Looking for under the table jobs? When you’re looking for ways to earn extra cash, under the table jobs can be a route to take. These jobs typically pay with cash only. These can be part-time jobs, side hustles, or even a full-time career. Now, with under the table jobs, the person paying you is…
Looking for under the table jobs?
When you’re looking for ways to earn extra cash, under the table jobs can be a route to take. These jobs typically pay with cash only.
These can be part-time jobs, side hustles, or even a full-time career.
Now, with under the table jobs, the person paying you is not paying taxes. But, you still should pay taxes, as it is the law in the U.S.
Key Takeaways
Under the table jobs are a flexible way to earn cash without formal employment.
You can tap into many different job fields, from childcare to handyman services, to make extra money.
If a person pays you in cash, it’s still important to report that income to the IRS. If you don’t, it could be tax evasion, which is illegal.
Best Under the Table Jobs
If you’re looking for ways to earn cash, there are plenty of jobs that you can do under the table.
Some popular options include:
As a handyman, you can fix things around a house, like replacing a bathroom mirror or broken doors. If you’re good with tools and fixing things, this can be a great way to make some money.
If you like sharing what you know, tutoring might be a good side gig for you. You can help kids with their schoolwork or even teach music if you play an instrument.
Babysitting is a classic way to earn cash. You watch kids while their parents are away and might even help them with homework.
Love being outside? Try landscaping or mowing lawns. You can make yards look nice and make good money.
For those who love animals, dog walking or pet sitting are fun ways to make money. Spend time with pets, take them for walks, and make sure they’re fed.
Continue reading below to see the full list and learn more about under the table jobs.
1. Reseller
Resellers buy items and sell them for a higher price to make a profit.
You can find things at low prices from garage sales, thrift stores, or online clearance deals. Then, you sell them in places like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or even to friends and family.
You can sell things like clothes, electronics, toys, and books that people want. It’s usually a good idea to choose items you know a lot about because it makes it easier for you to know a good deal when you see one.
I personally have many friends who are resellers, and I was a reseller in the past as well (before I started blogging full-time!). It can be a great way to make cash income.
Whether you’re looking to make just a little extra cash or if you want a full-time job, this is a good option to look into.
I recommend watching the free webinar Turn Your Passion For Visiting Thrift Stores, Yard Sales & Flea Markets Into A Profitable Reselling Business In As Little As 14 Days to learn how to make money by flipping items.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
2. Childcare
A popular cash job is babysitting. Most moms and dads need good babysitters, and they’re happy to pay a fair amount for someone to watch their kids while they go out for the evening.
Babysitters make a good income these days – typically around $20 per hour.
If you think it might be tough to earn money this way, don’t worry – it’s possible. Just posting a simple message on your Facebook page could connect you with someone who needs a babysitter.
Note: I recommend making sure you check with your city or state before you begin. Also, make sure that your home is safe (if you watch children in your own home) and that you are CPR certified.
Recommended reading: 29 Best Stay At Home Jobs
3. Home and yard maintenance
When you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, you can do home and yard maintenance jobs. These are tasks people don’t have time to do themselves (or they simply don’t like to do!).
For example, if you like being outdoors, landscaping work might be perfect for you. Jobs in this area include lawn mowing, trimming hedges, and planting flowers.
If you prefer working indoors, you might focus on home maintenance tasks instead. Tasks like house cleaning or helping to organize a garage are commonly needed.
These jobs usually pay in cash at the end of the day or after the job is done. Usually, the homeowner pays you in cash before you go home.
4. Pet groomer
Pet groomers clean pets so that they look nice and healthy (and everyone needs a regular bath!). If you like pets, then you may enjoy being a pet groomer.
Pet groomers can sometimes get paid in cash, especially when you run your own business. I have seen many pet grooming businesses that operate out of a trailer that the person pulls behind their vehicle. They go straight to the person’s home, wash their dog in their mobile dog cleaning trailer, and then collect the cash payment once they are done.
Your work will include brushing and cutting fur, trimming nails, giving baths, and maybe even brushing the pet’s teeth. You make sure pets are clean, comfortable, and looking good. Sometimes, pet owners might also ask you to style their pets’ fur in a special way as well (such as by pinning back fur out of the dog’s eyes).
5. Pet sitter
Working as a pet sitter can be a simple and enjoyable way to earn extra cash.
As a pet sitter, your job is to keep an eye on someone’s pet while they are away. This can include feeding, walking, and playing with the pet to make sure it’s happy and healthy. You may need to stay overnight at the pet owner’s home or the pet may stay with you (it simply depends on what you and the pet owner agree on).
You can find pet sitting jobs on Rover. I have personally used this site countless times to find a pet sitter for my dogs.
Another under the table job similar to this is becoming a house sitter. House sitters watch homes while the owner is away and this can be a great side hustle. I talk more about this in a section further below.
6. House cleaning
When you’re looking for work that’s paid directly in cash, without formal paperwork, you might want to start with house cleaning.
So, what does a house cleaner include? Well, you’ll do things like dusting, vacuuming floors, and cleaning bathrooms. Sometimes, you’ll wash dishes or do laundry. If the house has pets, you might need to clean up after them too. Some house cleaners may even specialize in areas like extensive deep cleans that may take a whole day or even many days (or weeks!).
House cleaners earn between $25 to $50+ an hour for cleaning for others.
To get paid in cash means that you’ll typically work for yourself and get paid once you are done with cleaning for the day or after a week or two.
Getting this kind of business going isn’t costly because you probably already have the cleaning supplies you need (like a mop and vacuum). You can let people know about your services on Facebook, tell your friends and family, or create an account on Care’s website.
7. Dog walker
Dog walkers are exactly that – they walk dogs to make money.
You can find these jobs posted on platforms like Rover or just by posting something on your personal Facebook page advertising your dog walking service.
As a dog walker, your job is to take dogs for their daily walks while their owners are busy. This may be a walk that is around 30 minutes to one hour each time, but it all depends on what you have agreed on with the owner.
Walking pets can earn you about $15 to $25 or even more for each walk per animal.
8. Snow removal
If you’re good with a snow shovel or snowblower, snow removal might be a great job for you. This work can pay cash, making it a common under the table job.
When it snows, many people need help clearing their driveways and sidewalks. Some jobs are for one-time events, while others might need you all winter right after it snows to keep their driveways and sidewalks safe for people to walk or drive on.
You can find snow removal jobs by asking your neighbors or local businesses. Sometimes people put up signs along the roads in neighborhoods or ads online looking for help when there’s a big snowstorm.
People usually pay right after you’re done with the work.
9. Makeup artist
If you enjoy using makeup and know all the latest beauty trends, being a makeup artist can be a fun way to earn money.
It’s a job where you can be creative and help people look their best for events like weddings or photo shoots.
As a makeup artist, you’ll work with different tools like brushes, sponges, and a palette of colors. Your job will be to apply makeup on clients’ faces. You could work with all sorts of people, from friends and family to clients in your area.
10. House sitting
When you house sit, you’re taking care of someone else’s home while they’re away. This could be at a house near where you already live or maybe you fly to a fun vacation destination and watch their house there.
It’s your job to make sure everything stays safe and clean and that nothing happens to the home (such as a frozen water pipe bursts).
You might need to pick up the mail, water plants, or feed pets. Sometimes, people will ask you to stay overnight to make sure the house does not stay empty.
11. Sell at farmers markets
If you’re looking to make some cash, you can start selling at a local farmers market.
Some things that you can sell include fresh produce, homemade goodies, jewelry, unique crafts, or even baking cakes are great items. You’ll want to make sure your product and booth stand out, as there will be a lot of booths around you.
Shoppers at farmers markets typically pay in cash, so you can get paid quickly!
Note: To sell at a farmers market, you might need to get a permit. You can start by checking with your county health department and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for rules. Every place has different laws, so it’s important to understand what applies to your situation.
12. Have a garage sale
Having a garage sale is a way to earn some extra cash, and you don’t need special skills to get started. Look around your home for things you no longer use or need, and these could be clothes, toys, books, or even bigger pieces like furniture.
Items sold at garage sales typically don’t sell for a ton of money, but it can be a great way to declutter while getting paid cash.
Weekends, especially Saturday mornings, are prime times for yard sales. Make sure to check your local weather forecast as a sunny day can lead to more foot traffic. Once you have your date, gather all the items you plan to sell.
Then, you’ll want to organize your items by category. For example, put all the kitchen items on one table and all the books on another. Price everything clearly – you might use colored stickers for pricing – to avoid confusion.
You can advertise your garage sale a few days before. You can do this by posting on social media (such as by sharing it in local Facebook groups), community bulletin boards, or local classified websites. Signs around your neighborhood can also help draw attention to your sale.
During the sale, you’ll want to have change ready for customers who pay with cash, and you’ll probably want to have a calculator handy if you’re not comfortable doing math in your head.
13. Tutoring
If you’re knowledgeable in a subject, tutoring can be a good job for you. This is a job where you help others, like kids or even adults, to understand things better.
As a tutor, you work one-on-one or with small groups to teach things like math, reading, specialty exams, or even foreign languages.
Harder subjects usually pay more than easier subjects, and you may be able to earn $25 or more per hour as a tutor. You may get paid after each tutoring session. Or, if you are a regular tutor for a person, it may be weekly or even monthly – it depends on the agreement that you have with the person you are tutoring.
14. Painter
As a painter, your job is to paint walls, buildings, and other surfaces.
Your job responsibilities may include preparing surfaces by cleaning and scraping, mixing paint to get the right color, and applying paint with brushes, rollers, or sprayers.
Back when we were selling our first house, we hired a solo painter to come in and paint all the walls. This is a job that you may be able to find as well.
15. Handyman
If you’re good with tools and fixing things around the house, you might think about working as a handyman.
This job involves fixing leaky faucets, patching holes in walls, or putting together furniture. People tend to need help with these small jobs and look for someone who can do them without too much fuss.
You can find handyman jobs on websites like Craigslist or by asking friends and family if they know anyone who needs help.
With the same house I mentioned in the previous section, we also hired a handyman to renovate our bathroom as well as do around 10 other smaller things around our house too. We actually found him through a family friend, and he did so much work for us. It was great!
16. Dance instructor
Being a dance instructor can be a fulfilling under the table job in some cases. You could work with students of all ages, teaching them how to dance or different dance styles.
Of course, you will want to make sure that you are a skilled dancer, as this is not a job that anyone can do.
So, do you have experience in styles like ballet, hip-hop, or salsa? Or something else?
You can start by giving classes in your community or looking for local studios in need of instructors.
17. Auto mechanic
Working as an auto mechanic could be a great under the table job for you, and there are always people who need work done on their cars.
You’ll typically charge less than if a person would be going to a car dealership or a car mechanic business. People would usually be looking to hire a cash-pay mechanic if they were wanting to save some money.
As a mechanic, you make sure cars are running smoothly. Your job might include changing oil, replacing brakes, and making sure the engine is in top shape. Of course, you need to know what you are doing, as people are trusting their expensive cars and their lives with the repairs and updates that you do.
Working like this usually means you have to find your own customers. Good places to start are local ads or online platforms like Craigslist (start by looking under the “gig” section).
18. Photographer
Becoming a photographer can be a fun way for you to earn money if you are good with photography.
As a photographer, you can decide to work as an independent contractor, which means you are your own boss. This might involve getting paid in cash or a check for your services.
The different types of photography you can get into include:
Portrait photography – You might take photos of people and families, capturing special moments. Families like to have memories of their loved ones, and they’re willing to pay you for this service.
Event photography – This includes taking photographs at events like weddings or birthday parties. People like to remember these big events and may hire you to make sure they have great photos to look back on.
Commercial photography – This is for businesses that need photos of their products, services, real estate, and more.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
19. Sell firewood
Selling firewood can be a way to make money, especially if you live in an area where wood is used for heating or camping. Homeowners in colder places are always buying wood for their wood burning fireplaces and stoves, so this can be a good way to make some extra money by selling truckloads of wood.
First, you need to get firewood. If you have trees on your land, you might be able to cut your own wood.
After you have wood to sell, think about how you will sell it. You can sell wood online on websites where people buy and sell things in your community. You can also have a place at your house where people come to buy wood from you.
If you don’t have trees of your own, look for jobs where you can gather wood. Some people will even pay you to take away old trees or wood piles they don’t want.
Note: I recommend that you always keep in mind to follow the rules about selling wood where you live. Some places have rules about moving firewood to stop bugs and diseases from spreading to other trees.
20. Junk hauler
Being a junk hauler might be a great fit for you if you don’t mind a bit of heavy lifting. People tend to hire junk haulers when they have big, heavy things that they want to get rid of after all.
As a junk hauler, you get to help people clear out unwanted items from their homes or businesses. These items could be anything from old furniture to broken appliances.
Your job will mostly involve picking up and removing junk. You’ll need to have a reliable vehicle, maybe a truck or a van, that can carry all the items. Sometimes, you’ll be recycling things or taking them to a landfill.
You can find junk hauling gigs on websites or by signing up with companies that look for contractors. These could be one-time jobs or regular work, perfect if you’re looking for a side hustle or even to grow your own junk removal business.
You’ll generally get paid after you complete a job and since it’s often under the table, payment is usually in cash. This means you get paid directly, with no checks or direct deposits.
We personally had to call a junk hauler when we had several pieces of rotten wood that we needed thrown away – it was several hundred pounds and extremely messy – not something that we wanted to mess with and we also wanted it gone right away. That same day, a junk hauler came by and took it for $125. We paid him cash and he took it to the dump for us. It was so convenient for us and good business for him.
21. Rent out a spare room
If you have an empty room at your place, you might want to think about renting it out. This can be a good way to make some money on the side without a lot of work.
I have had several roommates over the years. We would rent out our spare room to long-term renters and people that we personally knew (such as friends and my sister).
To find a roommate and make money from renting your place, you can tell people about it in different ways. You can share it on your own Facebook page, post an ad on websites like Craigslist, make a rental listing on Airbnb, and try other methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you’re looking into jobs that pay cash, also known as under the table jobs, you might have a lot of questions.
What are under the table jobs?
Under the table jobs are ways you can earn money that’s usually paid in cash and not recorded officially by an employer. This means no tax forms are involved and no taxes are taken out of your pay right away (but you should still pay them!).
Is under the table work legal?
Okay, this is a great question to ask. After all, this is a whole article on how to find under the table jobs. So, does that mean these types of jobs are legal?
Well, working under the table can be tricky when it comes to the law. Your employer might pay you in cash without giving you a contract. While it might seem straightforward, not reporting this cash income to the IRS is considered tax evasion. Earning cash itself isn’t illegal, but failing to report it on your taxes can lead to problems.
What are the positives of working for cash?
When you get paid under the table, you get to keep all the money you earn immediately. This kind of setup is nice for jobs like babysitting or doing yard work, and you don’t have to wait for a paycheck. But, remember, you still have to pay taxes! So, the main positive is that you are paid cash right away, instead of having to wait a couple of weeks.
What are possible risks of working under the table? Is it OK to get paid under the table? Can an employee get in trouble for working under the table?
Working under the table can be risky. If the IRS finds out you’re not reporting your income, both you and your employer could face penalties. Also, you won’t have official records of your income, which can make it tricky if you need to show how much you earn for things like loans or renting a place to live.
What jobs can be paid under the table?
You can find jobs like babysitting, pet sitting, house cleaning, or gardening that pay under the table. These jobs usually pay cash because they are informal and may not involve paperwork. There are many other jobs that I didn’t even get into in the list above, such as becoming a personal assistant (doing things like grocery shopping and setting up appointments), personal trainer, graphic designer (making logos and more), and so on.
How do I find under the table jobs? How can you find local jobs that pay in cash?
To find these jobs, you can start by asking friends or neighbors if they need help with anything. You can also look at community bulletin boards or online classifieds for local job opportunities.
How do I ask for payment under the table?
If you’re looking for cash payment for a job, be honest and up front with your employer. Tell them you prefer cash payment, but realize that it’s usually smaller gigs that will pay cash and not more regular job opportunities. Keep in mind, though, that all income should still be reported for tax purposes.
How can you find jobs that pay under the table on Craigslist?
On Craigslist, you can filter your job search by using keywords like “cash pay” or “under the table.”
Under the Table Jobs – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to find the best under the table jobs.
Getting paid cash right after you complete a job is nice – you don’t have to worry about waiting for a payment and you can pay your bills right away.
There are many ways to find under the table jobs, such as by asking people that you know or by looking at gig/job websites in your area.
Now, there are pros and cons to being paid under the table. Being paid under the table means you get cash quickly. However, there are risks like missing out on legal protections and benefits, and if not reported, it might lead to tax evasion consequences.
So, when working under the table, it’s important to keep track of how much money you make. After all, you’re responsible for your own records and taxes, even if you’re paid in cash.
So, you do still need to pay taxes on the income that you make.
When you work under the table, you’re often working part-time or full-time but without the usual job benefits. If you’re planning ahead, think about how these jobs might affect your career later on. Eventually, it may be a good idea to find a job with more regular benefits where you pay taxes straight out of your income.
What do you think are the best under the table jobs?
After attending college, you might have a hefty student loan you need to pay off, and you might also have some credit card debt you’re ready to eliminate.
Having two (or more) separate payments each month, as well as more than one interest rate, can get messy, and could negatively impact your credit if you don’t make all the minimum payments required. You may be wondering if it’s possible to consolidate student loans and credit card debt together to make things easier.
We’ll look at the differences between debt consolidation, debt refinancing, student loan consolidation, and student loan refinancing, plus explore your options to lower your interest rates and possibly get one single payment for all your student loan and credit card debts.
What Is Debt Consolidation?
There are two different ways you can change what your debt looks like: debt consolidation and debt refinancing.
It’s important to understand that when it comes to loans and credit cards, consolidating is different from refinancing. Refinancing refers to changing the financial terms of a debt. Maybe when you took out your student loan, for example, interest rates were higher than they are now. You might be able to refinance your loan with current, lower rates or you could refinance to extend the loan term.
Debt consolidation, on the other hand, refers to combining more than one debt into a new loan with a single payment. Maybe you have three different credit card balances and you take out a new loan to pay them off. Now, those three credit cards have a zero balance and you’re left with a single monthly payment and a new interest rate and terms with the new loan.
But is consolidating credit cards and student loans together possible? Or are they two different animals?
Consolidating Student Loans
The U.S. Department of Education offers what’s called a Direct Consolidation Loan, which consolidates all your federal education loans that qualify into one new loan with a single interest rate, typically the average of the loans you’re consolidating. When you consolidate federal student loans, you keep federal benefits, such as income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness.
Student loan consolidation may be useful if you have federal loans from different lenders and are making more than one payment per month. However, your interest rate won’t necessarily be lowered, nor will you be allowed to consolidate private student loans or credit card debt.
So, what can you do if you have private student loans you want to consolidate or other loans that don’t qualify for the Direct Consolidation Loan? And what if you want to consolidate student loans and credit card debt together?
Before we get to the solution, let’s talk about consolidating credit cards. 💡 Quick Tip: Get flexible terms and competitive rates when you refinance your student loan with SoFi.
Consolidating Credit Cards
Just like with student loans, you may have multiple credit cards each with their own balance, interest rate, and minimum payment due each month. This can make paying off all this debt next to impossible and feel like you’re treading water as you pay the minimum amount due on each card.
With credit card consolidation, you take out a new personal loan and pay off all outstanding credit card debt. You then have one payment and one interest rate (which may often be significantly lower than some astronomically high rates for credit cards). You’re now making one monthly payment for all your credit card debt. Sounds good, right?
How to Consolidate Student Loans and Credit Card Debts
As discussed, with a Direct Consolidation Loan, you can’t add credit card debt to the consolidation loan. Direct Consolidation Loans are reserved for federal student loans only.
However, if you’re wanting to consolidate both student loans and credit card debts, there are options you can consider.
Personal Loan
One way to pay off different types of debt is with a personal loan. While personal loans may have higher interest rates than you’re paying for your student loans, the rates for personal loans may be significantly lower than credit card interest rates if your credit is good.
By taking out a personal loan, you may be able to pay off all of your student loans and credit card debt. Your debt is now rolled up into one monthly payment with one interest rate.
The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you may qualify for with a personal loan. But even if you don’t get a fantastic rate, you can extend the loan term to make your payments more manageable. And, of course, you can usually pay off a personal loan early without penalty, which can cut down on what you’d otherwise pay in interest.
Balance Transfer
If a personal loan isn’t for you, check to see if you have a credit card with a balance transfer offer. Often, credit cards will offer a promotion of 0% on any balances from other credit cards or loans transferred. Take note though: often these promotions end after a year, and then you’re stuck with the interest payment on the remaining balance.
A balance transfer makes sense if you know you can pay off your debts within a year. If you have a large amount of credit card debt or a high student loan, this may not be the best solution if you can’t pay it off quickly. Instead, you might consider transferring the amount of your debts that you know you can pay off within the timeframe.
Alternatives to Consolidation
If you’re hoping to consolidate student loans and credit card debt together, taking out a personal loan or using a transfer balance are two options to explore.
You might also look at a debt reduction strategy, such as the Avalanche Method or the Snowball Method.
The Avalanche Method
The Avalanche Method focuses on paying off your debts with the highest interest rates first. Once those are paid off, you put that money toward the debts with the next highest interest rates, and so on and so forth, until they are all paid off.
The Snowball Method
With the Snowball Method, you focus on the largest balance first. Put extra money toward paying that off, then when it’s paid off, move to the next largest balance.
Continue Payments
Whatever strategy you choose, the key is to keep making payments. And if possible, pay more than the minimum amount due. Even paying an additional $25 a month on a debt will help you pay it off faster and reduce the total amount of interest you pay overall.
Student Loan Refinance Tips from SoFi
Because student loans are often the largest debts people carry (even if they don’t have the highest interest rate), you may want to have a separate strategy for paying off your student loans.
When you refinance student loans, look for loans that offer a longer time period if you want a smaller monthly payment. However, keep in mind that with a longer loan term, you’re likely to pay more in interest over the life of the loan.
Also, if you plan on using federal benefits, it’s not recommended to refinance with a private lender. Instead, look into a Direct Consolidation Loan or refinance your student loans once you’re no longer using federal benefits. 💡 Quick Tip: When rates are low, refinancing student loans could make a lot of sense. How much could you save? Find out using our student loan refi calculator.
The Takeaway
While it may be challenging to consolidate student loans and credit card debt together, you may be able to do so with a personal loan or a credit card balance transfer. Using one of these methods allows you to transfer these debts into a single loan with a single payment and interest rate.
However, if a personal loan or balance transfer credit card isn’t an option, you could consider refinancing your student loans to possibly lower your interest rate and save money each month. The money you save could then be put toward paying off your credit card debt.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
FAQ
Do I lose my credit cards if I consolidate?
Consolidating credit card debt does not cause you to lose your credit cards. It merely wipes out the debt on each card you include in the consolidation.
Will consolidating my student loans lower my credit score?
If you use the Direct Consolidation Loan, this will not impact your credit score. However, if you consolidate your student loans with a personal loan or through student loan refinancing, it may impact your credit.
Can my student loans be forgiven if I consolidate?
If you consolidate your loans with a Direct Consolidation Loan, you’re still eligible for student loan forgiveness. However, if you refinance your student loans with a private lender, you are no longer eligible for federal benefits, including loan forgiveness.
Photo credit: iStock/PeopleImages
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.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
Nearly two-thirds of college graduates leave school with debt, which means many couples have to manage outstanding student loans after they get married. If you and your spouse each have multiple student loans, you could potentially end up with a large number of loans to manage in one household. That might make the idea of consolidating student loans with your spouse appealing. So, can you do it? And, if so, is it a good idea?
Yes — and maybe.
The federal government no longer offers spousal consolidation of federal student loans. However, you may be able to combine your federal or private loans by refinancing with a private lender. Whether or not that’s a wise move will depend on a number of factors, including the types of loans you have and your interest rates.
Here’s a look at options available for consolidating your loans as a couple, plus other ways to make student loan payments more manageable after marriage.
Consolidating Federal Loans
Consolidating is the process of combining your loans so you only have to make one payment and keep track of one due date, rather than several. Individual borrowers can consolidate their federal student loans through the federal government.
When you consolidate federal loans, the government pays them off and replaces them with a Direct Consolidation Loan. Your new fixed interest rate will be the weighted average of your previous rates, rounded up to the next one-eighth of 1%.
Previously, married federal student loan borrowers could consolidate their loans together through a joint consolidation loan. However, the government ended that program in 2006 and no longer offers federal loan borrowers a way to consolidate student debt with a spouse.
Currently, the only way to consolidate federal student loans with a spouse is through refinancing with a private lender. This involves taking out a new, larger student loan to pay off all of your existing loans. The lender will base your new loan’s interest rate on your combined income and creditworthiness, and both of you will be listed as primary borrowers on the loan.
It’s important to note that consolidating in this way will convert those federal loans into private loans, which removes all federal benefits and protections, such as income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness programs. 💡 Quick Tip: Get flexible terms and competitive rates when you refinance your student loan with SoFi.
Refinancing Student Loans With Your Spouse as a Cosigner
Another way to commingle student loan repayment responsibility is to apply for refinancing with your spouse as a cosigner (or vice versa). While your loans won’t be consolidated together if you’re approved, you’ll share ownership of the loan with your spouse. This could be a good idea if you would not be able to qualify for a refinancing on your own or could qualify for a better rate if your spouse serves as a cosigner, due to their added income and/or good credit.
An advantage of cosigning versus joint consolidation is that some lenders allow you to eventually remove a cosigner from a loan, which could be useful should you ever part ways. Joint refinancing, on the other hand, generally doesn’t have an “out” clause.
Recommended: Student Loan Consolidation vs Refinancing
How to Combine Student Loans With Your Spouse
If you’re interested in combining student loans with your spouse, here’s a look at the steps involved in a joint refinance.
1. Find a lender. You’ll need to find a lender that offers joint refinancing (not all do). Ideally, you’ll want to shop around and compare offers from multiple lenders to make sure you find the best deal. Browsing around and receiving prequalified rates won’t affect your credit, since companies will do a “soft” credit check.
2. Apply for the loan. Once you find a lender you want to work with, you’ll need to choose which loans you want to consolidate (you don’t have to include every loan you have) and officially apply for the loan. Both you and your spouse will need to supply personal and financial information.
3. Review your documents and sign. Once approved, it’s a good idea to carefully review all the documents you receive and check the fine print before signing anything. Confirm the loan terms you were approved for match the ones you applied for.
4. Keep paying your individual loans until the refinance is complete. When you refinance a loan, your new lender must then pay off your old lender. It may take a little while for that process to finalize. In the meantime, it’s important for you and your spouse to continue making your payments on your individual loans until you’ve received notice from your new lender that the debt transfer is complete.
Recommended: Pros and Cons of Refinancing Student Loans
Advantages of Consolidating Student Loans With Your Spouse
Combining your student loans with your spouse’s through refinancing comes with certain advantages. Here are some to consider:
• Simplified repayment Rather than juggling multiple student loan payments and due dates, you and your spouse will only have one payment to make.
• A potentially lower rate If your spouse has better credit or a higher income than you, refinancing with your spouse may allow you to qualify for a lower interest rate than you’d get on your own. Together, you could potentially save money.
• You could lower your payment You may be able to lower your monthly payment by getting a lower interest rate and keeping the same repayment term. You can also lower your payment by extending your loan term. (Note: You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term.)
• Fosters teamwork When you combine student loans with your spouse, there’s no longer separate debt. You have one joint goal you’re working towards as a team.
Recommended: Making Important Money Decisions in Marriage
Disadvantages of Consolidating Student Loans With Your Spouse
Although consolidating student loans with your spouse can seem appealing, there are some significant drawbacks to keep in mind:
• Few lenders offer it Only a small number of lenders offer spousal student loan consolidation. With few options to choose from, you may have trouble getting approved or finding a competitive interest rate.
• Loss of federal protections If you or your spouse have federal student loans and you refinance them, they become private student loans. You’ll lose federal loan benefits and protections, including the ability to enroll in an income-driven repayment plan and access to federal forbearance or deferment options.
• Divorce could be messy When you refinance your student loans with your spouse, you are taking on a new loan together. If you end up divorcing, you’ll still be legally obligated for the combined debt and you’ll have to work out payment terms with your former spouse as part of the divorce agreement.
• You might not lower your rate In most cases, refinancing only makes sense if you can get a lower interest rate. This is especially true if you have federal loans because you give up many protections by refinancing.
Other Ways to Tackle Student Debt as a Couple
A joint refinance isn’t the only way to manage your combined student debt load. Here are some other tips for how to manage student debt as a married couple.
• Be honest — with yourself and your spouse Having a high student loan balance might feel overwhelming, but avoiding your debt or hiding it from your spouse can affect your relationship. You can start by getting acquainted with exactly how much you each owe, your interest rates, and the loan terms.
• Know your repayment options If you have federal loans, it can be helpful to read up on the different plans available for student loan repayment and the pros and cons of each. If you’re having trouble making payments, you can look into income-driven repayment plans or other federal loan forgiveness programs. Speak to your loan servicer(s) if you’re concerned with your ability to repay your total loans as a couple.
• Consider consolidating separately If your or your spouse has multiple federal student loans, consolidating with a Direct Consolidation Loan can help you better manage the loans you have in your name. If you have loans other than Direct Loans, it can also give you access to additional repayment options. Federal consolidation won’t lower your rate, however. It could also extend your loan term, which would increase your overall costs.
• Look into refinancing separately If you (or your spouse) has higher-interest graduate PLUS loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and/or private loans, refinancing could help you get a lower rate, a lower payment, or both. Keep in mind that refinancing federal student loans with a private lender means giving up federal benefits. And, if you opt for a longer loan term, you could end up spending more over the life of the loan.
💡 Quick Tip: It might be beneficial to look for a refinancing lender that offers extras. SoFi members, for instance, can qualify for rate discounts and have access to career services, financial advisors, networking events, and more — at no extra cost.
Figuring Out the Financial Path that’s Right for You
While you and your partner can’t jointly refinance your student loans with the federal government, you may be able to find a private lender that offers a spouse consolidation loan. Other ways to manage student loan repayment after marriage include: listing all of your loans and coming up with a repayment strategy together, re-evaluating your payments plans, and looking into consolidating or refinancing your loans separately.
Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
<sp-rc-cta cta-text="https://www.sofi.com/refinance-student-loan/“>
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
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.
‘Tis the season for holiday decor. Getting your home prepped and ready for the festivities is a joy and really, as will any home decor, there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. That being said, if you want your Christmas decor to look beautiful and reflect your personal style and traditions, there are loose rules to be abided. Meaning there are also mistakes to be made.
We asked designers what common Christmas decor mistakes we should all be avoiding this year. From going OOT with new decorations to not sticking to a cohesive theme, here are the holiday decor faux pas best to avoid if you want to create a chic and timeless display.
5 Christmas decorating mistakes
Christmas trends. Just like with interior design trends, you want to be inspired by these styles but don’t let them overcome the looks you really love and that have meaning to you no matter how kitsch they may be. Luckily nostalgia is a designer-approved trend this year anyways.
‘In any given year, my biggest piece of advice is not to feel pressured to do any decorating you don’t love!’ says designer Kathy Kuo. ‘The holiday season can be stressful and the decor aspect is supposed to be fun – if a so-called ‘Christmas decor trend’ is adding to your stress, just say no! If you love simple white twinkle lights in the windows and a few vases of greenery instead of a humongous tree, go for it!’
Kati Curtis.
‘Going over the top with colorful lights can also lead to visual clutter rather than creating a warm, inviting aesthetic that compliments your existing décor. Buying everything new and matching can look contrived or sterile and doesn’t honor the meaning and traditions of the holiday.’
‘Instead, consider taking a trip down memory lane this Christmas. Bring out your grandmother’s china and napkins that have been carefully stored away in the attic. Mix ornaments from your relatives, or things you’ve collected over time or DIY Christmas decorations. Not only does this approach help to honor the past and keep the memories alive, it is also a sustainable choice, utilizing what we already have instead of purchasing new items. This can evoke a sense of nostalgia and create a warm and homey atmosphere that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas.’
Kati Curtis
maximalist holiday decor, there should still be something that ties it all together like a color scheme or a reoccurring pattern.
‘A significant Christmas decorating mistake is deviating from a theme or failing to follow a cohesive decorating plan. Without a guiding theme or plan, decorations might clash or lack a unified vision, resulting in a hodgepodge of styles that just looks messy.’ explains designer Jennifer Davis.
‘Sticking to a specific theme or design scheme helps tie everything together, ensuring a polished and inviting holiday setting that resonates with a consistent style and charm throughout the space.’
4. Not blending faux and real folliage
While there are now so many incredibly realistic faux Christmas garlands, wreaths, and greenery, you can really elevate them by adding in real foliage or dried fruits. This will make and faux greenery look fuller and more convincing. You could ditch the fake evergreen all together and have a go a making your own garland.
Designer Bethany Adams believes it’s going real with your evergreen that ensures the most effective Christmas decor; ‘The wrong faux greenery can be a major faux pas. Instead, reach for dried, real evergreen boughs for your mantle or wreaths. The look is far more luxe, and just as reusable.’
Little Valley Large 4 Cup Bag of Dried Orange Slices
Faux Winter Evergreen 6′ Garland
Flock Pine Garland
5. Creating too much visual clutter
The whole point in Christmas decor is for it to add something beautiful and visual and creative to your home. But bringing in all this extra decor and Christmas lighting and a full-sized Christmas tree can risk looking cluttered, so to avoid this just ensure you have focal points within your rooms. Nothing should be competing.
So for example in a room where you have the tree, keep the rest of the decor minimal – candles on the mantle, lights at the window but no large pieces of decor that will distract from the main event, and ensure to include some negative space.
‘When diving into Christmas decorating, it’s essential to consider the aspect of proportion, especially concerning height. Neglecting to do this can lead to an unbalanced display where items of varying heights compete for attention. A smart approach involves creating visual interest by varying the heights of decorations while maintaining a sense of cohesion and harmony.’ advises Jennifer Davis.
Avoiding these holiday decor mistakes, while also still following your own traditions and style, will ensure your Christmas decor feels both chic and characterful. Just remember to go with your tried and tested formulas, have something cohesive flowing through the scheme, and don’t go over the top with bringing a load of new decor into your home and really crowding your room. And of course, have fun with it, potentially the biggest mistake you can make is getting so carried away with aesthetics that the once-a-year activity of decorating your home for the holidays becomes a stress, rather than a joy.
Wow even the most hard-to-buy-for with these best-in-show finds for the home.
From space-savers to suit your culinary aficionado and gadgets even your handy father-in-law hasn’t heard of, these rental-friendly home gifts are sure to please even the most particular renters.
Take a look through our home gifts, where we have curated the best items to organize, decorate and add interest to their apartment. You might just find something here for yourself, while you’re at it.
No outlet, no problem – this modern and sleek cordless lamp looks luxe but exudes utility.
4.8 out of 5 stars – 43 ratings
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Light up your space with this sleek cordless lamp that’s not just stylish but also super practical. It’s the modern solution for a well-lit and wire-free atmosphere.
4.5 out of 5 stars – 370 ratings
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Forget the usual throw pillows – knot your way to cozy perfection with this unique gem. It’s not just a pillow; it’s a conversation starter that adds a touch of flair to your chill-out zone.
Storage ottoman that doubles as darling decor – done and done.
4.8 out of 5 stars – 130 ratings
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Meet the superhero of storage! This ottoman not only stashes your stuff but also doubles as decor. Decluttering has never looked this good – it’s the ultimate multitasker for a stylish living space.
4.5 out of 5 stars – 275 ratings
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Keep it classic and cozy with this timeless black & white throw. It’s the no-fail accessory for a comfy movie night or a stylish nap – because you can’t go wrong with a classic.
4.8 out of 5 stars – 2,166 ratings
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Add a touch of whimsy to your jewelry game with this white elephant holder. It’s not just a jewelry holder; it’s literally the perfect white elephant gift.
4.7 out of 5 stars – 1,625 ratings
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Sleek, smart and bedside-friendly – this docking station is a game-changer for your devices. Say goodbye to messy cords and hello to a stylish charging solution for the modern age.
4.5 out of 5 stars – 94,007 ratings
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Make meal prep a breeze with this 9-in-1 Veggie Chopper; it’s your secret weapon for slicing, dicing and conquering the kitchen with ease.
A counter-saving Cord Organizer to curb your cord conundrums.
4.4 out of 5 stars – 2,711 ratings
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Tame the cord chaos with this counter-saving cord organizer and keep your electronics in check without sacrificing style.
A bookend vase filled with“Tulips” for your black-thumbed but well-read friend.
4.6 out of 5 stars
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Combine literature and blooms with this bookend vase. Add a faux floral touch to bring your bookshelf to life – the perfect gift for your well-read, black-thumbed friend.
Whimsical (yet removable) wall decals.
4.6 out of 5 stars – 151 ratings
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Personalize your space without commitment with these whimsical, removable wall decals. Show your personality without risking your deposit!
16 tools, one handy gift.
4.6 out of 5 stars – 374 ratings
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Be the everyday hero with this 16-in-1 Multi-Tool, or should we say, toolbox, that fits in your pocket, ready to tackle whatever life throws your way.
Don’t forget the Command Strips.
4.7 out of 5 stars – 134 ratings
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Rebel against boring walls with this tin skeleton artwork. It’s lightweight enough for Command Strips but heavy-metal enough for even your most rebellious friend to rock.
Under Bed Storage to make the most out of that unused space.
4.8 out of 5 stars – 236 ratings
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Maximize your space with this under-bed storage solution, the ultimate secret weapon for making the most out of that underutilized space beneath the bed.
Enjoy the essence of a candle without the flame with this Black Cherry Diffuser.
4.4 out of 5 stars – 3,158 ratings
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What a scent-sational addition to your space! Create a cozy ambiance without the need for an open flame with this luxurious home gift featuring a unisex fragrance.
An apartment-friendly bar cart for your cocktail connoisseur.
4.7 out of 5 stars – 282 ratings
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Shake up your home entertaining with this apartment-friendly bar cart. Stylishly display all of those mixes, glasses and liquors to make mixing up the perfect cocktail in tight spaces a breeze.
Wall-safe decor or throw organizer? This ladder rack is both!
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Hang in there with this ladder rack that’s both wall-safe decor and a functional throw organizer. Say goodbye to crumpled piles of throws, and hello to style.
All the hot sauce, pantry space not required.
4.5 out of 5 stars – 6,125 ratings
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Turn up the heat without cluttering your pantry with this Hot Sauce Sampler. Do we see a fiery taste testing in your future?
Or for the adventurous type, try this DIY hot sauce kit.
4.6 out of 5 stars – 2,258 ratings
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Did you say more hot sauce? This DIY Hot Sauce Kit is an adventure waiting to happen – the perfect home gift for the bold and adventurous in your life.
Super absorbent, washable doormat for our fellow pet-loving clean freaks.
4.7 out of 5 stars – 215 ratings
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Keep it clean and cute with this super absorbent, washable doormat. It doubles as a dirt catcher – so pets get most of that outside muck off their feet before they prance through the apartment – and as a warning to incoming guests that they’re about to be loved on by something furry and sweet.
Space-saving smart lamp so your vibey friend can properly set the mood.
4.6 out of 5 stars – 3,453 ratings
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Light up your vibes with this space-saving smart lamp. It’s not just a lamp; it’s your ticket to setting the perfect mood without sacrificing precious space.
4.8 out of 5 stars – 15 ratings
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Cheeky friends will love this cheeky toilet topper. It’s a giggle-inducing and stylish way to bring a little fun to the smallest room in your home.
Whatever gift you give, have a (pillow) ball while giving it.
4.4 out of 5 stars – 41 ratings
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What we mean is to have a ball of fun with this playful Pillow Ball. Late-night pillow basketball, anyone?
The best home gifts for the holidays
While you most likely can’t afford to buy your friend or family member a new home for the holidays, you can find something in our list of home gifts above to make their space feel as cozy as possible. Even better: Our list above is all Amazon finds, so you can grab them at the last minute, too.
Kate Terhune is the Director of Brand at Rent. and leads the consumer brand, creative and event management functions for the organization. She has enjoys abstract painting and hanging with her family in her free time.
If necessity is the mother of invention, motherhood is the inventor of organization. Anyone who’s become a parent knows that if you thought keeping your house and life pulled together before kids was tough, lookout Baby! Here comes chaos.
Although nothing can prepare you for the upheaval, Ría Safford’s new book, “The Organized Home for New Parents: Create Routine-Ready Spaces for Your Baby’s First Years,” out this month from Blue Star Press, gives new parents a running start.
The Dallas mother of three left a corporate job when her first child was born and started her organizing company that year. “This did not come easy,” she said. “I’m a naturally messy person, but I couldn’t keep flying by the seat of my pants.”
Her experiences inspired this new, richly photographed book for parents with kids between newborn and two.
“Everything else about babies is really out of our control, but this book is about what you can control,” she said. “It’s (a) girlfriend guide. I took my mistakes and moments and wrote about them. If I’d had this book when I started having kids, my husband and I would have had a lot fewer arguments.”
Among the suggestions Safford offers to soften the baby blow:
Get ahead of the stuff: “Most expectant parents don’t realize their home’s inventory is going to triple,” Safford said. “These small humans come with so many things: bouncy chairs, sensory toys, cribs, car seats, strollers, diaper bags, clothes and incoming gifts.” Have a plan for where it all will go.
Don’t make the nursery a storage area: The nursery should have only what you need for the baby’s current stage. Separate infant wear from clothes the child will grow into. Put the larger items, washed and ready to wear, in bins labeled by age (12-18 months, 2T) in another room, the garage or on a high shelf in the nursery.
Master the change: The goal when setting up a changing table is to make those 2 a.m. diaper changes as easy as possible. Organize this hard-working surface so you can reach everything you need in the dark when you’re half asleep. Keep the top stocked only with essentials: diapers, wipes, a toy to amuse baby while you’re changing, a diaper disposal in easy reach. In the drawers below, store clean onesies, pajamas, swaddling blankets and crib sheets for those major blowouts.
Manage the inventory: Label drawers and shelves (0–3-month onesies, swaddle blankets, zip-up sleepers), so everyone who cares for the baby can easily find items and put them away. Keep a “too-small” bin in the baby’s closet. As clothes stop fitting, drop those still in good condition in the bin. When you reach the top, that’s your cue to store the items (if you plan on another child), give them to a friend or donate them.
Have a catchall basket: Outside the nursery, baby stuff has a way of taking over. The family living area may start the day in order, but by 4 p.m., it’s a hurricane of blankets, rattles, baby books, toys, teeny socks, teething rings, mini shoes and Goldfish crackers. To reclaim the space (and your sanity), keep a big basket in the main living area and drop all the randoms items in it to put away later (in their labeled places).
Rotate toys as they age out: Just as with outgrown clothes, when kids outgrow certain toys, store them for the next baby or give them away. Otherwise, trust me, they will take over your house. If the child is just bored with certain toys, but not ready to say good-bye, rotate them.
Entertainment centers: Anyone who has had a baby knows, accomplishing anything beyond baby care is a feat. The solution is having an area in every room to safely entertain the baby while you cook, get dressed, or do laundry. A low cupboard in the kitchen with toys, for instance, or a bin of toys under the bathroom sink can buy precious minutes.
This week, I read an article in the WSJ about paying the mortgage with a credit card.
Either things are really bad in the economy, or things are really bad at the WSJ. Or they’re about to be.
Regardless, it’s not a great strategy to put the mortgage on plastic, which is why most card issuers don’t allow it.
Ultimately, they don’t want you paying your debt with other debt, especially secured with unsecured.
But there might be a way to still keep your cash flow without putting the mortgage payment on a card.
Take Advantage of the Many 0% APR Credit Cards Out There to Shift Your Spending
When you think about making this payment or that payment, it all basically comes from the same place. Your bank account.
So you can indirectly keep your cash flowing while paying the mortgage via traditional means if you shift other spending.
To achieve this, you just need to offset other purchases. This can be achieved by pushing those other expenses to a 0% APR credit card.
Many of these credit cards offer interest-free financing for anywhere from 12 to 18 months at the moment.
This buys you time and allows those other expenses, which are totally allowed (and expected) to be paid with a credit card, to funnel to your 0% APR card.
For example, say you’ve got a $2,500 monthly mortgage payment and another $2,000 in monthly expenses.
We’ll call it gas, groceries, utilities, and other necessities, along with some discretionary purchases, such as eating out or going to the movies.
Instead of putting all those charges on your regular credit cards, which must be paid in full each month to avoid interest, you can redirect them to a 0% APR card.
This frees up that cash for more important things, such as the mortgage.
Yes, you’re still paying the same amount each month, but you’re not dealing with any extra fees for using a third-party payment processing company like Plastiq, which can be nearly 3%.
On a $2,500 mortgage payment, we’re talking $75. Ouch!
And you just need to make the minimum payment each month on the 0% APR credit, which frees up money for the mortgage.
Even Better, Earn Interest on Your Money with Some Basic Arbitrage
Many years ago, pre-Great Recession, interest rates on savings accounts were in the 5% range.
This allowed savers to earn a decent return on any money in a high-yield savings account.
Then as you probably know, savings rates went to near-zero as mortgage rates hit record lows.
This is the double-edged sword of low interest rates. It’s great if you have a low fixed-rate mortgage, but you don’t earn anything in the bank for parking your money.
With 8% mortgage rates now a thing, and the 10-year bond yield close to 5%, banks are back to offering decent savings rates.
For example, Discover is currently offering 4.30%, as is Capital One. And Ally Bank is offering 4.25%, while Marcus has an even higher 4.40%.
This means you can park your money again and earn a decent yield, whether it’s 4% or perhaps as high as 5%.
So those who put their regular spending on a 0% card can keep more of their money in a high-yield savings account since only a small minimum payment is due each month.
That allows it to grow while everyday purchases accrue zero interest or finance charges during the promotional period.
Just take note of how long the 0% APR is offered. Once it comes to an end, you need to pay off the entire balance in full to avoid any interest.
Someone who is aggressive could put most spending on plastic (other than the mortgage) and keep as much as possible in the bank account earning 4-5%.
It’s Not Wise to Pay a Fee to Pay Your Mortgage
At the end of the day, it’s a pretty raw deal to have to pay money to make a mortgage payment.
Or to have pay a fee for any payment for that matter. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) refers to this as a “pay-to-pay fee.” And often it’s not even legal to charge such fees.
This is why you should avoid paying your mortgage by phone or even using a debit card to pay the mortgage, as it can sometimes be accompanied by a fee as well.
Of course, I assume folks are in a crunch if there’s the need, other than the points and miles crowd who might want to put a big purchase on plastic to earn a bonus.
But there is perhaps a better way, as outlined above. Just be careful not to rack up debt thinking you’ve got more money than you actually do!
And remember that 0% APR period will come to an end, at which point the APR will likely greatly exceed that of a home loan. So it must be paid off.
Another issue with not paying your mortgage with a bank account is there could be a delay or a mix up.
You won’t want to miss a mortgage payment as a result of some third-party company. It can also get messy if your mortgage payment history is coming from different sources.
So it’s best to just pay the mortgage consistently from the same bank account to avoid any costs or unexpected surprises.
You think you’ve already heard the funniest joke there is? Well, you’re wrong! If you’re having a bad day or just want to unwind by surfing the net, fasten your seatbelt, and let’s all have a good laugh. Here are 8 corny jokes that are guaranteed to make your day lighter!
1. Yo Momma
One person commented, “Yo momma so fat she had triabetes.”
A second person replied, “Yo momma so fat she turned a monster truck into a low rider.”
Then the third added, “Yo momma so poor she can’t afford to pay attention.”
2. Penguin Driver
Somebody shared, “A penguin is taking a casual drive on a hot summer day. When suddenly, his check engine light comes on and the car starts making noises. He manages to pull into a mechanic shop just in time. They say they will check it out and come back later.
“So the penguin waddles off. But it’s a hot day, and as he’s an arctic bird, he gets hot. He sees an ice cream shop. Stops in and buys a triple cone of vanilla. It’s so good! But he’s a penguin, and his flippers aren’t good for holding ice cream cones. He gets messy, but he doesn’t care.
“After an hour or so, the penguin returns to the shop. The mechanic tells him, ‘Well, looks like you blew a seal.’ The penguin responds, “f— you, man! It’s just ice cream.’”
Another person replied, “Dude. That is a great joke!”
3. Ladies From Whales
One Reddit user said, “Gentleman: ‘Excuse me, ladies. Where are you from?’
“Ladies: ‘Wales.’
“Gentleman: ‘Very well, then. Excuse me, whales, where are you from?’”
4. Are Your Parents Home?
One Redditor shared, “A door-to-door salesman rings the bell, and a kid answers. The kid is wearing a woman’s nightie and high-heeled shoes and is holding a martini. He is also smoking a cigar. The salesman asks, ‘Are your parents home?’ The kid answers, ‘Do you think?’”
5. Damn, Genie
One person commented, “A man walks into a bar and sees a tiny man playing a tiny piano on the bar. He asks the bartender what’s up with that, and the bartender tells him there’s a genie outside granting wishes. The man goes to see the genie, and the genie prompts him to make his wish. ‘I want a million bucks!’ Suddenly, a million ducks fly overhead, quacking their hearts out. Frustrated, the man goes back in and finds the bartender. ‘I asked for a million bucks, not a million ducks!’ The bartender says, “Yeah no s–, you really think I asked for a ten-inch pianist?”
6. Sticky and Brown
Someone shared, “‘What’s brown and sticky?’ ‘A stick.’”
Another one replied with an equally funny joke, “‘Why did the monkey fall out of the tree?’ ‘It died.’”
Then the third added, “That was one of my Father’s favorite jokes. He always followed it up with, ‘Why did the chicken fall out of the tree?’ ‘It was stapled to the monkey.’”
7. Chemist and a Plumber
Somebody said, “How can you tell a plumber and a chemist apart? Ask them to pronounce unionized!”
Which of the jokes did you find funny? Let us know in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
10 Actors Perfectly Cast for Their Character Roles
Have you ever watched a movie or show and been completely lost in it because of how well an actor or actress became their character? Check out this article for a whole list of actors who were perfectly cast!
11 Vampire Movies That Will Make You Thirst for More
You know that feeling where you’re on a movie kick in a certain genre, but you seem to run out of good movies to watch? Well, if you’re down for a vampire movie or three, check out this article for the best ones out there!
10 Incredible Movies That People Rated 10 Out of 10
It’s pretty hard to replicate the experience of watching your favorite movie for the first time, but we’ve put together a list of movies that people have rated at a perfect 10/10. Next time you need a good movie to watch, check this out!
10 Famous People Who Canceled Themselves With Their Own Stupidity
We’ve all been there: you make a comment you haven’t thought through at all, and the whole room goes silent at what you’ve just said. But can you imagine doing that as a famous person—and getting canceled? Check out this list of celebrities who did just that!
13 Things You Shouldn’t Do when You’re in the US
Are you planning a trip to the US? Culture varies a lot between countries, even countries that share borders. So if you’re headed to the good old U. S. of A, here are a few pointers to make your travels go more smoothly!
After you’ve debated the pros and cons of living with someone and decided to have a roommate, the next challenge is figuring out how to find one. If you don’t already have a potential roommate in mind, you’ll need to start looking for one, which is its own challenge. Here are tips on how to find a roommate who will be compatible with your lifestyle.
Ask around
You can ask your family, friends and other acquaintances if they know anyone looking for a place to live. At the very least, you can let others know you’re seeking a roommate, so they can pass along the word to their friends and family. There’s a good chance that your contacts know someone who needs a place to live.
Furthermore, you’ll have the benefit of a reference you know already. You can ask your friends and family about the potential roommates and what they think of them. If a friend says their old roommate is looking to move, you can get great insights on if the potential roommate is clean, easy to live with, etc., from your friend, rath
er than relying on unknown references provided to you by that potential roommate.
Leverage social media
This can be a farther-reaching method of asking friends and family if they know anyone looking for a place to live. You can make a post with details, such as the area you’ll be living in, how much rent will be and how many other people will be living in the apartment. Make sure that your post is shareable, then ask everyone to share your post to get the word out!
You can also do some searching on socials to see if others from your city are posting about looking for an apartment. Reach out to those individuals and let them know what your apartment and the living situation would offer!
Some social media platforms like Facebook have groups specifically for housing in certain cities or areas. You can post in these groups that you’re looking for a roommate and it will be seen by plenty of others.
Place ads and listings
There’s no shame in using platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace to find a roommate. It’s easy and usually free to create a listing and it’s searchable by location, so those who are actively seeking to live in your area will quickly find your listing. Many local or state news networks will have a place for classified listings and rentals, so check to see if your city has one where you can post your apartment.
Try an app
Using apps is one of the best ways to find a roommate. There are plenty to choose from, but some of the most popular are Cirtu, Roomster, Roomi and SpareRoom. Such apps often allow for a more personalized search where you can specify what qualities you want in a roommate (quiet and keeps to themselves, extroverted and likes to socialize, clean, etc.). They also often require background checks or multi-step verification for users, so it can be safer for you to use.
You’ve found a roommate, now what?
As much as you want to find a roommate, your personal safety, credit history and even your reputation matter. So, make sure you research every potential roommate thoroughly.
1. Review references
Ask applicants for references from employers and previous landlords. Even notes from friends, clergy, professors and former roommates can help you get a sense of their character and habits.
Search each potential roommate’s social media pages to see if they’re respectful in their interactions with others and if they show good judgment in what they post publicly. If you see evidence of illegal activity, angry messages from friends or hostile, hateful, racist or sexist posts from your potential roommate, cross them off the list.
2. Check their criminal background
Search each applicant’s name and look for arrest records. Some states also have circuit court access websites available for your reference. People with common names are sometimes mixed up, so make sure you’re researching the right individual by cross-referencing details like photos and location.
If you find something questionable, you can reach out to the police department that made an arrest. They can offer clarification while still preserving privacy.
3. Do a financial check
Of all the questions to ask potential roommates, financial questions are among the most important. You’ll be paying bills with this person, so their bad credit and financial habits could affect you.
You can request a credit check from a potential roommate to make sure they have a solid payment history and ask about their job. Someone with a steady full-time job is likely more stable than someone who works sporadically or changes jobs frequently. You can ask for pay stubs as proof if you’re concerned.
Keep in mind that a potential roommate might have alternative sources of income, like alimony, savings, stipends and investments. Or, if they’re a student, they can typically get extra help via student loans or grants.
Other questions to ask potential roommates
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of candidates, it’s time to go a little deeper by discussing your personalities and habits to find the best fit.
Consider creating a rough outline of a roommate agreement and using it as a conversational guide. If you hit it off, you and your future roommate can edit it together before they move in.
1. Additional financial questions
You don’t have to be best friends to be successful roommates. But you do have to cooperate and be good financial partners.
Ask your roommate what they can spend on rent and utilities and how much they can contribute to the security deposit. Discuss how and when you’ll pay bills and what will happen if someone comes up short.
2. Chores and responsibilities
The bills aren’t the only thing you’ll be dividing — roommates need to split the chores, as well. Be honest about how often you plan to clean, which chores you’d like to handle and if you’re tidy or messy. If you’re on opposite sides of the spectrum, you could face an uphill battle.
Shopping, deep cleaning and other household management tasks like corresponding with your landlord also fall under this category. Hash out how you’ll allocate these tasks and figure out a system that will work for both of you.
3. Personalities and habits
An introvert and an extrovert can live together quite happily, as long as they establish ground rules. Figure out a communication style that works for both of you.
Little disagreements can cause big drama, so chat about seemingly insignificant things like how warm you like the apartment and what you consider a “normal” volume level before you move in. If your views on habits like drugs, alcohol and smoking don’t line up, that’s probably a deal-breaker.
4. Schedules
Get an idea of how often your potential roommate will be at home. A traveling sales rep has a very different schedule than someone who works and socializes on a laptop in their bedroom.
It’s also smart to talk about how they plan to use your joint living spaces. If they cook three-course dinners every evening, like to throw parties or plan movie marathons every weekend, find ways to make sure their activities don’t interfere with your at-home workout sessions or meditation time.
5. Personal relationships
How do you feel about friends and family members coming over or spending the night? What happens if you both want company at the same time? If they’re dating someone, discuss how often their partner will be in the apartment and expectations around what privacy will look like.
Pets are like family, so make sure you know the details about your potential roommate’s pets. Discuss how they’ll share the space with yours and brainstorm how you might split pet-related chores. If one of you is allergic to animals — or if pets aren’t allowed in the building — move on.
The best way to find a roommate
Once you’ve done your homework, it’s time to make your future roommate an offer. Eliminate anyone who gave you a bad feeling or people with whom you just didn’t click. Basic respect and good communication are the building blocks of a solid roommate partnership.
Figuring out how to find a roommate can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Ask smart questions, leverage your personal networks and use tools available to help you find someone with similar goals who will be a good fit.
Homemade scented candles: where creativity meets illumination.
It’s almost fall, which means it’s generally the best time for candles and coffee. When the first cooler breeze hits, our minds turn to all things vanilla, spice and woodsy scents. And then shortly after, we get to the holidays, when we want to smell fir, cloves and spiced berry fragrances. Unfortunately, a candle craving can get expensive, with many larger candles coming in at almost $50 each.
Rather than trade your life’s savings for a nice-smelling apartment, you can do some scented candle making on your own. Here’s how to make scented candles and fill your home with the scents of the season so you can save some money and customize each candle to your liking.
Materials you’ll need for homemade scented candles
Here are the supplies to buy for your scented candle making, some of which you may already have on hand:
Candle wax of your choice:
Soy wax flakes
Paraffin wax
A blend of the two
Containers for each candle (mason jars, tins, etc.)
Candle wicks (available at most craft stores or online)
Wick trimmer or scissors
Stirring utensil (wooden spoon or stir stick)
Hot glue gun, superglue or glue dots
Fragrance oils or essential oils
Dye (optional for colored candles)
Candy thermometer
Pot or saucepan
Glass bowl or pitcher
Labels or decorations
Making your own DIY scented candles at home
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to start candle-making! The process is pretty easy, but it can get messy — especially if it’s your first time making candles. Wear an apron or clothing you don’t mind ruining and avoid using the melted wax on carpet or other surfaces that could be harmed by the wax.
1. Attach and center your wick
Start out by selecting your candle containers of choice, whether that be empty candle jars, mason jars or multipurpose jars. Make sure the container has been thoroughly washed and is completely dry. Place a dab of your glue of choice in the bottom center of the container and press the bottom of a wick into the glue. If you’re using a wider container, you have the option to do multiple wicks so that your candle will burn evenly instead of tunneling.
Cut a piece of masking tape that is long enough to fit across the top of your candle container. Using scissors, cut a hole in the middle of the tape, then pull the top of the wick through the hole. Secure the tape across the top of the candle container. You can also use a pencil to wrap the wick around and hold it up. This should keep the wick standing straight so it doesn’t fall into the wax at an odd angle and ruin the candle’s burn pattern.
2. Melt the wax
Now it’s time to melt your wax for your homemade candles. Start by filling your pot or saucepan about halfway with water, then bring it to a boil by putting it over high heat on the stove. Put your wax into the glass bowl or pitcher, then put it over the boiling water. This will form a double boiler and ensure that your wax doesn’t get too hot or burn away.
The amount of wax you’ll use will really depend on how many candles you’re making — it’s easy to simply eyeball the amount you use and maybe add a little extra to ensure you have enough. The good news is that if you end up melting too much, the wax will harden and be reusable to melt again.
To ensure your candle wax is melted enough, put the candy thermometer in the wax as it heats and bring it to about 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it reaches that temperature, remove the wax from the heat.
3. Add fragrance
Let the wax cool down to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This can vary on timing, so you can leave it alone and check back every few minutes. Once it’s reached 140 degrees Fahrenheit, you can add your fragrance of choice.
The general rule is to add one ounce of fragrance oil for every pound of wax you melt. However, you’re welcome to add less than that if you like weaker scents or more than that if you want a stronger-scented candle.
If using essential oils, you may need to add even more than that since they are typically a little weaker. Feel free to get creative and mix different essential oils to develop your own unique scent. Crafting your favorite scents is easy with these combinations.
4. Pour the wax and add decorations
You’re one step closer to your finished candle! Now, once you’ve added your fragrance, you’ll simply pour the wax into the containers you prepared beforehand. Pour it out slowly, or else it can create air bubbles in the new containers and make the top of the candle look bumpy.
For those who want to make their candle personalized, add a name for your candle with a label, or sprinkle in some dried flowers, glitter or even sprinkles for a fun decorative touch. Do this before the candle dries so it stays intact and doesn’t fall out.
5. Let it cool, trim your wick and enjoy!
Once you pour your scented candle, make sure to let it cool before you light it! Leave it for at least 24 hours to ensure it cools and sets completely. Then, trim your wick, light your candle and enjoy the soft scent as it fills your apartment.
Is making scented candles profitable?
Consider crafting more than one candle either for your own apartment or as gifts or you can also sell them! Because the wax and fragrance oils are relatively affordable, as long as you sell your candles for more than the cost of materials and factor in how much time you spend making the candles, you can sell your scented candles for a nice profit.
Must-read candle safety tips
Ensure you trim the wick each time before lighting your homemade candle — you’ll want it about one-fourth of an inch above the wax. If the wick is too long, it can create a large flame and the wick will get too hot and start to spark and pop.
Never leave your lit homemade candle unattended. It’s best if you can see the candle while it burns just in case the flame gets too big, it tips over or it catches on something nearby, like curtains.
When burning your homemade candles, be as safe as possible to avoid catching anything on fire or burning yourself.
Homemade scented candles made easy
Making scented candles is an easy and fun way to make your own personalized scents. While it may seem easier to buy a premade candle, seeing the fruits of your labor makes crafting a homemade scented candle a worthwhile endeavor. Start making your own candles for your apartment and invent your own delightful scents!
Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.