The rental community isn’t just made up of faceless corporations. That’s where private landlords come in.
There are so many decisions to be made when deciding on a new home. Although things like location, cost and floor plan are all ultra-important, it’s equally as critical to think about exactly what type of landlord you want.
That’s because there are some pretty significant differences between private and corporate landlords. Depending on your personal preferences, one or the other is likely to stand out in a more positive way, making the entire rental process easier on everyone.
How private landlords are different from corporate landlords
Unlike corporate landlords who work for a big company with dozens, even hundreds of units per property, private landlords typically own the property themselves. In fact, there’s an entire industry worth of people who scoop up houses, condos and townhomes to turn around and rent them out as investment properties.
Occasionally, they’ll outsource a property management company to handle the leasing process, but often they’ll just do it themselves if they’re local. This comes with a variety of pros and cons which vary in significance from person to person.
Private landlords are a one-stop shop
Private landlords are always the primary contact for any issues or questions regarding their property. Sure, they might outsource a leaky faucet to a handyman, but they’re still the first person a renter should call. This is not always the case when dealing with corporate landlords. In fact, there’s often a different person on the other end of the line. Private landlords also tend to have more in-depth insight into the property, since they’re not managing hundreds of cookie-cutter units.
There’s no one else to complain to
Most private landlords are helpful and responsive, but occasionally one doesn’t provide the level of service most renters need. Since there’s no one above a private landlord to consult when that happens, it can make for some uncomfortable conversations and situations. Avoid this pitfall by getting a reference from a previous renter.
Find out if the landlord was quick to respond to questions, handle repairs, etc. You can also consult Yelp or sites like Review My Landlord or Rate My Landlord for reviews to find out if previous renters were satisfied with the landlord.
You might be a private landlord’s one and only
Even private landlords with multiple properties still won’t have the steep number of renters to handle as corporate landlords do. This means that you’ll be on a first-name basis with your landlord, and it’s unlikely they’ll confuse your unit or request with anyone else’s.
But private landlords don’t have corporate resources
Although private landlords are typically quick to respond, they also often have other jobs to contend with. As a result, the response time for an urgent issue might be slower than with corporate landlords, who typically have someone available round-the-clock to handle sudden matters.
Corporate landlords also usually keep repair professionals on staff to quickly fix any major issues. Private landlords may also try to avoid major maintenance requests and repairs (like a new appliance) until they’re absolutely necessary because the cost is literally coming out of their pocket.
Private landlords are often more flexible
Since the private landlord owns the property outright, they can make the decisions on when to bend the terms of the lease and when not to, without worrying about the strict rules put forth by a corporation.
So if you want to sublet a room to your visiting cousin for a few months or get a small dog, it’s easy enough to talk it over with a private landlord and write the new terms into an existing lease.
Private landlords offer fewer bells and whistles
Most corporate apartment communities these days come with a ton of perks, like fitness centers, swimming pools, dog parks, tennis courts, concierge service and so on. In most cases, however, private landlords can’t guarantee this level of finesse on their own property.
Renters at private properties enjoy more privacy
For many renters, the increased privacy is worth forgoing all of the extras. First, unlike an apartment a house is physically separate from other properties, giving the renter a lot of literal space. Even townhomes and condos are found in buildings with thicker, better-quality walls. But then there’s the added privacy that private landlords are not usually on-site or anywhere too close by to keep tabs on tenants.
Private landlords have the control
Follow the terms of a private rental lease to the letter because the landlord controls the contract and can enact it if they see fit. This means that you could get fined or evicted for breaking lease terms, often without any of the warnings that corporate landlords build into their contracts.
Renting from a private landlord is distinctly different, but not necessarily in a bad way
No rental experience is likely to be 100 percent positive. Weigh the pros and cons of renting from private landlords and land on the option that best suits your personality and tastes.
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.
The rental community isn’t just made up of faceless corporations. That’s where private landlords come in.
There are so many decisions to be made when deciding on a new home. Although things like location, cost and floor plan are all ultra-important, it’s equally as critical to think about exactly what type of landlord you want.
That’s because there are some pretty significant differences between private and corporate landlords and how they manage their rentals. Depending on your personal preferences, one or the other is likely to stand out in a more positive way, making the entire rental process easier on everyone.
How renting from private landlords is different from corporate landlords
Unlike corporate landlords who work for a big company with dozens, even hundreds of units per property, private landlords typically own the property themselves. In fact, there’s an entire industry worth of people who scoop up houses, condos and townhomes to turn around and rent them out as investment properties.
Occasionally, they’ll outsource a property management company to handle the leasing process, but often they’ll just do it themselves if they’re local. This comes with a variety of pros and cons which vary in significance from person to person.
Private landlords are a one-stop renting shop
Private landlords are always the primary contact for any issues or questions regarding their property. Sure, they might outsource a leaky faucet to a handyman, but they’re still the first person a renter should call. This is not always the case when dealing with corporate landlords. In fact, there’s often a different person on the other end of the line. Private landlords also tend to have more in-depth insight into the property, since they’re not managing hundreds of cookie-cutter units.
There’s no one else to complain to
Most private landlords are helpful and responsive, but occasionally one doesn’t provide the level of service most renters need. Since there’s no one above a private landlord to consult when that happens, it can make for some uncomfortable conversations and situations. Avoid this pitfall by getting a reference from a previous renter.
Find out if the landlord was quick to respond to questions, handle repairs, etc. You can also consult Yelp or sites like Review My Landlord or Rate My Landlord for reviews to find out if previous renters were satisfied with the landlord.
You might be a private property manager’s one and only
Even private landlords with multiple properties still won’t have the steep number of renters to handle as corporate landlords do. This means that you’ll be on a first-name basis with your landlord, and it’s unlikely they’ll confuse your unit or request with anyone else’s.
…But private landlords don’t have corporate resources
Although private landlords are typically quick to respond, they also often have other jobs to contend with. As a result, the response time for an urgent issue might be slower than with corporate landlords, who typically have someone available round-the-clock to handle sudden matters.
Corporate landlords also usually keep repair professionals on staff to quickly fix any major issues. Private landlords may also try to avoid major maintenance requests and repairs (like a new appliance) until they’re absolutely necessary because the cost is literally coming out of their pocket.
Private landlords are often more flexible
Since the private landlord owns the property outright, they can make the decisions on when to bend the terms of the lease and when not to, without worrying about the strict rules put forth by a corporation.
So if you want to sublet a room to your visiting cousin for a few months or get a small dog, it’s easy enough to talk it over with a private landlord and write the new terms into an existing lease.
…But private landlords offer fewer bells and whistles
Most corporate apartment communities these days come with a ton of perks, like fitness centers, swimming pools, dog parks, tennis courts, concierge service and so on. In most cases, however, private landlords can’t guarantee this level of finesse on their own property.
Renters at private properties enjoy more privacy
For many renters, the increased privacy is worth forgoing all of the extras. First, unlike an apartment a house is physically separate from other properties, giving the renter a lot of literal space. Even townhomes and condos are found in buildings with thicker, better-quality walls. But then there’s the added privacy that private landlords are not usually on-site or anywhere too close by to keep tabs on tenants.
… But private landlords have the control
Follow the terms of a private rental lease to the letter because the landlord controls the contract and can enact it if they see fit. This means that you could get fined or evicted for breaking lease terms, often without any of the warnings that corporate landlords build into their contracts.
Renting from a private landlord is distinctly different, but not necessarily in a bad way
No rental experience is likely to be 100 percent positive. Weigh the pros and cons of renting from private landlords and land on the option that best suits your personality and tastes.
I asked, as I sometimes do, what personal finance question my friends and Twitter followers had for me. It was a slow day on the internet and the responses flooded in.
My friend Neil asked, “what do you think about real estate?” A broad question, indeed, and I got him to clarify. “You know… should I buy a house? Why not just rent?”
Why not indeed.
The Dream of Home Ownership I too bit off and gulped down the dream of home ownership when just a small lass. When I graduated from college, I moved to a Southern U.S. city — Charlotte, North Carolina — and like any young professional often in the company of older, established professionals — saw immediately that they all owned houses. And that this was very good.
What they had, I wanted: the houses with the staircases and the pretty backyard decks and the grand old trees in the back and the guest bathrooms with bowls of little colored soaps. I wanted a kitchen, with wide countertops and an arching clamp-hose faucet over the deep sinks and big drawers for flour and pot lids and recycling bins. And art on the walls, and a king-sized bed, and a walk-in closet, and a master bath.
My dream was only made more intense while shopping for condos in New York City, then in Reston, Virginia, with my 20s-era boyfriend. When he went to sign his first title, I went too, and we went out to lunch afterward at a restaurant on 54th street; we spent $112 and when I ate the tiny plate of tiny after-lunch sweets (a little cheesecake, a little truffle, a little gelee), I felt I’d arrived.
Years later, after the boyfriend, I became pregnant and my now-husband and I shopped for homes. My stories of those searches are intense and full of longing and stress; but by my fourth month of pregnancy I was living in house all my own. I vowed to never move.
Tip: Compare mortgage rates from multiple lenders for new home loans and mortgage refinance loans.
Other People’s Dreams I am — I was — the classic case for home ownership. I live in a small city and, when I bought the house, prices were reasonable; my mortgage payment is now less than many pay for renting an apartment. I love working on the yard and painting walls and I even tiled my bathroom myself (with lots of structural help from my father and husband). My husband is handy, and can run wiring and solder plumbing and he built a whole room in the basement. We’re the home ownership success story (though admittedly we have a lot more work to do, and no walk-in closet, no master bath).
But for many people, home ownership should remain the stuff of other people’s dreams.
I think my friend Neil is a good example. His ex-wife longed to buy a home in Los Angeles, where they had made a home after Neil’s upbringing in New York City. The situation was probably even more intense for her than for me in Charlotte; their friends and colleagues owned expansive ranch-style show-homes and sweet artsy bungalows, in neighborhoods where the price-per-square foot probably neared four digits at the peak of the market. The mortgage on those homes would require all of one middle-class salary.
Even for the more economic choices, prices were high and there was no clear benefit to buying over renting; in fact, most mortgages would be more than the cost to rent a nice (and low-maintenance) apartment.
Neil wasn’t good with a hammer or a chop saw, nor did his wife have any desire to keep a fine vegetable garden. There was no dad around to rip out old bathroom floors or teach Neil to solder copper pipes. Neil had no dreams of living in his home forever with his growing family; to date, he has no children and he’s now divorced; he’s not sure if he’ll stay in LA for the rest of the year, let alone the decade. For him, home ownership is someone else’s dream.
Should I Buy a Home? For me, Neil’s question was easy. “No,” I said finally. “I don’t think you should buy a home.”
“But isn’t that the goal?” he asked me. “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do?”
Well, maybe. But I’ve found my own definition of “getting rich slowly” is often made up of doing few things that one is “supposed” to do; for me, living a double income, office job lifestyle is one such “supposed to” I’ve discarded. For Neil, I prescribed letting go of that “supposed to” of buying a home.
How to Know When You’re Neil Are you Neil? That is to say, should you too avoid adopting the dream of home ownership? Here are a few signs you may be Neil:
You are still a transient. Of course, we know I don’t mean “homeless person.” I believe many of us today graduate college (or high school, if college wasn’t the path for you) as transients, expecting to live in one place for a few years before trying out another, and another, and another, until one feels like home (or until you fall in love with someone who’s rooted to a place, giving you a graft and rooting you, too). If you’re not sure yet if this place is going to be your home for more than the next few years, home ownership is not for you. With closing costs and the uncertainties of the real estate market, it’s very difficult to come out of a two-year home ownership transaction without losing money as compared to renting.
You have no desire to engage in home and garden upkeep. While some such people might hire gardeners and contractors to fill in the holes in their handy skills and passions, most of those who don’t care to pick weeds or fix fences or mow lawns or plant apple trees are better off with an apartment. Purchasing a condo might be an option, if you don’t say “yes” to any of the other items in the “are you Neil” list.
The market in your favorite neighborhood doesn’t make sense. If the cost of a monthly payment on a mortgage would be greatly higher than the price of a two-bedroom apartment or other rental suitable for your family’s needs — say, more than 25 or 30% higher — it’s probably not a good time to buy. While indeed mortgage interest deductions and home buyer credits and the time value of money might be squished around to make the comparative cost similar, do remember that life is uncertain and markets fluctuate and maybe you should wait a bit — or look around for a more sensible neighborhood — before buying something.
You’re not sure about your career or your job. Maybe you’re considering going back to school to become a sommelier. Maybe you’re pretty sure your boss wants to retire and sell the company. Maybe you just don’t love your job and you’re looking around for something new. If you’re not fairly confident your next few years won’t include a significant change in income, it’s probably not a good time to engage with the home ownership dream.
Your relationship with your partner is rocky. I’ve been watching several of my friends deal with the tough decision over what to do with the family home when a relationship is over. In one case that worked out for the best — the family made a nice profit from the sale. But that was a rarity. If you’re married, you might end up having to sell and take a significant loss, even if you’d rather stay in the house solo; if you’re not married, things could be even more wonky. One woman I know lost her grandmother’s home after a pre-marriage breakup (with someone who obviously turned out to be enough of a jerk to keep her grandmother’s home, though that analysis is one-sided and second-hand, so take it with salt). Be honest with yourself, and know that, much like puppies and babies, houses do not fix broken relationships.
You would have to cash in retirement or emergency savings to buy the house. A home buying fund should be separate from those savings for emergencies and retirement. You’ll have more emergencies, in all likelihood, with a home than without. And you know how we feel about retirement savings. If your dream is that intense, then you can use your intensity to fuel your frugality while you save up for the down payment.
It also makes sense to run the numbers through a rent vs. buy calculator to see if the results would influence your decision one way or another. Have you struggled with the decision to rent or buy? Where did you come out on the Neil/not Neil spectrum?
If you draw a paycheck, you’re due an extra $160 in January and February thanks to the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011.
What’re you gonna do with your windfall? Maybe not much. It’s pretty easy to miss $20 more in salary, especially if fixed expenses (groceries, insurance, child care, gasoline) keep going up.
Note: This is not a political column. I repeat: This is not a political column. I really don’t care what you think about the payroll tax cut. Please keep all your #$@!# dumb-o-crat policies or #$@!# con-man-servative hatefulness comments until a later date. Like, um, never. Get Rich Slowly is a personal finance site, not a flame-throwing political forum. Thank you for not foaming.
Technically you have two choices: Save it or spend it. I’d like to suggest a third: Save it or spend it intentionally.
You could go out to lunch a couple of times each week. You could treat yourself to $20 worth of cupcakes or ceramic clowns from the dollar store. Or you could convince yourself that each double sawbuck represents an opportunity to improve your life.
Which it does — if you look at it the right way.
If someone offered you $160 in cash, you’d probably grab it. (And if you didn’t, can I have yours?) But to some people, an “extra” $20 a week seems penny-ante.
Thanks to rampant ATM use, $20 bills have become the coin of the realm. I believe this has devalued them in the popular imagining — and there’s no denying that $20 doesn’t go very far these days.
True and Cumulative Costs
In particular, it doesn’t go very far if we fail to pay attention to spending. We grab a soda and some chips when we go in to pay for gas. We add a magazine and a few packs of gum at the grocery checkout counter. We always get popcorn at the movies because, well, we just do, that’s all.
It’s only $3, or $5, or $7. Besides, we deserve it.
That’s how some people get into trouble in the first place: By neglecting to frame expenses in terms of their true and cumulative costs. Dropping a few hundred dollars on a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway is great fun at the time, but you may regret it if you can’t pay the balance in full.
The money you spent (and continue to spend, in the form of credit card interest) also is cash that can no longer be used in a smarter way, such as retirement or a pay-cash-for-a-car fund.
Let me be clear: I am not saying that you can never have any of the things you want. In fact, I am learning — slowly! — to spend a little money on myself. So if you’re in a position to drop that extra $20 per week on chai tea or sheet music, by all means drop it.
And if not? Make those temporary twenties work damned hard for you — and incidentally, their job might be to pay for something fun, such as frugal entertainment.
Pay It Down, or Pay It Forward
How can you put that money to work? Use it for the following:
Emergency fund. Not to belabor the obvious, but that $160 is a nice fund-plumper. And if you’re brand new at this, the sum is nearly one-third of the $500 that Liz Weston says you need in the bank.
Retirement. Put the money into your Roth IRA or whatever other fund you have. (Don’t have one? Let this be the seed money.)
College fund. Add an extra $160 to Junior’s post-secondary plan.
Pay down debt. One hundred and sixty dollars = a nice debt snowflake.
Shopping, if you must:
Nonperishables. Flour, sugar, dry beans, tuna, rice, canned goods, pasta, your favorite cereals — and give yourself bonus points for buying on sale with coupons. Your grocery bill will drop a bit for the next month or two as you eat your way through the storehouse. And if something unexpected happens (illness, car repairs, job loss), you’ll congratulate yourself on having a well-stocked pantry.
Pet supplies. When you see a screamin’ deal on food or litter at PetSmart or PETCO, stock up. Improve the sale price by paying with plastic scrip from a discounted gift card site.
Cut-rate couture. Watch for end-of-season sales on wardrobe basics you know to be durable and comfortable. You might not have to buy work slacks for a year or two. Or browse a thrift store or consignment shop — again, looking for clothing that’s well-made and flattering. What fun to see how far a $20 bill will go, especially on 50-Cent Day. (I’m referring to the price tag, not the rap star.)
Shoes. Use price-comparison and cash-back sites as noted above to find sale prices on your favorite make and model. I recently ordered three pairs of my favorite old-lady comforts for about $153 (minus the nearly $11 cash-back rebate).
Socks and undies. Bor-ing? You betcha. But elastic isn’t forever and your socks will eventually develop holes. When crew socks and tighty-whities go on sale, buy half a dozen or more of each.
For the health of it:
New glasses/contacts. Still squinting through those three-year-old specs? Discount eyewear emporia regularly offer coupons in newspapers and Valpak envelopes, and through online coupon sites like Savings.com and Retail Me Not. Oh, and stock up on contact lens solution when it goes on sale.
Vitamins. Aim for a three- or six-month stash of your favorite supplements. Use a price comparison website like Price Grabber or Cheap Uncle to find the best deals, and see if the lowest-priced merchant can be accessed through a cash-back shopping site like Mr. Rebates, Extrabux or FatWallet.
OTC meds. Restock your medicine cabinet with analgesics, bandages, antibacterial ointments, allergy meds and the like. You may be able to get these free or nearly so by combing coupons and rebates.
Dental work. Don’t have dental insurance? Me neither. But I regularly see social commerce vouchers and Valpak coupons for X-rays and cleanings. They cost $30 or less. A professional cleaning and a big-picture look at incipient problems may even save your life.
That’s entertainment:
Discounted movie tickets. Warehouse clubs sell them. However, you might get a much better deal through — yep — a discounted gift card site.
Annual pass. Museums, zoos, botanical gardens, opera, the orchestra — whatever floats your boat.
The Entertainment Book. It’s full of BOGOs for city attractions from art to boat tours. Buy it through a cash-back site for a rebate of up to 35% plus free shipping.
Condoms. Go ahead and snicker. But not having protection can be pretty damned expensive in the long run. I know a couple whose second child is on planet Earth because “we were out of birth control and decided to take a chance.” No, I couldn’t believe it, either.
Thinking ahead:
Warehouse club membership. Even studio dwellers might be able to buy in bulk if they’re creative about storage.
Go green. Replace some incandescent bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent bulbs and trim your electric bill. Faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads reduce both energy and water/sewer bills. If the commode in your abode is really old, consider a water-saving toilet.
Car care. Watch for sales on fluids (antifreeze, windshield washer, a case of motor oil, et al.), filters and replacement wiper blades. If your tires have receding treadlines watch for sales on those, too. (Don’t forget Craigslist. A friend bought four high-quality, nearly new tires for $100.)
Ant or Grasshopper?
The grasshopper generally has a swell summer: long days at the beach, trips to amusement parks, ice cream for breakfast. Meanwhile, the ant is weeding the garden, clipping coupons and hanging all his laundry to dry outside.
Once the temperature drops, the grasshopper is likely to regret his profligacy. The ant, meanwhile, has a storeroom full of pinto beans and tube socks. All the windows have been caulked, too.
Of course, it’s your money and therefore your decision. But try thinking of your $160 in ways like these:
One night at a nice hotel, or an extra chunk of fundage into your Roth. (Oh, compound interest, I’ve missed you so! Let’s never fight again!)
A couple of months’ worth of cable vs. new glasses. (What good is TV anyway if you can’t see it?)
Dinner for two at a nice restaurant, or some depth to your pantry.
One more suggestion: Split the difference. Get yourself $80 worth of truffles and apps and $80 worth of something less than sexy but ultimately beneficial, such as cat litter or dental X-rays. Even $40 will pay for a fair amount of decadence, especially if you use a coupon.
If you’ve ever wanted to see the ugly underbelly of blogging, today’s your lucky day. Because there’s nothing pretty about moving. It’s messy, it’s dirty, it’s chaotic. And we’re in the thick of the storm so I’m not going to sugar coat it for ya.
Our move is in fact, just one week – yes I said it – one week away! Color me panicked. After living in the same apartment for nearly four years, getting our place back into rentable shape is more than a little daunting. Because it’s all about the renter’s holy grail – getting your security deposit back, am I right? As a reminder, here’s what things looked like when the loft was at its peak.
Needless to say, it’s devolved a bit.
We’re slowly but surely dismantling all the work I put into making this place feel like home. Now it’s my job to make it look like a place a new tenant will love. While it may feel like you’re powerless when it comes to the discretion of a landlord, there are a few things you can do to put your best foot forward and give yourself the best chance of having your deposit returned.
One thing we needed to do is patch some walls – I’m a sucker for picture rail shelves, what can I say – but having paint brushes, drop cloths and tools on hand is certainly not practical in apartment living. Neither is taking the time to fill holes, sand, prime & paint when I’m frantically packing boxes with an 11-month old on my hip.
Hence TaskRabbit. If by some miracle you’re still unfamiliar with this awesome service, in short TaskRabbit is an app that connects you with people ready and willing to do the things you don’t have the time, know-how or brawn to complete on your own. Living in the city, TaskRabbit has come to my rescue more than once and this case was no exception. My Tasker, Logan was a dream come true. He showed up promptly, every tool necessary in hand and completed in two hours what would have taken me a whole day!
chloe was an excellent painter’s assistant
Having that repair work crossed off my list is such a relief. It leaves me free to focus on the purging I’m attempting to do right now – because why pack what you don’t want, right? – and all the sorting and organizing that needs to happen too. If time gets really short, I just might call Logan back to help me pack boxes!
There are a few other things to do if you want to have the best chance to get your security deposit back – and they’re all things you can rely on the expertise of an experienced Tasker to help you do in half the time.
The obvious one is clean. You want to check your lease to see if a nonrefundable cleaning deposit is already built in, but if it isn’t, go crazy. Deep clean those bathrooms, cupboards, drawers and baseboards. All the details you might ignore in day-to-day life – this is where it’s worthwhile to clean them.
Along with patching walls, look for any other minor repairs you might want to make. Perhaps you need to touch up your walls, replace some chipped trim or fix a leaky faucet. Any wear and tear you can spruce up will increase your chances of getting your hard-earned money back.
If you have a small move you can even have TaskRabbit help you do that! Maybe you can convince your friends to schlep boxes and all you need is help with some heavy lifting.
As an added bonus, TaskRabbit is offering you, my dear Apartment 34 readers, an exclusive discount on their services! Simply enter the code APT34 to receive $20 off same-day tasks – because you never know when you’re going to need last second help. (this offer expires 3/31)
I wouldn’t be surprised if I call in TaskRabbit reinforcements one (or two!) more times before moving day.
image 1, 2 by aubrie pick
This post is in partnership with TaskRabbit. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting posts that have kept Apartment 34’s doors open.
You don’t have to be an environmental scientist to want to help preserve our planet. With a few small changes, you can start making more eco-friendly decisions with your money.
Here are 12 ways to go green with your finances today.
What’s Ahead:
1. Invest in green stocks and funds
Green investing is a popular way to make your money work for the environment. It often includes building a portfolio made up of companies with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) values.
You can also invest in green funds or green ETFs, which are portfolios of companies that have a positive environmental impact.
For example, Empower is one of the best robo-advisors for green investing. It has low fees and plenty of socially responsible investing (SRI) portfolios to match your goals and values.
(Personal Capital is now Empower)
Read more:
2. Use a green bank or credit union
Supporting eco-friendly initiatives doesn’t stop at where you invest your money. You can also support the environment by using a bank or credit union that has sustainable practices.
Look for a financial institution that uses paperless banking, funds renewable energy projects, avoids fossil fuels, or has other green policies in place.
And if you want to really up the ante, you can make sure the institution is a Certified B Corporation (which means they’re legally required to follow certain sustainability and diversity requirements).
Some of my favorite green banks are:
Aspiration Bank: Has spending and saving accounts, as well as investment accounts with fossil fuel-free portfolios.
Ando Money: On a mission to fight climate change. Accounts come with unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, free overdraft protection, and early paydays.
BankPurely: Plants a tree every time someone opens a SavingPurely account.
Read more:
3. Get an eco-friendly credit card
With a green credit card, you can help the planet while also earning rewards for yourself.
There are now a few different companies that offer eco-friendly credit cards. Most reward you for shopping with green businesses or help offset your carbon footprint.
One of the best green credit cards is the Aspiration Zero Credit Card. It earns 1% cash back and plants a tree every time you make a purchase to help neutralize your carbon footprint.
4. Make your home more energy-efficient
Source: giphy.com
Another way to turn your money green is to make your home more energy-efficient. There are tons of simple ways to do this:
Install LED light bulbs.
Weatherstrip your doors and windows.
Unplug electronics when you’re not using them.
Turn the faucet off when you’re not using it.
Install low-flow fixtures in your home to save even more water.
Always run your dishwasher and washing machine when it’s full.
Air dry your clothes instead of using the dryer.
Install solar panels.
You can even get a tax credit for making certain energy-saving improvements to your home.
5. Consider a green car
If you’re in the market for a new car, look into fuel-efficient or electric models. Not only will you save money on gas, but you’ll also be doing your part to reduce emissions. Plus, you may be eligible for a tax credit if you buy a qualified electric vehicle.
Read more: The cost of driving a hybrid
6. Drive less and drive smart
Speaking of driving…
When you do need to use a car, there are a number of ways to save money and be more eco-friendly. This includes carpooling, using public transportation, and biking or walking when possible, all of which can help reduce your carbon footprint.
And when you do drive, you can save fuel and money by driving the speed limit, keeping your tires inflated, and combining errands into one trip.
7. Replace disposables with reusables
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Another easy way to make your money green (and reduce your impact on the environment) is to replace disposables with reusables.
For example, you could:
Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
Bring a reusable mug to the coffee shop.
Carry stainless steel straws with you so you don’t have to use plastic ones.
Bring your own bags to the grocery store.
Invest in reusable menstrual products like cups, cloth pads, and period panties.
These are just a few examples — there are many more ways to reduce your impact by switching to reusables. And the best part is, they often save you money in the long run. So if you’re looking for an eco-friendly budgeting hack, this just might be it!
8. Avoid fast fashion
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The fast fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world. The production of clothing uses a lot of resources, and most of it ends up in landfills. When you buy from fast fashion brands, you’re contributing to this cycle of waste.
Use these two alternatives instead:
Switch to slow fashion
Instead, opt for slow fashion brands that focus on sustainable and ethical production.
Some of the best slow fashion brands are Reformation, Everlane, and Girlfriend Collective.
You may pay more upfront for a single item when you shop slow fashion, but these items are built to last. And they often end up being cheaper than fast fashion brands when you factor in cost per wear. (This is an item’s price divided by how many times you plan on wearing it.)
Shop secondhand
You can find high-quality secondhand clothing at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online. It’s a great way to repurpose high-quality items that have already been produced and keep them out of the landfill.
Read more: Conscious consumerism: how to spend your money with intention
9. Minimize your food waste
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A four-person family wastes about $1,500 a year on uneaten food. This food then rots in a landfill for decades. (Did you know it takes 25 years for lettuce to decompose?!)
One of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment — and develop more eco-friendly budgeting habits — is to minimize your food waste.
Plan your meals so you use all the food you buy, and compost any scraps. You can even save money by turning leftovers into new meals.
Read more: How I used local farms to slash my food bill
10. Eat less meat
Meat production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so eating less of it can help the environment. If you’re not ready to go completely vegetarian or vegan, try incorporating more meatless meals into your diet.
Read more: The true cost of going vegan
11. Start an eco-friendly side hustle
There are a number of ways to make extra income while also helping the environment. You could start a composting business, offer carpooling services, or sell eco-friendly products. If you’re passionate about sustainability, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference — and a profit.
Read more: Side hustle ideas: 35+ ways anyone can earn more money on the side
12. Donate to environmental charities
Last but not least, you can make your money green by donating some of it to environmental charities. There are a number of organizations working to protect our planet, and your donation can help them continue their work.
Some of the top environmental charities include the Nature Conservancy, the Sierra Club, and the Environmental Defense Fund.
When you donate to these organizations, you’ll be supporting their efforts to protect our planet. And you’ll be making a difference in the fight against climate change.
Read more: You’re not too broke to give to charity (and 4 other reasons to give)
Summary
Making even just a few of these changes can help you live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. And as you start making greener choices with your money, you’ll be doing your part to protect our planet for future generations.
Inside: This guide provides tips on frugal home must haves, so you can save money and live responsibly, while also enjoying a healthy environment and good health.
Are you looking for ways to save money and still have a clean and organized home?
If so, you are in the right place. In this blog post, I am going to share with you frugal home must haves that will help you save money.
But before we get started, let me ask you a question:
Do you ever feel like your home is a never-ending cycle of cleaning and organizing? That you use products that are for one use only and know there are better products out there.
If so, you are not alone. Most people feel this way at some point in their lives.
The good news is that there are ways to save money and start to incorporate bits and pieces of a frugal lifestyle into your life.
So, without further ado, here are 19 frugal home must-haves to help you save money:
What is frugality?
Frugality is the practice of being very intentional with your spending, prioritizing the things that matter the most to you, and cutting back on spending in other areas.
It doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing your favorite brand of cereal, living without napkins, or giving up on adventurous vacations. Instead, frugality is about making smart money choices and learning to live below your means.
It is not the same as being cheap, which involves saving money at the expense of others.
Rather, being frugal means being economical with your money, making it stretch further so you can do more with less.
Frugal living is a journey, not a destination, and it starts with creating a budget that you can live with and looking for ways to save money.
What are the most frugal must-haves for a home?
The most important frugal must haves for you are those that save you money and time.
As such, what you value the most will differ from me. However, there are some basic underlying frugal items that every house needs. So, we will cover those bloew.
More importantly, more individuals are looking to become frugal green to save the environment as well as money.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
best frugal home must-haves for saving money
Home is where the heart is, and we want our homes to be clean, organized, and comfortable without spending a fortune.
However, sometimes it can be tough to keep up with everything – especially on a budget.
Here are 19 frugal home must-haves that will help you save money and make your life easier!
1. Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are a frugal home must-have for saving money. Yep, I drive my mother-in-law crazy because I do not use paper towels.
They are cost-effective as compared to disposable cleaning supplies and can be used for various cleaning tasks around the house. They are more effective than cotton cloths as they rarely leave smears and dry as they wipe.
Plus, microfiber cloths can be color-coded for different cleaning tasks. To ensure their effectiveness and longevity, microfiber cloths should be washed separately from other laundry and should not be washed with fabric softeners or bleach.
2. Drying Rack
Owning a drying rack can be a smart investment for those looking to save money and energy in the long run. There are many types of drying racks available, from outdoor rotary clotheslines to indoor airers.
Personally, we use our drying rack ALL.THE.TIME!
Plus, using a drying rack is an eco-friendly alternative to using a dryer, which can reduce your carbon footprint and help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.
This is the drying rack we personally own and love.
3. Instant Pot or Crock Pot
Move over crockpot, the Instant Pot is the hottest trend to stay! I’ll admit I was hesitant about owning an instant pot, but have decided it was well worth the investment for our frugal home.
An instant pot is a frugal must-have for any home looking to save money while still enjoying delicious meals. It is perfect for busy people who want to come home to a warm meal without the hassle of cooking.
Instant pots are not just about cooking one meal; they are perfect for batch-cooking frugal meals. This allows you to cook multiple meals in one go, freezing the extra for another day.
You can also use cheaper cuts of meat and tenderize them in the instant pot. Some examples of meals that can be made in a crock pot include soups, stews, chilis, and even whole chicken for homemade stock.
An instant pot is an efficient and cost-effective way to enjoy home-cooked meals without breaking the bank.
Here is the instant pot / air fryer combe we personally own.
4. Reusable Grocery Bags
Many states, including ours, now charge 10 cents per bag when checking out at any store!
By bringing your own bags, you can avoid the extra fees charged for plastic bags at many stores.
Additionally, reusable bags are sturdier and can hold more items, reducing the need for multiple bags.
Switching to reusable bags also helps reduce plastic waste, which is harmful to the environment. So, invest in some reusable bags and make a positive impact on your wallet and the planet.
5. Beeswax Wraps
Beeswax wraps are a fantastic frugal and eco-friendly alternative to plastic wraps.
Made from organic cotton and covered in beeswax, they are versatile and come in various sizes. They can replace both cling film and foil, lasting for a long time as long as they are not washed in hot water or put in the microwave.
These wraps can save money in the long run as they are reusable and can be used for a variety of purposes, from wrapping bread to covering bowls.
To care for them, wash them in cool soapy water and avoid hot water or the microwave. With beeswax wraps, you can be frugal and eco-friendly at the same time!
6. Charging Stations To Reduce Energy
Standby losses refer to the energy consumed by electronic devices even when they are turned off but still plugged in. For instance, a TV on standby mode, a phone charger left plugged in, or a coffee maker are all examples of appliances that contribute to standby losses.
These losses can significantly impact your energy bill and add up over time.
However, there are practical ways to reduce standby losses and save money.
Use an energy-efficient power strip to plug in multiple devices and switch them off in one go.
Invest in a “smart” power strip that automatically turns off devices when they are not in use.
By taking these steps, you can reduce standby losses and save money on your energy bills.
7. Glass Jars
Glass jars are incredibly versatile and can be used for storing everything.
Using glass jars is also cost-effective since they can be reused over and over again.
With their airtight seals, they are perfect for storing food items, and their clear glass makes it easy to see what’s inside. They are also great for organizing small items like pens, hair bands, and cut flowers.
Overall, using glass jars is an easy way to save money while keeping your home clean and organized.
8. Hot Tea Maker Electric Glass Kettle
This is the updated version of the traditional teapot due to its durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.
It can be used to make a large amount of tea at once, making it perfect for entertaining guests or for daily use.
Additionally, it is a one-time investment that can last for years, which saves money in the long run.
Also, by using loose tea leaves instead of tea bags, you can also save money and reduce waste.
9. Coffee Pot
If you’re a coffee lover, you know how quickly buying coffee on a daily basis can add up and become a significant expense.
However, there is a simple solution to this problem – investing in a coffee pot you love.
By brewing your coffee at home, you can save several dollars each week, which can add up to a considerable amount over time.
Moreover, if you’re someone who enjoys lattes, there are coffee pots available that can make lattes at home. This means that you don’t have to spend a fortune on lattes from coffee shops or cafes.
With a good coffee maker, you can enjoy the great taste of coffee at home while saving money.
If you invest in a single-use coffee maker, then make sure you are using reusable K-cups.
10. Laundry Bags
Seriously, this was the greatest idea I found out from a baseball mom. Never worry about mixing up clothes between family members again!
By using laundry bags, you prevent clothes from getting lost or mixed up in the wash, and can also help prolong the life of delicate fabrics.
To care for your laundry bags, simply toss them in the washing machine with your laundry and air dry.
11. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a frugal home must-have that can be used for cleaning and organizing your home in many ways.
It is a multipurpose cleaner and deodorizer that can be used to clean surfaces, carpets, laundry, even fruits and vegetables.
By mixing baking soda with water, you can create a paste that can be used to clean almost everything. It can also be used to deodorize your refrigerator, carpets, and shoes. Additionally, you can sprinkle baking soda on your mattress and vacuum it up to remove odors.
Overall, baking soda is a versatile and inexpensive household item that can help you keep your home clean and fresh.
12. Vinegar
Vinegar is an incredibly versatile and cost-effective must-have for any frugal home. It can be used for cleaning and organizing in a variety of ways.
Vinegar is effective in removing stains, cleaning surfaces, and freshening up the home. It is also safe to use around children and pets, making it a great alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.
For cleaning surfaces, vinegar can be mixed with water and used to clean windows, mirrors, and countertops. It can also be used to remove stains from carpets and clothing. In addition, vinegar can be used to freshen up the home by adding a few drops to a diffuser or spraying it in the air.
To incorporate vinegar into daily cleaning routines, it can be added to a spray bottle with water and used to clean surfaces as needed. It can also be used as a natural fabric softener in the laundry by adding a cup to the rinse cycle.
When using vinegar, it should not be used on certain surfaces such as marble or granite as it can cause damage.
13. Reusable Water Bottles
Using reusable water bottles is an important step towards a more frugal and eco-friendly lifestyle.
It can save money by eliminating the need to buy single-use plastic water bottles, and it also helps reduce waste and pollution.
When choosing a reusable water bottle, look for one with a filter to ensure fresh water anytime, anywhere.
Opt for bottles made from durable and non-toxic materials such as stainless steel or glass.
Keeping a reusable water bottle also promotes healthy hydration habits.
14. A Large Freezer
A large freezer in your home is a frugal must-have for many reasons.
Not only does it provide money-saving opportunities by allowing you to stockpile food on a budget and freeze extra portions from batch cooking, but it also helps you take advantage of great deals you find at the store.
With a well-stocked freezer, you can shop your stock first and freeze nearly everything you buy for later use.
Additionally, having a large freezer can help you save on your electricity bill by allowing you to fill it up to two-thirds capacity, which makes it more efficient.
Also, you may want to purchase this freezer lock to make sure it stays closed.
15. Reusable Food Storage Containers
Using reusable food storage containers like BPA-free plastic or glass containers is an effective way to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly living.
BPA-free plastic containers are ideal for those who have limited space for storage and prefer lightweight and durable containers. They are freezer, microwave, and steamer safe, making them perfect for storing and reheating various types of food.
On the other hand, glass containers are an excellent alternative to plastic containers. They are incredibly environmentally friendly and can be reused over and over again, making them an indispensable tool in your quest for simple and frugal home living.
Since they are also reusable, saving you money in the long run. You only need a few of them for your daily use.
16. Reusable Food Bags
Reusable food bags are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and be more eco-friendly in your daily life. These bags are made from BPA-free materials and are designed to be used over and over again, making them a great alternative to single-use plastic bags.
Here are the benefits of reusable food bags:
Versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes as they are freezer, microwave, and steamer safe, making them perfect for storing, heating, and cooking food.
Perfect for packing lunches and snacks, as they are lightweight and easy to carry.
Durable and long-lasting.
Ability to use them again and again, reducing the amount of waste that you produce.
Unlike plastic bags, which can easily tear or break, these bags are made from sturdy materials that can withstand daily use.
While the initial cost of these bags may be higher than that of plastic bags, they will pay for themselves over time as you won’t have to keep buying new bags. Plus, they are often sold in sets, so you can get multiple bags for a lower price.
17. Basic Toolkit for DIY Projects
A basic toolkit can be a valuable asset for homeowners as it can come in handy for simple home repairs and save money on professional services.
With the right tools and some DIY know-how, you can tackle many basic home repairs and maintenance tasks yourself, without having to hire a professional.
DIY tutorials are available online, and many of them are free. You can also attend community classes or evening courses at local colleges to learn DIY skills.
Also, you can look at sharing tools with neighbors or friends can help you save money and build a sense of community.
18. Storage Organization
Oh my goodness, there is no way I could manage without serious storage organization for our small house.
Thankfully, there are plenty of storage organization options to make sure you use optimal space in every single corner of your house.
Here are some of my favorite storage organization tricks:
19. Rotary Clothes Line
Owning a rotary clothesline is a must-have for frugal homeowners.
Not only is it a one-time cost that lasts for years, but it also helps save money on electricity bills as line drying reduces creases and eliminates the need for a dryer.
Additionally, a rotary clothesline takes up less space than a bulky dryer or indoor drying rack.
By using a rotary clothesline, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh, sun-dried laundry while saving money and space. It’s a win-win situation for both your wallet and your home.
20. Essential Oils
Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, including for homemade beauty and cleaning products. For example, adding 15 drops of peppermint essential oil to a cup of baking soda can create a refreshing and invigorating scrub.
Essential oils can also be added to homemade shampoo and body wash recipes to provide a pleasant scent and potential therapeutic benefits. Some popular essential oils for these purposes include rosemary, lavender, and peppermint.
In addition to beauty and cleaning products, essential oils can also be used for aromatherapy purposes. Simply adding a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser or inhaling the scent directly can provide benefits such as stress relief and relaxation.
It’s important to note that essential oils should always be used with caution and according to their recommended guidelines, as they can be potent and may cause adverse reactions if not used correctly.
21. Rain Collector
Using a rain collector to water your vegetable garden is a great way to be eco-friendly and frugal at the same time.
This method can help you save money on your water bill and reduce your carbon footprint.
Rain collectors can be purchased for as little as $50 and provide a regular supply of free water throughout the year.
To use a rain collector for your vegetable garden, set it up in a location that is convenient for you to access and close to your garden. When it rains, the water will collect in the butt and be ready for use when you need it. You can use a watering can or attach a hose to the butt for easy watering.
Rainwater is especially good for watering vegetables because it is free of chemicals and additives that may be present in tap water.
22. Countertop Composter
A countertop composter is a great addition to a frugal home. It is a small, portable compost bin that can be kept on your kitchen counter, making it easy to compost food scraps and other organic waste.
By composting your food scraps, you can reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which is not only good for the environment but also saves you money on garbage bags and waste disposal fees.
Countertop composters are available in various sizes and styles, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.
Some countertop composters are made of stainless steel or ceramic and have a sleek, modern look that blends in with your kitchen decor.
Others are made of plastic and have a more utilitarian design.
In addition to reducing waste and saving money, composting also produces nutrient-rich soil that can be used to fertilize your garden or houseplants. This can save you money on buying fertilizers and improve the health and productivity of your plants.
23. Knife Set
Having a good knife set is essential in a frugal home because it saves money in the long run. Yes, I have proof of this as I replace my 15-year-old knife under warranty.
Investing in an affordable yet durable set can be achieved by choosing stainless steel or high-carbon steel, which are both rust-resistant and long-lasting.
When choosing a set, consider the number of pieces you need and the type of knives required for your cooking needs.
To make your tools last longer, hand wash and dry them immediately after use, avoid using abrasive cleaners, and store them in a knife block or a drawer with dividers to prevent damage.
But, to be honest, these are the knife set I own and I put them in the dishwasher all the time.
24. Streaming Stick
If you haven’t upgraded to a smart TV yet, I understand you are frugal. Then, you need to invest in a streaming stick.
This simple device can help you lower your costs spent on cable while still streaming your favorite shows on Paramount, Hulu or YouTube.
Nowadays, you can expect to spend less than $50.
25. Soda Maker
This may seem like a splurge, but we, frugal people need a way to treat ourselves.
Having your own soda maker can be a great way to save money in the long run. While it may seem like an expensive investment at first, the cost of making your own soda (or seltzer) at home is significantly lower than constantly purchasing soda (or seltzer) from the store.
In fact, making soda at home can cost as little as 25 cents per liter, compared to the average cost of $1.50 per liter for store-bought soda.
Another cost-saving benefit of having your own soda maker is that you can control the ingredients. You can choose to make your soda with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia, rather than high fructose corn syrup, which is commonly found in store-bought soda. This not only saves you money in the long run, but it can also be a healthier option.
What are some good tips for living frugally?
Living frugally can be a great way to save money and achieve financial goals.
Here are some practical tips for living frugally that you can implement in your daily life:
Meal planning and home cooking can save money on food expenses. Brown bagging or oven lunch boxing your lunch is also a great way to save money. Learn how to be frugal with food.
Wash your laundry in cold water and use natural homemade cleaners to save on household expenses.
Create a budget that you can live with and look for areas where you can cut back on expenses. Pack your own lunch and cut back on entertainment costs.
Travel frugally by traveling during the off-season and cutting down on eating out. Opt for a place with a kitchen so you can make some of your own meals and purchase discounted airline tickets or fares.
Have fun for free by doing activities such as going to the park, having a picnic, or having a bonfire. There are so many things to do with no money.
Try out a few frugal living tips at a time to find out which works best for you and don’t forget to access free courses and worksheets to help with your frugal living journey.
Remember, frugal living doesn’t have to be a sacrifice and can actually help you fully enjoy what you care about in life.
Start taking small steps towards a more frugal lifestyle and see how it can positively impact your finances.
FAQ
There are many frugal home hacks that can help you save money and keep your home clean and organized.
Some practical and actionable tips include meal planning, home cooking, brown bagging your lunch, washing your laundry in cold water, and using natural homemade cleaners.
Before calling a handyman, consult YouTube to learn how to fix a leaky faucet or remodel your bathroom.
Examining your monthly bills for ways to save on electricity, water, cable, and even your cell phone can also help you save money.
By implementing these frugal hacks, you can make every penny and dollar count and stretch your budget further.
I always tell people to shop their own house first. Just because you don’t know where something is doesn’t mean you should go out and buy a new item.
Look around and see how you can reuse items.
Before heading out to the grocery store, look at your own pantry and freezer to see what you can use first.
Give these tips a try and see how much you can save!
Essential appliances and gadgets for a frugal, clean, and organized home include:
Which Frugal Home Ideas Will You Implement?
With a little bit of planning and effort, you can live frugally and still have a beautiful home.
One of the key points of frugality is buying quality items less often.
Too many times, people associate being frugal with cheap.
Being frugal means you are intentional with your spending on household items and prioritizing the things that matter most.
Plus, using frugal methods can be better for the environment and your health.
So what are you waiting for? Go out and buy some of these must-haves today!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
The difference between good design and great design? The details. It’s the little moments that someone might not even notice at first glance, but actually take the most time and forethought, that give a space its heart. Case in point, this crazy cool loft. At a cursory glance, you can immediately see it’s a chic space. But it takes a second look to discover the details that take the design to the next level.
Because this loft is actually designed with a specific goal in mind – turning accents into statements. The concept is rather genius. Earlier this year, six well known accent brands came together to form the Elevate Design Collective and collaborate to renovate a loft in Soho that was recently revealed during NYC Design Week. Schlage, Jeld Wen Windows & Door, Formica Corporation, KitchenAid, Hunter and Delta were tasked with the same challenge: to integrate a custom Pantone color, developed exclusively for this space, into their product. So cool.
Pantone created Single Malt, a rich, earthy copper-y hue that the designers used to add warmth to the loft’s urban, modern vibe. I love the way the color was incorporated into the open concept kitchen. For example, Formica Corporation, known for their innovative surfacing products, created a custom Bourbon Trail laminate in a marble design for the kitchen’s countertops. The brand’s 180fx® large-scale laminate line recreates real, true-to-scale stone and granite patterns and was able to incorporate Single Malt in the veining, helping the kitchen to take on a more approachable warm feel. But there are more subtle details as well.
Did you spot all the places Single Malt color popped up throughout the space? Creating this look in your own kitchen would be very easy. With a base of classic black & white, you can add pops of warmth to create a timeless space.
single malt pantone color / pendant light / cake stand / kitchenaid mixer / delta faucet / salad tongs / black bar stool / formica / white subway tile / bread board / serving bowl / dutch oven / JELD-WEN doors
If you didn’t know to look, you might miss them. The Single Malt-tinged edging on the pantry doors by JELD WEN Windows & Door, the accents on the Delta Trinsic® Pro faucet, a chic-looking high-tech faucet that turns on with just a touch via the Touch20® Technology. The brand added a special arm to hold the faucet head in place for that Single Malt touch. You have to look closely to spy the pop of color on the ends of the KitchenAid refrigerator pulls! All of the details are understated, chic and inspiring. They’re what will make you stop and say wow, I wish I had thought of something like that.
This is such a great reminder as I work to put the finishing touches on our renovation. Sure, any room can look pulled together, but when you put in that little extra thought or creative idea it makes a room personal and truly unique. I don’t have my own custom Pantone color, but I’m going to do my best.
You can enter to win a $500 gift card for your own project courtesy of the ELEVATE Design Collective. They’ll be choosing three winners, so be sure to enter here between now and September 16th!
To catch up on all our renovations and my design ideas, CLICK HERE!
For our home tour archive CLICK HERE.
This post is sponsored by the ELEVATE Design Collective. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting posts that keep apartment 34’s doors open.
Through all phases of life you are likely to see something or someone that you feel looks better than you or has something you want.
Let me paint a picture for you; You show up to a party and your girlfriend has on a beautiful dress with the purse, shoes and accessories to match and there you are with a dress that is 5 years old and flip-flops.
Meanwhile, your husband is downstairs checking out the finished basement, with a high definition TV and movie style seating. Now what?
Do you completely blow your monthly budget, head to the department store and duplicate her outfit?
Does your husband want to empty out your savings account or charge your credit card so he can have a movie theater in the basement?
OR are you happy that you both have friends to visit, dress and shoes to wear and that fit, a means of transportation to the party, and a house to live in?
I hope you choose the latter, but chances are you will be pulling out the credit card!! It’s natural to feel envious and jealous, but these are also 2 of the 7 deadly sins.
If we are constantly being jealous of others, how are we being thankful for what we have? God wants us to be like Paul and Job, who were content when they had everything and when they had nothing.
Comparing Our Worst To Someone Else’s Best
A celebrity once said that we need to stop comparing our worst to someone else’s best. That struck a nerve because it completely exposed what I have been doing for years.
I am a mother of four children. I lost all my pregnancy weight, but still have the mommy tummy and I am constantly looking at mothers with flat stomachs! I was sick of looking 4 months pregnant and my husband and I visited the plastic surgeon’s office for our free consultation about me getting a tummy tuck. I found out it would cost $5,000 for the procedure. I was ready to schedule my appointment. Two days later, I was laid off.
The only thing I can do now is change my mindset and be thankful that my body did what it needed to birth my healthy children.
Not being content with the blessings God has given us has cost many people hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
Trying to keep up the Jones almost cost me $5,000. How much has it cost you?
Money Can’t Buy Happiness
Now, let me tell you something about the Jones, they are in debt up to their eyeballs.
My husband was a mortgage consultant for over 5 years before he went into banking and worked in a very upscale neighborhood.
Many customers, who made well over $200K, were looking to either refinance their home, get a HELOC, or cash out just to pay off their $100,000 credit card bill.
To make matter worse, during the application process, many husbands learned about their wives spending habits and would end up divorced.
The Jones might have every material possession imaginable, but are they happy? NO, because money does not buy happiness; if it did celebrities would not divorce as often as they do…think about it.
To be clear, there is nothing wrong with having money, the problem is when money has you.
Do you really need the 5,000 square foot house, a $40K wedding, a new Coach bag, the 65″ TV, the newest Apple device, or the trophy Starbuck’s cup?
I can go on and on, but I think you get the point. All these unnecessary materialistic possessions will cost a small fortune.
Saving Money Is Like Going On A Diet
Saving money can be compared to dieting. It is a slow process and you will begin to see changes immediately if done right. BUT, if you are not mentally prepared and committed to eat right AND exercise then all your efforts will be in vain.
The same applies to money. In order to reach financial security you have to save more AND spend less. You might be able to save the money, but will you go off and spend what you have saved as soon as your friend buys a TV bigger than yours or your girlfriends flaunt a new pair of Jimmy Choo sandals.
The act of being content is a challenge that one cannot face alone.
Prayer is one of the most powerful tools God has given us, so use it. When you are feeling envious or jealous, pray for God to remove those thoughts and allow you to be more thankful and content for what you have.
Instead of thinking about everything you don’t have, think about everything you DO have. Be happy that you are alive, have a family, can see, hear, walk, talk, drive a car, have a car to drive, clothes in your closet, food in your refrigerator, water in your faucet, a computer to read this article, the money to pay for the internet, a bed to sleep in, sheets on the bed, and most important a God in Heaven to call Father.
When you see someone with something nice, be happy for them. Tell yourself that they work hard and God has blessed them and will bless you!
isolate a pinhole leak in the fuel filler neck and hose assembly
maintain and/or replace an evaporator canister
recognize the term “evaporator canister”.
“Evaporator canister” does return only 457 Google hits, leading one to question whether such a component even exists. (cf. “skyhook”, “snipe hunt”, and “key to the batter’s box.”)
The vehicle in question, a 2008 Ford Explorer, has 52,340 miles on it. The check engine light came on, a crisis that created an opportunity to do two things:
save a little money
spend a lot of money.
You can read about what to do regarding vehicle maintenance in the book (available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other fine bookstores). Rule 1 is Don’t Go To The Dealer. More specifically, don’t begin at the dealer. You might have no choice if you need a specific original-equipment part for body work, but for repairs not restricted to a certain make and model of vehicle, start elsewhere.
There is a caveat, the exception that reinforces the rule. It’s OK to begin at the dealer if you’re willing to stay a few minutes with your vehicle and confirm that you don’t want this to turn into a full-on service appointment. If your vehicle’s clearly in the warranty period, it shouldn’t be a problem. If it’s on the fence, stand your ground and ensure that the dealer’s service department won’t charge you.
“On the fence” means you aren’t sure whether a certain component is still in the coverage period or not, which is definitely possible. Here are some examples from the warranty for said Explorer:
catalytic converter (8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever comes first)
idle air bypass valve (5 years or 50,000 miles, unless you’re driving something other than a heavy duty vehicle, which is a truck from 8,500–19,500 pounds)
intake manifold (7 years/70,000 miles, if you have the long-term defects warranty, but only if your engine is at least 4 liters)
any other emissions-related part (15 years/150,000 miles, but only if you’re in California, the special state that might as well be an independent country for its refusal to accept the laws the rest of us seem to have little trouble crafting.)
So yeah, you might not know what’s covered until the dealer’s already in your pocket. Beware, especially since check engine lights are similar to dental cavities: ignoring them is never an effective way of getting the underlying problem to disappear.
It’s astonishing how many people will take steps to reduce their water bills by .35¢ a month, or shop around to save $5 on groceries, but won’t expend a little effort to save hundreds on automotive repair.
The dealership will tell you that only it can diagnose the check engine light and identify the code that arises. They’ll also charge you $90 for the privilege of determining what’s wrong with something they sold you in the first place. (Read that sentence again.) This is the same dealership that likely told you the $1100 desert protection package option is a vital add-on that all the smart drivers are getting this year, even though you live on Kaua’i.
In other words, a lie. If you don’t have a scanner of your own, find a lube shop that does and an employee who knows how to use it. Depending on what state you live in, you need to do this surreptitiously. The bureaucrats in some state governments, peons of the automotive-industrial cabal, prohibit everyone but dealers from using scanners legally. Which is not only counterproductive and immoral, it’s expensive.
Nor are state transportation department employees above going to a lube shop, asking for a diagnosis, then levying a fine. (The 1930s are alive and well in some industries.) So be careful. If you’re already comfortable at a particular lube shop, and they know you, or you can prove that you’ve taken your vehicle there before, ask if you can get someone to check the code on your vehicle. Obviously, you shouldn’t do this in front of anyone but a single technician. At the very least, they might be able to recommend someone who can help you. Be explicit about how you’re not there to jeopardize anyone’s livelihood.
With a diagnosis from a lube shop, which takes less than a minute, you’ve already saved the $90 service fee a dealer would charge. (At this point you’re welcome to tip the technician.) Yes, the dealer will refund the $90 if the work is covered under warranty, but why wager $90 to take that chance? Better to walk in armed with at least the results from the code reader.
The Explorer had an evaporation leak, which the tech classified as a small one. Small, by definition, means .004-.006”. (Anything smaller is hard to detect.) The initial course of treatment was a “smoke test”, in which a tech literally blows smoke up your vehicle to determine the genesis of the leak.
Lube shops don’t do this, so the next stop was a non-affiliated service center, which quoted close to $90 for a smoke test. However, the dealer charges about the same, but also tells you if the work is under warranty. Thus in this case it is time to head to the dealer, for a rare justifiable visit. A few hours later, the verdict: repair the leak in the fuel filler neck and hose assembly, and replace that mysterious evaporator canister. $1531.
Fortunately, a small evaporation leak isn’t enough to render the vehicle un-drivable, at least not for a few days. So off we go to comparison shop, after a tactical lie to the dealership’s service writer (“I’m broke until my next paycheck. I’ll take it home and hopefully have enough to come back and let you fix it next week.”)
Then to the service center. Their quote?
$818, at least ¾ of which is parts. Same guaranteed work, none of which voids the warranty. That’s more than a $600 savings, and no one had to turn off the faucet while brushing to accomplish it.
Only go to the dealer if you absolutely have to. In a situation like this one, doing so gets you the best of both worlds: as inexpensive a diagnosis as possible, plus a quote, which you can then use to shop around with and get a better price. Thus selling a liability, and leaving you more funds to buy assets with.
Greg McFarlane is an advertising copywriter who lives in Las Vegas and Lahaina – testament to the power of entrepreneurship. He recently wrote Control Your Cash: Making Money Make Sense, a financial primer for people in their 20s and 30s who know nothing about money. Buy the book here (physical) or here (Kindle) and reach Greg at [email protected].