My neighbor Leslie G. and her husband Doug decided to sell their house. Nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac in Murray, their coveted lot bordered a lush green common area that led to a creek. Nice. Leslie was also a master gardener and the home featured curved brick walkways, an outdoor fountain, and easy-to-care-for perennials. It had serious curb appeal. Based on an appraisal and neighborhood comps, they were hopeful they could get $400,000 for their home. But that was just their beginning point. By employing the following strategies, they ended up accepting an offer $35,000 higher and everyone was happy, including the buyer.
Seller strategies for a scorching market
Clean it and stage it. The G’s had a full life with kids, grandkids and worldwide travels. Their home was equally full. When I walked through the home prior to their listing going live, it was difficult to separate the G’s from their home because personal items were in every room and on every wall. It also reflected a specific style and had the wear and tear of most houses built in the 90’s. A stager spent an hour in the house telling Leslie what to do, then Leslie and Doug spent an entire week cleaning, painting and adding new decor items in select locations. The results were staggering. Cluttered surfaces were cleared. Windows sparkled and sunlight streamed in. An outdated master got a complete refresh with a new bedspread, towels, and rugs. Each room boasted one salient piece of artwork, other than that walls were bare and the wall holes filled in and painted. Fresh flowers and bright new pillows graced the deck and every inch of baseboard in the house was scrubbed to a bright white gleam.
The staged deck has half its normal furniture
Why it’s smart: By removing most of the furniture and all of the personal effects from the house and deck, your house will feel emotionally neutral and move-in-ready. Buyers don’t need to try to imagine the space without your things there, they can see it. And fewer pieces of furniture typically makes a space or room look much larger than its crowded counterpoint. On Homie’s Provider Marketplace, you can find repairmen, stagers and cleaning teams to help you accomplish this quickly and easily.
Price at or above appraised value. Utah home prices are shooting up faster than bamboo, and desperate buyers are often willing to offer more than even 3-month old comps. Leslie and Doug decided to price their home above its appraised value, feeling that the appraisal did not adequately take the prime location into account.
Appraisals can vary considerably
Why it’s smart: No two appraisals come in at exactly the same value, and sometimes the value can range considerably. In addition, in a market where the housing shortage is forcing prices up above appraised value, your buyers might have enough liquidity so that a below-sale-price appraisal is a none issue. If it does become an issue, you can discuss your options with your Homie attorney. Even if you split or pay the entire difference, you still end up earning top dollar on your home. If you set the price at appraised value, you open the negotiations to buyers who have less to put down, which might serve you well if your home entices first-time buyers. Homie gives sellers appraisal options, including but not limited to a Home Value report, desktop appraisal and more.
Give yourself time to consider multiple offers. The G’s listing specified that they would only accept offers with a seller acceptance deadline at least 72 hours after submission. A common practice of today’s home buyers is to “rush” sellers into accepting their offers before other interested buyers have a chance to tour the house and place an offer. Not surprisingly, the G’s received two offers within a week. They asked both potential buyers to come back with their “highest and best offer,” both of which were above listing price. They also continued to show the house, which ended up being a very good idea.
Building in a 72-hour window gives you time to get your highest and best offer
Why it’s smart: By requiring that offers have a 72-hour acceptance window, you build in time to receive multiple offers. This doesn’t mean buyers can’t make an offer with a shorter deadline, and if you get a “rushed” offer that makes you happy, by all means, accept it. Still, a 72-hour clause sets the expectation for buyers that you know your house is going to sell and will likely have multiple offers. It also gives you time to ask interested parties to come back with their highest and best offer. They may choose not to make an additional offer, so check with your Homie attorney about the best way to phrase a highest-and-best-offer request. If they do come back with their best offer, check to see that their downpayment amount is large enough that the appraisal will not likely be a problem.
Avoid buyers making offers higher than they’re actually willing to pay. Leslie and Doug didn’t want to get weeks down the road with an offer and then have to renegotiate. When they received offers that were contingent upon a certain appraisal amount, they took care to make sure those buyers were not using high bidding prices to secure the home while planning on renegotiating if the appraisal came in below the sales price. Both buyers ended up backing out of their offers, and the G’s were free to consider other offers that met their requirements. A few days later, they received a third offer from a family they felt would be a great fit for both the house and the neighborhood. They ended up accepting this third offer, which was not contingent upon an appraisal amount.
If you’re concerned about the appraisal, consider buyers with enough liquidity to avoid shortfall issues
Why it’s smart: Buyers are doing their best to find an affordable house, however, in such a hot market it does happen that buyers offer more than the house appraises for. In considering multiple offers, ask your Homie attorney to help you structure your contract to protect yourself against a potential shortfall.
Only accept offers from pre-approved, not pre-qualified, buyers. An offer is only attractive if the buyer can actually close. It’s unfortunate, but many sellers have accepted the “highest offer” only to see the loan fall through and find themselves back on the market two or three weeks later. Today any buyer can get a pre-qualification letter just by entering a few fields into an online platform and allowing a hard pull on their credit, but at this point they have provided no actual income or debt documentation.
Ask your buyers to get pre-approved, so you don’t have to start over 3 weeks into the sale
Why it’s smart: When you ask your buyers to go the extra step from pre-qualification to pre-approval, you know, not only that they’re qualified to buy your home, but also that they can and have provided all the documentation required by the lender to get approved for the loan. And, while they haven’t yet gone through underwriting, which requires a specific contract on a specific house, they can get all the way to that point, which strengthens their offer considerably. Pre-approval status also shortens the amount of time needed prior to a financing and appraisal deadline, which can shorten your closing while also reducing your risk. You can ask interested buyers, even pre-qualified buyers, to get pre-approved at Homie Loans, putting yourself in the best possible position.
In a market like this, use Homie
Yes, it’s a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean showing your house dirty or cluttered will get you your best price. It also means different strategies come into play when considering, countering and accepting offers. Homie provides seasoned real estate attorneys to help Homie sellers understand the nuances of today’s market and negotiate each step of the process with confidence. To list your home with Homie, and speak to a real estate attorney about how you can get the best deal possible for your home, start here.
Word’s out. Homie has hundreds of new zero-commission listings every month.
For anyone who’s dreamed of having their own little private pool with infinity views out over the ocean, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal delivers — and for the points and miles enthusiasts among us, award nights can be surprisingly accessible.
Not every piece of this rugged paradise is perfect, though my recent stay came pretty close. Here’s a closer look at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.
The basics
The resort, part of the Hilton Honors portfolio, is located on the southern tip of Baja California Sur in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It first opened in 2009 and was rebranded to a Waldorf in 2019; it’s one of just 34 Waldorf Astoria properties worldwide.
Other things to know at a glance:
Standard check-out time: Noon (later for Hilton elites if available).
Cancellation policy: Varies from as little as 14 days out during the off season to 90 days out during peak times.
Room types: Starting with standard rooms up to larger casitas and multi-bedroom private villas. There are 115 rooms and suites in total on the property.
Transportation: Los Cabos Airport (SJD) serves several hubs on all the major U.S. carriers. The hotel is about a 40-minute drive or cab ride away (Uber isn’t allowed to do pickups). If you’re adventurous and packed very light, the slow but comfortable Ruta del Desierto bus from the airport’s domestic terminal can get you as far as Puerto Paraiso mall, a mile from the resort, for $5. On the other end of the cost spectrum, private transport can be arranged with the hotel.
Parking: Complimentary valet parking.
Location: Along the southernmost stretch of beach in town, a 15-minute walk from the tourist center.
This property stands out even among other luxury properties in Los Cabos because every unit, from the standard rooms on up, comes with its own (small) heated pool. We’ll have plenty more on those pools below.
Booking with points
Paid rates all-in start at just over $1,200 a night for a standard room, but at high season those rates can more than double.
Awards start at 120,000 points per night for a base room, in which case your redemption would be worth no worse than 1 cent per point and easily north of 2 cents per point at peak periods.
As with many things in award travel, fortune favors those with the flexibility to drop everything and go. When I booked this with points in mid-March, every single day for the rest of the month was available at low-level award pricing:
What’s more, Hilton elites get every fifth night free when booking five or more consecutive standard award nights, which can effectively reduce the per-night rate to 96,000 points.
Watch out, though: Rates can jump to over 1 million points per night based on demand.
At last check, no 120,000-point dates remained for the winter 2023-24 travel season. If that’s when you want to go, watch award availability like a hawk, as it seems to come in waves.
🤓Nerdy Tip
American Express Membership Rewards transfer to Hilton Honors points at a 1:2 rate, meaning 60,000 AmEx points could theoretically cover a night here. If you prize luxury hotels over fancy flights, it’s a decent value.
The base room for award bookings is a Pacific View King. In my recent stay and a prior stay in 2021, the Hilton Honors Gold status conferred from holding the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card ($95 annual fee; terms apply) scored me a double upgrade to an Ocean View Deluxe room. It’s the same size as the base room with a full, unobstructed ocean view.
Around the resort
Design and layout
Cabo itself is situated in a landscape where desert, mountains and sea all seem to collide, and the resort’s design blends well with its surroundings.
In fact, you actually have to go through a little mountain — via a chandelier-lit tunnel — to get to the resort from town.
I arrived on foot, passing through a security checkpoint before getting whisked through the short tunnel on a golf cart. Once on the other side, I arrived at the open-air check-in lobby, where I was greeted with a welcome margarita.
While standard check-in time is 3 p.m., I arrived at noon, which gave me some time to explore the grounds before the desk texted me around 1 p.m. to tell me my room was ready.
Beyond the lobby, the resort sprawls out over 24 beachfront acres along and up the base of the mountainside.
Most common areas are grouped on two-tiered levels; it only took me a few pleasant minutes to walk from one end of the resort to another.
The tiered design assures that every unit has a view of some kind, although some views are better than others.
Generally speaking, the higher on the property you go, the more expansive the view — but the more you’ll see between you and the ocean.
In terms of privacy, it can vary wildly. The outdoor spaces of some of the casitas around the pool are quite exposed, as are the lower levels of some of the larger buildings. I wrote ahead to request a more private room and was happy with what I wound up with.
Although the resort’s design can feel somewhat spare from the outside, the small details stand out once indoors.
Food and beverage
The property features four restaurants ranging from fancy to poolside casual, along with three bars and a coffee shop.
As a Hilton Honors Gold member, I could enjoy the $34 continental breakfast buffet for free at Don Manuel’s, which is open for all meals of the day but serves breakfast starting at 7 a.m.
Continental breakfast included granola, fruit, cereal, coffee, freshly squeezed juice and a selection of pastries.
For an upcharge of $13 (including taxes) I upgraded to the Mexican breakfast, which included made-to-order huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, omelets and a rotating daily special, among other hot items.
For the sheer selection alone, it’s more than worth the price to upgrade, especially since you’re allowed to sample as many items as you’d like.
Everything I tried was good, but the most memorable items I had were the crackling, delicious buffet pastries and a spiced hot chocolate.
The highly regarded (and priced to match) El Farallon is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. I didn’t partake during my short stay, although if I carried the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($450 annual fee), this would be a solid way to use up much of the $250 annual Hilton resort credit that comes with the card. The cliffside location looked stunning.
Meanwhile, a recent addition to the resort’s bar offerings is Agave Study at Peacock Alley, which offers mezcal and tequila tastings paired with local bites.
Down on the beach you’ll find a separate champagne bar with swings for chairs, a fun place to spend a few minutes even if you’re not indulging.
Additionally, the resort offers cooking and cocktail-making classes for a fee.
Pools and hot tubs
The hotel features two main pools, one for adults and one for all ages. Each was consistently busy during my stay; these photos are generally from early in the day.
Both pools are designed with an infinity-style setup overlooking the long beach, which is shared with a few other hotels but felt secluded otherwise, given that it’s essentially cut off from the town proper.
The adults-only pool boasts a shaded swim-up bar, while the family pool features a built-in hot tub.
Just see an attendant and they’ll set you up at an available lounger with umbrella shade as desired. Sunscreen is available at both pools, too.
Poolside service was prompt and friendly, with several small water bottles delivered in a bucket of ice as soon as I got settled. (That said, I far preferred spending time in my own little balcony pool, where it’s a lot easier to imagine you’re the only one at the resort.)
Staff occasionally comes around with free popsicle treats, which is a nice touch.
Farther up from the beach are a small circular kids pool, suitable for splashing around, and a pool reserved for spa guests with small waterfalls built in.
🤓Nerdy Tip
As with most beaches around Cabo San Lucas, the ocean here isn’t really suitable for casual swimming due to waves that crash like thunder, plus an immediate, steep drop-off into deep water. For a more peaceful wave experience, take a short ride to busy Playa el Medano or a longer trek to gorgeous, less touristy Playa Palmilla.
Other amenities and extras
Elsewhere at the resort, you’ll find:
The aforementioned spa, with a full complement of paid treatments.
A kids club, which offers “family movie nights, curated programming, scavenger hunts, Spanish classes [and] cooking adventures,” the resort says.
A business center (basically just one room with a computer) and meeting facilities.
A well-appointed fitness center with yoga and a variety of other classes available.
A gift shop.
Two tennis courts.
Additionally, you’ll receive an email before arrival outlining the various paid excursions the resort is happy to set up for you, including land and sea activities.
In the room
Once my room was ready, I was escorted over and given a full tour by the agent who had checked me in. My unit was on the third of four floors of Building 1, beachside on the edge of the property next to El Farallon.
Previously, I’d stayed in Building 3, higher up near the lobby. The views were excellent in both cases, but I preferred Building 1 because there was no visual distraction between me and the beach/ocean.
The star of the show was the infinity ocean-view balcony and plunge pool, which is roughly 12 feet long by 4 feet across. It’s 3 feet deep with a full-length step-down that can seat at least 4 comfortably.
While nobody would confuse this for a full-size pool, you can paddle around and even do mini-laps if you desire. Or you can sit, stretch your legs, soak for hours, and (in season) scan the horizon for whales — your choice.
The only whales I spotted were a couple of cruise ships as they meandered past, alas.
The plunge pool got good morning sun but was shaded for most of the day, which I actually appreciated. It’s kept at a comfortably warm temperature (between 80 and 84 degrees year-round, the resort says) and felt nice even on mild 65-degree nights.
The balcony features slanted privacy slats on the side making it easy to see out while shielding others from seeing in. There’s plenty of comfy seating, although I wouldn’t have minded a full-size lounger in lieu of one of the two small sitting couches.
In terms of outside noise: I didn’t hear much of anything while in my room (score one for the soundproofing), but on the balcony, it’s pretty much impossible not to hear others nearby enjoying their outdoor space. If you’re anywhere near a main pool, you’ll likely hear that during the day, too, but it’s nothing a good pair of earbuds can’t cancel out. At night, all I could hear with my balcony open was the sound of crashing waves.
The room was a cozy 856 square feet, which included a knob-controlled fireplace and an oh-so-comfy king bed. (The square footage includes the outdoor space, too.)
The open bathroom boasted a rain-water shower and a large soaking tub with a loofah and what looked like honey but was actually bubble bath solution. It also had a mini seating area that functions as a visual buffer as much as anything else.
Toiletries come in the form of pump-style bottles meant to carry over from guest to guest, a slight letdown to those who like to take home leftover samples of fancier stuff than we’d otherwise use day-to-day.
Rooms include complimentary mini-bars stocked with water and soft drinks. (Did I get in touch in advance to request a fridge full of zero-calorie Coke products? Maybe…)
🤓Nerdy Tip
Tap water in Mexico isn’t safe to drink, but the staff will bring you as much water as you need upon request for free. As far as room service dining goes, that’s available too, but for an extra cost.
Also in my room, and complimentary for all guests, was a 200 mL bottle of Clase Azul Reposado tequila (a roughly $40 value and equivalent to four or five shots) with a ramekin of warm nuts, along with some apples. The tequila bottle is yours to take home and makes for a nice keepsake of your stay.
Every unit on property, from standard rooms to stand-alone villas, also includes the following:
A Nespresso machine.
Plush bathrobes for use during your stay.
A set of binoculars, useful for whale-watching.
A nice toiletry bag that was stocked (rather sparsely, in my case) with mouthwash, shoe shine, a sewing kit and a shower cap. The bag is yours to keep.
A beach bag, also yours to keep.
Free Wi-Fi, which was reliable all over the property (at least for basic internet browsing).
An afternoon snack of warm tortilla chips served with outstanding guacamole and pico de gallo, plus a pair of Corona beers, available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and delivered upon request. (The hotel has a chat feature in the Hilton app that makes this or any other request seamless.) On both of my stays the resort accommodated my request for margaritas rather than beers.
A safe to lock your valuables.
An evening turndown service is offered in addition to morning housekeeping, but allow a wide time window for both. When asked at check-in when I’d prefer my turndown I said 8 p.m., but it wasn’t done yet when I returned to my room a little before 9. By then, I was ready to fall asleep to the crashing waves and texted the front desk to (nicely) say never mind.
🤓Nerdy Tip
I initially thought I’d have to unplug a lamp by the bed to charge my phone, but upon looking more closely, I found that the night tables have a well-camouflaged set of plugs and USB outlets on the sides adjacent to the bed.
Larger suites and stand-alone villas might include such extras as a fire pit, a larger private pool, beach hammocks, a full kitchen or even a dedicated butler.
Beyond the resort
If you’re staying longer than a couple days, it’s well worth budgeting some time to get to know the Cape region, preferably by car.
CentralCabo San Lucas(just outside the resort) exudes an overtly touristy party vibe that might not be for everyone. Large cruise ships dock here often, and strolling the pedestrian zone that encircles the marina is a great way to feel like you’re back in the States.
That said, if it’s endless shopping you’re after, check it out — just try to time your visits to avoid those midday cruise crowds. You can walk through the tunnel into town or request a golf cart to take you as far as the outer security gate, from which the marina is a 5-minute walk.
San Jose del Cabo, closer to the airport, is San Lucas’ more sedate, artsy counterpart. The strollable streets of its compact central core radiate from Plaza Mijares, a large car-free public square. A pleasant walk (or bike ride, along separated green lanes) southward along the estuary and then westward alongside the beach resorts is a pleasant way to pass a couple of hours.
If you like San Jose, you’ll likely love Todos Santos, an even more charming, artsier outpost about an hour north of San Lucas. Even farther afield, La Paz is known for its pretty colonial downtown. The largely unspoiled East Capeis also worth exploring, but you’ll want a 4×4 to access many of its jewels.
When to go
Cabo San Lucas has a dry, relatively mild season from roughly December through March. The rest of the year is warm to hot, with rains mostly confined to August through October. Hurricanes are a factor to consider; for instance, Hurricane Kay brought heavy rains as it passed just west of Cabo in September 2022.
For me, the sweet spot for visiting Cabo is between mid-November and New Year’s, when the ocean is still warm enough for comfortable swimming (at wave-free beaches) but the air temperature isn’t sweltering and rain chances are minimal.
The bottom line
When this property became bookable with Hilton points it was an instant darling in the world of award travel, and for good reason.
It’s more than just that warm pool of your own, where hours can easily slip away gazing out at the ocean with a pleasant margarita buzz.
It’s also the gracious service that’s there when you need it but never hovers, delivered with a palpable sense of pride that makes it easy to forgive a few relatively minor lapses.
Given that the base rate for many standard-issue Hilton properties these days is 40,000 points per night, it’s easy to wonder how much longer this oasis can be enjoyed for just triple that amount. Soak it up while you can.
This stay was independently reviewed and paid in full by the writer.
All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.
(Top photo by Brad Walters)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Crate & Barrel is allowing Bed Bath & Beyond customers to transfer their registries to furniture and home-decor chain.
Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy in April after months of cost-cutting measures.
Fewer customers were using Bed Bath & Beyond’s registries ahead of the bankruptcy.
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Bed Bath & Beyond’s bankruptcy.
Crate & Barrel says customers who created wedding or baby gift registries at Bed Bath & Beyond or its BuyBuy Baby brand can transfer them to the Illinois-based furniture and home-decor retailer.
To do a transfer, the customer would need to create a Crate & Barrel or Crate & Kids registry, take a screenshot of their Bed, Bath & Beyond or BuyBuy Baby registry, then bring it into a Crate & Barrel store. They can also send it in by text.
Customers who roll over will receive 20% off one item and complimentary assistance from experts to complete their registries with the same or similar items, per the website.
Bed Bath & Beyond filed for bankruptcy last month after closing hundreds of stores, cutting jobs, and taking other steps in recent years to shore up its finances.
In an FAQ about the bankruptcy, the company said that customers’ registry data is “safe and you can still view your registry at this time.”
“We expect to partner with an alternative platform where you will be able to transfer your data and complete your registry,” the website said. “No new registries will be created. We are focused on providing updates as quickly as practicable and are working to provide details in the coming days.”
Bed Bath & Beyond did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for an update on its plans.
Bed Bath & Beyond’s registry business was already struggling pre-bankruptcy. As of April, the number of registries containing Bed Bath & Beyond items on the wedding-services platform Zola was down by more than half compared to last year, Bloomberg reported.
Crate & Barrel isn’t the only company picking up the bones of the deteriorating Bed Bath & Beyond. Competitors like Walmart and Target are set to gain a bigger market share of the home goods product space. And stores like JoAnn, The Container Store, and Big Lots are all accepting Bed Bath & Beyond coupons.
Do you have a wedding or baby registry through Bed Bath and Beyond? We want to hear from you. Contact reporter Ben Tobin on email at [email protected].
By Peter Anderson35 Comments – The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited May 6, 2019.
Christmas time is one of the most joyous times of the year at our house, but if you’re not careful it can also be one of the most expensive times of year. If you’re trying to cut down on spending, like we are at our house, it can become a challenge to find creative gifts to give.
Today I thought I would try to put together a list of ideas for some good frugal gifts that you can give this Christmas. (The frugality of the gifts vary from gift to gift, but I’ve linked some possibilities on Amazon. You can probably find some cheaper ways to put these things together yourself if you try.)
Check out the newly expanded list: 100 Frugal Christmas Gifts
50 Frugal Gifts
Baked goods: I don’t know any guy who wouldn’t love to get a box full of cookies, banana bread and pastries! (Hint: not good for someone on a diet)
If you’ve got an old laptop, make a frugal digital picture frame out of it!: At 14-15″ it’ll be bigger than most you buy at the stores, and cheaper since you’ll be using old parts!
Personalized Calendars: Most photo processing places will have these personalized calendars you can buy, or pick up pre-made ones in Target’s dollar bins. Get photos of you and the person you’re giving the gift to in each season, and place them in the appropriate month/season of the year!
Themed gift baskets: Give a themed gift basket. For example, a movie night theme basket with microwave popcorn, a movie or two, and some cheapo popcorn buckets from Target dollar bin.
Custom t-shirts: Create your own custom t-shirt for a family member on Cafepress. It’s cheaper than you might think!
Scrapbooks: Make a scrapbook for a close friend showng moments you’ve shared together. My wife did this for a friend’s wedding. Very meaningful.
Donation to a local charity: Give to a local charity in someone’s name. Make sure it’s a charity that they would actually give to.
Handmade Christmas ornaments: make personalized Christmas ornaments for your friends and family!
Board Games: buy a board game, a gift that gets the family together and keeps on giving all year long! Even better, if you can find some board games at garage sales or on ebay, create a themed game night gift basket (see above)!
Family history DVD: Put together a family history DVD with photos, writtten family histories, video and anything else you can think of.
Framed family picture: Take a picture at a family event, frame it, and give it as a gift!
Coupon Books: Make a personalized coupon book with such favorite coupons as “back rub”, “dinner” or “clean the house”.
Make a blanket: make a nice fleece blanket. Instructions here.
Make some custom painted wine glasses: Make some custom painted wine glasses, and then give them along with a bottle of wine. Instructions here.
Give a magazine subscription: My brother loves reading National Geographic and the Economist. We gave him subscriptions as a gift.
Romantic evening gift set: Candles and fake flower petals! Cheap and fun!
Keeping warm gift set: Give a gift set of hat, scarf and gloves. Add long underwear as well if you wish!
Leatherbound journal: buy a nice leatherbound journal at your local Borders or Barnes and Noble. They make for a nice gift. Add a nice pen if you want to pay a little more.
Craft Kit: Put together a crafting kit with things like markers, glitter, scissors, clay, crayons, glue, paper, etc.
Photo Collage: If you’re handy with Photoshop or another image editing software, create a photo collage/montage, print it out and frame it! Or if you don’t have Photoshop, print separate pictures and create a collage.
Movie Tickets: Buy a pair of movie passes or a movie gift card for someone to go see a movie. Not as cheap as it used to be :).
Buy a single stock: Buy a family member a single stock to get them started, and give them a copy of a finance book like Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover (although you may want to stress that you’re giving it because it has helped you. People can get touchy about money related gifts)
Flannel Sheets and PJs: Buy a keeping comfy gift pack with flannel sheets and pajamas!
Coffee Lovers Gift Pack: Buy some gourmet coffee and a personalized coffee cup for the coffee lover on your list.
Set of soaps, towels and soap dish: Put together a nice matching set of hand towel and soap dish, and then give some handmade soaps.
Big breakfast gift pack: Put together a gift pack with pancake mix, batter dispenser, syrup and pancake mix-ins.
Puzzle day: Give a gift pack of a puzzle and snacks to eat while you do the puzzle!
BBQ Kit: Get some BBQ sauce from local source, and add it to a nice BBQ Utensil kit.
Basket of spices and seasonings: Put together a basket of seasonings and spices from a local spice or grocery store. Make sure to get a good mix for cooking, BBQs, etc.
Netflix subscription: Pay for someone to have netflix for a couple of months. If they have a connected device, they can even stream movies!
Deck of cards and book of card games: Buy a cheap pack of cards, and a book listing the rules of different card games. Good for hours of fun!
Cheap keychain digital picture viewer: Buy someone a cheap digital picture viewer keychain (around $20?) and fill it with pictures.
Bath time gift pack: Buy a nice wash clothe, some bath oils/beads and even some lotions at your local bath store.
Mix tape: Make a mix CD from Itunes with some of the person’s favorite music on it.
Botanicals: buy a nice low maintenance plant to brighten up their day, along with a small watering can.
Make a recipe box: If you’re good with wood, make a nice recipe box, and fill it with blank recipe cards.
An appreciation book: Get a nice journal, and write in it to the person about how much you appreciate them, things you love about them, shared moments and experiences and general encouragement. Even add a few photos.
Book gift pack: Find some books on your own shelf that you’ve already read, and put together a gift pack of books
Chocolate attack!: Put together a gift pack with all kinds of chocolate. Hot chocolate, chocolate bars, truffles, etc.
Car wash kit: Put together a kit for washing the car. Can include things like sponge, tire brush, bug remover, car soap, etc.
Regifted items: Did you get a 2nd crock pot last Christmas that you haven’t used? Give it away this Christmas (to someone other than who you received it from)
“That’s a spicy meatball” gift pack: Give them a nice italian dinner with a pasta bowl, pasta, strainer, fancy olive oil, pasta utensils and even some sauce.
Give your service: Good at cooking? Offer to come over and cook a gourment meal. Are you a designer? Offer your design services for free. Good with computers? Offer free tech support. You get the idea.
Wine and cheese gift pack: Buy a variety of specialty cheeses, crackers and a bottle of wine. Put it together and you have one gourment evening!
Picnic pack: Put together a picnic pack with a blanket, a basket, some cheap utensils and plates.
Sewing Kit & lessons: put together all the sewing essentials (thread, needles, pins, etc) and then give the person lessons on how to sew.
Gardening gift pack: Buy the person gardening gloves, gardening tools and some seeds. Put them all in a small bucket or waterging can.
Handmade jewelry: Make a handmade necklace or bracelet at a local bead or craft store. Give it as a meaningful gift.
Music lover’s delight: give an itunes gift card, along with a book about their favorite artist or band
Beer afficionado gift pack: Give a beer mug, snacks and gift card from a local brew pub.
A Birdhouse: Give your loved one of these bluebird houses so they can relax on the porch and watch the colorful avians.
Now that I’ve given you some ideas for some frugal Christmas gifts, why don’t you give us your own ideas! Leave a comment with your idea for a good frugal Christmas gift below!
More Ideas
50 ideas not enough? Here’s some more ideas for a frugal Christmas!
Everyone always wants their house to be pulled together for the holidays. I’m no different. But since I can’t make couches or rugs magically ship faster, I’m making progress wherever I can. Case in point: Our laundry room! I’d neglected to actually design the space before we moved into our new house. But now that the room is all dressed up nice, I can actually smile while doing my chores!
You may have caught the before pic of the space in this post. But in case you missed here it is again.
It was essentially nothing more than a tiny box with a giant washer & dryer in it! When it came to actually designing this space, I focused on 3 main goals.
Make it Functional: In the rush of the move, I didn’t put thought into the laundry room. I knew I wanted a front loading washer dryer for their easy loadability and capacity. But I got mine and just plopped them in there. I didn’t spend anytime thinking about how to optimize space, storage or really make the room work.
Add Storage: Now that I’m mom, I’m dealing with every kind of laundry dilemma under the sun. So the amount of stain boosters, whiteners and laundry pre-treaters have exploded. I needed to create space in our laundry room so there would be room for it all.
Make it Really Really Good Looking: Utility spaces can look just as good as any other room in the house. A few design tricks can make even highly functional spaces chic.
And if I do say so myself, I think I was able to achieve all three of my goals – though I’ll let you be the final judge.
Let’s talk function first. I selected the LG SideKick for my laundry room. I adore them, but they are a pretty big washer and dryer. They both sit on pedestals making them nice and tall. They are also rather deep. We nestled them into the wall as much as possible, but the room is relatively narrow. To get the storage I was craving, I had a custom shelf built that just fits over the two units. That shelf allows me to have everything I use daily – detergent and boosters like Clorox Control Bleach Packs at arms reach. I like that I don’t have to open any cupboards or move things in and out. Everything is right at my finger tips.
I was also able to capitalize on storage built into the LG Twinwash washer/dryer system itself. For one thing, the washer pedestal actually conceals an additional washer! That lets me do a quick small load, wash delicates or soak stained items in my favorite pre-treaters without needing an additional tub or bucket. Winning! The dryer pedestal is actually a storage drawer. That’s where I house all my laundry secret weapons like Clorox 2 Stain Remover, Clorox 2 Darks and Denim, Oxi Max Radiant White and the like. I love that it keeps all the packaged goods tucked away where I don’t have to stare at any labels. Again, winning!
The design elements of the room are where the form and function really come together. I started by installing beautiful Erica Tanov wallpaper to create a dramatic feature wall at the back of the room. I’m in love with the gold foil. It’s the perfect backdrop for my storage system. I worked with local organizing guru Bliss Haus to design a beautiful laundry storage set up. Everything is decanted into glass jars for a clean, uniform look. There are even jars to collect dryer lint and lost socks! The custom print labels are so cool. It really took the room to the next level. A modern white and wood metal Japanese basket holds spray bottles and scented room spray. Because sometimes laundry rooms just get funky.
I used jars with wooden lids from the Jenni Kayne to mix in a modern touch. To add even more texture, I added a vintage Moroccan dhurrie from St Frank to the floor. The golden tones warm up the room and tie in with the Erica Tanov wallpaper’s golden hue. My favorite design idea in the space might have to be the Meghan Shimek weaving I found at local San Francisco boutique The Podolls. I needed something to conceal our electric panel. The wall hanging does the job perfectly. A fiddle leaf fig and white textured planter from Flora Grubb adds life and a pop of rich color.
All these elements come together to create my dream laundry room. I can do loads and loads while loving my surroundings. One more room down. Many more to go!
Check out our entire archive of house updates and all the rooms completed to date HERE.
For more of my favorite house tours, CLICK HERE.
original photography for Apartment 34 by aubrie pick
This content was created is in partnership with Clorox.
Inside: You are wanting to work from home. Here are the best non phone work from home jobs. Exactly what you wanted to find.
Are you looking for a work from home job but don’t want to deal with people? You’re in luck!
There are plenty of non-phone jobs that allow you to work from the comfort of your own home.
This is becoming more and more popular because it allows you autonomous work without the influence of talking to others.
Plus we will cover the best non phone work from home jobs! There are many options available.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the 35 best non-phone jobs for you:
Can you work from home without talking on the phone?
Yes, you can work from home without talking on the phone.
More and more jobs are transitioning away from the use of a phone. So, there is no better time than to transition yourself.
Best non phone work from home jobs
Here is a comprehensive list of the best non phone work from home jobs.
You will find a variety of part-time, full-time, and contract opportunities in a wide range of fields. Also, the opportunity to become your own boss.
1. Stock Trader
Stock traders must have a good understanding of market trends, economic forces, and have the ability to make quick decisions based on their analysis.
The benefits of working as a stock trader include high pay, job security, and the potential to make a lot of money if the stock market is performing well.
Additionally, stock traders are able to work from home and have flexible hours, meaning that they can plan their working day around other commitments.
Personally, this is one way I make money is by trading stocks and options. Join the $1000 in a day club.
2. Video Editor
A video editor is someone who works with audio and visual content to create cohesive and engaging visuals for either commercial or creative purposes.
They use various software programs to manipulate video clips, sounds, and images in order to create a compelling story. The role of a video editor involves careful attention to detail and the ability to utilize a wide range of software and hardware.
The advantages of a job as a video editor include the potential to work from home and create a flexible schedule, as well as the potential to make great money, depending on the level of experience.
Additionally, it can be a great way to express creativity and further develop important skills.
On the other hand, one of the major disadvantages of working as a video editor is the high stress level that comes with the role.
Video editors are often under pressure to deliver projects under tight deadlines, which can lead to increased pressure and stress. Additionally, there is often a steep learning curve, as video editing requires a lot of technical knowledge and experience.
3. Proofreader
Proofreading is a non-phone work from home job that involves reading and carefully reviewing written documents for errors of spelling, grammar, syntax, and punctuation. It also involves making sure that the text makes sense and is consistent with the document’s purpose.
Proofreaders are expected to identify and correct errors as they appear in the text.
The pay for proofreaders is typically between $44k and $58k per year.
To make the job easier, I would take the Proofreading Anywhere course to understand what is expected of you.
4. Data Entry Jobs
Data entry clerks are often required to sort, organize, and verify the accuracy of data before entering it into the computer system.
Additionally, this type of job does not require any prior experience and can be learned quickly.
Data entry clerks can usually make an hourly wage, which makes it a great option for those looking for a side income. Furthermore, data entry clerks are often hired for short-term or part-time projects, allowing them to pick and choose their hours.
5. Writer
Typically, the role of a writer is to produce content, such as blog posts, articles, product reviews, press releases, and more, for various companies.
Writers must have a good command of the English language and demonstrate great grammar and spelling in order to be successful. Additionally, writers must have the ability to create content that is search engine optimized and persuasive.
Many people have found the Earn More Writing course helpful to bump start your freelance writing potential.
All in all, freelance writing is a great way to make a living and offers flexible hours, the potential for long-term growth, and higher pay rates.
6. Web Search Evaluator
Search engine evaluators have the important job of ensuring that search engine results are relevant and accurate to the user’s intent.
For example, a user might enter the search query ‘chocolate cupcake recipes’, and the search engine should return relevant results such as recipes. If the search results are irrelevant or inaccurate, the search engine evaluator is tasked with rating them accordingly.
Search engine evaluators typically earn around $20 per hour and can make up to $40k a year if they take the job as full-time professional.
7. Virtual Bookkeeper
A virtual bookkeeper is a professional who can provide bookkeeping services to businesses from remote location.
Most people choose to work for themselves as a bookkeeper with a bookkeeping side gig (or full-time business).
One of the main benefits of working as a virtual bookkeeper is that no college degree or qualification is needed to get started. Generally, bookkeepers charge around $80 an hour or more for their services.
Finally, you can learn more about getting started with Bookkeeper Launch to help you become a freelance bookkeeper.
8. Image Reviewer and Photo Editor
Similar to a video editor, a photo editor’s duties include, but are not limited to, ensuring that images display the desired quality, accuracy, and clarity; checking for visual consistency across all images; editing images to make them look more appealing; and providing feedback on the images.
Additionally, they may be responsible for curating collections of images, creating new content, and managing projects.
For those looking to sell on Shutterstock, this is a great side hustle.
9. Create and Sell Printables on Etsy
With a little creativity and the right software, you can create unique printables that customers can purchase and print out themselves.
This can be a great way for you to make passive income with minimal effort.
In fact, my friends Cody and Julie did so well selling printables; they now teach others how to make a living creating and selling printables.
10. Selling on Amazon (FBA program)
This is a way to make money by reselling products you find online or in brick and mortar stores on Amazon for a higher price.
Amazon will ship the products to your customers, handle customer service, and even provide storage for the products.
With the right amount of work and dedication, you can make quite a bit of money with FBA.
11. Blogger
With blogging, you have the ability to work from anywhere in the world with just a computer and an internet connection.
You can write about whatever topics you are passionate about and be your own boss.
You can also make money blogging through various income streams such as affiliate marketing, paid sponsorships, ads, and more.
12. ESL Instructor
The job of an ESL (English as a second language) instructor is to provide English language instruction, usually via webcam, to those who are not native English speakers.
The benefits of this job are numerous: it allows for flexible hours, can be done from anywhere in the world, and offers an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of learners from all over the world. Additionally, being an ESL instructor allows one to learn about other cultures, stay up to date with language trends, and gain valuable professional experience.
To get the job, you need to have a thorough understanding of the English language and pass any certification tests.
This is a great type of job that pays weekly.
13. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) is a professional who provides administrative and technical support to clients remotely. They help with a variety of tasks like answering emails, data entry, blog management, bookkeeping, editing, proofreading, marketing, research, filing documents, and customer service – to name just a few.
The type of services you offer will depend on your skills, experience, and education.
The biggest benefit of working as a VA is that you can work from home and set your own hours.
And the pay can be quite lucrative, with rates ranging from $25 to $100 an hour.
If you’re interested in becoming a VA, Kayla Sloan offers a free workshop that teaches people how to become Virtual Assistants and makes up to $10,000 a month. Download her Virtual Assistant checklist.
14. Accountant
An accountant is a professional who is responsible for tracking financial records and preparing financial statements for a business or individual. They ensure that their clients’ finances are accurate and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
One of the primary benefits of working from home as an accountant is flexibility. You are able to work your own hours and set your own schedule. This allows you to create a better work-life balance and also gives you more time to spend with your family.
15. Freelance Jobs
A freelancer is someone who does work for themselves and not for a company.
This is typically contract-type work.
You can find freelance jobs on sites such as Upwork, Fiverr, or People Per Hour.
The best way to freelance is to know your own skills and how to monetize them.
16. Editor
An editor is a professional who is responsible for reviewing and improving documents, whether that be in print, online, or even on video.
Editing involves ensuring accuracy, flow, grammar, and style. This is a great non phone work from home job because it allows for great flexibility and does not require a college degree.
Most positions are freelance which means that you can work on your own schedule and take on as much work as you can.
17. Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers are in charge of maintaining a client’s presence on a variety of social media sites, such as Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Twitter, and Google Plus.
They are expected to respond to comments, manage brand partnerships, create posts, photos, and videos, and track analytics to come up with an effective marketing strategy to promote their client’s accounts.
In addition to creating content, Social Media Managers typically monitor and moderate what is posted on the client’s social media accounts. They are usually responsible for ensuring that the content is appropriate and that the rules and regulations of the platform are followed.
The potential salary range for Social Media Managers can vary, but they can typically make $78000 per year.
18. Transcriber
A transcriber’s role is to convert audio recordings into written documents. They listen to audio files and type out what they hear.
Transcribers have the advantage of being able to work from home and can earn up to $21 per hour or more if they start their own business. They also have the potential to increase their wage upon gaining more experience.
Additionally, transcribers do not need to interact with other people, making it an ideal job for those who are more introverted or prefer working alone.
Finally, there are various resources available to help transcribers get started, including free mini-courses and companies that hire experienced and beginner transcribers.
19. Marketing Associate
As a Marketing Associate, you’ll be responsible for a wide variety of tasks, including developing and executing marketing campaigns, conducting market research, creating content, and managing and optimizing paid search, video creation, and other digital marketing efforts.
Additionally, you may be asked to support customer service via live chat, social media, text, and email.
The ideal candidate for this role will have excellent communication skills, be proficient in typing and have excellent spelling and grammar, and be passionate about social media platforms.
20. House sitter
A house sitter is someone who stays in a home while the homeowners are away and provides care for the premises and any pets that the homeowners may have.
The job of a house sitter includes tasks such as watering plants, taking out trash, and performing general maintenance of the property.
House sitters can benefit from the opportunity to experience different places, save money on rent, and have some extra time to explore their surroundings.
Platforms such as TrustedHousesitter.com make finding house-sitting jobs easier than ever before.
21. Online Tutor
The role of an online tutor is to guide students in their studies and help them understand a particular subject or skill virtually, through video chat or online software. Plus you have the opportunity to work with students from different countries.
Online tutoring jobs vary in requirements, but typically a bachelor’s degree or current college enrollment is needed.
They provide instruction and guidance, assist students with assignments, answer questions, and give feedback on their progress. The tutor also has a responsibility to motivate and encourage their students to stay on task and reach their academic goals.
22. Pet-Sitting Jobs
Pet sitting jobs can be a great way to make some extra money from home while spending time with animals (and not people)!
With Rover, you can earn anywhere between $10 and $20 an hour for dog walking, $20-30 for overnight stays, and some people are even making $1000+ a month in metro city areas. As a pet sitter, you have to stay at home with someone else’s pets and they pay you for taking care of their pets.
Rover.com is a great platform to find pet sitting jobs as they offer a wide range of services such as dog walking, pet sitting, and pet care.
23. Personal Stylist
Personal styling is an exciting and relatively new job that offers the opportunity to work from home. The role of a personal stylist is to help clients express their individual style through the selection of clothes, accessories, and other items.
It involves curating a set number of clothing items and accessories based on the client’s fashion profile. This job requires an eye for detail, an innate sense of style, and creativity.
It’s perfect for creative individuals who are passionate about fashion and have an eye for details.
24. Website Tester
Website testers are typically paid to assess the overall user experience on a website and provide feedback on how to improve it. W
You do not need a phone to complete your tasks; they only require a laptop with a webcam and microphone to record your observations.
Website testing is a non-phone work from home job that pays good money to ensure that websites are user-friendly. It is a flexible and straightforward way to make some extra cash.
25. Closed Captioner
A closed captioner is a person who transcribes audio into text for specific use on video.
This is a great job for those who learn and work better visually, as well as those who can type quickly and accurately. This type of work allows for a very flexible work schedule, meaning you can work when you are most productive and there is no need for any phone interactions.
You get the freedom to work on your own schedule and make a decent amount of money doing something that doesn’t require phone conversations.
26. Online Test Scorer
An online test scorer is responsible for scoring assessments such as tests, exams, and essays from students of high school or college. This job requires a certain level of expertise, as the test scorer must be able to interpret and evaluate the quality of the assessments accurately and fairly.
The test scorer must also be able to maintain the confidentiality of the students’ answers and grades and be able to provide feedback that is relevant and constructive.
This job typically requires a bachelor’s degree, and it is often seasonal with part-time hours.
27. Translator
The role of a translator is to take a language and convert it into another language, be it oral, written, or audio.
Translators not only have to be multi-lingual and have a good command of grammar and spelling, but they also need to be able to convey the meaning of the words they are translating accurately. They can work on a variety of projects, from subtitling to full-length books.
There is a wide range of online platforms on offer, so translators can pick the one that best suits their skill set and desired pay rate.
28. Graphic Designer
A Graphic Designer is someone who is skilled in using platforms like Photoshop, Canva, and other software to create visual and graphical designs.
Typically, these designs are used for things like logos and branding materials, websites, social media content, or clothing.
You must have a creative flair, as well as knowledge of graphic design and the required software. In order to be successful, they must have a computer with a good internet connection and the programs necessary to do the job.
29. Medical Coder and Biller
A medical coder and biller are responsible for translating a patient’s symptoms, diagnosis, and medication prescribed by a doctor into codes.
These codes are then entered into a database for the biller to use, who will turn them into a bill to be submitted to the patient’s insurance company.
The average pay scale for medical coders and billers can range from $45k – $65k per year, and they can find many remote positions on job sites like Indeed.com.
30. Instructional Designer
The role of an Instructional Designer is to research, write, design, and create training courses and manuals for a variety of people, such as educators, students, and employees.
Instructional designers need a degree in the subject being written about, or a degree in education, and should enjoy writing and editing. Working from home as an Instructional Designer has many benefits.
Working from home in an Instructional Designer role gives you the freedom to explore new methods and techniques to create the best possible course or manual.
31. Non-Phone Remote Nursing Jobs
With more and more companies offering remote work opportunities, there are many non-phone remote nursing jobs available.
The type of work ranges from utilization review nurses, clinical research associates, and data abstractors all work with data and compliance, ensuring procedures are being followed correctly and that they are medically necessary.
Companies such as Cigna, CVS, Flatiron, PPD, and UnitedHealth Group are just some of the many hiring companies offering these types of remote nursing positions.
32. Fraud Investigator
Fraud investigators are in demand in many industries, including financial institutions, e-commerce stores, healthcare companies, and insurance companies. As a fraud investigator, you’ll be tasked with looking for fraud, abuse, and irregularities in financial transactions.
If you have an eye for detail and like doing research, this could be a great non-phone job opportunity for you.
Companies usually require customer service experience or a criminal justice degree and/or a CAMS certification (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist). It’s a great way to make a good income without having to pick up the phone.
33. Community Moderator
A community moderator is a person who oversees online forums, groups, and social media accounts to ensure that rules and regulations are being followed, questions are being answered, and spam and junk content are being removed.
It is an online opportunity where moderators can be employed to manage and moderate comments on various social media sites and chat rooms.
The benefits of working as a community moderator include the opportunity to work from home and a flexible schedule. Additionally, moderators will gain experience in digital engagement, such as moderating forums, chatting with customers, managing communities, and buzzing on social media.
34. Netflix Tagger
The Netflix Tagger is a real job opportunity that allows individuals to work from home watching movies and tagging them with the appropriate keywords, genres, and descriptions.
This job is ideal for those who have a passion for movies and experience or education in radio, television, and film.
Working as a Netflix Tagger (also known as Metadata Analyst) is not only rewarding but it is also beneficial for those who want to work remotely without having to make phone calls or talk to customers.
35. Provider Enrollment Specialist
A provider enrollment specialist is a non-phone work-from-home job that involves researching, reviewing, analyzing, and managing provider enrollment applications to ensure they are in compliance with guidelines.
Provider enrollment specialists usually require prior experience in medical terminology, appeals, claims, or customer service, and may also require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
36. Survey Taker
By completing surveys, survey takers are able to share their opinion and help inform companies and brands on how to provide better products and services that meet customer needs and expectations.
Benefits of working as a survey taker from home include the flexibility of being able to work at your own pace and the ability to earn extra income while working whenever and wherever you choose.
Additionally, survey takers can take advantage of cash, rewards, and sweepstakes entries as compensation for their time.
It is not a way to get rich, but it is a great way to make extra money on the side.
Here are the top legit survey platforms:
37. Chat and Email Support
Chat and email support workers provide customer support and assistance via email and online chat. They are responsible for responding to customer inquiries and resolving customer issues.
This customer service-oriented position does not require the use of a phone.
Chat and email support workers must be able to answer customer questions and respond to their inquiries quickly and accurately. They must also be able to use active listening skills and type quickly.
Companies often provide chat and email support workers with guidelines for providing customer support, and they may also require workers to understand their products in order to provide effective customer service.
Are non phone work from home jobs legitimate?
The answer is yes! In fact, there is a growing number of non-phone work from home jobs for those who don’t want to be on the phone all day.
Whether you’re a mom with kids and pets running around, or if you find customer service work draining, there are good options out there for you to make money from home without being on the phone.
In conclusion, non-phone work from home jobs are legitimate and provide a great opportunity to make money from home without being on the phone.
FAQs
Ultimately, the skills needed to succeed in non phone work from home jobs will depend on the type of job you are pursuing.
More than likely, you’ll need excellent typing skills, excellent spelling and grammar, and the ability to troubleshoot and solve issues, among other skills.
However, many of the jobs mentioned above pay between $15 an hour to $50 an hour.
Some companies may also offer a base salary plus bonuses or incentives.
Fortunately, there are plenty of non-phone jobs available for remote workers that don’t require a diploma.
However, you may have to take some online courses to excel faster in your field.
Many on this list are great low stress jobs that pay well without a degree.
Yes, there are software or tools needed for non-phone work from home jobs, depending on the type of job.
More than likely, you will need a computer and a reliable internet service.
Are you Excited to Work from Home Job No Phone?
Working from home has become increasingly popular over the years, as it offers flexibility, comfort, and the ability to work from anywhere.
All of these jobs that offer the best comfort and increased focus is working from home on the laptop. The advantages of this job include flexibility in schedules, the ability to remain in control of your own workspace, and enhanced focus as there is less noise and distraction.
With the number of remote job leads that are available, you are sure to find the perfect work from home job that suits your needs.
In addition, working from home gives you the freedom to work in a location of your choice. You no longer have to commute to an office or be bound by office hours.
Also, you can take breaks when you need them and work in a comfortable environment.
Which career choice are you going to look into?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
By Peter AndersonLeave a Comment – The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited December 11, 2020.
I was tagged by Walk With Me in another blogger Meme today, The “one word meme”.
All you have to do is answer the list of questions with a one word answer.
When you’re done you tag four more bloggers to continue the meme.
I don’t always like doing these memes, but I needed a post today, and I thought this one might allow the readers to get to know me a bit better, so here we go!
1. Where is your cell phone? pocket 2. Your significant other? sleeping 3. Your hair? blonde 4. Your mother? Oneida 5. Your father? Minneapolis 6. Your favorite thing? faith 7. Your dream last night? blank 8 Your favorite drink? stout 9. Your dream/goal? retire 10. The room you’re in? basement 11. Your hobby? tennis 12. Your fear? speaking 13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? kids 14. What you’re not? rich 15. Muffins? chocolate 16. One of your wish list items? DSLR 17. Where you grew up? Minneapolis 18. The last thing you did? chew 19. What are you wearing? polo 20. Favorite Gadget? xbox 21. Your pets? Dog 22. Your computer? slow 23. Your mood? sleepy 24. Missing someone? No 25. Your car? Lumina 26. Something you’re not wearing? hat 27. Favorite store? Amazon.com 28. Like someone? Yes 29. Your favorite color? Blue 30. When is the last time you laughed? Today 31. Last time you cried? month
Ok, so there you have it. Now you know more about me than most of my family!
Tag you’re it! (of course no obligation if you’re not into the whole meme scene.)
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America is more than a little dog crazy: The percentage of households with a canine rose from 38.4% in 2016 to 44.5% in 2022. Owning a dog can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you choose a tiny toy Poodle or a mega Great Dane as your new best friend.
But amid imagining all the cuddles and sloppy kisses, many prospective pooch parents aren’t fully prepared for the expense of owning a pet. You might wonder: “How much should I budget for a dog?”
This can be an important question because not only can dog ownership be a huge personal commitment, it can also be a considerable financial investment too. The initial first-year investment has been estimated at between $1,135 and $5,155.
If you’re contemplating bringing home a new pooch, here’s the information you need to know about budgeting for a dog and how much it really costs.
Adoption Costs
The initial cost of adopting a dog can vary greatly depending on if the dog comes from a shelter or purchased from a breeder. As a range, however, Animal Humane Society sets its standard dog and puppy adoption fees between $215 to $414.
The fee cost varies, as some dogs (such as purebreds) are in higher demand and the organization needs to cover the cost of caring for animals who may take longer to adopt out (such as older dogs).
At many pet rescues, adoption fees also cover the cost of extra services, like a pet physical exam, deworming, spaying or neutering, or common vaccinations.
Meanwhile, buying a Goldendoodle from a breeder costs an average of $2,200. Purchasing a pet from private breeders, often, does not come with the extra services that some non-profit rescues cover. So, if an owner is considering the breeder route, the out-of-pocket cost of future medical visits, may be one more dollar sign to add to the eventual pet budget. This can help you know how much to allocate towards your new companion so you can avoid ending up with credit card debt.
Recommended: Tips to Save Money on Pets
Food and Treats
Some of the tiniest puppies can morph, in just a few months or years, into heftier eating machines. Young puppies can grow quickly. And, all that fast growth can mean they’ll eat…A lot.
So, food and treats can also play a significant role in your personal budget when you bring home a furbaby. Individual dog budgets can vary based on the size of the pooch and type of food each owner opts to feed their pet. Food choices might include dry kibble, wet food, a raw food diet, or some mix of each.
What to feed a dog is all a personal choice between the owner and their veterinarian. However, if someone is looking to estimate the potential cost of feeding a new dog, a recent survey estimates that pet parents can expect to spend about $287 a year on dog food and $87 on treats.
Recommended: Ways to Save Money on Food
Toys
Toys may seem like a silly little add-on, but they can play an important role in puppy development and adult dogs’ mental stimulation.
Toys can help dogs fight boredom when they are left at home alone and comfort them if they’re agitated. (With toys to gnaw on, dogs may be less likely to turn to shoes for a midday distraction.) Rather than investing in pricey toys, a simple tennis ball will satisfy many dogs. And, a dog owner can grab a can of three tennis balls on Amazon for about $4.
However, the cost here can also depend on just how quickly an individual dog chews through the balls. Some doggos do a great job of tearing them apart. So, a pet owner may want to budget a small amount, say $50 a year or so, to buy their pooch some toys.
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Pet Sitters or Walkers
Taking a vacation with a pet? Then pet sitting isn’t an expense. But for many people who work outside the home or travel without Fido, it may be a good idea to consider a dog walker or pet sitter. This person can be a trusted friend or family member, a neighbor, a kid down the street, or a professional service.
Even if it’s a friend, a new pet owner may want to budget in some dollars to pay this person. Doggie daycare can run $30 or more per day, so it can be helpful for owners to know how many days each month they might need a dog sitter. A typical pet sitter will charge at least $30 a day to attend to your pup.
Recommended: Tips to Cut Costs When Traveling with Pets
Incidentals
A lot of smaller expenses can come with owning a dog. Incidentals to budget for include things like, collars, leashes, dog beds, cleaning supplies, crates, pet bath products, and the all-important groomer.
Some may want to build in another cushion in a pet budget to cover the above-mentioned items, too. Pet I.D. tags and registering a pet with the city are extra costs to bear in mind. (For reference, it can cost between $8.50 and $34 a year to obtain a dog license in New York City.)
Routine Medical Visits
Dogs, like humans, need regular medical check-ups, so “How much will it cost?” is a wise question to ask when budgeting. Just like a human exam, dogs need blood drawn to check for diseases, routine vaccinations to prevent disease, and a general physical exam once a year to make sure their health is in working order.
Some pet organizations estimate this visit can run a pet owner between $210 and $260, but it can vary greatly depending on where the person and the pup live (and the age or breed of the dog). Given that variation, it can be helpful to budget at the higher end of that range (just in case).
Beyond the vet visit, pet parents may also want to add in a budget for preventative medicine. Depending on where an owner lives, a veterinarian could recommend a monthly flea and tick medication, along with regular heartworm medication, to prevent the dog from becoming afflicted. Flea and tick meds can range from $40 to $200 a year while heartworm medication averages $80 a year, and treatment, if your pet is diagnosed, can cost $400 to $1,000.
Pet Insurance
While pet insurance won’t cover routine veterinary visits, it could come in handy if an emergency occurs with the pup.
For example, a new dog could eat something that causes it to get sick — like, ingesting pieces of a chew-toy or snatching food with bones in it off an owner’s plate (or street).
Many pet insurance plans will cover a portion of medicines, treatments (including surgeries), and medical interventions that aren’t tied to a pre-existing condition.
Paying monthly for pet insurance, while the dog is young, could save an owner hundreds or thousands of dollars as a dog continues to age as well. (Generally, pet insurance costs less when a dog is younger). This kind of policy typically costs between $38 and $56 per month.
Pet insurance may cover things like ingesting harmful items or food, accidents, urgent care, and — in some cases — preventative medicine. The cost of pet insurance can vary by breed, age, and any other health history.
Emergency Fund
It can be wise to save up an emergency fund for pet-related expenses. Things just tend to happen with dogs around. They can accidentally knock things over with their tales, swallow objects. and need an emergency vet visit. Dogs can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time (ahem, chewed up leather shoes, ahem).
But, guess what? Having some financial discipline and going to that trouble can be worth it for a lick on the face, a little playtime, and coming home to a happy dog. Planning ahead for a pet budget can help new owners focus on those tail-wagging moments with Fido instead of stressing over canine costs.
The Takeaway
Saving in advance can make adopting and then caring for a dog easier. A SoFi Checking and Savings Account can be a great place to stash your money. It includes budget tracker tools, charges no account fees, and offers a competitive annual percentage yield (APY).
Ready to adopt a pup? Track your spending (and establish a dog budget based on your habits) with SoFi Checking and Savings.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 4/25/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners. SOBK0423060
Ironing boards are a household essential for those who like to keep their clothes neat and crisp. Whether you are a busy professional or a stay-at-home parent, a good-quality ironing board can make all the difference in the world when it comes to wrinkles.
From compact tabletop ironing boards to deluxe extra-wide ones, you’ve got plenty of options when it’s time to add an ironing board to your home. But, don’t stress, we’ve tracked down the best ironing boards from space savers to large, luxury ones. Which one will be right for you?
Tabletop ironing boards
Tabletop ironing boards are small and portable, making them ideal for those with limited space or those who only occasionally iron. They are characterized by their compact design and lightweight construction, and most models come with retractable legs or folding mechanisms for easy storage.
These tabletop ironing boards work for many because they are:
Small
Portable
Compact
Lightweight
They’re also pretty affordable and easy to store out of the way.
Honey-Can-Do Tabletop Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
Made of durable plastic, the Honey-Can-Do Tabletop Ironing Board is a sturdy choice that provides ample ironing surface. It folds in half for easy storage, making it a space-saving solution for small apartments. This ironing board also includes a metal iron rest to prevent scorching to ensure your iron stays in place whenever you need to set the iron down.
With its compact and portable design, the Honey-Can-Do Tabletop Ironing Board is a durable and reliable choice that makes ironing efficient and easy.
Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
Compact and collapsible the Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board is designed to fit on tables, counters and flat surfaces. Its steel mesh construction provides a durable and sturdy ironing surface, while the slide-out wire shelf is perfect for holding your iron or other ironing essentials.
The Household Essentials Tabletop Ironing Board features a 100 percent cotton cover and thick 5mm fiber pad, providing a resilient and matte-free ironing surface. Overall, this ironing board is perfect for small spaces, such as dorms or apartments. When not in use, it can be easily stored out of the way thanks to the over the door hook.
T-leg ironing boards
T-Leg ironing boards have a specific design for stability and support during the ironing process. They feature a T-shaped leg configuration that allows for maximum balance, making them ideal for heavy-duty ironing tasks.
These ironing boards are popular because they’re:
Stable
Supportive
Ideal for heavy-duty ironing
If you have a little more room in your apartment, they might be the way to go for your ironing needs.
Mabel Home Extra-Wide Ironing Pro Board
Source: Amazon.com
The Mabel Home Extra-Wide Ironing Pro Board is a high-quality and durable option with an extra-thick felt pad that provides a smooth ironing surface, with no bumps, ridges, or wrinkles. The one-piece laminated cover and pad ensure durability and longevity, and the loop leg design, with a contemporary gunmetal finish, provides extra strength and stability.
Designed for comfort and performance, this ironing board works great whether you’re sitting or standing. It features an ambidextrous iron rest that is angled for a naturally comfortable ironing rest position. Additionally, it has a stable low-level shelf that can be used to store folded clothes or a steamer. Overall, the Mabel Home Extra-Wide Ironing Pro Board is a versatile and efficient option.
Homz 4 Leg Steel Top Standard Freestanding Folding Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
The Homz 4 Leg Steel Top Ironing Board has a fully adjustable height, a large ironing surface and a patented leg lock for secure transport. Its white legs and designer cover adds a touch of style to this particular chore. You can get this ironing board in blue lattice, navy chevron, purple pattern, a few striped options and even a few solid colors.
The Homz 4 Leg Steel Top Ironing Board includes a 100 percent cotton cover with foam padding for a smooth and resilient ironing surface. Its steel top ensures durability and stability, making it ideal for heavy-duty ironing tasks. Overall, this is a great option for those who are looking fora reliable and sturdy ironing board.
Freestanding ironing boards
Freestanding ironing boards are full-sized boards that are designed to provide ample space for ironing clothes. They are typically adjustable in height and come with a range of features, such as steam iron rests and storage compartments.
The bulkiest of our boards, they’re defining characteristics include:
Full-sized
Adjustable in height
Feature-rich
If you’ve got a decent amount of storage space in your apartment, and have a lot to iron, this could be the right pick for you.
Brabantia Ironing Board C
Source: Amazon.com
The Brabantia Ironing Board is a plus-sized ironing board that provides a generous ironing surface ideal for large items such as sheets, curtains and tablecloths. This ironing board is designed for use with steam units, featuring an extra-large metal holder to comfortably hold them while you work. The adjustable working height of 29.5 to 38.6 inches ensures comfortable and ergonomic ironing for your back.
Despite its size, the Brabantia Ironing Board is easy to move thanks to its transport lock, which keeps the board folded and secure. The perfect-fit cover with cord binder and Stretch-System ensures a smooth and crease-free ironing experience.
This ironing board is Cradle-to-Cradle Certified at the Bronze level, making it planet-friendly. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns making it a fun and functional accessory to have in your home.
Bartnelli Pro Luxury Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
A high-quality ironing board designed to provide users with a sturdy and reliable ironing experience, the Bartnelli Pro Luxury Ironing Board is all about durability and long-lasting performance. The heavy-duty wide legs and big-sized board make it safe and stable, while the protective plastic shield on the legs prevents scratches on your floors.
The Bartnelli Pro Luxury Ironing Board features an extra-thick 100 percent cotton cover supported by foam to withstand heat and keep clothes from sticking. The metal mesh top allows steam to pass through and evaporate, providing an optimal ironing experience. The board cover is washable and changeable, and the iron and steam iron shelf and hanging rack provide added convenience while ironing.
This ironing board is height-adjustable and foldable, making it easy to store and move around. It also locks when folded to keep you safe as you carry it.
Xabitat Deluxe Extra Wide Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
The Xabitat Deluxe Extra Wide Ironing Board is designed for both business professionals and everyday home use. This ironing board features a premium, extra-wide surface to accommodate various clothing items, from pants to shirts. The board’s heat-resistant triple layering, consisting of foam, felt and fabric, can withstand high heat and steam, ensuring that clothes drape smoothly over the surface without sticking or damaging fabrics.
The Xabitat Ironing Board has a design that optimizes your storage options, including an unfolding storage tray at the bottom for stacking finished clothing, and a hanging rail that prevents wrinkled slacks, suit jackets or tops.
For added safety, the ironing board features a wire holder to keep the iron cord up and out of the way while you’re ironing, as well as a safety iron rest to keep the hot side away from you or your clothes.
Compact and portable, the Xabitat Ironing Board is the perfect size to keep in your bedroom closet or under the bed. Its non-slip shoes on the “feet” add better surface stability and grip, and the adjustable height helps match your hand level for optimal comfort while ironing.
ironMATIK Space Maker Premium Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
The ironMATIK Space Maker Premium Ironing Board has the ultimate space-saving design that is perfect for those who want to keep their ironing essentials organized. It comes with an extendable iron tray that snaps into place, providing the perfect space for your linen spray, cell phone, drink and other essentials you may need while ironing.
The wide ironing surface features an extra-thick, three-layer padding sleeve with a foam pad and durable felt pad that sits on top of the board’s mesh base to improve steam flow for wrinkle-free ironing. Six different height options add in the comfort of using this ironing board, and a sturdy leg design prevents wobbling while protecting your floors.
The board comes fully assembled, and its rust-proof paint ensures that it can sustain heavy steam usage for years to come.
Minky Homecare Ergo Plus Prozone Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
An extra-thick felt pad gives the Minky Homecare Ergo Plus Prozone Ironing Board a smooth ironing surface, and the one-piece laminated cover ensures no bumps, ridges or wrinkles as you iron. The Prozone cover also features a metallic coating at the nose end of the board for faster crease removal.
The loop leg design of the ironing board, with a contemporary gunmetal finish, provides extra strength and stability when in use, and an ambidextrous iron rest, angled for a naturally comfortable ironing rest position, makes using this board even better.
With flexible use for ironing and steaming, extra features let you store folded clothes, or a steamer, on the stable low-level shelf.
Over-the-door ironing boards
You can’t have a conversation about ironing board without mentioning at least one that stores over the door for the smallest footprint possible. They are designed to be hung over the back of a door and can be easily stored away when not in use, hardly taking up any room at all.
Household Essentials Over the Door Ironing Board
Source: Amazon.com
The Household Essentials Over the Door Ironing Board is an innovative solution for those who are tight on space but still need to iron their clothes. This ironing board can be easily hung over any standard or commercial door with its convenient over-the-door hooks.
The cotton board cover, with padding, provides a smooth surface for ironing, while the lever-action, open and close feature allows for easy setup and put up. The iron storage rack at the top ensures your iron is always within reach.
Choosing the best ironing board for your needs
Investing in a good-quality ironing board can make a significant difference in the way you keep your clothes neat and crisp. As you begin to shop though, don’t forget to think about the size of your ironing board, and how much room at home you have to spare, the type of ironing board you want and what additional features are important to have. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the ironing board that meets your specific needs and makes ironing easier and more efficient.
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Life insurance is important to have for your entire family.
When you are insured, you can make sure your family is well protected in the case of an accident that results in your death.
Being insured gives the ones you love some financial stability when faced with expenses that are more difficult to manage when losing your paycheck along with the extras that must be paid, like funeral costs.
While the benefits of this type of insurance are major and nothing to be overlooked, it does offer far more. When you have life insurance, you may also receive life insurance dividends. These give you money for your time, which you can then use; however, you want.
Life Insurance Dividends Pay You
When you buy one, you can receive a certain amount of money over time, which may not always be the same. The important thing to remember with these, though, is that you cannot get money all the time. How much you get and whether you do get them is determined by how much you invest in your policy. If you would like to earn more, you have to invest more. You will be paid the difference when it is time to pay out, helping you to make more money that you can use on several things, including your life insurance.
If you are paying more than you should, you can receive dividends. No matter the reason more money is being paid, this can help you to get some out of the situation. After you have spoken to someone about it, you can learn what to do to increase dividend amount as well as talk about ways to be paid yours.
You have several options available when trying to figure out what to do with them. One of the best things to do is to put them back into this. Since this is for your life, you need to make sure it is something that pays off. Lowering premiums, investing in more life insurance and lower rates are just a few things to consider when looking into your options.
When you’re looking at your dividends, you have four choices, we already mentioned two of them:
Take the money
Lower your Premiums
Put it in a savings portion in the insurance company to earn insurance
Increase your insurance
As we mentioned, we usually recommend adding additional insurance or lowering your premiums with the cash. It’s a great way to give your family additional protection without having to pay more out-of-pocket for the coverage.
When it comes to taxes, life insurance dividends can be tricky. Dividends earned off of a life insurance plan are not taxable by the IRS. They are not the traditional “dividend.” Basically, the IRS looks at them as refunds for your insurance policy.
In most cases, you only earn dividends on whole life insurance plans. The downside to these whole life insurance plans is the rates are higher. Sure, you get the dividends, but are those dividends going to outweigh what you’re paying in additional rates?
For some people, instead of paying the higher premiums, a better idea is to buy a term insurance plan and then invest the rest of money you save. Term insurance coverage is going to be half as expensive as a whole life insurance plan.
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Of Course, You Can Always Just Get Cash
This is something you must ask for, though. If you do, you will receive a check instead of the alternative, money you can use on anything. With this, you can use the money to pay off bills or simply invest it into something else. This is your money to use however you please, no matter what.
Having higher amounts is possible if you invest more over time. This will raise up your dividend amount and even make payments a lot easier on you.
With this, you can also bring in cash at a certain point regularly, considering you make it possible for you to receive life insurance dividends. They offer a lot for what you put in, especially when you are putting in large amounts of money. This can help to lower rates and premiums while having more for investment, regardless of what type of investment you are making.
Most people assume life insurance is only used for one thing, insurance protection, but there are several other ways that you can use life insurance coverage, and dividends is an excellent example of that. Every year, we get a lot of questions about dividends and the different aspects of life insurance coverage, and we are happy to answer those questions.
Life Insurance Dividends
Life insurance dividends are a mystery to most people. The majority of policyholders don’t fully understand them. Hopefully, this article has given you all the information you need to get the most out of your policy.