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Apache is functioning normally

June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

Do you have something that drives you absolutely crazy, even though nobody else is fazed by it? We all do—whether it’s someone taking the last of the coffee without refilling, or seemingly arbitrary office policies. It’s strange when we get angry over nothing… but sometimes it’s also oddly liberating.

It seems like it’s something different that tips everybody over the edge—so let’s talk about some of the most common things that make us irrationally angry.

1. YouTube Video Recommendations

One user posted, “YouTube recommending videos that don’t start with the first one of a series. Why start on part 6…?”

“YT can’t count. You’ve watched episodes 1, 2, and 3 out of a series? What comes after episode 3? Episode 7, obviously. Next up is episode 21. Followed by episode 2 even though you’ve already watched it. It’s baffling how a simple episode list is beyond YT’s algorithm to understand,” one user replied.

Another user also commented, “Yeah, but 7 has higher engagement metrics than 4,5, or 6, so YT thinks that is more important than chronology.”

One responded, “For me it’s the 30s of unskippable ads, followed by another ad 25s into the video.”

2. Motion Sensor Doesn’t Work

One user posted, “When the motion sensor on a paper towel dispenser doesn’t work.”

Another user replied, “I hate it when you have to negotiate to get soap, water and towels but the germaphobe in me really likes not touching anything.”

One user commented, “As a fellow public toilet germaphobe, it shits me to tears when the amenities are designed to be no touch (sensor soap and paper towel etc) and then the door has a handle.”

Another user stated, “As long as they use real paper towels and not those shitty hand dryers, you can use the towel to grab the door handle. Some places now have the thing at the bottom of the door where you can use your foot. That is also pretty handy. It’s pretty gross though when you see some absolute slob come out of a stall and go right out the door using the handle you have to touch. I wouldn’t describe myself as a germaphobe by any stretch, but there is a level of basic hygiene that everyone should be at.”

3. People who Won’t Let you Merge

One Redditor posted, “When people speed up when I indicate a lane change.”

Another responded, “Omg thank god someone said this. Knew those jerks do that… on purpose lmao.”

One user also commented, “Me too, and I always wondered why they do that.”

Another Redditor added, “Some people are mean on purpose. Some people aren’t paying attention to their speed and when they notice they’re going slow cuz someone is trying to pass them, they correct.”

“I get [annoyed with] people who cut me off on the right, while my blinker to change lanes to the right is active and I’m intentionally trying to move over to the slow lane. They’re so eager to pass me that they won’t even let me get over to the slow lane or exit lane. I’m trying to move over, and it’s infuriating,” a user replied.

4. People who are Confidently Wrong

One user added to the thread, “Overconfident people who are clearly not very bright.”

Another responded, “People that [make up] an answer instead of admitting they don’t know something.”

Another one added, “I agree this is cringe but unfortunately as a medical student, doctors get pissed if I say ‘I don’t know’ to some of their random… questions, so I have to force myself to make up some [crap] instead.”

“My 11th grade English teacher was one of those teachers. He also got mad at you for making stuff up though and refused to use anything but your full legal name (first and last) but the second you tried to call him Mr instead of professor he’d yell at you and lecture the whole class about respect and if someone has a name/title preference you should accept that so [idk] what his problem was lmao.”

5. No Headlights in the Rain

One user commented, “Drivers who don’t turn their headlights on when it’s raining.”

Another user added, “Or ones that don’t use turn signals when turning.”

“They use it as they turn instead of before,” one Redditor replied.

Another user responded, “And it always seems to be gray or silver cars that completely blend in with the haze.”

6. Blocking the Grocery Aisle

One Redditor posted, “When people block the entire… aisle with their shopping carts.”

Another user responded, “Lmao my wife gets so pissed when people do this. She literally moves their cart for them.”

One user added, “I do that, too. I’ll pick up the end of their cart and just move it out of the way. Usually people are apologetic about it and I’m outwardly nice to them but I’m always thinking ‘If you’re so sorry why… did you do it in the first place??’”

One user shared, “My grocery store trigger is when someone stops in an aisle to peruse a section, and they leave their cart dead center in the aisle…preferably at an angle to ensure maximum blockage.”

7. People Stopping in Busy Stores

One user posted, “Pet peeve… people having friends and family gathering in the busiest intersection in the store right in front of the items everyone needs to get at with their kids running around, and getting in everyone’s way. Not slightly to the side by the frozen dinner entrees, or something, but in the worst imaginable spot impeding every other customer’s ability to get around, and get the stuff they need.”

One added, “I swear lockdown made everyone dumber. People can’t drive [at all] now and it seems to be the social norm to go slow as [heck] down isles and stop I the center of the isle.”

8. Setting Multiple Alarms

One user added, “My wife’s second and third alarms in the morning when I don’t have to get up for work.”

Another replied, “When you get into bed looking forward to a good night’s sleep, knowing you’ll be getting quite a lot of hours in bed before you have to get up for work the next day, and then what feels like just one blink later…”

One user then asked the OG commenter, “Do you have sleep apnea or insomnia? I’ve got relatives who have one or the other and it doesn’t seem fun. The one with sleep apnea got the CPAP machine and now he can function on 4 hours of sleep whereas before the machine, he would get 8 or so hours of sleep but still be extremely exhausted because his body wasn’t fully going to sleep. I get acid reflux, where if I eat too late I will wake up choking on stomach acid (or just throw up).”

The OG commenter answered, “I have narcolepsy, but you’re on the right lines yeah.”

9. When your Headphone Cord Snags

One Redditor posted, “Headphone cord snag.”

One user added, “On the kitchen drawer… WHILE I’M COOKING.”

One also shared the same sentiments and replied, “I’m so… angry just reading your comment.”

Another also added, “Similar rage level- you must carry some stuff, you’ve found a way to stack everything securely to carry in one trip. But it requires both hands. You manage to open a door with either your foot or by carefully stretching your fingers…. Then your belt loop/baggy top gets caught on the door handle when you’re almost fully through.”

10. Printers

One user commented, “Printers. If I plug you in, you should work. WHY YOU NO WORK?!”

“PC Load Letter? What the [heck] does that mean???” one user replied.

Another added, “Sounds like someone’s got a case of the Mondays…”

One user said, “Haha. The cry of the IT guy!!”

Source Reddit.

Image Credit: Shutterstock – Denis Makarenko

Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.

10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?

These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People

Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.

These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag

Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.

10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth

We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.

These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites

About the Author

Source: financequickfix.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

We at The Motley Fool have always been champions of the individual investor, encouraging each person to take control of her or his financial destiny. In theory, the transition of America’s retirement apparatus from defined-benefit plans — i.e., pensions that pay a monthly amount — to defined-contribution plans — such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s — is consistent with this Foolish philosophy. The individual makes all the contribution, investment, distribution, and inheritance decisions, whereas with a defined-benefit pension, the worker has very little control.

However, for the majority of Americans, the transition away from defined-benefit has not been to their benefit. It requires each person to become an investing expert and financial planner in their spare time, and too many Americans don’t seem to have the time, interest, inclination, or skills.

According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, the average 401(k) account is a tad over $60,000; those within a decade of retirement have a bit more, with an average balance of $78,000, but more than a third have less than $25,000. Almost half of workers (43%) between the ages of 45 and 54 reported they weren’t saving anything for retirement.

Not that traditional defined-benefit pensions don’t have their own problems. Many are underfunded, and the benefits accrue mostly to workers who stay with the same employer for many years, which is less common in today’s mobile workplace. But it’s clear that 401(k)-based retirement planning will result in not much of a retirement for many workers.

We can chalk a good deal of this up to people not taking responsibility for their finances, but the problem also lies with the 401(k) system itself. Employees are stuck with the plan and the investments that have been chosen by the employer and/or HR department (who may be fine people, but not necessarily investment experts). Too often, the fund choices are mediocre or worse, and the costs are high.

Get Ready to Look Under the Hood
Unfortunately, you likely don’t know the true costs of your 401(k). They’re hidden in boring legal filings or embedded in the expense ratios of the mutual funds within the plan. But that’s all about to change.

Beginning later this year, 401(k) plans will be required to disclose how much the administration of the plan and the investments is costing participants. This is important information, since — according to human resources consultant Towers Watson — an increase of 0.5% of expenses (i.e., $50 for every $10,000 invested) could consume eight years’ worth of savings for an above-average earner. After all, the $30 billion to $60 billion the financial-services industry makes from 401(k)s each year doesn’t grow on trees; it’s usually taken directly from investors’ accounts.

The amount of fees being extracted from 401(k) accounts may be shocking to some investors. Indeed, many might be surprised they’re paying fees at all, if an AARP survey is to be believed, which found that 70% of worker didn’t know they were paying fees. Alas, that is just not the case.

With the new disclosures, it will be easier to see what you’re paying, and whether that’s too much.

Generally, smaller plans pay higher costs — “smaller” meaning both the number of plan participants as well as total assets in the plan. According to a study [PDF] conducted by Deloitte for the Investment Company Institute (a trade organization for the mutual fund industry, so not necessarily an unbiased crew), the median all-in cost — which includes administrative costs as well as investment expenses — to plan participants in 2011 was 0.78%. But the numbers vary widely, with plan size being the primary factor.

The median cost for a plan with more than $1 billion in assets was 0.38%, whereas the median cost for a plan with less than $1 million was 1.41%. Similarly (and relatedly), the median cost for a plan with fewer than 100 participants was 1.29%, compared to 0.43% for those with more than 10,000 participants.

You can use those figures as a benchmark to determine where your fees fall in relation to other plans. Then, figure out who’s paying those fees — you or your employer. Chances are, it’s the person you see in the mirror (unless your boss follows you into the bathroom, which is kinda weird). According to the Deloitte study:

[P]articipants bear the majority of 401(k) expenses. Similar to any other employee benefit (e.g., health insurance), the employer determines whether the employee, employer, or both will pay for the benefit. According to the Survey, on average, participants pay 91% of total plan fees while employers pay 5% and the plans cover 4%. This compares with participants paying 78%, employers paying 18% and plans paying 4% in the 2009 Fee Study.

In other words, employees are paying the majority of fees, and the share that they’re paying is going up.

Are you getting your money’s worth from your 401(k)? Here’s how to find out, and what to do about it:

Evaluate your investment choices. See if the funds in your plan, over the past five years, have beaten a relevant index fund as well as the majority of other funds with a similar investing objective. This information may be found in your quarterly statements or on the website of your plan provider. Important note: Your funds’ mileage may vary from the information on Morningstar or other fund-info sites since funds in 401(k)s often have additional costs.
Use the side brokerage account, if offered. Approximately 20% of 401(k)s allow participants to open an account with a discount brokerage within the plan. This will let you buy individual stocks, bonds, ETFs, and other mutual funds. However, compare the benefits to the costs, since these accounts often have higher maintenance fees.
Advocate for a better plan. Talk to the folks in your HR department and raise your concerns. After all, their retirement is on the line, too, and they should also be motivated to have the best possible plan. Here’s an example of a letter you can write to ask for a better plan.
Don’t ignore other accounts. If your 401(k) is stin(k)y, contribute just enough to take full advantage of the employer match, and then max out an IRA with the discount brokerage of your choice. You might pay lower costs and have more investment options. However, if you are in a higher tax bracket — and thus ineligible for the Roth IRA, and your contributions to a traditional IRA wouldn’t be deductible — then it might make sense to invest in non-dividend-paying stocks you’ll hold for many, many years. You don’t get a tax break up front, but you’ll pay long-term capital gains when you do sell, which (at least according to current laws) are lower than the taxation rate on ordinary income (the rate at which your paycheck and traditional 401(k) and IRA distributions are taxed).
Move your money. You generally can’t transfer the money in your 401(k) to another account while you’re still working for the employer sponsoring the plan, but some companies allow it, especially for older workers. If your plan is sub-par, ask if your employer allows “in-service distributions.” If so, or once you leave that employer, transfer the money to an IRA. But do not just get a check and cash it; that is considered a distribution, which will be subject to taxes and a 10% penalty if you’re not 59 ½ years old. Instead, get the money to an IRA, ideally through a “trustee-to-trustee transfer,” in which the money is sent directly from your 401(k) to the IRA.
Get help. If you’re looking for professional advice with your investment choices, look for a fee-only planner who charges by the hour, such as the Certified Financial Planners at the Garrett Planning Network or the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. She or he can also estimate whether you’re saving enough to retire when and how you want.

Hug Your Boss, Then Make the Request
Employers deserve credit for sponsoring retirement plans. They don’t have to do it, it consumes the HR department’s time, and it might even cost them actual money. I’m on the 401(k) committee of The Motley Fool (where the company covers all administrative costs, thank you very much), and I can tell you that it’s more work than most people would think.

But don’t be bashful about politely asking for a better plan. No one is planning your retirement for you, and no one cares more about your retirement more than you do. The more your retirement will rely on your own contribution and investment decisions, the more you must take charge.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

June 8, 2023 by Brett Tams

After the recent extraordinary show of force defending changes to LLPAs by federal regulators and their friends, the forest through the trees risk remains in focus to me.

One of the great concerns I have, as both a former regulator and the former head of a major industry trade association, is the downside risk of keeping the GSEs in conservatorship any longer. For me, it’s really a question about the lesser of two evils.

What’s the greater risk to housing: an endless series of FHFA directors who change seats with each political administration and then proceed to tinker with policy in pursuit of political priorities? Or, the risk of releasing Fannie and Freddie without firmly legislating some of the reforms that I and many others advocated for, going back to the early years of conservatorship?

Make no mistake about it, I sat firmly entrenched for years opposing the “recap and release” crowd, to the point where the camps on both sides of the issue were in almost pitched warfare. The Mortgage Bankers Association argued that Congressional reform should precede any effort to release the GSEs. In fact I testified in front of Congress in 2017 stating such.

But today I now see the risks of letting this drag on into perpetuity without resolve. As each succeeding FHFA director comes into the role the industry, potential homeowners, lenders and more will face the risk of a cascading series of policy initiatives being implemented by the GSEs at the behest of the FHFA, regardless of whatever protests that may come from the respective staffs at either GSE.

While the latest was this clearly manipulated LLPA pricing structure and the now failed attempt at a DTI cap, the list of fees added to 2-4 unit homes, second homes, cash-out refinances, and more appear to be focused on political objectives and not actual risk.

In fact, MBA traditionally argued that g-fees and other pricing methods at the GSEs should only reflect the actual risks of the loans and not be used for other purposes. Prior to the collapse of Fannie and Freddie, pre 2008, the GSEs would give preferred pricing to their largest sellers in what was known as “alliance” agreements. The spread in pricing between a large seller and a small one was significant.

I remember early in my career at MBA taking three CEOs of independent mortgage banks to meet with then Acting FHFA Director Ed DeMarco to argue against any price disparity based on anything but the actual risk of the loan. And DeMarco responded, almost completely eliminating the pricing differences during his tenure.

But today we have more to be concerned with. You see, the LLPA changes, while small in impact, were just part of the slippery slope of adjusting fees and policies to make the GSEs do business differently and to get them to focus more on entry-level homebuyers.

The Urban Institute puts out a monthly chart book that is chock-full of incredible data about our marketplace. In the most recent May release, they show just how hard it is for the GSEs to expand access to minorities who make up a significant share of new first-time homebuyers.

As the chart above shows, it’s the Ginnie Mae programs, FHA in particular, that completely dwarf the efforts of the GSEs in this regard. And while these modest changes to LLPAs might help, there is far more that impedes the ability of the GSEs to be effective in this area.

But FHFA hasn’t stopped there. There is the implementation of goals focused on LIP (low income purchase loans) and VLIP (very low income purchase loans) that could result in a number of unintentional distortions to pricing and credit availability. It’s all in their affordability goals and, while complicated, we can already see distortions.

The goals, shown in the chart above, are clear, but if you look at how the GSEs have performed historically against these numbers, the fact is that there are many years over the last decade where these goals would have been missed.

But now things are changing. The GSEs are using the cash window to buy more of these LIP and VLIP loans, reducing the effectiveness of the cash window for other purposes. We are seeing the GSEs begin to selectively reduce the volume of high-balance purchases in order to improve the percentages.

Over the course of 2022, it appears that Freddie may have begun offering selected customers pricing incentives for lower balance owner-occupied purchase loans and also allowed customers with greater numbers of these loans to increase their delivery percentages.

Fannie Mae, on the other hand, seems to have required customers to simply deliver a representative mix of VLIP and LIP loans to both GSEs. Since Fannie Mae had lower delivery percentages with selected customers that had more of the lower balance loans, they believe they did not meet some of the enterprise housing goals for 2022.

The need to hit the targets is forcing the GSEs to reduce the ability of sellers to deliver what the market will bear and instead deliver to the mix the objectives that they need. The problem here is that they are turning to negative incentives.

Facing a market that is not producing loans at the aspirational levels of the current VLIP and LIP goals, the GSEs appear to have turned a corner. They are transitioning from positive incentives that might promote greater production of housing goals loans, to now imposing disincentives, from both a pricing and volume perspective, that create an adverse impact on a significant majority of GSE owner-occupied purchase borrowers.

Said differently, the GSEs are not able to produce enough VLIP and LIP “numerator” loans, so they have no alternative but to try to reduce the non-VLIP and LIP “denominator” loans in an effort to achieve the ratios that FHFA established.

Look, the GSEs have always had affordable housing goals. What has changed is that they no longer have a retained portfolio that can be used to help meet these goals through bulk purchases. But more importantly, this new structure is forcing pricing distortions which we are already seeing blatantly though the LLPA structure, but even more so through changes to usage of the cash window, disincentives to sellers to reduce higher balance loans, and more.

All of this will lead to hurting the mainstream borrowers that the GSEs have always served.

As shown above in the chart showing the GSEs’ mix to other sources, perhaps we need to think differently here. Yes, reasonable goals make sense for the GSEs. But all the programs within Ginnie Mae still dwarf any ability the GSEs have to significantly change the market.

But the greater question we all need to ask is this: is the lesser of evils the need to release the GSEs from conservatorship and allow them to return to a more self-managed business environment? This would lessen the ability of their regulator to use these two companies for political purposes, which might distort the market in ways that are ultimately more harmful than any gains they may make along the way.

For me, I have turned this corner. The GSEs are far too important to be overly manipulated in ways that might hurt execution for the traditional homebuyer in these programs. There are other ways to explicitly support affordable housing objectives. This to me is just too slippery a slope.

As I see the forest through the trees, I am faced with a new conclusion. We need to release the GSEs from conservatorship as soon as possible. There is too much at risk to the housing finance system over time as we erode their core business models for political purposes.

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 8, 2023 by Brett Tams

KrowdFit is a digital wellness engagement platform that makes it possible to earn cash-back rewards when you use its app to track activities like steps, sleep and meals. The company also offers the $0-annual-fee KrowdFit Wellness Rewards Mastercard, which can help improve your financial fitness when you spend on self-care.

Cardholders can earn an impressive and uncapped 4% cash back on an expansive list of eligible “health, wellness, medical and lifestyle partners” — including Walmart and Target — in addition to 2% back on grocery purchases and 1% back everywhere else. Better yet, those rewards are issued instantly, so you won’t have to wait until the end of your billing cycle to redeem them.

According to a KrowdFit representative, you’ll need a FICO score above 650 to qualify for the card, which comes with a virtual card number for immediate use upon approval.

Here are five things to know about the KrowdFit credit card.

1. Earn outsized cash back on wellness purchases and more

The KrowdFit Card offers 2% cash back at grocery stores (excluding membership stores like Costco) and 1% cash back on all other purchases. While those rates are unspectacular, the card stands out thanks to the breadth of categories that qualify for its stellar 4% rate. Some of those categories include:

Food: Restaurants, specialty markets and “miscellaneous” food stores.
Fitness: Sporting goods stores, bicycle shops, membership clubs and dance studios.
Health care: Medical and dental providers, health insurance and drugstores.
Wellness: Massage parlors, spa services, and health and beauty shops.
Clothing: Family clothing stores, sports apparel and shoe stores.
Outdoor activities: Public and private golf courses, country clubs, and sporting and recreational camps.
Transportation: Including boat, motorcycle and snowmobile dealers.
Discount stores: Including Walmart, Target and others.

As of this writing, more than 30 merchant category codes (MCC) qualify for 4% cash back — a massive number for a no-annual-fee card that doesn’t require active management, such as tracking a bonus calendar or opting into bonus categories.

Also, if you make a purchase that you think should qualify for bonus cash back and it doesn’t, you can request to have the MCC code added to KrowdFit’s list.

2. Get one year of KrowdFit Premium and extra cash giveaway entries

Like many apps, KrowdFit has two versions: a free one with advertisements, and a premium one without the ads that promises a few additional perks. Cardholders will receive a one-year complimentary membership to KrowdFit Premium, normally $1.99 per month.

To incentivize healthy living and activity, KrowdFit offers cash giveaways that are paid out Monday, Wednesday and Friday of every week, in addition to a $5,000 physical activity cash giveaway on the first day of every month. The more you use the app to track things like sleep, diet and activity, the more entries you get.

3. See your credit line and interest rate before the hard pull

When you apply for a credit card, the issuer will typically conduct a hard inquiry to determine your creditworthiness. That inquiry can often lead to a temporary decrease in your credit scores, even though it’s generally conducted before you know what credit limit and interest rate you’re being offered.

But the KrowdFit card lets you see whether you’ll be approved — including the credit limit and interest rate — before you receive a hard pull. That way you know exactly what you’re being offered and whether it’s worth the impact to your credit scores. A hard pull is conducted only after you accept the offer.

Who doesn’t want to be rewarded?

Create a NerdWallet account for personalized recommendations, and find the card that rewards you the most for your spending.

4. Receive an instant virtual card number

Once you accept the credit line and interest rate provided through the preapproval process, you’ll immediately receive a virtual card number. This number gives you instant access to your credit line and can be added to your virtual wallet or used online for purchases.

Once you receive the physical card in the mail, simply replace your virtual card number with the number on the front of your card.

5. There’s no sign-up bonus

The ongoing rewards structure for the KrowdFit card is solid, but the card lacks something other no-annual fee cards offer — a sign-up bonus. Whether you’re looking for cash back or travel miles, a sign-up bonus is the easiest way to pile up rewards.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card card has a $0 annual fee and offers the following sign-up bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value. You’ll also earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel, dining, gas, public transportation, streaming services and phone plans.

Or there’s the Chase Freedom Flex℠, which also has a $0 annual fee and features the following sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. In addition, you’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories you activate each quarter; 5% back on travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal; and 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases. All other nonbonus-category purchases earn 1% back.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Welcome to Crest, where style and value converge to offer an exceptional living experience in the heart of DC. If you’re in search of one-bedroom apartments for rent in DC, look no further. At Crest, they have crafted the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and affordability, ensuring that our residents enjoy a lifestyle that surpasses expectations.

Highlight the Style and Comfort

The one-bedroom apartments at Crest are thoughtfully designed with meticulous attention to detail. Step into a world of contemporary elegance, where every corner showcases modern aesthetics and functionality. From the moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by spacious floorplans that provide ample room for both relaxation and entertainment. With features like full-size washers and dryers, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops, your apartment becomes a haven of convenience and sophistication.

Emphasize the Value

At Crest, they understand the importance of finding value in your home. That’s why the one-bedroom apartments offer exceptional square footage, walk-in closets, and balconies that extend your living space and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding Skyland Town Center. Crest believes that luxury should be accessible to all, which is why they provide unbeatable pricing for well-appointed apartments. Experience the perfect balance between quality and affordability at Crest.

Amenities for an Elevated Lifestyle

Beyond the four walls of your apartment, Crest offers a host of amenities that elevate your living experience. Immerse yourself in the refreshing oasis of our courtyard pool, stay active and fit at our two-story fitness center, or socialize with friends at the clubroom featuring a pool table. For those who work remotely, our business area and coworking space provide the ideal environment to stay productive. With a helpful 24/7 concierge team and dedicated maintenance staff, your needs are always taken care of at Crest.

Explore the Skyland Town Center Neighborhood

Living at Crest means being at the heart of the vibrant Skyland Town Center neighborhood. Enjoy the convenience of having shopping, dining, and service options right outside your front door. With the completion of Skyland Town Center, exciting retail destinations like Lidl grocery and DC’s first-ever drive-through Starbucks are just steps away. This thriving community offers endless opportunities to explore, connect, and enjoy a truly fulfilling lifestyle.

Don’t miss out on the perfect combination of style and value. Discover Crest’s one-bedroom apartments for rent in DC at Crest and experience the pinnacle of modern living. Contact the Crest today to schedule a tour and seize the opportunity to unlock your ideal home at Crest in the coveted Skyland Town Center neighborhood.

Schedule a Tour of Our One-Bedroom Apartments at Crest Today!

Equal Housing Opportunity

The housing provider will not refuse to rent a rental unit to a person because the person will provide the rental payment, in whole or in part, through a voucher for rental housing assistance provided by the District or federal government.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Rental providers will not refuse to rent a rental unit to a person because the person will provide the rental payment, in whole or in part, through a voucher for rental housing assistance provided by the District or federal government.

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Source: blog.apartminty.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

Last Updated: March 17, 2022 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner – 51 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

How To Make Saving Money Fun - This Is The BEST Way To Save Money

How To Make Saving Money Fun - This Is The BEST Way To Save Money Right now, you are probably thinking, “saving money is NOT fun.”

However, I want to tell you that you are wrong!

Yep, wrong.

Maybe you don’t nerd out as much as I do when it comes to saving money, but there are plenty of ways to learn how to make saving money fun. Learning to have fun saving money is always a good idea, because it can help you save more money.

So many people get tired of paying off debt and saving money, because it can feel so monotonous or they just lack the motivation.

This is why I believe the best way to save money is to learn how to make saving money fun. This can help keep you motivated and interested in saving money.

Below are some great tips on how to make saving money fun. Enjoy!

Challenge yourself.

Challenging yourself to save more money is great, because it can help keep your financial goal on your mind and keep you motivated.

Some ways you can challenge yourself to make saving money fun include:

Take part in the $20 Savings Challenge and save over $1,000 easily.
Challenge yourself to beat spending areas you constantly struggle with. You could try to spend less money on gas, food, utilities, and more.
Whenever you do spend money on a “want,” you can put that same amount of money into your savings account. So, if you buy a $35 clothing item, then you need to also put $35 towards savings or debt. This will make things seem much more expensive, so you are likely to spend less!
Take part in a no spend challenge. Read more about this in the section below.

Related tip: I recommend checking out my PrizePool review. PrizePool is a new type of savings account where you can win one of the over 15,000 cash prizes totaling $50,000 every month simply by saving your money in a savings account. One lucky winner will get the $25,000 Grand Prize out of this guaranteed PrizePool each and every month. PrizePool savings accounts are FDIC insured too.

Take part in a no spend challenge.

To some people, a no spend challenge may not be the most fun thing in the world. However, they can be a great way to let your creative side come out, because you will have to make do with what you already have.

You can do a challenge where you don’t buy any clothing, pantry food items, coffee, gas, and so on.

Now, you may be wondering how a no spend challenge can help you, so here’s how:

No spend challenges can prevent impulse spending.
You will find use in the items you already have.
A no spend challenge can motivate a person.
It can make you aware of your spending problems.
It can help you declutter and prevent waste.

Read further at The Power Of A No Spend Challenge.

Compete with others.

You can even go a step further by making it a challenge between you and someone else. You can turn it into a fun challenge between your friends, family members, or coworkers.

Think of this as similar to when a person has a weight loss buddy. By having someone rooting you on, who is also going through both the good and bad times, you may be more likely to reach your financial goals.

You can compete with others to see who can save the most money, who can go the longest without buying a certain item, who can pay off debt first, and more.

Read personal finance blogs.

I’m not just saying this because Making Sense of Cents is a personal finance blog.

I truly believe that reading personal finance blogs can help keep you interested in saving money. Personal finance blogs are great for seeing how other real people are doing with their financial goals, to introduce you to things you haven’t thought of, and for possibly joining a community of others who have similar goals as yours.

Related: How To Save Money

Make your financial goal visual.

Making your goal visual is a great way to find motivation and make saving money fun.

Having your financial goal displayed in front of you can make it that much more real, plus it’s nice to have a constant reminder of what you’re working towards.

Various ways to make your financial goal visual include:

Create a graphic that demonstrates your financial goal. An example of this would work for something like paying off your house. You could have a picture of a house and section it into 100 pieces. Then, each time you reach a small payoff goal, you can color a piece in. I did some research and found a blog post on A Cultivated Nest about many other creative ways to do this.
Keep a picture of your goal on hand. Whether your goal is a vacation, your dream home, an item you want, or something else, having a picture will keep you reminded of it. You could even go all out and create a vision board on Pinterest or on a poster board.
Start a blog. Blogging greatly helped me with my financial goals, because I could easily look back to see how I was doing, and the blogging community was very supportive. Plus, I felt like I had to keep myself accountable and kept improving because everything was public. If interested, you can start a blog for cheap with my easy tutorial.

Find ways to have frugal fun.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy your life while staying on a realistic budget.

In fact, I believe that many of the great ways to have fun are free or affordable. We spend hardly any money within our entertainment budget each month and still have a great time filled with new experiences. Just check out my Instagram if you don’t believe me!

You can have frugal fun by:

Mystery shopping, while it won’t make you rich, it can be an easy way to earn free meals at restaurants, free outings, free hotel stays, and more.
Take advantage of happy hours.
Sign up for email lists. You can earn valuable coupons, free visits, and more by doing this.
Visit the library.
Churn credit cards so you can travel for cheap, earn free cash, gift cards, and more. Read How I’ve Earned Over $2,500 in Credit Card Rewards in 2015 for more information.
Go outside for a bike ride, hike, walk, run, swim, and more.
Volunteer at events. Many events and festivals need volunteers. This may allow you free admission when you are done with your job!
Find free attractions in your city. In some cities, there might be free visits to the zoo, museums, concerts, and more.

Are you interested in learning how to make saving money fun? What do you think is the best way to save money?

P.S. Here are some ways to make saving money a little easier:

If you are looking for a cheap cell phone service, check out Republic Wireless. Republic Wireless is a service I’ve been using for over one year now, and I’m still happy with the service. They have monthly cell phone plans as low as $5 per month. Read Saving Over $2,000 A Year With Republic Wireless Review.
Negotiate any bills that you have such as phone, internet, etc.
Use a programmable thermostat so that you can heat and cool your home efficiently and more affordably.
Sign up for a website like Ebates where you can earn CASH BACK for just spending like how you normally would online. The service is free too! Plus, when you sign up through my link, you also receive a free $10 gift card bonus to Macys, Walmart, Target, or Kohls!
Eliminate your cable bill. Buy a digital antenna (this is the exact one we have) and enjoy free TV – this is what we do!
If you have trouble eating at home, then try out $5 Meal Plan. They send meal plans directly to your email. It’s a service that I personally use and me and my husband love it!
Refinance your student loans. I recommend Credible for student loan refinancing. You can lower the interest rate on your student loans significantly by using Credible which may help you shave thousands off your student loan bill over time.
Earn side money from home easily, by taking surveys. This can earn you cash, gift cards, free items, and more so that you can spend less money! Survey companies I recommend include American Consumer Opinion, Survey Junkie, Pinecone Research, Opinion Outpost, and Harris Poll Online. They’re free to join and free to use! You get paid to answer surveys and to test products. It’s best to sign up for as many as you can as that way you can receive the most surveys and make the most money.
As you all know, I believe that earning more money is the best way to save money.

Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

One highlight of the World of Hyatt award program is that it still uses award charts to determine the points you’ll need to redeem for a free night. The World of Hyatt award chart for Hyatt hotels and resorts, as well as participating Small Luxury Hotels of the World and MGM Rewards destinations, has eight categories. Award prices range from 3,500 points for an off-peak Category 1 night to 45,000 points for a peak Category 8 night.

For this article, we selected some of the best Hyatt Category 4 hotels. We’ve chosen properties from various Hyatt hotel brands, ranging from a Hyatt Place to a Park Hyatt. A standard room at these hotels costs 12,000 points on off-peak nights, 15,000 points on standard nights and 18,000 points on peak nights. These hotels are also some of the best Hyatt free night hotels since you can use Category 1-4 promotional awards earned through the World of Hyatt Credit Card as Milestone Rewards and as Brand Explorer awards to book these hotels.

Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront

Panama City Beach, Florida, USA

HYATT

Best for: Staying beachfront in Panama City Beach.

Why stay here: With a beachfront pool, beach access and family-friendly rooms, this Hyatt Place is a strong choice for a low-key beach vacation.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The oceanfront Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront is just a short walk from Panama City Beach’s Pier Park. Ample shopping, activities and restaurants within walking distance make this a compelling location for a family beach vacation.

You can book a 333-square-foot room with a king bed and a sofa bed or a 367-square-foot room with two queen beds and a sofa bed using points or free night certificates. If you want to book a paid rate, the property also offers gulf-view rooms, rooms with kitchenettes and even family-friendly rooms with a king bed, bunk beds and a sofa bed. All rooms include at least a minifridge, but some rooms with kitchenettes have a full-size refrigerator.

The Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront charges a daily resort fee of $45.20 from March 1 to Oct. 31 and a daily resort fee of $28.25 during the rest of the year. The resort fee includes parking for up to one vehicle. Plus, this Hyatt Place offers some amenities you wouldn’t typically expect at this brand, including a resort-style pool, lazy river, outdoor games, weekend entertainment and seasonal beach chair service. If you book a free night award — which includes redeeming Hyatt points or using Category 1-4 promotional awards — or you have Hyatt Globalist status and book an eligible rate, you can enjoy waived resort fees.

Daily breakfast at the Breakfast Bar is included in your stay. The Breakfast Bar offers hot and cold items, coffee, milk, juice and tea. You can purchase drinks and snacks poolside from Coconut Charlie’s Pool Bar or beachside from the Beach Bar. If you don’t feel like leaving the hotel for dinner, visit Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill for waterfront views, food, drinks and occasional live entertainment. Finally, an on-site market offers a selection of packaged grab-and-go items.

Rates at the Hyatt Place Panama City Beach / Beachfront start at 12,000 points or $198.93 per night, including the $28.25 resort fee.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort

Orlando, Florida, USA

MICHAEL STAVARIDIS/HYATT

Best for: A family-friendly golf trip to Orlando.

Why stay here: With a lagoon-style pool with a slide, an award-winning golf course and complimentary shuttle service to Disney and Universal, this resort is a particularly good choice for families.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando several times almost 20 years ago. What I remember most about the resort is its Grand Cypress Golf Club, with holes designed by Jack Nicklaus. I also remember relaxing at its 800,000-gallon pool as well as its waterfalls, caves and waterslide.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort has 779 rooms, including 46 suites. Rooms are 360 square feet and offer one king bed or two double beds with views toward Orlando, the pool or a lake. Meanwhile, suites start at 702 square feet. You can book standard rooms starting at 12,000 points per night, standard suites starting at 21,000 points per night and premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night.

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Unfortunately, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort charges a nightly resort fee of $45 plus taxes and fees per room. However, you can avoid this fee if you book a free night award. Plus, Hyatt Globalist members can avoid the fee when booking any eligible rate. You’ll get transportation to and from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and Disney Springs as part of the daily resort fee. You’ll also get access to a seven-hole pitch and putt course, a miniature golf course, bike rentals, a rock climbing wall and more.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort offers various dining options. Guests looking for a quick, casual experience will enjoy the grab-and-go market and the On the Rocks poolside restaurant. Meanwhile, guests looking for an upscale experience can book dinner at Four Flamingos, A Richard Blais Florida Kitchen. Lakehouse Restaurant & Bar offers all-day dining, and its sub-restaurant, Lakehouse Sushi Bar, is open for dinner. Finally, you can enjoy afternoon or evening drinks and snacks at The Lobby Bar.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort start at 12,000 points or $229.51 per night, including the $50.63 resort fee.

Related: Splash into fun: The 14 best hotel pools in Orlando

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Downtown, San Diego, California, USA

MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT SAN DIEGO/ZACH BENSON/FACEBOOK

Best for: Hyatt loyalists wanting a downtown stay right on the water.

Why stay here: Whether you’re in town for a convention or simply want to explore downtown San Diego, this luxurious Hyatt property is a great use of points.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn and redeem points, or via Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection for elitelike perks and on-property credits.

The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego hosts plenty of conference and convention guests, but it’s also well located for tourists near Seaport Village. Many guests applaud this waterfront hotel for its views, including those from its 40th-floor bar and rooftop pool decks.

Most Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego rooms are 340 square feet with city or bay views and one king bed, two double beds or two queen beds. However, the property also offers several different suite types, starting with a 700-square-foot Signature Suite. You can book standard rooms starting at 12,000 points per night, club rooms starting at 18,000 points per night, standard suites starting at 21,000 points per night and premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night.

The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has two outdoor pools: a fourth-floor family pool and a third-floor adults-only pool (that, at the time of writing, was closed). There’s also a 24-hour fitness center.

The hotel charges a destination fee of $39 plus tax per night. Unfortunately, this fee doesn’t offer enough value for most guests. However, you can avoid paying the destination fee if you’re a Hyatt Globalist staying on an eligible rate or if you book a free night award.

You’ll have seven dining options at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. One highlight is Sally’s Fish House & Bar, which lets you enjoy sustainable seafood, craft cocktails and California wines at lunch and dinner next to the boardwalk and the San Diego Bay. Another highlight is Top of the Hyatt, a 40th-floor lounge offering cocktails and small plates alongside city and bay views. There’s also a seasonal pool bar and grill. Or you can order something from GrandEats if you want food delivered to your room.

Rates at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego start at 12,000 points or $262.82 per night, including the $43.88 destination fee.

Related: The best hotels in San Diego

Thompson Chicago

Gold Coast, Chicago, Illinois, USA

THOMPSON CHICAGO/FACEBOOK

Best for: Luxury travelers looking for homey touches and easy access to Lake Michigan running trails and other local venues.

Why stay here: You’re looking for a neighborhood feel to your stay and want easy access to the Loop — without actually staying in the Loop.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt or the hotel website to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points, or through the Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection to enjoy elitelike benefits.

The Thompson Chicago is a boutique hotel located a short walk from the start of the Magnificent Mile. The surrounding neighborhood is great for food and shopping.

You can redeem Hyatt points for a 320-square-foot standard room at the Thompson Chicago with one king or two double beds. If you want to book a paid rate, there are also high-floor rooms, lake-view rooms and various suites. Dogs are welcome at the Thompson Chicago for no additional charge, although you should contact the hotel before your stay for more details.

The Thompson Chicago has a popular lobby bar, Salone Nico, that serves rustic Italian cuisine and drinks. Meanwhile, Nico Osteria offers all-day dining with a focus on Italian seafood. You can also order room service or venture out to sample the many restaurants in the neighborhood.

This property charges a $17 destination fee that provides premium internet, local newspapers and 24-hour fitness club access. There aren’t many other amenities to note at this hotel. You can avoid paying the destination fee if you’re a Hyatt Globalist staying on an eligible rate or if you book a free night award.

Rates at the Thompson Chicago start at 12,000 points or $216.69 per night, including the $17 destination fee.

Related: The 17 best Chicago hotels

Hyatt Regency Seattle

Seattle, Washington, USA

TAGGART COJAN SORENSEN/HYATT

Best for: Tidy, clean rooms in a quiet part of downtown Seattle.

Why stay here: This beautiful hotel with modern rooms is in an excellent location just a block away from the Paramount Theatre and within walking distance of many major attractions.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Seattle is in the heart of downtown Seattle. It’s within walking distance of both convention centers and just a short walk from tourist attractions such as Pike Place Market and the Seattle Art Museum. Moreover, the hotel participates in various sustainability initiatives, including donating leftover, untouched food to a local nonprofit.

You can book 320-square-foot standard rooms starting at 12,000 points per night, 500-to-725-square-foot standard suites with a separate living area starting at 21,000 points per night and 735-square-foot (or more) premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night. One of the premium suite types even offers a private fitness space with a Peloton bike, yoga mat and arm weights. All rooms have either one king bed or two queen beds.

The Hyatt Regency Seattle offers the largest hotel meeting venue in the Pacific Northwest, so it understandably caters to conference, wedding and convention travelers. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment and Peloton bikes (although the bikes were temporarily unavailable at the time of writing). You can bring one dog weighing 50 pounds or less if you pay the $50-per-stay pet fee.

Andare Kitchen & Bar on the lobby level offers all-day, Italian-inspired dining. The venue offers a vegan menu, a weekday happy hour and a bar that’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. You can also enjoy downtown views alongside steakhouse favorites and wine if you opt for dinner at Daniel’s Broiler on the hotel’s second floor. Check out the Market on the second floor if you want something quick. You can also order room service or check out the neighborhood’s many restaurants outside the hotel.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Seattle start at 12,000 points or $195.62 per night.

Related: A Hyatt hop through Seattle: Which Hyatt should you choose on your next trip to the Emerald City?

MGM Grand

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

MGM GRAND/MGM

Best for: Travelers looking for a mix of relaxation and action in one place.

Why stay here: There’s an epic lazy river you can float around on all day.

Best way to book: Book directly on the MGM Grand’s website.

The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is well known for its 6 1/2-acre Grand Pool Complex, which features four pools, three whirlpools and a lazy river. There are always great shows at the MGM Grand, which currently hosts Ka by Cirque du Soleil, Jabbawockeez and David Copperfield; of course, there are also slots, table games and poker in the casino. You can also get a spa treatment at the MGM Grand Spa & Salon or hit some balls at the on-site Topgolf.

The MGM Grand has many different accommodation types and categories across its 5,000 rooms and suites. However, you can only book a 350-square-foot studio king room with Hyatt points or free night certificates. Unlike other stays where resort fees are waived if you book a free night award, this policy doesn’t apply at MGM Rewards destinations like the MGM Grand.

Hyatt members can match their status to MGM Rewards. By doing so, Hyatt Explorists and above can get waived resort fees at MGM properties with their matched MGM Rewards Gold status — but only when booking through MGM Rewards (not World of Hyatt). The MGM Grand charges resort fee of $39 plus tax, so you may want to forgo redeeming Hyatt points for your stay and instead book a paid rate through MGM Rewards if you have Gold status or higher. Best of all, you can still earn Hyatt elite-qualifying nights when you book through MGM Rewards.

You’ll find plenty of dining options at the MGM Grand. On the upscale end, MGM Grand offers L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon for French dishes prepared in front of you, Hakkasan Restaurant for Cantonese dishes, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak for high-quality cuts from small family farms, and Joël Robuchon for fine French dining. If your dining budget is more modest, there’s also Grand Wok Noodle Bar, Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, Greek Sneek and Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House. Or, you can enjoy the MGM Grand Buffet, Tap Sports Bar or various options in the food court.

Rates at the MGM Grand start at 12,000 points or $114.63 per night, including the $44.22 resort fee.

Related: Why Hyatt elite members should book through MGM when visiting Las Vegas

Andaz Mexico City Condesa

Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, Mexico

HYATT

Best for: An eclectic stay in the artsy Condesa neighborhood near Parque Mexico.

Why stay here: This chic hotel offers great service, an appealing location, compelling views from the pool and a dog-friendly Wooftop Beer Garden.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Andaz Mexico City Condesa opened in January 2023 with 213 rooms and is already getting good reviews. However, guests note you can sometimes hear music in the rooms at night, so this may not be the best property for you if you’re a light sleeper. The hotel’s neighborhood provides ample dining options and a central location for tourists — just a short walk from Parque Mexico and various art galleries.

Booking a free night award will get you a 344-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two double beds overlooking Insurgentes Avenue or the hotel’s internal patio. If you book a paid rate, you can reserve a city-view room or several suite types, including a 667-square-foot terrace suite with a large private outdoor terrace.

The 17th floor of the hotel offers a rooftop pool with great city views, and the Cabuya Rooftop restaurant and bar. The hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center, a spa and a beauty salon. You can get teas and coffees at the Derba Matcha Cafe and enjoy a drink in the dog-friendly Wooftop Beer Garden & Canine Club. If you bring your dog for your stay, you’ll need to pay a fee of $100 per pet per room.

Rates at the Andaz Mexico City Condesa start at 12,000 points or $259.02 per night.

Related: Here’s how to quickly stock up on Hyatt points for your next vacation

Alila Fort Bishangarh

Bishangarh Village, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

HYATT

Best for: A luxurious stay in a converted 233-year-old fort.

Why stay here: With a thoughtful design, farm-to-table dining and activities native only to Bishangarh, you won’t regret adding this unique Alila to your India trip.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits, or via American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Alila Fort Bishangarh, located between Delhi and Jaipur in India’s Rajasthan, has 59 rooms and suites and is housed in a 233-year-old fort. I used two Category 1-4 promotional awards to stay at this amazing property and can wholeheartedly recommend a stay if you visit Rajasthan.

You can book a 562-square-foot Heritage Room with one king bed or two twin beds starting at 12,000 points per night or an 800-square-foot Grand Suite with one king bed starting at 24,000 points per night. You can also use points plus cash to book a 700-square-foot Royal Suite with one king bed or two twin beds. If you want to book a paid rate, you have all these options plus a 912-square-foot Regal Suite and a 1,054-square-foot Presidential Suite on offer.

There’s plenty to keep you busy at Alila Fort Bishangarh. You’ll find Spa Alila, an infinity pool with compelling views of the fort, a 24-hour fitness center and Play Alila for children. The hotel also offers numerous excursions and experiences, including cooking classes, a guided visit to the Bishangarh Village Market and the opportunity to visit a milk factory.

And you’ll find some impressive dining options on-site — which is good since most guests will eat most, if not all, of their meals on-site. Amarsar is open all day with Indian and international dishes on offer. On select nights, Nazaara is open with local cuisine prepared in traditional Rajput hunter style; it’s a memorable terrace-dining experience that you’ll enjoy if you can handle some Indian spices and aren’t a picky eater. Meanwhile, Haveli is open for poolside meals and drinks throughout the day, and Madhuveni offers cocktails, cigars and tapas in a beautiful, intimate space.

Rates at the Alila Fort Bishangarh start at 12,000 points or $206 per night.

Related: The best ways to fly to India with points and miles

Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile

Paris, France

HYATT REGENCY

Best for: Travelers looking to stay just a short walk from historic sights, such as the Arc de Triomphe.

Why stay here: Located between La Defense and the Champs-Elysees, this well-located hotel offers excellent views over Paris (from the city’s highest bar), a Regency Club and small but functional rooms.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile in France offers amazing views from its 34-story skyscraper, especially if you snag a room with Eiffel Tower views. Although it’s northwest of the Paris core between La Defense and the Champs-Elysees, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe and a 20-minute journey by metro and foot to the Louvre.

Despite having 995 rooms and suites, finding standard room award availability at this hotel can be difficult. The rooms are small — even for Paris — but 237-square-foot rooms with Regency Club access start at 18,000 points per night. Standard 474-square-foot suites start at 21,000 points per night, and premium 753-square-foot suites start at 24,000 points per night. Award availability is often limited at this hotel, so you may need to book a paid rate to get the room type you want. If you want to ensure your group gets connecting rooms, consider booking a family room.

The Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile doesn’t have too many amenities. Still, it has a 24-hour fitness center and a Regency Club on the 34th floor (for Hyatt Globalist members and those in eligible rooms). You’ll likely want to eat outside the hotel for many of your meals, but you may want to visit the 34th-floor Windo Skybar for views, cocktails and tapas. If you do want to eat on-site, Mayo Restaurant offers daily breakfast and weekday lunch buffets, and the grab-and-go Mayo Market offers quick bites daily from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile start at 12,000 points or $253.85 per night.

Related: The best hotels in Paris

Park Hyatt Jakarta

Jakarta, Indonesia

HYATT

Best for: City views and that new-hotel vibe in the heart of Jakarta.

Why stay here: Spacious rooms with modern, yet dark, design and a friendly, professional staff make this one of the best luxury hotels in Jakarta.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Park Hyatt Jakarta in Indonesia opened in July 2022 with 220 rooms, including 36 suites. This Park Hyatt is a nine-minute walk from the Stasiun Gondangdia train station and within walking distance of various shopping malls and restaurants.

You can book 613-square-foot standard rooms with a king bed or two twin beds starting at 12,000 points per night. Meanwhile, you can book three standard suite types ranging from 936 to 1,367 square feet starting at 21,000 points per night. You can book premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night. The rooms and suites have Indonesian touches and excellent views, as the rooms start on the 25th floor.

While staying at the Park Hyatt Jakarta, you can enjoy the outdoor pool, a sun deck with city views and a 24-hour fitness center on the 35th floor. The hotel also offers a spa.

The Park Hyatt Jakarta offers several dining outlets. Dining Room serves Indonesian and Italian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner on the 22nd floor, while Kita Restaurant offers Japanese cuisine for lunch and dinner on the 37th floor. On the 23rd floor, Conservatory offers several multiuse spaces where you can work, relax or socialize while enjoying European cafe-style comfort food and light meals.

If you’re looking for a drink or live music, check out The Bar on the 23rd floor or Kita Bar on the 36th floor.

Rates at the Park Hyatt Jakarta start at 12,000 points or $308.04 per night.

Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world

Hyatt Regency Tokyo

Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

HYATT

Best for: This old yet stunning hotel is well connected to Tokyo’s JR trains and metro.

Why stay here: Clean and spacious (albeit slightly dated) rooms and a Regency Club let you rest while the hotel’s location in the middle of Shinjuku lets you explore Tokyo.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is an older property, but it’s in a solid location, just a five-minute walk from Tokyo’s Shinjuku station. This hotel offers 746 rooms, including 18 suites, across 17 room types. Although it doesn’t offer a pool or onsen, it does have a spa and fitness center with Technogym equipment.

If you want to redeem a Hyatt free night award, you can book a 301-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two twin beds starting at 12,000 points per night. Meanwhile, 376-square-foot Regency Club rooms start at 18,000 points per night, and standard suites start at 21,000 points per night. The Regency Club, available to Hyatt Globalist members and guests staying in club rooms and suites, offers views over Shinjuku Central Park for breakfast, tea service and evening cocktails.

You may want to eat outside the hotel for many meals while visiting Tokyo. If you prefer to eat on-site, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo offers Beijing and Shanghai cuisine for lunch and dinner at Jade Garden, Italian-inspired fares at Caffe and Japanese dishes at three different venues. You can also try fine wines and whiskeys at Eau de Vie or order room service if you want to dine in your room.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo start at 12,000 points or $266.07 per night.

Related: The best ways to travel to Japan with points and miles

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui

Kowloon, Hong Kong

HYATT

Best for: A prime location in the heart of Hong Kong, just a short walk from the harbor and two metro stops.

Why stay here: Offering spacious (for Hong Kong) rooms and a Regency Club, this well-located property provides compelling city and harbor views from most rooms.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

The Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui is in the heart of Kowloon next to the Tsim Sha Tsui station. It’s an easy walk from the Star Ferry and Avenue of Stars. Tourists will enjoy its excellent location, as many attractions are easily accessible by foot or public transit.

This Hyatt Regency has 381 guest rooms and suites, each offering views of Victoria Harbour or the city. The least expensive room type — and the one you can book starting at 12,000 points per night — is a 301-square-foot standard room with one king bed or two twin beds. You can also book club rooms starting at 18,000 points per night, standard suites starting at 21,000 points per night and premium suites starting at 24,000 points per night. If you’re looking to book a paid rate, it may be worth shelling out a little more to guarantee a corner room or a view of Victoria Harbour.

You’ll find an 82-foot outdoor heated swimming pool with views over the surrounding neighborhood at the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui. The outdoor pool deck includes a children’s pool, a whirlpool and lounge chairs. Plus, you’ll find a 24-hour fitness center with Technogym equipment on the 10th floor.

There’s plenty of excellent dining in Hong Kong, regardless of your budget. But, if you want to eat at the Hyatt Regency, you’ll find dim sum and barbecued pork at The Chinese Restaurant, an international buffet at Cafe, fine dining cooked tableside at Hugo’s and drinks with nightly live entertainment at Chin Chin Bar. Additionally, eligible guests can enjoy continental breakfast, all-day coffee and tea service, and evening canapes and cocktails at the Regency Club.

Rates at the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui start at 12,000 points or $219.44 per night.

Related: What is World of Hyatt elite status worth?

Andaz Bali

Sanur, Bali, Indonesia

HYATT

Best for: A relaxing holiday that feels authentically Balinese.

Why stay here: Built around mature landscaping in the style of a modern Balinese village, this beachfront resort lets guests relax with an attentive staff and a thoughtful design.

Best way to book: Book directly with Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

Andaz Bali is an attractive beach resort next to the Hyatt Regency Bali on the eastern coast of Bali, Indonesia. Guests love the resort’s landscaping, modern rooms and large pool.

There are 149 rooms, including 20 suites and 22 villas. The standard rooms are 710 square feet and include a living area, floor-to-ceiling windows, garden views and one king bed or two twin beds. But you can also reserve pool-view or ocean-view rooms and private pool villas if you book a paid rate.

There are various types of suites you can book with points or cash. Standard rooms start at 12,000 points per night, standard suites start at 21,000 points per night and premium suites start at 24,000 points per night.

The Andaz Bali is designed to feel like a modern interpretation of a Balinese village. The resort has three swimming pools: ocean-facing Liang for fun, secluded Santhi for relaxation and kid-friendly Alit for families. Andaz Bali also offers a spa with a 24-hour fitness center, sauna, steam room, yoga studio and hydrotherapy pools.

There are ample dining options at the Andaz Bali. The Fisherman’s Club offers light bites, meat and seafood for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Wok Wok is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner with Indonesian comfort food. Blue Oven is open daily for dinner with Mediterranean favorites, while Fire Fox is open Thursday through Saturday in the evening for Asian steakhouse delights. Deli & Bakery is open daily from noon to 10 p.m. with drinks, cakes, desserts and homemade ice creams.

Rates at the Andaz Bali start at 12,000 points or $256.52 per night.

Related: 5 easy ways to maximize Hyatt award redemptions

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

Creativity involves generating new and valuable ideas with your imagination, and original thinking. Creative individuals have an ability think outside the box and experiment with new concepts. Unlike the lightning bolt of inspiration, creativity is like a muscle that requires training and development. The good news is if you want to enhance your creative ability, you can learn. Below are some tips to exercise your creative muscles!

1. Keep Learning

Continuous learning is crucial for success regardless of age, profession, or interests. It is essential to keep up with emerging trends and technologies to stay competitive in today’s fast-paced world. But more than that, learning new things gives you a larger pool of ideas and patterns to draw from when you’re trying to be creative.

Stay Curious

More learning will also enhance your curiosity, and curiosity is a great fore-runner to creative thinking. Cultivating a curious mind and developing learning as a skill can really improve your creativity. Challenging yourself and seeking out new information will only inspire more growth.

2. Do what You Love

When you genuinely enjoy your job, you naturally feel more inspired and enthusiastic about finding creative solutions and generating new ideas. Conversely, a task that you keep procrastinating on will be challenging to approach with a positive and imaginative mindset. But even if you don’t love your job, keeping creativity front-of-mind as one of your goals can help you to be a bit more invested, and unlock that creative-thinking potential you’re hoping for.

Find a Fun Hobby

Doing what you love doesn’t just have to be your 9-5! You could choose a hobby that you love and that allows you to be creative, such as playing an instrument, painting, or participating in a sport that keeps you in the present moment. Picking up a new hobby is not just an enjoyable pastime, but taps into the creative boost you get from learning new things and staying curious.

3. Take Breaks

While it is possible to improve your creativity by training yourself rather than waiting for inspiration to strike, it’s crucial not to put too much pressure on yourself. If you find yourself sitting at your desk for hours struggling to generate new ideas and solutions, it’s essential to take a break and step away.

Turn your Mind Off

Our minds do a lot of processing and thinking even while we sleep; things like storing long-term memories. So even when we just take a break, often our subconscious mind will be working away at a problem we’re trying to solve or an idea you’re trying to unfold. Let your mind do it’s work by taking breaks and letting those thoughts percolate!

4. Exercise

Physical exercise is an excellent way to clear your mind when you’re feeling stressed or under pressure. Studies have demonstrated that even a 30-minute session of aerobic activity can enhance brain function and increase creativity. So, if you find yourself in a creative slump, try putting on your running shoes and getting your heart rate up to stimulate your creative juices and get them flowing freely.

5. Get a Change of Scene

Changing your environment can help to boost creativity by engaging your brain in new ways and providing fresh perspectives and inspiration. This can be achieved through traveling to new places or making small changes to your everyday surroundings. Changing your environment can also help to prevent creative burnout and break up the monotony of routine.

6. Brainstorm

Brainstorming sessions are an effective way to boost creativity. To conduct effective brainstorming sessions, it’s important to set clear goals, create a safe and non-judgmental environment, use visual aids, diversify perspectives, encourage quantity over quality, build on each other’s ideas, and take breaks to recharge.

Learn from Each Other

The focus should be on generating as many ideas as possible and building on each other’s ideas to come up with creative and innovative solutions. While each person in the room may only have one or two ideas, when you begin to put them together, ideas link up into actionable plans, or new ideas form from the combination of old ones. So get together with your colleagues and brainstorm for a while!

7. Writing Down your Thoughts

Writing is a powerful tool for boosting creativity, as it engages the mind, activates the imagination, and allows for the exploration of new perspectives. Writing can help break out of usual thinking patterns and access the subconscious mind, leading to surprising and creative ideas. Therefore, writing down thoughts and ideas, without overthinking, can unlock hidden insights and generate new ideas.

8. Try New Things

Trying new things is an effective way to enhance creativity, and provides several ideas to get started. Some ideas are taking a different route, learning a new skill, engaging with different people, trying a new hobby, and experimenting with surroundings. The passage emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind when trying new things to promote creativity.

9. Make time for Creativity

Often, people wait for inspiration to strike, mistakenly believing that creativity is an innate talent rather than a skill that can be developed with practice. Reframing your perspective on your creative abilities and dedicating time to creative thinking can help you to hone and improve your skills.

Schedule Creative Time

If you have a job that requires frequent and substantial creativity, it can be helpful to schedule time in your diary for this purpose. Though scheduling “creative time” may feel odd at first, it can alleviate the pressure of needing a sudden burst of inspiration, which is not a sustainable way of working in the long term.

10. Collaborate with Others

Collaborating with colleagues and tapping into your network can provide a valuable source of inspiration for creative projects. If you’re feeling stuck and unable to generate fresh ideas, involving a trusted peer can be an effective way to jumpstart your creativity.

Multiply your Efforts

Brainstorming with others can often spark new thoughts and approaches, particularly when you’ve been grappling with a particular challenge on your own for an extended period. And collaboration is usually more than just the addition of new ideas; it can multiply your ideas, and theirs, into something even bigger than just the sum of two parts. Don’t be afraid to seek out the input of others—it can be the key to unlocking your next big breakthrough.

Creativity is a highly valued skill that requires constant training to improve. By implementing things like continuous learning, writing down your thoughts, and other ideas, you can enhance your ability to think creatively. Remember, creativity is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it becomes.

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About the Author

Dan Williams

Source: financequickfix.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

This post is by April Dykman. Yes, you read that right. April was recently wooed back to Get Rich Slowly and will be writing here a couple of times a month. She plans to focus on interviewing experts on money-related topics, which also helps her justify that journalism degree…

Photo by Rich Anderson, courtesy Flickr Creative Commons

Bill had to sell his house quickly.

He was being transferred out of state, and the company wasn’t footing the bill. Instead, they offered him a higher salary. Now he had to sell quickly or risk paying two mortgages.

But Bill wasn’t sweating it. After all, his house was in a great neighborhood in a desirable part of town. He hired a real estate agent, confident that once the “for sale” sign went up, the buyers would come knocking. He’d get a quick sale at asking price, no problem.

Only a month went by, and there were zero offers. Bill had to move soon and was getting nervous about those double mortgage payments, but no one was interested. Then, to really rub salt in the wound, buyers were leavings tons of negative comments!

So what was the problem?

You aren’t making your house ready for buyers

Bill refused to make his house buyer-friendly.

His real estate agent, Lynda Conway, had warned that unless he got the house show-ready, it would sit on the market and sell for far less than asking price. Lynda, who heads The Turner Team in Austin, Texas, and teaches for the Austin Board of Realtors, says Bill’s mistake is a common one.

“Many sellers think they can just put a sign up and that’s enough,” she says. “But buyers don’t fall for that. They want to back up their moving truck, unload their stuff, and put their toothbrush in a cup by the sink.”

And when sellers refuse to believe they need to get their house ready to go on the market, they can suffer financial consequences. In Bill’s case, his refusal to invest in sprucing up his home was about to cost him a double mortgage payment, not to mention the stress of trying to sell his house from out-of-state.

It can also result in a lower final selling price. Lynda recalls one seller who refused to make basic repairs and cosmetic improvements. “After a long time on the market, we finally got an offer,” she says. “But the owners felt insulted because it was $20,000 below list price. They wound up taking the offer because it was the only one.”

So if this mistake can cost you time and money, not to mention cause some serious stress, why do sellers refuse to make their houses more attractive to buyers?

The three reasons you aren’t getting your house ready for buyers

Lynda says there are three main reasons that sellers don’t get their houses in tip-top shape.

First, they don’t believe it makes a difference. Like Bill, they think their house will sell itself, so the extra investment seems like a waste of money. “Bill was really cautious about spending any money because he was being transferred on his own nickel,” says Lynda. “He refused to believe that a coat of paint would make a difference.”

Second, they don’t think there’s a problem. Lynda says it’s often difficult to convince smokers and pet owners that their homes don’t smell like roses. Bill, for example, was both a smoker and a pet owner. “Some sellers don’t realize it smells because they’re so used to it, or else they don’t think it’s a big deal,” says Lynda. “But it’s a huge deal to buyers.”

Third, they think they don’t have the money. Remember the clients that got $20,000 less than list price? Lynda says that it wasn’t until they were all at the closing table that they finally admitted to her that they didn’t have the money to make her suggested improvements. “Some sellers don’t want to admit that they don’t have money on hand, but I can’t help them if they aren’t willing to talk about it.”

So how can you avoid these problems and sell your house quickly (and for list price)?

Make your house show-ready

You’ve got to invest in wowing potential buyers.

When Lynda showed Bill the negative comments people were leaving about his home, he finally relented, telling Lynda, “Okay, tell me what to do.” They took the house off the market while he worked his way through the to-do list. After $2,500 in updates and repairs, they put the house back on the market at the original price. In three days they received three offers.

“Buyers are picky,” says Lynda. “If you want to get top dollar for your home, you have to prepare for that.”

And the good news is that if you have more time than money, Lynda says there’s a lot you can do yourself to improve your home’s appeal.

So how can you make your house best in show?

Five ways to make your house show-ready (and net more money)

Lynda says here are five things you can do to make buyers fall in love with your home.

Start packing now. You’re about to move, right? So get some boxes, packing tape, and a Sharpie and put your stuff in storage. “Decluttering your home makes it look bigger and cleaner,” says Lynda. “You can make your house more attractive to buyers and get a head start on moving.”
Give it some elbow grease. “Clean your house like you’ve never cleaned it before,” says Lynda. “Windows should sparkle. Make sure the house smells nice and fresh, not like last night’s fish dinner or grandpa’s cigars.” Lynda says sellers can deep clean themselves, or if they have more money than time, they can hire a professional.
Do a daily sweep. Steaming the carpets and dusting the ceiling fans is important, but all is lost if your bathroom counter is cluttered with hair products or there are dishes in the sink. “Do a daily wipe-down on all surfaces, especially in the bathroom and kitchen,” says Lynda. “Keep counters completely clear to make them look as big as possible, especially important in a small space.” Lynda had one client who put her toiletries in her travel bag while her home was on the market. “She’d get ready in the morning like she was on a trip, then put the travel bag away and out of sight.”
Make a good first impression. “When a buyer pulls up to your house, you have five seconds for that house to sell itself from the curb,” says Lynda. “And when the front yard looks inviting, that creates positive expectations about what you’ll see inside.” Take care of the obvious, like lawn care and putting your yard gnome in storage. Then give the front door some TLC. “Your front door should be warm and fresh, she says. “You can give it a coat of paint or replace it entirely.” Lynda also recommends adding some color. “Buy cheap, colorful pots, potting soil, and some flowers,” she says. “I like the combination of rosemary and flowers because it smells nice and looks attractive.” The bonus of potted plants? You can take them to your new home!
Deal with the bigger issues. Here’s where it can get expensive, depending on the condition of your home. But if your house is in serious need of a coat of paint and a new roof, you have to either deal with those issues or adjust the price accordingly and wait for a buyer willing to take care of it themselves.

Finally, consider getting a pre-inspection. Lynda says almost no one does this because people think, “why open a can of worms?” But the can will be opened eventually when the buyers have your house inspected. And then those problems might cost you a willing and able buyer.

“When a buyer falls in love with your home, then finds out there’s a major problem you didn’t disclose, they fall out of love very quickly,” she says.

They’re angry and distrustful, even if you honestly weren’t aware of the problem. “Buyers feel like you should have known because it’s your house,” she says. “And sometimes they’ll terminate and refuse to even negotiate the repairs.” Lynda says when buyers are willing to negotiate, they may want the price lowered by double, or even triple, the cost of repairs. Ouch!

But she says if you get your home pre-inspected, you won’t be caught off guard. You can attach repair receipts to your seller’s disclosure or have the house re-inspected and attach the report. And most importantly, says Lynda, “you won’t lose a deal or have to come down on your list price.”

What are some ideas you’ve used to make your home more appealing to buyers? Or from a buyer’s perspective, what are the major turn-ons and turn-offs when you walk into a house?

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

Last Updated: May 25, 2023 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner – 64 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Tips For When Buying a House

Tips For When Buying a House When we bought our first (and current) house, our whole process went by very quickly and smoothly. Our mortgage company and real estate agent both told us that our mortgage was the quickest process they’ve ever done. We got pre-approved and bought a house less than one month from start to finish.

It took around 2 weeks for us to find the perfect house, and we probably looked at over 20 houses in person. We also looked at hundreds online so the 20 that we looked at we thought were for sure buys. Our agent probably HATED us. Luckily she was a family friend so I hope she got over her hatred quickly 🙂

We are sort of in the home buying process again as you all know. We keep going back and forth with what type of house we want, where we want it located, and how much we want to spend.

Our current house is fine for now. There is definitely nothing wrong with it, I guess we just want something a little nicer that also has a little more room. So we could: a) stay in our current house and save a lot of money; or b) buy a house within the next year and finance the majority of it (probably with a 25% down payment).

If we did stay in our house for longer, we would spend some money on making it perfect. I definitely would want to change some things in our bathroom (such as adding a nice glass shower door), make our front and backyards perfect (possibly add a garden) and finish decorating everything to the way we want it. This is a whole ‘nother post in itself!

Anyways, when we bought our current house, we followed all of the steps below, except for the fact that we didn’t realize that the total monthly cost would be that much higher than what the mortgage company quoted us. That is something that we were naive about. Learn from our mistake!

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage!

This is definitely one of the first steps you should take. Looking at houses without getting pre-approved can be disastrous because you might just be wasting your time. You might not get approved, get approved for less than you think, etc.

Wouldn’t it really stink if you spent a ton of time looking at houses that turned out to be way more than what you can be pre-approved for? That can be a major letdown.

2. Buy less than what you are approved for.

I think we were approved for around $200,000. We were 20 years old and this seemed like a ton since we made hardly any money then. We were shocked and we looked at one house that was around this price range, but then we realized that this was a bad idea as we wanted to be more comfortable with our bills.

Also, something that our real estate agent told us, is to not show the seller how much you are pre-approved for. We showed our real estate agent our real pre-approval amount of course, and our agent said that when this happens, it can not be good. She said that if some sellers can see what we can actually “afford,” that they know how flexible that you can be with your pricing and negotiating. You can get your mortgage lender to lower the amount on the piece of paper and this is what we did. We asked our lender to say that our pre-approved amount was $150,000 (everyone, please keep in mind that I live in the Midwest and housing is cheaper here).

3. Buy a house that’s a good size for you.

Also think about the future you are planning when you think about the size of the house you might buy. Remember my post on how we Bought Too Much House? Keep that in mind! While before our house seemed way too big for us, we now want something bigger. Eventually of course we would want kids, but it’s mainly that we want a bigger yard.

Do you plan on living in this house for awhile, or just a short amount of time such as 5 years? Do you want a house and neighborhood/city that is good for kids to grow up in? There are many questions to ask yourself.

4. Get a realtor!

This is something that I definitely recommend. Our realtor saved us a lot of money and was a great negotiator. We got the seller to pay all closing costs (which were around $5,000). And she also got them to fix a lot of little things around the house. Realtors do a lot of work and are skilled in buying/selling houses. They know where to begin, what to look for and have tons of tips.

5. Make sure you look around and don’t settle.

The market is great right now for people who are looking. There are a lot of houses out there and most have a great price (all of course depending on your city! Some cities are in a housing bubble). You will be living in this house most likely for a long amount of time, so you don’t want to regret your decision.

6. Hire an inspector.

This is something that is definitely needed as well. An inspector will be able to find things that might sway you from NOT buying the house. If you’re buying a house, then you can most likely shell out another $300 for an inspection. It is a good investment.

7. Figure out the WHOLE cost.

Not just want the mortgage would be. Figure out if there will be any PMI, what the homeowners insurance will be, and property taxes. This all can add up quickly, and it added around $300 to our mortgage.

8. Save!

Now that you know you want a house, try and save as much as you can before you move into your new home. Your new costs will most likely be higher than what you think, and any extra savings will be extremely helpful.

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Challenge yourself.

Take part in a no spend challenge.

Compete with others.

Read personal finance blogs.

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Find ways to have frugal fun.

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1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage!

2. Buy less than what you are approved for.

3. Buy a house that’s a good size for you.

4. Get a realtor!

5. Make sure you look around and don’t settle.

6. Hire an inspector.

7. Figure out the WHOLE cost.

8. Save!

What tips do you have for a potential homebuyer?

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