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Ensuring your home is safe and comfortable for your pet involves more than just providing food and water. A truly pet-friendly home requires thoughtful planning and adjustments to create an environment where your pet can thrive. Whether you are looking at homes for sale in Seattle, already renting an apartment in Boston, or moving to a rental house in Little Rock, here’s a comprehensive guide to pet-proofing your home, covering everything from furniture choices fit for your established dog to safety measures and grooming practices for your new kitten.

The basics: creating space for your pet

First and foremost, your pet needs a space to call their own. “To make your home more pet-friendly, it’s essential to create a safe and comfortable environment for your furry friend. Start by using pet-friendly furniture and flooring that can withstand wear and tear,” shared the team at Purrfect Grooming. 

One tip for ensuring that your pet is comfortable is to designate specific areas for your pet in your home. Vânia Boto from 4EveryPet suggests that you “provide a comfortable and secure environment for your pet to relax in, such as a cozy bed, a place to hide when they feel insecure, fresh water, and safe toys. For cats, add scratching areas where they can have fun.” Regular maintenance of your pets’ areas will promote cleanliness and comfort.

Invest in flooring and furniture for a pet-friendly home

Choosing the right materials when furnishing and designing your home can have great benefits for maintaining its integrity when you have pets. “Invest in pet-friendly furniture and flooring that can withstand scratches and stains, such as leather or microfiber couches and tile or laminate floors,” suggests Michael Darville from Burns Court Veterinary Care. 

Klarice from Georgia Carpet Industries provided great insights on the best flooring options for pet parents: 

“When choosing pet-friendly flooring, it’s essential to consider three key factors: maintenance, durability, and sound absorption. If you’re looking for carpet, Shaw Pet Perfect Plus Collection excels in sound absorption and is easy to maintain, making it a top choice. 

If you’re looking for hard surface flooring there are two options depending on your budget and needs: Mohawk RevWood Premiere Laminate stands out for its durability and ease of cleaning and COREtec Soft Step Luxury Vinyl Collection combines all three elements — ease of maintenance, durability and sound absorption.”

Choosing the right flooring can prevent unnecessary wear and tear and is a great solution to aid in creating a pet-friendly home.

Don’t overlook pet-safe decor 

Caleb Kidwell, owner of Pet Care for the Palm Beaches, chimed in with some additional tips for pet-safe decor for your home: “Swap out low-hanging drapes for cordless blinds to prevent potential accidents, and consider installing scratch-resistant flooring and stain-resistant fabrics for furniture, which not only protect your home but also reduce the stress of constant cleaning.” 

Outfitting your home with pet-safety in mind can be challenging, however Dr. Sarah Wooten suggests that you “Get down on all fours and view your home from your pet’s point of view – you will see the world from a different perspective that may allow you to see hazards that you would otherwise miss.” Furniture and floors aren’t the only things to keep in mind when making your home pet-friendly, be sure to take note of the above advice when renovating and decorating your home for your pets safety!

Photo of Charles in Louie de Coton cooling sun shirt courtesy of Louie de Coton, shares some tips on how to choose the proper apparel for your furry friend:

“Puppies and small breeds: Puppies and smaller dog breeds often need extra warmth, especially in cooler climates. Sweaters and cozy jackets can help maintain their body temperature. Louie de Coton provides high-quality, soft, chemical-free
clothing with body temperature regulators that are perfect for keeping your new pet comfortable during chilly days. Their sweaters and jackets are made from gentle, hypoallergenic materials that are both stylish and functional.

Protection from the elements: New pets, particularly those with short coats or sensitive skin, may benefit from raincoats or waterproof clothing to stay dry during walks in the rain. Louie de Coton’s raincoats are designed with both practicality and fashion in mind. They feature waterproof and windproof fabrics and comfortable fits to protect your pet from getting soaked, while still looking chic.”

Prioritize maintaining a safe environment

Pets are inquisitive creatures that can often find their noses sniffing in places that they shouldn’t be, so it’s important to keep this in mind when making a pet-friendly home. Josh Nolasco from Honest Renovations shared his thoughts on how to best create a hazard-free space for your pet: “Hide or secure electrical cords to prevent chewing, consider using cord protectors or cable management products. Also, using trash cans with secure lids or placing them in cabinets can help prevent pets from rummaging through them.”

Tori Levitt, Chief Kindness Officer & Concierge at Doolittle’s Doghouse notes that “Providing a safe haven for the family pet is as critical as proper nutrition, daily exercise, mental stimulation and affection. Some tips for keeping them safe include: removing toxic plants, both indoors and out, and storing medications and cleaning products in high cabinets. Small objects can be choking hazards, especially those with batteries (like remote controls), and non-toxic cleaners are best for floors and surfaces pets are in close contact with. For pet parents looking to expand their knowledge on the best ways to care for their pets, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has great resources to explore.” 

The team at DoggyLoveandMore also weighed in with their thoughts on this topic, as well as sharing some best practices for getting a new puppy acquainted with things outside of their new home: “Bringing a new fur baby home is so exciting but also overwhelming. Our top tips for new pet parents are to puppy proof your home by making sure kitchen cabinet doors are always closed, and placing plastic bags or anything they could choke on out of reach.”

Some other best practices include creating “designated spaces for your fur baby to eat, sleep, and play, which will help them to feel more comfortable & secure in their new home. Be sure to keep any potentially harmful items out of reach. Lastly, consider using baby gates to restrict access to certain areas, and pay close attention to household plants as some can be toxic to pets,” shared Bryten Hanson from Revive HQ. Zach from Romingo is also a proponent of using baby gates, adding that they help “prevent your pet from chewing on valuable furniture and support potty training. During the first few weeks, it’s important to limit your pup’s access to the entire home until they begin to learn the rules.” 

Exercise consistency and patience

While bringing a new pet home is an exciting time for us humans, sometimes the adjustment period for your new buddy can be stressful. Being patient and exercising consistency are important for the long-term health and happiness of your pet. See the tips from our experts below to understand more:

Consistency is key: “When raising a puppy, consistency is key. While their cuteness can make it tempting to bend the rules, sticking to a routine helps your pup understand expectations and feel secure. Whether it’s meal times, potty training, or obedience commands, being consistent ensures your puppy develops good habits and grows into a well-behaved adult dog,” shares Siyen from Co Pet Parent.

Be patient: Jennifer from Unleashed with Love notes that “Bringing a new pet home is a lot like waiting for the mailman — patience is a must!  While it might be familiar territory for you, it’s a whole new world for your furry friend. Set up a cozy, designated area where your pet can retreat to feel safe and secure. As little space and patience now will help build a tail-wagging, lifelong bond.”

Maintain your pet’s health through regular grooming

Another prudent tip is to ensure that your pet is on a grooming schedule. Sarah Hayden from Mobile Pet Shine details some important things to know about the benefits of keeping a tight grooming schedule for your fur baby: “Denver’s premier grooming service, Mobile Pet Shine, recommends setting your pets up on a grooming schedule. Regular bathing and brushing removes dirt, debris, and dead hair to prevent matting and reduce the likelihood of skin infections. Not only does routine grooming help keep your dogs and cats feeling their best, but it keeps your home clean as well. Pet hair and dander can cause air quality issues that affect your family’s health, along with clogging HVAC filters that impede your system’s efficiency.” 

Grooming needs may vary depending on your pet and what they require. When determining a grooming schedule, there are variables to consider to make certain that you are providing your pet with optimal care. “Is your cat an indoor buddy, outdoor adventurer, or both? An outdoor cat will require baths more frequently,” notes Barbara Nyke from Barara Nyke Interiors & Design.

Barbara also shared that “The fur length of a longhaired cat requires more maintenance. My Betty, no longer prancing about on earth, was a gorgeous Maine Coon and needed regular brushing to prevent matting. Persian cats do as well.” Lastly, some conditions like skin problems, ticks and fleas may require additional grooming practices like bathing. However Barbara warns that bathing a cat may be more of a challenge than you are prepared to take on: “Personally, I only recommend bathing a cat if you have nerves of steel and you’re wearing body armor!!!”

In addition to maintaining the cleanliness of your home, ensuring that your pet is groomed is also crucial to your pets health. Our amazing experts at Purrfect Grooming, a prime resource for those local to the Florida area, recommend “Regular grooming, such as bathing and brushing, which helps maintain your pet’s hygiene and reduces shedding, keeping your home cleaner,” with Michael Darville from Burns Court Veterinary Care adding that “Grooming and bathing are essential to maintain your pet’s health and reduce shedding, but be cautious with over bathing, as it can dry out their skin. Lastly, avoiding using products with harsh chemicals or strong scents is crucial. This mindful approach to pet care protects your pet’s sensitive systems and shows your commitment to their well being.”

It’s not all about the fur. Trim their nails, too

When thinking about grooming your pet, don’t overlook the importance of keeping their nails trimmed, both for the health of your pet and your home. “If you have hardwood floors, rugs or nice couches, one of the best ways to keep them from getting damaged by your pups is to consistently trim their nails. 

Long nails can scratch your floors, and they also make it easier for your pup to slide and get injured on slick surfaces. Dogs’ nails have a vein in them, so it’s important to keep them trimmed on a regular basis to make it easier to keep them short. The longer they grow, the harder they are to trim. If you’re uncomfortable trimming your own nails, check out your local groom shop like Paws ‘n’ Rec – your furry family member will love their s’paw day,” suggests Madison Velez from Paws ‘n’ Rec.

Avoid strong scents

As mentioned above, avoiding strong scents around your home is in your dog’s best interest. A dog’s nose is incredibly sensitive, with approximately 220 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to around 5 million in humans.

“When bringing a new dog home for the first time, it’s important to sniff out certain products to keep things safe and comfy. Strong-scented cleaning products can make your dog’s sensitive nose do backflips (and not the fun kind). Stick to pet-safe, unscented, or lightly scented cleaners to avoid turning your home into a nose-wrinkling zone,” notes Jennifer from Unleashed with Love.

Choose the right food

Choosing a nutritionally balanced food is imperative to ensuring the long-term health of your pet. With so many options on the market, making this decision can be a tough one. Luckily, pet expert Melinda Meltzer from Stay and Play Pet Sitting shared some tips to aid in picking the proper food for your pet: “The right food is imperative. Choosing the food that is complete nutritionally and offers all the vitamins – A, C, and E – that was formulated by a holistic vet is a sure fire way to reduce vet visits and the cost of being a pet parent. 

With so many options on the market, it can be confusing on which is best for your pet-friendly home. A pet food without fillers, corn, or artificial colors is a great start. But changing food can cause stomach upset and a mess to clean up. So I recommend Life’s Abundance pet food, supplements and treats. The company has been around for over 20 years and never had a recall. As a pet care professional, with a good conscience and my expertise, I highly recommend it”

Positive reinforcement through toys and treats

Making sure that your pet stays entertained and amused will go a long way in creating a pet-friendly home. But don’t worry, great toys can be provided with a very modest investment on your part:

“You don’t have to break the bank to keep your new dog entertained — sometimes the best toys come from everyday items! Toilet paper rolls can be transformed into fun, DIY toys that will have your pup wagging with joy. Simply stuff them with treats or use them for a game of fetch, and watch as your dog enjoys a budget-friendly playtime. Creativity and a little bit of resourcefulness can turn simple items into hours of tail-wagging fun!” notes Jennifer from Unleashed with Love.

For cats, provide “Standard carpet covered posts with no levels, or multiple levels with scratching posts,” suggests Barbara Nyke from Barara Nyke Interiors & Design. She also shared that for an economical alternative, you can “make your own using twine wrapped around a post nailed down to a 12 x 12 covered plyboard. My Bullitt loves his recycled cardboard scratching board. When it’s all scratched out, it goes into the blue bin!”

Photo of Boone courtesy of Tara Lynn & Co.

To be sure that your pet is as satisfied as possible, tailor your toy and treat selections specifically to fit your pet. Tara Lynn, pet photographer at Tara Lynn and Co., advises to “Make sure you have age-appropriate toys and chew sticks or treats available. Puppies naturally love to chew as they lose their puppy teeth and older dogs can get bored. Having dog-specific chews available will encourage them to leave your shoes and furniture intact. For cats, a scratching post is a must to help them sharpen their claws without ruining your furniture.” 

It’s no secret that pets love a good snack, healthy treats are a great source of pleasure and amusement for your furry friend. Melissa, owner of Dough ReMia has great advice for treating your pup:

“My words of advice for pet-proofing your home would be to make sure you stock up on healthy dog treats! I would make sure you have a designated area to keep your dog treats so that you are always prepared to reward their good behavior! As well, I would recommend that you store your dog treats in a cool, dry, safe place to maintain freshness. When you move into your new home, gradually offer dog treats to help your pup get acclimated more easily. This will help your dog feel more relaxed and have less stress/anxiety in their new environment. BONE Appetit!”

All in all, maintaining your pets health and well-being with engaging toys and tasty treats is a great practice!

Exercise your pet to keep them fit and fab

In the vein of keeping your pet adequately entertained, ensuring that they take part in a lot of exercise is a great way to fulfill both their mental and physical needs. Madison Velez shared additional information on the importance of keeping your dog tired. “A tired dog is a happy and less destructive dog. Many behavioral issues that impact our homes are the result of dogs with pent up energy. Coming home to a chewed up couch or new pair of shoes can often be avoided with longer walks, training sessions, or a few days a week at your local doggy daycare like Paws ‘n’ Rec, where dogs go to chase their dreams, not their tails.”

There are many ways to ensure that your pet gets adequate exercise, one of which is a walk around your neighborhood. Though we might not like doing it, one non-negotiable aspect of walking your dog is picking up their waste. Beth from the dooloop shares best practices for handling this challenging part of walking your dog: 

“Making your dog a welcome addition to the neighborhood is all about training and responsibly dealing with their poop out on walks! Having a dooloop bag poop holder shows your neighbors that you’re taking care of your dog’s poo and maintaining leash control. The harsh truth is that there are many lazy reasons that people don’t scoop. Don’t be that person, it’s bad for the environment, neighborliness, and will make your beloved dog less welcome. Spread peace, not poo!”

The dooloop is a hands-free bag holder designed to keep your hands free of poop when out walking your furry companion, and is a great way to responsibly handle your dog’s waste on a walk.

Photo of the cavalier sisters sporting Louie de Coton courtesy of @coco_thecavie

Check out these additional suggestions from Fay Anderson on the best ways to keep your pet safe when walking: “Visibility is key for safety during evening or early morning walks. Reflective clothing or accessories can help ensure your pet is seen by others. Louie de Coton offers products with reflective properties that enhance visibility during low-light conditions. Their apparel and accessories are designed to be functional while maintaining the brand’s signature stylish look. Whether your pet needs protection from the elements, comfort for sensitive skin, or simply wants to look their best, Louie de Coton provides high-quality options that cater to every need.

Don’t turn a blind eye to socialization and training

Key aspects of owning a pet are adequate socialization and training. Ensuring that your dog is comfortable interacting with other humans and pets, especially when they are outside of the safe environment that you’ve built for this at home, will go a long way in contributing to your pets well-being. Below the team at DoggyLoveandMore share insight on some proven ways to socialize your pet: 

“We recommend slowly introducing your pup to neighbors, other dogs and parks. Some pups and rescues love those things right away but others take time to build up their confidence. Let your pup test the waters at their own pace and before you know it, they’ll be leading you around the neighborhood instead of the other way around!”

Socialization and training go hand in hand when you are focused on welcoming a new pet for your home. Take heed of these important tips from Pet Parent Playbook when training your pet:

  • “Potty Training Basics: Start potty training right away! Take your puppy outside often, especially after meals and playtime. When they go potty outside, reward them with praise and treats.
  • Crate Training: Crate training can help with house training and give your pup a safe space. Introduce the crate slowly with positive reinforcement and never use it as a punishment.
  • Schedule and Routine: Set a regular schedule for feeding, playtime, and potty breaks. This will help your puppy feel secure and know what to expect.”

Utilize technology for a pet-friendly home

While caring for a pet can be incredibly fulfilling for pet parents, it most definitely comes with unique challenges. Fortunately, technology in this day and age makes this task easier than it ever has been in the past. “To truly pet-proof your home, think beyond the basics. Invest in smart technology like pet cameras to keep an eye on your furry friend even when you’re away. suggests Caleb Kidwell from Pet Care for the Palm Beaches. 

Jennifer from Unleashed with Love also recommends pet cameras, noting that “For pet owners who find themselves missing their new furry friend when they’re away, interactive pet cameras are a game-changer. Not only can you check in on your pet’s adorable antics, but these cameras also help ensure they’re not turning your home into their own personal chew toy amusement park. With a quick glance, you can enjoy seeing those wagging tails and mischievous glances without the worry of a little canine chaos!  One of our personal favorites is Furbo — it lets you toss treats and chat with your pups even when you’re not home!” 

Cameras are not the only pet technology that can make your life easier when making a pet-friendly home; appliances like specialized vacuum cleaners and automatic feeders are other handy appliances to have around: “Regular grooming and bathing will help keep your pet comfortable and your home free from excess fur, but also investing in a high-quality vacuum specifically designed to handle pet hair will ensure your floors stay clean and fur-free! We also advise that you be cautious and keep any chocolate chip cookies out of reach!” shares Laurie Harris, founder of Maliko.

Barbara Nyke from Barara Nyke Interiors & Design also recommends investing in a feeder. “Automatic pet feeders are purrfect for both cat and dog kibble and come with a range of awesome features such as a variety of styles, different price points, and a common type are machines that dispense specified amounts of food- while other styles use multiple slots that you fill with food. In addition, some feeders can be programmed for several feedings per day. These feeders may have cameras, two-way audio, and other smart features! If an automatic pet feeder sounds like the perfect addition to your pet routine, we’d love to help you find the best fit.”

If you need some extra assistance maintaining the health of your pet, smart technology has many viable options to consider!

Create the perfect outdoor space for your pet

While making the interior of your home fit for habitation by your pet is of utmost importance, don’t forget to make necessary adjustments to any outdoor spaces that your dog may have access to. Steve from Fetch the Sun advises that “If you plan to have your dog spend a significant amount of time in your yard, ensure that they have access to adequate shade and water. Also, create a spot where they can lie down comfortably. 

Consider building or purchasing a doghouse and keep their water bowl filled with clean, cool water. Always keep an eye on the weather if you plan on keeping your dog outside for extended periods; dogs can overheat easily, and colder temperatures can be dangerous for your pup.” Steve also warns to mitigate dangers in your outdoor space, sharing the following tips to keep your pet safe:

  • “Store chemicals away from areas your dog can access. These include, but are not limited to, pesticides, rat poison, weed killers, hot tub/pool chemicals, etc…
  • Remove toxic plants. Many types of lilies, daffodils, berries, and decorative flowers are dangerous for dogs to ingest.
  • If you live in an area where there is dangerous wildlife (coyotes, snakes, racoons, etc…), ensure you are taking steps to keep them out of your yard. 
  • Clean up sharp tools and garden items when not in use.
  • Fill in holes.
  • Cover any outdoor wiring.”

Take measures to make travel and moving pet-friendly

Pets become accustomed to their surroundings and routines, and disruptions can cause them stress and unhappiness. Unfortunately, maintaining a completely stress-free environment is not possible at all times, so when events like travel and moving arise, do your best to make the changes as seamless as possible. “Moving is a very stressful time and pets feel your emotions.  When you are stressed, they feel it. Try to keep your pets bed, and food in the same place until it is time to pack them up.  Pack up your pets’ things last.” advises Rebeca Hennie from Dog Gone Taxi. 

Rebeca also has you covered with suggestions to keep your pet as happy as possible during travel: “If flying with a pet – purchase a travel kennel 2-3 weeks in advance. Put your pets bedding inside so it knows this is a safe place. When it is time for the actual pet move day [this can be a different date than your move day]  stay calm and don’t get too excited or emotional. 

If you show that you are high on emotions, your pet will think something is wrong and that the kennel is not a safe place. If you are moving overseas, we recommend using a professional IPATA pet shipper like Dog Gone Taxi. By following these pet-proofing tips, you can create a safer, more comfortable environment for your pet.” Take some of the stress out of travel and moving with your pet by using the above tips and tricks!

Making a pet-friendly home: in a nutshell

Setting up a pet-friendly home is an essential step in creating a safe and welcoming environment for your furry friends. As is spelled out above by our knowledgeable experts, by incorporating the right furniture, flooring, and safety measures, you ensure that your pet’s space is both comfortable and secure. Take initiative to ensure that regular grooming and careful management of potential hazards are a part of your pet care routine, and embrace smart technology to aid in maintaining a well-organized space. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to making your home a happy haven for your beloved pets.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:

Learn how to make compassionate, informed decisions for your pet’s end-of-life care, balancing costs, emotions, and love.

How can you plan for end of life care for your pet? Hosts Sean Pyles and Ronita Choudhuri-Wade discuss the emotional and financial challenges of pet end-of-life care and the importance of early decision-making to help you understand how to make compassionate and practical choices that are realistic for your financial situation. They begin with a discussion of the gut-wrenching reality of limited pet lifespans, with tips and tricks on preparing for end-of-life care, weighing treatment costs against quality of life, and ensuring pets do not suffer needlessly.

Dr. Fiona McCord, founder of Compassionate Care Vet Services, then joins Ronita to discuss the complexities of end-of-life care decision-making. They discuss the importance of early planning, balancing love and practicality in pet care, and resources for grief support. Through touching stories and practical advice, Dr. McCord emphasizes the necessity of preparing for the financial and emotional aspects of pet end-of-life care, helping pet owners navigate these challenging times with compassion and foresight.

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Episode transcript

This transcript was generated from podcast audio by an AI tool.

Sean Pyles:

It’s inevitable. We know it’s coming. Our pets are only with us for what seems like a short period of time, then they go off across the Rainbow Bridge. And one of the hardest decisions that we have to make is how to put a price on keeping them alive for even just one more day.

Dr. Fiona McCord:

What I want and what I want a client to see is that they have a pet who experiences the best possible quality of life for as long as possible. But when that quality falls lower, or we know that that quality is going to slip, or a crisis may occur, then that we make the right decisions to make sure they get to leave this earth, as I said, no stress, no discomfort, no pain, in the arms of their owner, or eating a cheeseburger.

Sean Pyles:

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast. I’m Sean Pyles.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

And I’m Ronita Choudhuri-Wade.

Sean Pyles:

This is the final episode of our Nerdy deep dive into the cost of pet care. Ronita, this is such a hard topic, I almost don’t want to deal with it. I know I have limited years with Ozzy and Argus and Pepper, although I’m pretty sure Ozzy, the gecko, is going to live to 100 in human years, only 88 more years to go. But in all seriousness, I know at some point I’m going to have to make these decisions about helping them into the great animal hereafter, and I know it’s very likely that money will have to factor into that decision.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

Yeah. When I think about Moe and how vibrant he is now, just a few years old, it’s hard to imagine that moment, that time when we have to consider letting him go, either because of old age or infirmity or some sort of health issue. He still acts like such a happy little puppy dude, but I know it’s coming. I just hope it’s way, way far away, and that we have a chance to do a proper goodbye when the time comes.

Sean Pyles:

Yeah. When I see older dogs out on the street with great whiskers and wizened with age, taking a slow easy walk with their pet parents, I wonder what it’s going to be like with Pepper. But it’s not something that I dwell on all the time, nor should it be, but it is a good idea to have some sort of sense of what you’ll be willing to do for them when they reach the end of their lifespan.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

Yeah. And you just don’t know when those kinds of decisions are going to knock on your door. If they’re in an accident, you might have to make them at an early age. If they get cancer, same, or any illness. We talked in the last episode about how to prepare for the financial aspects of a trip to the emergency vet. Today, we’re going on to the next step of preparing for the eventuality of a pet’s death.

Sean Pyles:

Because depending on the circumstance, you could be faced with a decision over how much money you’re willing to spend to extend that life, and how much pain and suffering you’re willing to ask of them so they can keep you company a few months, weeks, days, or even hours more. It’s a wrenching dilemma and one that is almost impossible to predict, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to plan for.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

Yes, and that’s what we’re exploring today. As you’ve said, how do we put a price on the life of our pets? What are we willing to spend to keep them alive? Are we willing to pay for modern surgeries? Do we pay for chemotherapy and other medicines? How do we know when paying to extend their lives is more for us than it is for them? It’s a lot of questions. How do we set limits, if at all? We’ll try to get some answers.

Sean Pyles:

All right. Well, listeners, we’ve been talking about our pets for the past four episodes, and now we want to hear your stories about your pets and what it takes to keep them in kibble. What are you sacrificing in your budget to have an animal? Have you had a household discussion about what you’re willing to spend on their end-of-life care? Leave us a voicemail or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD, or email a voice memo to [email protected]. All right, Ronita, who are we hearing from today?

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

So today’s guest is Dr. Fiona McCord. She’s been practicing veterinary medicine in the Dallas area for more than 30 years. She’s also the founder of Compassionate Care Vet Services, which provides end-of-life coaching and in-home euthanasia. We’re going to have the tough talk in the hopes that it provides some comfort and direction for pet owners out there.

Sean Pyles:

That’s coming up in a moment. Stay with us.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

Hi, Dr. McCord. Thanks for joining us today on Smart Money.

Dr. Fiona McCord:

Well, you’re very welcome. I am more than happy to talk about this subject. I love it, and we don’t talk about it nearly enough.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

I absolutely agree. Do you have any pets?

Dr. Fiona McCord:

I do, but I currently have one dog. Two weeks ago, I had two dogs. So this conversation is very personal as well as professional, because I lost my wonderful lady on the 4th of July, which is Independence Day, which is kind of perfect, because she was Miss Independence. Her name was Dixie Belle, but we called her Dixie Hell. So that should tell you everything you need to know.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

Oh, but I’m so sorry. Such a loss.

Dr. Fiona McCord:

It is. It’s an absolute life changer and a heartbreaker every time.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

Yeah. And, I mean, when I think about my dog Moe and him not being around, I mean, I feel like I mentally can’t even get there, let alone attach a price tag to the whole process of losing a pet. Many of our listeners would have maybe been through this process, as you’re going through it too. But for those who haven’t, what are some of the issues that come up for pet parents?

Dr. Fiona McCord:

Well, let me say one thing first, and that is simply because I know the subject matter here has dollar signs, and I just want to make sure everybody understands that do not ever equate those dollars that you have the ability to spend with your ability to give your pet the very best, most awesome life and end of life. That’s just a given. There are so many things that play into this.

But, I mean, our pets become such an integral part of our lives, and the bond that we develop with them is something that you truly cannot explain to someone who has not experienced it. And having created that bond, when we get to that stage in their lives that we are facing the end, it overloads very often. It’s an area of time in their lives where we have opportunities to stand up and do things for them, but it’s a heartbreaker at the same time, and dollars do play into it.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

The kind of love that human beings can share with animals is really something else, and they provide so much joy. No matter what kind of day you’re having, they’re always so happy to see you. But when we’re talking about end-of-life issues, and while finances aren’t all important, where do finances come into that discussion? I wonder if you might have some stories about people who have had to decide not to spend, say, thousands of dollars to keep their pet alive just to have a few more weeks with them.

Dr. Fiona McCord:

One of the things I would say in any of this decision-making that we find ourselves in is to start early, which I know sounds kind of weird. But as soon as you start realizing that you’re getting to that end-of-life phase, then it’s getting all that information and making decisions before you’re overwhelmed with emotion, because sometimes once we get sucked into this end of life, we tend to just feel like we’re on a train and you can’t get off it and you can’t change it.

I had a lady who called me on a Friday, and we were talking about in-home euthanasia and letting her kitty leave this earth in the most gentle way we possibly could. But she was scheduled on the Monday for a scan. I think it was an MRI. I can’t remember exactly what it was. But her kitty was scheduled for a $3,000 procedure on Monday morning, and she was stressed, not necessarily about the money, but about the stress for the cat, what was this going to feel like, and all of that.

So when I talked her through this, and this was a kitty who had a neurological issue, and so the question was kind of, “Do we have a brain tumor? Do we have some other kind of brain lesion?” And this test was going to maybe give us an answer. But as I talked with her, I said, “You know what? So we do this test, and this kitty has a brain tumor. What are we going to do?” And the answer was euthanasia.

If we do this test and this kitty doesn’t have a brain tumor, it’s an old cat, by the way, what are we going to do? Euthanasia. Then why are we dragging a kitty into a vet to go through a test and spend $3,000 if what you’re going to ultimately do and what the cat is going to experience may actually be worse going down the spend $3,000 route than the other?

So I think all of our decisions coming down through this have to be, what do we want for this pet? What can we fix? What can we not fix? What can we control? What can we not control? Now, how do we, within our resources, money included, give this animal the very best life, but also, and this may sound like a weird thing to say, but given that I do this, a beautiful death?

And that’s what I want for my animals. I don’t believe with my pets, it’s my job to give them the longest possible life. I believe it is my job to give them the best possible life. And when that body fails, whether it is disease or it is age decline, whatever it is, is to make sure that they get to leave this earth in the gentlest, most loving manner within, again, the resources I have and what I believe is okay for my pet and my worldview. And that’s where the decision process takes us.

So that’s just an example of, we could have spent $3,000, it wasn’t going to impact anything, but why? What was the kitty going to get out of it? What were we going to get out of it? And was that really the most rational, reasonable, and loving choice?

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

So you do end-of-life consulting for pet parents, as you’ve mentioned. What do those conversations sound like? How do you start those conversations?

Dr. Fiona McCord:

Well, these conversations start with listening and asking, because a lot of these decisions are very personal. We have to figure out what is going on with that pet. What does a client understand or know about what is going on with the pet? But then also, what do we anticipate and expect to happen down this path if we do something, if we don’t do something? What does that client want for this pet? What matters the most to this client for this pet?

Well, what I want and what I want a client to see is that they have a pet who experiences the best possible quality of life for as long as possible. But when that quality falls lower, or we know that that quality is going to slip, or a crisis may occur, then that we make the right decisions to make sure they get to leave this earth, as I said, no stress, no discomfort, no pain, in the arms of their owner, or eating a cheeseburger.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

This conversation has me thinking about when my childhood dog passed away. And I look back, I was maybe in my late teens, when Snowy did pass away, and I saw that one thing that my family struggled with is knowing when the pet’s reached a stage to start thinking about these things. I would just like to get your take on, how do you know when your pets reach the stage?

Dr. Fiona McCord:

So I would say that you start thinking about it and addressing it as soon as you start seeing some signs. And the two classic places, one is when a client gets a terminal diagnosis, which is a very sudden onset, and that should be the start to think about it regardless of where we go down that path. But some people, that’s where this will start, terminal diagnosis.

For others, it’s a much more gradual awareness as either aging or chronic disease starts causing a decline that we start recognizing in our pets. So either of those places, it’s time to start thinking. If I have an animal that has a diagnosis that I know I can’t fix, I know all I can do is manage it. I might be able to make this animal feel a little bit better for a little bit longer. As soon as I’m in there, I’m in that window.

And that is where it becomes that very personal one of how far down this path do we go and what is okay down this path for my pet in my home, because the competing piece here is that while I want as long as possible, provided quality is good, what I also don’t want is the crisis last day. I don’t want ever anybody picking their dog up and going to an emergency room in the middle of the night. I don’t want anybody with me on one end of the phone hearing the dog screaming in the back, saying, “I need to euthanize my dog now.”

So sometimes the balance becomes, “I will trade off a little bit of time, maybe, to make sure that this dog never hits that point, and that this dog’s last day really is at home, being loved on, eating a burger, if that makes them happy.” Whatever it takes to have made decisions that when you look back, you have the fewest possible regrets is a goal in everything that we do as end-of-life providers.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

Right. And if we look specifically at that planning side of it, could you share some advice on financial considerations that pet owners would have to consider?

Dr. Fiona McCord:

The use of dollars for medical care for your pet or end of life is like any other use of dollars. It’s, “What do I have? What are my priorities? And how do I do what I want to do?” So other than insurance, which is certainly going to cover some, everything else is still your dollars, and it’s just how do those dollars flow from you to the provider of care?

So part of that is, that decision-making is huge. What do I want? How do I get this best? And maybe I can’t do all of these things, but what can I do? Because sometimes we think that if we are sitting in a vet’s office and they tell us it’s going to be X, Y, or Z, to do chemo or do whatever, we go, “Oh, well, we can’t afford it,” or maybe we’ve done all that and we make a statement like, “There’s nothing else we can do.”

I would argue that there is something else you can do. You can make that animal as comfortable as possible. So that ahead-of-time thinking about what matters to me at the end of my pet’s life, so now I can decide how do I distribute my resources to make sure I get them that. It may not be chemo and surgery and $50,000. I have a person I’m talking to right now who is afraid to get a pet, because she’s afraid she won’t have enough money for all the medical care she’ll need to get that pet.

That is awful. It’s not about dollars in medical care. There is a certain amount we have to do, but we’ve got to pull back and understand what we really want to give this pet, and that it’s okay not to have the $50,000 to do the surgery and the chemo and whatever else.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

So what are some options that pet owners might have for end-of-life care? Can you walk us through that? And then we can also look into how does hospice care work, et cetera.

Dr. Fiona McCord:

You’re likely to have a regular vet. So you’re likely to have gone through general medical care through the course of this dog’s life. At some point, you get your diagnosis or you have an issue that you need to look at. Anywhere down this path, it is almost always okay to say, “I don’t want my pet to experience this negative” whatever it is. And euthanasia is the thing that we have that allows us to prevent any discomfort whatsoever.

So that is there, but we’re still coming into it with, “I want as long as possible, provided quality is best.” And really, the regular vet can provide almost everything, because I used to… When I started this practice, I did actual hospice, which is going to be where I’m going to come into this situation with a client and a pet, and all of them are my focus of care.

I’m looking now at the family, at the environment. I’m going into the home. So I’m able to go in and say, “Well, I know what’s going to make things harder for this pet or not,” because a lot of end-of-life stuff is not dollars. It’s managing the situation. So our dogs that are… mobility issues, can’t get up anymore. Well, you know what? We’ve put some runners down. This dog will be able to get up, but he can’t get up on the wood floor. “He can’t go where he wants. He can’t get to his bed anymore.” Well, if you brought it downstairs, he would.

So a lot of the hospice and the ability to go into a home and look at how the family runs, what the relationships are there, what the environment is, is huge. And that is not a big dollar thing. When I consider dying, there’s three biggies for me that I don’t want at the end of my life. I don’t want physical pain I cannot control. I do not want the inability to breathe, and I do not want panic and anxiety. So when I come to this in the hospice setting for what we’re going to keep our animals going down this path, I have those same three things for them.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

When you get to that inevitable time where it’s clear your pet is near the end, what are some considerations for deciding between euthanasia and a natural death?

Dr. Fiona McCord:

That is very, very dependent on the situation. The process of death can be a fairly gentle, nontraumatic one. So if I have a really old, the 22-year-old cat who is dying, but overall, all the organs of the body are aging and wearing down, and everything kind of slows together, including the mental acuity.

So if a body is doing that, then you could actually have a death that you would support it maybe with pain med or, comfortably, things like keeping the lips and the tongue wet, a warm, comfortable position, the presence of someone who loves them. Those kinds of things can make a natural death maybe be okay, and it can take a long time. So if that is what someone wants to do and they’re able to manage that with the pain meds, whatever, that’s fine.

But most of our pets end up with conditions where the death process is not going to be gentle. There’s no reason to go down the natural death path unless you know that the trajectory of what is likely to happen in this body is something gentle, that I can medicate appropriately to control any discomfort and, again, that I don’t have a condition that is going to leave a last experience for a pet very unpleasant.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

So when you have these options, how do you balance what you want for your pet with what it’s going to cost between sedation, euthanasia?

Dr. Fiona McCord:

Our way to control dollars is to do all the things that we can do within our home to manage and maximize comfort, to use a regular veterinarian to get the drugs I need. But you should be able to manage with a combination of your regular veterinarian, maybe an end-of-life vet, if you can find someone who will take that role, and then who is there for you at the very end.

Some of the cost relates to aftercare of that body. Now it is about the client, whose heart is broken, and there’s nothing we can do about that. So now it is what all can be done in order to minimize that pain and support that client through this piece until life starts to look a little bit normal again.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

I wonder if you could recommend any resources or support groups for pet owners dealing with grief.

Dr. Fiona McCord:

The sources, obviously, naturally, they’re going to be different depending on where you are. There are a number of online grief groups. So if you want to do that virtual thing, lots out there. A lot of the cremation companies, if you find out who does this in your area, several of them have virtual groups that they support, and even phone lines that you can call about grief. Some of the rescue groups may have one. Some of the emergency clinics in your area may have one.

And then the other thing is actual true counseling. The group that I do, I actually co-facilitate with a counselor, and there’s going to be an occasional person that needs more than just a support group. If the family already has someone that they’ve used for other issues, then that might work, as long as that counselor gets it. This is one of those where you have got to be around people that get it.

And the other thing that happens with loss is that losses tend to pile up. And sometimes the loss of a pet, devastating, but it will open up all the other losses that have not yet been dealt with in that person’s life. It can be a floodgate. So everything from, “Oh, I just need to chat with somebody,” all the way up to, “I need real help here.” It can be a loss of identity, “Who am I? I’m Foo-Foo’s mother, but I’m not anymore.” So, so many situations and such a level of devastation that a person who has not experienced it really can’t wrap their brain around it, and we can’t expect them to.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

So to wrap up, when you are counseling pet parents who are dealing with a pending loss of their beloved furry family member, what would you say are the most important takeaways for our listeners to think about, especially financially, but as well as emotionally, at the end of their pet’s life?

Dr. Fiona McCord:

I think it is back to what we kind of said at the beginning, is sit down, see what do you want for your pet, what matters to you at the end. What if you’ve already got a situation that you kind of know what you’re going to be dealing with? What do you think that situation is going to look like? Find someone or get the information, enough information, that you have a sense of what’s coming so that you can make some of those tough decisions before you’re in it. How are you going to want to do that? What do you think of this? Before those emotions and all you can feel is the pain and the panic of what’s coming.

It is the getting ahead. It is planning, having time to think through it, to let your brain and your heart wrap around what this is that’s coming, and just make the best decisions you can. But the more you do on the front end to know that you have made those rational, good decisions for you and your pet, the better it will be on that back end. When you look back on the awesomeness of that life, no matter how painful the loss at the end, they are absolutely worth every bit of pain we suffer at the loss.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

Dr. Fiona McCord, thank you so much for talking with us today about this difficult topic and covering it with such depth and insight and warmth. We’re also so sorry for the loss of your dog as well, but thank you so much for coming on Smart Money.

Dr. Fiona McCord:

You are so welcome. Happy to do it.

Sean Pyles:

Ronita, I am trying to not fall down a hole of imagining my dear pets’ last moments. But there are a lot of valuable lessons in your conversation with Dr. McCord. First and foremost, do not equate your ability to spend with your ability to give your pet a good life. In fact, sometimes spending more money on a pet’s care can actually leave them feeling worse and suffering for longer. And what I’m personally going to be focusing on is the idea of giving my pets beautiful deaths. I want to honor their lives and our relationships in their final moments, and that’s kind of the best you can hope for.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

I couldn’t agree more. And one thing I did want to add in, just so our listeners are prepared, are the costs after your pet has passed. A pet cremation can cost between $30 to $250, depending on the size of the pet, and whether it’s communal or private cremation, while a burial can cost between $300 to $2,000.

And like everything we’ve spoken about before, it’s good to have a plan, to know what to do when the moment comes, especially when it can get so emotional and difficult, and to prepare yourself and your family for the hole that appears in the pet’s absence. I will say, just to lighten things, I am considering getting one of those dog portraits done for Moe. You know where they put your dog’s face on a distinguished general or an old-timey king’s body? It is how I would like to remember Moe as a little doggy emperor.

Sean Pyles:

That is so sweet. Well, Ronita, when I think about why we did this series, it really is in the spirit of education and getting folks to think ahead. As we said in the first episode, this is like any other financial consideration, whether it’s retirement or paying for school or having kids. This isn’t meant to be a downer, but actually the opposite, to save folks from having to make surprise decisions in the moment.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

Yeah. It’s a reality check, right? Puppies and kittens and goldfish and geckos and hamsters and horses, they’re all such wonderful additions to our lives. But as we’ve said, they’re not free. While you might get them for free, their existence in your household isn’t. It’s really worth taking the time to budget for them, to think about what your limits will be for their healthcare, and what your endpoint will be when they reach the end. And then from there on out, all you have to do is love them.

Sean Pyles:

That is the easiest part, and my favorite.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

Sean Pyles:

Well, Ronita, this has been such a great series. Thank you for bringing it to us.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

My pleasure, Sean. Woof, woof.

Sean Pyles:

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

And that’s the end of that.

Sean Pyles:

For now, that’s all we have for this episode. Do you have a money question of your own? Turn to the Nerds and call or text us your questions at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected]. And remember, you can follow the show on your favorite podcast app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio to automatically download new episodes.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

This episode was produced by Tess Vigeland. Sean helped with editing. Kim Lowe helped with fact-checking. And a big thank you to the NerdWallet editors for all their help.

Sean Pyles:

Here’s our brief disclaimer. We are not financial or investment advisors. This nerdy info is provided for general educational and entertainment purposes and may not apply to your specific circumstances.

Ronita Choudhuri-Wade:

And with that, until next time, turn to the Nerds.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:

Understand how first-gen Americans can achieve financial success with tips for balancing cultural obligations and wealth-building strategies.

How can first-generation Americans grow their wealth and protect their money? How can you set financial boundaries with family and friends while staying committed to your long-term financial goals? Hosts Sean Pyles and Kim Palmer discuss the unique financial challenges faced by first-generation Americans and immigrant families to help you understand strategies for achieving financial independence. They begin with a discussion of tips and tricks on managing dual financial pressures of supporting oneself and one’s parents and breaking cycles of poverty through self-compassion and financial education.

Jannese Torres, host of the personal finance podcast Yo Quiero Dinero, joins Kim to discuss the importance of building a strong financial support network tailored to individual needs. They discuss strategies for identifying trustworthy financial advisors, setting and maintaining financial boundaries with family and friends, and gracefully declining costly invitations in favor of ensuring long-term financial success. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating cultural and familial obligations while striving for financial independence.

Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including:

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Episode transcript

This transcript was generated from podcast audio by an AI tool.

Sean Pyles:

Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast. I’m Sean Pyles.

Kim Palmer:

And I’m Kim Palmer.

Sean Pyles:

On Smart Money, we are all about answering your money questions, and today we’re tackling an important one: How can first-generation Americans grow their wealth and protect their money? Kim, in her role as the host of our regular book club series, is here to guide the conversation. So Kim, who are you talking with?

Kim Palmer:

I am speaking with Jannese Torres, author of the new book, Financially Lit!: The Modern Latina’s Guide to Level Up Your Dinero & Become Financially Poderosa. She is also the host of the personal finance podcast Yo Quiero Dinero, and we are joined by my fellow Nerd Melissa Lambarena, a writer on the credit cards team, who also serves as an English and Spanish language spokesperson here at NerdWallet.

Sean Pyles:

Sounds great. Well, I will let you all take things from here.

Kim Palmer:

Great. Thank you. Jannese, thank you so much for joining Melissa and me today.

Jannese Torres:

Thank you so much for having me. Excited to be here.

Kim Palmer:

Let’s start with what’s unique about money for first-generation Americans and immigrant families. You write about how money is often not talked about, for example. Can you share some of those financial challenges that first-generation Americans often face?

Jannese Torres:

Absolutely. So I think at its core, it can start with something as simple as the language barrier. For many first-gen kids, we could be the family translators, oftentimes in financial situations. And so it’s not uncommon for us to take on the responsibility of helping our parents file their tax returns, navigate balancing a checkbook, or any number of other financial tasks that, for folks who can speak English, it’s just so much easier to do that.

So that’s one thing. But then I think there’s a lot of, maybe I would call them cultural nuances, that make the financial industry and first-gen communities kind of be at odds in a way. And I think some of that comes from the fact that there is this lack of culturally competent education and information oftentimes. It’s really even really hard to find alternate language content from a banking institution or a financial institution.

And also, there’s a lot of trauma associated with finances, especially if your parents have come from another country where maybe the economic situation is not as stable. There’s a big mistrust of financial institutions. So a lot of those things can compound in a way that make us very fearful of money and also the institutions that control it.

Melissa Lambarena:

I can definitely relate to that as a first-generation American, having to help my parents with a lot of these, figuring out different documents and a lot of these financial questions. Another thing that impacts us is that we might have to save for our own future, but also support parents who lack retirement savings in the present. And this is something that you talk about in your book. What do you see or want for people who find themselves in this situation?

Jannese Torres:

Well, I think first off, it requires a lot of self-compassion because what I find is there can be a lot of resentment and frustration amongst first-gen kids who feel like, well, why didn’t mom and dad do better? And it’s like we have to have the context and understand that they couldn’t do what they didn’t know. It’s not like financial literacy information is pervasive regardless of where you’re from, but especially when you’re from an immigrant community.

And so I like to refer to the oxygen mask analogy, for especially first-gen kids, because at the end of the day, the foundation that you are building as a wealth builder is only going to be as stable as you make it. If you overextend yourself or just find yourself continuously helping everybody else, but at the expense of your own future self, then it’s just going to perpetuate this cycle of poverty and struggle and feeling like we keep working towards a goal that we never actually achieve.

So I do recommend that folks prioritize their own financial stability. But then also, if you know that you’re going to be in a position to have to financially take care of someone, start having those conversations early and often so that you can start to understand the scope of what that’s going to look like and then make a plan accordingly.

Kim Palmer:

In the foreword of your book, it notes that a lot of personal finance publishers really have a blind spot, and they’re mainly writing for wealthy, white older readers. When did you realize the need for a podcast and a book like yours, and what kind of questions do you get from listeners that they might not hear anywhere else?

Jannese Torres:

I’ve been consuming personal finance content since 2016. And after about three years, I realized that the voices just didn’t 100% resonate with my lived experience as a first-gen Latina. And so that’s when I decided to stick my foot in and decide to launch the podcast, which inevitably led to my opportunity to write this book.

It’s definitely been inspired by the numerous conversations that I’ve had on the podcast where folks feel a lot of imposter syndrome for wanting wealth, a lot of fear because there is that lack of knowledge and a lack of trustworthy resources that we can go to, to learn more about this information. And I have found that it really moves the needle when people can hear stories from folks that they can resonate with.

And that’s why I think it’s so important to have that cultural context when we’re talking about money. Because for example, I think a lot of the mainstream personal finance content is very individualistic-based, especially here in America. Whereas for a lot of communities of color, it’s not unheard of to have multigenerational households where people are contributing collectively towards financial goals.

And just the idea of the bootstraps narrative and picking yourself up and working hard, but just for yourself, it doesn’t really align with how we operate most often in our communities.

Melissa Lambarena:

And financial trauma is something that you approach in your book that is often not seen across many personal finance books. Is this something that is left out of other personal finance books, and how can people get to the root of their financial trauma to make progress on their financial goals?

Jannese Torres:

I mean, I think the whole conversation around mental health and money is something that it needs to be more prevalent. Because I’ve found time and time again that it doesn’t matter if you tell somebody what they should be doing, whether it’s budgeting, saving, or investing — if they have mental health issues and financial trauma, that is going to prevent them from taking those steps. And so getting to the root of your money beliefs is a critical part of this whole journey.

For me, it was really important to include that information in the book. One of the things that I do is I walk readers through understanding where those narratives that we have internalized come from. If you have a perception that wealth is somehow intrinsically bad or immoral, did you grow up in a household where maybe that was the messaging from a religious aspect? Or did you see your parents fighting over money, and so it makes you afraid to talk about it with your partner? All of those things are subconsciously impacting how we operate with money, and I think it’s important for folks to have that context because oftentimes there’s just this shame and guilt that we feel about us not being able to make progress. But you have to understand why you feel the way you do about money before you can start to change those narratives.

Kim Palmer:

I totally agree. I’m so glad that we’re having those conversations more now. I don’t know if you’ve noticed this too, but I do feel like in the personal finance space, people are willing to talk about the mental health side of things more. It seems like something that’s coming up more often.

Jannese Torres:

Absolutely. I think there is less of a stigma when it comes to just talking about mental health in general, but I think that has not necessarily been at the same pace depending on where you’re from. I think for especially communities of color, there still is a lot of stigma about first talking about mental health and then letting folks know that you might be working with a therapist.

So I think the more that we normalize these conversations, the less they’ll be taboo, and the more open that people can be. Because you often realize once you start talking to other folks, there’s a lot of people that are going through the same exact emotions, and it just helps you feel less alone when you know that there are safe spaces where you can talk about this.

Kim Palmer:

Yes, absolutely. You also write about the importance of making yourself more financially secure with multiple income streams. And I love your personal story with this, how your side hustle started with a blog. So I’d love if you can share how your own side hustle helped you after an unexpected job loss and why it’s so important to have those multiple income streams.

Jannese Torres:

So I consider myself an elder millennial. I graduated about six months before the Great Recession. And so even though I went to school and got a degree in order to “get the stable job,” I did not experience that as soon as I got into the workforce. I found a lot of folks having unexpected layoffs.

And seeing especially people who had dedicated 20, 30 years plus to a company and be walked out the door with nothing more than a thank you and a box to collect their things, I think that for me was a very jarring realization at a young age that maybe it’s just not so stable out here in the corporate world. I always had that in the back of my head that I did want to diversify my income.

And then when I got laid off in January of 2014, it was confirmation of all these feelings that I’d had about just not putting all your eggs in one basket when it comes to your financial stability. I had been dabbling with content creation with the blog in early 2013. And when I got laid off, I took a couple of months. Instead of rushing back to get another job, I decided to double down and really learn on how you could turn an online content-based blog into an actual business.

And so I started learning about things like affiliate marketing and brand partnerships and how do you put ads on your website. And so that led me down a rabbit hole of entrepreneurship, which led me into the personal finance space. It’s been a really interesting experience seeing how you can have the power to create your own income streams just with ideas that you come up with with your head.

I like to encourage folks to really take a look at their skill sets, whether those are personal or professional skills, and see how you can turn them into a side hustle. Because at the bare minimum, you’ll be able to make extra money to pay off debt or save and invest. Best-case scenario is you might be building your new career.

Kim Palmer:

For sure. And then, as you found, if your main job source or source of income disappears, you have that to fall back on.

Jannese Torres:

Absolutely. There’s just a sense of power that comes from knowing that nobody can mess with you financially, especially if you have different ways of making money.

Kim Palmer:

Yes, I love that.

Melissa Lambarena:

I think a lot of our listeners are going to be inspired by that story. It’s important to stay aware and just read up on what other people are doing out there. And on that note, some people might not want to quit their job if they enjoy what they do or they like having that security of a full-time job. In that situation, what are some options that people may have to create multiple income streams, and have you stumbled upon any success stories throughout your work?

Jannese Torres:

Well, I think that at the bare minimum, we should all be using some of our disposable income to invest. Because when it comes to making that sexy passive income that everybody wants to make, that’s the easiest way to do it. Creating an additional income stream through dividend investing and through capital gains, that’s number one. If you don’t have access to an investment account through your job, anybody who has earned income can open a traditional or a Roth IRA.

So just think about what those options are for you. It doesn’t have to be that you’re building a business. There’s folks who decide to purchase real estate, and that’s how they create a secondary income stream. There’s folks who decide not to buy physical real estate, but they can invest in REITs or real estate investment trusts and be getting paid monthly rental income just by being an investor.

There’s other ways to make money versus just starting a business. But I think it’s just, like I said before, not put all your eggs in a basket. And at the bare minimum, I think it’s really important, especially in this uncertain time that we’re living in, to think about bulking up your emergency funds just because it is taking longer for folks to find jobs if they do get laid off. And knowing that you don’t have to take the first offer and you have room to breathe and figure out what your next steps are, I think that’s something everybody should be thinking about.

Kim Palmer:

You also write about the importance of creating a support network for people when it comes to their money. Can you explain what exactly does that look like? How can we create that support network?

Jannese Torres:

Absolutely. So I did find myself at various points of my personal finance journey feeling unqualified to make decisions, whether it was thinking about am I ready to leave my job and take on entrepreneurship full time, or how do I start investing on behalf of my family, knowing that I want to be able to help them financially? And so in those scenarios, I needed a second opinion and I started working with a certified financial professional.

I’ve worked with an accountant now through my business. I have an attorney. So there’s different folks who are experts in their field who are going to be able to help you navigate moments where you just don’t feel like you have all the information that you need. And I think it’s important to know that you don’t have to figure all of this out alone, and oftentimes you probably shouldn’t.

Like in the case where I was thinking about creating an estate plan, I did not feel comfortable taking on some DIY template and hoping that that was going to pass the bar in the event that I needed to use it for legal purposes. And so in that instance, I decided to seek out an estate planning attorney to help me figure that out. So I think it’s just important for you to know there are people out here who can help answer these questions so that you don’t feel this overwhelming pressure to figure it all out yourself.

Kim Palmer:

For sure. One thing you write about, too, though is that it can be hard to know who you could trust, and you talk about the importance of boundaries and what to do when family members ask you for money. And today on social media, when there’s people who call themselves experts talking about all kinds of things, how do you decide who you can trust in this scenario when you’re trying to build your own support network like that?

Jannese Torres:

I think it’s important to trust, but verify. So not just taking all of your information from a single source. There’s so many different places to learn about personal finance that I like to diversify my education the same way that I like to diversify my income. Doing your due diligence, making sure that you are researching somebody just to understand what information is out there about them.

When we’re talking about financial professionals, there are certification boards and different places that you can look for, making sure that they are still in good standing. I like referrals too. There’s something about working with someone who has a direct relationship with someone that you know. That can be a good strategy. Also, going online and searching for reviews.

There’s no such thing as too much research when it comes to figuring out who you can trust. And I like to think that people naturally reveal themselves after a certain amount of time, so be on the lookout for that too.

Kim Palmer:

Yes. I like that phrase that you used about diversifying your education and your sources. That makes a lot of sense.

Melissa Lambarena:

It’s also important to gather support for your financial goals, and that’s something that you talk about in your book. Some family members or friends may not understand what we’re trying to do, and setting boundaries around money can help you fulfill those goals that you might have, whether it’s to save or get out of debt. What are some ways that you’ve had to navigate this and what advice can you share with our listeners?

Jannese Torres:

I think the first thing is to understand that it’s not going to be very productive to ask someone for directions to a place that they’ve never been. When I say that, I mean, if you were the first person to be investing in the stock market, it’s probably not going to be very productive to talk to your family about this if nobody’s doing it. And so just the idea that you can create your own community of support, I think it’s an important thing to consider.

Because most often we look to the people that we already know to validate what we’re trying to do and to understand, and it’s not necessarily their job. It’s your job to understand the mission that you’re on and then to rally the troops, if you will, create community, whether that’s in person or online. I have found an incredible community of entrepreneurs who support me from all over the world online.

And it’s the same thing with being a first-gen wealth builder. When you start talking about this stuff, you’ll naturally find the people who are aligned with where you are and where you’re trying to go. And so I think it’s just important that you don’t necessarily limit your scope for creating that community amongst the people that you already know. It might require you to be in new spaces and have conversations with new people.

Melissa Lambarena:

What about when it comes to setting boundaries around money? When family members say they want to go on vacation or those weddings come up or holidays, how do you navigate that in a culture that sometimes isn’t used to talking about money at times?

Jannese Torres:

Those scenarios are absolutely challenging. I don’t want to make it seem like it’s not going to be difficult to stand up to the people that you love and say, “You know what? I just can’t swing this. I’m working on other goals and this is just not at the top of my list.” You’re going to have to be okay with people not getting it. And unfortunately, sometimes that’s going to mean maybe offending somebody.

But at the end of the day, we have to develop a thick skin when it comes to staying true to what our values are and understanding that this short-term sacrifice is going to then allow you to potentially be in a position in the future where you can splurge, where you can actually be the one that’s treating your family to these awesome experiences because now you’ve put yourself in a financial position to be able to do so.

I think it’s just important to maintain that long-term perspective and to understand that not everybody’s going to get it, but it’s not necessarily for them to get.

Kim Palmer:

Yeah, and that’s really motivating too. I wanted to delve into some of your specific tips and why they matter. So I picked out a few to highlight. First, your practice your salary negotiation script idea. I love this one because it’s something my own dad also told me about. So tell us why that’s so important and why it can be helpful.

Jannese Torres:

Yeah. Well, at the end of the day, negotiation is an art form. It is a skillset that you have to hone in. You have to work it just like a muscle. And so I think oftentimes when folks even start thinking about negotiation, it’s usually in the context of a salary or a promotion. And that can feel very life or death for some people. It’s like, oh my god, if this doesn’t go right, what’s going to happen? And so I like to encourage folks to start with the basics.

Calling up your credit card company and seeing if you can negotiate a lower interest rate, or when your renewal term is coming up for a streaming service and they want to double your rate, give them a call and say, “You know what? I can’t do this. I’m only going to stay on if you guys can match the introductory rate that I already had.” You’d be surprised how often companies want to retain you as a customer and are willing to make those negotiations.

And so the more comfortable that you get with those small things, when there are bigger things at stake, whether that’s negotiating the price of a car or a house or your salary, you’re going to have more practice and you’re going to have more confidence because you’re going to have more of those wins under your belt.

Kim Palmer:

Yes, that is so true. The second one I wanted to highlight is applying the 50/30/20 budgeting rule. At NerdWallet, that’s also something that we talk about a lot. Can you explain why it works so well?

Jannese Torres:

Well, I think it’s a good baseline for a lot of people to understand where they should be with regards to their fixed and their variable expenses, as well as their savings goals. Now, the thing that makes it an eye-roll situation for a lot of people is depending on where you live, those percentages can be wildly different. If you live in a very high-cost-of-living area, it’s not uncommon for you to be spending 60, 70, maybe even 80% of your income on those fixed expenses.

And so I think it’s a good baseline for folks to set up their first budgets, but I don’t think that you should let it discourage you if you have to tweak those parameters. Because at the end of the day, budgeting is just like personal finance. It really is an individual-based journey, and you have to figure out the system that works best for you.

Kim Palmer:

And finally, you say create sinking funds, which I don’t think everyone is familiar with that term. So can you explain how sinking funds work?

Jannese Torres:

Sure. I love a good sinking fund, and I had no idea what they were until I started down the rabbit hole of personal finance. And essentially, you’re just creating buckets of money for specific purposes. I think most folks are familiar with an emergency fund, and an emergency fund is just a type of sinking fund that you’re saving specifically for emergencies. But I encourage people to think about all of those goals that you have, whether that’s buying a home or upgrading your car or taking a luxurious vacation.

We can create sinking funds for all of these different goals that we have, and that way your money is clearly earmarked for that purpose. It’s easier to see when you’re making progress towards those specific goals instead of having all of your savings in one pot and then hoping that you have allocated enough for all of the things that you want to do. There’s something very visual about being able to track your progress for those individual goals that makes it much easier for a lot of people to maintain that momentum versus just having a pot of money with no designated purpose.

Kim Palmer:

For sure. And also helps you stay organized, I think, and just make sure you’re on track.

Jannese Torres:

Absolutely.

Kim Palmer:

Well, thank you so much, Jannese. Do you have any closing thoughts to share with our listeners?

Jannese Torres:

Well, I like to always remind folks that personal finance and getting your money stuff together is a journey. It is a marathon. It is not a sprint. And so the best thing that you can do is just be a perpetual learner, a continuous student, and never be afraid to ask a question because this world is changing so often, so rapidly. So keep learning, keep growing, and keep applying what you learn.

Kim Palmer:

That is the perfect note to end on. Jannese Torres, thank you so much for joining us on Smart Money.

Jannese Torres:

Thanks so much.

Kim Palmer:

And that’s all we have for this episode. To share your thoughts on money, shoot us an email at [email protected].

Sean Pyles:

Visit nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode. And remember, you can follow the show on your favorite podcast app, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio to automatically download new episodes.

Kim Palmer:

This episode was produced by Sean Pyles, Melissa Lambarena, and myself. Tess Vigeland helped with the editing. And a big thank you to NerdWallet’s editors for all their help.

Sean Pyles:

And here’s our brief disclaimer. We are not financial or investment advisors. This nerdy info is provided for general educational and entertainment purposes and may not apply to your specific circumstances.

Kim Palmer:

And with that said, until next time, turn to the Nerds.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

With back-to-school season in swing, you may find your nest emptier than normal. This time of change is often difficult and impacts us all differently. Some of us have been waiting for this day and have grand ideas of room renovations, some of us plan to keep the room intact until they officially move out, and then for some of us the official move out date has occurred and we still are unsure what to do with the space room. Not to worry, that’s what we’re here for!

In this article we’ve compiled 10 spare bedroom ideas with tips from several experts. Whether you’ve always wanted a craft room in your rental home in Bellevue, WA but are unsure how to organize it or don’t even know where to start with your home in Indianapolis, IN, we have you covered!

If you don’t already have one, consider turning the spare bedroom into a guest room. It’s a great idea to have a place for friends or family to stay when they’re in town. The current room likely has a bed already, so you can definitely keep the frame and get new bedding, or completely change out the furniture. 

A guest space can also be extremely multi-functional and ultra-practical. Considering your guests will likely only stay for short periods of time, you can utilize the closet and under-the-bed-area for storage. You can also keep a lot of your child’s things in these storage areas and opt to keep a few out so they still feel at home. If you do end up using all of the closet space, consider getting a luggage rack for guests to put their suitcases on during their stay. 

Beyond storage, this room can also double as a library (but if you do want a full reading room, see idea number four). “Instead of furniture to store clothes (guests can typically use the closet or luggage rack), line the walls with vintage bookshelves and put a sleeper sofa in the room.  The sleeper sofa can double as a cozy place to read and as a guest bed,” suggests Brooke Harris of Happy Simple Mom. To make the space extra relaxing, Brooke also recommends adding in a few house plants for the perfect finishing touch.

photo courtesy of Happy Simple Mom

Although your children may be grown-up and moved out, that doesn’t mean the house will never have kids in it again! Maybe you’re about to enter your grandparent era, are expecting, or are interested in fostering a little, which means a nursery could be perfect for you.

If you’re about to become a grandparent, using your spare room as a home away from home for your grandbabies is a great idea! In order to create the perfect cozy nursery, opt for “simple, versatile furniture like a convertible crib, rocking chair, and a few favorite books,” says Skye and Friends’ owner Vivian Hui. You can also include a changing table and selection of toys as well. As for decor, she recommends pairing their Sea Animals Nursery prints with a matching blanket, perfect for both “storytime snuggles and tummy-time play.” 

photo courtesy of Skye and Friends

It’s a bittersweet reality that kids grow up (that is the crux of this article after all), but a nursery won’t be useful forever. We recommend either combining the nursery with a children’s playroom to accommodate kids of all ages, or consider transitioning the nursery into a playroom in the coming years. 

Instead of or in addition to a crib and changing room, “You can include a kid-sized table and chair for crafts and sensory activities, open-ended toys for imaginative play, or a mini trampoline or Pikler triangle to encourage physical activity,” recommends Vivian. Storage is especially important here as toys can easily become disorganized. As for decor, we suggest keeping the walls fun, either with chalkboard paint to literally let them color on the walls and literally let their creativity run wild or with Skye and Friends’ colorful alphabet prints to inspire both curiosity and learning. 

Perfect for all ages, turning your spare space into a reading room can be the sanctuary solution you’ve been looking for. For the design of your home library, the world is really your oyster. If you want to go full dark academia and make it look like The Library of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, Lori Shaw of Lori Shaw Interiors recommends “painting the bookshelves, lining the backs with wallpaper, and painting the walls and ceiling a moody color.” Despite your design style be it modern and clean, maximist, or coquette, be sure to “fill the shelves with your favorite books and treasures [to create the perfect] luxe and cozy spot for everyone to love,” says Lori.

Not only can your home library fit any aesthetic, but “even an attic or enclosed porch can be transformed into a reading nook” says children’s book author Alicia Ortego. You can even combine this idea and other ones we’ve listed. For example, you can create a reading room with the children in mind as “This space can foster a love of reading…[by] providing a quiet, comfortable environment where children can concentrate on their reading, free from the distractions of other household activities,” recommends Alicia.

Or, you could combine the home library with the guest room as Lori suggests: “In order to make your spare bedroom really work, both for you and your visitors, consider creating a home office/library that doubles as a cozy guest space. It just involves fitting in as many tall bookshelves (IKEA is a fan favorite) as you can, and including a comfy queen pullout sofa.” Whether you decide to make the space completely filled with books or combine the home library with another option, “Transforming these spare rooms into reading nooks can maximize the use of your home’s space and create a delightful corner for relaxation and reading [for all ages],” notes Alicia.

photo courtesy of Lori Shaw Interiors

In a post-2020 world, most of us work from home (at least some of the days), so why not turn your spare room into your dream home office? Virginia wedding photographer, Alina Thomas, suggests “opt[ing] for a calming color palette and incorporate plenty of natural light to boost productivity.” Bringing up what home library again (we really can’t stress the multifunctionality enough), consider “adding a stylish bookshelf to display your favorite reads and a cozy reading nook can make the space multifunctional, serving as both a work area and a retreat for relaxation.” If not enough space is more of a concern, like your partner also works from home for example, check out these tips for making your workspace work (get it?) for two.

We love a DIY project, so we absolutely adore the spare bedroom idea of a hobby/craft room! Even if you’re not a “crafter” persay, many parents find themselves turning to creative hobbies once their nest is empty. Thus, having a dedicated spot for all of your supplies and a place to use them is not only a great use of your spare time, but can help your creativity shine. 

There really are an endless number of crafts to pick up, but how about starting up (or getting back into) sewing? “Sewing is a wonderful hobby that’s been gaining popularity in recent years amongst all age groups. You’ll only need a little bit of room for a small table or a desk to set up a sewing machine,” says Pattymac of PattyMac Makes. For any hobby space, organization is key! 

Pattymac tells us that “Investing in furniture that looks neat and houses supplies will keep a small space from becoming overwhelmed.” Another one of her small sewing room ideas is that vertical space is often overlooked, but is such a “great way to get craft supplies off the floor and organized.”

Regardless of the craft (or crafts) you choose, for the main area of your craft room, “A great plan is to add a large, rectangular worktable into the center of the room that promotes both productivity and creativity,” suggests Modern on Monticello’s blogger Donna Powell. “A worktable not only provides ample space for various projects, but with the table taking center stage, you’ll have plenty of free wall space for convenient supply shelves with the bonus of easy access to walk all around the table as you work. The spacious surface can double as a desk to spread out your materials, calendar, and planners, with enough room for group gatherings. Make your studio or craft room the ultimate workspace with this simple yet essential addition,” she notes.

Speaking of storage, Marlene Alexander of Dollar Store Style has some great organization ideas. “You can repurpose a folding screen by attaching some metal cooling racks to create craft room storage. With the cooling racks in place, you’ll have sturdy places to hold S-hooks and other hangers for scissors, wreath forms and more. You can also attach small plastic bins for things like twine, metal pencil cups to hold glue sticks and even a metal file holder to accommodate things like stencils or cardstock. In fact, this storage unit is completely customizable to suit whatever your crafting needs are. Both sides of the cooling racks can be utilized and the unit takes up very little floor space in a craft room,” suggests Marlene.

Although organization and storage are priorities for a craft room, your space can still be fun and showcase your creativity. For example, Life In Mini’s Laura Rosen Bashar loves blending new items with thrifted treasures for a look that’s both functional and fun. “For organization, I use a vintage printer’s chest to store craft supplies in its many drawers. My printer sits in an industrial rolling cart, which also holds rattan baskets that hide my cutting machine and other tools. To add a touch of whimsy, I’ve decorated the space with colorful paintings, artwork, a cherished vintage movie poster, metal signs, and framed comic books,” says Laura. Since crafting can be an expensive hobby, thrifted items are a great way to not only save money, but also add personal style. Pattymac recommends that “more budget minded crafters” utilizize Facebook Marketplace to find pieces “that will transform that under utilized space into a place to escape the stress of life.”

Whether you call it a man cave, she shed, or theysment, an entertainment space/game room is a great choice for your spare room. Perfect for gamers, movie enthusiasts, or just those who’ve always dreamed of a pool table in their home, now’s your time to create the ultimate entertainment space!

James Taylor, head of SEO and content over at Man Cave Geek, recommends basing “your ‘cave’ around consoles or games that you already have around the home.” However, the stereotypical “man cave” isn’t just for men or for gamers! Consider using the room as a more general entertainment space. “If you have a projector handy, then you can use this for both movie watching and for gaming, meaning that you’re utilizing the space that you do have as effectively as possible,” says James.  Alongside the screen, consider adding comfortable seating, game (foosball, pool, air hockey, etc.) table, a great sound system, and maybe even a mini-fridge for all kinds of beverages and snacks.

Whether or not your apartment in Miami, FL has a gym, consider turning your spare room into your dream fitness center. Regardless of your exercise of choice (weight lifting, dance, yoga, etc.), utilizing the space in this way can be extremely beneficial in helping nourish both your body and mind.

Personal trainer Jason Kozma tells us that “How much functionality you can expect to create depends on how much space you have in this room and how much you want to spend on equipment.” He recommends starting with “the smaller and less expensive items with the most functionality,” and then working your way up. 

For example, start with a cardio machine and adjustable or an assortment of fixed dumbbells, then add in an adjustable work bench (Jason prefers one with a leg extension/curl attachment) and suspension trainer with door anchor, and then finally add in an exercise bands set with handles. “[T]his is about as far as most people are willing to invest and get a serviceable home workout, [but] if you intend to have your entire workout schedule based at home and not go to a gym at all, then you’re going to want to step up to the next level with some sort of barbell cage, barbell, and weight plates,” says Jason. Of course, your fitness center will cater to what activities you like to do most, but we hope this space really has you feeling your best.

If you love fashion and taking your time getting ready, consider converting your space into a walk-in-closet/getting-ready room. This is especially a great spare bedroom idea if you find your bathroom or vanity busting with products or have been struggling to get your dresser drawers to close. 

For this room, both organization and aesthetics are key. When “convert[ing] the room into a stylish walk-in closet,” Beauty Room By CB owner Sophia Bennett recommends “open shelving and shoe racks to showcase your favorite footwear collection.” Open shelving is a great way to display certain pieces and can be used in a hybrid space. For example, Ashley Burk of Ashley Burk Home + Lifestyle combines her closet/vanity space with her guest bedroom. “My room has matching bookcase and wardrobe pieces that display handbags and other special pieces in a decorative way, and is also home to a vanity for my beauty and skincare products. It’s configured thoughtfully so there’s still plenty of room for a bed when we have out-of-town guests. This keeps our primary bathroom and closet less cluttered, and the vanity can also be used by guests when they stay with us,” says Ashley.

There’s a plethora of ways to organize and style all of your things in this getting-ready space. If you have special pieces like a Selkie dress or items you reach for often like a coat, consider adding in a clothing rack. Or if you love doing your hair and makeup, consider adding in a vanity unit with lots of drawer storage and great lighting. You could even add in a long table with multiple seats and mirrors (like Love Island) if you like getting ready with your friends before a night out. The options for styling this room are truly endless, but we recommend mixing both functionality with personal style for a space you’ll really love.

Our last idea for a spare bedroom is to turn your extra room into an indoor garden. Whether your outdoor space is limited or you want a garden more suitable for year round weather, an indoor space for all your plants is both a green and unique option.

“Turning a spare bedroom into a greenhouse to grow your own fresh, organic produce year round is one of the best steps you can do for improving your physical & mental health while reducing your grocery bill in the process,” says The Homesteading RD’s Katie Krejci. She recommends using “a rack system with grow lights suspended from the bottom of each shelf [with] a mat underneath the growing rack so that any drips or dribbles don’t stain your flooring.” For shelving, The Little Green Shoot’s Carly MacQuarrie recommends metal wire ones, but any will work. This design is both space-conscious, fairly inexpensive, and best for “things like herbs, lettuce, kale, radishes, peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, sorrel, and onions,” notes Katie. “Plant whatever makes your heart sing, but herbs you use for daily cooking like rosemary, thyme, parsley, cilantro, and even bay leaf, come in very handy to save money and time at the grocery store,” says Carly.

Whatever option you choose, repurposing your child’s room is a great way to embrace the empty nest. We recognize that this time of change can be emotional, so we recommend taking your time changing the room over as lots of feelings may arise during the renovation process. We hope that you slow down and make this transition as easy as possible as well as make whatever space you choose the perfect one for you and yours in the next stage of life.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

I started making extra money and side hustling around 15 years ago, and since then I have done over 20 different side hustles. I started so that I could stop living paycheck to paycheck, and so that I could pay off my student loans quickly (I ended up paying off $40,000 in student loans in…

I started making extra money and side hustling around 15 years ago, and since then I have done over 20 different side hustles.

I started so that I could stop living paycheck to paycheck, and so that I could pay off my student loans quickly (I ended up paying off $40,000 in student loans in just 7 months thanks to side hustling!).

Some were short-lived, while others turned into steady streams of income (and are even my full-time income today). Each side job taught me something valuable about money, time, and effort. I juggled everything from reselling clothes online to being a virtual assistant, mystery shopping, answering online surveys, having roommates, and more.

There isn’t one best way to make extra money; it depends on what you’re good at, what you like, how much time you have, and more.

If you want to start a side job, my experiences can help you decide. I’ll tell you what I learned from each one I tried, so you can see the pros and cons of each.

My Side Hustles Review

Below is my review of the different side hustles I have tried over the years. These are in no particular order.

A picture of me blogging from several years ago 🙂

1. Blogging

Blogging can be a great way to earn money while writing about topics you love. I’ve done it for years and have seen how it can grow from a hobby into a full-time job.

I enjoy blogging for many reasons such as:

  • It’s flexible – You can blog from anywhere, anytime.
  • It’s affordable to start – You just need a computer and internet.
  • It’s a great creative outlet – Share your thoughts and passions with the world. I enjoy blogging and running a website.

While there are a lot of great reasons to start a blog, there are some challenges such as it can be time-consuming and there is no guarantee that you will make money.

When I first started my blog, I was working over 40 hours a week on it and making nothing. It took me 6 months to make my first $100 from it, actually!

But, it was all worth it in the end.

Blogging used to be my side hustle and it is now my full-time job where I have earned over $5,000,000 over the years.

I would definitely say that blogging is my favorite side hustle.

For me, it was a great second job because I could work on my blog before my day job, during lunch, after work, and on weekends. You can make your own schedule, which is a big bonus!

You can learn more about how to begin in my free How To Start a Blog Course here.

2. Paid online surveys

Paid online surveys are a way to make some extra cash when you have spare time. With just a few clicks and some honest answers, you can see money rolling in.

Companies want to know what customers think about their products and services and that is why they pay for surveys. By sharing your opinions, you help them improve and develop better offerings. In turn, they pay you for your time and insights.

You usually can earn anywhere from $0.50 to $5 per survey, depending on the length and how hard the survey is. And, surveys can take anywhere from around 10 minutes to an hour, so they are not high paying.

I’ve taken a lot of surveys over the years, and what I like about them is that you can do them whenever you want – in the morning, during lunch, before bed – whenever it works for you. There’s no strict schedule, and they are really easy to do.

My tips for success:

  1. Sign up for multiple sites: This increases your chances of getting more surveys and making more money.
  2. Complete your profile: Some survey sites match you to surveys based on your profile.
  3. Be honest: Giving truthful answers ensures you stay eligible for more surveys.

Payment methods are typically cash via PayPal, bank transfer, or free gift cards (such as to Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and more).

You won’t get rich from these surveys, but it’s a nice way to earn some side cash. I know that some people think that surveys are a waste of time – but I know several people (including myself) who liked doing them because they are so flexible. I think the right mindset to have is that they will definitely not make you rich, and some can take a long(er) time to earn $5.

The survey companies I recommend signing up for include:

  1. American Consumer Opinion
  2. Survey Junkie
  3. Swagbucks
  4. InboxDollars
  5. Branded Surveys
  6. Prime Opinion
  7. Five Surveys
  8. PrizeRebel
  9. Pinecone Research

3. Focus groups and paid research studies

You can make money by participating in focus groups. Companies pay for your opinions to improve their products and services.

This is similar to paid online surveys, but paid research studies and focus groups typically pay more.

User Interviews is a popular site where you can find paid research studies and focus groups.

Big companies like Pinterest, Spotify, Macy’s, Home Depot, Trip Advisor, and Amazon use User Interviews to get feedback on their new products, apps, and websites.

You can make $50 to $100 per hour, or even more, just by sharing your thoughts and feedback.

I did a user interview myself and got paid $400 for just one hour of work. It was easy, and everything was done online through a video call where they asked for my opinion on a new feature for a website.

Please click here to learn more about User Interviews.

Also, if you’re interested in paid medical research studies, then that can be a high-paying option as well. When my husband was younger, he took part in a few medical research studies to help us make extra money. He usually got paid about $1,000 for a week’s worth of time.

4. Dividends

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a side hustle, but it is a way that you can make more money so I wanted to include it here, especially since it’s one of my favorite ways to increase my income.

Dividends are an awesome way to earn passive income. You don’t need to do much work, and the money comes in. Many companies pay dividends to their shareholders regularly.

Here are a few benefits of investing in dividend stocks:

  • Regular income: You can receive payments quarterly or even monthly.
  • Low effort: Once you buy the stock, you don’t have to do much else.

A dividend is a portion of a company’s profits given to its eligible shareholders. You can receive dividends in cash, stock, or even options to buy more stock.

If you own shares in a company that pays dividends, you’ll get a dividend for each share you own.

For example, if you have 10 shares in Company XYZ and they pay $5 in cash dividends each year, you’ll get $50 in dividends for the year. Dividends are usually paid out quarterly, which means 4 times a year. So, in the example, the $5 in yearly dividends would likely be paid as $1.25 per quarter for each share you own.

You can learn more at What Are Dividends & How Do They Work? A Beginner’s Guide.

5. Buy and sell flipping

Flipping items is a great side hustle, and this is when you buy items at a low price and sell them for more.

The benefits of buy and sell flipping include:

  • Flexibility: You can flip items in your free time.
  • Profitable: Potential to earn anywhere from $50 to $5000 a month.
  • Fun: The thrill of finding good deals and making a profit.

I have flipped many items for resale over the years, and I even had a small reselling business at one point. It’s a fun way to make extra money.

While flipping items by buying and selling them for profit can be exciting, it has some downsides. One big risk is that you might not always make a profit, especially if the market drops or you overestimate the item’s value. It can also take a lot of time to research products, find good deals, and manage your listings. There’s tough competition too, as many people are trying to flip items, which can lower prices.

You can learn more at How I Made $40,000 In One Year Flipping Items.

6. Sold clothing

Selling used clothing can be a great way to make extra money. You can find clothes to sell in many places: thrift stores, clearance aisles, garage sales, and even your own closet.

For me, I liked to sell clothing on eBay as well as in person to places like Plato’s Closet. There are many more options these days, such as Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace.

Selling used clothes as a side hustle has its ups and downs. On the plus side, it has low start-up costs because you can start with clothes you already own, and it’s eco-friendly, supporting sustainable fashion. You also get to work on your own schedule, and there’s a high demand for secondhand clothes, especially trendy or vintage items. But it can take a lot of time to sort, clean, photograph, and list the clothes. Plus, shipping costs can cut into your profits, especially for heavier items.

I’ve sold a lot of clothing over the years, both online and in person (I also used to work at a secondhand clothing store for many years). I even had a small clothing resale business at one point, so I have plenty of experience in selling used clothes!

You can learn more at 16 Best Places To Sell Clothes For Cash.

7. Social media management

Social media management is a great side hustle if you enjoy creating content and engaging with people online.

Social media managers handle businesses’ social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They create posts, reply to comments, and help grow their followers.

Some benefits include:

  • Flexible hours: Many times, you can work anytime, making it easy to fit around your main job. This is because you can schedule social media posts to go out at the exact time that you want.
  • You can be creative: You can express your creativity through different types of content.
  • Work from anywhere: All you need is a laptop and internet.

But, there are some cons too. This wasn’t my favorite side hustle, mainly because it was stressful at times. It is very time-consuming (creating good content and engaging with followers can take a lot of time), there is constant learning (social media trends change quickly, so you need to keep learning new skills), and some clients may have high expectations and tight deadlines.

If you like being creative and spending time online, social media management can be a fun and rewarding side hustle.

8. Virtual assistant

Being a virtual assistant is one of my favorite side hustles. It’s flexible, and you can work from anywhere. You handle tasks for other people or businesses, like managing emails, scheduling appointments, or doing research.

Why I like virtual assisting:

  • Flexible hours: You set your own schedule.
  • Work from home: No need to commute.
  • Variety of tasks: You can decide what virtual assistant tasks you want to provide.

Working as a virtual assistant is a great way to make extra money. It gives you flexibility, a variety of tasks, and you can get started with just a computer and an internet connection.

You can learn more at Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs.

9. Freelance writer

As a freelance writer, you get to write for different clients and websites. You can work from home and set your own hours. This side hustle can be very flexible, especially if you enjoy writing.

I’ve been a freelance writer for many years, and I really enjoy it. I’ve written for lots of different websites and companies, and I’ve made good money doing it.

The positives of being a freelance writer include:

  • Flexible schedule: You can write during your free time.
  • You get to decide what you want to write about: You get to write about different topics.
  • Work from home: No need for a commute.

There are some cons, though, such as income can vary, with some months being busy while others are slower. Finding clients requires actively searching to keep work steady. Plus, meeting deadlines can also be stressful, adding pressure to the job.

Freelance writing is a great side hustle if you love to write and want to make extra money. It takes time to build a steady income, but it can be very rewarding.

You can learn more at 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!).

10. Receipt scanning apps

Using receipt scanning apps is an easy way to earn some extra money. You just take a picture of your receipts from shopping, and these apps give you points or cash back. Here are some of the best apps to try:

I’ve been using receipt-scanning apps for years, and I love how easy they are to use. You can earn points or cash without spending much time. Plus, since I already have the receipts, it’s great to make some extra money by doing almost nothing.

My favorite receipt-scanning apps are:

I like to use both Fetch Rewards and Ibotta on all of my receipts (yes, at the same time to stack rewards).

Receipt-scanning apps can be handy, but they do have some downsides. One of the main drawbacks is that the rewards are usually small, so it can take a while to earn a significant amount. You also have to remember to scan receipts regularly, which can be time-consuming and easy to forget.

For me, though, I like to use them on all of my receipts as it only takes a quick moment to do.

11. Mystery shopping

When I had student loans to pay off, I turned to mystery shopping to make extra money. It didn’t make me rich, but it helped increase my income and allowed me to enjoy some free meals and free stuff (like free makeup and household goods).

Mystery shopping involves acting like a regular customer and then reporting on your experience. You might review a restaurant, shop at a store, or even evaluate a phone call. Companies use your feedback to improve their service.

What I like about mystery shopping:

  • Extra cash (typically $10 to $15 per mystery shopping task)
  • Free items or meals (you’re usually given an amount to spend in the store or restaurant)
  • Flexible schedule

Mystery shopping helped me make around $100 to $200 a month.

Joining a reliable mystery shopping company is important, though, as there are a lot of scams. I used Bestmark and had a good experience with them.

Mystery shopping won’t replace a full-time job, but it’s a fun way to make some extra money.

You can learn more at How To Become A Mystery Shopper.

12. Babysitter

Being a babysitter is a flexible side hustle. You can choose your own hours and accept jobs that fit your schedule.

Parents often need help on weekends or evenings, which can be perfect if you are busy during the day.

What I liked about babysitting:

  • Good pay – around $15 to $25 per hour (depending on where you live)
  • Helps develop responsibility
  • Flexible hours

Of course, there are downsides to being a babysitter, such as it can be tiring watching kids for long periods, and sometimes this side job means that you’ll be working late nights or weekends.

I was a babysitter when I was younger and I really liked it. The kids I babysat were fun to be around!

13. Coaching

Coaching can be a great side hustle. You get to help people grow and achieve their goals. It also offers flexibility because you get to be your own boss and decide your work hours.

I used to offer blog coaching in the past, and I enjoyed helping people learn how to grow their blogs and make money blogging.

It was also really easy for me to do, as I have been blogging for many years and have learned a lot about what to do and what not to do.

If you have the expertise and enjoy motivating others to improve, then there is probably a topic that you can coach others on.

14. Course creator

Creating an online course can be a game changer for your income. I launched my first course, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing, in July 2016. Within the first year, it brought in around $434,698. This wasn’t due to any fancy marketing techniques but mainly through word-of-mouth.

Even though the course was successful, it didn’t come easy. I was nervous about it, especially since it was my first. I had worries that no one would be interested. Plus, many people said that your first course usually isn’t great.

Yet, the desire to help others understand affiliate marketing kept me going. By sharing my knowledge, I aimed to help bloggers increase their income. Online courses are beneficial because they can include interactive materials, workbooks, and community support, which go beyond what an ebook offers.

Here are some success stories from my course:

  • One student increased their monthly income from $272 to $4,400.
  • A new blogger got their first affiliate sale just two days after taking the course.
  • Another went from earning $87 a month to over $1,700 the next month.

And I have helped countless bloggers earn well over $100,000 a year from their blog and turn it into a full-time income.

Creating a course is a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding. It allows you to reach a wider audience and can become a substantial income stream. If you have knowledge to share, you may want to try creating your own online course.

This is a business idea that I recommend more people start! I enjoy taking courses from people and sign up for them all the time. I love learning, and so do others.

You can learn more at How I’ve Made Over $1,000,000 From My First Course Without a Big Launch.

15. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular side hustles. It’s easy to start and doesn’t need a lot of money up front.

You promote products and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link. This can be done on social media, a blog, a YouTube channel, and more.

What I like about affiliate marketing:

  • Low start-up cost: You don’t need much money to start.
  • Flexible schedule: Work when you want.
  • Passive income: You can earn money even when you’re not working.

Affiliate marketing can be a fun and profitable side hustle. Just remember to stay patient and persistent!

You can learn more at What You Need To Know About Affiliate Marketing For Beginners.

This small house we owned had 4 bedrooms and we rented out two of them.

16. Rent out a room in your home

Renting out a room in your house can be a simple way to make extra money. If you have unused space, like a spare bedroom or basement, you can turn it into a rental.

I have had several roommates in the past, and I liked this side hustle a lot.

What I liked about making extra money by renting out a spare room:

  • Extra income to help pay the mortgage
  • If you have unused space, then this can be a good way to fill it

Of course, there are challenges to having a roommate, and it isn’t always perfect. Sometimes, it can be hard to share common spaces (like the kitchen and bathroom), and it can also take time to adjust to someone else’s lifestyle.

Renting out a room isn’t for everyone, but it can provide steady income with minimal effort.

17. Shop at cash back websites

Shopping at cash back websites is an easy way to earn extra money. These sites give you a percentage of your purchase back as cash. You just have to sign up, shop through their site, app, or browser extension, and earn rewards.

I like cash back sites because they are easy to use and you don’t have to pay anything extra for using them.

Shopping through cash back sites can give you a nice little bonus on things you already planned to buy. It’s like getting paid to shop.

My favorite cash back sites are:

  • Rakuten (for online shopping like clothing, home goods, etc.)
  • Upside (for gas)
  • Honey (for online shopping like clothing, home goods, etc.)
  • Fetch Rewards (for groceries)

18. Earn credit card rewards

Using credit cards (the smart way) can help you earn rewards like cash, travel points, and more.

I’ve been using rewards credit cards for years, and now they’re the only cards I use. They help me save money on travel, earn cash back, and more.

By choosing the right credit card and using it wisely, you can enjoy great rewards and make the most of your spending.

Remember, carrying a balance on your credit card can lead to interest charges, which can outweigh the benefits of rewards. Always try to pay off your full balance each month to avoid these fees.

You can see my favorite credit card rewards at Best Rewards Credit Cards For This Year | What You Need To Know.

19. Brand ambassador

Being a brand ambassador is one of the more popular side hustles.

You represent a company and help promote its products. Often, you act as a public spokesperson. You can find opportunities on Facebook and many cities have brand ambassador groups where gigs are posted.

Brand ambassadors can earn between $15 to $20 per hour. Some high-end gigs can pay up to $100 per hour.

Benefits of this side hustle include flexible hours and the chance to work for brands you like. You may be able to get free products or swag, too, and this is one thing I really liked about being a brand ambassador in the past.

20. Newspaper delivery

Delivering newspapers can be an easy way to make money. It’s a job you can do before school or work, and it lets you get exercise too. You may drive, ride your bike, or walk to each house and leave the newspaper by the door.

The benefits of newspaper delivery include:

  • Exercise: If you walk or ride your bike, you can get plenty of fresh air and exercise.
  • Scheduling: Most routes are in the early morning, so you still have the rest of the day free.
  • Tips: Some customers might give you tips during holidays or for good service.

But, there are some downsides, with the main one being that you typically have to wake up really early for this job. For newspaper delivery, you usually have to wake up very early in the morning, often around 3:00 to 5:00 AM. The exact time depends on how big your delivery route is and what the newspaper company requires. The goal is to have all the newspapers delivered by the time most people wake up, usually around 6:00 or 7:00 AM, so starting early is really important.

The other main negative is that a big collection of newspapers is, of course, heavy!

When I was younger, I helped a friend’s family with their newspaper run whenever I slept over at their house. They used their van to deliver a bunch of newspapers, and I got to tag along.

21. Help others with their resume

Helping others with their resume can be a rewarding side hustle. You can earn extra money while also making a big difference in someone’s job hunt.

When I was in my last year of college as well as about a year after I graduated, I helped several people with their resumes. I didn’t charge a lot (and many times worked for free or for a free meal), but I liked looking at resumes and finding ways to make everything sound better.

I was also really good at it and it came so easy to me!

Some benefits of this side hustle include:

  • Flexibility: You can do this from home.
  • High demand: Many people need help with their resumes.
  • Work at your own pace: There’s no rush, and you can take on as many clients as you want.

By helping others with their resumes, you can earn money and provide help. It’s a great way to use your skills and make a difference in someone’s life.

22. Enter contests and giveaways

Entering contests and giveaways can be a fun and rewarding side hustle. You will definitely not win every time, but the more you enter, the higher your chances. People have won cash, gift cards, vacations, and electronics through these events.

You can spend a little time each week entering different contests. You can find them online, on social media, and in emails from brands you follow. Some people set aside about an hour each week to enter as many as they can find.

I found success this way. For example, I once won $10,000 from a financial blog’s anniversary contest, and this was a major win early on in my side hustle journey.

Remember, entering contests should be fun. Think of it as a hobby that could pay off with some great surprises. You most likely won’t get rich nor win the lottery doing this.

This is a screenshot from this month. I earned around $300 playing games on my phone.

23. Rewards sites (GPT sites)

Rewards sites, also known as GPT (Get-Paid-To) sites, are platforms where you can earn money by doing simple tasks online.

Tasks you might do include:

  • Taking surveys
  • Reading emails
  • Playing games
  • Shopping online
  • Trying new apps and services
  • Clicking ads

Rewards sites have been around for a while and have proven to be a reliable way to earn some extra cash. Though the payouts are often small, they can add up over time. For instance, Swagbucks has paid out over $80 million to its users.

Using multiple sites can help maximize your earnings. It’s easy to do tasks during your free time, making it a flexible way to earn money without a huge time commitment.

It’s key to choose reputable sites to make sure that you get paid for your efforts, so I recommend that you stick with popular, well-reviewed platforms to avoid scams.

Rewards sites will most likely not replace a full-time income, but they can be a fun way to get some extra spending money.

Here’s a quick list of the best GPT sites:

24. Test websites (User Testing)

Testing websites, also known as user testing, is a popular side hustle. You get paid to visit a website or app and give feedback on your experience.

You will need a computer, a reliable internet connection, and sometimes a microphone.

User testing is flexible. You can do it in your free time from the comfort of your home. This side hustle is great if you like trying new things and providing feedback.

I have personally been paid to do user testing in the past, as well as paid others to do user testing on this very website, Making Sense of Cents. I thought it was an easy side hustle where you just share what you honestly think of a website.

25. College textbook resale

Selling your college textbooks is a great way to make some extra money.

When I was in college, I sold all of my college textbooks once I was done, and I always tried to make the most money (so, that typically meant that I never sold it directly back to my college bookstore, because they usually paid the least amount).

Reselling college textbooks as a side hustle has its ups and downs.

On the plus side, there’s a high demand for cheaper, used textbooks, so you can make good money if you buy low and sell high. It’s easy to start, especially if you begin with your own used books, and it’s a great way to encourage reusing materials.

But the market is seasonal, with most demand at the start of each semester, so your income might be inconsistent. New editions can come out, making older books less valuable, and storing a lot of books can be tough. Plus, shipping heavy textbooks can cut into your profits if you’re not careful.

Recommended reading: 17 Best Places To Sell Used Books For Cash

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about finding the best side hustle.

What are the top side hustles that can bring in good money?

Top side hustles that can bring in good money include freelancing, blogging, flipping items for resale, and renting out rooms in your home.

How can I find side hustles that pay me every week?

You can find weekly pay side hustles through gig economy platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash. Freelancing on websites like Upwork or Fiverr might also pay weekly, depending on your agreement with clients. Another option is finding part-time jobs at local businesses that pay weekly wages.

Can you suggest some side hustle ideas I can do from my house?

There are several home-based side hustles. You can start freelancing in areas like writing, graphic design, or social media management. Another idea is to sell virtual assistant services. Teaching online courses or tutoring students in subjects you excel at is also a great way to earn from home.

What side jobs are out there for someone with no experience?

There are many side jobs for beginners. You can try pet sitting or dog walking through apps like Rover. Babysitting is another option if you like spending time with children. Delivery driving for companies like Uber Eats or Instacart doesn’t require much experience and can be started quickly too.

My Favorite Side Hustles – Summary

Now that we have gone over my full list, I want to talk about one of the main deciding factors of a side hustle.

Your time is important. Some side jobs take a lot of time but don’t pay well, while others pay more with less time.

Think about how much free time you have after your main job and how much money you want to make. This balance is very important. Track the hours you work and the money you earn to see if it’s worth it. The best side job fits into your life without stressing you out.

Also, another important deciding factor is choosing a side hustle that aligns with your skills and lifestyle. If you’re good at something, you’re likely to enjoy it more and perform better.

So, I recommend thinking about your current skills and hobbies. Matching your side hustle to your skills makes it easier and more enjoyable. Plus, you’re more likely to find success and earn extra income.

What’s your favorite side hustle?

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

Apache is functioning normally

Wading through unnecessary paperwork is no one’s idea of a good time. Same goes for being forced to hear a dreaded loop of Muzak while waiting on hold for what feels like eternity.

In the hopes of removing some of the suffering from the pain of customer service interactions, the Biden administration announced a new bundle of government-wide actions today nicknamed “Time Is Money.” The administration says the hassles that Americans face are often designed to deter people from activities that could hurt a company’s bottom line, such as refunds or subscription cancellations.

“This work came from scores of conversations with people — consumer advocates and others — about practices that are really designed to get people crazy and, honestly, they’re really designed for you to give up.” says Neera Tanden, director of the Domestic Policy Council of the United States.

During his presidency, Biden has addressed a bevy of corporate-instituted annoyances that everyday Americans face, including things like junk fees. These new actions also provide a glimpse into what areas of consumer protection Vice President Kamala Harris is likely to emphasize on the campaign trail.

The consumer pain points that the administration is targeting include things most people have encountered such as chatbots, doom loop phone menus, fake reviews and enigmatic subscription cancellation practices.

But first, a caveat: When the White House announces any “actions,” it can take a long time to actually happen. Certain actions might require movement through regulatory processes, other agencies or Congress. Businesses may have perfected red tape, but the government invented it.

Stop “doom loops” and connect consumers to humans

The pipeline from consumer-to-human representative is often littered with unhelpful robotic menus that don’t recognize when you’re helplessly yelling “customer service” into the receiver.

“I myself have had experiences where you call and the thing you need is not in the recommended options,” says Tanden. “And then you hit a button that sounds like it’s close — like it could get you access to a human — but it’s not close. And they keep just giving you the same list over and over again. What that’s fundamentally doing is wasting your time in order to make it difficult to realize the choice that you want.”

To combat this frustrating experience, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is expected to create a rule that would require companies it oversees — such as banks and lenders — to streamline connecting consumers with human customer service agents.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering requiring the same of phone, broadband and cable companies. The Health and Human Services department and Department of Labor are also expected to call on health plan providers to improve this path.

Simplify subscription and membership cancellation practices

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a rule that would require companies to make a subscription or membership cancellation as easy as it was to sign up.

The “click to cancel” proposal was first made in March 2023 and is still in the “rulemaking” process, which Tanden says should be completed sometime in the fall. This action doesn’t require congressional approval.

Stop companies from masking bad reviews or creating fake ones

The FTC has also proposed a rule that would ban marketers from deceptive review practices, including suppressing honest negative reviews and propping up fake positive reviews. This rule was proposed in June 2023 and is in the rulemaking process.

Crackdown on customer service chatbots and A.I.

The CFPB is expected to issue rules or guidance against using automated chatbots or artificial intelligence voice recordings as customer service in scenarios when people are led to believe they’re communicating with a person.

Improve health care coverage customer service

The HHS and the DOL are both calling on health insurance companies “to take concrete actions to save people time and money when interacting with their health coverage,” according to a White House press statement. That proposal is as opaque as the next promise that these departments will identify additional ways to improve how the health care system interacts with people.

Tanden says one practice the Office of Personnel Management wants to address is making it easier to submit paperwork online rather than through mail or fax. “Some people don’t really have access to a fax machine,” says Tanden. “These practices really do seem designed to make it difficult to get prior authorization or claim a particular benefit.”

The Office of Personnel Management is also planning to require all federal and postal service health benefit plans to simplify submitting out-of-network claims online, finding information on appealing claim denials and help people figure out which providers are in-network.

Require airlines to provide automatic cash refunds

The Department of Transportation now requires airlines to pay customers back the airfare when a flight is canceled or changed significantly for any reason. A passenger would be entitled to a refund if they do not rebook a flight. All refunds must be automatic. This rule was announced in April and will be implemented soon, according to Tanden.

Streamline communications between parents and schools

The Department of Education is expected to issue guidance to schools to make it simpler and less time-intensive for parents and schools to do things like communicating with teachers and completing required forms and permission slips. It’s unclear what this guidance would look like, but the White House says it would “include new resources for schools to address time-wasting technology and offer more streamlined processes for engaging and communicating with parents.”

What’s next?

Tanden says the administration is hoping to do more to ensure consumer choices “drive the market” and prevent companies from gaming the system at the expense of consumers.
The White House is soliciting suggestions from Americans for how they’d like consumer service to better serve them including things like how refunds are delivered; dealing with human agents instead of robots; canceling subscriptions more easily; and how technological features can actually make their lives easier. You can submit your suggestions here.

 (Photo by Jessica McGowan/Getty Images News via Getty Images)

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

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The acceptance of the Prize by a winner shall constitute and signify winner’s agreement and consent that Sponsor and its designees may use the winner’s full name, city, state, likeness, quotes, photo, submission, entry or prize information (collectively “Submission”) in any manner the Sponsor deems fit including, but not limited to, in connection with Sponsor’s exploitation of the Submission for promotional, advertising or other purposes, worldwide, in any and all media now known or hereafter devised, without limitation and without further payment, notification, permission or other consideration, except where prohibited by law.

9. Release

By participating, entrant agrees to release and hold harmless the Sponsor and its respective subsidiaries, affiliates, suppliers, distributors, advertising/promotion agencies, and prize suppliers, and each of their respective parent companies and each such company’s officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any claim or cause of action, including, but not limited to, personal injury, death, or damage to or loss of property arising out of entrant’s participation in this Sweepstakes or receipt or use or misuse of any prize, as well as or any claim or cause of action based on publicity rights, infringement of intellectual property, defamation, or invasion of privacy arising from any materials entrant has submitted in connection with entrant’s participation in this Sweepstakes.

10. Limitations of Liability

Sponsor is not responsible for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by entrants, printing errors or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes; (2) technical failures of any kind, including, but not limited to malfunctions, interruptions, or disconnections in phone lines or network hardware or software; (3) unauthorized human intervention in any part of the entry process or the Sweepstakes; (4) technical or human error which may occur in the offer or administration of the Sweepstakes, including but not limited to errors in the advertising, Official Rules, selection and announcement of the winners and distribution of the prizes or the processing of entries; (5) any inability of any winner to accept or use any prize for any reason; or (6) any injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use or misuse of any prize. If for any reason an entrant’s entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, entrant’s sole remedy is another entry in the Sweepstakes, provided that, if it is not possible to award another entry due to discontinuance of the Sweepstakes, or any part of it, for any reason, Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may elect to hold a random drawing from among all eligible entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any or all of the prizes offered herein. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded. In the event that production, technical, seeding, programming or any other reasons cause more than stated number of prizes as set forth in these Official Rules to be available and/or claimed, Sponsor reserves the right to award only the stated number of prizes by a random drawing among all legitimate, un-awarded, eligible prize claims.

Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Sweepstakes, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision

11. Disputes

1. Choice of Law: These Official Rules are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles. Subject to this Section 11, which provides that disputes are to be resolved through binding arbitration or small claims court, to the extent that any lawsuit or court proceeding is permitted hereunder, you and Sponsor agree to submit to the exclusive personal jurisdiction of the state courts and federal courts located within San Francisco County, California, for the purpose of litigating all such disputes.

The parties acknowledge that these Official Rules evidences a transaction involving interstate commerce. Notwithstanding the provision in the preceding paragraph with respect to applicable substantive law, any arbitration conducted pursuant to this Agreement shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. Secs. 1-6).

2. DISPUTES RESOLVED BY BINDING ARBITRATION. In the interest of resolving disputes between you and Sponsor in the most expedient and cost-effective manner, you and SPONSOR agree to resolve disputes through binding arbitration or small claims court instead of in courts of general jurisdiction (“Agreement to Arbitrate”).

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT

A) CLAIMS TO BE RESOLVED BY BINDING ARBITRATION. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW SPONSOR AND YOU AGREE TO ARBITRATE ANY AND ALL DISPUTES AND CLAIMS BETWEEN YOU AND Sponsor, AND BETWEEN YOU AND OUR FORMER OR PAST EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND

CONTRACTORS, IN ALL CASES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE TERMS OR THE SERVICES, EXCEPT THAT: (1) EACH PARTY MAY COMMENCE AN ACTION IN A COURT OF PROPER JURISDICTION FOR INJUNCTIVE OR OTHER EQUITABLE RELIEF AS CONTEMPLATED IN SECTION 11(H) BELOW (INJUNCTIVE RELIEF) PENDING A FINAL DECISION

BY THE ARBITRATOR, (2) EITHER PARTY MAY BRING AN INDIVIDUAL ACTION IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT IF THE RULES OF THAT SMALL CLAIMS COURT WILL ALLOW IT. IF EITHER PARTY DOES NOT BRING ITS CLAIM IN

SMALL CLAIMS COURT (OR IF YOU OR WE APPEAL A SMALL CLAIMS COURT JUDGMENT TO A COURT OF GENERAL JURISDICTION), THEN THE CLAIMS MUST BE RESOLVED BY BINDING, INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION. YOU AGREE THAT, BY AGREEING TO THE TERMS, YOU AND SPONSOR ARE EACH WAIVING THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY OR

TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. THE TERMS EVIDENCE A TRANSACTION IN INTERSTATE COMMERCE, AND THUS THE FAA GOVERNS THE INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION. THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION SHALL SURVIVE TERMINATION OF THE TERMS OR YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH SPONSOR FOR ANY REASON.

b) ARBITRATOR. ANY ARBITRATION BETWEEN YOU AND SPONSOR WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE COMMERCIAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES AND THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROCEDURES FOR CONSUMER RELATED DISPUTES (COLLECTIVELY, “AAA RULES”) OF THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION (“AAA”), AS MODIFIED BY THESE TERMS, AND WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY THE AAA. THE AAA RULES AND FILING FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.ADR.ORG, BY CALLING THE AAA AT 1-800-778-7879, OR BY CONTACTING SPONSOR. ALL ISSUES ARE FOR THE ARBITRATOR TO DECIDE, INCLUDING THE SCOPE AND ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION AS WELL AS OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS IN THESE TERMS, AND THE ARBITRATOR SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY TO RESOLVE ANY SUCH DISPUTE RELATING TO THE SCOPE AND ENFORCEABILITY OF THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION OR ANY OTHER TERM OF THESE TERMS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY CLAIM THAT ALL OR ANY PART OF THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION OR THESE TERMS IS VOID OR VOIDABLE. HOWEVER IF PUTATIVE CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE CLAIMS ARE INITIALLY BROUGHT BY EITHER PARTY IN A COURT OF LAW, AND A MOTION TO COMPEL ARBITRATION IS BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY, THEN THE COURT SHALL DECIDE WHETHER THESE TERMS PERMIT CLASS OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDINGS. FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, THE COURT AND ARBITRATOR SHALL BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS, INCLUDING WITH REGARD TO THE CLASS ACTION WAIVER PROVISION BELOW. IN ANY ARBITRATION, THE ARBITRATOR SHALL FOLLOW THE APPLICABLE LAW. THE ARBITRATOR SHALL NOT HAVE THE POWER TO COMMIT MANIFEST ERRORS OF LAW OR LEGAL REASONING, AND ANY AWARD RENDERED BY THE ARBITRATOR THAT EMPLOYS A MANIFEST ERROR OF LAW OR LEGAL REASONING MAY BE VACATED OR CORRECTED BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION FOR ANY

SUCH ERROR. DURING THE ARBITRATION, THE AMOUNT OF ANY SETTLEMENT OFFER MADE BY SPONSOR OR YOU SHALL NOT BE DISCLOSED TO THE ARBITRATOR UNTIL AFTER THE ARBITRATOR DETERMINES THE AMOUNT, IF ANY, TO WHICH YOU OR SPONSOR ARE ENTITLED. IN ARBITRATION, AND TO THE EXTENT OTHERWISE PERMITTED BY LAW, THE PARTIES MAY EXCHANGE “OFFERS OF COMPROMISE” OR STIPULATE TO JUDGMENTS OR AWARDS IN THE SAME WAY THE PARTIES COULD IN COURT, INCLUDING FOR EXAMPLE, UNDER CALIFORNIA CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE SECTION 998 FOR ARBITRATIONS TAKING PLACE IN CALIFORNIA. SUCH OFFERS OF

COMPROMISE SHALL HAVE THE SAME FORCE AND EFFECT AS THEY WOULD IN A COURT PROCEEDING. THE ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS SHALL OTHERWISE REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL, EXCEPT FOR PURPOSES OF

SEEKING COURT INTERVENTION (IF NECESSARY).

C) NOTICE AND PROCESS. A PARTY WHO INTENDS TO SEEK ARBITRATION MUST FIRST SEND TO THE OTHER, BY CERTIFIED MAIL, A WRITTEN NOTICE OF DISPUTE (“NOTICE”). THE NOTICE TO SPONSOR SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO: SPONSOR, INC., 55 HAWTHORNE ST, 10TH FLOOR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 (“NOTICE ADDRESS”) AND MUST BE SIGNED BY YOU PERSONALLY. NOTICE TO YOU FROM SPONSOR MAY BE TO YOU DIRECTLY, OR IF YOU ARE REPRESENTED, TO YOUR LEGAL COUNSEL. THE NOTICE MUST (A) DESCRIBE THE NATURE AND BASIS OF THE CLAIM OR DISPUTE; AND (B) SET FORTH THE SPECIFIC RELIEF SOUGHT (“DEMAND”). IF YOU AND SPONSOR DO NOT REACH AN AGREEMENT TO RESOLVE THE CLAIM WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THE NOTICE IS RECEIVED, YOU OR SPONSOR MAY COMMENCE AN ARBITRATION PROCEEDING PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT.

D) FEES. IN THE EVENT THAT YOU COMMENCE ARBITRATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THESE TERMS, SPONSOR WILL, AT YOUR REQUEST, REIMBURSE YOU FOR YOUR PAYMENT OF THE ARBITRATION FILING FEE, UNLESS YOUR CLAIM IS FOR GREATER THAN $10,000, IN WHICH CASE THE PAYMENT OF ANY FEES SHALL BE DECIDED BY THE AAA RULES. ANY REQUEST FOR PAYMENT OF FEES BY SPONSOR SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY MAIL TO THE AAA ALONG WITH YOUR DEMAND FOR ARBITRATION AND SPONSOR WILL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO PAY ALL NECESSARY FEES DIRECTLY TO THE AAA. IN THE EVENT THE ARBITRATOR DETERMINES THE CLAIM(S) YOU ASSERT IN THE ARBITRATION TO BE FRIVOLOUS OR BROUGHT FOR AN IMPROPER PURPOSE (AS MEASURED BY THE STANDARDS SET FORTH IN FEDERAL RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 11(B) OR ITS SUCCESSOR RULE), YOU AGREE TO REIMBURSE SPONSOR FOR ALL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ARBITRATION PAID BY SPONSOR ON YOUR BEHALF THAT YOU OTHERWISE WOULD BE OBLIGATED TO PAY UNDER THE AAA’S

RULES. IF YOUR CLAIM IS FOR $10,000 OR LESS, YOU MAY CHOOSE WHETHER THE ARBITRATION WILL BE CONDUCTED SOLELY ON THE BASIS OF DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE ARBITRATOR, THROUGH A NON-

APPEARANCE BASED TELEPHONIC HEARING, OR BY AN IN-PERSON HEARING AS ESTABLISHED BY THE AAA RULES. ANY IN-PERSON ARBITRATION HEARINGS WILL TAKE PLACE AT A LOCATION TO BE AGREED UPON IN SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. REGARDLESS OF THE MANNER IN WHICH THE ARBITRATION IS CONDUCTED, THE ARBITRATOR SHALL ISSUE A REASONED WRITTEN DECISION SUFFICIENT TO EXPLAIN THE ESSENTIAL FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS ON WHICH THE DECISION AND AWARD, IF ANY, ARE BASED. THE ARBITRATOR MAY MAKE RULINGS AND RESOLVE DISPUTES AS TO THE PAYMENT AND REIMBURSEMENT OF FEES OR EXPENSES AT ANY TIME

DURING THE PROCEEDING AND UPON REQUEST FROM EITHER PART MADE WITHIN 14 DAYS OF THE ARBITRATOR’S RULING ON THE MERITS.

E) CLASS ACTION WAIVER. ANY ARBITRATION UNDER THESE TERMS WILL TAKE PLACE ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS; CLASS ARBITRATIONS AND CLASS ACTIONS ARE NOT PERMITTED. UNLESS BOTH YOU AND SPONSOR AGREE OTHERWISE, THE ARBITRATOR MAY NOT CONSOLIDATE MORE THAN ONE PERSON’S CLAIMS (EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SUBSECTION (F) BELOW), AND MAY NOT OTHERWISE PRESIDE OVER ANY FORM OF A REPRESENTATIVE OR CLASS PROCEEDING. THE ARBITRATOR MAY AWARD RELIEF (INCLUDING MONETARY, INJUNCTIVE, AND DECLARATORY RELIEF) ONLY IN FAVOR OF THE INDIVIDUAL PARTY SEEKING RELIEF AND ONLY TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO PROVIDE RELIEF NECESSITATED BY THAT INDIVIDUAL PARTY’S CLAIM. ANY RELIEF AWARDED CANNOT AFFECT OTHER USERS. IF THIS SPECIFIC SUBPARAGRAPH (E) IS FOUND TO BE UNENFORCEABLE IN ITS

ENTIRETY, THEN THE ENTIRETY OF THIS ARBITRATION PROVISION SHALL BE NULL AND VOID. HOWEVER, IF ONLY A PORTION OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH (E) IS FOUND TO BE UNENFORCEABLE, THEN THE UNENFORCEABLE PORTION OF THE PROVISION SHALL BE STRICKEN, AND THE REMAINDER OF SUBPARAGRAPH (E) ENFORCED. ANY CLAIMS

OR CAUSES OF ACTION SEEKING RELIEF NOT SUBJECT TO INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATION UNDER APPLICABLE LAW SHALL BE STAYED IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION PENDING COMPLETION OF INDIVIDUAL

ARBITRATION TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. NOTHING IN SUBSECTION (E) OR (F) BELOW SHALL PREVENT YOU OR SPONSOR FROM PARTICIPATING IN A CLASSWIDE SETTLEMENT OF

CLAIMS. YOU AND SPONSOR AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN YOUR OR ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS

OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

F) MASS, COLLECTIVE, OR BATCH ARBITRATION. YOU AND SPONSOR AGREE THAT ADMINISTRATION OF ANY MASS, COLLECTIVE OR BATCH ARBITRATION SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE TERMS SET FORTH IN THIS

SUBSECTION (F). You and SPONSOR agree that a “mass, collective, and/or batch arbitration” includes, but is not limited to, instances in which you and others are represented by a law firm or collection of law firms or legal counsel that has filed more than 150 arbitration demands of a substantially similar nature against SPONSOR, alleging similar or identical claims or causes of action, within 180 days of the arbitration demand filed on your or others behalf, and the law firm or collective of legal counsel/law firms seeks to simultaneously or collectively

administer and/or arbitrate all the arbitration demands together. If more than 150 arbitration demands of a substantially similar nature, alleging the similar or identical claims or causes of action, are filed against Sponsor by the same law firm or collection of legal counsel/law firms within 180 days of one another, each

arbitration demand must be filed, administered, arbitrated, and resolved pursuant to this subsection (f).

Specifically, in order to increase the efficiency of resolution for any mass, collective, and/or batch arbitration, in the event 150 or more similar arbitration demands against Sponsor are filed within a 180 day period pursuant to the above, the arbitration provider shall (i) group the arbitration demands into batches of no more than 150 demands per group; and (ii) provide for resolution of each group or batch as a single arbitration with one set of filing and administrative fees and a single arbitrator assigned per group or batch. You and Sponsor agree to cooperate in good faith with the arbitration provider to implement the aforementioned protocol for mass, collective, and/or batch arbitrations with regard to resolution, fees and administration. If subsections (f)(i)

or (f)(ii) are not enforced, or the arbitration provider refuses to follow these specific mass, collective, and/or batch arbitration protocols, then each arbitration demand must be filed, administered, arbitrated, and resolved individually, or the parties agree to seek out a different, mutually agreeable and widely-recognized arbitration organization agreeable to follow subsections (f)(i) or (f)(ii). If any other portion of this subparagraph (f) is found to be unenforceable, then the unenforceable portion of the provision shall be stricken, and the remainder of

subparagraph (f) and this agreement shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law. Mass, collective, and/or batch arbitrations shall otherwise be subject to all other substantive and procedural terms contained within this agreement.

g) Discovery. Discovery and/or the exchange of non-privileged information relevant to the dispute will be governed by the AAA Rules.

h) Injunctive Relief. Notwithstanding the Arbitration Agreement, you acknowledge that money damages are an inadequate remedy for unauthorized access to or use of the Services or your breach of any provisions in the Terms relating to SPONSOR’s intellectual property rights, and any such breach would result in irreparable harm to SPONSOR. Accordingly, in the event of any such actual or threatened breach, SPONSOR may, in addition to any other rights or remedies available to SPONSOR at law or equity, seek specific performance or injunctive

relief without the posting of a bond.

i) Modifications. If SPONSOR makes any future change to this Arbitration Agreement (other than a change to the Notice Address) after your enrollment in a service or program or your use of the Services, you may reject any such change and require SPONSOR to adhere to the language in this arbitration provision as written at the time of your enrollment or purchase if a dispute between us arises, by sending us written notice within 30 days of the change to the Notice Address provided above. You acknowledge and agree that, in the event you reject any

future change, your account with SPONSOR shall be immediately terminated and you will arbitrate any dispute between us in accordance with the language of this provision as written at the time of your enrollment or purchase.

j) Severability and Enforceability. If an arbitrator or court decides that any part of this Section 11 is invalid or unenforceable, the other parts of this Section 12 shall still apply. If the entirety of this Section 12 is found to be unenforceable, then the parties agree that the exclusive jurisdiction and venue described in Section 11 shall govern any action arising out of or related to the Terms, and that the remainder of the Terms will continue to apply.

12. Entrant’s Personal Information

13. Winners List

Source: nerdwallet.com