habits

Apache is functioning normally

Have you heard about Fetch Rewards? My Fetch Rewards Review will show you how to earn free gift cards by simply snapping a picture of your receipts with your phone. That’s it – Fetch is really that easy!

Fetch Rewards is a cash back and gift card cell phone app that rewards you for purchases that you’ve already made.

With this app, you can scan your grocery receipts (from any grocery store or wholesale club, any time) and earn free gift cards.

Plus, Fetch Rewards is free. You don’t have to pay money to sign up or to use the app.

I will explain more in my Fetch rewards app review, but with Fetch, you earn points when you submit your receipts to the Fetch Rewards app from any grocery store, clothing store, restaurant, gas station, and more. Yes, ANY!

Then, you redeem your points for gift cards (to places such as Target, Amazon, or Apple) and other rewards.

All you have to do is take a picture of your receipt with your cell phone and easily earn points.

Here’s how Fetch Rewards works:

  1. Shop like you normally would
  2. Scan your receipt after you’re done
  3. Earn points on Fetch Rewards

You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here. 

Content related to my Fetch Rewards review:

Fetch Rewards Review

 

What is Fetch Rewards?

I want to start my Fetch Rewards review with some basic information about the company and app. Fetch Rewards is based out of Madison, Wisconsin, and this shopping app has helped millions of people save money with the tap of a button as you simply scan physical and digital receipts.

Every month, over 11,000,000 people use Fetch Rewards. It is super easy to use Fetch and receive free gift cards.

I keep saying it’s simple because it really is! Every time you shop or dine out, you can scan your receipt into the Fetch Rewards app.

You can scan receipts from any grocery store, clothing store, pet store, home improvement store, club store, restaurant, gas station, and more. Basically, anywhere you shop, you can snap a picture of the receipt and scan it into Fetch.

You can even use your digital receipts from online purchases such as Amazon, Target, Instacart, and more by connecting your online accounts.

If you have a receipt, then you can scan it!

You earn points when you submit your receipts, and Fetch pays you in points that you can redeem for gift cards. 

There are many redemption options. Here are some of the places you can receive gift cards from:

  • Starbucks
  • Dunkin Donuts
  • Amazon
  • Target
  • Visa gift cards
  • Airbnb
  • Old Navy
  • Ulta
  • Barnes & Noble
  • Bass Pro Shops
  • Instacart
  • Sam’s
  • BJ’s
  • Best Buy
  • Lowe’s

And so many more!

You can also decide to put your points towards charitable organizations, such as The Red Cross or the Clean Water Fund. You can even use your points to enter sweepstakes in the Fetch app.

Don’t worry, I’ll explain more about how to redeem your points further down in my Fetch Rewards review.

 

How does Fetch Rewards work?

Here’s how Fetch Rewards works:

  1. Sign up and download Fetch Rewards by creating an account or connecting a Google or Facebook account account, and then make a password for your account.
  2. Go shopping like you normally do.
  3. Scan your first receipt and earn points. To do this, you simply go to your Fetch Rewards app and click on the orange circle at the bottom of your screen that says “Snap.” You then take a picture of your receipt. If you have a digital receipt, you can just tap on the blue circle instead.
  4. Redeem your points for gift cards, make charitable donations, enter sweepstakes, and more.

I have personally used Fetch to prepare for my Fetch Rewards review, and I can promise you it’s just that simple!

 

How much can you earn with Fetch Rewards?

The amount you can earn on Fetch Rewards really depends on your spending, whether you are completing the Fetch Special Offers, and so on.

Because I am writing this Fetch Rewards review, I wanted to use the app for a while to give you the best review possible, and I was able to earn around $56 in free gift cards in 2-3 months by simply spending how I normally do. I didn’t put any additional effort in the app other than just scanning my shopping receipts.

As you can see, Fetch Rewards clearly won’t make you rich, but you can easily make a little extra money shopping like you normally do.

I also don’t think that I spent more than 20 minutes total in the Fetch app. It’s easy to use and only takes like 10 seconds to scan a receipt. You don’t have to do anything else.

 

What stores can I use for Fetch Rewards?

The great thing about Fetch Rewards is that you can use any retailer or store where you buy groceries, from big box stores, to mom and pop stores, to drug stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, liquor stores, gas stations, club stores (such as Costco), and more.

With any receipt I get, I scan it into the Fetch Rewards app. It takes less than a minute, and you earn points with every scan – so easy!

Plus, you don’t have to jump through any hoops to get points. You don’t need to pre-select the offers in the Fetch Rewards app or scan barcodes, plus there are no surveys or ads. Simply go shopping at your favorite retailers just like usual.

You simply scan your receipt after you are done shopping and earn points.

 

How many receipts can I scan on Fetch a day?

Fetch Rewards allows you to submit 35 receipts within a 7-day period. Electronic receipts that are processed on your account do not count toward the 35 receipt limit.

Other things to know about using Fetch Rewards:

  • Fetch Rewards works for stores located in the United States and Puerto Rico.
  • You have 14 days to scan your receipts to earn points.
  • When you scan your receipts, your receipt must include the store name, the items that you bought, the date of your purchase, the store’s address, and the total amount that you spent. All of that information is included on your receipt.
  • If you scan a receipt with a participating item from the Special Offers tab, then you will get bonus points.
  • If you have a long receipt, you simply just snap more pictures to make sure that your whole receipt is included.
  • You should never make fake receipts or scan the same receipt twice in order to try and get more points. This violates Fetch’s terms of service. Always be honest!

 

Does Fetch Rewards take gas receipts?

Yes, you can scan your gas receipts with Fetch Rewards.

If you’re looking to earn even more from your gas station purchases, then I recommend Upside.

Upside is an app that helps you find gas stations, groceries, and restaurants where you can earn cash back. You simply sign up for a free account, and then look at the Upside app to find places near you.

You can earn up to $0.25/gallon cash back at gas stations, up to 30% back on grocery purchases, and up to 45% back at restaurants.

You can check out Upside here to learn more.

Fetch Rewards Special Offers

What receipts give you the most points on Fetch?

There are several main ways that you can earn points on Fetch Rewards, such as:

  1. Scanning receipts. When you purchase something, whether it be online or in-person, you can take a picture of your receipt with your cell phone and earn points. Every time you scan a receipt in the app, you will receive a minimum of 25 points.
  2. Complete special offers. When you are logged into your Fetch Rewards account, you can see what products will give you the most points. As you can see in the image above, you simply just go to the Fetch Rewards App and go to the Discover tab. There, you will see what items will earn you the most points and extra points. Special offers can give you anywhere from 250 points to even over 5,000 points. New special offers are added almost every day too, so even if you don’t see something today, there may be something that interests you tomorrow. Now, you don’t have to look at the Discover page if you don’t want to – it’s simply just another way to earn more points. You can just use Fetch Rewards and scan your receipts without ever doing anything else in the Fetch Rewards app.
  3. Refer friends and family. Sometimes, you can receive around 2,000 to 4,000 points by referring a new user. You can simply head to the Refer A Friend tab in the Fetch Rewards app to find your referral code.
  4. Joining the Huggies Rewards+ Club. If you use Huggies diapers, you can earn up to 50,000 points by simply purchasing certain Huggies items, such as Huggies Diapers or Huggies Little Movers. Plus, you can get Huggies special offers points as well which are quite high as well.
  5. Save on prescriptions. With Fetch, you can also save on your prescriptions. GoodRx is a free prescription price comparison tool that anyone can use. Simply head to your “Me” tab and click on GoodRx. You can then show this card when paying for prescriptions. You’ll get 10,000 points on your first prescription purchase, and then 1,500 points for future purchases and refills.

For me, I mainly just scan my receipts and refer others to Fetch Rewards. But if I wanted to earn more, there are several other great ways to increase the amount of rewards points that I can earn.

 

How many points equal a dollar on Fetch?

On average, 1,000 points equals $1 in rewards.

10,000 points is equivalent to around $10.

 

How do I redeem a free gift card from Fetch Rewards?

To redeem a Fetch reward, you will simply go to your Fetch account, and look at the bottom of the app. Look for the Rewards tab and tap on that.

Here, you will see what you can use your points on, such as:

  • Gift cards up to $50
  • Sweepstakes entries
  • Charitable organizations
  • Fetch merchandise, such as t-shirts

Then, you click on the button that shows how many points you want to use.

Next, you click on the orange button that says “Get My Reward” at the bottom.

You will then be asked to confirm that this is what you would like to do. It typically takes around three days to process your redemption request.

Once your reward is ready, you will get a notification. You can then go to your Rewards tab, then click on “My Rewards” to find your reward. Here, you will see your gift card code so that you can redeem your gift card at the company that you have chosen.

What’s the Fetch bonus code?

Fetch Rewards does not currently have an active bonus code. But, once they do, I will update this and let you know.

 

What is the catch with Fetch Rewards? How does Fetch Rewards make money? What does Fetch Rewards do with your receipts?

These are all great questions, and they are definitely things I want to cover in this Fetch Rewards review.

Fetch Rewards is so easy to use, but what’s in it for them? Why do they give out rewards and free gift cards just for scanning your receipts?

Fetch Rewards is paying you for the data they get from your receipt. They don’t see your name or other private or personal information. Instead, they are observing trends in shopper behavior. They then use this information to help their partners better understand their customer’s shopping habits.

Fetch Rewards also makes money by finding good deals for those who are signed up for Fetch Rewards. The Special Offers section in the Fetch Rewards app is an area where companies pay to be featured in this list, sort of like an advertisement. Companies know that they can get a lot of people looking at their company in the Fetch Rewards app, so they pay Fetch Rewards for this advertisement.

 

Is Fetch Rewards safe?

Yes, Fetch Rewards is safe to use.

They go through many steps to protect your personal information, and all of the data that they collect is anonymized and aggregated with everyone else’s, so your personal information is never shown.

Also, your receipts only show the last five digits of your credit card number, so you don’t have to worry about that being shared either because Fetch can’t see it.

 

Do my Fetch Rewards points expire?

If your Fetch Rewards account is not used for 90 days, then your points will expire. Your account will receive inactive status if you haven’t submitted any receipts or redeemed any rewards in a 90-day period.

This means that you just simply need to scan a receipt or redeem your Fetch points so your points never expire. If you get in the habit of scanning your receipts every time you shop, you shouldn’t have a problem with expiring points.

It’s very easy to stay active as pretty much everyone spends money in a 90-day period.

 

Is Ibotta or Fetch better?

Fetch Rewards and Ibotta are very similar.

Fetch Rewards is a little easier to use than Ibotta because all you need to do is scan your receipt into the Fetch Rewards app, and then you are done. With Ibotta, it’s more like clipping coupons and takes a little more time, but you may be able to earn a little more with Ibotta.

The great thing is that you can use the same exact grocery receipt for both Fetch and Ibotta. So if you have the time, you can try using both to earn even more rewards and free gift cards. This will allow you to increase your earnings by doing very little extra work.

Here’s how Ibotta works:

With Ibotta, you simply create an Ibotta account, unlock rebates and rewards, go shopping, verify your purchases, and then get cash.

You can redeem rebates from over hundreds of stores, such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, Walgreens, Home Depot, Old Navy, Chewy, and more.

You can also earn cash back online and in-store with Ibotta.

Ibotta is one of the easiest money making apps because you’re making money shopping like you normally do. They pay in cash or gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, and other stores.

 

Is Fetch legit? – Fetch Rewards Reviews

Yes, Fetch Rewards is legitimate.

I looked through other online Fetch app reviews and found it’s rated 4.8/5 in the App Store with over 2,600,000 ratings.

In the Google Play store, the average Fetch app review is 4.6/5 stars with over 475,000 reviews on Fetch rewards and over 10,000,000 downloads.

You can see even more Fetch Rewards reviews on Trustpilot.

 

How do I contact Fetch Rewards?

If you have any questions or concerns with Fetch Rewards, you can contact them at [email protected].

You can also go to your app, click on the “Me” tab on the bottom, then click on “Help Center,” then “Contact Us.”

Here’s a screenshot of my Fetch Rewards Account. In 2 months, I have earned 55,566 points, which is equal to a little over $50 in free gift cards.

My Fetch Rewards Review

I hope you enjoyed my Fetch Rewards review. I have been using it for several months now and it is very easy to use.

Fetch Rewards rewards shoppers for shopping at their local supermarket and other popular retailers.

With Fetch Rewards, you can start earnings points by submitting both physical receipts and e-receipts so that you can turn your points into Amazon gift cards, Visa gift cards, and more. There’s no coupon clipping and it is very easy to use.

Simply just upload receipts that you have and earn Fetch Rewards points.

You can upload receipts from retailers such as Target, Walmart, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Walgreens, Home Depot, and more. Small stores, big stores, and everything in between.

This is a must-have shopping app that will help you to save more money, without spending a lot of extra time or effort on your end.

You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.

Do you use Fetch Rewards? What other questions do you have for this Fetch Rewards review?

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

More than two dozen trade groups have called for the reduction or elimination of loan-level pricing adjustments (LLPAs) on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, a move that could push mortgage rates even lower than they already are.

Put simply, mortgages lenders rely on risk-based pricing to set the eventual mortgage rate you receive. So all else being equal, a borrower purchasing a single-family home with 40% down will receive a lower interest rate than an investor purchasing a four-unit property with 20% down.

It makes sense to charge borrowers a higher interest rate if they present more risk of default, despite the fact that a higher interest rate may actually lead to an increased risk of default. That’s just the way it is.

But powerful groups like the Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, and many more want to reduce or eliminate LLPAs going forward, per a recent letter to FHFA boss Mel Watt.

LLPAs Can Raise Effective Mortgage Rates Significantly

As mentioned, LLPAs affect the final mortgage rate a borrower receives. So a borrower with a 620 credit score purchasing a home with just 3% down via Fannie Mae’s 97% LTV offering may get hit with a 3.5% pricing hit to compensate for that risk.

That adjustment alone may increase their interest rate by around 1% or more. Generally, these pricing hits are built into the interest rate and a pricing hit of 1% may translate to a rate increase of 0.25% or so.

The groups argued in their letter that the LLPAs could total up to 4% of the loan value for some borrowers, which seem to hit first-time home buyers, along with low- and moderate-income buyers, the most.

Part of this phenomenon could be attributed to the fact that new buyers don’t know the rules of the game right off the bat, and often apply for mortgages with poor credit or a limited down payment.

The result is a much higher interest rate than wealthier buyers, or those with better credit and more to put down, such as move-up buyers.

At the same time, Fannie and Freddie have increased g-fees by roughly 164% between 2009 and 2014, another fee that is typically passed along to the borrower via a higher interest rate.

Together, this means higher effective mortgage rates for borrowers, despite the massive declines seen since the financial crisis nearly 10 years ago.

Tip: What mortgage rate will I receive with my credit score?

Mortgage Quality Pristine, Yet Fees Continue to Be High

The general argument is that mortgage quality couldn’t be better, yet Fannie and Freddie continue to charge (and raise) fees for the loans they purchase and securitize.

You would think in light of better loan quality and lower defaults they could ease some of these loan-level fees, but that has yet to be the case.

And these groups believe it’s gotten so bad that some qualified borrowers are being “priced away” from conforming loans and ostensibly into cheaper government loans such as FHA.

The issue is especially touchy seeing that these LLPAs generate enormous profits for Fannie and Freddie, which are under government conservatorship and shouldn’t really be raking it in.

Their implied goal should be to promote homeownership and ease credit for a large swath of borrowers, at least, that’s the theory.

And thanks to strong mortgage underwriting, enhanced mortgage insurance capital requirements, and improved reps and warranty framework, Fannie and Freddie should be comfortable enough to adjust their pricing policies.

But Would This Invite More Risk?

The counterargument here is that risk-based pricing is a necessary evil in the mortgage space (and elsewhere) that reflects borrower quality. After all, a mortgage borrower with a 620 credit score probably has a higher chance of default than a borrower with an 820 credit score.

Same goes for down payment size – the borrower who puts down 40% is likely less risky than the borrower putting down 10%. And interest rates have to account for that.

Sure, you could offer everyone the same rate and thus lower monthly mortgage payments for the riskier band of borrowers, which could effectively lower default rates.

But it could usher in new risk if borrowers are given ultra-low interest rates despite exhibiting high-risk borrowing attributes.

It could also promote hazardous lending because there wouldn’t be any downside to putting next to nothing down, or for maintaining poor credit.

At the same time, there wouldn’t be any upside for borrowers to be more conservative in their borrowing habits. They could essentially buy more home if they put less down and make speculative investments with greater ease.

Not to mention that interest rates are already close to new record lows, so arguing to lower them even more at the moment might seem a bit ill-timed. Perhaps they could lower LLPAs to align with today’s risk, but eliminating them entirely seems shortsighted and dangerous.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

This reader story come from SB, a regular reader and commenter on GRS. SB writes about personal finance and personal development topics at One Cent at a Time.

Some reader stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success or failure. These stories feature folks with all levels of financial maturity and income. 

This is my second guest post at this blog. I am grateful to J.D. and his team’s humble gesture in allowing me to do it. I hope to provide the same value regular writers of this blog provide to you.

My grandmother was nearly illiterate, born and reared in rural India during the British occupation of the country. At the age of 14, she was abducted by the British army (later released), which ultimately caused her to marry early at the age of 16. She couldn’t complete school beyond basic education. Still, she became a very wise woman and mastered many skills.

My aunt happened to write down some of my grandmother’s home-remedy techniques from her narration. Recently, my cousin forwarded me a soft copy of that compilation. I’ll mention a few common symptoms and their natural cures, all at a fraction of the cost of medicine. But before that, let me tell you why I find home-based cures so beneficial.

The Benefits of Home Remedies

  • Drugs contain unnatural substances and chemicals, which are foreign elements to our body.  Natural remedies, on the other hand, are not synthetic molecules like drugs; they are made of living organisms which we eat anyway.
  • Some drugs act as a manipulator and force the brain to think differently — an example is an anti-depressant. The problem with this is, the moment you stop taking the drug, the symptoms often recur.
  • Natural remedies have fewer side effects compared to prescription drugs, as drugs tend to alter the chemical and hormonal balance of our body.
  • Natural remedies are available at a fraction of the cost of prescription drugs. Your grocery bill will cover them.

The Benefits of Prescription Drugs

It is important to remember that most drugs are developed by studying the natural cures and identifying ingredients which actually affect the symptoms. Still, prescription drugs are more useful under most circumstances. They work faster. We can’t afford to be bedridden for days and hope for natural cures to work someday. Life is tough and we must get well sooner.

We don’t have time to be sick. Prescription drugs provide the quickest recovery. They start fighting the bacteria and antibodies as soon as we take them. You may argue that we take chemically altered substances every day, be it the milk or the apple, or even the chicken. They have pesticides, growth hormones and God knows what.

An Introduction to Home Remedies

My grandmother was raised in a 100 percent organic environment. With near zero pollution, she ate healthy, farm-harvested food. Since childhood, I took medicines almost for any illness; rarely was I given a natural cure, except honey and basil leaves for a cold. Our bodies are used to chemicals anyway; therefore, natural remedies may not work the way they worked for our grandparents. Still, there is no harm in detoxifying our bodies to the extent we can, over time. My grandmother’s advice may help to  accomplish that goal.

Here are some excerpts from the treasure I was handed recently.

Acidity: Acidity is caused by excess acid secretion from the gastric gland, the acid which is used for digestion.

  • Chew a piece of clove, and take some time to swallow. It provides instant relief.
  • Another immediate relief is to eat a small cup of yogurt.
  • For more sustainable relief, drink warm water every day early in the morning.
  • Drink coconut water regularly.
  • Mix a few drops of honey in water to drink.
  • If you know what a jaggery is, suck a small cube of it after lunch/dinner.
  • A glass of water with a teaspoon of soda can also provide immediate cure.
  • A couple of pieces of dates can also give you instant relief.

Backache: If you happen to work in a chair, you may have this symptom already. As a software professional, I have had backaches for the last few years. The natural cure is garlic. Eat a couple of cloves of garlic every day.

  • Prepare an ointment by frying a few cloves of garlic in olive oil, strain and let it cool. Apply to your back every day.
  • Indian masala tea can be a cure too — the one with cloves or ginger. Take it daily. (Two cups of masala tea can boost your energy as well, which is a low-cost replacement of Red Bull or 5-Hour Energy drinks.)
  • Eating oranges, lemons and berries can reduce the pain over time.
  • Drinking water with a tablespoon of honey can make your day pain-free as well.

Cough and cold: When allergens or viral infections cause an inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, we get cough and cold. Here is a less-costly alternative to Tylenol or Excedrin. (This is a remedy I learned in childhood: My mother used to give me a teaspoon of honey and a few basil leaves  –Indian Tulsi — to chew. To get instant relief from congestion of nasal passages, she used to heat water with some cloves, cardamoms and cinnamon sticks and peppercorns.)

  • A soup with a lot of garlic in it can also bring relief.
  • Cut okra into small pieces and boil it, inhale the steam to get relief as well.
  • Take a hot-water bath when you catch a cold.

Migraine: This is caused by a contraction of blood vessels in the head. It can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, anxiety, nicotine and alcohol consumption.

  • Concentrated grape juice can bring relief.
  • For a more sustainable remedy, put tomatoes and cabbage into your daily salad.
  • A daily dose of garlic can treat this symptom as well.
  • Grind cabbage leaves and apply to the affected area for relief.
  • When migraines occur, excuse yourself from work. Find a dark room and lie down. Exposure to sunlight may cause the migraine to intensify.
  • Per my grandmother, even if the migraine is in the back of your head, applying sandalwood powder on the forehead can cause blood vessels to function properly. You may have seen Indian religious workers applying a patch of sandalwood powder on the forehead throughout the day. It’s an age-old practice.

Snoring: I am afflicted with this disease for sure. My wife says I am the worst offender and she can’t sleep because of my snoring, so I have started following these tactics already.

  • Stop smoking. Smoking causes more mucus formation around the throat.
  • Go to the gym. Weight loss can even end snoring.
  • Alcohol increases snoring. (When you drink, you’d better sleep in a separate room!)
  • Sleep side-wise rather than on your back.
  • Avoid heavy meals before going to bed.
  • Stop eating oily/spicy foods at dinner.
  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule, and don’t sleep during the day.
  • Wash the bed sheets and pillow covers frequently, and even change your pillow after a few months. The dust and allergens can accumulate on them, causing nasal passage blocks.

Stress: It’s amazing that stress was a concern even 60 years ago in a rural village. Here is her wisdom, which may reduce stress because you’re saving money. But more than the money saved, the main point here is reducing the dependence on synthetic drugs.

  • Chewing Indian basil (Tulsi) leaves every day is the best natural cure.
  • Yoga and Dhyana (meditation) can also cure this.
  • Milk and almonds in the morning keep you fresh and energetic.
  • Bad eating, oily foods, eating meals quickly, and drinking alcohol may cause depression over time. One of her tips to cure stress is to “love everybody and everything”!
  • Applying betel leaves on your forehead can ease your tension.

A few ingredients which are repeated here (and in the rest of the natural cures my grandmother used but which I don’t mention here) are mint, honey, water and garlic. Have sufficient supply of these items at your home, if you plan to follow the tips.

Also, another synergy I can see here is the morning drinking and eating habits. If you start your day the right way, the rest of your day should follow that lead and keep you upbeat.

Readers, even if you rely on these natural remedies, when the situation warrants it, there’s no alternative to a doctor and the prescription medicine. You need to know when to rely on home remedies and when to go to a doctor. Don’t ignore your doctor for a bit.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

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Sustainable fabrics that are taking over home décor   – Luxebook


Sustainable fabrics that are taking over home décor   – Luxebook


Home Lifestyle Sustainable fabrics that are taking over home décor  

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

What is the true cost of home ownership? A closer look at which is best between a 30 year fixed mortgage rate or a 15 year fixed mortgage rate…

Have you ever been a situation where you wanted to buy something really bad? Maybe it was something that you wanted really bad, but you really didn’t quite need it. 

Just for hypothetical sake, let’s say you really need (I’ll say want) the new Apple iPad and with its nice entry prices of $499.  You have to buy it, but unfortunately, you don’t have the cash right now, so you buy it on credit. 

Everyone else is doing it, why not you?

Needing a line of credit you head to the first lender and they strike you a deal that will allow you to pay it back over 3 months of $200 per month. 

Over the 3 months you’ll pay a total of $600 of which $100 is interest.  Not sure you if you’re getting the best deal you shop around and head to the 2nd lender. 

The 2nd lender entices you with a sweet offer that only makes you pay $125 month but you do so for a 6 month period.  The grand total you’ll pay is $750 of which $250 is interest. 

Although with the second lender you pay less per month, it takes you longer to own your iPad and you end up paying one and a half times what it is actually worth!  How bad do you really need it?

Which Loan Would You Choose?

If a similar situation, would lender would you borrow from? As I’m sure you can tell, there is a lot of similarity in buying a home. When you’re deciding between a 15-year mortgage and a 30-year mortgage, be sure to consider and weigh all the pros and cons before making your decision.

Pros in Choosing A 30 Year Mortgage Rate Over 15 Year Mortgage Rate

In general, the reason most homebuyers take out a 30-year mortgage is because they cannot afford (or think they cannot afford) a higher monthly payment.

But if you can find a way to make a 15-year mortgage rate work within your budget, it could really pay off in the long run.

You would own your home sooner and pay less for it (ultimately), and you would probably also lock in your mortgage at a lower interest rate.

For example … Let’s say you want to buy a house for $300,000. If you took out a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 6.5%, you’d pay around $1900 per month. In the end, you will have spent $300,000 on your house, and $382,633 on interest. That’s a total of $682,633 … over twice the price of your home.

If you bought the same house with a 15-year fixed rate mortgage at 6.0%, your monthly payment would be about $2,532.

However, at the end of 15 years, you will have spent only $455,682. That’s $300,000 on the house and only $155,682 on interest.

That’s $226,951 less than with the 30-year mortgage!

What could you do with an extra $226,951?

That “extra” money could be invested, used to fund your child’s education, used to renovate the house, etc.

It’s up to you to decide if the additional money paid each month is worth the long-term payoff.

But remember … the term is shorter, too. Imagine owning your home before your kids start college.

You’re only sacrificing monthly for 15 years, and then … no more payments. It’s all yours!

Cons in Choosing 15 Year Mortgage Rate Over 30 Year Mortgage Rate

Being over zealous in paying down your home mortgage does have it risks.  The first

What are the downsides? Well, the most obvious downside is that the monthly payment is higher.

This can mean significantly altering your spending habits.

Another downside: by paying less interest, you’ll get less of a tax deduction.

Making an Extra Payment

While the attraction of having your house paid off in 15 years sounds exciting, it’s a pipe dream for many.  My wife and I had toyed with the idea of choosing a 15-year mortgage for our new house, but when we started to crunch the numbers we realized that we were dreaming and dreaming big.

Our solution was to make an extra payment per year. 

For example, if you use the example above, a $300,000, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.5% and if we contribute just $200 extra each month (0r $2400 per year) toward the principle,  we could potentially pay off our mortgage nearly 7 years sooner and save over $100,000 in interest.

For us,  we get the benefit of paying off the mortgage sooner while not having to be tied down to a higher monthly payment in case we have any unexpected jolts to our income later on in life.  Typically, this is the same method that I would suggest to most. 

There’s a lot of value in flexibility and leaving your options open.


Source: goodfinancialcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

You dutifully filed your taxes by April 15th, and now you’re waiting for Uncle Sam to deposit that extra cash into your account. While it may seem like a license to splurge on that new pair of shoes or a trip to your city’s hottest new restaurant, do yourself a favor and think smart when it comes to your tax return refund.

How Many Americans Are Getting a Tax Refund?

According to The Motley Fool website, about half of all Americans will receive a refund in 2017. The highest percentage of those lucky guys and gals fall into the Millennial category, with 66% of those who filed seeing some cash coming back their way. Approximately half (49%) of the Generation X category of taxpayers will get a refund. Unsurprisingly, as your age category goes up, you’re less likely to see money back from the government: only 34% of Baby Boomers will get a refund.

How Do Most Americans Spend Their Refund?

While you might think a windfall from your return is a cause for most people to splurge, today’s economy says different. Bankrate.com, who’s been studying the tax return spending habits of Americans since 2010, says their research shows only 6% of U.S. adults who are getting some money back from the IRS are planning a vacation or shopping spree. Instead, the highest rate of Americans since the study began are planning on spending it on things they need, such as bills or food. Additionally, 34% plan to save or invest it, while 27% will use it to pay off some of their debt.

What Should I Do With My Tax Refund?

Here’s some unique ideas of what you can do with that tax refund, other than reworking your wardrobe:

  • Start an Emergency Fund. Unexpected car repairs, getting laid off from your job or even medical bills can jump out at any time. Having a cushion can be crucial.
  • Invest in Your Retirement. OK, we know it’s not the sexiest thing you can do with your money, but you’ll appreciate it in the long run.
  • Increase Your Education. Learn more about a hobby you love or more skills for the job you want to move into. Knowledge is power.
  • Donate to a Charity. Give some money to a cause you love. Even a small amount helps.
  • Upgrade Your Apartment. Need more space? How about just giving your current apartment a new look? That return can make that possible.
  • Change the Way You Eat. If you have a pantry full of ramen noodles and stale tortilla chips, now’s your chance to invest in the good stuff. Maybe even take a cooking class?
  • Pay Off Those Credit Cards. Start with the high interest ones and work your way down. Your monthly budget will appreciate it.
  • Take Some Time Off. Take unused vacation days and go somewhere you’ve always wanted to. You’ll be more rested and more productive upon your return.

What are you planning on doing with your tax return? Did you even get one this year? Get chatting below!

Apache is functioning normally

Life goes by quickly. One minute you’re walking into your first day in kindergarten, the next you are getting ready to leave the workforce and enter retirement. If you are one of the 30 percent of Americans who are almost at retirement age with no savings to speak of, it’s time to act. As intimidating as it may seem to start saving when everyone around is shaking their head and saying it’s too late…a start is better than nothing at all. In fact, with a bit of careful planning and a lot of hard work, you may find yourself in a position to retire comfortably in less time than you thought.

1. Tighten your purse strings – hard

Before retirement comes and you find yourself holding up grocery lines so you can count out change, you need to take long look at your spending habits. Start a diary of your expenses, either by writing them down or using online resources. This will help you to better understand where your money goes every month. You may find that a lot of what you buy can be downsized or even reduced entirely.

2. Stop being so generous

Studies have shown that the majority of people of retirement age are still supporting either children or parents. It’s time for tough love. Try to avoid handouts by gently letting your loved ones know that you are preparing to retire and need to start looking out for yourself. Or, if you do continue to support family members, make it clear that you simply can’t continue helping out forever.

3. Think smaller

You can save a great deal of money by moving to a smaller home in a different area. After building equity in your home and enjoying where you’re situated, moving to a tiny space in a less than desirable neighborhood can be a heavy sacrifice. However, the money you can earn through wise real estate decisions can do a great deal to alleviate sentimental pangs.

4. Don’t count on your home

You may have decided that all you need to retire on is the equity in your home. Sadly, this is one of the biggest mistakes people make. The real estate market is highly volatile. What may be worth over half a million one year can be reduced to less than a third the next. Do not consider your home to be your safety net. The best advice is to ignore its worth entirely and focus more on saving wisely and reducing your expenses.

5. Cut up your cards

Carrying debt into a time in your life where you will have little or no income is financial poison. Before you retire, you must do everything you can do rid yourself of your credit card debt. If you are being careful with your spending, you should be able to start to make lump payments that will allow you to happily slice up any cards that might tempt you in the future.

6. Set up a meeting with your boss

If you’ve realized that you simply cannot afford to take all the necessary steps to retirement, and you believe that you deserve it, it may be time to ask for a raise. Plan your meeting with your boss by preparing a list of accomplishments and contributions that you can present, sing your own praises and hopefully your employer will show their appreciation by increasing your income.

7. Get some on the side

Was the door shut in your face when you asked for a raise? It may be time to consider clocking some extra hours to increase your monthly income. If you‘re not interested in working outside the home, there are plenty of online opportunities to supplement your income. Many sites offer freelance positions such as essay writing, data entry or blogging. Although the pay isn’t stellar to begin, with a little effort you can certainly make a decent wage.

8.Stuff your retirement savings accounts

Ideally, people should start contributing to 401K and IRA savings before their mid thirties. The reality is that most people are too busy starting families and deciding on a career at that crucial stage in their lives. As a result, there are many people over 50 who have absolutely no savings in preparation for retirement. If you see yourself in this group, you need to start making these accounts a priority. Start small and remember, money not seen is money not spent.

9. Look at your assets

One of the best ways to build your retirement fund is through investment. Playing the market is an art however, and you always run the risk of losing more than gaining. Conversely, being too prudent can cause just as much damage. Therefore, your portfolio needs to be well diversified. Consider domestic stocks and international bonds, which are fairly secure but give a reliable and often lucrative return. Make sure you avoid the safety of fixed income stocks and focus instead of creating a portfolio of many different stocks from a variety of sources.

10.Get Help

Getting the help of a trained financial advisor or stockbroker can make a world of difference when it comes to planning for your retirement. There is no shame in asking for help. Employing a qualified advisor to help you make the most of your money can mean the difference between celebrating your retirement on a cruise ship or opening up a can on ham and sticking a candle on it.

Life is full of important milestones. From an early age, we start to anticipate these major shifts and how our lives will change. . Perhaps the biggest shift is into retirement. It is prudent to prepare yourself, both emotionally and financially for this switch. As dull as it may seem now, you’ll be glad to make the preparations you did.

This post was written by the Frugal Dad. FrugalDad.com is a personal finance site that offers coupons & deals to help consumers save money.

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Source: biblemoneymatters.com