Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
After a year spent indoors, everyone wants to have a hot girl summer in 2021. But when your financial situation is still recovering from the pandemic, can you really afford to?
Whether you’re struggling to get by or just looking to save a few bucks, use these tips to go big this summer – without going over budget.
Cash in rewards points
Millions of Americans stocked up on toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and disinfectants during the pandemic. But many consumers inadvertently hoarded another item: credit card rewards points.
If you’re planning to reunite with high school friends or travel to a bachelorette party, cash in your points and miles to save on the trip. If you had to cancel a vacation due to the pandemic, redeem any remaining travel credit.
If you have more rewards points than you need, you may be able to redeem them for cash or as a statement credit on your card, which you can then use toward your trip.
Don’t have any rewards cards? Now may be a good time to sign up. Chase is currently offering a 100,000-point bonus for new cardholders who apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, or a 60,000-point bonus for the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. Depending on where you’re going, that’s enough for a couple of flights or hotel stays.
Invite friends over for a swap
My new favorite tradition with friends is to host a swap. Everyone brings items they no longer need, and we take turns picking new-to-us items. Last time I got three dresses, a pair of Madewell overalls, a curling iron, and a dog bed.
You’re not limited to clothes at a swap. I encourage my friends to bring anything, including books, kitchenware, makeup and home decor. It’s a free way to get new items, and it encourages you to declutter your house.
Drink like a college student
Back in college, most people would have a couple drinks at home before venturing to the bars. If you’re going out with friends, consider starting with a drink or two at home.
Another money-saving trick is to eat a full meal before you go out, so you’re not tempted to grab pricey appetizers. If you’re getting drinks with your friends, limit yourself to basic cocktails instead of specialty cocktails, or stick to the draft list instead of buying a fancy bottle.
Create rules for yourself
Now that the world is opening up, it’s tempting to throw your budget away and treat yourself to everything you missed during the pandemic. Before doing that, set up some ground rules to keep yourself from going overboard.
For example, make a rule that if you’re getting dinner or brunch with friends, you won’t get take-out that week. These basic rules will help you spend less without having to give up what really matters.
Use a cash budget
Instead of bringing your credit card with you on a night out, only take the amount of cash you want to spend. You can still use your phone to order an Uber or Lyft, but you won’t have the temptation of a credit card. Decide how much you’re comfortable spending and only bring that amount.
Join a sports league
Group sports leagues like softball, soccer, or kickball are one of the most affordable ways to hang out with friends and get some exercise at the same time.
Most group leagues cost between $50 and $75 a person, depending on the sport, and usually last around six weeks. Sometimes you’ll even get a discount at a local bar where you can hang out afterwards.
Plan a budget-friendly trip
For the past few years, my college friends and I have met up every summer at my in-law’s lake house. The house is located near a small town in Indiana, only a few hour’s drive for most of us.
Instead of picking a more exotic locale, we prioritize saving money. It’s free to stay there, and we split the cost of groceries. I usually spend about $100 on gas, food, and drinks for a three-day trip.
If you’re considering a getaway with friends, get creative. Don’t automatically book a trip to Vegas or Miami. Pick a spot that’s close enough to drive, or near a popular airport where flights will be less expensive.
If you’re not lucky enough to have access to a family vacation home, look on Airbnb and VRBO for affordable destinations. Find a house with a stocked kitchen so you can cook most of your meals.
Pro tip: Use Mint’s free travel budget calculator to help you plan your next adventure.
Budget for it
When the world shut down last year, most of us got used to spending less on gas, bars, and new clothes. But as things start to open up, you may find your spending ramping back up.
Use this time to revise your budget and allocate money toward restaurants, rideshare services, and new outfits. As things return to normal, you may have to change your budget a few times before finding a happy balance. Give yourself some grace, as circumstances may change rapidly.
If you find budgeting for one month at a time difficult, give yourself a weekly allowance to use for non-essential purchases. Redirect some of your pandemic habits, like ordering take-out a few times a week, to your rediscovered social habits, like getting dinner with your friends.
Talk to your friends
While some consumers survived the pandemic without getting laid off, millions of Americans lost their jobs and remained unemployed for months. So while your friends may be ready to party, you might be focused on rebuilding your savings.
If you suffered financially during the pandemic, you may not be able to keep up with your friends this summer. Even though it may seem awkward to discuss your money problems openly, it’s better than making excuses.
If you lie about why you can’t hang out, your friends will think you’re avoiding them. But if you’re honest, they may accommodate you by suggesting budget-friendly activities. Give them the chance to understand, even if it means having an uncomfortable conversation. Who knows – one of them might be struggling as well, but too afraid to speak up.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Zina Kumok is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance. A former reporter, she has covered murder trials, the Final Four and everything in between. She has been featured in Lifehacker, DailyWorth and Time. Read about how she paid off $28,000 worth of student loans in three years at Conscious Coins. More from Zina Kumok
Although most states give you a grace period before getting a new driver’s license (for example, it’s 90 days when you move into Illinois), you still want to do that as quickly as you can because you are likely to need identification that has your current address on it for other chores.
How Do I Budget for a Move?
If you are moving from a single family home, then the city in which you lived charges you for city services such as trash pickup and possibly sewer and water. Contact your City Hall and let them know they are losing a resident, and ask them to stop any charges under your name related to that address.
This will not cost you money, but it will cost you time. You are going to want to update your voter registration information, and you are likely going to want to let your former state know that you are no longer eligible to vote in that state. Otherwise, your current vote could get hung up in a technicality (and there are more of those today than there were in previous years).
The Costs of Moving Besides Moving
It is possible that you will be able to use the same bank with the same checking or savings account. Your routing number will change, because routing numbers are assigned based on the state of the bank branch where you opened the account. Ask your bank if you need to alert all of your direct deposit senders (employer, pension, income tax refunds) that you have a new routing number. Even for brick-and-mortar banks, you can likely handle this online.
Driver’s License and Car Registration
Get the Penny Hoarder Daily Most moving services offer a state-to-state move budget calculator. Your move budget will depend on how much you are moving and how far you are going. Your budget for the move will be in the thousands of dollars, but you can reduce those costs by shipping some items or hauling some items by yourself.
Automobile Registration
It is advised to contact utilities two to three weeks before your move. Some utilities require a security deposit before activating service, and the amount of your security deposit could depend on your credit rating.
In most cases, it will not cost you money to change your address, but again, in the “time is money’’ category, this is going to be expensive.
Let your auto insurance company know your new location and new license plate numbers. Since insurance rates vary based on location, you may see a change in your premium due to your move. Who knows? Maybe your premium will decrease.
Voter Registration
We’ve rounded up the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the costs of moving.
You will need to register your vehicle(s) with the new state, getting new license plates and local registration stickers. Even if your license plate has several months remaining on its registration in your previous state of residence, you will save yourself any explaining if you get pulled over or in an accident.
Banking
Source: thepennyhoarder.com For Wi-Fi service, you need to contract with an internet provider, even if you are not going to use cable TV. The cost of the service varies widely throughout the country and depends on the provider, but you will likely need to pay a monthly fee of – for the modem and router.
Electric, Water and Gas
If you are changing banks because your current bank does not have any locations or ATMs in your new state, then you need to contact everyone who uses your current banking information. That includes apps, direct deposit senders, subscriptions, and any other service or product that accesses your banking information for payments.
Moving to your dream location does require money. Whether you hire a mover or load your own truck, there are moving costs. Selling a property, buying a property, paying the first two months rent and a security deposit on a new apartment, getting your security deposit back from your own place — these are all considerations that go into the decision to move and could cost you thousands of dollars.
The average cost for vehicle registration and plates is nationwide, but in Florida that will cost you 5.
For example, if you are moving to Las Vegas and need to start service with NV Power, you will pay a deposit of the last 12 months of service at the address you are moving to. If there was no service there — maybe it’s new construction — be prepared to pay a 0 deposit to start service.
What are the Costs Associated With Moving?
Wi-Fi and Internet
Remote working has advantages beyond being able to attend Zoom meetings in your sweatpants. You can move closer to family or friends, head to a nicer climate, or live in a cheaper state. Voter registration should come at no cost and can usually be done online in 42 states and Wasington, D.C.
These 13 free TV apps will let you cut cable from your budget and save you a lot of money.
City Hall
There are the basics, such as moving trucks, vans and movers. There is also the cost of your personal transportation to the new location. The other costs relate to services you received in your old home (electric, gas, water) and must initiate in your new home (with likely turn-on charges).
Memberships
While most other hidden costs are the ones that cost you time rather than money, you can be charged for services you are no longer personally receiving at your old home if you do not file a change of address or alert those service providers you no longer live there.
Wardrobe
Ready to stop worrying about money?
In some states, you have a choice of electric or gas supply companies. Discuss your choices with your Realtor or city utility personnel — they usually handle water, garbage and sewer — before you move.
Who Needs Your New Address
However, when you move to another state, there are hidden costs that you may not fully comprehend. Some of these costs are, in fact, new payments that need to be made, and others are “time is money’’ costs.
There are fees for getting a new driver’s license and auto registration, plus you may have to pay a deposit to start power, cable and/or internet service. Your automobile insurance rates are likely to change, but that could be positive or negative. There is a slight fee for an official change of address with the U.S. Postal Service.
Your employer. If you are keeping your remote job but moving to a new location, your employer would probably like to know that.
Post Office. You need to file a change of address with your old post office, which will receive and forward any mail that comes to your old address. Make a note of any mail you received over the last month before you move to see if there are contacts you need to file a change of address with. Likewise, you will want to check in with your new post office branch to indicate that you now live at the new address and the former resident no longer lives there. This process is going to cost you $1.05.
Subscriptions. If you still receive anything in the mail on a subscription basis, you need to contact the provider.
Passport. Good news! You don’t need to change your address in your passport because your old one may not even be in there. On U.S. passports, there is a place where you can write in your address. You can erase the old one if you were smart enough to write it in pencil or use whiteout to create a new address.
Ride-sharing apps. OK, this one you are going to want to do. One of the great points of ride-sharing apps is that you only need to touch the “home’’ button to indicate where you are going, or where you are leaving from. If you don’t change this address immediately, you will do so after the first time the driver tries to take you back to Oklahoma.
Delivery services. If you get groceries or meals delivered, you want to ensure those services have your correct address.
Other apps. Look through your phone home screen and see if there are any other apps that need to know your current address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Costs of Moving
How much you spend on your weather-appropriate wardrobe is up to you, but it needs to be a consideration. If you’re in need of winter coats, check out the local thrift stores in warmer climates. You may find that many people offloaded them when they moved south.
Kent McDill is a veteran journalist who has specialized in personal finance topics since 2013. He is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
If you are moving from one climate condition to another, you are likely going to need to alter your wardrobe. Whether your move is latitudinal or longitudinal, you are going to need lighter weight clothes or heavier clothes, different types of outerwear and footwear. If you are moving from a warm climate to a cold and snowy one, you are going to need winter wear.
As long as you have no in-office requirements, you can live wherever you want providing you are willing to deal with attending meetings in a different time zone.
When you set up these services at your new address, there may be reconnection charges, assuming the services were turned off by the previous resident when they moved.
What are the Hidden Costs of Moving Examples?
You will be amazed by the number of times you need to change your legal address when you move. This is true whether you move within a state or to a new state, but the new state rules and regulations may be different than what you are accustomed to.
All of these service providers charge you based on usage in your home. You need to contact the provider for your previous location to stop billing there once you leave, and then you need to start services for your arrival date in your new home. If you do not tell the power company that you no longer live at your old address, you will be charged for monthly service fees, even if you are not there using the electric, gas or water at that location. <!–
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There will be a fee to acquire a new driver’s license, and you may end up taking a test or two to get licensed. This can serve as your official government-issued ID card if you ever need to prove where you live. The average cost of a new driver’s license nationwide is , but it costs to get a new license in Virginia. The average cost for Wi-Fi and internet service is but it is dependent on your local provider’s capabilities.There is a difference in prices between cable, fiber or satellite service. If you want cable for TV watching, you will pay more. Let’s dive below the surface level to consider all of the financial and logistical moves you are going to make when you move to another state.
They will certainly miss you at the gym or fitness center, but they won’t stop charging you the membership fee unless you tell them to do so. This is true for any club you pay to be a member of (country club, golf course, tennis center, etc.) There are many stories, some hilarious (“I want to quit the gym!”) and some horrific, about how hard it is to get a gym or fitness center to stop charging members who no longer use the facility.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
There are so many fashion trends that come and go; but what does that mean for your pockets? You’re left overspending, making impulse decisions, or buying items because others are doing the same thing. Remember, fashion is a personal experience. It’s unique to each one of us as we all express our personal style in different ways. The cost of living along with everyday essentials are on the rise; what are a few ways to remain stylish while making sure it’s budget friendly? Use the following tips to build a classic wardrobe that’s always on trend – no matter the occasion.
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe consists of a set of tops, bottoms, outerwear, shoes, and various accessories that are versatile and can be mixed based on occasion to create a multitude of looks. The focal point of a capsule wardrobe is to own more on quality pieces that can transcend through the various seasons.
Ranging from between 25 – 75 pieces (or more; just depends on your preference) the key is to be able to identify all your clothing items easily and severely cut down on the time it takes to decide what you’re going to wear from day-to-day. Your new wardrobe should be able to reflect you personally while also remaining super functional.
Step 1: Take an assessment of your closet
Before we get started with hitting our favorite stores or buying everything online; take note of what’s currently in your closet. Begin to create a few mounds of clothes – keep, purge, and repurpose piles. What are the items that no longer fit? What items don’t necessarily fit your personal style anymore?
Be honest with yourself during this exercise. For example, if the clothes fit but you haven’t worn them within the past six months, chances are you may not be in love with them like you thought during the initial purchase. Also consider gently used clothes that are still in good shape to donate or sell to a consignment shop. The funds made from items already in your closet can go toward new pieces for your capsule wardrobe! Consider your current lifestyle as well – are you self-employed, working a 9-5 or a stay-at-home parent? All of this will impact your personal decisions as it relates to clothing.
To streamline this process even further, take pictures of the items you’re going to keep and have them all in one album on your phone. This way, you’re able to track each piece you have before making any new purchases. We often believe we have nothing to wear when it’s time to get dressed – when we really are just unsure of what we have. Reprogram your mind to utilize what you already have versus spending out of impatience and frustration.
Step 2: Identify your personal style and experiment
Social media exposes us to so many people, their personal styles and fashion inspirations. When you take a step back from everyone else’s thoughts and opinions; who inspires you? Create a mood board with outfits that pique your interest, that are classic in nature and are flattering to your body type. Ask yourself the following questions:
Are these pieces something I’m going to love years from now?
Will I feel confident no matter the occasion?
Does this fit my work and personal lifestyle?
Am I committed to investing in quality items?
Answering these truthfully are a great baseline to tailoring your wardrobe for you – regardless of what’s ever changing on social media. Next is the fun part; begin experimenting with what’s in your closet! Make sure all your items are in one area in your closet or buy a fashion rack so you’re able to easily identify your growing capsule wardrobe. Using either of these methods should not only cut down your decision time when getting dressed, it gives you the opportunity to create multiple looks with the same pieces. The main goal is functionality – make sure it’s adaptable to your lifestyle and its’ demands.
Step 3: Spend wisely and fight the urge against fast fashion
Quality over quantity is the mantra to live by when wanting to build a capsule wardrobe. Think about it in this way – how can you remain timeless while also having a distinct personal style?
When you’re looking for items to add to your capsule, focus on durability and quality. There’s no point in buying a lot of clothes that can’t withstand a few cycles in the washing machine (lack of quality) or shopping for one specific event (non-functional pieces). Refer to the pictures that’ve been taken of your current items so they’re handy during any shopping trip. Don’t forget to leverage consignment shops or thrift stores during this process. Bulkier, yet timeless items such as trench coats or vests with neutral colors can often be found. If you find that shopping for each season initially is too difficult, begin offseason shopping. During the summer, fall and winter clothes can be reduced heavily in price; use these opportunities as a cost savings.
Step 4: Take your time and have fun!
Transitioning from your current wardrobe to a fully functional one isn’t easy. Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to finalize each piece in your closet over a designated amount of time. Not only is that not realistic, but it’s also expensive (which partly defeats the purpose) and stressful. This should be a fun, experimental, yet intentional time.
Take note of the outfits you enjoy the most. What about them makes you confident? You’ll discover you love every item in your closet versus simply dealing with pieces to complete an outfit. Take a note of items that may be currently missing from your wardrobe that can be worn at least three ways.
Taking this into account, you’ll be able to add those items into your rotation easily. Every purchase should be strategic and purposeful. While others are chasing trends that change every season, you’ll be peaceful and empowered with a wardrobe distinctly curated by you and your wants.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Marsha Barnes is a finance guru with over 20 years of experience dedicates her efforts to empower women worldwide to become financially thriving. Financial competency and literacy are a passion of Marsha’s, providing practical information for clients increasing their overall confidence in their personal finances. More from Marsha Barnes
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Summer is a common time for many people to change up their living situations by moving either across town or across the country. And whether you are moving for a new job, a recent graduation, or just a change of scenery, moving to a new city can help give you a fresh financial start. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your move.
Changing (lowering) your cost of living
The biggest thing to make sure that you’re aware of when moving to a new city is that your overall cost of living is going to change. This may be obvious to many people, but goods and services cost different amounts in different areas of the country and world. From very expensive places like New York and San Francisco to less expensive places like Tulsa or Boise and everywhere in between.
Before you move to a new city, make sure to understand the difference in the cost of living between your current city and your new city. There are many online calculators that can compare the cost of living between two different cities. Make sure to dig deeper than just the overall cost of living. The cost of living accounts for lots of different areas of spending like housing, food, transportation, and more. Understanding how different things might change in price from what you’re used to can help you plan a budget for your new city.
Hopefully, you are moving to an area with a lower cost of living. That’s a great opportunity to take your extra money and start saving or investing it. If you are moving to a higher-cost area, you can take the chance to really get serious about budgeting.
New friends and family
Your new city will also give you the chance to change who you interact with and how much. You may be moving closer to family, or have the chance to meet new friends. Changes in your family or friend’s situation can also impact your finances. If you are moving closer to extended family, you may have an opportunity to collaborate on child care and save some money that way.
If you’re moving to a new city where you don’t know anyone, consider how that might affect your budget and your social life. Will you be spending more money at bars, events, and other places to meet new people? Work those expenses into your new budget!
Updating your recurring subscriptions
Recurring subscriptions can be an easy way to lose your money if you’re not careful. Without tracking them with a budgeting tool like Mint, it’s easy to find yourself paying for monthly subscriptions that you don’t actually use. Moving to a new city can be a great way to update your recurring subscriptions and be proactive about which ones you want to pay for.
While some monthly subscriptions like streaming services are easy to transfer with you when you move, others won’t make as much sense. It probably isn’t a good idea to continue paying for your local gym membership if you move halfway across the country. Take the time as part of your move to really take a look at which monthly payments you are making and which are still providing value.
Budgeting for your move
A budget is one of the most important tools you have to achieve a positive financial future. Budgeting for your move is important in two different ways. We’ve talked a bit already about how to adjust your budget for your new situation, but it’s also important to make a budget for the move itself.
Without a budget, it can be easy to spend much more than you intended to on your move. Moving is always stressful, so before you notice it, you can find yourself spending hundreds or thousands of extra dollars. Make sure to do your research on moving options, and don’t forget to give yourself some grace in the budget to account for unexpected things to come up while moving.
The Bottom Line
Moving to a new city is an exciting time, and can be a great opportunity to get a fresh financial start. Make sure to compare the cost of living in your new city, and how it compares to the prices that you’re used to. Adjust your budget for your new living situation and don’t forget to budget for the move itself. One great way to update your budget is to take a look at some of your recurring monthly subscriptions and have an honest conversation with yourself and others in your household about which subscriptions are worth it for you. Following these tips can get you off to a great start in your new city and with your new life.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Dan Miller is a freelance writer and founder of PointsWithACrew.com, a site that helps families to travel for free / cheap. His home base is in Cincinnati, but he tries to travel the world as much as possible with his wife and 6 kids. More from Dan Miller
Contributor Jenna Limbach writes on financial literacy and lifestyle topics for The Penny Hoarder from her home base in Utah. Stephanie Bolling is a former staff writer.
Thinking of having a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese? The Ultimate Fun and Mega Fun party options both come with 2 hours of all you can play for each child.
To keep patrons safe, Chuck E. Cheese has COVID-19 protocols implemented during birthday parties and some aspects of playtime. There are hand sanitizing stations, regular sanitizing of surfaces and touchless pay options, as well as the touchless Play Passes and bands.
You’d think taking the little ones to a pizza and games place like Chuck E. Cheese would bring some distraction-induced reprieve. But alas, they’re coming at you every five minutes for more tokens.
Just think: Your kids might wear themselves out for less than . Might.
How Chuck E. Cheese All You Can Play Works
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If you do a traditional party at Chuck E. Cheese but want social distancing, you can book a VIP party on Saturdays at 8 a.m. or Sundays at 9 a.m. If you have to cancel a party due to COVID, you can transfer your party deposit to a new date within one year of the canceled date or use it for a to-go party pack.
$1 Play Pass
$3 Play Pass with coil wristband
$7.99 Rechargeable Play Band with $5 worth of game play included
Ready to stop worrying about money?
Some games might still dispense paper tickets, but Chuck E. Cheese has transitioned to e-tickets that are automatically saved to Play Passes. Once kids are done playing, they can redeem their e-tickets at the counter for prizes.
Behold the All You Can Play game option (aka the savior of parental sanity), at participating Chuck E. Cheese locations nationwide.
Source: thepennyhoarder.com
For birthday parties, you can find an option that works for you based on state or local guidelines, or even do a Party Pack at home through delivery or carryout. If you choose an at-home option, you’ll still get play points and e-tickets to use on your next visit.
Pro Tip
If you find yourself frequently going to Chuck E. Cheese to keep the kids happy, check out their rewards program.
Chuck E. Cheese and COVID-19 Safety
Privacy Policy
Check that All You Can Play is available at your Chuck E. Cheese location before you go.
The allowed number of party guests and Chuck E. appearances will vary by state and local guidelines. If local guidelines don’t allow for Chuck E. to be there in person, he’ll attend virtually on video monitors.
Not today, children.
Currently, unlimited game time comes in 30-minute increments starting at with any Chuck E. Cheese deals purchase and is good any day of the week. Save even more if you go on All You Can Play Wednesday. Mention the promotion at time of purchase and you’ll get an hour of unlimited play for .99. Kids and families attend the Chuck E. Cheese Baton Rouge, La. Signature Grand Reopening on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021 in Baton Rouge, LA. Tyler Kaufman/AP Images for CEC Entertainment
Kids like to touch everything, and at a restaurant like Chuck E. Cheese those instincts run free.
Chuck E. Cheese Rewards
For one flat fee, kiddos can play unlimited games without exception for a selected amount of time.
When you download the app and sign-up, you’ll receive 500 free e-tickets. You’ll get 250 e-tickets on your sign-up anniversary and a birthday surprise for your birthday and half-birthday. Refer a friend and you’ll get one free personal pizza when they sign up.
For 50 points, you’ll get 15 minutes of play time, an order of Unicorn Churros or 500 e-tickets.
At 100 points, you receive 30 minutes of play time, one personal 1-topping pizza or 1,000 e-tickets.
For 200 points, you can earn 60 minutes of play time, one large 1-topping pizza or 2,000 e-tickets.
Kids can use Play Passes or Play Bands, which allow them to load time or points with a tap. Play Passes come in three tiers:
Before your next trip, you can also reload time and points onto Play Passes and Play Bands online. <!–
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Need a potty or pizza break? No problem. You get the option to pause play twice during the play window. Once the time is up, you can purchase additional 30-minute windows. Download the restaurant’s app and scan the barcode on your receipt. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend. You’ll get different rewards depending on your number of points. Worried about germs? Instead of blowing out candles on an entire birthday cake, kids now blowout candles on a single slice. Parents can also opt to skip the tradition all together or bring cupcakes. Kids will also be given time to wash their hands before they eat.
If you’re looking to add an animal to your apartment, consider birds as they’re great companions and affectionate pets.
When you think of getting your first pet, cats or dogs are the first species of animals that come to mind. But, have you ever considered a bird? Birds are popular pets as they’re friendly and affectionate yet they don’t take up too much space in your apartment.
Birds are great pets for apartment dwellers because they’re low maintenance while still being extremely affectionate with big personalities. Whether you want a few smaller birds or one large parrot, it’s important to discover which popular pet bird species is right for you.
Throughout this article, we’ll talk to you about all the different species and help you decide which is the friendliest pet bird species for you.
Welcome to the bird world
Are you new to pet ownership? Don’t fret. There are several bird species and they all make for wonderful pets. But before you go to the local pet store or aviary, you need to ask yourself a few questions to determine which pet is the best one for you.
Does your apartment complex allow birds?
Before bringing any type of animal into your apartment, you need to read your lease agreement and talk to your landlord about the pet policy. The first thing to find out is if your apartment allows pets, and specifically if they allow birds.
If your apartment is not pet-friendly, don’t sneak a pet into the apartment as there are serious negative consequences. Once you get the green light that your apartment is pet-friendly, then you can continue your search for the perfect pet.
Can you afford it?
As with any pet, you need to do some math to ensure that your budget can stretch to accommodate your first bird. In addition to purchasing the cage, which varies in price, you’ll need to calculate the cost of birdseed, fresh fruit and veggies, toys for mental stimulation, veterinary care, cleaning and grooming costs and additional money for unexpected costs that may arise.
Different species can cost different amounts, too. Owning a bird can add up, so make sure you can afford the care needed to take care of your little feathered creature.
How much time do you have to care for it?
While some birds are more low maintenance than others, all birds need some human attention every day to thrive. Ask yourself how much time you actually have each day to care for your new pet and give it the human interaction it deserves.
If you only have an hour each day to dedicate to your pet, consider a parakeet as they’re a low-maintenance bird. On the other hand, if you have ample amounts of time at home to care for and train your bird, you may consider a parrot species.
Do your research to understand the level of training, stimulation and care each different bird species needs to thrive.
Where is it coming from?
We don’t just mean which pet store is your bird coming from. Unfortunately, birds are illegally obtained and sold. In fact, some birds — like the African grey parrot — are on the verge of extinction from the illegal bird trade. African greys are intelligent birds that people love as pets, but they face extinction in their natural habitat due to illegal activities.
Responsible pet owners will ask the breeder where the bird came from to ensure they aren’t contributing to the illegal bird trade. Another great option is to adopt a bird from a shelter. That way, you’re saving a life and helping to give a shelter pet a friendly new home.
Is the species compatible with children and other pets?
Are you looking to add some playful birds to your house? Well, if you have children or other animals in the house, you need to make sure that your new chirpy addition is good with other animals, children or other birds.
Don’t bring a new bird into the apartment and expect it to get along well with others. Some birds are great with other species while some are better suited alone.
For example, if you have a cat, it’s probably not smart to add a bird to the mix. The cat may view it as lunch. Save yourself some tears and heartache and make sure that all family members, pets included, are compatible with your new friend.
Top 6 best pet birds
OK, so you’ve decided that you want a pet bird and want to bring one home. But, what are the best pet birds for you? Here are some different options to consider.
Pionus parrots
Blue and green
Medium size
~30-year life span
The Pionus parrot is part of the parrot family and is originally found in South America. This is a great species for families to own as the species isn’t prone to attaching to a single person, as other parrots sometimes do. This intelligent one is sure to charm you as it’s relatively quiet and reserved. This pet bird does need a lot of attention, otherwise, it can get moody and demanding.
If you’re looking for a great companion for the whole family, the Pionus parrot is a good choice to consider.
Cockatiels
Gray, white and yellow
Small size
~ 20-year life span
These little birds are some of the most popular pets for bird owners. They’re friendly, lovable and great for apartment dwellers. They love whistling and will likely serenade you throughout the day. Part of the parrot family, they do require attention and stimulation but are on the smaller side, so they won’t take up too much space in your apartment. They cost anywhere from $30 to $250 to purchase.
If you’re a new pet owner, experts recommend getting a female cockatiel as they aren’t as moody and possessive as their male counterparts. They love company so you can even consider getting two so they have each other. If you want two cockatiels, a male and a female will work well together. Keep in mind that if you only get one, they may require more attention from you. However, you’ll have the perfect companion on your shoulder.
Hyacinth macaws
Blue
Large size
~30+ year life span
Native to central South America, the hyacinth macaws are the larger cousins to something like the Pionus parrot. These beautiful birds are spectacular and full of personality. They love to play and be seen. The hyacinth macaw definitely needs attention from its pet owner.
The hyacinth macaw can live for at least 30 years or more and cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000 to purchase. They need a large cage that’s at least six feet, as they’re the largest parrot in the world.
If you’re experienced with birds and can give these gentle giants the proper care, then they do make great pets. But, if you’re looking for a friendly pet to start off with, this is not the right creature for you.
Scarlet macaws
Blue, red and green
Large size
30+ year life span
When you think of a parrot, you probably imagine a rainbow-colored animal that can talk like and mimic humans. The scarlet macaw is that large, glorious, rainbow-colored bird. While they can talk, they don’t mimic the voice and tone (that’s the African grey!) of their owner.
Scarlet macaws are fun birds as they’re friendly, affectionate and intelligent. However, they’re not low maintenance and require a lot of time and human attention. The scarlet macaw will form strong bonds with you if it lives alone, just like it would bond with others if it were in the wild. If you’re looking for a long-term companion, consider this creature.
Green-cheeked conures
Green
Small or medium
~20-year life span
This smaller species is a popular pet for families. They’re friendly birds that are affectionate and will dole out sweet gestures, like cuddling, when properly tamed. The green-cheeked conure will chatter but they’re good for apartment dwellers as they aren’t too noisy. These small birds cost anywhere from $150 t0 $300.
The green-cheeked conure is a playful, energetic and cuddly creature. While they demand attention, they just want love and if they live in positive environments, they’ll become your feathered best friend.
Amazon parrots
Green
Medium to large
40+ year life span
Like most parrots, the Amazon parrot requires attention, proper mental stimulation and care. These mischievous birds like attention but are a great family pet. If you have the time to commit to it, the Amazon parrot is a friendly pet bird species to consider. You can teach it basic things and bond with this gorgeous creature.
What’s the easiest bird to have as a pet?
One of the easiest birds to have as a pet is the budgie, also known as a parakeet. These cute creatures are friendly pet bird species who love attention, food and play. If you’re looking for a new pet that’s easy but will give you love, cuddles and companionship, the bird world often recommends starting with a budgie.
Budgies want human interaction and don’t do well completely isolated. While they’re pretty low maintenance, they still want to interact with their humans and will be extremely affectionate with pet owners who show them love.
If you’re looking for an easy pet bird, consider the budgie or parakeet.
The best bird to have as a pet
What’s the best bird to have in your apartment? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. Birds, in general, need attention, proper care and love from their owners. If you want a low-maintenance pet, then a parakeet is the best pet bird for you. If you want a lifelong companion you can train, then the African grey is a great option.
We can’t tell you the best bird as that depends on you and your lifestyle. But, we can walk you through all of the basic pros and cons to help you determine the best one for you.
Here are some of the common pros and cons bird owners share. Consider these when determining which feathered creature to take home.
Pros of having a feathered friend
Animals bring joy and birds are no exception. These are some of the best benefits of having a feathered friend in your apartment.
They can learn basic commands
Talking parrots aren’t just found on pirate ships. If you take the time to train your bird, you can teach it easy commands and different words and it’ll talk to you! This is one of the most fun and memorable aspects of owning a bird. We’d like to see a talking Golden Retriever!
They’re affectionate pets
You might think that only cats or dogs cuddle with their human, but you’d be wrong. Birds are affectionate creatures who will cuddle you if you love them. Let them perch on your shoulder or arm and you’ll have a featured friend who loves you just as much as you love them.
They’re extremely sweet
All birds have personalities and most are very sweet. Birds want love and attention, but in return, they’ll love you back. Some will charm you with little chirps while others will speak to you. They’re popular pets because of how sweet they are.
Cons of having a feathered friend
As with any pet, there are parts of pet parenting that aren’t so glamorous. Here are some cons to know.
They’re incredibly noisy
We all know that birds tweet, but some are very loud, especially when ignored. If you live in a small apartment space next to other neighbors, your bird’s continual chirping may not appeal to everyone.
They’re expensive
While some smaller birds cost $50 to purchase, their larger cousins can cost upwards of $12,000. And that’s just for the bird itself! That doesn’t factor in food, toys, vet bills, training and other pet-related costs. Birds are expensive to purchase and maintain, compared to other pets.
They require proper care and space
You don’t just buy a bird and call it good. Birds need the right cage with enough room to spread their wings, the right space and the right care. If you can’t commit to the proper training and attention needed, which is hours a day, then this is not the right animal for you.
Becoming a pet bird owner
Are you sold that these extremely sweet, feathered creatures are right for you? Make sure you’ve done your research, checked your budget and found the bird that you can grow to love and form strong bonds with. We know they won’t disappoint with their sweet and affectionate cuddles and beautiful birdsongs.
A usury rate is an interest rate that denotes the boundary between what is considered an acceptable rate and what is excessive. It’s important that consumers understand usury rates so they can protect themselves against predatory lending practices.
You definitely don’t want to be paying interest rates that are so high, you could wind up with a mountain of debt that endangers your financial future. So read on for a better understanding of what usury rates are, what the law says about usury, and how you can avoid paying too high interest rates.
What Are Usury Interest Rates?
What is a usury rate? Technically, a usury rate is the maximum interest rate that can be charged. Typically, these rates are determined by state law, not federal law. The practice of usury is charging an illegally high interest rate.
Let’s consider why states put these usury protections in place. By capping interest rates, the government is helping people avoid financial difficulties. Excessive interest rates can mean that consumers can’t pay off their debt, and sadly, it can snowball. Usury laws are particularly designed with predatory lending in mind, which typically occurs with payday and auto-title products. However, the laws also prohibit lenders from charging too high interest rates on lending products like personal loans.
Is There a Maximum Interest Rate for Credit Cards?
Have you ever wondered, “Is there a maximum interest rate that credit card issuers can charge?” The answer is yes. This is one way that governments try to prevent usury. As we mentioned, this interest rate cap is usually determined by state law. If, however, a credit card issuer or bank has branches nationwide, the state where its headquarters are designated will determine the state law that applies.
This means that scenarios are possible where you will pay more than the maximum rate mandated in your state. Here’s an example: if you live in a state where the maximum interest rate is 10%, but your lender is headquartered in a state that allows 15%, guess what? You can be assessed that 15% rate.
This is why it’s so important to carefully read a credit card or bank account agreement to make sure it’s crystal clear what interest rate you will be charged.
Real World Example of Usury Rates
How exactly does a usury rate work, you ask? Let’s take a look at a real world example of usury interest rates in action.
Every month in North Dakota, the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions publishes what the usury rate for the upcoming month will be. Again, this usury rate is the maximum amount of interest that can be charged. This usury rate is 5.5% higher than the current cost of money. The current cost of money is represented by the average rate of interest payable in the U.S. Treasury Bills maturing within six months. However, the maximum allowable interest rate ceiling can’t surpass 7%, no matter what the current cost of money is. The North Dakota usury rate for the month of April 2022 was 7%.
Now, let’s say that someone named Ned in North Dakota is seeking a personal loan. Ned has a very low credit score and isn’t having much luck at local banks. A private lender could step forward and offer a loan at 17%, saying Ned is lucky to have access to funds at all given his credit score and what a poor risk he appears to be. That is over the usury rate, and would be an example of usury if Ned took the loan at that steep cost.
What Is Usury Law?
Usury laws are in place to stop lenders from charging too high of interest rates on lending products such as auto loans or personal loans. States have different laws and regulations that set usury interest rates on a state level. To whom usury laws apply can also vary on a state level.
For example, certain states have usury rate caps on how much finance companies (aka not banks) can charge consumers for small-value loans. Examples of these include payday and auto-title products.
How Do Usury Laws Vary From State to State?
As previously noted, usury rates are state-specific. The details of an interest rate cap and to whom these laws apply may vary. If you live in Massachusetts and your best friend is in Minnesota, it’s quite possible that you will have different usury rates and other legal guidelines.
What Is the Penalty for Violating Usury Laws?
Now, let’s look at what happens if someone extends credit at a too high rate. Remember our Ned in North Dakota example; what if he did borrow money at a rate 10% above the guideline? His lender could be in quite a bit of legal trouble. If a lender willfully receives interest in violation of the usury laws, they will be considered guilty of loan sharking. This charge is punishable by a fine (which could be returning interest plus a fee, for example) and/or imprisonment.
How Can I Tell if the Interest Rate on My Credit Card Is Illegal?
Maybe you’re shocked by how high your credit card’s interest rate is and wonder if it’s legal or not. Because the usury rate varies by state, it’s important for consumers to do some research on what the current usury rate is in their state. But, let’s remember that hitch we mentioned above: Your credit card issuer may be headquartered in a different state. You’ll need to see where that is, and check that location’s rate as well. Then, you can compare the interest rate listed in the account agreement to the current usury rate in the state where they are based. That will reveal if your rate is legal or not so much. Should you discover you’re paying too much, legal action is a possibility.
Is There Anything I Can Do About High Interest Rates?
Even if an interest rate is legal, it can still feel painfully high and make it a challenge to repay a loan. To help secure lower interest rates in the future, consumers can take steps to improve their credit score. The higher someone’s credit score is, the more likely they are to receive a lower interest rate. This can save them a considerable amount of money over the life of their loan (like a student loan). Having a good credit score in the 700s can make it easier to qualify for the best interest rates.
To improve a credit score, consumers can take the following steps:
• Make on-time payments. Making loan and credit card payments on time every single month improves a credit score over time. You might try using automatic payments from your checking account and electronic reminders to make sure a payment isn’t accidentally missed.
• Keep credit utilization rate low. Keeping their credit utilization rate (aka how much of your available credit they’re using) low can help boost a credit score. Aim for a balance that’s no more than 30% of your credit limit; 10% is even better. Paying off revolving balances each month can help keep this rate low.
• Double check credit report for errors. Mistakes happen! And an error on a credit report can be an expensive one; it can damage your score. It’s a good idea to review credit reports carefully from time to time to look for mistakes. It’s possible to dispute these errors and have them removed from the credit report, thereby improving your score.
It takes time to see the results from these efforts. But it’s wise to stay the course: Raising a credit score can make it easier to qualify for better lending products at more favorable interest rates.
The Takeaway
An usury rate is the maximum interest rate a lender is legally allowed to charge a borrower. Usury itself is the practice of charging excessively high interest rates, and this can have legal consequences. Because usury rates are state specific, it’s important to become familiar with what the usury rate in your state is, as well as the state where your lender is headquartered. By understanding interest rates and avoiding sky-high ones, you can take better control of your money and improve your financial health.
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FAQ
What is the highest legal interest rate?
The highest legal interest rate a lender can charge varies state by state. This interest rate cap is known as an usury rate, and each state sets their own limits.
Is charging a high interest rate legal?
That depends on someone’s definition of a “high” interest rate. There are limits in place on how much interest lenders can charge (known as usury rates). These guidelines are designed to help consumers avoid predatory interest amounts.
What interest rate is predatory lending?
An interest rate that surpasses the usury rate (aka the highest interest rate a lender can legally charge) in the state the borrower or lender resides in is considered to be predatory lending.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
If you’ve done any car shopping lately, this will come as no surprise: automobile prices are going through the roof. Unfortunately, that trend doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.
We’ll walk you through the factors driving this sharp increase, and give you some tips on how to avoid blowing up your budget when buying a car.
How Car Prices are Changing
Research from CarGurus.com found that used car prices are up more than 30% from June 2020. Prices have been steadily rising since the Covid-19 pandemic, and numbers have never been this high.
Not all brands are increasing at the same rate. For example, Tesla has only increased by 6% in the past year while Ram trucks have increased 40.5%. You can find a complete list of car manufacturers and their year-over-year increases here.
Why Car Prices are Going Up
Global supply chains were disrupted during the pandemic last year, and many car manufacturers did not produce as many vehicles as they normally would. The influx of stimulus checks and mass avoidance of public transit caused more people to buy cars, further limiting the available car supply.
Since 2020, there has been a global chip shortage causing massive delays for automakers. The average car can have hundreds of these chips, which explains why automobile production has slowed down even as other industries have begun to ramp back up.
How to Budget for Higher Car Prices
If you need to buy a car right now, prepare to pay higher prices than you might have paid a year or two ago.
Here’s how to plan ahead:
Look at your overall budget
Whether you’re planning to buy a car in cash or take out a loan, you should look at your budget to see how much you can afford to pay.
Because prices for other goods are also rising, it’s important to allow some flexibility in your budget. Don’t buy the most expensive car you can afford, and don’t raid your savings to pay for it. While the economy seems to be rebounding, you should still keep a sizable emergency fund in case of future layoffs or furloughs.
Compare interest rates
According to Bankrate.com, interest rates for auto loans are the lowest they’ve been since 2015. If you’re getting a car loan, one of the most important factors is the interest rate and APR. The interest rate affects your monthly payments and the total amount of interest paid over the life of the loan.
Start by getting quotes from your current bank, and then get outside quotes from other banks, credit unions, and auto lenders. Compare the APR and not just the interest rate. The APR is the more comprehensive number, reflecting both the interest rate and any fees.
Get the most for your trade-in
Because used car prices are going up, you will likely earn more for your trade-in than you would have in the past. Look up your car’s value on Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com to see what it’s worth.
Then, maximize your trade-in value by getting multiple quotes from dealerships and listing your car for sale on sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Cars.com. You’ll earn more from a private seller but may have to deal with flaky buyers. If you’re selling a car to an individual, you’ll also need to verify that the check or cash you receive is legitimate.
When selling to a dealership, try to leverage quotes from multiple dealers against each other to create a bidding war. Remember that inventory for used cars is low, so many companies are willing to pay more than you might expect for a used car.
Get a longer-term loan
If you can’t afford to pay for the car in cash, a car loan is your next best option. Car loan terms range from 24 to 84 months, and interest rates generally increase as the term gets longer. Because car prices are higher right now, you may need a longer loan term to end up with monthly payments you can comfortably afford. Use a car loan calculator and play around with the numbers to find your upper loan limit.
Here’s how the monthly payments can change depending on the term. Let’s say you receive two quotes from an auto lender for a $20,000 car. The first option is a three-year term with a 5% interest rate and a $582 monthly payment. The second option is a six-year term with a 6% interest rate and a $331 monthly payment.
You review your budget and determine that the maximum amount you can afford each month is $350. In this case, you would be better off choosing the six-year term with the higher interest rate.
It’s better to have a payment you can easily make every month than a lower interest rate and less wiggle room in your budget. You can always make extra payments on the car loan to pay it off faster if your income increases. Most auto lenders don’t charge a prepayment penalty, so there’s no extra fee if you repay the loan ahead of schedule.
Budget for car insurance
If you’re about to buy a new car, call your car insurance provider and ask them what the new monthly premium will be. In most cases, buying a newer car will increase your premiums because it will cost more to replace if there’s an accident.
But if your new car has additional safety features that could reduce the chances of an accident, then your premiums may not change as much. Still, it’s better to find out now what the premium will be instead of after you’ve bought the car.
Bottom Line
It’s impossible to predict where prices may be in the future. If you don’t need to buy a car right now, you might be better off waiting a few months to see if prices cool off.
Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further
Zina Kumok is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance. A former reporter, she has covered murder trials, the Final Four and everything in between. She has been featured in Lifehacker, DailyWorth and Time. Read about how she paid off $28,000 worth of student loans in three years at Conscious Coins. More from Zina Kumok
Licensed master plumbers have the highest earning potential. The top 10% of plumbers can earn ,920 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
And on the high end, earning potential for master plumbers nearly reached 0,000 for the top 10%.
How Much School Do Plumbers Need?
How to Become a Plumber in 4 Steps
Potential education topics at a vocational school might include plumbing theory, water distribution, blueprint reading, draining and venting, pipe cutting and soldering and even electrical basics.
If you are currently a high school student interested in becoming a plumber, take all the math courses you can. In addition, choose classes like physics and shop to help you build an effective knowledge and skills base.
Becoming a plumber is all about licensure, so college is not a requirement. However, plumbers typically need to have their high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) to start an apprenticeship. A diploma or GED is also important if you plan to take any plumbing courses at a community college (more on that below).
1. Get Your High School Diploma or GED
To be considered a journeyman plumber, you will need to pass your state’s licensing exam. In general, you will need to renew this license every three to five years and take continuing education courses to maintain your licensed status.
A plumber’s skill set is varied. As a plumber, you will need the technical knowledge to diagnose plumbing problems and make repairs. You will also need to be proficient in using a wide variety of tools, including saws, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches and torches. Remaining in top physical condition is crucial, as you will frequently do heavy lifting and perform tasks that require stamina, often in very hot or cold environments.
Most states require you to operate as a journeyman plumber for a set number of years (between two and five) before you can seek licensure as a master plumber. To earn your license, you’ll need to pass a written and practical exam.
2. Become an Apprentice
Upon completing your apprenticeship, you can apply to become a licensed journeyman plumber. Once you reach this status, you will be able to work unsupervised on commercial and residential projects.
Becoming a plumber does not require the college career path. Instead, you will complete high school and find work as an apprentice. After a few years, you can get licensed as a journeyman plumber and then a master plumber.
We’ve found the answers to the most commonly asked questions about becoming a plumber, including how long it takes until you’re repairing leaky sinks on your own.
To earn a plumbing license, you must first complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship and then pass the journeyman exam; an apprenticeship includes classroom instruction but no formal school program. Some plumbers choose to attend a year or two of plumbing trade school before their apprenticeship.
A plumbing apprenticeship program includes on-the-job training and some classroom instruction, but many plumbers choose to attend a vocational school as a first step. Plumbing trade schools may offer special certification or even a two-year associate degree.
3. Become a Journeyman Plumber
In general, you can find a plumbing apprenticeship program through trade unions, community colleges, trade schools and even private businesses. You might need to pass an exam or interview with a licensed plumber.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber?
How Much Money Do Plumbers Make?
4. Become a Master Plumber
Ready to stop worrying about money?
Depending on your state, you may be able to earn special endorsements and certifications. For example, in the Lone Star State, in addition to your Texas plumbing license, you can obtain endorsements for medical gas piping installation, multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler installation and water supply protection installation and repair.
Scroll on to learn how to become a plumber — and what you can expect out of the career.
Wondering how to become a plumber? Our guide covers the education, apprenticeship and licensing requirements on your journey to getting certified as a licensed plumber — and offers a peek into the day-to-day, job outlook and typical salary.
Optional: Go to a Trade School
Earning a special degree or certification can give you a leg-up when applying for competitive apprenticeships.
In high school, math will be crucial to your role as a plumber. Each day, plumbers use concepts from algebra and geometry, and they’re regularly calculating using various units of measure.
At the journey level, you can work for a plumbing company or start your own business.
How Much Do Plumbers Make?
Plumbers can work on both residential and commercial projects. The day-to-day duties might include remodeling bathrooms and kitchens, replacing and repairing water and drain lines, installing new water heaters, installing new faucets, installing new toilets and installing water filtration systems.
In 2021, the median pay for plumbers was ,880, but the top 10% earned ,920.
As a master plumber, you’ll reach peak earning potential and can even run your own plumbing business.
What Do Plumbers Do?
If you want to work in a supervisory capacity or be able to employ additional plumbers for your business, you will need to become a licensed master plumber.
Necessary Skills
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Plumbing apprenticeships generally last four to five years, during which time you’ll receive roughly 2,000 hours of on-the-job training in the plumbing trade, plus technical instruction. During this time, you’ll learn about local plumbing codes and regulations, how to read blueprints and OSHA safety regulations.Advanced education may cover topics like plumbing fixtures and drainage systems. Unlike pursuing a college degree, however, plumbing apprenticeships are paid.
Challenges
The median pay for plumbers last year was ,880, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Though the labor is tough, hours can be long and the work can be dangerous, becoming a licensed plumber may be well worth it if you have the necessary skills and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Plumber
Becoming a licensed plumber takes at least four to five years, as this is the general length of an apprenticeship. Some aspiring plumbers choose a year or two of vocational school before their apprenticeship. After completing an apprenticeship, you can earn your journeyman and then master plumber license.
As an apprentice plumber, you won’t be able to tackle projects yourself. Instead, you will shadow a journeyman plumber or a master plumber, depending on the program.
License laws and types vary by state. Determine the state that you wish to operate in as a plumber, and research those specific guidelines. The steps below offer a more general look at how to become a plumber.
Plumbers need to be able to cut and solder pipes, diagnose and troubleshoot issues with plumbing systems and interpret (or even draw) blueprints. If you run your own plumbing company, you will also need to handle advertising, scheduling, taxes and billing — or hire someone to do that for you.
An apprenticeship offers on-the-job experience and classroom education. Programs vary by state and organization in terms of structure, length and application process.
Skilled plumbers fulfill a crucial need in society, and demand for plumbers continues to grow. Though the manual labor is often grueling, a career in plumbing can be quite lucrative — and doesn’t require expensive schooling and massive student loan debt.
Once you have your diploma or GED, the next step to becoming a licensed plumbing contractor is either attending plumbing school or completing an apprenticeship. Plumbing school is typically optional (but we’ve got more details below); many plumbing hopefuls skip straight to an apprenticeship. <!–
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Contributor Timothy Moore is a writer and editor in Cincinnati, Ohio. He focuses on banks, loans and insurance for The Penny Hoarder. His work has been featured on Debt.com, The Ladders, Glassdoor, WDW Magazine, Angi and The News Wheel. Plumbers often work in tight, cramped, hot spaces and face grueling conditions every day. They regularly encounter hazardous materials and raw sewage and must adhere to safety standards to avoid work-related injuries, including electrical shock and contamination. Source: thepennyhoarder.com
While the BLS targets 5% job growth through 2030, the increase in home renovation projects due to the ongoing pandemic may create even more plumbing jobs in the years ahead.
Adoption is a life-changing journey. Whether the choice to adopt comes after years of expensive infertility treatments or is a route you’ve always wanted to take, the choice to welcome a new family member is rarely a financial one, but rather a decision of the heart.
But at some point, prospective adoptive parents have to consider the costs. It’s unlikely your decision to adopt will boil down to numbers. But it helps to know what to expect.
The figures can vary depending on your adoption journey, from almost nothing to upward of $70,000. But you can use them as a baseline to help you financially prepare for starting a family and to make an informed decision about which type of adoption makes the most sense for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child?
There are three basic types of adoption: domestic infant adoption (sometimes called private adoption), international adoption, and public adoption.
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But if you’re looking to adopt a baby, private and international adoption are the only two real options. Because of the way the foster care system operates, it’s exceedingly rare to be able to adopt an infant through public adoption. Their primary goal is reunifying families whenever possible, which can take years.
But regardless of your adopted child’s age, some costs are common to all three, such as the expense of a home study, which involves visits by a social worker and background and financial checks. Other costs are unique to the adoption route you choose, such as the travel expenses involved with international adoption.
And the costs vary wildly, so it’s crucial you understand the ins and outs of each adoption type.
Domestic Infant Adoption
When adopting a baby in the United States, you have two options: adopting through an agency or independent adoption.
Costs of Adopting an Infant Through an Agency: $25,000 – $70,000
Adopting through an agency is more expensive, but there’s also a higher success rate. Also, some agencies offer a sliding scale for those who need help affording adoption, which can potentially save you a few thousand dollars, depending on your income. However, each state has its own laws that regulate adoption fees, including sliding scale fee structures.
Average Costs of Domestic Agency Adoption
Agency Fees
$15,000 – $45,000
Legal Fees
$2,500 – $6,000
Birth Mother Expenses
$4,000 – $16,250
Home Study Fee
$2,750
Adoption agencies are typically full-service operations. Thus, their fees generally include everything involved in the adoption process, which can be complex. The journey to bring a child home involves many parties, including attorneys, social workers, physicians, counselors, government administrators, and adoption specialists.
There are also costs associated with matching birth parents and adoptive parents. For example, there are advertising expenses to find expectant mothers. And then there are medical expenses and court costs to ensure the health of the mother and child during pregnancy as well as the safety and security of the child after placement.
When you adopt through an agency, it typically completes the entire process from beginning to end, hence the expense.
Adoption agencies that charge more include more services. For example, if you find an agency with fees at the lower end, it’s likely because their fee doesn’t include the costs of hiring an attorney, unlimited advertising for birth parents, certain birth mother expenses, or adoption disruption insurance (a guarantee you won’t lose your money if the birth mother changes her mind).
So always ask for a written, line-by-line breakdown of the agency’s costs to see what services its rate covers before signing with it.
Costs of an Independent Adoption With an Attorney Only: $10,000 – $40,000
If agency adoption is too expensive but you’d still like to adopt a newborn, you can save a lot of money by hiring an attorney to facilitate an independent adoption. Independent adoption happens when prospective parents locate a birth parent on their own and use an attorney to process the necessary paperwork.
Average Costs of Independent (Attorney) Adoption
Legal Fees
$3,000 – $6,000
Advertising Fees
$0 – $1,000
Birth Mother Expenses
$6,000 – $30,000
Home Study Fee
$1,000 – $4,000
The cost of an independent adoption can range from $10,000 to $40,000, though it could go higher based on your circumstances. The final bill depends on how much you need to spend to find an expectant mother and how much you pay for medical and living expenses, which may be regulated by state law.
Further, adopting independently is a bit like trying to sell a house without a realtor. You must find a birth mom on your own, which means advertising for and vetting birth moms without help.
So, while it can be cheaper, you still have to go it alone. And if you have trouble finding a birth mother, your costs can quickly add up. Agencies give a flat rate no matter how much advertising it takes. If you have trouble finding someone, you could quickly blow past the $40,000 mark.
Another reason independent adoption costs can vary more widely than those through a private agency is because in most states, adoptive parents won’t have their costs reimbursed if a birth mother changes her mind, what’s commonly called a disrupted adoption. Most adoption agencies build disruption insurance into their fee structures.
International Adoption: $26,500 – $73,000
Those unfamiliar with the adoption process often believe it’s less expensive to adopt a child from another country. But the reverse is more often true.
Average Costs of International Adoption
Agency Fees
$15,000 – $30,000
Legal Fees
$500 – $6,000
Immigration Application Fee
$1,000 – $2,000
Dossier Preparation and Clearance
$1,000 – 2,000
Home Study Fee
$1,000 – $4,000
In-Country Adoption Expenses
$2,000 – $10,000
Travel Expenses
$5,000 – $15,000
Child’s Passport, Visa, Medical Exam
$1,000 – $4,000
The cost of an international adoption can range from just over $20,000 to more than $70,000. The wide variance is due to the different requirements of each country.
International adoption (also called intercountry adoption) has some similarities to domestic adoption. But it has its own unique steps and expenses that can quickly escalate beyond the cost of domestic adoption.
The costs of international adoptions can include immigration processing and court costs (both in the foreign country and the U.S.), travel expenses, foreign and domestic legal fees, foreign agency fees, passport and visa fees, medical examinations, and in-country adoptions expenses (such as foster care for the child, donations to the orphanage, and payments for the in-country adoption liaisons).
The costs also depend on whether a government or private agency, orphanage, nonprofit organization, attorney, or a combination of entities is managing the adoption.
Additionally, some international adoptions are finalized in the child’s country of origin, while others must be finalized in the U.S., depending on the laws of your state, further adding to the total cost. And depending on the country’s regulations, you may have to plan an extended stay, which means time off work and (potentially) lost wages.
Public Adoption: $0 – $2,500
The least expensive route to growing your family is unquestionably public adoption, or adopting through the foster care system. It’s very difficult to adopt a baby, though. So this option is best for those who wish to adopt an older child.
Public adoption costs next to nothing because the government subsidizes many associated fees and expenses.
Average Costs of Public Adoption
Agency Fees
Usually $0
Legal Fees
$0 – $2,000
Home Study Fee
$0 – $500
Federal and state financial adoption assistance programs exist to encourage the adoption of children with special needs that make them difficult to place, such as older children, sibling groups, or those with physical or mental disabilities.
Thus, most prospective parents who are adopting through public agencies will find their state is often willing to waive most or all of the fees associated with adopting through the foster care system, including both the home study fee and attorney fees.
Additionally, if you become a foster parent and apply to foster-to-adopt, the government subsidizes some of your future adopted child’s living expenses while you await finalization.
But if you have your heart set on adopting a newborn, foster care adoption isn’t the route for you. It’s nearly impossible to adopt an infant that way.
Some babies in the foster care system were abandoned by their biological parents or taken by the state due to abuse, neglect, or drug addiction. But no child in the system — infant or otherwise — is immediately available for adoption.
The state’s No. 1 priority is to reunite children with their biological families. That includes extensive sessions with counselors and social workers. If that effort ultimately proves unsuccessful, the state next tries to place the child with a biological relative.
Only after these efforts — which could take several years — are children placed for adoption. Thus, by the time babies in foster care become eligible for adoption, they’re no longer babies. But if they were placed with a foster family, that family gets the first chance at adoption. However, if you’re interested in adopting an older child and are prepared to help them work through the trauma, the rewards can be immense. My parents adopted my little brother from foster care at the age of 6, and his presence has enriched our family in myriad ways.
Factors That Influence Adoption Costs
Every adoption is unique, and though adoption agencies typically try to work within your budget, unforeseen costs can occasionally raise the base projected cost. And that can have a significant impact on your overall family budget.
Birth Mother Expenses
Depending on your state’s adoption laws, a birth mother may be eligible for coverage of certain expenses. You may have to pay medical expenses related to the pregnancy, including insurance coverage if she’s not already covered or eligible for Medicaid.
If you work with an agency, they should take care of helping her find coverage. But you may still be responsible for some medical expenses, such as doctor copays. Once you’re matched with a birth mother, her medical expenses become your medical expenses.
Adoption agencies typically work these into their overall fee structure but allow for variances that could affect your cost. For example, you may pay more or less depending on what stage of pregnancy the mother’s in when the agency matches you. If you’re matched in the ninth month, there will be fewer expenses.
And if you’re adopting independently, some or all of the medical costs the birth mother incurs as a result of the pregnancy may be your responsibility as defined by the laws of your state. Consult with an adoption lawyer for more information.
Additionally, in some states, you may need to cover other birth mother expenses. Birth mother expenses are court-approved funds adoptive families provide to help prospective birth mothers with pregnancy-related expenses. In addition to medical care, costs could include living expenses like maternity clothing, groceries, rent, and transportation.
Some states that allow birth mothers to request living expenses cap the total amount. For example, Ohio caps the amount birth mothers can be reimbursed for living expenses at $3,000 and Connecticut at $1,500. Other states have no cap but permit a judge to set one on an individual basis.
Thus, these expenses can vary widely from one adoption to another.
Advertising
The longer you have to wait for a birth mother match, the more money an agency must pay toward advertising to find you one. Ask the adoption agency how they deal with this variable cost. Some charge one flat fee regardless of the amount of advertising required; others set a variable cost.
And if you’re doing an independent adoption, you’ll be covering this expense on your own. If you don’t already know a birth mother to adopt from, you’ll need to find one. That means drawing on your personal connections, using social networks or community organizations, utilizing adoptive family websites, posting print ads, or seeking referrals from adoption attorneys.
It could take a long time to find a birth mother if you don’t have extensive networking options. And that can substantially drive up your adoption costs. Depending on how long it takes you to find someone, fees for print and online advertising can range from several hundred dollars to tens of thousands.
Attorney Fees
Lawyers are necessary for dealing with the legal aspects of any adoption. These include the original consent to adoption and termination of parental rights as well as the court proceedings to finalize the arrangement.
However, the fees can vary considerably based on the type of adoption you opt for. Attorney fees can also vary depending on other factors, including:
The Complexity of the Case. Will they need to represent you multiple times in court? All adoptions must eventually be finalized before a judge. But some adoptions — such as international adoptions or those in which birth mother expenses must be court-ordered — could require more paperwork or court appearances than others.
The Number of Hours the Attorney Works on the Case. Lawyers charge by the hour. Even if you don’t have to appear in court more than once, adoption can involve a lot of paperwork.
The Number of Additional Attorneys or Support Staff Needed. Depending on the complexity of your case or who you hire, you may be represented by a law firm rather than a single attorney. Additionally, your lawyer may use a support team to fulfill basic tasks like clerical work.
Depending on your case, rates are often negotiable. And while attorneys often charge by the hour, many offer a flat fee for certain types of cases.
For example, a family law attorney might charge a flat fee for a straightforward adoption case that requires a simple filing of paperwork and one court appearance. But they might charge by the hour for a more complex case, such as an international adoption.
Regardless, most lawyers offer payment options so clients can find an arrangement that works for their budget. And all lawyers have fee agreements informing clients of costs upfront. So ensure you thoroughly read the agreement beforehand.
Time Off
Unfortunately, in the U.S., paid parental leave isn’t guaranteed by law, and many workplaces don’t have this benefit. Even when they do, it may not apply to adoptive parents. So check with your human resources department about whether your workplace offers adoption benefits.
Whether your employer offers paid time off, all adoptive parents are entitled to up to 12 weeks (three months) of leave through the Family Medical Leave Act. The act equally guarantees maternity and paternity leave for biological and adoptive parents.
But it only guarantees your job and health insurance. It doesn’t guarantee paid time off. If your company doesn’t provide paid parental leave, you need to plan for lost wages.
Final Word
The costs of adoption may feel formidable, especially if you have your heart set on adopting an infant through domestic or international adoption. But they don’t have to be insurmountable.
Many resources are available to help families afford to adopt, including options for post-placement reimbursement, like the adoption tax credit. Talk with adoption professionals to explore your options before completely ruling it out.
Also, talk with other families who’ve adopted. Many are happy to share stories of how they were able to afford adoption, especially if it helps others fulfill their dreams of a family.
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Sarah Graves, Ph.D. is a freelance writer specializing in personal finance, parenting, education, and creative entrepreneurship. She’s also a college instructor of English and humanities. When not busy writing or teaching her students the proper use of a semicolon, you can find her hanging out with her awesome husband and adorable son watching way too many superhero movies.
