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If you want to buy term life insurance, you’ve got a few options. You could work with an agent in your area if you’d prefer a face-to-face interaction, or you can buy online if you prefer the convenience of an electronic process.

However, not all online life insurance agencies are created equal. If you’re shopping around for term life quotes, it’s important to understand what to look for to help you get the best value.

What to expect when you’re applying for coverage

Anyone who has gone through a life insurance application in the past could tell you that life insurance carriers are some of the most thorough and careful companies in the world. This is because life insurance policies are priced based on the applicant’s risk of death.

However, the process of applying has come a long way, and it’s actually gotten pretty simple – especially online. Nowadays, most of the heavy lifting is done behind the scenes.

If you add a good agency into the mix, applying for life insurance is practically painless, since it will handle almost everything that doesn’t require your signature or further clarification from you.

Generally, buying a life insurance policy will take between two and six weeks, and the process tends to follow a consistent format.

Step 1: Submit an application

When you find a price you like, you can choose a carrier to submit a formal application with. Choosing a carrier to apply with isn’t a binding decision, and you’re always free to back out of an application to go a different direction.

Step 2: Take a medical exam

Life insurance carriers will require you to take a medical exam see how healthy you are. This is free for you and the examiner will even come to your home or office to make things convenient.

Step 3: Wait for your medical records

The carrier will order a copy of your medical records from your doctor, which could take anywhere between hours and weeks, depending on how well-organized your doctor keeps their records.

Step 4: Tie up loose ends

After the exam is completed, medical records have been received, and any other questions the carrier needs answered are out of the way, your application will be reviewed. Once you get the final OK from the carrier, your policy will be approved, and you’ll be on your way to getting coverage!

Let’s look at each of these steps in a little more detail.

Submitting your application

Starting your life insurance journey will often begin with getting a quote, which will show you prospective prices based on a few key factors, like the amount of coverage you’d need, how long you want it to last, and a few health and lifestyle questions.

Interested? Check out a few prices. Quotacy has an online quoting tool you can use – no commitment required.

Taking the medical exam

After applying for coverage, the life insurance carrier will require you to take a quick medical exam in order to be approved for coverage. Because life insurance pricing is based on your mortality risk, the carrier needs to verify your current medical situation.

The medical exam is a free mini-physical performed by an examiner and scheduled by the carrier. It can happen anywhere, even in your home or office, whenever you can spare half an hour.

  • Typical exams consist of:
  • A few questions about your medical history
  • A list of any medications you’re taking
  • Height and weight measurements
  • Pulse and blood pressure check
  • A urine sample
  • A blood sample

Preparing for your exam

The measurements that are taken during the exam are extremely important, and being prepared is your best bet to ensure a good outcome. In the time before your exam, you should remember to:

  • Fast for 6-8 hours – this will reduce your blood sugar. Scheduling your exam in the morning can make this easy if you skip breakfast.
  • Don’t smoke for at least one hour prior – smoking temporarily raises your blood pressure.
  • Don’t drink coffee for at least one hour prior – caffeine can increase your blood pressure and raise your pulse.
  • Avoid alcohol for 8 hours prior – it’s high in calories, and can raise your blood sugar and blood pressure.
  • Avoid overly salty and sugary foods for one day beforehand – both salt and sugar raise your blood pressure.
  • Drink lots of water – this hydrates you to help make the blood draw a lot easier and less painful.
  • No strenuous exercise the night before or the day of your exam – as your body repairs from exercise, your blood pressure and pulse rise slightly.
  • No sexual activity for one day beforehand (for men, at least) – gettin’ freaky lowers the PSA levels in your blood, which is one of the ways that carriers evaluate your prostate health.
  • Get a good night’s sleep – being well-rested lowers blood pressure. As an added bonus, if you’re afraid of needles, having a full eight hours can help your body negate the physical effects of your phobia.

Waiting for your medical records

Before your life insurance application is approved, insurance carriers order copies of your medical and driving records to help them get a better idea of any insurability risks you might have. Just like with the medical exam, the carrier orders these records behind the scenes on their own dime.

Because the laws protecting a patient’s medical records are extremely strict, you will need to sign a form authorizing your doctor to release your records to the insurance company and agency you’re working with.

At this point, all you’ll need to do is sit and wait for the records to arrive. Depending on how efficient your doctor is at sending them along, waiting for this step to be completed can either happen overnight or take a few weeks.

Answering additional questions

In addition to everything else that happens during your application, the carrier will sometimes have follow-up questions for you which will help them get to know you a bit better. These questions can be about anything from medical conditions to your hobbies to your travel plans.

A lot of the time, the questions a carrier asks can be pretty scary to someone trying to protect their family. Many clients see a questionnaire about their sleep apnea, or their diabetes, or their battle with cancer, and assume that the carrier will decline them on the spot.

It’s important to keep in mind that even though there are many factors that can affect your rate during this time, you’ll likely be able to get coverage. The whole reason that insurance carriers have flexible prices is because they want to offer coverage to as many people as possible, regardless of the circumstances.

Here’s a quick list of example questions you could see during an application, depending on your circumstances.

If you have a medical condition:

  • How severe is it?
  • How is it being treated?
  • Is the treatment effective?

If you have a risky hobby, like hang gliding or rock climbing:

  • What level of experience or certification do you have?
  • How often do you participate in your hobby?
  • How much time have you dedicated to your hobby?

This isn’t a comprehensive list, by any means, but hopefully it will give you an idea of what the carrier is looking for.

Waiting for approval

Once the carrier has everything they need, your application will enter the approval process. This is when the carrier’s underwriters will review everything they’ve collected as a whole, and evaluate where the final price of your insurance policy should be set.

If you’re approved for coverage, you’ll be sent a packet containing your policy itself as well as a few documents that you’ll need to sign and return so the carrier can finalize your coverage. This step is also when the carrier will collect your payment information so that they can set up your billing on their end.

Depending on the carrier you apply with, you will either be sent digital forms or a physical policy booklet. Regardless of the format, you should store your policy securely and have a plan in place to help your family find it in the event of your death, so they can claim your death benefit.

After a bit more processing by the carrier to wrap up any loose ends, you’ll receive a notification that your policy is inforce. That means that everything’s in place on the carrier’s end of things, and your coverage has been activated! All that’s left for you to do is make your premium payments according to your payment plan, and your family will be covered.

Eric Lindholm is a writer for Quotacy, and he’s personally guided hundreds of people through their own life insurance journeys since joining in 2016. Eric lives in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, where he’s busy paying off his student loans and making the most of his time as a 20-something. You can connect with him and see what he’s up to at EricLindholm.biz.

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Source: mint.intuit.com

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Before I dig into this topic, let me just put this out there: Expiration dates are important and you should always consider them so you don’t get food poisoning and end up in the hospital or whatever. Please don’t interpret this post as my arguing that expiration dates are total bull.

That being said, expiration dates are total bull. Just kidding! Well, kind of. I recently came across an alarming study from Harvard, which found that Americans waste 160 billion tons [Editor’s Note: Kristin pointed out that she should have written 160 billion pounds] of food annually. A similar 2012 study from the NRDC calculated that waste in terms of dollars: We throw out about $165 billion worth of food and beverages each year. On average, that’s between $275 and $400 per household.

The Dating Game

The Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic titled their study “The Dating Game,” and they came to the conclusion that many “sell by” dates don’t really have anything to do with safety. Companies mostly determine those dates based on taste tests.

Emily Broad Leib, who authored the study, told CBS, “The dates are undefined in law and have nothing to do with safety. They are just a manufacturer suggestion of peak quality.”

But of course, food does go bad. Despite the liberal expiration date on that cup of Dannon in the back of your fridge, you probably shouldn’t eat it if it’s been there since the ’90s. Okay, you definitely shouldn’t eat it if it’s been there since the ’90s.

But Leib urges consumers to be aware that when manufacturers determine expiration dates, they’re mostly thinking about protecting their brand rather than public safety. The purpose of the Harvard study was to push for a more reliable labeling system for food.

“Make an Assessment”

Until the system changes, what’s the solution? Are we supposed to simply turn a blind eye to expiration dates and pray against food poisoning?

Well, of course not. Here’s Leib’s suggestion:

“Consumers need to take that extra minute to actually look at their food and smell their food and make an assessment. When we just rely on these dates and throw everything away after the date, we’re leading to really high rates of food waste.”

Sounds like good ol’ common sense, but her study found that 90 percent of households throw out food that’s still perfectly good, thanks to inaccurate expiration dates.

Growing up, we always “made an assessment.” We were poor (I think I may have mentioned that once or twice?), so my mom didn’t just toss out food willy-nilly. She was very discerning; but if it didn’t emanate any strange odors and hadn’t changed color, we usually ate it. When she did have to throw something out — when it was, say, taken over by mold — she would still shake her head and mumble, “What a waste.”

On the other hand, I’d argue that my extended family goes a little overboard. My aunt, for example, once fed us cooked rice that she neglected to tell us had been sitting out for a few days. The aftermath was not pretty.

I use the “sell by” (or, the more charming “enjoy by”) date as an approximation. If the expiration date is really, really old, I’ll toss it, even if the item still looks and smells edible. If you’ve ever had crippling food poisoning that’s left you vomiting next to your boss in the middle of a work meeting, you know it’s just not worth the risk. However, if it’s at least somewhat close to the expiration date, I make an assessment, and, if it still looks and smells edible, I usually go for it. Although, I tend to be stricter when it comes to meat, milk or eggs.

How Long Does Food Really Last?

When it comes to assessing “expired” food, it’s probably better to rely on data rather than instinct. Ever heard of Eatbydate.com? I hadn’t, until I started researching this story. It’s a pretty cool website that seeks to answer the question, “How long does food really last?” It’s pretty extensive, and you can check it out yourself, but here are a few items I found interesting:

When properly stored,

  • Fresh whole mushrooms last 7-10 days.
  • An opened pack of cream cheese lasts 1-2 weeks (stored at or below 40° F)
  • Opened shredded cheese lasts 3-4 weeks (stored at or below 40° F)

The site also gives tips on how to tell if certain foods are spoiled. Their content is based on research from resources including the Department of Agriculture and the FDA.

Earlier this year, Get Rich Slowly staff writer Lisa Aberle wrote an article on food waste in general, and she pointed out some helpful ways that she avoids waste. In addition to the whole expiration date conversation, there are a couple of practical tactics I’d like to add:

Extend the Shelf Life of Your Food

I know how I make the most out of my food’s shelf life, but I’m no expert, so I thought I’d check with one. Jill Houk is a food consultant and cookbook author who was kind enough to offer a few tips:

  • “Don’t wash fruits or vegetables before storing them,” Houk says. “Even small amounts of water can start the molding/decomposition process.”
  • She adds that keeping your refrigerator temperature between 34ºF and 38ºF will help slow the bacteria growth that leads to food spoilage.
  • Most of us know to store our canned goods and jarred food in a cool, dry place. But Houk warns: “Even avoid storing food too closely to your dishwasher, toaster, or coffee maker. If food experiences wild temperature fluctuations, it’s more likely to spoil faster, even if it’s shelf-stable.”

Meal Planning

It’s easy for me, because I only live with one other person, but I try to plan out my meals and groceries for the week. I cook about four or five times a week, and, as we near the end of the week, I take an inventory of what’s left over, and I try to make the most of whatever that is. If I have half an onion or a few potatoes left, I see if I can make a stew or something. Online meal planners like $5 Meal Plan are especially helpful. You type in whatever ingredients you have in your pantry, and they’ll pull up recipes that include those ingredients. I don’t want to sound like a commercial, but ever since I’ve started using their app, I find I throw out very little food.

Anyway, I’d like to know — how closely do you follow your expiration dates, and what do you think of them? Do they contribute to waste, or should we follow them strictly?

Source: getrichslowly.org

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When it comes to the best places to live in America, it’s more than just civic pride that earns a place a spot on the list. U.S. News & World Report recently published their list of the 100 best places to live in the USA, analyzing elements such as value, desirability, a strong job market and a high quality of life. If you’re looking for your next location and want to pick from the cream of the crop, check out some of these cities as your next potential target.

The Top 10 Best Places to Live According to US News & World Report

#1: Austin, TX

Love music? Crave more culture than you can shake a stick at? Then Austin, TX is the place for you. According to the study, about 50 people move to Austin every day. Cited as “Live Music Capital of the World” and home to two of the country’s biggest music, film and media festivals with Austin City Limits and South By Southwest, it’s no surprise it’s a hot destination for many renters.
Find apartments in Austin, TX

#2: Denver, CO

Known as the “Mile High City” due to its towering 5,280 feet above sea level elevation, Denver has recently shed its image of a wild west mountain town for a more cosmopolitan image. Though it’s undeniable that it is a perfect location for snow sports enthusiasts, Denver’s progressive attitude towards the legalization of recreational marijuana and its related industries has certainly seen a hike in the city’s desirability. Not a nature lover or fitness nut? There’s an emerging arts and brewing scene here that can’t be overlooked.
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#3: San Jose, CA

Do you know the way to San Jose? Though the famous lyrics may not know how to get there, it would appear that renters across the country do. Nicknamed the capital of Silicon Valley, it’s little wonder that this California stalwart is huge for those in tech. It’s not all business, though — San Jose is also great for hiking, camping and enjoying the great outdoors. Bonus: San Jose has over 300 sunny days a year, so feeling those mid-winter blues will be a thing of the past.
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#4: Washington, DC

It’s more than politics that drive people to move to the nation’s captial, and everyone from foodies to culture vultures can find a neighborhood that suits them perfectly. DC is home to a terrifically extensive public transportation system, so getting around without a car is easy. Additionally, the city is full of public parks, meaning you can still have fun in the great outdoors without losing the heartbeat of an urban environment.
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#5: Fayetteville, AR

Arkansas? Really? You bet. Full of good old-fashioned southern hospitality and currently feeling an economic boom, Fayetteville attracts those that crave a friendly, family-type atmosphere. Its close proximity to the Ozarks makes it a destination for lovers of the outdoors, and the city speaks to those who love the arts and local food movements.
Find apartments to rent in Fayetteville, AR

#6: Seattle, WA

Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and home to a hip, urban environment, there’s a lot more to Seattle than just grunge and coffee. The people here personify “laid back,” making it a hot spot for start-ups and tech firms of all sorts. Despite the hills, bike commuting is popular, and there’s an extensive bus system that runs throughout the downtown area. And no — it doesn’t rain all the time. In fact, New York City actually gets more rain annually.
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#7: Raleigh & Durham, NC

Part of the North Carolina Triangle, this area is pulling in about 80 new residents a day. Affordable rents and shorter commute times add up to a great quality of life factor in Raleigh-Durham which has attracted a younger population to the metro area. Kick back with one of the many local microbrews and enjoy the growing arts and music scene. With a lower cost of living than the national average, you’ll be able to afford the fun.
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#8: Boston, MA

Drenched with history and flooded with culture, there’s a lot to love about Boston. Home to world-class educational institutions, hospitals, eclectic music and arts scene and one of the nation’s oldest ballparks, the people of Boston are a diverse bunch. Everyone from recent college grads all the way to retirees love the city, and each neighborhood offers up something different. Though considered expensive comparatively to the national average, it’s money well spent for a city like this.
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#9: Des Moines, IA

“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa” as the famous line from Field of Dreams said — and Des Moines is no exception. This midwest gem may not sound like a must move destination, but it’s got it where it counts. Despite its population of 600,000, Des Moines has a neighborly feel making it a popular place to raise young families. With rents and cost of living below the national average, it’s worth consideration as a great place to live in America’s crossroads.
Find apartments in Des Moines, IA

#10: Salt Lake City, UT

Though Salt Lake City has devout roots in religion and Mormon faith, this city definitely changes with the times. Lovers of the great outdoors revel in the close proximity to five national parks and a few excellent ski resorts, while those with more urban leanings find fun in the city’s sports teams and many downtown entertainment options. Cost of living is fairly inexpensive compared to the national average, and with more apartments and condos being built availability is high.
Find apartments in Salt Lake City, UT

To read more about US News & World Report’s methodology, click here.

Are any of these cities on your moving bucket list? Do you agree with the report? Let us know what you think below!

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Like many Aurorans, Nancy Martinez is a product of more than one culture.

And that’s exactly what she has incorporated into her new store in dowtown Aurora, Nide Jardin, 140 S. River St., a home decor and plant boutique that features local vendors from the area where she grew up, and the bright, vibrant colors of the Mexican home of her parents and grandparents.

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“I want a place for the community to feel they have an oasis, especially in the winter – not just in the summer,” she said. “Younger people can see someone who looks like them open a business.”

Martinez was born and raised in Aurora’s Pigeon Hill neighborhood on the East Side, and calls herself an East Aurora High School Tomcat through and through.

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By the same token, she has taken trips back to Mexico where her parents came from, and her grandmother still lives. It was at her grandmother’s house that she saw the bright colors that she has put into Nide Jardin.

Nide Jardin, in downtown Aurora, features bright colors, plants and home decor items. (Steve Lord / The Beacon-News)

“I tried to incorporate both cultures,” she said.

The name Nide Jardin hails in part from an old saying in Spanish, “Ni De Aqui, Ni De Alla.” It translates as, “Neither From Here, Nor There.”

Martinez said the saying relates to people in Aurora asking where she’s from, and she answers, Aurora.

“Then they say, ‘but where are you really from?’” she said. “I say, Aurora. When I’m in Mexico, they just look at me as an American. I’m neither from here, nor there, but I’m from everywhere!”

Like many during the pandemic, Martinez was in seclusion and feeling sad. She began to make plans for a business that would include the plants she loves.

“I kind of started thinking, if I feel this much joy, why not others?” she said.

Still, she admitted, she was unsure about opening a store.

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“I never would have imagined I would open my own business, downtown, in my own hometown,” she said.

Her husband, Hector Martinez, owner of Martinez Built, spent months remodeling the suite in the River Street Plaza, and Nide Jardin was born. Martinez opened the business quietly this week, and plans a bigger grand opening sometime in May, around Mothers Day.

The front of the store features plants and home decor items, and in the back part of the suite is an open space Martinez plans to eventually use for workshops and other events. She’s open to ideas for programs for both young people and adults.

“We have a large Latino community,” she said. “This could be a space for other small businesses to come in.”

The store is another in the burgeoning South River Street area in downtown Aurora, across the street from the Aurora Public Library. The area is seeing more boutique-type stores, coffee houses, brew pubs and restaurants, in a mix of historic and new buildings.

People can see more about the store at NideJardin.com

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Source: chicagotribune.com

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Waking up in a place of your own with the birds chirping right outside your window is a great feeling.

You go outside and enjoy your coffee on the back porch, simply enjoying the quiet that comes with not living in an apartment.

Your neighbors are friendly, the sun is shining, and you know it is going to be another great day of owning a home.

Everything is going great… until the peaceful morning is ruined by the sound of your air conditioner going out.

As romanticized as owning a home has become in America, there are some significant costs associated with buying, owning, and maintaining a place of your own.

The True Cost of Home Ownership

Let’s break down some of the areas on how to value home ownership. There are some obvious costs like your monthly mortgage payment, but hidden costs sneak in there and can break the bank.

Obvious Home Cost: Principal and Interest

For most, the cost and financial benefits of renting versus homeownership are the deciding elements. The traditional logic is that renters are throwing away their money by paying someone else’s mortgage. Though true, this is a simplistic view.

On a $150,000 home purchase with 20% down (so a mortgage loan of $120,000) at 3.5 percent APR, the monthly principle and interest payment is $538.35 per month.

This sounds like a smart deal since most houses increase in value over time, while the monthly payment lowers the principle balance and increases the equity. If you are paying $600 per month in rent, owning your own home for about the same amount sounds like a great deal.

While principal and interest is a big chunk of your monthly costs of owning a home, there are a lot of other costs to consider.

Hidden Home Cost: Property Tax and Insurance

When you speak to a real estate agent about looking at homes, they generally speak of how much a home is going to cost you in a monthly payment. Many agents will focus on quoting you prices based just on the principal and interest because it means they can get you into a more expensive home — pulling you toward that dream home — thus earning a larger commission check on the sale.

Unfortunately, your monthly payment will have other costs associated with it, namely property tax and homeowners insurance. Depending on the area, these costs can increase the payment significantly. Unlike principal and interest, taxes and insurance payments is money that you are not getting back.

You might pay an extra $150 to $450 per month in tax and insurance cost depending on the area you live in, what the tax structure is, and how much insurers charge to protect your home’s area.

Tax and insurance costs are not fixed unlike your principal and interest payments (assuming you get a fixed rate mortgage). Your local municipality can raise taxes over the years, and homeowners insurance companies are constantly changing annual premiums.

Some states have homestead exemptions that lower a homeowner’s tax burden, so check to see if your state allows this.

Obvious Home Cost: Down Payment

When you rent an apartment your costs are an application fee, security deposit, your first month’s rent, and getting renters insurance. With just a few thousand dollars you can be completely moved in and setup in an apartment or rental home.

When you purchase a home of your own you need to save up money for a down payment. Back in the heyday of the housing boom you could buy a property with little or no money down.

Those days are gone. (This is a good thing!)

Home ownership is a serious commitment and requires serious cash to get started. Many lenders want to see you have a 20% down payment in order to be approved for a loan. On a $150,000 home that means you need $30,000 in straight cash sitting in an account waiting to be used once you find a home.

That’s a lot of dough to be sitting on. I highly recommend using one of the top online savings accounts such as Capital One 360 Savings to hold your down payment so you earn interest until you find the home you want.

Still not sure if you should keep renting or buy your first home?  Use this nifty calculator to help you decide:

Hidden Home Cost: Home Maintenance and Upkeep

Owning your own home means you get to decide how your home looks inside and out, including the property’s landscaping. Unless the home is in a designated historic neighborhood, or one with zoning restrictions or homeowners association rules, homeowners are generally free to apply for permits and make changes to a home’s look, structure and more.

It also means you get the “honor” of mowing, trimming, dealing with weeds, and footing the cost of repairs.

Rental properties usually outsource a maintenance crew for maintenance and lawn care so you don’t have to spend time on those items. While a homeowner may have to spring for a new Husqvarna, he or she can landscape as desired. Just remember, it takes time and money to keep up the home and yard.

Most rental management companies will have an itemized checklist of all appliances, flooring quality and states of repair. Often these will be accompanied by photos. Any changes to the rental property outside of normal wear and tear need to be put back to the original state. Renters usually can’t make material changes to the property.  You’ll also have to find affordable renters insurance.

This is not the case for a purchased home property. You can change what you like, but all of the cost comes from your pocket.

How much money should you have on hand for home maintenance? A general rule of thumb is to have at least 1% or 2% set aside for home repairs. If you own a $150,000 home that means having $1,500 or $3,000 set aside for when the roof leaks or the HVAC unit goes out in the middle of summer.

Even that amount of money won’t cover major repairs, but it is better to have a starting point in paying the repair bill than to be starting from scratch.

An easy way to make sure you don’t spend your home repair fund is to use a low risk investment like a certificate of deposit. CDs allow you to earn higher interest and only charge a few month’s worth of interest if you need to pull the funds out before the CD matures. One of the best places to get a CD is online with Discover Bank.

You might create a separate category in your budget to hold maintenance money and a separate category to hold money for landscaping or yard maintenance.

Hidden Home Cost: Higher Utility Bills

Living in a 800 square foot apartment can keep your utility bills down simply because you don’t have much space to heat or cool. There can be some financial shock when you get your first set of utility bills after moving into a much larger home.

If you are used to spending $600 on rent, and $100 on monthly utilities, buying a home with a $600 mortgage payment leaves you with the same amount of money to heat and cool a much larger space. Depending on how old the home is your HVAC unit might be older than the one in your apartment building and thus be less efficient. A less efficient unit combined with a larger square foot area can result in some shocking utility bills.

How much should you anticipate to spend on utilities? Ask the sellers.

Pro Tip: When looking at homes ask the sellers to provide utility bills for the last 12 months and a description of where they kept the temperature set. This can give you a rough idea of what you’ll be spending each month. Even if your exact use of the area isn’t the same — they set it at 73 degrees and you prefer 71 — you’ll at least have a ballpark figure.

Hidden Home Cost: Termite Protection

It’d be nice if we could buy a home and never have to worry about termites ruining the structure. Unfortunately this is one of those hidden costs that many people don’t think of.

You can get a termite bond to protect your home. When you purchase a termite bond (usually a couple hundred of dollars) the termite extermination company comes out to inspect your entire house inside and out for signs of termites. Assuming none is found, they spray a preventative down and right a bond that essentially guarantees against termites.

Each year the company comes back to renew the bond for a smaller fee, does another inspection, and sprays again if necessary.

After the initial cost of the bond it is usually $50 to $100 to renew the termite bond. That doesn’t sound like much, but it is just another hidden cost that you need to prepare for.

Hidden Home Cost: Realtor Fees

Where a home can be the cornerstone for growth for some, it can be an anchor that prevents movement for others. Housing markets fluctuate. The housing values and mortgage rates that make it ideal to purchase a home now may not be there five years from now. When purchasing a house, be prepared to stay with it for at least five year or else plan on losing money.

Selling a home is a giant unknown that you need to consider when first purchasing the home.

  • Can you live here long term?
  • What happens if the housing market tanks around you?
  • Can you afford to pay 6% realtor commissions if you use a real estate agency to sell the home?

The commissions paid to realtors are a hidden cost that reach into the thousands of dollars. A 6% realtor commission (3% for the buying realtor and 3% for the listing agent) is $9,000 on a $150,000 home. That means your home has to go up by at least that much in value if you want to sell it, and that’s assuming home prices are going up in your area.

Anticipating Home Ownership Costs: Use a Budget

Putting together a budget is one of the best things you can do before you even begin to consider purchasing a home of your own. You need to have a solid understanding of where you are currently spending money each month. Having a baseline for your current costs will make it a lot easier to compare to potential home ownership costs than if you are just shooting in the dark.

There is a lot of great personal finance software available. For budgeting we recommend You Need a Budget for your core budgeting needs. You can use other programs like Manilla and Mint to add additional monitoring as needed, but YNAB is a great piece of software.

Is Owning a Home Worth It?

Don’t underestimate the security and stability of a family home. According to a study from the Pew Research Center, housing stability shows the world you are stable, dependable and devoted to the community.

Other studies have shown that children of homeowners tend to be better at math and reading, have fewer behavioral problems, and stay in school longer. This is linked to the safety that a child feels when they have a stable home. Since a house is a long term investment that can have a mortgage of 40 year or beyond, a house becomes very closely linked to a family’s architecture, community standing, stability and more.

A Look at the Future

What will life look like in five years? Ten years? Fifty years? Whether playing the role of savvy investor or new couple thinking about a family, these are the questions that need to be addressed. Of course, without a time machine or a crystal ball, there are no certainties as to what will happen with the housing market in your area.

But those weighing the pros and cons of home ownership must have an idea of how they want to spend their future. The online real estate database, Zillow, recommends having a plan before jumping into the home buying jungle.

If you plan to live in one area for a long time then buying a home is a great decision that provides stability to your family. If you don’t know if you will be in the same area five years from now it usually makes sense to keep renting.

Either way, having an understanding of the true cost of owning a home can help you crunch the numbers to make a housing decision.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

For anyone who’s dreamed of having their own little private pool with infinity views out over the ocean, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal delivers — and for the points and miles enthusiasts among us, award nights can be surprisingly accessible.

Not every piece of this rugged paradise is perfect, though my recent stay came pretty close. Here’s a closer look at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.

The basics

The resort, part of the Hilton Honors portfolio, is located on the southern tip of Baja California Sur in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It first opened in 2009 and was rebranded to a Waldorf in 2019; it’s one of just 34 Waldorf Astoria properties worldwide.

One of the resort’s two beachside pools. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Other things to know at a glance:

  • Standard check-out time: Noon (later for Hilton elites if available).

  • Cancellation policy: Varies from as little as 14 days out during the off season to 90 days out during peak times.

  • Room types: Starting with standard rooms up to larger casitas and multi-bedroom private villas. There are 115 rooms and suites in total on the property.

  • Transportation: Los Cabos Airport (SJD) serves several hubs on all the major U.S. carriers. The hotel is about a 40-minute drive or cab ride away (Uber isn’t allowed to do pickups). If you’re adventurous and packed very light, the slow but comfortable Ruta del Desierto bus from the airport’s domestic terminal can get you as far as Puerto Paraiso mall, a mile from the resort, for $5. On the other end of the cost spectrum, private transport can be arranged with the hotel.

  • Parking: Complimentary valet parking.

  • Location: Along the southernmost stretch of beach in town, a 15-minute walk from the tourist center.

Balcony with plunge pool. (Photo by Brad Walters)

This property stands out even among other luxury properties in Los Cabos because every unit, from the standard rooms on up, comes with its own (small) heated pool. We’ll have plenty more on those pools below.

Booking with points

Paid rates all-in start at just over $1,200 a night for a standard room, but at high season those rates can more than double.

Awards start at 120,000 points per night for a base room, in which case your redemption would be worth no worse than 1 cent per point and easily north of 2 cents per point at peak periods.

As with many things in award travel, fortune favors those with the flexibility to drop everything and go. When I booked this with points in mid-March, every single day for the rest of the month was available at low-level award pricing:

What’s more, Hilton elites get every fifth night free when booking five or more consecutive standard award nights, which can effectively reduce the per-night rate to 96,000 points.

Watch out, though: Rates can jump to over 1 million points per night based on demand.

At last check, no 120,000-point dates remained for the winter 2023-24 travel season. If that’s when you want to go, watch award availability like a hawk, as it seems to come in waves.

🤓Nerdy Tip

American Express Membership Rewards transfer to Hilton Honors points at a 1:2 rate, meaning 60,000 AmEx points could theoretically cover a night here. If you prize luxury hotels over fancy flights, it’s a decent value.

The base room for award bookings is a Pacific View King. In my recent stay and a prior stay in 2021, the Hilton Honors Gold status conferred from holding the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card ($95 annual fee; terms apply) scored me a double upgrade to an Ocean View Deluxe room. It’s the same size as the base room with a full, unobstructed ocean view.

Around the resort

Around the resort. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Design and layout

Cabo itself is situated in a landscape where desert, mountains and sea all seem to collide, and the resort’s design blends well with its surroundings.

Entry/exit tunnel. (Photo by Brad Walters)

In fact, you actually have to go through a little mountain — via a chandelier-lit tunnel — to get to the resort from town.

I arrived on foot, passing through a security checkpoint before getting whisked through the short tunnel on a golf cart. Once on the other side, I arrived at the open-air check-in lobby, where I was greeted with a welcome margarita.

While standard check-in time is 3 p.m., I arrived at noon, which gave me some time to explore the grounds before the desk texted me around 1 p.m. to tell me my room was ready.

Hotel beachfront. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Beyond the lobby, the resort sprawls out over 24 beachfront acres along and up the base of the mountainside.

Most common areas are grouped on two-tiered levels; it only took me a few pleasant minutes to walk from one end of the resort to another.

Hotel grounds. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The tiered design assures that every unit has a view of some kind, although some views are better than others.

Generally speaking, the higher on the property you go, the more expansive the view — but the more you’ll see between you and the ocean.

Casita with personal pool, as seen from main walkway. (Photo by Brad Walters)

In terms of privacy, it can vary wildly. The outdoor spaces of some of the casitas around the pool are quite exposed, as are the lower levels of some of the larger buildings. I wrote ahead to request a more private room and was happy with what I wound up with.

Inside the common area. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Although the resort’s design can feel somewhat spare from the outside, the small details stand out once indoors.

Food and beverage

The property features four restaurants ranging from fancy to poolside casual, along with three bars and a coffee shop.

As a Hilton Honors Gold member, I could enjoy the $34 continental breakfast buffet for free at Don Manuel’s, which is open for all meals of the day but serves breakfast starting at 7 a.m.

Granola with yogurt and berries. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Continental breakfast included granola, fruit, cereal, coffee, freshly squeezed juice and a selection of pastries.

Breakfast chilaquiles. (Photo by Brad Walters)

For an upcharge of $13 (including taxes) I upgraded to the Mexican breakfast, which included made-to-order huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, omelets and a rotating daily special, among other hot items.

For the sheer selection alone, it’s more than worth the price to upgrade, especially since you’re allowed to sample as many items as you’d like.

Pastry station, included with continental buffet. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Everything I tried was good, but the most memorable items I had were the crackling, delicious buffet pastries and a spiced hot chocolate.

The walkway to El Farallon, by day and at last light. (Photos by Brad Walters)

The highly regarded (and priced to match) El Farallon is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. I didn’t partake during my short stay, although if I carried the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($450 annual fee), this would be a solid way to use up much of the $250 annual Hilton resort credit that comes with the card. The cliffside location looked stunning.

Agave Study bar. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Meanwhile, a recent addition to the resort’s bar offerings is Agave Study at Peacock Alley, which offers mezcal and tequila tastings paired with local bites.

Champagne bar, complete with swings. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Down on the beach you’ll find a separate champagne bar with swings for chairs, a fun place to spend a few minutes even if you’re not indulging.

Additionally, the resort offers cooking and cocktail-making classes for a fee.

Pools and hot tubs

Adult pool. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The hotel features two main pools, one for adults and one for all ages. Each was consistently busy during my stay; these photos are generally from early in the day.

Both pools are designed with an infinity-style setup overlooking the long beach, which is shared with a few other hotels but felt secluded otherwise, given that it’s essentially cut off from the town proper.

Swim-up bar. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The adults-only pool boasts a shaded swim-up bar, while the family pool features a built-in hot tub.

Family pool with hot tub in center. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Just see an attendant and they’ll set you up at an available lounger with umbrella shade as desired. Sunscreen is available at both pools, too.

Poolside service was prompt and friendly, with several small water bottles delivered in a bucket of ice as soon as I got settled. (That said, I far preferred spending time in my own little balcony pool, where it’s a lot easier to imagine you’re the only one at the resort.)

Staff occasionally comes around with free popsicle treats, which is a nice touch.

Family pool. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Farther up from the beach are a small circular kids pool, suitable for splashing around, and a pool reserved for spa guests with small waterfalls built in.

🤓Nerdy Tip

As with most beaches around Cabo San Lucas, the ocean here isn’t really suitable for casual swimming due to waves that crash like thunder, plus an immediate, steep drop-off into deep water. For a more peaceful wave experience, take a short ride to busy Playa el Medano or a longer trek to gorgeous, less touristy Playa Palmilla.

Other amenities and extras

Gym. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Elsewhere at the resort, you’ll find:

  • The aforementioned spa, with a full complement of paid treatments.

  • A kids club, which offers “family movie nights, curated programming, scavenger hunts, Spanish classes [and] cooking adventures,” the resort says.

  • A business center (basically just one room with a computer) and meeting facilities.

  • A well-appointed fitness center with yoga and a variety of other classes available.

  • A gift shop.

  • Two tennis courts.

Additionally, you’ll receive an email before arrival outlining the various paid excursions the resort is happy to set up for you, including land and sea activities.

In the room

Building 1. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Once my room was ready, I was escorted over and given a full tour by the agent who had checked me in. My unit was on the third of four floors of Building 1, beachside on the edge of the property next to El Farallon.

Previously, I’d stayed in Building 3, higher up near the lobby. The views were excellent in both cases, but I preferred Building 1 because there was no visual distraction between me and the beach/ocean.

Infinity view from inside the balcony pool. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The star of the show was the infinity ocean-view balcony and plunge pool, which is roughly 12 feet long by 4 feet across. It’s 3 feet deep with a full-length step-down that can seat at least 4 comfortably.

Full pool, looking down toward the beach. (Photo by Brad Walters)

While nobody would confuse this for a full-size pool, you can paddle around and even do mini-laps if you desire. Or you can sit, stretch your legs, soak for hours, and (in season) scan the horizon for whales — your choice.

The only whales I spotted were a couple of cruise ships as they meandered past, alas.

The plunge pool got good morning sun but was shaded for most of the day, which I actually appreciated. It’s kept at a comfortably warm temperature (between 80 and 84 degrees year-round, the resort says) and felt nice even on mild 65-degree nights.

Looking north from my balcony pool. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The balcony features slanted privacy slats on the side making it easy to see out while shielding others from seeing in. There’s plenty of comfy seating, although I wouldn’t have minded a full-size lounger in lieu of one of the two small sitting couches.

Daybreak view from balcony. (Photo by Brad Walters)

In terms of outside noise: I didn’t hear much of anything while in my room (score one for the soundproofing), but on the balcony, it’s pretty much impossible not to hear others nearby enjoying their outdoor space. If you’re anywhere near a main pool, you’ll likely hear that during the day, too, but it’s nothing a good pair of earbuds can’t cancel out. At night, all I could hear with my balcony open was the sound of crashing waves.

Closet door, fireplace, minibar/coffee/safe area with TV above. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The room was a cozy 856 square feet, which included a knob-controlled fireplace and an oh-so-comfy king bed. (The square footage includes the outdoor space, too.)

Looking in from the balcony. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Looking in from the front entryway. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Generous closet space. (Photo by Brad Walters)

The open bathroom boasted a rain-water shower and a large soaking tub with a loofah and what looked like honey but was actually bubble bath solution. It also had a mini seating area that functions as a visual buffer as much as anything else.

Sink area plus shower. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Bathtub. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Toiletries come in the form of pump-style bottles meant to carry over from guest to guest, a slight letdown to those who like to take home leftover samples of fancier stuff than we’d otherwise use day-to-day.

Customized minibar. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Rooms include complimentary mini-bars stocked with water and soft drinks. (Did I get in touch in advance to request a fridge full of zero-calorie Coke products? Maybe…)

🤓Nerdy Tip

Tap water in Mexico isn’t safe to drink, but the staff will bring you as much water as you need upon request for free. As far as room service dining goes, that’s available too, but for an extra cost.

Tequila, nuts and fruit upon arrival. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Also in my room, and complimentary for all guests, was a 200 mL bottle of Clase Azul Reposado tequila (a roughly $40 value and equivalent to four or five shots) with a ramekin of warm nuts, along with some apples. The tequila bottle is yours to take home and makes for a nice keepsake of your stay.

Every unit on property, from standard rooms to stand-alone villas, also includes the following:

  • A Nespresso machine.

  • Plush bathrobes for use during your stay.

  • A set of binoculars, useful for whale-watching.

  • A nice toiletry bag that was stocked (rather sparsely, in my case) with mouthwash, shoe shine, a sewing kit and a shower cap. The bag is yours to keep.

  • A beach bag, also yours to keep.

  • Free Wi-Fi, which was reliable all over the property (at least for basic internet browsing).

  • An afternoon snack of warm tortilla chips served with outstanding guacamole and pico de gallo, plus a pair of Corona beers, available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and delivered upon request. (The hotel has a chat feature in the Hilton app that makes this or any other request seamless.) On both of my stays the resort accommodated my request for margaritas rather than beers.

  • A safe to lock your valuables.

Afternoon chips with guac, pico de gallo and margaritas. (Photo by Brad Walters)

An evening turndown service is offered in addition to morning housekeeping, but allow a wide time window for both. When asked at check-in when I’d prefer my turndown I said 8 p.m., but it wasn’t done yet when I returned to my room a little before 9. By then, I was ready to fall asleep to the crashing waves and texted the front desk to (nicely) say never mind.

🤓Nerdy Tip

I initially thought I’d have to unplug a lamp by the bed to charge my phone, but upon looking more closely, I found that the night tables have a well-camouflaged set of plugs and USB outlets on the sides adjacent to the bed.

Stand-alone beachfront homes, some of which feature hammocks. (Photo by Brad Walters)

Larger suites and stand-alone villas might include such extras as a fire pit, a larger private pool, beach hammocks, a full kitchen or even a dedicated butler.

Beyond the resort

Cabo San Lucas marina. (Photo by Brad Walters)

If you’re staying longer than a couple days, it’s well worth budgeting some time to get to know the Cape region, preferably by car.

Central Cabo San Lucas (just outside the resort) exudes an overtly touristy party vibe that might not be for everyone. Large cruise ships dock here often, and strolling the pedestrian zone that encircles the marina is a great way to feel like you’re back in the States.

That said, if it’s endless shopping you’re after, check it out — just try to time your visits to avoid those midday cruise crowds. You can walk through the tunnel into town or request a golf cart to take you as far as the outer security gate, from which the marina is a 5-minute walk.

Playa Palmilla, near San Jose del Cabo. (Photo by Brad Walters)

San Jose del Cabo, closer to the airport, is San Lucas’ more sedate, artsy counterpart. The strollable streets of its compact central core radiate from Plaza Mijares, a large car-free public square. A pleasant walk (or bike ride, along separated green lanes) southward along the estuary and then westward alongside the beach resorts is a pleasant way to pass a couple of hours.

If you like San Jose, you’ll likely love Todos Santos, an even more charming, artsier outpost about an hour north of San Lucas. Even farther afield, La Paz is known for its pretty colonial downtown. The largely unspoiled East Cape is also worth exploring, but you’ll want a 4×4 to access many of its jewels.

When to go

Cabo San Lucas has a dry, relatively mild season from roughly December through March. The rest of the year is warm to hot, with rains mostly confined to August through October. Hurricanes are a factor to consider; for instance, Hurricane Kay brought heavy rains as it passed just west of Cabo in September 2022.

For me, the sweet spot for visiting Cabo is between mid-November and New Year’s, when the ocean is still warm enough for comfortable swimming (at wave-free beaches) but the air temperature isn’t sweltering and rain chances are minimal.

The bottom line

When this property became bookable with Hilton points it was an instant darling in the world of award travel, and for good reason.

It’s more than just that warm pool of your own, where hours can easily slip away gazing out at the ocean with a pleasant margarita buzz.

It’s also the gracious service that’s there when you need it but never hovers, delivered with a palpable sense of pride that makes it easy to forgive a few relatively minor lapses.

Given that the base rate for many standard-issue Hilton properties these days is 40,000 points per night, it’s easy to wonder how much longer this oasis can be enjoyed for just triple that amount. Soak it up while you can.

This stay was independently reviewed and paid in full by the writer.

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.

(Top photo by Brad Walters)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

By Peter Anderson 35 Comments – The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited May 6, 2019.

Christmas time is one of the most joyous times of the year at our house, but if you’re not careful it can also be one of the most expensive times of year. If you’re trying to cut down on spending, like we are at our house, it can become a challenge to find creative gifts to give.

Today I thought I would try to put together a list of ideas for some good frugal gifts that you can give this Christmas. (The frugality of the gifts vary from gift to gift, but I’ve linked some possibilities on Amazon.  You can probably find some cheaper ways to put these things together yourself if you try.)

Check out the newly expanded list: 100 Frugal Christmas Gifts

50 Frugal Gifts

  1. Baked goods: I don’t know any guy who wouldn’t love to get a box full of cookies, banana bread and pastries!   (Hint: not good for someone on a diet)
  2. If you’ve got an old laptop, make a frugal digital picture frame out of it!:   At 14-15″ it’ll be bigger than most you buy at the stores, and cheaper since you’ll be using old parts!
  3. Personalized Calendars:  Most photo processing places will have these personalized calendars you can buy, or pick up pre-made ones in Target’s dollar bins.  Get photos of you and the person you’re giving the gift to in each season, and place them in the appropriate month/season of the year!
  4. Themed gift baskets: Give a themed gift basket.  For example, a movie night theme basket with microwave popcorn, a movie or two, and some cheapo popcorn buckets from Target dollar bin.
  5. Custom t-shirts: Create your own custom t-shirt for a family member on Cafepress. It’s cheaper than you might think!
  6. Scrapbooks: Make a scrapbook for a close friend showng moments you’ve shared together. My wife did this for a friend’s wedding.  Very meaningful.
  7. Donation to a local charity:  Give to a local charity in someone’s name.  Make sure it’s a charity that they would actually give to.
  8. Handmade Christmas ornaments: make personalized Christmas ornaments for your friends and family!
  9. Board Games: buy a board game, a gift that gets the family together and keeps on giving all year long! Even better, if you can find some board games at garage sales or on ebay, create a themed game night gift basket (see above)!
  10. Family history DVD:  Put together a family history DVD with photos, writtten family histories, video and anything else you can think of.
  11. Framed family picture:  Take a picture at a family event, frame it, and give it as a gift!
  12. Coupon Books: Make a personalized coupon book with such favorite coupons as “back rub”, “dinner” or “clean the house”.
  13. Make a blanket: make a nice fleece blanket.   Instructions here.
  14. Make some custom painted wine glasses: Make some custom painted wine glasses, and then give them along with a bottle of wine.  Instructions here.
  15. Give a magazine subscription:  My brother loves reading National Geographic and the Economist.  We gave him subscriptions as a gift.
  16. Romantic evening gift set: Candles and fake flower petals! Cheap and fun!
  17. Keeping warm gift set: Give a gift set of hat, scarf and gloves.  Add long underwear as well if you wish!
  18. Leatherbound journal:  buy a nice leatherbound journal at your local Borders or Barnes and Noble.  They make for a nice gift.  Add a nice pen if you want to pay a little more.
  19. Craft Kit:  Put together a crafting kit with things like markers, glitter, scissors, clay, crayons, glue, paper, etc.
  20. Photo Collage: If you’re handy with Photoshop or another image editing software, create a photo collage/montage, print it out and frame it!  Or if you don’t have Photoshop, print separate pictures and create a collage.
  21. Movie Tickets: Buy a pair of movie passes or a movie gift card for someone to go see a movie. Not as cheap as it used to be :).
  22. Buy a single stock:  Buy a family member a single stock to get them started, and give them a copy of a finance book like Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover (although you may want to stress that you’re giving it because it has helped you.  People can get touchy about money related gifts)
  23. Flannel Sheets and PJs:  Buy a keeping comfy gift pack with flannel sheets and pajamas!
  24. Coffee Lovers Gift Pack:  Buy some gourmet coffee and a personalized coffee cup for the coffee lover on your list.
  25. Set of soaps, towels and soap dish: Put together a nice matching set of hand towel and soap dish, and then give some handmade soaps.
  26. Big breakfast gift pack: Put together a gift pack with pancake mix, batter dispenser, syrup and pancake mix-ins.
  27. Puzzle day:  Give a gift pack of a puzzle and snacks to eat while you do the puzzle!
  28. BBQ Kit: Get some BBQ sauce from local source, and add it to a nice BBQ Utensil kit.
  29. Basket of spices and seasonings: Put together a basket of seasonings and spices from a local spice or grocery store.  Make sure to get a good mix for cooking, BBQs, etc.
  30. Netflix subscription: Pay for someone to have netflix for a couple of months.  If they have a connected device, they can even stream movies!
  31. Deck of cards and book of card games: Buy a cheap pack of cards, and a book listing the rules of different card games. Good for hours of fun!
  32. Cheap keychain digital picture viewer: Buy someone a cheap digital picture viewer keychain (around $20?) and fill it with pictures.
  33. Bath time gift pack:  Buy a nice wash clothe, some bath oils/beads and even some lotions at your local bath store.
  34. Mix tape:  Make  a mix CD from Itunes with some of the person’s favorite music on it.
  35. Botanicals:  buy a nice low maintenance plant to brighten up their day, along with a small watering can.
  36. Make a recipe box: If you’re good with wood, make a nice recipe box, and fill it with blank recipe cards.
  37. An appreciation book:  Get a nice journal, and write in it to the person about how much you appreciate them, things you love about them,  shared moments and experiences and general encouragement.  Even add a few photos.
  38. Book gift pack:  Find some books on your own shelf that you’ve already read, and put together a gift pack of books
  39. Chocolate attack!: Put together a gift pack with all kinds of chocolate. Hot chocolate, chocolate bars, truffles, etc.
  40. Car wash kit:  Put together a kit for washing the car.  Can include things like sponge, tire brush, bug remover, car soap, etc.
  41. Regifted items:  Did you get a 2nd crock pot last Christmas that you haven’t used?  Give it away this Christmas (to someone other than who you received it from)
  42. “That’s a spicy meatball” gift pack: Give them a nice italian dinner with a pasta bowl, pasta, strainer, fancy olive oil, pasta utensils and even some sauce.
  43. Give your service:  Good at cooking? Offer to come over and cook a gourment meal.  Are you a designer?  Offer your design services for free.  Good with computers? Offer free tech support. You get the idea.
  44. Wine and cheese gift pack:  Buy a variety of specialty cheeses, crackers and a bottle of wine.  Put it together and you have one gourment evening!
  45. Picnic pack:  Put together a picnic pack with a blanket, a basket, some cheap utensils and plates.
  46. Sewing Kit & lessons: put together all the sewing essentials (thread, needles, pins, etc) and then give the person lessons on how to sew.
  47. Gardening gift pack: Buy the person gardening gloves, gardening tools and some seeds. Put them all in a small bucket or waterging can.
  48. Handmade jewelry:  Make a handmade necklace or bracelet at a local bead or craft store.  Give it as a meaningful gift.
  49. Music lover’s delight: give an itunes gift card, along with a book about their favorite artist or band
  50. Beer afficionado gift pack:  Give a beer mug, snacks and gift card from a local brew pub.
  51. A Birdhouse: Give your loved one of these bluebird houses so they can relax on the porch and watch the colorful avians.

Now that I’ve given you some ideas for some frugal Christmas gifts, why don’t you give us your own ideas! Leave a comment with your idea for a good frugal Christmas gift below!

More Ideas

50 ideas not enough?  Here’s some more ideas for a frugal Christmas!

Related Posts

Source: biblemoneymatters.com

Apache is functioning normally

Like father, like son?

I suppose I can’t blame him, because this IS pretty nice. It’s Monday morning, and I just dropped him off at school, rode the mountain bike and trailer back home through the deep and fluffy remnants of the latest snowstorm, and settled in with this laptop and my sunny, empty house to compose my thoughts for you. Greg Reitan is playing some wicked Jazz piano in the background via Pandora, and my belly is nicely satisfied with fine coffee and a bowl of almonds. The rest of the world is out commuting on an icy highway or dialing into the conference call while seated in the cubicle. This is the life for me.

But is it the life for an eight-year-old?

Although he has made it to the second half of second grade with great success, my boy has softly been singing an underlying chorus of “I don’t want to go to schooool!” since long before Kindergarten. The song fades away on the good days, because there are occasional bits of learning and he has several great friends among his classmates. But then he gets a taste of freedom again, like the two-week Christmas holiday that just ended an hour ago, and it reminds him of how much more he enjoys not being in school. Our holiday together was a beautiful blur of late nights, family board games, friends, movie nights, adventures at the creek, sunshine, drawing pictures, and making songs with Ableton Live and elaborate automated buildings in Minecraft. When he realized it was truly over last night, he cried so much that he had trouble getting to sleep.

I can’t blame him, because this feeling about school and organized activites in general tends to run in my side of the family. I remember finishing the nine-year sentence in my own small town K-8 elementary school wondering if I had learned anything during the entire session. High school became more interesting because of some inspiring teachers in Science, Math, and English (and because of the girls). And Engineering school, while painful, was motivating because I knew there was freedom and an excellent paycheck waiting right at the end of the tunnel. But since finishing that whole affair, I have never looked back other than to marvel at how different than me the folks who pursue graduate degrees and PhDs must be. A brilliant nephew of mine finds himself in a similar boat: my sister described his school years as “A quiet rebellion of boredom”, although he has awakened now that he is among other whiz kids in the Computer Science program of his country’s top university.

Some of us just really enjoy our freedom, and we use that freedom for constant learning of the things we really want to learn, and creating the things we really want to create. This is surely why I quit even the relatively free environment of the corporate office: to get all my time back for truly self-guided pursuits. And I suspect this personality type is common among the Mustachians as well: you don’t have any trouble keeping yourself busy, the only issue is freeing yourself from the busywork that others keep assigning to you.

But how do we handle it when a kid discovers this obvious source of joy less than 3000 days into his life? Under the current regime, the poor lad is scheduled for about fourteen additional years of school, at which point he’ll to need work and save for another decade to earn his financial independence. I could allow him to cheat the system by setting aside a trust fund that made work (and school) optional at any point, but I do not want to deny him the soul-building satisfaction of good old-fashioned hard work, and the incomparable advantage of having to work for what you get.

But at the same time, there is surely some benefit I can pass on from this clearly advantaged position. Compared to my own parents at a similar stage in 1982, Mrs. MM and I have much more secure finances, one child instead of four, unlimited free time to spend with him, and the resources of the Internet from which to pull knowledge. There are thousands of other parents of bright but slightly bored kids reading this who might have some ideas. With so many advantages, it would be a cop-out for me to just leave my son to follow exactly the same path I walked 32 years before him, without at least questioning The Rules.

We would not be the first people to do so. I was recently inspired by this TED talk by Ken Robinson, which eloquently explains that despite its best efforts, the school system does tend to crush creativity. Adding to that idea, there’s this ambitious 13-year-old lad that did his own TEDx Talk about a self-guided “Unschooling” or “Hackschooling” education.

By now you’ve probably learned that a formal university education is only one of many paths to a good life. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were dropouts. Free and inexpensive learning spots like the Khan Academy and Treehouse abound. My own posts on jobs without a degree are some of the most widely read on this site. Heck, there is a 23-year-old college dropout staying in my guest suite right now, who founded his own successful company several years ago which now allows him to lead a life with greater freedom than I had at that age. He’s here to have an adventure and to learn new skills, in a completely non-academic environment. But all this still leaves the question of how to motivate your very young kid without denying him the benefits of school.

So we don’t have the answers yet. My boy is excited that he has gained admission to a special program within the school that allows kids in this situation to leave class twice per week and gather with a special teacher to cover more interesting material. We could try an Unschooling experiment next year, spending a portion of it living in another country (I’m partial to New Zealand myself, and then perhaps Ecuador the next year). The regular school is well-run and has the best intentions, but learning formalized material in a big group is very slow and is bound to leave a certain portion of the kids spending 90% of each day waiting for what is next. Or missing recess because some other kids were talking when the teacher had declared that talking was not allowed. And the charter and private schools I’ve encountered around here all seem to emphasize even more academic rigor and discipline, rather than more freedom to roam and learn.

Unfortunately, I think that purely hanging around at home would be unsuccessful. We could learn much more quickly, but there are only three of us here – not enough people to provide a truly rounded social education. Plus there is the selfish issue: both my wife and I benefit greatly from having a few hours on weekdays to do our own things. After all, this blog is not going to write itself.

What do you think? Have you encountered this problem with your own children?

Ideally, we could gather and form communal unschooling environments with five or six cool kids, and the problem would be solved. I could teach them writing and carpentry, you could teach them filmmaking and math, and some of our other friends would handle the sports, physics, chemistry, and whatever else they want to learn. We’d take plenty of field trips as well.

The more conservative standardized-test-loving government officials and administrators of the world might frown upon us, but we’d probably end up with a batch of very creative, happy, and motivated young adults, which is really the primary job that we sign up for when we produce these fine little creatures.

Source: mrmoneymustache.com

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Sustainable fabrics that are taking over home décor   – Luxebook


Sustainable fabrics that are taking over home décor   – Luxebook


Home Lifestyle Sustainable fabrics that are taking over home décor  

By Arushi Sakhuja  
With sustainability being the need of the hour, many luxury brands are continuously trying to show new and innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint. With the coming up of thrift stores, new fabrics (such as organic cotton and vegan leather), producing zero waste, cruelty-free manufacturing processes and reduced water technology, and renewable energy sources, as well as adopting a transparent supply chain; brands are working hard to adopt more eco-friendly modes of production. According to Saachi Bahl’s, Founder Saahra and #ConsciousEffort Design Show and Conclave, one must acknowledge that there is no unilateral, linear, or perfect formula to be ‘sustainable’. She says….. “It is a complex process, and many times strategies are dependent upon the context of the business, its production and utility. Therefore, we must be receptive to more people in the industry approaching the subject and give them the scope to continually improve their efforts as there is no one size fits all.” 
It is worth bearing in mind that practices like repairing old weaves, recycling or upscaling can go a long way in giving back to the planet. And sustainable fabrics have come a long way, one must acknowledge that sustainable products do not lack lustre and finesse anymore. Rather, there is a rise in the innovation of new fabrics increasingly used by luxury brands such as Gucci, Stella McCartney, Tommy Hilfiger and Bottega Veneta. Décor brands like Kar Conscious Living focusses on the importance of Indian textiles through raw fabrics and subtle designs, showcasing the essence of their weaves.  More and more home décor brands are using materials like organic bio-washed cotton and handwoven wool. 
Selecting the right fabric 
Saachi Bahl
It’s always good to check what goes into the making of our home décor pieces. We’re still a long way from reducing our consumption to optimum levels, so the least we can do is make eco-friendly shopping decisions. That includes digging into the environmental practices of the brands you love and finding out how ethical they truly are in their production and manufacturing processes. “Decor and fashion have always been sectors that other industries look to for ‘what’s next’. Fashion designers have an incredible opportunity to not only reach but consciously influence consumers and other industries by choosing to create with the end in mind, choosing a material like ECONYL® nylon that can help brands close the loop,” said Giulio Bonazzi Chairman and CEO at Aquafil Group.   
Trend-related shopping cycles take a toll on the environment. Home furnishing-related individual buying decisions can also play a crucial role in our carbon footprint. Globally, the furniture market is worth approximately $ 575 billion. Manufacturers deploy vast amounts of resources to meet high demands, including trees, plastic, cotton, fibre and toxic chemicals, and hence the rise of fast furniture further complicates the sustainability dilemma. Contrary to what is believed, creating a home with the planet in mind does not require sacrificing comfort, style or budget. We can curate spaces by choosing earth-friendly materials and optimising sunlight, airflow and ventilation to reduce our daily impact. 
How are materials sustainable?  
You most likely would have encountered a few new terms like  Econyl, Cupro and Lyocell. You know they’re good for the environment because that is the information we are given. But what exactly are these so-called sustainable fabrics that are taking over our world? Luxury labels are shifting their focus to vegan leather and recycled materials. And the fabrics you grew up with simply don’t cut it anymore. “There is a plethora of new materials that designers and textile manufacturers are working with to make fashion more sustainable. Bamboo and banana fibre, leathers made from plant-based materials, and even sustainable silk are being devised. Along with all these innovations, it is vital to remember to buy from accountable and transparent brands, buy less and buy better, and re-wear, repeat and repair your clothes,” believes fashion designer Nachiket Barve. Saachi Bahl’s Saahra Sustain offers womenswear classics handcrafted in GOTS-certified cotton or peace silk, shoes from plant-based bio-leather called Pinatex, collections made from Econyl and even bags made from cork.  On the design side of things, brands are using reclaimed and waste materials that have led to the creation of unique products and the design world is excited to further explore this avenue. Redefining this space, sustainable home decor brands and designers show us the beauty of old is gold.  
ECONYL
Econyl   
Econyl is making its presence strongly felt in the market. The fabric was pioneered by the Italian company Aquafil in 2011 and is a recycled nylon fibre that is regenerated from plastic trash in the ocean, such as fishing nets, discarded bottles and industrial waste. Aquafil cleans and shreds this waste through a chemical purification process to extract pure nylon. That means that the resulting fibre, Econyl, is no different from virgin nylon. Giulio Bonazzi Chairman and CEO at Aquafil Group gets his passion for sustainability from his native place, a beautiful area in the middle of the mountains of Italy (Dolomites and Alps) near Garda Lake. The place taught him to love, value and respect the beauty that surrounds you. We spoke exclusively to Maestro himself to know more about the material. “ECONYL® is regenerated nylon 100% with a different story. It comes from nylon waste such as fishing nets, fabric scraps from mills and carpets destined for landfills. It is used for apparel, carpets, and other interior design products. And it has exactly the same performance as fossil-based nylon.” 
Aquafil econyl
The pace at which brands are adapting to the material is impressive and currently, Aquafil, with ECONYL®, collaborates with more than 2500 brands in the world. “As consumers continue to stay aware of material ingredients, it’s important that brands choose supply chain transparency. This will not only empower the consumer, but will also invite designers to tap into a new level of innovation and creativity. And this is why brands are choosing sustainable ingredients like ECONYL® nylon for their collection,” shared Bonazzi. ECONYL is mostly known by customers due to pieces offered by Adidas in its 2017 collaboration with Parley, Prada’s line of bags made with the fabric in 2019 — Re-Nylon and Gucci and Burberry have also used Econyl in their outerwear pieces and accessories, including the latter’s iconic trench coat. “Brands are using Econyl across different product categories like swim/resort to luxury. It is coming with the functionality of a virgin material making it good for fashion and the planet,” said Saachi Bahl.   
ECONYL is also used for home décor by brands such as Noho, a New Zealand-based eco-chic brand that creates durable and dynamic chairs made with materials from discarded waste. Alcarol in nature creates functional home décor pieces while preserving the natural materials as they would appear in their respective habitats. From the dining room and coffee tables to consoles and shelving, each creation replicates a distinctive landscape, bringing depth, perspective and beauty into your living spaces. Finally, Rols, a Spanish carpet manufacturing brand since 1917, integrates ecological materials such as wool or jute, and ECONYL® regenerated nylon into their designs, believing that ‘quality goes hand-in-hand with treating the earth with respect’. 
Rols
Cupro 
Another sustainable fabric that is fast gaining popularity is cuprammonium rayon, also known as Cupro. This is a plant-based fabric made from cotton linter, which is a waste product of cotton that’s often discarded. It can also be derived from recycled cotton garments, especially T-shirts. Cupro as a fabric is fine, sheer, smooth, soft to the touch, hypoallergenic, stretch-resistant, durable and dries quickly. Some even call this fabric Vegan Silk. Amouve procures organic cotton directly from Indian farmers and this practice has also led to less usage of water as compared to regular cotton. The brand offers a range of products comprising organic cotton bedsheets, towels, pillows, organic kapok mattresses and waffle blankets among others. 
Kar Conscious Living
Amouve
Lyocell 
Ethical bedding
Lyocell (also known as Tencel) is a plant-based fibre that was introduced 30 years ago and is mostly derived from eucalyptus wood, and sometimes oak and birch wood. To create the material, the wood is ground into a pulp and chemically purified to extract raw cellulose. The liquid is then pumped through spinnerets into Lyocell fibres, which are spun into yarn and woven into fabric. Lyocell fabric is soft, breathable, hypoallergenic, and more absorbent than cotton. Eucalyptus trees grow quickly without the use of pesticides, fertilisers or irrigation, making Lyocell much more eco-friendly and completely biodegradable. The material is a great alternative to viscose and makes it great for athleisure, activewear, and everyday basics. Ethical Bedding, a UK-based brand turns organic eucalyptus and bamboo into timeless silky bedding. 
How to make home décor sustainable 
Rug Republic Hestia
Nand Kishore Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director, Jaipur Rugs Group throws light on how the carpet industry uses sustainability in its design. “We believe sustainability in the design isn’t just a trend; it’s our responsibility.”. Chaudhary goes on to explain the process followed at Jaipur Rugs. “We prioritize sustainability in every aspect of our carpet design process, from materials to production. To achieve this, we utilize leftover hand-spun yarn to create unique and creative designs, reducing textile waste. Additionally, we use low-impact dyes that are obtained from GOTS-certified and eco-friendly raw materials, making our rugs long-lasting and beautiful while minimizing the environmental impact of the production process. By using sustainable materials and working with ethical partners, we create high-quality handmade rugs that not only enhance the beauty of any space but also promote a healthier planet for future generations.”   
Another brand that champions sustainability is Rug Republic. Their new collection of Floral Rugs is created with recycled materials, colours, designs and textures.  “The demand for sustainable and ethically made products has led to an increase in the appreciation for handmade rugs as well, as people like to spend on products that align with their thought process and values. Having said that, the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of floral rugs have further contributed to their enduring popularity, making them a valuable addition to any home,” says Raghav Gupta, Director of E-commerce at The Rug Republic. 
With climate change knocking on our front door there are three key methods to make a home more sustainable. Firstly, making the switch to regenerated nylon with the use of artisan rugs and furniture made from recycled materials, such as old carpets, abandoned fishing nets and industrial scraps can minimize waste that would otherwise pollute the earth. For example, for every 10,000 tons of ECONYL® raw material, we can save 70,000 barrels of crude oil and avoid 65,100 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions from being released into the air. From Jaipur Rugs and other trendy pieces like these Zanotta pouffes pick your products.  
Secondly, shift to Bamboo furniture. It is a sustainable alternative to wood, and is highly versatile for furniture, flooring and light fittings, giving your humble abode a modern and eco-conscious twist. Pick a rattan table from Fleck or Orange Tree’s rattan hanging lamp.  
Orange Tree Canna Hanging Lamp Double
Lastly, switch to bio-glass meaning home décor made from discarded bottles and jars, this material requires less energy and raw materials to manufacture. Bio-glass can transform kitchen countertops, bathroom sinks, walls, and windows into beautiful and unique pieces, adding charm and sophistication to your home. Renjini Thampi from Kerela upcycles glass bottles to make a variety of home decor items and Nicobar’s recycled glass section makes a strong case as well.  
Nicobar recycled glass collection
“India is certainly the country that will have the most spectacular development in the coming decades. And it seems very clear not only to me that the Indian culture as well as the Indian Government and Indian consumers have a strong interest and great attention towards the conservation of the planet and in doing and thinking step by step to find the best solution. Therefore, aiming for India, I think is one of the most strategic and correct actions to take,” believes Bonazzi. To conclude Bahl believes, “the innovative material industry is evolving at such a fast pace, that it’s just fascinating the type of recyclability and plant-based materials that are available in the market.” 
To conclude, daily habits such as composting food waste, cleaning with natural products, and installing solar panels, underfloor heating or double-glazed windows all contribute towards greener living.
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Source: luxebook.in

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Shopping can be a fun activity, no doubt. There’s so much to look at, so many items that promise to make life a little better…it can be hard to stay focused on what we need vs. what we want and on what we can afford.

But those impulse buys, even a new conditioner here and a spiffy new phone case there, have a way of adding up. That can leave you wondering why your credit card bill is so high and can derail your bigger-picture financial goals.

It’s OK to give in now and then and splurge on small treats, but it’s also wise to develop better buying habits so you don’t get in the groove of overspending.

Here, you’ll learn just how to do that. Read on for advice on fine-tuning your routine; you’ll see how to make smarter buying choices without feeling deprived.

9 Tips for Building Better Buying Habits

Here are nine tips for building better buying habits that can help those interested in becoming more mindful consumers.

1. Having a Financial Goal in Mind

Motivation is a wonderful tool. To kick off new buying habits people may want to think about what their financial aim is and what they want to save money for in the first place.

This could be as small as wanting to save money for a handbag they really want or to save up to go to a fancy restaurant instead of their usual haunt.

Or, it could be something much larger like saving for a vacation, a wedding, a home, or even for retirement somewhere down the line.

Having a financial goal might make it easier for consumers to prevent an impulse purchase or spend money on something they don’t actually need.

To double-down on this habit try writing down any and all financial goals in a notes app, diary, or even on a piece of paper. Then, stick it in a wallet so it’s with you wherever you go.

2. Giving Every Purchase — Big or Small — a Little Time

Sometimes all it takes to reverse a buying decision is to just sit and think about it for a second. Is this magazine really worth the read, or can the articles be found online? Is this new dress really all that great, and will it be worn more than once?

For larger purchases try to employ the “take a walk” method, which is to literally leave a store, go for a walk, and think about the item a bit more. This way, the initial adrenaline rush and excitement wear off just a bit so a consumer can clearly consider the purchase with fewer emotions attached.

Then, come back, look at the item again. If it still elicits butterflies then it could be worth the purchase. If not, that’s great. Confidently walk away.

If anyone is looking to take this habit to the next level, try employing the 30-day rule. Just as the name implies, those looking to purchase anything nonessential must put the product back on the shelf and step away for a full 30 days.

If at the end of that time he or she still wants the product badly enough they can then return and purchase knowing full well it will bring them a little more joy.

Here’s one more trick to try when using the 30-day rule. Over the 30 days, try saving little by little to purchase the item. At the end of the month, if you decide that product is no longer needed, that cash could be put right into savings.

Recommended: Different Types of Budgeting Methods

3. Coming Up With a Personal Spending Mantra

If taking a walk just isn’t an option, it may be time to come up with a personal spending mantra. Think things like “Keep the memory, get rid of the object,” or Marie Kondo’s, “Does this spark joy?”

Use Kondo’s phrases, or come up with a unique one to use before making any purchase. By repeating the phrase over and over again it will help determine if that object really deserves to take up space in your life and in your monthly budget.

4. Learning to be a Comparative Shopper

There’s so much information just a click away, you never have to settle for the first price tag you see. Finding a better deal could require just a quick online search.

To become a great comparative shopper, you can start small by investigating prices on everyday purchases like groceries. Try looking up a price comparison for milk between high-end grocery stores versus the neighborhood grocer. Then, think about monthly expenses like the internet, cable, telephone bills, and even things like gym memberships or subscriptions.

Can you find a better price for any of these items or negotiate the price down? Go for it and save along the way.

5. Falling in Love With Coupons and Discount Codes Again

Another better buying habit to adopt: Take a minute when shopping to find a few coupons to use in physical stores and discount codes to use online.

There are a number of coupon websites such as RetailMeNot and The Krazy Coupon Lady that can help shoppers hunt down a few discounts when they need them.

There are also services like Honey, which is a plugin you can add to your dashboard that will automatically scour the web for discount codes and plug them right in at checkout.

Long story short, don’t settle for the first price.

Recommended: Ways to Save Money on Clothes

6. Maintaining the Things You Already Have

A hole in a sweater, a scratched coffee table, and a tiny crack in a dish can be enough for some people to run out and purchase an entirely new item to replace the old.

However, rather than tossing something just because it’s a little faded it’s time to learn how to give things a new life. Or, find an expert who can.

For example, rather than buying all new shoes just because the tread is a little worn down, try bringing them to the local cobbler (aka shoe repair). They may be able to replace the thread for a fraction of the price of new shoes. This same idea goes for big-ticket items too.

Consider keeping a maintenance calendar for things like a car’s oil changes, a home’s roof inspections, and more. That way, things will always stay in tip-top shape for longer, and you may, say, save money on your car or home repair costs.

7. Understanding Shopping Triggers

To create better spending habits, it can be worthwhile to take a bit of time to self-reflect and discover why you like to spend money in the first place.

Do you suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out), spending and buying things because friends, family, or a favorite influencer is sporting it on social media?

Do you shop when bored, or are you triggered by something else? It can be important to delve into why you shop so you can avoid triggers that could lead to overspending.

Doing so could also help you reconcile any tendencies to be a compulsive or impulsive shopper.

8. Getting in on the Financial Buddy System

Everything’s better with friends — including creating better spending habits. Just look to working out for inspiration.

According to one landmark study by researchers at the University of Aberdeen, people who work out with a friend are more likely to hit the gym more often than those who choose to work out alone. That lesson can easily be applied to finances too.

Find a trusted friend or family member who can offer real advice when it comes to creating better buying habits.

Make a pact to call one another every time either of you needs a second opinion when it comes to making big purchases, or when you need someone to talk you out of making a silly purchase.

Don’t worry, odds are you’ll return the favor for your financial buddy in no time.

9. Knowing Where Money Is and Where It’s Going

A major part of creating better buying habits is understanding where your money is right now and where it’s going at all times. Don’t shy away from making a personal budget to see how much money is coming in and where it all goes. Budget tracking apps (perhaps provided by your financial institution) can help in this effort too.

Monitoring your checking account will also help you get in touch with your spending habits. Some people find checking in every couple of days a good move.

These moves can reveal patterns that you might be unaware of and also help you see where you might cut back on expenses. That, in turn, can free up some funds so you feel better about splurging when the opportunity arises.

The Takeaway

SoFi Checking and Savings, a high interest bank account, can help you manage your cash better.

With our app, you can transfer money to pay bills directly online and track weekly spending right on the integrated dashboard. You can work towards savings goals with Vaults and Roundups. Plus, you’ll pay no account fees and earn a competitive annual percentage yield, which can help grow your money faster.

Want to create better buying habits? SoFi Checking and Savings could be a first step to help you get there.

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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
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Source: sofi.com