Ever wondered where Santa Claus hangs his fuzzy red hat?
Real estate website Zillow did, and recently added a new property to its listings inventory: Santa’s North Pole home.
And they didn’t stop at just showing us where Santa lives, but took us on a tour of the entire Elf Village, where no two dwellings are alike, but share one great feature: they’re all insanely adorable.
But before we jump to the tiny homes, let’s see what Santa Claus’ home is packing.
Santa’s house — where it’s Christmas all year long
If you were thinking that Santa lives in a Willy Wonka-type of factory (guilty!), you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the modest and cozy home Zillow had in mind for Santa — placed separately from state-of-the-art toy-making facility, to give Mr and Mrs Claus a little privacy.
Said to have been built in the 1800s, Santa Claus’ home is a cute 3-bed, 2-bath house steeped in Old World charm.
It features a gourmet kitchen fit for a world-class baker, with Mrs. Claus’ oven boasting 12 separate cookie settings.
Cookies are served directly from oven to table in the adjoining dining room, along with cocoa on tap. Another distinctive amenity would be the floor-to-ceiling river rock fireplace — specially set up for roasting chestnuts in the living room.
Boughs of holly deck the hall leading to Santa’s bedroom and two charming guest rooms, neighbored by Santa Claus’ quiet study where an impressive writing desk is flanked by the same sewing table he used to make the original Teddy bear.
The Elf Village — where no two tiny homes are alike
But Zillow set out to answer the follow-up question to “where does Santa live?” as well.
For years we’ve been thinking of all the cute little elves helping Santa out year after year, working tirelessly so that we all get our Christmas presents, and running around the toy factory making sure no order goes unfulfilled.
But where do the elves live?
Well, apparently they live in the most charming tiny homes, spread throughout the Elf Village — the ‘official’ name Zillow gave to the 25-acre Alaska property that others have referred to over the years as Santa’s Village.
While we don’t know exactly how many tiny elf houses are in the village, we do know that no two are alike, like snowflakes. To add to the charm, the Elf Village also features a garage with space for an all-weather sleigh and stables that board eight live-in reindeer — with a bonus stall for red-nosed company.
Many people have dreams of living in a high-rise apartment in a bustling city, while others want a quiet life, unbothered by anything besides nature. But big city living and secluded country towns aren’t our only options. There’s a happy medium that’s quieter than the city, but more developed than the rural countryside — that’s where suburban neighborhoods come in.
The suburbs are often thought of as quiet, boring areas full of families with small children. While these areas are often filled with families, they aren’t always as uneventful and bland as you might think. Here’s what you should know about suburban neighborhoods and the life suburban residents live.
Suburban defined: What exactly is a suburb?
A suburban area is a cluster of properties, primarily residential, that are not densely compacted, yet located very near an urban area that is. Also referred to as “suburbs,” these areas are often located just outside of larger metro areas but can span even further, according to Pew Research Center.
Suburbs are not urban but still do not have any of the defining characteristics of a rural area like agriculture or open space. Suburban areas portrayed in popular culture often are familial and slow-paced.
The suburbs can suit everyone
Suburban areas are commonly associated with families, and not single people or young couples. However, this common association is really a misconception.
Especially with recent events leading to remote work environments, many young, single professionals are working from home. This has made living in a more mellow area in a spacious home more attractive since there’s room for a separate home office space —much more comfortable than working in a cramped, expensive apartment in the city.
Furthermore, as housing prices in urban areas skyrocket, younger folks are becoming unwilling or unable to pay rent. As a result, they’re moving out of the city and into more suburban areas.
What’s the difference between a suburban and an urban neighborhood?
It sometimes is difficult to distinguish what is a suburban neighborhood vs. an urban one or a rural area. In fact, depending on which definition you choose, the lines can blur. Suburban and urban neighborhoods differ in several key aspects.
Suburban neighborhoods are typically characterized by lower population density and a more spread-out layout. They often offer a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere with a focus on privacy and spaciousness. Suburbs tend to have more green spaces, parks and recreational areas.
On the other hand, urban neighborhoods are known for their high population density and compact living spaces. They offer a vibrant and bustling environment with close proximity to amenities, such as restaurants, theaters and museums.
Suburban neighborhoods
Suburban neighborhoods are typically located within a reasonable commute of an urban area. While they aren’t as densely populated as urban neighborhoods, they do have a fairly large population, although it’s more spread out over areas of single-family homes, rather than stacked-up apartment buildings.
Suburbs are primarily residential areas, although expect some commercial properties and businesses present. Housing is more affordable than in the main city centers and you’ll find larger homes with their own private yards, rather than smaller apartments or condos.
There aren’t as many amenities, such as restaurants or large shopping centers. However, there are grocery stores and usually a few restaurants and additional stores to provide for residents’ needs.
Urban neighborhoods
Urban neighborhoods are in the middle of all the action. They’re in the busy, downtown areas of a larger metro. With the location typically comes apartments and condos, rather than homes with their own yards.
Urban city centers are full of office buildings and commercial businesses. They also have lots of restaurants, shopping and entertainment options within close distance.
But being at the center of it all comes with a price — the cost of living is higher overall, with everything from rent to groceries costing more. Urban areas provide easy access to ample public transportation, which is almost necessary as owning a car is expensive since parking is often paid and spots often are far and few between.
Pros of living in a suburban neighborhood
Living in the suburbs has its benefits and many families choose to reside in such areas for various reasons.
Lower cost of living than in urban areas
Larger homes with bigger yards
Less crowded
Quieter and slower-paced environment
Many suburban areas cater to families specifically and will even have many parks and hiking trails surrounding them. Even if you don’t have a larger family with children, but you enjoy the outdoors or have a dog that likes to play outside, the suburbs better provide the amenities you’ll want.
Cons of living in a suburban neighborhood
While there are many pros to living in a suburban neighborhood, it does lack in some areas.
Less robust public transportation
A little uneventful at times
Fewer jobs available in the area (higher job competition)
Need to travel further for work and entertainment (restaurants, shopping, etc.)
With recent technology, some of these cons aren’t as applicable as they once were. Commuting to work is a major pain point for many living in the suburbs, but with so many companies becoming remote-first, it has eliminated that con for some.
Is suburban living right for you?
Living in the ‘burbs isn’t for everyone — but it is perfect for many folks who crave comfort and convenience. If you enjoy peace and quiet, want to live in a house instead of an apartment and don’t mind commuting to the office (which isn’t an issue if you work remotely), then a suburban neighborhood is a place for you. Find the right place for you today!
Mondays are never easy to face, but it’s always better when you have a inspiring space to work. Now that we’re getting settled, I’m turning my sights on my home office. I guess I should call it my home office to-be since the space is completely empty currently. I’m typing this sentence from my couch on my teeny tiny laptop. And this just cannot go on any longer!
I’m definitely suffering from home office envy.
There are a few key things I’m coveting for my new work space. I’ve got a major crush on trestle desks at the moment. Inspired by architects drafting tables, they’re utilitarian but chic at the same time. Keeping a desk drawer free also forces you to keep clutter to minimum. Because no one really needs staplers or paperclips anymore!
I’m also loving the look of warm woods mixed with monochromatic accents. It feels timeless. There’s been a bit of an acrylic, gold and white glut in home offices of late – bouquet of peonies included of course. I’m in the mood to take more understated approach with classic pieces that I’ll love right now, five years from now and even twenty years from now.
I’ve long been a fan of picture rail shelves. They offer a unique way to create a moodboard of sorts. You can mix art, magazine tears and your favorite objet. I’d just have to keep myself from rearranging on a daily basis. I’m not sure that’d be great for my productivity.
Finally, you can add a shot of individual personality to your work space with your office chair selection. I prefer a-typical office chairs. Vintage pieces, old dining chairs, a funky side chair. This is where I really want to spend time treasure hunting. You just want to ensure that you select a chair that is high enough to give you proper posture and comfortable enough for you to sit for long periods at a time. Trust me, I made the mistake of prioritizing aesthetics over proper alignment in the past and paid the price.
Now that I’ve got a vision for my new office, I’m off to pull this space together! If you have any favorite sources for great office pieces please send them my way. Of course I’ll be sharing what I find in my search.
Find reams and reams of home office inspiration right here.
images 1 waiting on martha / 2 dust jacket in the attic / 3 my domaine / 4 lark & linen / 5 tumblr /6 stil inspiration /
Renovating, modernizing, and sprucing up your home can be driven by many factors. Some do it from a desire to make the home look more attractive, to increase functionality, or to update outdated appliances or areas of the house.
And while we all like to live in new, beautiful homes, it has been established that adding value is the main reason people renovate their homes. By doing this, individuals will be able to sell their property (if need be) at a higher price that they would have if no work is done on it.
And since buying a home is the biggest investment most people make in their lifetime, it only makes sense to grow that investment over time.
While there are quite a few ways to do this, let’s go through the top 10 areas of improvement that can help you add value to your home quickly.
#1 Include a Garage
Not every house has a garage, but everyone wants to have one in their homes, whether they have a car or not. This only makes a house with a garage much more valuable than one without it. So including parking (even a tiny sheltered space) can help increase the value of your home drastically.
But aside from having a place to park your car, are you aware that garages are actually very functional as it can be used for other purposes?
Even without a car, homeowners can still enjoy their garages as they can turn this space into their storage space, home office, or even an entertainment room. If you have a hobby, say biking, you can store all of your gear inside your garage, allowing you to have peace of mind knowing that these won’t be damaged when placed inside the house.
If you have the budget for it, you can also invest in automatic garage doors to make the area more accessible and appealing. Automatic garage doors are smart investments, especially if you’re planning to sell your home soon.
#2 Revamp the Bathroom
The bathroom is one part of the home every single one of us pays attention to. A bathroom should be a personal sanctuary that allows homeowners to relax and relieve stress. However, no one would want to live in a home with a leaky, droopy shower. Instead of helping the homeowner feel refreshed, this kind of bathroom will only cause a lot of stress. So, revamping your bathroom can help increase the value of the house.
To do this, you do not need to spend a considerable amount of money; just by scrubbing clean the tiles and toilet seats, and by adding some items to enhance visual impact you will make your bathroom look shiny and new. And as you’re doing it, you might spot some other elements that can be easily changed — like water fixtures — to add considerable appeal.
If you’re planning to buy a fixer-upper, consider applying for VA rehab loans. The money you can acquire from this loan will enable you to purchase a new home and fund any renovations for your bathroom, as well.
#3 Add Some Extensions
Extensions are a way to increase the value of the home, and they could be added upward or have the house expanded sideways.
By adding an extension upward, you could include maybe an additional staircase. Sideways extensions could have you clear out a path and cultivate it well to have it serve as a playground.
#4 Renovate the Kitchen
At the end of the day, there’s nothing that adds more value to your home than a freshly renovated kitchen. Houses, especially those that want to appeal to families, have the kitchen as the centerpiece of the home. The kitchen is one of the most important areas of the house because this is where you’ll prepare meals for your family, and, oftentimes, entertain guests. How your kitchen looks and functions can significantly affect the ambiance of your entire home.
Shaping up your kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean a complete overhaul. While this would ensure the best effect, it would take a lot of time and cost you a lot of money. Repainting, freeing up spaces and bringing in modern utensils can be a good and fast way to give your kitchen a fresh, renovated look.
One of the easiest ways to renovate your kitchen is to organize and make the space clutter-free. You’ll be doing a lot of things in your kitchen, which is why you should ensure that every item has its designated storage space. No one would love spending time in their kitchens if the area is a complete mess!
#5 Include a Well-Cultured Garden Room
Gardens are more and more often being incorporated in modern homes and play a role in determining how valuable said homes are.
Now, at this point, it is important to note that the value of a garden is not just in its size, but in how well it is designed and cultivated. So a well-cultured garden — even if tiny, but well-trimmed — can help add value to your home when you decide to put it on sale.
#6 Free Up Spaces in Strategic Areas of the Home
In the see-it-want-it-buy-it world that we live in today, we tend to end up hoarding a lot of unnecessary things. And those take up highly valuable space that can translate into extra figures on your home sale.
Take a good look at your space and try to clear the house of any unnecessary items, from big to small.
A good place to start is always by looking at older appliances around the house. Regardless of how expensive or sentimental these items are, if these are no longer used, it’s best if you disposed of them properly.
#7 Introduce Seasonal Features
The introduction of seasonal eco-friendly features can also help increase a home’s value.
This isn’t as complicated as it sounds, but rather includes planting trees in some parts to serve as a windbreaker and prevent water logging. Some parts can be cleared off to allow for cross ventilation.
#8 Improve the Aesthetic of the Exteriors
The exterior part of the home is your house’s business card, the part that attracts everyone to the house. Improving the aesthetic of the house could mean either repainting the home or restructuring it, adding some nice-looking shutters, painting the door or windows, you name it.
New features could also be included that will help to enhance the aesthetics and make it attractive. But it’s worth it: remember that your home has just one chance to make a good first impression.
#9 Include Smart Features in the Home
Smart features like CCTV systems or alarms among others can help to increase a home’s value. Since they aren’t the type of features you see around every house, homes with these features tend to be highly valuable and sought-after.
#10 Make the Home Accessible
The creation of drive-through ways and walking paths can significantly increase ease of access. It also makes the home more comfortable.
Already existing pathways can be re-modified to allow for better access. This will be a major plus in the eyes of select buyers and will broaden your pool of potential buyers to include seniors and people with disabilities, so it’s definitely worth considering — especially if your space and the number of floors allow for it.
Remember that all the value you add to your home will be in your benefit. That’s in the sense that it makes the home more comfortable for you and if you end up putting it out for sale, at least you know you will get top dollar for it.
Or who knows? If you make your home that irresistible, you might scoop up an offer from someone that crosses your doorstep before you even end up putting it on the market.
More helpful tips
5 Simple Yet Meaningful Bedroom Makeover Ideas for Your Next Decor Upgrade Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Buy a House in a Neighborhood with an HOA
A seemingly inconspicuous home in Bristow, VA, with a bizarre basement captured everyone’s attention, making it this week’s most popular listing on Realtor.com®.
From a “Where the Wild Things Are”–designed kid’s bedroom to a possibly “Ghostbusters”-inspired basement, the theme is certainly the brainchild of the home seller’s imagination. The 3,013-square-foot home boasts a mostly traditional design—until you head to the basement. That’s when things get very weird.
Other real estate offerings that made the popularity list include a magnificent Georgia estate featuring every luxury imaginable, a Florida mansion looking to set a record, and a California beauty where Stevie Wonder once lived.
For a full look at this week’s 10 most popular homes, keep on scrolling.
Price: $2,100,000 Why it’s here: This French-inspired chateau features a barrel-vaulted orangerie.
Originally designed to house fruit trees in the winter from the 17th to 19th centuries, this orangerie with its barrel-vaulted ceiling, brick floors, and seven pairs of French doors was simply designed to capture the picturesque backyard views.
Built in 1973, the three-bedroom, 4,726-square-foot home features a modernized chef’s kitchen, a library with built-ins, and three fireplaces. The living room boasts antique French corner cupboards.
The 6-acre parcel includes a guest cottage and gardens reminiscent of Versailles.
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Price: $169,000 Why it’s here: Built in 1800, this antique barn features two silos and an original milk house. It’s being sold as is.
The 1-acre property is dotted with pine, walnut, chestnut, and fruit trees. An additional 1.6 acres is also available for purchase.
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Price: $1,295,000 Why it’s here: This magnificent home comes with a front-row view of Pike Lake.
Built in 1969 atop a hill, the four-bedroom house features a vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling and hardwood floors throughout 4,226 square feet of living space.
The living room boasts a gorgeous stone fireplace and lots of windows. There are three bedrooms on the main level and one downstairs. The lower level also includes a family room with a wood-burning fireplace.
A dock and boatlift come with the property, which is already pending sale.
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Price: $239,000 Why it’s here: This adorable and affordable abode has been entirely modernized on the inside.
Built in 1980, the three-bedroom farmhouse offers 1,813 square feet of living space. The open floor plan boasts an enormous, front-to-back living room with a gas fireplace and a kitchen with custom cabinetry and granite countertops. The primary suite upstairs comes with a sitting area, and a loft space would be ideal for a home office.
There is a raised slab off the back porch with gas and water hookups.
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Price: $1,300,000 Why it’s here: From barrel-vaulted ceilings to a built-in bed, this magnificent estate features every luxury imaginable.
The five-bedroom home sits on 7 private acres. It was built in 2020 and boasts 6,821 square feet of living space. From the reading room with a built-in bookcase to a dog washing room, every member of the family was thought of when constructing this home. An extraordinary chef’s kitchen boasts a wood-beam ceiling, custom light fixtures, high-end appliances, and an oversized island.
The first-floor primary suite is surrounded by windows and features a glass-enclosed shower, two vanities, and a soaking tub. The lower-level entertainment area has a roll-up garage door that leads to a wet bar.
The professionally landscaped property also boasts a six-car garage, an apartment loft, and a pool with a spa.
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Price: $1,652,000 Why it’s here: The historic Creole cottage was originally built circa 1798 as a neighborhood kitchen and bakery. (Gen. Andrew Jackson was believed to have eaten here in 1815.) It later became the home of Beat Generation writer William Burroughs, according to the listing.
The 2,800-square-foot, three-bedroom floor plan features original transoms, baseboards, hardware, and doors. An updated kitchen offers stainless-steel appliances and granite countertops. The library features built-in, floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Primary suites can be found on both levels.
The property also claims to contain “one of the largest gas-lit, private, bricked courtyards in the Quarter,” according to the listing.
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Price: $59,900,000 Why it’s here: This spectacular, waterfront estate could set a sale record in Delray Beach if the sellers get anywhere close to their asking price.
Built in 2008, the 19,055-square-foot mansion features nine bedrooms and 17 bathrooms. The palazzo-inspired design features custom finishes, built-in bookcases, and a marble fireplace.
Designing the estate was a labor of love for homeowner Massimo Musa, who flew artists in from Florence, imported limestone from Mexico, and sourced other products from South America, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The 1.5-acre lot also boasts fountains, an oceanfront pool and spa, and a covered loggia with an outdoor kitchen. There is also a carriage house for guests.
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Price: $299,000 Why it’s here: Who needs house guests when your house is decked out with dolls?
Dolls adorn the shelves and line the stairs. There’s even a life-size statue of Elvis, and one of the three bedrooms is designed in his honor. Another is overflowing with dolls lined along the walls, crowded in cribs, and tucked away in a scary bassinet centerpiece.
Seemingly, every inch of the 2,832-square-foot home is staged with toys.
If you dare to go downstairs, there’s another doll on a riding horse. The creep factor notwithstanding, the doll-filled house has already attracted one buyer and is pending sale.
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Price: $10,999,999 Why it’s here: Stevie Wonder once lived in this Hollywood Regency estate. The legendary singer-songwriter is said to have leased the home from 2011 to 2015.
Located in the Trousdale Estates neighborhood, the 6,217-square-foot spread features a grand foyer with a soaring ceiling. There are four bedrooms and eight bathrooms.
The residence was built in 1970 and has since been updated. A chef’s kitchen serves up high-end appliances and an enormous center island.
The property also comes with a four-car garage, a home gym, a pool, and a covered loggia.
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Price: $699,900 Why it’s here: While the exterior might appear traditional, the basement is anything but.
Built in 2015, this four-bedroom home comes with many amenities, including a spacious kitchen with a granite countertop and a center island and a family room with an exposed-brick accent wall. But wait until you venture downstairs.
The finished basement features a hidden room complete with a creepy, blood-red floor and black brick walls.
“Truly a unique feature you won’t find anywhere else, and you’ll have to see to believe,” the listing states.
The corner lot also features an oversized garage and stamped concrete patio. All this and a recent price reduction could perhaps tempt a brave buyer.
A tiny mobile home in Palm Springs, CA, rumored to have once been actor Desi Arnaz‘s makeup trailer is this week’s most popular listing on Realtor.com®.
Named “Lucille” after Arnaz’s real-life wife and “I Love Lucy” co-star, Lucille Ball, the 336-square-foot abode is part of a mobile park community known as Horizon Mobile Village. Located directly under the famous Bob Hope House, the affordable and adorable dwelling is already pending sale.
Other real estate offerings that made the popularity list include a massive Lone Star estate with a 50-car garage, a California megamansion that Eddie Murphy once owned, and a hobbit-style home in Arizona. (How’s that for variety?)
For a full look at this week’s 10 most popular homes, keep on scrolling.
Price: $2,150,000 Why it’s here: Dubbed “The Black House,” this is a departure from traditional, Charleston-style architecture. The gabled roof and striking, black exterior were designed by local architect Kevan Hoertdoerfer to stand out.
The three-bedroom contemporary was built in 2019 and features 2,894 square feet of sleek living space. With its glass-paneled, front entry and floor-to-ceiling windows, the space seamlessly blends with the outdoors. The interior is all white and features an open floor plan, soaring ceilings, and a minimalist style.
The primary suite comes with a wall of windows that open to a private terrace, and there’s a cabana out back.
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Price: $9,950,000 Why it’s here: When you have a sprawling estate in Texas, you naturally need a 50-car garage.
The 11,008-square-foot mansion is certainly worthy of note, but the showstopper is the 9,240-square-foot garage, which can hold 50 cars. It also features nine roller doors, multiple auto lifts, an office, and a half-bathroom.
As for the five-bedroom, brick-front manor, it boasts a Tuscan-inspired design, travertine and wide-plank wood floors, Venetian plaster walls, and marble and granite surfaces. Luxury amenities include an elevator, two staircases, Juliet balconies, a bar, and a chef’s kitchen.
The home sits on a 3.4-acre lot and comes with a sunroom, gym, home theater with stadium seating, and pool with a cabana.
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Price: $395,000 Why it’s here: This modestly priced home will need some TLC, but it comes with a detached pool house and several acres of gardens.
It doesn’t look like much has changed since the three-bedroom home was built in 1971. The bones of the 2,637-square-foot home appear to be in good shape. The living room has a fireplace at one end and beautiful arched windows at the other. The family room has a wood-beam ceiling, an enormous stone fireplace, and built-in bookshelves.
The property’s 5 acres include a two-car garage and carport, a gazebo, and a detached exercise room with a sauna and hot tub.
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Price: $599,900 Why it’s here: This custom-built stunner starred in the Spring 2022 Parade of Homes.
Located in the Magnolia Ridge subdivision, the three-bedroom dwelling shows off a swanky, modern style. Throughout its 2,884 square feet of living space, soaring ceilings, custom wall and ceiling treatments, and brick accent walls can be found. The chef’s kitchen features custom cabinets, a “hidden” walk-in pantry, and granite countertops. The primary suite has a built-in vanity, soaking tub, and shower. An upstairs bonus room could be used as a home office.
The 1-acre lot includes an in-ground pool, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen.
After a week on the market, the home is pending sale.
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Price: $1,350,000 Why it’s here: With its indoor saltwater pool, 12-seat home theater, two bars, and a private lake, this 1980s-era compound was designed for entertaining.
The five-bedroom residence features a massive, 7,838 square feet of living space. The two-story great room includes a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and walls of windows overlooking the lake. Sliders open up to a wraparound deck with a fireplace and outdoor cook area. The indoor kitchen has custom cabinets, high-end appliances, and even a dumb waiter. The dining room features a heated floor. The lower level contains another kitchen, a wine room, and an office. The home is equipped with an elevator.
The 3.5-acre lot includes a two-level sports center with two kitchens.
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Price: $299,900 Why it’s here: This petite townhouse features a cozy 769 square feet of living space.
Built in 1900, the affordably priced, two-bedroom unit has been entirely updated. The cute kitchen offers stainless-steel appliances and a breakfast area with a bar, and there’s a more formal dining room. Two bedrooms with arched ceilings can be found upstairs.
The fenced yard has a pleasing patio designed for relaxing. A sale is already pending on the property.
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Price: $8,000,000 Why it’s here: This palatial estate near California’s capital city is where Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell once lived when they were married.
According to the Sacramento Bee, the couple had the 11,500-square-foot home from 1998 until 2006, when they divorced. Murphy reportedly sold the seven-bedroom estate for $6.1 million the following year.
It has since been on and off the market, including in 2018 when it was listed fully furnished for $10 million. The current price represents a significant discount.
The 2.5-acre parcel, which overlooks Folsom Lake, includes a guesthouse, a pool with spa, tennis and basketball courts, and a nine-car garage.
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Price: $275,000 Why it’s here: If you have always wanted to live in a former theater, here’s your chance.
Built in 1880, the historic Granite Grange Hall has been used as a senior center, boys-and-girls club, and wedding venue. It’s now being offered as a one-bedroom home with 3,600 square feet of living space. The property still features a stage and ticket counter, and there’s a “secret” second staircase that leads to a trap door with access backstage.
According to the listing, plans for converting the property into a residence are included in the sale.
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Price: $550,000 Why it’s here: This uniquely outfitted, hobbit-style house comes with a separate guesthouse.
The one-bedroom home features a circular front door, a spacious living room, and a colorful kitchen with stainless-steel appliances. The two-bedroom guesthouse was finished in 2019 and has a modern interior.
With a total of three bedrooms between the two homes, the unusual property offers income potential.
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Price: $150,000 Why it’s here: Consider this your formal introduction to “Lucille,” the must-see mobile home that is said to have been the makeup trailer for actor Desi Arnaz.
Named after his then-wife and “I Love Lucy” co-star, Lucille Ball, the one-bedroom vintage dwelling has been entirely transformed and updated with the midcentury modern style that’s so popular in Palm Springs. The 336 square feet of living space now features a kitchen with a retro fridge and a bathroom with a blue-tiled shower.
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Yep, you are reading this because you need an extra $300 ASAP.
In this post, you will learn the exact ways I have made 300 dollars fast or other methods that I truly know that work. Around here at Money Bliss, we research everything! That way we know you can put in the hustle and make it happen, too!
But with so many ways of making money on the internet these days, which one is best for your situation?
Hey, do you ever wonder how some people seem to make money the way they do?
It’s not by getting lucky–you’ve got to be smart about it.
I’ve looked at different options and ranked them from my favorite method all the way down to what I think is least desirable in terms of time investment and return.
Let’s get started…
How can I make $300 right now?
There are multiple ways to make $300 in a day.
You have to decide what works best for you! Preferably it would be a way that you naturally find enjoyment.
Even better, if you find a way to make 300 dollars fast that you can do repeatedly – that is called passive income.
What are ways to make money fast?
With so many ways to make money, sometimes figuring out what you should do can be a little overwhelming.
There are plenty of ways to make money fast.
You have to decide what you want to do.
35 Specific Ways on How to Make 300 Dollars Fast
Let us break it down for you with some of the most common and well-known methods of earning money.
For each way to earn 300 dollars in 24 hours, we will provide tips on how you could go about doing it.
1. Get a part-time job
One way is to get a part-time job.
You can look online or walk around any business for job postings.
Right now, there are SO MANY places that are DESPERATE for workers! You can easily find a part-time job making $15 an hour to $20 an hour.
2. Do a No-Spend Challenge – Budget to Find $300
A no-spend challenge is a great way to save money fast. I guarantee you can find $300 from your spending.
During a no-spend challenge, you commit to not spending any money on non-essential items for a set period of time. This can be anything from a week to a month.
There are a few different ways you can approach a no-spend challenge. One option is to cut out all non-essential spending for the duration of the challenge. This includes things like eating out, entertainment and shopping for new clothes. Another option is to allow yourself a set amount of money to spend each day during the challenge. This could be $10 per day or $50 per week.
No matter which approach you take, a no-spend challenge can help you save money fast. It’s also a great way to get creative and find new ways to have fun without spending money.
3. Open A New Bank Account & Get a Cash Bonus (Yes, get 300 dollars free)
A simple way to make money fast is by opening a new bank account. In fact, I just did this and received $300!
One way is to sign up for a new account and receive a sign-up bonus. Many banks offer these bonuses, which can range from $25 to $500, just for opening an account and meeting certain requirements. For example, you may need to deposit a certain amount of money within the first month or maintain a minimum balance.
Another way to make money fast with a new bank account is to take advantage of interest rates. Many banks offer higher interest rates for new customers, so you can earn more on your deposited funds.
Finally, some banks offer cashback or reward programs when you use your debit card or credit card for certain purchases. For example, you may get cash back when you use your debit card at grocery stores or gas stations.
4. Hop on TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a great way to make some quick money in one day. You can sign up to be a Tasker and choose from a variety of tasks that need to be completed in your area. Once you complete the task, you’ll get paid.
TaskRabbit is great for people who are looking for extra income and don’t mind doing odd jobs. Some of the tasks you can do on TaskRabbit include:
Cleaning
Yard work
Furniture assembly
Grocery shopping
To become a Tasker, you’ll need to create an account and fill out your profile. Once your profile is complete, you can start applying for tasks. Once you’re approved for a task, you’ll need to complete it and submit proof of completion in order to get paid.
5. Sell items you no longer need for quick cash
There are a few things you can do to make some quick cash if you find yourself in a bind and selling items that you no longer need ranks at the top.
This could include clothes, furniture, electronics, or anything else that you have around the house that you don’t need.
You can list these items for sale on websites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, or Facebook Marketplace.
6. Join an in-person or online focus group
Focus groups are a great way to make some extra money fast. You can join a face-to-face focus group or an online focus group. Online focus groups are usually conducted via Skype or a similar video conferencing platform.
In a focus group, you will be asked to provide your opinions on various topics, products, or services.
The company conducting the focus group will use your feedback to improve its offerings. Focus groups usually last for 1-2 hours, and you will be compensated for your time with cash or gift cards.
Typically, I have made $50-300 for each focus group I completed. The exact amount will depend on the company conducting the research and the topic of the focus group. Learn more.
7. Move to freelance work
The best way to make money fast is to find a need that you can fill and then fill it. For example, if you’re good at writing, you could start offering content writing services. If you’re good at design, you could start offering design services. There are always businesses and individuals who need help with things like this, so if you can provide it, you’ll be able to make money quick.
There are a few different ways to offer freelance services. You can offer your services through a freelancing platform like Fiverr, or you can reach out to businesses directly and offer your services. You can also set up a website and promote your services through that.
Of course, the amount of money you can make will vary depending on the quality of your work and the size of the projects you’re working on. But if you’re able to deliver high-quality work quickly, you should be able to make decent money doing freelance work.
Also, this is a great way to start building consistent income from work from home jobs without investment.
8. Advertise On Your Car As Easy Ways to Make Money
There are a few companies that will pay you to advertise on your car. You can usually sign up for a short-term contract and get paid per month, or sometimes per week or day.
This can be a great way to make some quick cash if you have a car that you don’t mind driving around with ads on it.
Here are a few companies that offer this service:
To sign up, you’ll need to provide some basic information about yourself and your car, and then you’ll be able to browse the available campaigns and choose the ones you want to participate in. Once you’ve been approved for a campaign, the company will send you the materials you need to apply the wrap to your car, and then you’ll be on your way!
Double bonus if you do this while driving for Uber or Lyft!
9. Become A Virtual Assistant:
There are many ways to make money fast, but becoming a virtual assistant is one of the most viable options.
Virtual assistants provide administrative, secretarial, and clerical support to clients from a home office. They can perform tasks such as scheduling appointments, handling customer inquiries, managing social media accounts, and more.
To be a successful virtual assistant, you will need to have strong organizational and time management skills. You will also need to be comfortable using computers and various software programs. Additionally, it is important to be able to communicate effectively with clients via email and phone.
If you have the necessary skills and qualifications, becoming a virtual assistant can be a great way to earn money fast. Check out this free virtual assistant training!
10. Clean Houses
Cleaning houses is a profitable business and most people charge from $35 dollars to $45 an hour, so you can quickly make $300 by cleaning houses. You could start by advertising your services on platforms like Craigslist orNextdoor.
Once you get a few clients, you could start a Facebook group or Instagram account to showcase your work and attract more customers.
You could also look into joining a local house cleaning company as an independent contractor. This would give you the benefit of having a regular income, while still being able to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
10. Give Blood OR Sell Plasma:
There are a few ways to make money fast, and giving blood or plasma is one of them – especially if you live in a college town.
You can usually make around $50-75 for giving blood or plasma. Also, many centers offer first time donors a big bonus!
The process takes around an hour, and you can usually donate once a week.
11. Do Grocery Shopping With Instacart:
Instacart allows people to shop for groceries and other items from the comfort of their own homes. As a shopper, you would be able to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
For someone who loves shopping, this is perfect because you are not spending your own money!
You would also be able to earn tips from satisfied customers. If you are looking for a flexible way to make money, then becoming a shopper with Instacart could be a good option for you.
12. Test Websites for UI/UX
Testing websites for UI/UX is a great way to make money fast. Here are a few things to keep in mind when testing websites:
Make sure the website is easy to navigate
Check for broken links
Test the forms and checkout process
Provide feedback on the overall design and user experience
Companies want their online experience to be great, so this is a top gig.
13. Tutor Online
There are a few different ways you can tutor online, and each has its own benefits. You can use a platform like Chegg or Wyzant to connect with students who need help in your area of expertise. If you’re more of a self-starter, you can also look for online tutoring gigs on Upwork or Fiverr.
Benefits of tutoring online include:
You can work from anywhere with an internet connection
You can set your own hours
Tutoring is a great way to make $30 an hour
If you’re looking for ways to make money fast, tutoring online is a great option. You can work from anywhere in the world, and set your own hours so that you can fit tutoring into your busy schedule. Plus, tutoring is a great way to make extra money.
14. Writing Skill? Become a Freelance Writer
Also, making money is becoming a freelance writer. There are many websites and online publications that are always looking for new content, and a freelance writer can easily provide this. In addition, a freelance writer can often command a higher rate than other types of writers because of the specialized nature of their work.
Another way to make money fast as a freelance writer is to offer services such as ghostwriting or editing. This can be especially helpful for businesses or individuals who need assistance with their writing but do not have the time or resources to do it themselves. By offering these services, you can still earn a decent living while helping others improve their own writing skills.
Check out this course on how to Earn Money while Writing.
15. Manage Social Media Accounts to Make $300 a Day
There are a few different ways you can make money by managing social media accounts. You can offer your services to businesses or individuals who need help with their social media presence. Here are a few ideas:
Offer to help businesses with their social media strategy. This can include creating and scheduling posts, engaging with followers, and monitoring analytics.
Offer to manage an individual’s personal social media accounts. This can include anything from posting updates to responding to comments and messages.
Start your own social media management company. This will require more work upfront, but you can potentially earn a lot more money in the long run.
If you’re looking to make some quick cash, managing social media accounts is a great option. With a little effort, you can easily make $300 or more per day!
16. Become An Uber Or Lyft Driver:
If you’re looking to make some quick cash, becoming an Uber or Lyft driver might be a good option. This past weekend, we met a driver who would not tell me the exact amount he makes, but it was hovering six figures.
You can work on your own schedule and earn money by picking up passengers and taking them to their destination. Plus, you can get paid even more if you’re willing to pick up additional passengers or drive during peak hours.
Key Tip… Learn the routes and areas in which you are more likely to make more money. This may mean driving outside your hometown.
17. Ask for Extra Hours
A simple way to make $300 fast is to ask for extra hours at work. If you’re able to put in the extra work, you’ll likely see a boost in your paycheck.
This can be a great way to make some quick cash if you’re in need.
Many employers will be happy to pay overtime hours or just under the requirements of a full-time position.
18. Rent Your Car
Have you ever thought about renting your car out?
You can do this by signing up with a car rental service like Turo or Getaround. Once you’re approved, you can start renting out your car for quick cash.
Typically, you can earn around $30/hour for each rental, and you can get paid weekly. This is a great way to make some extra money if you have a car that you don’t use often.
19. Rent out a spare room in your house
Renting out a room in your house is a great way to make money fast.
You can charge daily, weekly, or monthly rates, and you’ll get the money right away.
This is a great option if you have an extra room in your house that you’re not using. Just make sure to list the room on a site like Airbnb so people can find it.
20. Open a Shopify Store and Sell
Opening a Shopify store is one of the quickest and easiest ways to start making money online. Shopify is an eCommerce platform that allows you to create an online store in minutes, without any prior experience or technical knowledge.
There are a few things to keep in mind when opening a Shopify store:
Choose a niche: When choosing what products to sell, it’s important to pick a niche that you’re passionate about. This will make it easier to market your store and stand out from the competition.
Research your products: Once you’ve chosen a niche, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re offering quality products that your customers will love.
Set up your store: The next step is to set up your Shopify store. This process is relatively simple and can be done in just a few minutes.
Start promoting your store: Once your store is up and running, you’ll need to start promoting it through social media, blogging, and other marketing channels.
Once your store is up and running, you can start selling products and making money right away.
21. Events Assistant
Thankfully, large events are making a comeback, and thus it is now one way to make money fast is to work as an events assistant.
Events assistants help with the planning and execution of events, such as weddings, corporate functions, and parties. They may be responsible for tasks such as booking venues, arranging transportation, and decorating the event space.
Working as an events assistant can be a great way to earn quick cash, as many events take place on weekends or evenings. You may earn tips in cash, too.
22. Apply For A New Credit Card & Get a Signup Bonus
Applying for a new credit card is one of the easiest ways to make money fast if you have a good credit score.
You can often get a sign-up bonus just for applying, and if you use the right card, you can earn cash back or points that can be redeemed for free travel.
Just make sure to pay off your balance in full each month so you don’t get hit with interest charges.
23. Get Paid To Walk
There are a few ways to make money by walking, including becoming a pet-sitter or dog-walker, delivering food or packages, and even participating in research studies.
Pet-sitting and dog-walking are great ways to get some exercise while making some extra cash. You can advertise your services on websites like Rover or Care.com, or even on local community Facebook groups. Once you build up a clientele, you can set your own schedule and rates.
If you don’t mind doing a little bit of extra work, you could also sign up to deliver food or packages for companies like DoorDash, Postmates, or Amazon Flex. You can typically set your own schedule and rates for these gigs.
24. Wait tables
Working as a waiter or waitress can be a great way to make some extra money fast. In fact, it is easy to net over $300 if you are personable and do your job well!
In most cases, you will be able to keep all of the tips that you earn, which can add up to a significant amount of money over time.
Additionally, many restaurants offer their employees discounts on meals, which can further increase your earnings. If you are looking for a way to make some quick cash, waiting tables may be the perfect solution for you as you can start within days.
25. Provide Yard Work Help
Another way to make money fast is by providing yard work services. This could involve mowing lawns, shoveling snow, trimming hedges, or any other type of outdoor work.
You can use online platforms such as TaskRabbit, Nextdoor or Craigslist to find clients, or you can reach out to local businesses or individuals who need help with their yards.
From personal experience, my kids have averaged over $300 a day – just for snow shoveling! Good hustle for those preteens!
This is yet another way to make some quick cash by doing odd jobs for people in your community.
26. Read Books and be Paid as a Reader
There are a few ways to make money by reading books. You can start a book blog and get paid to review books, you can work as a freelance book editor, or you can even get paid to read books!
If you want to start a book blog, you first need to find a niche. What kind of books do you want to review? Once you’ve found your niche, the next step is writing reviews. You can use sites like Amazon and Goodreads to find books to review, and then post your reviews on your blog.
If you’re interested in working as a freelance book editor, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to have experience editing books. Second, you need to be able to showcase your work. And third, you need to be able to market yourself so that potential clients can find you.
One way that you can make money by reading books is by becoming a beta reader. Beta readers are people who read manuscripts before they’re published and provide feedback on the story and the writing. If you’re interested in becoming a beta reader, the best way to find work is by networking with authors and editors who might need your services.
27. Sell a Skill on Fiverr
There are many ways to make money fast, but one way you can monetize a skill you have is to sell it on Fiverr.
Fiverr is a marketplace where people can buy and sell services starting at $5.
If you have a particular skill or talent, you can create a gig offering that service. Once your gig is created, buyers can purchase your service and leave a review.
If you deliver quality work, you will get repeat customers and your gigs will start to rank higher in the search results. This will help you make more money faster.
28. Profit from Baked Goods & Get Rewarded
Cake pops are hot! As most professional bakeries, charge between $1-4 per cake pop, you would need to sell 75 cake pops to make your goal of $300 a day.
Same with sourdough bread! people are selling homemade sourdough bread for $5-8 per loaf. So, you need to sell around 40 loaves to hit 300 dollars fast.
Another option is to offer baking classes in your community to make extra money. This is a hot thing to do for couples and kids.
There are many delicious ways to make money fast from baking.
29. Flip Stuff Online and Be a Reseller
One way to make money fast is to resell items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist.
You can find items to resell at garage sales, thrift stores, and even online. Once you have found an item to resell, list it on eBay and set a starting price. Be sure to research the item so you know how much it is worth and what similar items have sold for in the past. You can also offer to ship if you are selling a larger item.
Check out this free training from Flea Market Flipper!
30. Negotiate a Pay Rise
There are a few key things you can do to increase your chances of successfully negotiating a pay rise:
Do your research: find out what the average salary is for your role in your area, and what other people in similar roles at other companies are being paid. This will give you a good starting point for negotiations.
Build a case: put together a document or presentation detailing your successes and value to the company. This will help you make your case in a clear and concise way.
Be prepared to walk away: if the company isn’t willing to meet your demands, be prepared to walk away. This may mean looking for another job, but it’s important to stand up for yourself and not accept less than you’re worth.
This is a great way to increase your paycheck!
31. Do odd jobs for people
One way to make some quick cash is to do odd jobs for people in your neighborhood.
This could be anything from mowing lawns and shoveling snow to painting fences and washing cars. If you have a knack for handyman work, you can list your services on websites like TaskRabbit or Craigslist.
You can also sign up with a local home improvement store, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s, to find customers who need help with small projects around the house.
You can house sit for people in your community who are going out of town and need someone to watch their home while they’re gone. Check out a great place with Trusted Housesitters.
32. Start Copywriting
Copywriting is a skill that can help you make money fast. If you can write persuasively, you can earn quick cash by writing articles, sales letters, and web copy.
Here’s how to get started:
Find a need. Look for businesses that are in need of content and start pitching them your services.
Write a great proposal. Your proposal is your chance to sell your services, so make sure it’s well-written and persuasive.
Get paid! Once you’ve landed a client, get to work and start earning money fast!
Check out where to find copywriting jobs.
33. Play with Dogs with Pet-sitting Services
If you love animals, you can offer pet-sitting services to earn some extra cash.
Pet owners often need someone to watch their pets while they’re away on vacation or business trips. If you love animals, this can be a great way to earn some extra cash.
You can also dog walk or pet sit for neighbors or friends.
34. Invest in Stocks or Cryptocurrency.
If you’re willing to take on some risk, you could make money by investing in stocks or cryptocurrency. However, these investments can also lose money, so be sure to research before investing.
This is one way I consistently make an extra 300 dollars a day.
However, this is after I took an investing course and months of practice. If you are analytical and enjoy patterns, this could be for you.
35. Complete online survey and earn extra cash
This is probably my least favorite, but you can make cash fast for very simple work. The amount of money you can make depends on the amount of time you’re willing to spend, and some other factors like your demographics.
Join a paid survey panel.
These panels usually work with marketing research companies who pay panelists for their participation in online and offline surveys. To join a paid survey panel, you’ll typically have to fill out a short sign-up form and provide some basic information about yourself. Once you’re signed up, you’ll start receiving survey invitations by email.
Here are the top legit survey platforms:
How much money can you make with each method?
The goal is to make 300 dollars fast, right?
It depends on the way you want to make money and the effort you put into it.
Some like virtual assistants or active trading will take longer to build up and get your experience, but it will be more lucrative as you go. On the flip side, pet sitting or house sitting is quicker to start but could be less consistent with clientele.
What are the pros and cons of each method to make money today?
There are a few different ways to make extra money, and each has its own pros and cons. For example, you could get a part-time job, start a side hustle, or take on some freelance work.
Idea #1 – Another job or More Hours
Getting a part-time job is one of the most common ways to make extra cash. The main pro of this method is that it’s relatively easy to find a part-time gig these days. You can use sites like Indeed or Craigslist to find open positions near you.
The main con of this method is that it can take up a lot of your time, which might not be ideal if you’re already working full-time or taking care of other obligations.
Idea #2 – Start a Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle is another popular option for making extra money. The biggest pro of this method is that you can often make more money with a side hustle than you would with a part-time job.
The biggest con of this method is that it takes time and effort to get your side hustle off the ground.
Idea #3 – Freelance Work Online
Taking on some freelance work is another option for making extra cash. The main pro of this method is that you can often set your own hours and rates.
The main con of this method is that it can be tough to find consistent work.
Best Way to Earn Money Fast
Ultimately, the best way to make extra money is the method that works best for you and your situation.
If you need to make some quick cash, a part-time job might be the way to go. If you’re looking to consistently make a bit more money, starting a side hustle is best.
Top ways to make money fast online
There are many different ways you can make money online.
Some of the most common include affiliate marketing, selling your own products or services on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, using your blog as a source of passive income, and creating e-commerce stores.
In fact, learning how to make money online for beginners is a hot topic!
Which methods are best for making long-term income?
There are a variety of methods you can use to make 300 dollars fast. While some methods may only provide you with temporary or one-time earnings, others have the potential to provide you with more long-term income.
Some of the best methods for making long-term income include:
Finding a high-paying job: If you’re looking for more sustainable earnings, then finding a job that pays well is one of the best options. While it may take some time to land a high-paying position, once you do, you’ll be able to earn a steady income that can last for years.
Starting your own business: Another great option for earning long-term income is starting your own business. This can be a great way to earn a passive income, as well as give you the flexibility to work on your own schedule.
Investing in real estate or stock market: Another option for those looking to make long-term earnings is investing in real estate or the stock market. This can be a great way to earn passive income and build up wealth over time.
What are some tips for making money fast?
These are just a few ideas to get you started.
Remember, the key is to be creative and think outside the box. There are many opportunities out there for those who are willing to look for them. With a little effort, you can find a way to make money fast.
Do you need to know how to make 2000 fast?
Tips to Earn Real Money and Make Extra Money Fast
How can you make sure you make the most money possible?
There are a few key things to keep in mind if you want to make the most money possible:
1. Be Clear On Your Expectations
If you want to make extra money, you need to be clear on what you want. Specifically how you are looking to make and how many hours you are going to commit.
Also, you need to communicate this to others around you like friends, family, or kids.
2. Set Prices People Make in Reality
Making sure that you have a clear understanding of the services you’re offering and what the going rate is for those services is crucial.
If you don’t know how much your time and effort are worth, it’s easy to undervalue yourself and end up making less money than you could have. Likewise, if you overprice yourself, people are less likely to use your services.
3. Negotiate a Ton
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you feel like you’re worth more than what the other person is offering, try to negotiate for a higher price.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate when it comes to prices. If you feel like your time is worth more than what the other person is offering, try negotiating for a higher price. It never hurts to ask, and often times people are willing to pay more than they initially offered if it means getting better quality work.
4. Work Hard and Make Real Cash – Not Free Cash
Be willing to work hard. The more effort you put in, the more money you’re likely to make.
If you’re not willing to put in the extra effort, you’re not going to make as much money as you could have.
Free cash won’t just happen; that isn’t someone you strive to be. Work hard and be paid.
Start Earning 300 dollars and Make Money Quickly
There are a lot of ways to make 300 dollars fast.
You just have to be creative and resourceful.
With this guide, you now know 35 ways to make 300 dollars fast. You can start earning extra cash today by following these methods.
You can start by looking for ways to make money in your free time, at home, or online. With a little effort, you can make 300 dollars in no time. Then, on to make 500 dollars fast.
Remember to have fun while you’re earning money! Thanks for reading and good luck!
Then, your next goal will be how to turn 10k into 100k.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
If you’ve ever shopped for life insurance, then you know that there can be some key variables to consider to determine whether you have the proper type and amount of coverage.
For example, knowing how much your policy’s proceeds should be can be beneficial, as you don’t want to underinsure and leave your loved ones with a financial burden, or over-insure and end up paying more than you need.
When shopping for the right life insurance policy, it is also imperative that you review the company that you are considering purchasing through, as you will want to know that it is stable and safe financially and that it has a good reputation for paying out its policyholder claims. One life insurer that has a long standing reputation – and is well-known in the insurance marketplace – is Bankers Life Insurance Company.
The History of Bankers Life Insurance Company
Bankers Life Insurance Company – also commonly referred to as simply BLIC – was initially founded in 1976 – and, while it may not be one of the older insurance carriers in the U.S., it has proven itself to be a viable player in the life insurance and annuity arena. Bankers Life is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. The company does business in all 50 of the U.S. states, although it does business as Western Bankers Life Insurance Company in the state of Texas. It is a subsidiary of Global Bankers Insurance Group Company.
With $1.2 billion of assets under management, Global Bankers continues to deliver on its unique investment strategy, too, with sustainable and profitable growth. Global Bankers is itself a subsidiary of another company, Eli Global, LLC. Founded in 1991, Eli Global is a privately held consortium of more than 50 independent businesses that serve the needs of its clients in industries such as insurance, financial services, health care services, revenue cycle management, information technology, marketing and sales, publishing, distribution, market research, and business information.
Bankers Life Insurance Company Review
Bankers Life Insurance Company’s strategic use of reinsurance to reduce liability and add capital and surplus, as well as its commitment to disciplined management of company expenses, has positioned this insurance carrier to continue growing its business for years to come.
As of year-end 2016, Bankers Life has more than $447 million in assets and $27.3 million in statutory surplus. Both figures represent a considerable increase over those of just one year prior.
Insurer Ratings and Better Business Bureau (BBB) Grade
The Bankers Life Insurance Company investment policy is predicated upon ultimate protection and providing stable, predictable income to the company’s policyholders. Based on its overall financial stability and reputation for paying out its policyholders’ claims, Bankers Life Insurance Company has a grade of B (Stable) from A.M. Best Company.
Life Insurance Coverage Offered Through Bankers Life Insurance Company
Bankers Life Insurance Company does not provide any of the traditional life insurance products such as term, whole life, universal life, or variable life insurance coverage. Rather, it focuses more on the retirement income market through annuities.
Other Products and Services Offered
With the number one concern on the minds of retirees today is running out of income, the focus of many life insurance carriers today – as well as other financial companies – has been offering retirement annuities. One reason for this is because annuities can provide the ability to obtain a guaranteed lifetime income stream – regardless of how long a person lives. (Some annuities will also pay out income to a second individual, such as a spouse or partner, for as long as that person lives, too).
Bankers Life Insurance Company offers several annuity options. These include the following:
SPDA-5
The SPDA-5 is a five-year tax deferred guaranteed return annuity. With this annuity, the interest rate is guaranteed for five years. And, by choosing the interest rate lock, the annuitant will qualify for an interest rate lock for 45 days on incoming transfers from other financial institutions.
The interest on this annuity will begin 30 days after the policy issue – or if requested, after the policy issue date the payments will be made monthly starting one month after the monthly interest option effective date. The interest is credited daily, and it is compounded annually to yield the guaranteed rate.
This annuity also offers a nursing home care waiver whereby if a covered condition occurs to the annuitant, the policyholder may withdraw up to 50 percent of the accumulated contract value without incurring a withdrawal charge. (Otherwise, there can be a withdrawal fee for any money taken out more than 10 percent, during the first six years).
In this case, a covered condition is defined as confinement in a residential care facility or a skilled nursing home facility for at least 90 consecutive days. The annuity contract must also be in force for at least 90 days for this to be covered.
The SPDA-5 annuity is available to applicants who are between the ages of 0 to 85 years, and it has a minimum premium requirement of at least $10,000 – regardless of whether the account is qualified or non-qualified.
SPDA-7
With the Bankers Life Insurance Company’s SPDA-7 annuity, the interest rate is guaranteed for seven years. This annuity also requires a minimum premium of $10,000, and it is open to those who are between age 0 and 85 years. This annuity will also qualify for an interest rate lock of 45 days on incoming transfers from other financial institutions.
If the policy owner is required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) on a tax-qualified annuity, the withdrawal charges will be waived on any RMD amount that exceeds the 10 percent free withdrawal provision. Any withdrawal that is requested more than that allowed under one of the penalty-free withdrawal options is subject to the following withdrawal charges (which may vary by state):
Contract Year
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Withdrawal Charge
9%
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
0%
As with the SPDA-5 annuity, the SPDA-7 also has a nursing home waiver option, whereby if a covered condition is to occur to the annuitant, the policy owner may withdraw up to 50 percent of the accumulated contract value without incurring a withdrawal charge. A covered condition, in this case, is defined as confinement in a residential care facility or skilled nursing facility for at least 90 days. The annuity contract must be in force for at least 90 days to become covered.
SPIA
The SPIA annuity is also available through Bankers Life Insurance Company. An SPIA – or a single premium immediate annuity – create instant income during retirement through taking a lump sum of money and converting it into regular payments that continue for a specified period, or for the lifetime of the insured.
An SPIA annuity could be a viable option for someone seeking an excellent return on their money that he or she will not outlive and does not want to worry about how to invest the money. The benefits of the SPIA annuity will also include the tax deferral that is derived from receiving income in payments instead of in one large lump sum.
The SPIA annuity option from Bankers Life allows the policy owner to elect to receive either monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payments over the course of five to twenty years – which will enable the annuitant to customize the size and the frequency of the income payments.
These income payments are fully guaranteed for the period that is elected – even if it is for the annuitant’s full lifetime. The payments will not fluctuate, so the annuitant can have the peace of mind in knowing that his or her retirement income will be stable.
If the annuitant dies while he or she is still receiving income payments from the SPIA annuity, and provided that these payments are a non-life only option, a named beneficiary (or beneficiaries) will have a few options. They may receive the remaining payments that left on the annuity’s income payment schedule, or, they may elect to receive the remaining account value as a commuted lump sum.
This annuity option is available to those who are up to age 90 (as of his or her last birthday) as the annuitant, and policy owners who are at least age 18 or over. The annuity has a minimum premium amount of $10,000 and a maximum premium amount of $500,000 (unless the annuity holder obtains home office approval from Bankers Life Insurance Company).
The various income payout options and parameters for the SPIA include the following:
Lifetime Income – ages 75 and below
Life Income with Period Certain – 5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years
Income for a Fixed Period – 5 to 20 years
Joint Life Income – 100 percent or 66 2/3 percent to the survivor
Interest Plus
The Interest Plus annuity from Bankers Life Insurance Company is designed for the individual who desires a higher than average rate of return, but with the ability to access funds for any reason or amount – without incurring an excessive surrender charge. By paying an upfront fee, the annuity owner will receive a large amount of flexibility.
The issue ages on this annuity are 0 to 90 years for non-qualified contracts, and 0 to 65 on qualified contracts. The minimum premium amount is $10,000, and the maximum is $500,000 without getting home office approval.
Annuity holders who have the Interest Plus annuity are permitted to access unlimited withdrawals – with the minimum being $1,000 – of their accumulated accounts for any reason after the annuity has been issued. Each of these withdrawals, however, will be subject to a 1 percent redemption fee schedule. The withdrawal fee schedule on the Interest Plus annuity is as follows:
Contract Year
1
2
3
4
5
30-Day Window
6-10
11
Withdrawal Charge %
1
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
It is important to note that not all of the annuities offered by Bankers Life Insurance Company are available in all 50 states.
How to Find the Best Life Insurance Premium Quotes
If you are looking for the best quotes on life insurance coverage, it is recommended that you work in conjunction with an independent insurance broker or agency that has access to multiple insurance carriers. This will allow you to compare the options that are available to you in an unbiased manner, and from there you can better determine which one will work for you, as well as for your budget.
We understand that the purchase of any insurance product can be a bit daunting. There are many different variables that you can choose from – and you want to be sure that you are going with the plan that will be the best for you and your specific needs. Going through this process can be much easier, though, with an ally on your side. So, contact us today – we’re here to help.
Knowing that you have life insurance protection can provide you and those you love peace of mind. While nobody wants to dwell on the unimaginable, life insurance can help to ensure that your dependents will have additional funds that they may require for paying off debts and / or continuing to pay their ongoing living expenses.
When you are searching for the best life insurance policy, it is important that you obtain the proper type and amount of coverage. That way, your loved ones won’t be left with too little to serve their needs.
It is also key to make sure that the insurance carrier that you purchase your life insurance coverage through is strong and stable financially – and that it has a good, positive reputation for paying out its policy holders’ claims. One company that meets these criteria is Phoenix Life Insurance Company.
The History of Phoenix Life Insurance Company
Phoenix Life Insurance Company has more than a century and a half in the business of providing coverage to its customers. Initially founded in 1851 as the Phoenix Companies, Inc., the company has grown and expanded throughout the years.
This insurer has a primary focus on helping those who are considered to be in the middle income market, as well as those who are more affluent, with securing the property life insurance protection for their needs.
Phoenix Life Insurance Company Review
Phoenix Life focuses on offering a variety of life insurance plans, as well as retirement annuities. These are offered via financial advisors throughout the U.S. The company also has a distribution subsidiary, Saybrus Partners, which provides insurance coverage to clients.
While Phoenix Life Insurance Company is considered by many to be a somewhat small insurance carrier – with roughly 600 home office employees – its products and services rate among the best. Phoenix Life is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut.
Insurer Ratings and Better Business Bureau (BBB) Grade
Due in part to recent financial issues, Phoenix Life Insurance Company’s ratings are not currently among the best from the insurer ratings agencies. These ratings include a B+ (Credit Watch) from Standard and Poor’s (which is a rating of 14 out of 21 possible ratings), and a B (Stable) from A.M. Best Company (which is seventh out of a possible sixteen total ratings.
Even though the company’s ratings are not on par with where they could ideally be, Phoenix Life Insurance Company has been satisfying the financial obligations that it has to its current policy holders.
While Phoenix Life is not an accredited company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it has still been provided with a grade of A+, which is on an overall grading scale by the BBB of A+ through F). Over the past three years, Phoenix Life Insurance Company / The Phoenix Companies, Inc. has not had to close out any customer complaints through the Better Business Bureau.
Life Insurance Products Offered by Phoenix Life Insurance Company
With its key focus on life insurance and annuities, Phoenix Life Insurance Company provides a wide range of products for customers to choose from. This can be quite beneficial, as coverage can change along with the client, as his or her needs change over time.
The company provides several types of permanent life insurance, along with final expense coverage. With permanent life insurance, there is both a death benefit component, and a cash value component. Typically, once an insured has been approved for coverage, the amount of the death benefit protection is locked in, as is the premium amount – which means that the premium that is charged will not go up, even as the insured’s age increases, and if he or she contracts an adverse health condition.
The cash that is inside of the cash value component is allowed to grow and compound over time on a tax deferred basis. This means that there are no taxes due on the growth of these funds unless or until they are withdrawn.
Policy holders who have permanent life insurance protection are allowed to withdraw or borrow cash from the policy’s cash component for any need that they see fit – including to pay off debts, to supplement retirement income later in life, or even to take a nice vacation.
One type of permanent life insurance coverage that is offered through Phoenix Life Insurance Company is whole life. The Phoenix Remembrance Life policy is a simplified issue whole life insurance policy, which also offers supplemental benefits that are designed for protecting the insured’s loved ones and for leaving a legacy.
Because the Remembrance Life plan is a simplified issue policy, it will not require the applicant for insurance to undergo a medical examination, or to answer a long list of medical related questions. Because of this, these policies will oftentimes be approved within just days – or sometimes even sooner. So, if an individual is in need of life insurance protection quickly, this could be a viable option.
Another form of permanent life insurance coverage that is offered by Phoenix Life Insurance Company is universal life. With a universal life insurance policy, there are some similarities to whole life in that there is death benefit protection, along with a cash value component. However, in many ways, universal life insurance is considered to be much more flexible than whole life, as the policy holder is allowed – within certain guidelines – to change the due date of the premium, as well as to allocate how much of his or her premium will go towards the death benefit, and how much will go into the cash component.
Phoenix Life offers the Phoenix Accumulator UL universal life insurance policy. With this plan, policy holders may obtain a higher cash value crediting rate than they can with whole life insurance. There is also an interest bonus feature with this policy.
For those who are seeking both death benefit protection, along with a potentially higher amount of cash value build up over time (in a tax-advantaged manner), the Phoenix Accumulator UL policy may be a good fit.
Another type of universal life insurance that is offered through Phoenix Life Insurance Company is indexed universal life. Here, there is also a death benefit and a cash value component within the policy. However, instead of having the cash grow based on a certain rate of interest, the growth is based on the performance of an underlying market index (or indexes) such as the S&P 500.
With an indexed universal life insurance policy (IUL), if the underlying index or indexes perform well within a certain time period, then the cash value will be credited positively – typically up to a certain “cap.” If, however, the underlying index performs poorly – or even in extreme negative territory – then the cash value will not lose value. Rather, it will just simply be credited with a 0 percent for that time period.
Because of this, indexed universal life insurance is used by many policy holders who are seeking higher potential growth (than that of whole life, or even CDs and money markets), yet with protection of principal.
Phoenix Life Insurance Company offers the Phoenix Simplicity Index Life policy. With this plan, the policy holder may choose from several different cash value accumulation options. There is also a death benefit included in the policy, with the option to allocate policy value in a fixed account and / or to two indexed accounts.
As with the whole life insurance policy that is offered via Phoenix Life, this indexed universal life product will not require a medical examination by the applicant for coverage. There is also no need to fill out a large amount of paperwork. Therefore, those who may have certain health issues could still qualify for this policy – and it could be a viable option if someone is looking for guaranteed death benefit protection, along with protection of cash value and possible higher growth.
Other Products and Services
While Phoenix Life Insurance Company is known for its offerings of life insurance coverage, the company also offers some options for retirement annuities. Today, because many baby boomers are reaching retirement age, there is worry about whether or not retirement income will be able to last through the remainder of their lifetimes. This is particularly the case as life expectancy has increased.
With an annuity, a guaranteed, set income can be received – and, if the annuity holder opts for the lifetime income option, they can literally receive an income stream that will last for the remainder of their lifetime, regardless of how long that may be. Do your research and make sure you’re getting the best annuity rates.
All of the annuity products that are offered via Phoenix Life Insurance Company are designed for flexibility – depending on what it is that a client needs. These annuity products include the following:
The Phoenix Personal Retirement Choice – The Phoenix Personal Retirement Choice is a deferred annuity that provides its holder with the ability to build up long-term savings over time on a tax deferred basis. Deposits can be made into the annuity over time, prior to converting the annuity to an income stream. This annuity has several different income options to choose from as well.
The Phoenix Personal Income Annuity – The Phoenix Personal Income Annuity is a fixed indexed annuity, so it allows the opportunity to grow cash over time, based on the performance of an underlying index – but if the index should perform negatively in a given time period, there are no losses of principal.
The Phoenix Personal Protection Choice – With the Phoenix Personal Protection Choice annuity, the client can deposit a single premium up front. Because this annuity is a fixed indexed annuity, the cash will be protected from market downturns, while at the same time having the opportunity to grow, based on an underlying market index. There are also several options that are available when it comes time to convert this annuity to an income stream.
How to Get the Best Premium Rates on Life Insurance Coverage
If you are looking for the best premium rates on life insurance coverage on plans from Phoenix Life Insurance Company – or from any life insurance carrier – then it is typically recommended that you work in conjunction with an independent life insurance brokerage or agency.
In doing so, you will be much better able to shop and compare – in an unbiased manner – from numerous life insurance policies and carriers, and from there, you can choose the plan and premium quote that works the best for you and your specific needs.
If you are ready to take a look at the life insurance coverage that may be available to you, we can help. We are an independent life insurance brokerage, and we work with many of the top insurance carriers in the market place today. We can get you the details that you need quickly, easily, and conveniently – all from your own computer – and without you having to meet in person with an insurance agent. Whenever you are ready to begin the process, all you need to do is just simply take a moment to fill out the quote form on this page.
We understand that the purchase of life insurance coverage is a big decision. There are many different variables that you need to be aware of – and you want to be sure that you are obtaining the property type and amount of protection for your needs. The good news is that this process can be made so much easier when you have an ally on your side. So, contact us today – we’re here to help.
Working from home is here to stay after the COVID-19 pandemic, and if you’ve spent the past three years working from your kitchen table or makeshift office in your bedroom, you may be wondering how to decorate a home office that’s more suitable for your longer-term work.
Research from the Office for National Statistics’ Opinions and Lifestyle Survey found that 14 percent of adults continue to work exclusively from home long after lockdown restrictions lifted, while a further 24 percent have adopted hybrid working between their home and the office. With many employers set to keep homeworking as a permanent business model, there’s never been a better time to get your working from home setup in order.
Whether you have a dedicated home office or have a desk space within another room in your house, there is still lots of potential to create a home office that is practical, full of personality, and improves your productivity. We’ve rounded up 15 home office décor ideas to inspire you on how it should be done…
15 home office décor ideas
1. Subtle sophistication
If you’re lucky enough to have your own personal home office, make the most of your space and place your desk front and centre, sticking to sophisticated neutral tones for a workspace worthy of any CEO. Open shelving to display books and ornaments add a touch of character, while panelled walls and a sleek cream rug provide the perfect finishing touches.
SHOP: 14 best home office chairs that are stylish and comfortable
2. Bold and bright
If calming neutrals aren’t your thing, perhaps a splash of bold colour will inspire you. Go for all out maximalism with bright cobalt blue, pops of yellow and jewel-tone accents for a home office that’s full of personality and character.
3. Go for traditional heritage prints
Mixing prints across your curtains, blinds and wallpaper are a surefire way to ensure your work from home space is anything but boring. A stylish desk, ladder shelving and luxurious gold and velvet accessories combine to create an opulent feel in this home office.
4. Go muted
If you’re easily distracted or working within your bedroom or another space, you may find that it’s best to keep things simple by decorating in muted tones, and allow your accessories such as an oversized vase or eye-catching desk lamp to add interest.
5. Opt for industrial monochrome
You can’t go wrong with black and white, and we love how this black wall panel and shelving contrasts against the plain white walls, providing a space to showcase your favourite wall art, books or work accolades.
6. Go traditional
For a more timeless and traditional home office, a brown leather chair and oak desk are the ideal choice. Accessorise with a vase or decorative items in complementing neutral and metallic tones to add a contemporary update to this classic aesthetic.
MORE: 30 home office must-haves that make the best working from home gifts
SEE: 12 genius dressing tables that double up as desks
7. Pick pretty prints
Feminine florals, scalloped details and pretty prints combine to create a beautiful home office space that will have you eager to get to your desk in the morning.
8. Think industrial
A wall desk is both practical and on-trend, providing space for you to store books and display photos, while creating a modern industrial vibe in your working from home space.
9. Light and bright
Avoid distractions and maximise light in any office by decorating all in white. Wooden panelling across one wall and the ceiling add interest to a monochrome room, while open shelving and storage will mean you always have everything you need close at hand.
RELATED: 10 real-life home offices of Instagram that will inspire you to work
10. Going green
Calming and cheerful, green is a great colour choice for a home office, whether you go for one statement wall or decorate your entire room in the perky hue. Paired perfectly with sleek black furniture and grey and white accents, this is a home office you’ll love to show off on your next Zoom call.
11. Beautiful Biophilic
If your desk is located within your bedroom, creating a room divider with open shelving filled with lush plants and blooms is the perfect way to separate the two spaces and ensure your bedroom is still very much your sanctuary after a busy day of work.
12. Create a home office nook
You don’t need a lot of space to create a functional and fabulous home office; utilising an alcove or nook within your bedroom or living room can allow you to work from home without impacting on valuable floor space. Add shelving above your desk to store your books and display your favourite photos and ornaments.
13. Feeling neutral
Neutral tones never go out of style, so try mixing soft tones of cream, beige and grey for a classy and understated vibe. A glass-topped desk is a great way to make a statement, while plants and carefully-curated artwork finish the look to perfection.
14. Get playful
There’s nothing mellow about this yellow and white home office – and we love everything about it. Neon signs, fairy lights and colour pop accessories add a playful touch to this workspace, while a grid or pegboard provides a great way to display photos and prints, and keep on top of your to-do list.
15. Make it modular
A modular desk system is great for smaller spaces, providing space for all of your home office essentials while giving you the flexibility to move it around as required and truly make it your own.
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