) is overkill. Although, considering CBS immediately unleashed Young Sheldon on viewers, did The Big Bang Theory ever really end?
9. Glee
The quirky Glee was like karaoke night on primetime television. A show many avoided like the plague was absolutely must-watch TV for a large population segment. But even hardcore Glee fans will admit that Satisfaction or Vague Feeling of Content would have been more appropriate show titles as the seasons wore on.
10. Roseanne
The Roseanne reboot ended unceremoniously, which may obscure the similarly ungraceful final seasons of the original show. One critic notes that the show became increasingly un-Roseanne-like as writers clawed for new storylines, including infidelity and the Conners winning the lottery.
Source: Reddit.
We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites
10 Crazy Good Movies Where Women Are the Bad Guys
Are you looking for a movie night with a twist? Look no further than these Reddit-voted top ten films where women take on the destructive bad guy role.
10 Crazy Good Movies Where Women Are the Bad Guys
15 Cover Songs that are Better than the Original
Sometimes, a cover of a song ends up doing far better than the original. Some covers are so good that we didn’t even realize the cover version wasn’t actually the original.
15 Cover Songs that are Better than the Original
10 Celebrities Who Are Universally Disliked
People will always have preferences and something to say about celebrities. What you might love may not be the same for others. Whether it’s about their past behaviors, legal issues, or feuds with other celebrities, here is a list of celebrities people just cannot stand.
10 Celebrities Who Are Universally Disliked
25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals
Every once in a while, a movie sequel or remake surpasses the original film. After polling the internet, “Name a single movie where the sequel or remake was better than the original?” Here are the top-voted responses.
25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals
The audience notices when television series producers try to squeeze too much juice out of the rind. The law of diminishing returns? More like the law of diminishing re-runs!
Some television shows should have quit while they were ahead. Too often, that’s just not how Hollywood works.
1. The Walking Dead
The rare zombie show that receives high critical praise, The Walking Dead eventually became a dead show walking thanks to repetitive plot points, bizarre characters, and increasingly belief-defying storylines. Nearly every Walking Dead fan will give you a similar evaluation: Great, but 11 seasons was far too much.
2. Grey’s Anatomy
Nineteen seasons! That’s how long Dr. Meredith Grey and her band of merry physicians have remained on the air. Many marriages have grown stale after 19 years. How could a television show expect to capture the viewers’ imaginations for darn near two decades (and counting)?
2. Grey’s Anatomy
There’s only so much to do in a hospital, but you don’t let go when you’ve got the coveted 20-to-70-year-old female viewer demographic in a stranglehold. We’re going to need a doctor over here!
3. That 70’s Show
Eight seasons is hardly overdoing it for a comedy show as popular as That ’70s Show. Unfortunately, however, the show went downhill quickly once Topher Grace’s Eric and Ashton Kutcher’s Kelso became increasingly sparse (both actors were increasingly pursuing film roles).
4. Two and a Half Men
Remember when Charlie Sheen was a bona fide television star? America loved them some Charlie Sheen, along with his cast members on Two and a Half Men. After Sheen revealed himself to be a raving lunatic, the show proceeded for four more seasons with Ashton Kutcher in Sheen’s place.
4. Two and a Half Men
Kutcher is entertaining enough, but he’s not a 1-for-1 replacement for Charlie Sheen. And thus, Two and a Half Men slowly fizzled and faded away.
5. The Simpsons
Arguably the best-animated comedy series of all time, The Simpsons has become a parody of itself. Still a plump cash cow after nearly 40 seasons on the air, the comedy aspect of The Simpsons has been lacking for years. Aye, Kurumba, let The Simpsons be d’oh-ver already.
6. Arrested Development
Loyal fans of Arrested Development will attest that the original show ended far too early. As a result, the cult classic never got the expected ratings of a Fox primetime comedy and was canceled after three seasons.
6. Arrested Development
But the two rebooted seasons that aired almost a decade after the original’s cancellation fell flat. Many feel that three seasons of can’t-miss comedy was plenty.
7. Riverdale
Slated to end after seven seasons, Riverdale is a hip twist on Archie Comics. With that pitch, it’s a miracle that Riverdale made it on the air for one episode.
7. Riverdale
But after attracting a sizable, youthful audience, the Riverdale creators have discovered the fickle nature of a young audience. As teen viewers get older, Riverdale stays the same age. Unfortunately, that’s not a good thing.
8. The Big Bang Theory
How much Sheldon is too much Sheldon? Some might say one season is too much, Sheldon. So, The Big Bang Theory’s twelve-season run (with inexplicable popularity throughout) is overkill. Although, considering CBS immediately unleashed Young Sheldon on viewers, did The Big Bang Theory ever really end?
9. Glee
The quirky Glee was like karaoke night on primetime television. A show many avoided like the plague was absolutely must-watch TV for a large population segment. But even hardcore Glee fans will admit that Satisfaction or Vague Feeling of Content would have been more appropriate show titles as the seasons wore on.
10. Roseanne
The Roseanne reboot ended unceremoniously, which may obscure the similarly ungraceful final seasons of the original show. One critic notes that the show became increasingly un-Roseanne-like as writers clawed for new storylines, including infidelity and the Conners winning the lottery.
Source: Reddit.
We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites
10 Crazy Good Movies Where Women Are the Bad Guys
Are you looking for a movie night with a twist? Look no further than these Reddit-voted top ten films where women take on the destructive bad guy role.
10 Crazy Good Movies Where Women Are the Bad Guys
15 Cover Songs that are Better than the Original
Sometimes, a cover of a song ends up doing far better than the original. Some covers are so good that we didn’t even realize the cover version wasn’t actually the original.
15 Cover Songs that are Better than the Original
10 Celebrities Who Are Universally Disliked
People will always have preferences and something to say about celebrities. What you might love may not be the same for others. Whether it’s about their past behaviors, legal issues, or feuds with other celebrities, here is a list of celebrities people just cannot stand.
10 Celebrities Who Are Universally Disliked
25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals
Every once in a while, a movie sequel or remake surpasses the original film. After polling the internet, “Name a single movie where the sequel or remake was better than the original?” Here are the top-voted responses.
25 Extraordinary Sequels and Remakes That Outshine the Originals
The Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock. The infamous Salem witch trials. The Boston Tea Party. New England fall foliage. Clam chowder. Harvard University. What do all these iconic places, things and events have in common? Massachusetts.
Living in this popular New England state, you’re living surrounded by the early history of the United States, from the first public library and the first Thanksgiving. You have access to world-class higher education at Massachusett’s many esteemed universities and colleges.
From fall foliage to breezy beaches, its landscapes capture that perfect mental picture of New England’s nature. It’s the home of Boston, one of the most popular cities on the East Coast. Also, you can’t beat the clam chowder and seafood.
Massachusetts also boasts a high median household income of $84,385. But, as one of the most desirable states to live in New England, the cost of living in Massachusetts often exceeds the national average. Boston, in particular, is very expensive. But other cities around the state are cheaper. Just because the cost of living is particularly high in one area doesn’t mean the entire state is unaffordable. The right place to live in Massachusetts depends on your budget and lifestyle. Here’s what you can expect in terms of the cost of living expenses around Massachusetts in 2022.
Massachusetts housing prices
Housing costs in Massachusetts are higher than the national average. This is true even of small cities located far from major metro areas. The average cost for an apartment or rental in small towns and cities around the state is higher than in other similarly-sized towns elsewhere. Rates are generally still manageable, though. Especially if you’re living in a small- or mid-sized college town, you won’t lack roommate options. But, in some cities, the cost of living in Montana for housing is scarily high.
This is what you can expect to pay for housing in two different Massachusetts cities. One is at the extreme western edge of the state, with a population of around 42,500. The closest big cities are Springfield and Albany, both roughly an hour away. The other city is at the complete opposite end of the state. It’s the most populous city in the state and a major, influential East Coast urban center.
Boston
You must really like baked beans and the Red Socks to put up with the cost of housing in Boston, which is 120.9 percent higher than the national average. This puts it up there among the most expensive places to live in the United States.
You can expect to pay around $3,887 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city. A two-bedroom apartment kicks things up significantly to $4,982. These prices are up 9 and 10 percent, respectively, from the previous year.
Home prices here exceed the statewide median sales price. Buying a home in Boston has a median sale price of $780,000, which is 3.6 percent higher than last year.
Pittsfield
Housing costs in the charming, peaceful city of Pittsfield in western Massachusetts are 12.5 percent higher than the national average. Prices are also on the rise. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,250 per month, which is up 14 percent from last year. The cost for a two-bedroom has climbed even more. Jumping 57 percent from last year, the average two-bedroom apartment around town will set you back $1,450.
The cost of buying a home here is also rising. Up 37.2 percent from last year, the median sales price for a house around Pittsfield is $269,500. However, since the median home sale price around the state is $560,000, Pittsfield prices are a steal.
Food prices
People in Massachusetts love food. It’s no surprise why. Boston is a bonafide foodie destination thanks to its namesake baked beans and cream. The lengthy Massachusetts coastline serves up all kinds of fresh and delicious seafood like clams and lobsters.
Massachusetts is among the top five states for most expensive average grocery costs. Massachusetts residents shell out between $3,601 to $4,000 a year per person for food. So, consequently, the cost of living in Montana for food is higher than the national average.
Boston comes in first place for the highest food costs in the state. Pittsfield ranks a more reasonable amount above the national average:
Boston is 16 percent above the national average
Pittsfield is 7.3 percent above the national average
Doing a line-by-line comparison of food costs in the two cities reveals that most staple food items have fairly similar costs. Picking up a half-gallon of milk in Boston costs $2.76. Pittsfield is slightly cheaper at $2.52. A dozen eggs cost almost exactly the same at $2.22 in Boston and $2.23 in Pittsfield. Steak lovers will prefer Pittsfield over Boston when it comes to steak prices. You’ll be paying $17.92 for steak in the City on a Hill, but a more affordable $11.68 on Pittsfield.
Since Boston is such a big food town, expect to pay more for dining out, as well. Going out to a three-course meal at a nice restaurant for date night costs $82.50 compared to $69.50 in Pittsfield. You’ll pay the same for a casual meal out in both cities at $20.
Utility prices
Electricity, internet and water are the biggest slices of the utility pie. Massachusetts gets its energy and electricity from a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. These include hydropower, coal and nuclear. Natural gas is the biggest supplier.
Utilities are the one area where Pittsfield or Boston dip below the national average for cost of living:
Pittsfield is 5.1 percent below the national average
Boston is 23.5 percent above the national average
Similar to its other cost of living categories, Boston residents pay more for utilities. Total energy costs for the month total around $250.47. But in Pittsfield, you’ll be paying around $161.38. But, in a twist, the internet is more expensive in Pittsfield than in Boston. Paying for 60 megabits per second in Pittsfield costs $104.33. But, in Boston, you’ll only pay around $62.40. That’s a difference of 67 percent.
Transportation prices
From buses to subway to ferry routes, there are tons of different ways to get around Massachusetts’ cities and towns. Not only does it save on gas, parking and other car-related expenses, but you can watch charming college towns or scenic bays glide by. Big cities like Boston have huge transit providers, and Massachusetts also has a robust regional transit system. Fifteen different agencies provide regional public transportation in smaller cities and towns around the state.
However, the cost of living in Massachusetts for transportation in all these cities is higher than the national average. So, while you save money on your car, you’ll be pay more for transportation than the average American:
Boston is 21.1 percent above the national average
Pittsfield is 23.2 percent above the national average
The cost of transportation in Pittsfield and Boston is pretty close. But Pittsfield beats Boston slightly for transportation prices. Here’s what you can expect to pay to ride local transit in these two cities.
Berkshire Regional Transit Authority in Pittsfield
This bus-only agency provides public transportation to the residents of Pittsfield and surrounding Greater Berkshire County. It operates 14 fixed bus routes, as well as paratransit services.
A single ride within the local network costs $1.75 if you pay in cash. Paying with a Charlie Card knocks off 20 cents, bringing it down to $1.55. A 30-day pass costs $52. For systemwide access, fares start at $4 with the Charlie Card and a 30-day pass is $140.
Public transportation around Pittsfield has a low transit score of 30. If you don’t want to take the bus or your car, there are other ways to get around town. As a safe, close-knit community, it’s easy to navigate town on foot. This is especially true of the downtown area and family-friendly neighborhoods. Pittsfield scores a high 70 for walking. But, it’s not so bike-friendly, ranking only 48 on the bike score.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in Boston
Boston gets its public transportation from the MBTA. Locals call it the “T”. Their fleet and services consist of bus routes, subway, rail and water ferry routes. Their service extends beyond the city of Boston to the Greater Boston metro area. It has 177 bus lines, three ferry routes and four subway lines accessing 128 stops.
MBTA fares vary depending on what type of service you’re using. A one-way adult ticket on the subway costs $2.40 with cash or Charlie Card. A single bus fare is $1.70. For the commuter rail and ferry, fares encompass a range based on the route or distance traveled. A one-way ferry ride costs between $3.70 and $9.75. On the commuter rail, you pay between $2.40 and $13.25 depending on how far you travel.
Passes similarly vary. A subway and bus day pass is $12.75. A monthly LinkPass for the two costs $90 with unlimited travel. Commuter rail monthly passes are as low as $90 and as high as $426. You’ll pay between $90 and $329 for a monthly ferry pass. Since monthly parking passes around Boston average $300, you need to decide for yourself if using public transit offers enough savings or convenience. If you choose to drive, you’ll have to pay tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike. Toll rates depend on the length of time you’re using the toll road to use one of the harbor tunnels or go out to Logan Airport. Rates start at around $1.75 for two-axle vehicles.
With such diverse public transportation options, it’s no surprise Boston has a high transit score of 80. Its dense urban center and vibrant neighborhoods are why Boston also has very high walk and bike scores. This ultra-pedestrian-friendly city boasts a stellar 89 walk score and 77 bike score.
Healthcare prices
Similar to many other costs of living categories, the cost of living for healthcare around Massachusetts is higher than the national average. But that number is extremely subjective. Health, and therefore, healthcare costs can vary widely by person, even within the same city. Some people have to pay more for prescriptions, higher insurance premiums, out-of-pocket costs for check-ups and more. This is why it’s so difficult to find the average healthcare cost of an area and you should take any statistics or figures with a grain of salt. Here’s how these two Massachusetts cities stack up to the national average:
Pittsfield is 15.1 percent above the national average
Boston is 17 percent above the national average
That being said, Massachusetts has it pretty good healthcare-wise. The state is consistently ranked as being one of the healthiest nationwide, as well as having the best healthcare. It’s home to renowned hospitals like the Boston Children’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. Since Massachusetts is famous for its top universities, it also has many top-tier medical schools and leading research facilities. With universities around the state producing world-class doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals, naturally state hospitals staff the best.
Even for such a healthy state, it’s important to still go to see your doctors at least once a year. Out-of-pocket costs for a doctor visit cost roughly the same in both cities at $182.50 in Boston and $185 in Pittsfield. Going to the dentist in Boston is slightly pricier at $131.50 compared to Pittsfield’s $117. Even with higher costs above the national average, you’re still paying for the best in healthcare.
Goods and services prices
Spilled some baked beans on your shirt and need to take it to the dry cleaners? Going to get your hair cut before a sunny afternoon out in Pittsfield? These various services and items fall under the category of miscellaneous goods and services. While these may seem like small expenditures, they can add up fast. This is especially true in big cities like Boston. That’s why you need to consider how expensive these items and services are in a particular state. The average cost of living for goods and services in Massachusetts cities is above the national average:
Pittsfield is 8.2 percent above the national average
Boston is 19.9 percent above the national average
Just because one city has the highest overall rates doesn’t mean all services are more expensive. For that dry-cleaning run, you’ll actually be paying more in Pittsfield. It costs $23 to go to the dry cleaners there, but $16 in Boston. In Boston, it’s better to let your hair grow longer than pay $43.33 for a cut. Or, drive over to Pittsfield and get it done for half at $23.
Taxes in Massachusetts
Since you’ll also be paying taxes on those goods, services, food and other essentials, it’s important to know how much is going to tax. Massachusetts has a statewide sales tax rate of 6.25 percent. To put that into perspective, when you spend $1,000 on Red Sox tickets, you’ll pay an extra $62.50 for taxes.
But that’s all you’ll be paying in tax. Massachusetts doesn’t have any city or county sales taxes to add to the statewide rate. That means that:
Pittsfield has a combined tax rate of 6.25 percent
Boston has a combined tax rate of 6.25 percent
The other tax you need to consider is the income tax. A certain amount will come out of each paycheck, which impacts your monthly budget. In Massachusetts, income tax is a flat 5 percent. Massachusetts used to have high enough taxes that it earned the nickname Taxachusetts. But, they’ve cut taxes significantly to bring the rate down.
How much do I need to earn to live in Massachusetts?
Now the crucial question: Is life in Massachusetts within your means? Experts recommend not spending more than 30 percent of your gross monthly income on rent. The cost of living for housing in Massachusetts is generally the biggest slice of the monthly budget pie. You need enough left over for groceries, savings and other essentials and incidentals.
Considering the 30 percent rule, you’d need to make around $104,592 a year to afford Massachusetts’ average rental rate of $2,615 for a one-bedroom apartment. That comes out to roughly $8,719 per month in income. Since the median household income in the state is $84,385, showing that housing is priced out of the average person’s reach.
Cities like Boston are already getting prohibitively expensive. But, you may have more luck in smaller cities and towns.
Use our rent calculator to see if you can live comfortably in Massachusetts based on factors like monthly pre-tax income and expenses.
Living in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is not the cheapest state, and the cost of living is going up in many areas. Housing, in particular, is being hit hard. But living here has plenty of other benefits like fun cities, great access to the outdoors and all those great Boston foods. If you can comfortably afford the rising cost of living in Massachusetts, you, too can spend summers out on Cape Cod and study at world-class universities.
The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of July 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.
At what point after graduating college do we let go of collapsible dinner tables and high-end knock-offs? For interior designer Charlie Ferrer, the answer is ASAP. The Chelsea-based creative founded his own interior design studio and gallery in 2012, offering a plethora of furniture, lighting, and art by both notable and emerging designers. The joint practice has been the go-to agency for fellow creatives and private collectors who appreciate his eclectic eye. Here, Ferrer discusses his personal favorite artists, the importance of supporting smaller talent, and the secret to putting together a tasteful interior.
CULTURED: What do you think makes the New York art scene distinct?
Charlie Ferrer: The density of resources. New York has the highest concentration of galleries, dealers, institutions, working artists, curators, advisors, conservators, and, not least, collectors. This proximity of people and talent, money and ideas, breeds a highly productive atmosphere.
CULTURED: You’ve been billed as a “millennial designer.” What do you think this generation is doing right and wrong in their homes?
Ferrer: There are plenty of young collectors participating in the art and design markets at advanced levels, and that’s great. I wish for more participation at the emerging level. There is a vast world of young people making art. Where are their collector counterparts? I would love to see the coalescence of a larger community of “emerging collectors,” a group that supports their artist contemporaries, choosing art and design purchases as frequently as other discretionary categories like fashion and travel. The spend can be modest—it’s less about money and more about curiosity, education, a shift in focus. I rarely walk into the home of a 30-year-old or even a 38-year-old to find a handful of thoughtfully collected pictures or objects. I find this reality disappointing.
This same wish extends to interiors and collectible design. Millennials tend to consume commodified retail products. Why choose formless sectionals, poorly knocked-off Scandinavian design and Pierre Jeanneret reproductions when there are so many opportunities for an individualized expression of taste? Historical design and specialty goods for the home are more accessible now than ever.
CULTURED: How does a client’s art collection impact your vision for their interiors? How did you build your space around your own?
Ferrer: I am selling collected environments. When a client comes to me with an existing collection of art and/or design, we make space for it. I prefer that every room I touch contains art and objects, but I do not necessarily design rooms for art or the inverse—select art for specific rooms. I suppose large-scale works are one exception. If a work requires a massive wall, a special path of access into the space, etc, we plan for that early on in our process.
Philosophically, I believe in collecting for the sake of a collection and creating interiors that support and dialogue with that collection. I build spaces through an iterative process of layering in which every object is something of meaning on its own. As a project evolves, an assemblage of cool things grows. The vision for the project as a whole eventually takes form. The sum of its parts feels eclectic and organically collected because it is. The best projects are never really finished, they keep evolving, even if just in small ways.
When it comes time to install art, I do like to hang densely, often asymmetrically and sometimes unconventionally, so long as the client is on board.
David Morehouse worked at the Hammer during our years there. Through David, I enjoyed a lot of exposure to artists and collectors and dealers—artists like Mark Bradford, Mark Hagen, Elliott Hundley; collectors Eugenio López, Beth Rudin DeWoody, Bill Bell, Alan Hergott and Curt Shepard; dealers Shaun Regen, Hannah Hoffman, Nino Mier, David Kordansky. The art world in LA 10 plus years ago felt like a small club. That period in my life was vastly eye-opening. It clued me into a world I did not know. Though I had a gallery for a year where we showed furniture and art (featured in CULTURED‘s Spring 2013 issue), I don’t think I actually acquired any art for myself until I left for New York.
CULTURED: What is the first piece you ever bought?
Ferrer: An abstract painting by Shinpei Kageshima from Take Ninagawa at NADA, Miami Basel in 2011. That was an exciting moment for me—being at a busy fair, finding a work by a young artist that spoke to me, shown by a dealer who had come from so far away, offered at a price I could conceivably afford.
CULTURED: Which work provokes the most conversation from visitors?
Ferrer: A mixed media piece composed of used socks, silicon, and pigment on canvas called A Rag of Sorts by Jesse James Thompson. It is appealingly tactile and fetishistic. The colors are beautiful and so is the bronze frame I had made for it. I bought the work out of a group show of MFA candidates put on by Edsel Williams at The Fireplace Project in East Hampton.
CULTURED: Which artist are you currently most excited about and why?
Ferrer: Kevin Beasley, in particular his figurative sculptures, for their rich materiality and the palpable emotion they embody for me. Pretty much anything is shown by Gordon Veneklasen at Michael Werner. The quality of their program is impeccable. On the design side, I am impressed by what Alex May is doing with SIZED out of Los Angeles. The shows are broad and ambitious. They inspire me.
CULTURED: What was the most challenging piece in your personal collection to acquire?
Ferrer: For lovers, maybe, but for art I’m not one to play the hard-to-get game. I just don’t have the bandwidth to get involved at that level personally. I suppose for me the toughest acquisition was my César sculpture because it was a matter of finding the funds when I found the piece. Sometimes, I stretch my limits to get a work I know I want. There is a distinctive gut feeling, a reflex. I imagine others can relate… The timing was right enough for the César. Thankfully, the gallery was patient, and it worked out. I am very fond of that piece.
CULTURED: Is there one piece that got away, or that you still think about?
Ferrer: One of Christopher Wilmarth’s ethereal glasswork sculptures at Craig Starr Gallery. Craig put on a show in 2020 that I continue to daydream about.
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Investing is a way to increase your wealth based on your risk tolerance and time horizon
The best investments for low-risk investors looking for moderate returns are index funds, government bonds, and high-yield savings accounts
The best investments for high-risk investors that want high returns are individual stocks, real estate, and cryptocurrencies
Investing is one of the best ways to grow your wealth and improve your financial future. One of the keys to finding the best investments is to recognize the power of compound interest. The credit bureau Experian® describes compound interest as “when interest gets added to the principal amount invested or borrowed, and then the interest rate applies to the new (larger) principal.”
There are many ways you can invest, and some investments earn more than others, and some investments are riskier than others. Today, you’re going to learn about the nine best investments in 2023 based on average returns as well as your personal risk tolerance.
The investing information provided is for educational purposes only. We recommend consulting a financial professional before investing.
The best investments
The best investments right now to grow your wealth include:
High-yield Savings Accounts
Short-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Government Bonds
Corporate Bonds
Real Estate and REITs
Individual Stocks
Index Funds
Exchange-traded Funds (ETFs)
Cryptocurrency
1. High-yield Savings Accounts
High-yield savings accounts are similar to a regular savings account, but you’ll often earn more interest by keeping your money in one of these accounts. You can sign up for a high-yield savings account through many banks and credit unions, and some accounts can earn you anywhere from three to four percent annually.
If you have or plan on making an emergency fund, Javier Simon from SmartAsset recommends using one of these accounts. “Anyone looking to open a rainy day or emergency fund that provides a higher-than-average interest rate and high liquidity should consider a high-yield savings account,” writes Simon. You’re saving anyway, so why not make money from storing your funds?
Best investment for: People with lower risk tolerance and who are good at saving. This is one of the safest investments with high returns because many banks are FDIC insured, so even if the economy has a downturn, your money is backed by the government.
Risk level: Very low
How to invest: Banks, credit unions, and online banks
Potential returns: Moderate
2. Short-term Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
When looking for where to invest money, many people turn to certificates of deposit, which are also known as CDs. Like high-yield savings accounts, CDs are another type of account. CDs work by allowing you to deposit your money with the caveat that you don’t withdraw the money for a certain amount of time. Once that time frame expires, you’ll receive your money back as well as the interest.
Best investment for: People willing to store their money for one, three, or five years, which are the average predetermined time frames. Just remember, unlike a savings account, there’s a fee for withdrawing your money early.
Risk level: Very low
How to invest: Banks and credit unions
Potential returns: Moderate returns that sometimes exceed those of high-yield savings accounts
3. Government Bonds
Sometimes, the government needs to borrow money, so they offer people the option to loan them money via government bonds. Like CDs, these bonds are for a specified period, but they provide regular payments. Peoples sometimes use bonds as one of the best passive income investments due to these payments.
One caveat to note is the return on government bonds varies depending on how the economy is doing.
Best investment for: People with a low risk tolerance often buy government bonds. Unless the government fails, there’s not much that will prevent getting your return from this investment. Unlike other investments, government bonds can last for up to 30 years.
Risk level: Very low
How to invest: The United States Treasury or through a stock broker
Potential returns: Low
4. Corporate Bonds
Like government bonds, corporate bonds are loans, but you’re providing that loan to a company. This investment helps companies that need money to invest in new products and expand their business. Since these aren’t backed by the government, they can be riskier because the company may go out of business. Although these have a higher risk, they also have a higher return than government bonds.
Best investment for: Individuals with a higher risk tolerance and are looking for higher returns may want to invest in corporate bonds. These bonds pay out regularly, and they’re a safer investment when buying bonds from large, stable companies that have been around for a while.
Risk level: Moderate to high
How to invest: Stock brokerages
Potential returns: High
5. Real Estate and REITs
One of the investment ideas many people turn to is real estate because it can provide extremely high returns when the housing market is good. The downside is that when the housing market has a downturn, as we saw in 2008, people experience big losses.
Rather than investing in real estate, you can invest in real estate stocks, which are called real estate investment trusts (REITs). These stocks are for companies that own properties like malls, office buildings, and other forms of real estate that generate revenue. These can be slightly less risky but still have some risk due to the nature of real estate.
Best investment for: Those who are looking for high returns or have a diversified portfolio already and can weather some higher-risk investments.
Risk level: High
How to invest: Mortgage broker for real estate and stock brokerages for REITs
Potential returns: High
6. Individual Stocks
Individual stocks are available to everyone, and when the average person buys these types of stocks, they’re known as “retail investors.” You may have heard of retail investors investing in individual stocks during the GameStop stock hype of 2021, which also showed how risky individual stocks can be.
Individual stocks come with a high risk and high reward. Basically, you’re buying a portion of a single company, also known as a share of the company. Numerous factors dictate the price of a stock including the profits or losses of the company as well as speculation of the future of the company.
Best investment for: People who are looking for higher returns and don’t mind the risk may want to invest in individual stocks. These stocks can involve doing a lot of research into a company in order to make a quality decision. It’s possible for single stocks have the potential for large returns and losses. For example, investing in Amazon (AMZN) in 2018 and selling in 2021 would have over a 100 percent return, but buying in 2021 and selling in 2022 would have a 50 percent loss.
Risk level: High
How to invest: Stock brokerage
Potential returns: Low to high
7. Index Funds
Index funds are a type of stock, but rather than owning one stock, you’ll own multiple stocks. These stocks track a specific market, like the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones. When purchasing an index fund, there are often low fees and steady returns. The famous investor and founder of The Vanguard Group, John C. Bogel, popularized investing in index funds. This type of investing is popular because indexes like S&P 500 index funds track the 500 largest companies in the United States.
Best investment for: People who are new to investing as you don’t need to regularly check in and research different companies because index funds track the top companies in the U.S.
Risk level: Low
How to invest: Stock brokerage companies
Potential returns: Moderate
8. Exchange-traded Funds (ETFs)
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are similar to index funds because your single stock has shares of multiple companies, but ETFs are usually for specific industries or categories. For example, ARK Invest is a well-known ETF that often invests in technology companies, and there are other ETFs that have an assortment of bonds, like Vanguard’s Bond Market Index Fund (BND).
Best investment for: People with a moderate level of risk tolerance. ETFs can be thought of as a mix between index funds and individual stocks since they’re riskier than index funds, but they’re less risky than individual stocks because you’re more diversified.
Risk level: Moderate
How to invest: Stock brokerage
Potential returns: Low to high
9. Alternative Investments
Cryptocurrency trading is a hot topic, but many people don’t fully understand how it works. Cryptocurrencies are a digital form of currency that’s traded on a network known as the blockchain. The first cryptocurrency was Bitcoin, and now, there’s an endless number of cryptocurrencies. Many people have become millionaires or billionaires from investing in crypto, but it’s an extremely volatile market, and many more have also lost their life savings.
Currently, there is very little to no regulation around cryptocurrency, and much of the investing involves speculation. Notable investors like Warren Buffett and his business partner Charlie Munger have been highly critical of crypto investing, calling it, “worthless, artificial gold.”
Best investment for: People with a high risk tolerance and can tolerate losing their investment may find high returns with crypto investing.
Risk level: Very high
How to invest: Crypto exchanges
Potential returns: Very high
How to Choose the Best Investments
There’s no single right way to choose the best investments because it’s dependent on your unique situation. To make the best choice for yourself, you’ll need to assess your personal risk tolerance and when you’re hoping to cash out on your investments.
1. Assess Your Risk Tolerance
When it comes to investing, the higher the risk, the higher the reward, but it can also mean bigger losses due to unforeseen circumstances. While looking at the top nine best investments, consider how risky they are and whether or not they’re right for you. If you’re concerned about losing money and simply want steady, average returns from your investments, you may want to choose investments that are lower risk.
2. Gauge Your Time Horizon
An important aspect of investing is when you plan on needing the returns from your investment. Many people invest as a way to save for retirement, but some people invest in order to make money to pursue another goal, like purchasing a new home or going on a big trip. For those with a longer time frame of 10 or more years, you can tolerate making low-risk investments with steady returns. If you need the returns sooner, you may want to look into taking more risks.
A simple way to invest based on your time horizon is to use target date funds. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission describes target date funds as being “designed to be long-term investments for individuals with particular retirement dates in mind.” With this type of fund, you set the date you plan on retiring or selling your investments, and it will automatically adjust for risk.
3. Recognize Your Personal Investment Knowledge
Investing does come along with some risks, and these risks vary depending on which type of investing you do. For example, investing in a high-yield savings account is much less of a risk than investing in individual stocks. As a way to minimize your risk and be fully aware of the risks you’re taking, it’s helpful to educate yourself further on each investment and gauge your personal knowledge.
There’s always room to grow your investing and personal finance knowledge. Even the greatest investors in the world continue to learn as much as they can about investment strategies.
4. Assess How Much You Can Budget for Investing
When getting started on your investment journey, it’s often a good idea to minimize your debts as much as possible before creating a budget. For example, if you have a high amount of credit card debt, the interest you’re paying will counteract the money you’re putting into different investment opportunities.
Once you have minimal debt, you can create a budget to see how much you can invest each month. With many of the investments covered here, you can set up automatic investments to make the process a little easier as well.
Best Investments: FAQ
Now, you know about various investments as well as the risk associated with each one. The following are some additional frequently asked questions to help you get started with investing.
What Is Compound Interest?
Compound interest is when the money you make from interest starts making you additional money as well. For example, with a 10 percent interest rate, $1,000 would make you $100. The following year, you’d earn 10 percent interest on $1,100 because that extra $100 you earned will earn interest as well.
Without investing anything else, your original $1,000 investment will be more than double your original investment in 10 years.
Which Investment Gives the Highest Returns?
Investments that have the highest return opportunities include real estate, individual stocks, and alternative investments like cryptocurrencies. Just be sure to keep in mind that these investments also come with the most risk.
Is It OK to Invest During Times of Uncertainty?
Investing during uncertain times can bring better-than-average returns later on. Marcus by Goldman Sachs recommends taking the long view when making your investments. Even during a bad economy, historical data shows that it eventually recovers. You’ll just need to assess your risk and decide if you can weather the storm until it rebounds.
Should You Invest with Bad Credit?
Investing is a way to save for your retirement or future purchases, and it can increase your overall net worth. If you have bad credit or a lot of debt, it may be best to wait on investing because that money could go to paying off debt, improving your credit, and increasing your financial security.
If you need help improving or repairing your credit score, allow Credit.com to help. We have services like ExtraCredit, and we can also provide you with a free credit report card. We’ll be there to help you learn how to improve your credit as well as other ways to increase your wealth, so sign up today!