Back in the 2000s, one of the most popular stays when traveling to the scenic Santa Rosa Beach in Florida was owned by none other than Vera Bradley co-founder, Barbara Bradley Baekgaard.
The boutique-style, 9-room inn prominently featured Vera Bradley’s signature floral designs throughout, attracting both fans of the famous design brand, as well as travelers looking to cozy up for a while in its charming rooms.
A 30A landmark, sitting merely steps away from the town square and beaches where the 1998 movie The Truman Show was filmed, the property once known as the Vera Bradley Bed and Breakfast attracted tourists from all over the country with its themed rooms and proximity to one of the most captivating beaches on the Gulf Coast.
In line with Vera Bradley’s playful designs, the inn’s rooms had colorful themes like key lime, true blue, posies, sunset patterns, checkerberry, and more.
And older reviews from travelers who stayed at the inn say their stay often included a colorful Vera Bradley bag that matched their room — and was theirs to keep.
But the magic was gone in 2012 when Barbara Bradley Baekgaard sold the inn.
Since then, despite several attempts to revive the inn to its former glory, the home fell into foreclosure in 2011.
Typically, it would’ve been torn down and replaced with a larger and more modern structure, but luxury agent Cindy Cole of Corcoran Reverie had other plans to save a piece of town history — and restore it to its former glory.
She reached out to the current owners who jumped at the opportunity to do some good for the town where they loved to vacation.
They then spent years lovingly restoring the Vera Bradley Inn to a more current look and feel, while keeping tasteful antique touches in honor of its historical significance and repurposing it for residential use. And the transformation is spectacular! (scroll down for some “before-and-after” pictures, to get a better idea of how it looked like prior to the makeover).
SEE ALSO: Mar-a-Lago Neighboring Mansion Sells for a Whopping $50 Million
Now, the antebellum-style property is being brought to market as an extra-charming residential home, priced at $6,495,000.
“With this being one of the most iconic homes in Seaside based on its history and prominent location, I’m thrilled to bring this home to the market,” says owner and broker, Hilary Farnum-Fasth of Corcoran Reverie, who holds the listing alongside Cindy Cole.
A Before-and-After look at the former Vera Bradley Inn in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Prior to its recent transformation, the property located at 38 Seaside Avenue boasted a charming yet outdated design that didn’t bode well with current interior trends.
Despite the appeal of the playful Vera Bradley-inspired designs that adorned its walls, the former inn was in dire need of upgrades.
But the current owners have spent years lovingly restoring the Vera Bradley Inn to a more current look and feel, while keeping tasteful antique touches in honor of its historical significance.
During the restoration process, the owners preserved the original flooring, staircase, fireplaces, and some furnishings from the inn, creating a warm and inviting feel.
And thanks to some old listing photos, we can see how some of the rooms inside the former Vera Bradley Bed & Breakfast have been transformed to accommodate its future residents.
The parlor – BEFORE
The parlor – AFTER
Bedrooms – BEFORE
Bedrooms – AFTER
Bathrooms – BEFORE
Bathrooms – AFTER
The house is now on the market for $6,495,000
The property at 38 Seaside Avenue in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida is now being brought to market as a single-family residence — though it can also be operated as a vacation rental, rebranded as the Feeling Good Again manor.
With a total of 5,476 square feet, 9 bedrooms, and 12 baths spread across the main residence and the separate carriage house (which features 2 guest suites, separate kitchenettes, and separate sitting rooms), there’s ample space to entertain (or host) guests.
The antebellum-style home has been equipped with everything it might need to serve as a loving family home including an updated, modern gourmet kitchen complete with a Thermador range and marble countertops.
However, future owners might still want to take advantage of the property’s earning potential. If not for the association with the Vera Bradley brand, for its short-lived on-screen presence in one of the most popular movies ever made: the house was featured as the backdrop for a scene in the 1998 movie The Truman Show, starring Jim Carrey.
In the scene, the house is lit up to help the townspeople find Truman. Unsurprisingly, the property is one of many places from the film that people still visit today — adding to its appeal as a lucrative vacation rental.
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You may hit one of those life moments where you need a bundle of cash and fast. Maybe you have been hit with a major car repair bill, you want to attend a destination wedding, or you’re motivated to pay off your student loans ASAP.
Whatever the situation, there are smart strategies that will help you accrue that money as quickly as possible. Tactics like trimming your expenses, selling your unwanted stuff, and bundling your insurance can help you meet a savings goal at top speed.
In this guide, you’ll learn those techniques and more to help you finance whatever is most urgent on your financial to-do list.
How to Save Money Fast 10 Ways
One person’s goal for saving money quickly might be, “I need $500 by the end of the week.” For another, it could be, “I’m going to stash away $10,000 within the next year.” Wherever you may fall in terms of your short-term financial goals, these 10 tactics will help you save money daily and achieve your aspiration.
💡 Quick Tip: Make money easy. Open a bank account online so you can manage bills, deposits, transfers — all from one convenient app.
1. Getting Rid of Unnecessary Expenses
In an age of automated billings and subscriptions, it is easy to lose track of what exactly you’re paying for each month. It is entirely possible that you’re paying for something you’re not even using.
In order to pinpoint any potentially unwanted expenses, review a month’s worth of auto debits from your bank account. You may find that you’re paying $5 a month for a digital magazine you no longer read or that you could save on streaming services by dropping one or two you don’t watch but are paying $15 a month for.
Once you’ve canceled, you could reroute the money you would have spent directly into your savings account. While $20 or $30 a month saved on subscriptions might not seem like much, even small amounts can quickly add up over time. In combination with other savings techniques, this might help you build your savings fast.
Ready for a Better Banking Experience?
Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account and start earning up to 4.50% APY on your cash!
2. Negotiating and Automating Your Bill Payments
Did you know that some companies offer discounts when you set up automatic bill payments, or autopay? This means connecting a bill directly to your bank account and allowing the company to automatically withdraw the amount of the bill on the due date.
Some companies offer a discount in these situations because automatically debiting your account gives the company assurance that the bill will be paid on time. The bonus for you is double: You might get a little discount on your bills, and you won’t have to remember to manually pay the bill each month.
Autopay might also help you avoid unexpected late fees, which in turn could help you build up savings faster. There might be some downsides to autopay, however. If you set up an autopay agreement but then don’t have enough money in your account to cover the charge, you might end up with a canceled subscription or overdraft or NSF fees from your bank.
3. Carefully Considering Big Decisions
Yes, it’s hard to save money, but learning to be mindful about your purchases can help. Instead of buying something as soon as you want it, you might want to sleep on it overnight and see if you still want it the next morning. Giving yourself more time before pulling out your credit card could help you determine if you really need the item or if you were just caught up in the excitement of shopping.
This can be especially useful when making big purchases because they might require more research anyway. For example, if you’re buying a couch and you fall in love with a sectional sofa, waiting overnight might give you a chance to read reviews, double-check the measurements of your space, and look to see if there are similar styles available online that might cost less.
Some people wait longer still. They use the 30-day rule, which involves writing a note in your calendar for 30 days after you see the item you want. If you still are determined to buy it when the calendar alert pops up, then you can probably feel confident that it isn’t an impulse buy and go for it.
By delaying purchases this way, you may be able to avoid compulsive shopping and save funds, which can go towards your savings goal.
4. Considering a Spending “Fast”
Ready to learn another way to save money quickly? Some savers find that they can save money fast with a challenge: They plan a day or two every week where they eliminate all unnecessary spending. That’s what’s called a “fast”: You avoid spending money, similar to the way a dietary fast means you eat nothing.
For example, if you decide to do a two-day spending fast, you might decide that on Tuesdays and Wednesdays you don’t spend any money other than what it costs to commute to work. That means that on those days, you might choose to forgo your daily pitstop at the coffee shop, a lunch from the salad place (you’d bring food from home), or ordering the brand new book you’ve been waiting to read.
Planning to not spend could help you reign in unintentional spending. Chances are that you barely think about that $4 you spend at the coffee shop, but if you give it up twice a week, that’s $8 that could be going into your savings.
If you save an average of $40 a week with a two-day fast, that could add more than $2,000 to your savings in a year.
5. Putting Your Accounts to Work
Choosing the right account for your money can be a great way to save funds fast. Some checking accounts charge monthly or annual account maintenance fees, with little to no interest.
Savings accounts might offer higher interest rates than a checking account, but the reality is that the average interest rates on a standard savings account can still be very low. Instead, you might shop around for a no-fee, high-interest account to make your money work harder for you. These kinds of accounts are often found at online vs. traditional banks.
If you currently have, say, $5,000 sitting in a checking account, earning no interest, if you were to put it in a savings account at 4.50% interest compounded daily, you’d have an extra $230.12 a year later, with no effort on your part.
💡 Quick Tip: Want a simple way to save more each month? Grow your personal savings by opening an online savings account. SoFi offers high-interest savings accounts with no account fees. Open your savings account today!
6. Bundling Your Insurance
Insurance can be one of those “set it and forget it” expenses. You might buy a policy and then never really focus on the cost of the premium again.
Many insurers, however, will reduce your rate if you give them more of your business. Typically, this means having your auto and home insurance with the same company. You might be able to save a chunk of change and put it towards your savings goal.
It can also be wise to review your insurance annually. You might be paying for coverage you don’t really need.
7. Starting a Side Hustle
Sure, cutting back on your spending is one way to save money fast. But so is bringing in more cash. Many people find starting a side hustle is a good way to bring in more income. This could mean anything from selling your nature photography on Etsy or providing social media services to a local business or two.
While one of the key benefits of a side hustle is the money it can bring in, you also might find it personally rewarding and even an entry to a new full-time career.
8. Saving on Essentials
Looking for another idea for how to save money fast? There’s no doubt that many things you spend money on are necessities. Food, personal-care items, and gas for your car. But there are plenty of ways you can trim those costs.
• To save on food, you could do some meal-planning so you can more efficiently manage your grocery budget. Using up what you buy vs. wasting food can help you save a bundle towards your goals.
• You could get a gas card to save at the pump. There are also plenty of apps that point you towards the cheapest gas stations in your area.
• Joining a warehouse or wholesale club can help you save on your typical purchases. If you find the quantities too large (say, a 12-pack of shampoo), partner up with a friend of two to share the wealth.
9. Selling Your Stuff
If you’re trying to save money fast, you might be able to “find” a pile of cash by selling your used items that you no longer need. This could mean anything from selling gently worn clothes online (say, on Poshmark or thredUP) or IRL (at Buffalo Exchange perhaps); putting functional electronics up for sale on eBay; or offering items on places like Nextdoor or Facebook Marketplace.
Just be cautious as there are scammers who try to prey on direct sellers.
10. Checking Your Tax Withholding
Here’s another idea for accumulating money quickly: Double-check your tax withholding. If you get a sizable tax refund every year, you may feel as if you are getting “free money.” Not at all! That’s actually your hard-earned money that you overpaid to the government and are now getting back. It could have been earning interest in the bank rather than being whisked out of your paycheck.
If you typically receive a refund, tweak your withholding, and then put the additional money that stays in your paycheck into your savings.
Is Saving Money Fast Realistic?
Saving money fast can be realistic, as long as you keep in mind your income and the fact that most financial experts say to save 20% of that figure. That’s one of the principals of the popular 50/30/20 budget rule. Fifty percent of your money goes towards essential spending, 30% goes to discretionary expenses, and 20% gets socked away as savings.
So, if you earn $100,000 a year and have an important goal in mind, such as the down payment for a house, you might be able to stash $20K in a single year. That might involve pausing your retirement savings for a year as you go all-in on accumulating as much cash as possible for a home purchase.
Also, if you are able to bring in more income (whether by selling your stuff, starting a side hustle, or via passive income ideas), that can accelerate your savings as well.
Keeping Your Savings Safe With SoFi
Whichever strategies (or combination of tactics) you try, it’s important to find the right banking partner where your money can grow. You’ll likely want a financial institution with Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation coverage, low or no fees, and a healthy interest rate.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
Better banking is here with up to 4.50% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
FAQ
How can I save $1,000 fast?
To save $1,000 fast, you can try a combination of such techniques as trimming subscriptions, essential, and discretionary spending; bundling insurance to cut costs; selling your unwanted items; and/or using the 30-day rule.
How to save up $10,000 in 3 months?
To save $10,000 in three months, you need to save $3,333 after-tax dollars per month. Your income and expenses will influence how doable this is. Some ways to save this amount include going on a spending fast (meaning you eliminate all possible discretionary spending) and starting a side hustle to bring in more money.
How to save $5,000 ASAP?
To save $5,000 ASAP, you can try cutting your expenses, avoiding big purchases, making sure your money is earning a good interest rate, and bringing in more cash via a side hustle.
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SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.
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SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.50% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.
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Looking to build wealth with the best income-generating assets? As you set out on the path to financial freedom, understanding the different types of income-generating assets can truly change your life. This is because you can invest in assets that will generate you income, earning you more passive income. Today’s article will introduce you to…
Looking to build wealth with the best income-generating assets?
As you set out on the path to financial freedom, understanding the different types of income-generating assets can truly change your life.
This is because you can invest in assets that will generate you income, earning you more passive income.
Today’s article will introduce you to a range of assets that reliably bring in cash, giving you peace of mind and the freedom to live life on your own terms.
From traditional investments like stocks and bonds to more creative options like peer-to-peer lending or real estate, income-generating assets give you the power to diversify your portfolio and build wealth over time.
Related content:
What are income generating assets?
Before we begin, I want to talk about the basics on income-generating assets, in case you are new to the subject or if you want a background first.
Income-generating assets are investments that, as the name suggests, generate income for you. These are assets that provide you with a steady cash flow, allowing you to earn passive income and build your wealth over time.
Examples include rental real estate and dividend-paying stocks (we will go over 17 different types of income-generating assets below in more detail).
There are several benefits of the best income-generating assets such as:
Passive income: You earn money without actively working, and this can provide financial freedom and the ability to focus on other things in life. You can earn money in your sleep, while on vacation, making dinner, and more.
Diversification: You can diversify your investments so that all of your income is not coming from just one source.
Wealth building: Earning income and generating a steady cash flow can help you build your wealth over time.
Note: Please keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when investing in any of these income-producing assets. Everyone is different and while one asset may work great for someone, it may not be the right asset for you. I recommend doing as much research as you can if you are interested in one of the asset investments I talk about below.
Types Of Income Generating Assets
There are many types of income-generating assets. Some may be more traditional such as dividend-paying stocks, and others may be more alternative income-generating assets, such as selling stock photos, and even renting out your driveway.
Today, I will talk about 17 different types of income-generating assets, but this is not a full list of the best income-producing assets. There are many, many more!
The different types of income-generating assets that I will talk about today include:
1. Dividend-paying stocks
One of the best assets to invest in are dividend-paying stocks.
Dividends are simply a payment in cash or stock that public companies distribute to their shareholders.
The amount of a dividend is determined by a company’s board of directors, and they are given as a way to reward those who have stock in their company. Both private and public companies pay dividends, but not all companies pay dividends.
How do dividends work? If you own shares of a dividend-paying stock, then a dividend is paid per share of that stock. So, if you have 10 shares in Company ABC, and they pay $5 in cash dividends each year, then you will get $50 in dividends that year. While dividends can be paid on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis, they are most commonly paid out quarterly — so, four times a year. In this example, the $5 in cash dividends the company pays each year will most likely be distributed as $1.25 per quarter for each share of stock.
The most common type of dividends are cash dividends. Shareholders may choose to get this deposited right into their brokerage account. Stock dividends are another common type of dividend. In this case, shareholders get extra shares of stock instead of cash.
Both cash dividends and stock dividends are great income-generating assets that will earn more money for you.
As a shareholder, you can earn income when companies distribute profits to their shareholders. Look for stocks with a history of consistent dividend payouts and a high dividend yield. Keep in mind that dividend stocks are still subject to market fluctuations, and just because a company has paid a dividend in the past does not mean that they always will in the future.
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2. High-yield savings accounts and CDs
High-yield savings accounts and CDs are a great way to grow your savings, but most people have their money in accounts with low rates. Unfortunately, that means many of you are losing out on some easy money.
Savings accounts at brick-and-mortar banks are known for having really low interest rates. That’s because they have a much higher overhead — paying for the building, paying the tellers to help you in person at the bank, etc.
High-yield savings accounts offer an easy option for earning interest on your cash. Online banks often offer higher interest rates than traditional banks. As of the writing of this blog post, you can easily find high-yield savings accounts that can earn you above 4.00%.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs), another form of income-generating assets, are FDIC insured and provide a guaranteed interest rate over a specific term. Remember that access to your money is limited during the term of the CD. You will agree upon the term before putting your money in the CD. The terms typically vary in length from around 3 months to 5 years.
Money market accounts are also offered by banks and often with a higher yield than other types of savings accounts.
3. Real estate
Real estate is one of the most common income-generating assets that people think of.
Investing in rental properties is a popular way to generate steady cash flow. You can earn rental income from tenants, and properties typically appreciate in value over time.
Location and property management are important factors that can impact your return on investment.
By investing in real estate, you may be investing in residential properties, commercial real estate, short-term rentals, REITs, and more.
Recommended reading: How This Woman In Her 30s Owns 7 Rental Homes
4. Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
An REIT is a company that owns and manages income-producing real estate. They then sell shares to investors like stock.
By investing in REITs, you can make money in the real estate market without actually owning real estate.
So, if you don’t want to be a landlord, then this may be something for you to look into. This makes it much more passive than actually owning real estate and having to manage it.
You can even diversify your income stream with REITs by investing in different property types, such as residential homes, commercial office space, industrial, and retail store properties.
5. Bonds
Bonds are fixed-income investments that are issued by governments and companies. If you own a bond, you receive interest payments from borrowers on a regular basis.
An easy way to explain this is: When you buy a bond, you are giving someone a loan and they are agreeing to pay you back with interest.
Bonds with higher credit ratings are generally a safer investment but may offer lower interest rates.
6. Mutual funds
Mutual funds gather funds from investors to invest in stocks, bonds, or other securities. Basically, the funds are pooled together and there’s a fund manager who chooses the best investments.
Income-generating assets like this have multiple types of mutual funds available for multiple types of investors. Some of these fund types include bond funds, stock funds, balanced funds, and index funds.
Mutual funds typically have higher fees because they have fund managers who are actively trying to beat the market.
With a mutual fund, you get diversification because the fund manager mixes the assets in it.
7. Index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
ETFs and index funds are popular options for those who are looking to diversify their portfolio of income-generating assets.
This is because index funds and ETFs track a specific market index and invest in a wide range of stocks or other assets, instead of picking and choosing stocks in an attempt to beat the market. This is what makes them different from mutual funds.
They often have lower fees and higher diversification compared to actively managed funds.
8. Annuities
Annuities are long-term investments offered by insurance companies that give you a guaranteed income stream to build wealth. In exchange for a lump-sum payment or periodic contributions (such as monthly or annually), you’ll receive steady payments in the future.
The way it works is you pay premiums into the annuity for a set amount of time. Later, you stop paying premiums, and the annuity starts sending regular payments to you. Some are even set up to pay you back with a lump sum.
Annuities can be fixed or variable. A fixed annuity offers a guaranteed payment amount — which means a predictable income for you. As for a variable annuity, the payment amount does vary, depending on how the market is doing.
9. Websites and blogs
Starting a website can generate income through the money-making assets of advertising, affiliate marketing, or the sale of products and services.
Since I started Making Sense of Cents, I have earned over $5,000,000 from my blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored partnerships, display advertising, and online courses. These income-generating assets make sense for building wealth.
Blogging allows me to travel as much as I want, have a flexible schedule — and I earn a great income doing it.
Now, it’s not entirely passive, but I do earn semi-passive income from my blog.
You can learn how to start a blog in my How To Start a Blog FREE Course.
Here’s a quick outline of what you will learn:
Day 1: Why you should start a blog
Day 2: How to decide what to write about (your blog niche!)
Day 3: How to create your blog (in this lesson, you will learn how to start a blog on WordPress)
Day 4: The different ways to make money with your blog
Day 5: My advice for making passive income with your blog
Day 6: How to get pageviews
Day 7: Other blogging tips to help you see success
Recommended reading: The 25 Most-Asked Blogging Questions To Get You Started Today
10. Royalties and intellectual property
Intellectual property, such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks, can generate income through licensing fees or royalties. This particular option is good for creative professionals, such as authors, musicians, and inventors, who are looking for income-generating assets.
Royalties are a way to earn income from your creative work or intellectual property. By granting others permission to use or distribute your intellectual property, you can receive ongoing payments known as royalties.
Whether you’re a musician, author, inventor, or artist, royalties offer a passive income stream as your creations continue to generate revenue over time.
Royalties can be paid out periodically or as a lump sum on these passive income assets, depending on your agreement with the licensee.
11. Stock photos
If you have a talent for photography, you can monetize your skills by selling stock photos on platforms such as Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. The more high-quality images you upload, the more potential passive income you can generate.
With stock photography, you simply upload photos that you have taken to a platform such as DepositPhotos, turning your pictures into income-generating assets. Then, you will receive a commission whenever someone buys one of your stock photos.
Stock photos are used for all sorts of reasons by websites, companies, blogs, and more. Businesses need stock photos because they are not usually in the business of taking photos of everything that they need. Instead, they can use stock photos to make their content, website, or business more visually appealing.
Some examples of stock photography include pictures of:
Travel, vacations, landmarks, outdoor adventures
Family members, such as parents, children, family gatherings
Food and drink
Cars, boats, RVs
Businesses, pictures of people in meetings, in an office.
Sports, professional events
Animals, such as household pets or wildlife
The photo possibilities are almost endless for this type of income-generating asset.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
12. Crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending
Crowdfunding platforms enable you to invest in real estate deals with a smaller amount of money than buying real estate up front, giving you a passive income through rental income or even a property increasing in value.
Peer-to-peer lending platforms allow you to lend money directly to borrowers. Typically you can earn higher returns than traditional savings accounts, though there’s always the risk of a borrower not paying you back.
Both of these types of assets — crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending — use technology to connect investors with those looking for funding.
13. Renting out storage space
If you own unused land or unused space in your home, renting it out for storage can be a simple way to generate passive income.
You can offer storage solutions for vehicles or boats. If you have a smaller space, then offer it to store personal belongings. You can rent out your driveway, closet, basement, attic, and more. You can even rent out a shelf.
A website where you can list your storage space is Neighbor. You can earn $100 to $400+ each month on this platform. This depends on the demand in your area and the type of income-generating assets you are renting out. And, you can choose who, what, and when — who to rent to, what things are stored, and when it will happen.
You can learn more at Neighbor Review: Make Money Renting Your Storage Space.
14. Short-term rentals
Short-term rentals can be a lucrative income-generating asset if you own properties in popular tourist destinations or business hubs.
Websites like Airbnb provide a platform to rent out your property to travelers for short periods, potentially generating higher returns than traditional long-term leases.
Furnished Finder is another website for short-term rentals. This is a way to connect with travel nurses in need of short-term housing.
Keep in mind that rental income can be affected by local regulations, potential vacancies, or seasonal fluctuations.
15. Car rentals
Car rental platforms like Turo allow you to rent out your car when you’re not using it. Assets that generate cash flow include your own wheels, and that means no significant initial investment besides the cost of the car you already own.
Be mindful of risks such as wear and tear, insurance, and potential damage caused by renters.
It’s an affordable alternative to traditional rental car companies for customers, and it’s a good way to make money if you’re already working from home and don’t need your car, or are a two-car household.
Turo is one of a few different places to rent out your car, turning your vehicle into one of your income-generating assets. Your car is covered by Turo with up to a $1 million insurance policy. You can also pick the dates for when your car is available and set your rates.
Turo says you can earn an average of $706 per month by listing your car on their site.
16. RV rentals
Similarly to car rentals, RV rentals can provide additional income by renting out your recreational vehicle when you’re not using it. Your RV could easily become one of your income-generating assets.
You may be able to earn $100 to $300 a day, or even more, by renting out your RV on RVShare.
If you have an RV that is just sitting there and not being used, then you may be able to earn an income with it by renting it out to others who are interested in RVing. Cash flow-generating assets like RVs are a win-win for both you and the renter who wants to experience life in a recreational vehicle.
You can learn more at How To Make Extra Money By Renting Out Your RV.
17. Vending machines
With a vending machine business, you can generate income by selling a variety of products, from food to fishing supplies, beauty products to baby items, and more.
You may be able to earn $1,000+ a month by running a vending machine business. That’s enough reason to take a closer look at income-producing assets like this.
You can learn more at How To Start A Vending Machine Business – How I Make $7,000 Monthly.
Questions about income generating assets
Here are common questions that you may have about income-generating assets:
How do I start passive income from nothing?
Starting passive income from nothing requires creativity and resourcefulness. You can begin by identifying skills you possess or interests that can be turned into income-generating opportunities.
What are the assets that generate income?
The assets I talked about above include:
Dividend-paying stocks and stock market investing
High-yield savings accounts and CDs
Real estate
Bonds
Mutual funds
Index funds and exchange-traded funds
Annuities
Websites and online businesses
Royalties and intellectual property
Stock photos
Crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending
Renting out your storage space
Car rentals
RV rentals
Vending machines
How do I start buying income generating assets?
There are traditional investments or more creative options. Do as much research as you can before deciding which option fits you best.
What are good assets to buy?
After deciding if you want to purchase traditional investments or more creative options, choose an asset that you can afford and best fits your lifestyle.
What are the best assets to buy for beginners?
For beginners seeking income-generating assets, you may want to look into:
Dividend-paying stocks for your investment portfolio
Crowdfunded real estate investing: Platforms like Fundrise allow smaller investments with lower risk exposure.
ETFs and index funds: They provide diversification and passive income through dividends.
What is income generating real estate?
Income-generating real estate refers to properties that produce regular rental income, such as apartments, commercial properties, or short-term vacation rentals.
How do I start passive income in real estate?
There are a few ways that you can earn passive income from real estate, including:
Buying a property, such as an apartment building or duplex, and renting it out to tenants
Using real estate crowdfunding platforms
Investing in REITs
How to make passive income with real estate without owning property?
You don’t need to actually own property in order to make money with real estate. Instead, you can earn passive income from real estate by investing in REITs and using real estate crowdfunding platforms.
This is an option for those who want to be diversified with their income-generating assets but don’t want to spend all of their money or time on a single piece of real estate.
How to make $1,000 a day in passive income?
Making $1,000 a day in passive income with assets that produce income will not be easy. If it were easy, then everyone would be doing it, after all.
Making $1,000 a day in passive income may require a large amount of money up front, diversifying into different assets mentioned above, and lots of patience from you because it will take time to make that kind of money.
You may want to start off by focusing on building multiple income streams and reinvesting your profits as you earn them.
What to think about before investing in income producing assets?
There are many different things to think about when it comes to income-generating assets. You want to find the best assets to invest your money in that will also be the best fit for you.
Remember, as I said at the beginning of this article, not everything will be applicable to everyone. Everyone is different! You may prefer to create a stock photo portfolio and hate real estate, whereas someone else may really enjoy being a real estate investor — or it may even be the other way around.
Here are some of my tips if you are interested in income-generating assets:
Do your research and talk to experts —I recommend researching as much as you can on the asset you are interested in. And, if you still have questions, don’t be afraid to talk to an expert.
Diversify — One of the important parts of building a successful income-generating portfolio is finding ways to be diversified.
Think about the risks —When making money, there’s usually some sort of risk. I recommend evaluating the risks and seeing what you are comfortable with.
What are the best books on income generating assets?
Some highly recommended books on income-generating assets include:
The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
The Millionaire Real Estate Investor by Gary Keller
The Little Book of Common Sense Investing by John C. Bogle
Income Generating Assets — Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best income-generating assets. As you learned, there are many different types of assets that you can invest in so that you can earn an income.
The best income-producing assets, if they’re right for you, can truly change your life.
With these assets, you can build wealth through a reliable passive income, giving you peace of mind and freedom to live life on your own terms.
Are you looking to build income-generating assets? What are your favorite ways?
Understanding and being prepared for the hurdles you might face as a home seller in the current housing market is not just smart — it’s also essential. From lining up another place to go once your home sells to finding a buyer who’s actually qualified, selling a home isn’t for the faint of heart.
Here are the four biggest challenges for home sellers in today’s market, according to experts.
Finding Another Home To Move To Can Be Tricky
“While low inventory allows homes to sell fairly quickly in most cases, it also can make it incredibly difficult to find somewhere to go within a reasonable time,” said Realtor Dalena Adams of Century 21 Legacy. “Our market has remained highly competitive even with interest rate increases, and so when our sellers become buyers, it becomes a rush for them to find somewhere to go before the sale of their current home closes.”
The Solution
“A few ways to mitigate the stress of making a move once you sell is to ask your agent to help you find somewhere to go — whether it’s a permanent home or a short-term rental — before your house goes on the market,” Adams said. “They can also reach out to local lenders to see which ones offer a bridge loan to cover the purchase of another property while waiting for the home they’re selling to close.
“If those options aren’t a possibility, then they can always discuss the option of a temporary occupancy agreement with any potential buyer before accepting an offer. The temporary occupancy agreement will allow the sellers the option to essentially rent back the house from the buyers after closing while they find another property (this period is typically between 30-60 days depending on the situation).”
The Contract May Not Be Strong and Reliable
“While worrying about where to go is always an issue, sellers also face the issue of whether a contract is actually strong and reliable,” said Adams. “Most agents these days require proof of funds with any offer. That proof can come in the form of a pre-approval letter, a bank letter stating cash is available or a contract on their current home.”
The Solution
“It’s always important when going over offers to look at the facts and verify them before moving forward,” Adams said. “See how thorough the lender was during the pre-approval process, what contingencies are they asking for, how solid is the current contract for the buyers’ home? While there’s never a guarantee that a contract will close, there are certainly plenty of ways to protect sellers to get them the most stable offer possible. While the amount of the offer is obviously important, it’s also paramount to understand the likelihood of that offer getting to the closing table.”
More Concessions Have To Be Made to the Buyer
“It’s always a good time to sell, as there will always be people in need of homes,” said Christina McCollum, a Washington-based regional manager for national lender Churchill Mortgage. “However, a seller may not have the control they once had just a few years ago when the market was red-hot, so we are seeing more and more concessions that favor the buyer. Despite this shift in the balance of power, you should still sell when and if you have to, as real estate is always in need.”
The Solution
“If you are ready to sell, put your best foot forward,” said McCollum. “Clean, tidy homes sell faster. Get with a professional for staging and selling. Consider contingent offers, as buyers need to sell, too. Understand going in that you probably won’t have the amount of control you’d like to, but you can still reach a fair deal.”
Qualified Buyers Can Be Harder To Find
Martin Orefice, CEO of Rent to Own Atlanta, said it can be hard to find qualified, interested buyers in today’s market. “Stubbornly high interest rates have created a situation where even buyers with good credit and a large down payment saved up simply can’t afford the long-term borrowing costs that come with a mortgage at today’s interest rates,” he said.
The Solution
A rent-to-own agreement could be a solution, said Orefice. He said if you go this route, the buyer will need to make a lump sum payment between 1%-5% of the home’s value to obtain the option to buy the property. He also said that they’ll need to make monthly installment payments for years to pay off the property. “Because there are no formal loans involved, it’s possible to end up paying much less in borrowing costs, even when interest rates are high.”
Applying for a new passport can be a complicated and time-consuming endeavor, especially if you plan to take your own passport photo to send in with your application.
But things can get even trickier if the passport you’re applying for is for an infant or small child. Taking a baby passport photo that the U.S. Department of State will approve can be challenging to get right.
Remember, all U.S. citizens flying internationally must have a passport, including children and infants.
Official U.S. passport photo rules
Once you’ve filled out all the necessary forms for a minor’s passport, you’ll have to include a photo with the application. Whether you’re taking your own passport photo or your child’s passport photo, the same rules apply:
The photo must be taken within the last six months.
It should be in color, not black and white.
The image should be clear and in focus and feature natural skin tones.
Don’t use any filters or special effects.
Selfies aren’t allowed.
Remove glasses and any hats or head coverings not intended for religious purposes.
Take the photo in front of a plain white or off-white background.
The subject should directly face the camera with a neutral expression.
Crop and frame the photo correctly. When cropped to 2-by-2 inches, the photo should include the subject’s whole head centered in the frame with some space around the top and sides, plus their shoulders.
Tips for infant passport photos
While baby passport photo requirements are the same as for adults and older children, they can be trickier to meet given young children’s squirminess, inability to sit or stand upright and exaggerated facial expressions.
Here are a few ways to help guarantee you get the shot right the first time around.
Remove glasses, hats, pacifiers and anything that obscures the baby’s face.
Don’t hold or have someone else hold the baby while taking the photo. No one else should be in the photo.
Don’t obsess about facial expressions. The child shouldn’t be crying or laughing, but as long as they’re facing the camera, the photo will likely be deemed acceptable.
Use a favorite toy to get the baby’s attention and encourage them to look at the camera. Plan to snap your child’s passport photo when they’re awake and in a good mood.
In a child or toddler passport photo, the child’s eyes should be open and looking at the camera. But for an infant or newborn passport photo, closed eyes are acceptable.
Place babies or very small children in a car seat draped with a white sheet or lay them on top of a white sheet placed on the ground and shoot from above.
If you’re standing over your infant to get a passport picture, be careful not to cast a shadow over any part of the frame.
Take the photo in natural light in a well-lit room to avoid harsh shadows and multiple, different-colored light sources.
Turn off the flash to avoid harsh light, red eyes and shadows.
Take a lot of photos for the best chance of capturing a good one.
Use a tripod and a fast shutter speed in a well-lit room to help ensure the photo won’t be blurry.
Take your time and have fun.
Keep in mind you won’t have to go through this process often. You may update your child’s passport photo every year if you would like to keep it current, but you don’t have to. Passports for children under 16 are good for five years.
Where to get an infant passport photo taken
As long as you have a decent camera, or even a capable phone camera, you can probably take the photo yourself at home. But if you’re unsure of how it will turn out or want the best chance of your photo getting approved with your application, you can have pictures taken elsewhere.
Some U.S. post office locations will take passport photos, as will some office supply stores and pharmacies with photo departments, like FedEx or Walgreens.
But if your child can’t sit or stand upright, locations may not be able to accommodate them, so call ahead. Alternatively, you could schedule an appointment at a local photography studio.
Bottom line
Infant passport photo requirements may be the same as for adults, but the process can be far more time-consuming and involved.
Just remember to keep in mind these tips, follow government requirements and take your time. You’ll have a new baby passport photo in no time.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Inside: Looking for information on what a typical Christmas bonus in the US is? This guide will help you calculate how much you can expect and what to do with it.
Are you waiting eagerly for that year-end surprise called the Christmas bonus? Like Clark in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?
Or maybe you’re an employer wondering about giving out festive bonuses?
This guide is a jingle bell away with everything you need to know about Christmas bonuses in the United States.
You’ll discover how these additional pays work, what the typical bonus amounts are, tax implications, the benefits of giving a bonus, and wisely spending your bonus. In other words, it decodes everything from the employer’s perspective, right to how it impacts an employee’s pocket and spending decisions.
So, buckle up – you’re about to become a little richer in knowledge. Stay tuned!
What is a typical Christmas bonus?
A Christmas bonus, often referred to as a “13-month-salary,” is a special gift you might receive from your employer at the end of the year.
It depends largely on your company’s resources and financial standing, meaning not everyone will get one.
However, if you’re lucky, you might expect a bonus ranging from 2% to 5% of that, discretionary to your employer.
Thus, the average Christmas bonus would be you could be looking at an additional payout of around $1144-2860, assuming an average income of $57,200.
Does everybody get a Christmas bonus?
Not all employees in the US typically receive a Christmas bonus.
The giving of bonuses varies between companies and roles within those companies.
Personally, I have only had one company that gave out Christmas bonuses. Most companies tend to give their annual year-end bonuses, which may be based on factors like performance or tenure, during the first quarter of the new year.
While a Christmas bonus would be nice as it often serves as an appreciation gesture for hard work throughout the year.
Understanding the concept of Christmas Bonus
A Christmas Bonus is essentially a little financial gift from your employer during the holiday season. Think of it as an extra dollop of icing on your annual salary cake.
It’s typically a percentage of your salary and serves to show appreciation for your hard work throughout the year.
For instance:
Let’s say you earn $80000 a year and your boss awards a Christmas bonus of 5% would then receive an extra $4000 just in time for the festivities.
Your company elects to give all employees a flat $1000 Christmas bonus regardless of seniority.
Note that a Christmas bonus isn’t legally required and varies greatly between businesses.
History of Christmas Bonuses
Woolworth’s birthed this tradition back in 1899, offering a cash bonus of $5 for each year of service with a limit of $25.
In Woolworth’s early years, they established a pattern of rewarding their employees with a generous Christmas bonus.
This practice was seen as an annual tradition and was appreciated by their staff, instilling a sense of loyalty within the workforce.
Over time, Christmas bonuses have evolved not just in amount but in form as well. Besides cash, you could also receive gifts or even lavish holiday parties.
Despite the more modern trend of diminishing Christmas bonuses, this part of Woolworth’s history highlights the positive potential of such incentives.
Factors influencing the amount of Christmas Bonus
Considering factors on the Christmas bonus is crucial because it ensures fair distribution, tailored to individual employees’ performance, length of service, or their specific needs.
We all know that bonuses adequately demonstrate appreciation and recognize the hard work of their employees, increasing their job satisfaction and driving productivity.
So, let’s look into whether or not a Christmas bonus is viable for you or your company.
1. Company policy on Christmas Bonus
A company’s policy about Christmas bonuses is typically laid out in the employee handbook and company policies.
Policies may stipulate that Christmas bonuses are issued under certain circumstances, like when the employee has met specified targets or when the company has performed exceptionally well during the year.
Also, the board of directors may elect to give out one-time Christmas bonuses.
However, if these bonuses are not incorporated into the employee’s employment contract, they are typically subject to the employer’s discretion. Employers must take extra caution to ensure that these bonuses are presented as discretionary and not part of a contractual agreement.
Remember, these factors may vary from one company to another. Always refer to your employer’s specific policies and handbooks for accurate information.
2. Amount of Salary
Your annual gross income might influence the amount of your Christmas bonus, as some employers factor in their employees’ base pay when determining bonus amounts.
However, not all organizations adopt this practice, with some opting for a fixed, equal distribution amongst all staff members regardless of their earnings.
Therefore, depending on your contractual agreement and your employer’s policies, your salary could influence your bonus, but this isn’t a universal rule.
3. Type of Bonus
The types of bonuses vary greatly as companies have the discretion to decide the nature of the bonus, with the decision often driven by the organization’s performance, the individual’s job role, and the overall economic conditions.
They can be incentive-based, linked to performance targets, holiday-exclusive like Christmas bonuses, or tagged to specific business milestones, leading to significant variability.
Here are different types of bonuses you should know about:
Discretionary bonuses: These are given at your employer’s will. They might consider factors like company performance or your personal performance reviews. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive one.
Non-discretionary bonuses: These are part of your employment contract. As long as you meet certain criteria, you’ll receive this bonus on top of your salary during the Christmas season.
Non-holiday bonuses: Given outside of the holiday season, these can be extra pay or an item like a company car.
Remember, your bonus type dictates how much you could get for Christmas. Be sure to check your contract!
4. Company Culture
Company culture significantly affects bonuses as it underpins how employees perceive their value and recognition within the organization.
If the culture fosters transparency, fairness, and goal-oriented behaviors, bonuses can effectively serve as an incentive and boost morale. Statistics show that employee loyalty increases when they feel appreciated, which can often be demonstrated through financial bonuses.
Moreover, a culture encouraging open communication assures employees of fair dealing when it comes to awarding bonuses.
Hence, bonuses, when tied to clear goals, become more than just monetary rewards, ensuring employees understand their role in the company’s success.
5. Recipients of the Bonus
In the US, Christmas bonuses are usually gifted to all employees, irrespective of their role or position.
Some of the roles that may receive a Christmas bonus include:
Full-time employees: Usually part of the main workforce, these individuals are often at the receiving end of holiday bonuses.
Part-time employees: Even though they may work fewer hours, many companies consider them for bonuses.
Temporary workers: Though their roles are for a limited time, they are generally excluded as part of the company’s bonus scheme.
Contracted employees: If their contract includes a clause for a holiday bonus, they are quite likely to receive a Christmas bonus. If it does not, they will not receive one.
Remember, the goal is inclusivity, a policy aimed at making every employee feel rewarded and appreciated during the festive season.
6. Holiday Season
Christmas bonuses are commonly offered by employers during the holiday season in the United States. This bonus is seen as a way to show appreciation and respect to employees, which can help to mitigate feelings of burnout.
Companies may elect to give bonuses at other times of the year to motivate their employees and boost their job performance. These bonuses can incentivize individuals to achieve specific company goals, with the promise of additional monetary compensation driving their hard work.
Aside from motivation, off-season bonuses also serve as a token of appreciation, illustrating a company’s recognition and value of their employees’ efforts.
It’s worth noting that a bonus doesn’t necessarily have to be monetary. Examples can also include extra vacation days or other perks.
7. Amount Given to Employees
A Christmas bonus is an extra payment given to employees during the holiday season as a gesture of gratitude for their commitment and hard work.
Factors influencing the Christmas bonus amount include:
Length of service: Employees who’ve been with the company longer might receive a higher bonus. For instance, an employee with a decade of service might receive $1,000 at a rate of $100 per annum.
Based on Salary: Many companies may opt to give a flat percentage related to the salary of their employees.
Flat Amount: Others may give the same amount to all employees across the company.
8. Company’s Financial Resources & Performance
A stronger performing company is more likely to give more bonuses as it typically correlates with higher profits, enabling them to be more generous with employee rewards.
On a company level, if overall performance benchmarks are hit, Christmas bonuses may increase across the board.
In fact, the incentive of bonuses can create a highly driven workforce that pushes towards achieving and even exceeding business goals. Furthermore, companies that distribute bonuses, particularly holiday bonuses, can significantly boost employee morale, fostering both loyalty and a positive company culture.
How to Calculate Your Potential Christmas Bonus
Calculating your Christmas bonus can often seem nebulous, leaving many uncertain about the amount they should expect.
The elusive nature of the Christmas bonus can largely be attributed to the fact that unlike salary, it isn’t typically fixed and may vary based on several factors such as an employee’s performance, the length of their service, or the financial health of the organization.
Despite this, there are a few pointers that can shed light on how to calculate this anticipated festive season reward.
Step 1: Check if you are Eligible for a Christmas bonus
Figuring out your potential Christmas bonus firstly entails a careful examination of the terms of your employment contract, alongside other supporting documentation such as your employee handbook or job offer letters.
These documents accurately establish the contractual relationship between you and your employer and often contain crucial clues about bonus calculations.
For instance, if your contract states that you are entitled to an equivalent of one week’s salary as a Christmas bonus, then you can confidently expect that amount.
Keep in mind the discretion of the employer in case of confusion. Some bonuses might not be contractual but discretionary. Consult your HR department for clarification if needed.
Step 2: Calculate your percentage of the total bonus amount
To calculate your bonus based on your salary, you need to know the exact percentage your employer uses, which usually ranges from 2-5% of your annual earnings.
Multiply your annual salary by the bonus percentage to determine your possible holiday bonus.
For instance, if you earn a yearly salary of $100,000 and your employer gives a 2% bonus, you’ll receive a $2,000 bonus.
Step 3: Is my Christmas Bonus Taxable?
So, if you’re anticipating a hefty holiday bonus, remember, it might be subject to taxes.
Bonuses are often considered supplemental income.
As such, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires a 22% federal income tax on this income, which can reduce your bonus significantly.
State laws also have a part to play. Your holiday bonus is taxed according to your state tax rate, which is another cut from your bonus.
For example, your bonus amount is $5000 after federal taxes of $1100 and state 4% taxes of $200 are deducted, your take-home bonus is $3700.
How to Spend Your Holiday Bonus
The anticipation of receiving that extra lump sum has many employees daydreaming about that eye-catching new car, an extravagantly relaxing vacation, or perhaps the latest tech gadget.
Although it’s tempting to indulge in the pleasure of immediate gratification, there are more finance-savvy alternatives to consider for the effective utilization of your annual bonus.
1. Invest your Christmas Bonus
Getting that skip in your heartbeat when you receive your Christmas bonus is a feeling like no other.
However, the real magic happens when you decide to invest this bonus, making it grow over time instead of spending it all at once.
Here are the top four ways to invest your Christmas bonus:
Wealth Creation: When you invest your bonus, you’re setting yourself up for future wealth. Learn how to invest 10k.
Earn Additional Income: Use your bonus as a kick-start to a side hustle. Many Americans already secure supplemental income this way. In fact, many people are interested in how to make money online for beginners.
Professional Growth: Investing your bonus into professional development is another smart move. Enrolling in online courses that build your technical skills or lead to certifications can enhance your earning potential. Learn to invest 100 to make 1000 a day.
Financial Security: Finally, investing your bonus helps to secure your financial future. Whether it’s putting money into retirement funds or investing in a high-yield savings account, every bit helps set you up for stability and freedom. This sets you up to become financially independent.
Your Christmas bonus could be the first step towards a future of financial growth and security.
2. Consider your financial needs for the coming year
Before you rush to spend your holiday bonus, consider your financial needs for the coming year.
Start by:
Assessing your monthly expenses. How much do you need for essentials like housing, utilities, and food? Compare with the ideal household budget percentages.
Evaluating your emergency fund. Remember, experts recommend at least $1000 in an emergency fund. Plus having three to six months’ worth of expenses stored away in a rainy day fund.
Big expenses coming your way: Do you have any costly expenses like home repairs or car replacement in your future?
You may want to set aside money for those future needs, so you will be financially stable when they happen.
3. Pay Off Bills
Don’t run to the stores before analyzing your debt.
If you have high-interest loans or credit card debt, prioritize paying these down. Our expert tip at Money Bliss is to tackle the highest interest debt first.
Use your bonus to pay off debts: Since a bonus is usually an unexpected sum of money not factored into your annual budget or salary, you can make significant headway in paying off your debts, particularly those with high-interest rates.
Save on interest charges by reducing debt: The bonus can help reduce your debt balance, leading to less interest accruing over time. This move could save you hundreds, even thousands, over the long term.
Consider debt management apps: Apps like UndebtIt help you find a debt free date. Platforms like Tally† can simplify your debt payoff journey with automated payments using a lower-interest line of credit.
Reconsider splurging your holiday bonus: Rather than spending it all on that coveted item or trip, you might want to consider other financially beneficial options.
4. Buy Christmas Gifts
Utilizing your holiday bonus wisely to purchase Christmas gifts can be a smart and rewarding way to use your end-of-year windfall.
Instead of splurging on high-cost items, consider thinking through your holiday gift list and budgeting accordingly.
Bear in mind that enjoying the holiday season doesn’t have to break the bank; as Christmas on a budget is possible.
Don’t forget to spoil yourself with a gift every now and then. You’ve worked hard for this bonus and deserve a treat too.
5. Splurge on Fun Things
It’s absolutely okay to treat yourself with a holiday bonus – after all, you’ve earned it! Using it wisely can add a dash of fun and pure enjoyment to your life.
Now, what do I want for Christmas?
Here are a few fun ways to splurge your holiday bonus:
Dream vacation: The bonus could be your ticket to the vacation you’ve been fantasizing about. Plan carefully to make the most out of it.
Invest in hobby: Whether it’s photography, painting, or gardening, investing in a hobby can prove to be quite rewarding.
Spoil yourself: Get that TV you’ve been eyeing or make a down payment for that new car you fancy.
Remember, pleasure is a great aspect of well-being. So, it’s great to treat yourself once in a while. Just balance it with other financial responsibilities.
6. Invest in Long-Term Goals
Ditch the instant gratification of spending your holiday bonus all at once. Instead, consider investing it towards long-term goals for an even greater payoff.
Here are some easy steps to set you on the right path:
Identify your long-term financial goals. Be it a dream home, kids’ education, or retirement, a clear goal will help you stay motivated.
Assess your current financial situation to gauge how much of the bonus you can invest.
Choose the right investment vehicle. Stocks, bonds, or real estate can be profitable, depending on your risk appetite and time horizon.
Remember, spending wisely today makes for a secure tomorrow.
7. Give Back to the Community
Giving back to your community during the holiday season is a fantastic way to share your fortunes. Not only does it bring joy to those in need, it fosters appreciation, empathy, and understanding.
Here are some thoughtful ways to use your holiday bonus:
Donate to a Local Charity: Identify a local charity that resonates with your values. Every donation counts and your contribution could make a substantial impact.
Sponsor a Family’s Holiday: Many organizations connect sponsors with families in need. Your bonus could help provide them with essential groceries, clothes, toys, and a memorable holiday experience.
Contribute to a Fundraiser: Participate in your community or workplace fundraisers. Your financial support could contribute towards a noble cause, be it medical aid, education, or relief work.
Volunteer Your Time and Skills: Although not a direct use of your bonus, volunteering can be another way to give back. Maybe your bonus might allow you some additional free time to offer.
Remember, volunteering often reflects individual happiness and improves overall well-being.
Do You Expect the Average Christmas Bonus?
Remember, Christmas bonuses can be diversified: from additional checks or sums of money to extra vacation days or tangible gifts.
Everyone always wants a Christmas bonus! So now, you can determine if yours is above or below the average Christmas Bonus!
Based on research, less than a quarter of employers offer a performance-based holiday bonus, so if you’re fortunate enough to receive one, consider investing it to reap greater returns in the future.
The best decision depends on your unique financial situation, so use the above tips to make a smart choice with your bonus money.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
A Mediterranean-inspired mansion in Southlake, Texas — a suburb of Dallas/Fort Worth known for its high quality of life and affluent resident base — has recently hit the market, reminding us all that everything is bigger (and better) in Texas.
Priced at $1,899,900, the custom-built home is the epitome of modern elegance, and offers plenty of space, a sleek design, and luxurious finishes. Frank Capovilla with Coldwell Banker Realty’s Southlake office holds the listing.
While a budget of under $2 million will buy you little in a crazy expensive real estate market like Los Angeles, in Southlake, TX — if this property is any indication — you get 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths and 1 half-bath, a stately great room with 25-foot ceilings, and a 2-car garage.
This, of course, has not gone unnoticed.
The mass Cali exodus of the past few years has seen some of the biggest celebrities move to Texas, with household names in sports, entertainment, and arts now calling the Lone Star State home.
The Southlake house also comes with an expansive gourmet kitchen and an executive home office, offering the perfect balance of style and convenience.
The primary suite steals the show with its jaw-dropping Chanel-like master closet, a haven for fashion enthusiasts.
Outside, a fireplace patio provides a perfect spot to enjoy the picturesque views of the Greenbelt ranch and serene pond. There’s also plenty of space for future owners to add a pool and create their own backyard oasis.
Other notable features include 2 balconies, 2 outdoor patios, an oversized sun deck, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill BBQ, a game room with a wet bar and wine fridge, and smart everything: oven, refrigerator, HVAC, sound system, garage door system and more.
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Welcome to a world where pixels and properties collide, where a well-composed image can spark dreams of a new home and a poorly presented one can make a potential buyer click away in seconds. In today’s competitive real estate market, the old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” couldn’t be more accurate.
In this Redfin article, we’ll unveil the secrets behind crafting real estate listing photos that not only stop potential buyers in their scrolling tracks but also beckon them to explore further. Whether you’re selling a home in Los Angeles, CA or a charming house in Salem, MA, these tips will elevate your real estate photography game and leave a lasting impression on those searching for their next home.
Why real estate listing photos are so important
Home listing photos are the virtual introduction of a property to the online real estate market. These visuals enable potential buyers to explore your home’s layout, features, and ambiance from the comfort of their screens. Clear and well-captured photos can highlight a property’s best features, create an emotional connection, and entice viewers to learn more. In contrast, poor-quality or unappealing photos can turn potential buyers away before they even consider visiting the property in person.
Essentially, listing photos act as the virtual curb appeal of a home, setting the tone for a potential buyer’s interest and influencing their decision-making process.
10 expert tips for standout home listing photos
1. Create an inviting atmosphere
“Creating captivating home photos requires a delicate blend of craftsmanship and precision,” mentions fine art photographer Sam Isaac Photography. “Natural light is harnessed to infuse warmth into interiors, while strategic composition highlights space and employs wide-angle lenses for expansiveness. Attention to vertical lines enables potential buyers to envision themselves in each room. Additionally, thoughtful furniture arrangement creates an inviting atmosphere.”
2. Balance techniques and artistry
“Crafting the ultimate home photo requires a fusion of technique and artistry,” states real estate visuals company, Repropix Corp. “Essential pro equipment, including wide-angle lenses, showcases expansive vistas while delicately balancing natural and artificial lighting. Precise camera settings accentuate the property’s finest features, while strategic staging boosts buyer engagement by 30%.”
3. Add drone and twilight photography
“In the modern era of home sales, professional photography and cinematic videos play a pivotal role in leaving a lasting impression on potential homebuyers,” says real estate marketing agency Circle Visions. “These visuals serve as the initial introduction to your property, igniting buyer interest and drawing them to explore further. Drone-captured elevated views, carefully composed interior shots featuring expert staging, and captivating twilight photos of the exterior evoke an emotional response, resonating with buyers on a personal level.”
4. Focus on framing
“One key tip stands out – framing is everything,” states seasoned real estate photographer Aaron Curtis Photography. “Ensure your camera is positioned at chest height – a rule that maintains vertical lines, offering a balanced floor-to-ceiling ratio. Limiting the view to two walls opens up the space, allowing potential buyers to envision furniture placement. Carefully select detailed shots, including fireplaces and light fixtures, while omitting less appealing features like toilets, A/C units, and water heaters.”
5. Capture the entire space in one frame
“Adopt the buyer’s perspective and capture the entire space in one frame,” recommends video production company Finally Real Estate Video & Photography. “Yes, I’ve even hopped into bathtubs to capture sinks and showers or rearranged furniture (including moving a whole couch) to achieve that perfect angle.”
6. Illuminate the home effectively
According to architect and interior design photographer, Charles Mitri Photography, “A crucial tip is to illuminate your space effectively. Before the photography session, switch on any permanent light fixtures, such as chandeliers or under cabinet lighting in the kitchen. Showcase how these fixtures elevate the ambiance of each room. Disconnect and tuck away any electrical cords associated with appliances on the kitchen counter. Often, you can wind them up and hide them behind the appliance, creating a cleaner, less cluttered look and feel.”
7. Schedule shoots during mornings or late afternoons
“Achieving captivating home listing photos hinges on timing and lighting,” advises HDR real estate photographers XLRE Photography. “Opt for soft, evenly distributed sunlight by scheduling shoots during mornings or late afternoons, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing appeal. Consider the home’s orientation to prevent direct sunlight and unflattering shadows. Precision with aperture (around f/8) ensures clarity and depth, while adjusting shutter speed balances interior and exterior exposure. Mastery of these techniques results in photos that showcase your property in its best light.”
8. Remember the important of editing
Kouros, the Redfin in-house and third-party photographer at VistaLux Studio emphasizes that the real magic happens during the post-editing phase. Statting, “Employing bracketing, a technique where a series of shots with different exposures are merged, ensures flawless lighting and details. This process sets the stage for subsequent editing steps, like replacing skies and adding the gentle flicker of fireplace flames, which significantly enhance the property’s visual appeal. Moreover, the inclusion of twilight shots with their soft, inviting glow adds an enchanting allure. All these carefully orchestrated elements come together harmoniously, crafting a captivating visual narrative.”
9. Tell a story with listing photos
“After capturing millions of property photos, we’ve learned a valuable lesson, finding a photographer who can enchant with images that narrate your listing’s story generates more interest (and offers),” insists real estate photographers Open Homes. “A photographer focused on your success will expertly guide and capture that ‘magic shot.’ Remember, it’s not just about one listing; exceptional visual marketing builds seller confidence and secures future listings.”
10. Don’t forget to clean and declutter
“Regardless of property value, certain factors are universal for outstanding listing photos,” says seasoned real estate photographers PHRAME Photography. “We prioritize cleanliness, depersonalization, and decluttering to let your property shine. Additionally, choosing a skilled photographer matters.”
A final note on capturing stunning real estate listing photos
As you embark on your journey to create exceptional real estate listing photos, remember that these images are the bridge between a listing and a homebuyer’s aspirations. By applying the insights shared in this article, you’re not only capturing rooms and walls, but you’re crafting the visual narrative of a potential future.
Figuring out how to pay your bills when your usual income stream is interrupted by job loss can be a difficult task. You probably know to cut back on dining out and movie nights, but what can you do about bills for your rent, student loans, and other vital expenses?
Plenty of people confront this situation, and there are ways to navigate this challenge. If you are wondering how to pay bills when you lose your job, it’s a matter of knowing how to recognize the most pressing bills, organize your assets, and seek additional income and assistance if needed.
Here, learn more, including:
• Which bills to prioritize if you lose your job.
• How to develop a survival budget.
• Where to access funds until you find your next job.
What Bills Should I Prioritize?
If you’ve lost your job, you may feel as if you can’t pay all your bills. In this situation, it’s crucial to prioritize certain ones to make sure you can meet your basic necessities. This means looking at your list of bills and determining ones that should be at the top of your list (or close to it).
In addition to the bills that keep your daily life running, you also want to consider the damage unpaid charges can do to your credit rating. The goal is to balance these factors with the funds you do have available.
Bills you should probably prioritize include:
Rent
Having a roof over your head is important for you and those who live with you, so contact your landlord as soon as possible to discuss alternative payment arrangements. Perhaps you can negotiate lower payments for a window of time. Otherwise, if you don’t communicate and don’t pay, you could find yourself facing eviction. 💡 Quick Tip: Want to save more, spend smarter? Let your bank manage the basics. It’s surprisingly easy, and secure, when you open an online bank account.
Mortgage Payments
If you have a home loan, falling behind on payments can have serious consequences, one of which is foreclosure. Non-payment can lead to default and the bank has the right to recoup their property (aka the home) and sell it to attempt to make back the money it lost.
If you’re wondering what to do about loans when you’ve lost your job, contact your lenders as soon as possible. Many offer forbearance or alternative repayment programs.
Student Loans
Falling behind on student loans could mean you’ll go into default. In some cases, the lender may have the right to garnish your wages. If you’re handling student loans during a job loss, consider applying for an income-driven repayment plan for federal student loans or contacting your private lender to see what options are available.
Car Loans
You’ll most likely need your car to run errands or look for work. Staying on top of payments for your loan or lease can help ensure you won’t risk having your vehicle repossessed.
Insurance
Non-payment could result in denial of coverage, which might not be helpful if you need to see medical treatment or are in a traffic accident, for instance.
Utilities
Not paying these types of bills can result in your electricity, water, phone, and internet being shut off. These are obviously vital for daily life and, in terms of connectivity, job hunting.
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How to Create a Survival Budget
If you’ve lost your job, it’s important to create a survival budget to help prepare for the lean times ahead. This type of budget only takes into account the bare necessities with whatever savings or income sources like unemployment benefits you currently have.
The main goals of a survival budget: to ensure you and your family are taken care of, and then turn your attention to any creditors as necessary. What this means is that even without a job, you pay the bills that will ensure you can survive first — such as food and housing.
Taking Stock of Your Expenses
To start, look at all of your current expenses and eliminate anything that isn’t really and truly a necessity.
• You can’t get rid of your food expenses, but you can temporarily cut back on dining out. Cook your meals instead, and ditch your takeout coffee habit for now.
• If you have a cell phone, you can consider downgrading your service for a cheaper plan to save some money.
Look at the funds you have available for the next couple of months as you job hunt. Deduct the priority expenses, and then evaluate what is left and how you can budget those funds. Be strict with yourself: Now is the time to unsubscribe from all those streaming services and save your money for what’s vital.
If you’re not sure if you have enough cash to pay for the necessities and debt payments, it’s best to seek options like forbearance and deferment — negotiate with your lenders to see what you can do. 💡 Quick Tip: Fees can be a real drag when you’re trying to save money. SoFi’s high-yield checking account has no account fees, including overdraft coverage up to $50.
Where Can I Turn for Money?
Here are some income sources you can turn to when you’re unemployed. It’s hard to pay bills with no job, but these resources may get you through a tough time:
Credit Cards
Using credit cards or even taking out a personal loan when unemployed can be a quick source of funds if you need to make purchases such as groceries and gas. While the interest rates tend to be high, you’ll have a grace period before your balance is due, giving you a buffer to get another income source.
Otherwise, you can make the minimum payment for the time being and make a plan to pay it back once you’re employed again.
Also, see if you can negotiate with your card’s issuing company; you might be able to delay credit card payments. You may also want to explore balance transfer credit card offers, which give you a window of low or no interest.
Retirement Accounts
Tapping into a retirement account like a 401(k) or an IRA is typically seen as the last resort because the downsides typically outweigh the benefits. However, if you’re running out of resources and you have a decent chunk in there, you may not have another choice.
You can choose to tap into your retirement accounts in the following ways:
• Take out a 401(k) loan: Depending on the terms of your 401(k) plan, you may be able to borrow up to a certain amount — usually up to $50,000 or half of your vested amount — and pay it back within a predetermined amount of time (in most cases, five years). Keep in mind you could face additional penalties if you don’t pay back the loan, such as the loan amount being subject to taxes. In addition, loan and management fees may apply.
• Withdraw from your retirement accounts: If you have an IRA or taxable brokerage account, you can make withdrawals. Keep in mind with IRA accounts, you may be subject to a penalty and taxes on the amount you withdraw.
Government Assistance
You’ll want to find out how unemployment works if you lose your job; it can help get some cash flowing your way. Those funds can help you pay for your necessities as you seek other work.
If you’ve been unemployed for a while or face mounting pressures on things like an unexpected medical expense, you may be able to seek other forms of government assistance. These sources can be helpful if you feel as if you’ve lost your job and can’t pay your bills. To see what you may qualify for, you can search on Benefits.gov , your local state or municipal office, and even local charity organizations and churches.
How Setting Up a Bank Account Can Help You When You Are Not Working
When you’re unemployed, setting up a bank account (if you don’t already have one or one you love) may seem like the last thing on your mind, but doing so can help. For one, it can help you to keep track of your finances and apply for products such as credit cards and loans if you need these sources of income.
Plus, many banks offer tools to help you budget your money, a useful feature considering you need to watch your money more carefully. These pros of opening an account can make this moment of unemployment a good one to explore your options.
How to Budget and Save with a Bank Account
Here are some ways in which you can make a budget and save using a bank account when you are unemployed and navigating the job market:
• Divide money into multiple checking or savings accounts for each type of expenses so you can ensure you have enough money for necessities as well as bills.
• Set up automatic transfers so you can ensure you’re setting aside money from any income to save or pay bills on time.
• Set up direct deposit for unemployment benefits or government assistance.
• Set up card controls or features from your bank to restrict spending.
• Turn on balance alerts to notify you when your account falls below a certain balance, so you can decide to pause or delay certain purchases.
• Earn interest with a high-interest savings account.
Alternative Sources of Possible Income
For some people, the above options for money won’t be a good fit; for others, additional funds will be needed. If you have learned how to apply for unemployment and taken other steps to get money but are still seeking other sources of income, consider these options to get cash flowing:
• Borrow from friends and family.
• Look for work on freelance marketplace sites like Upwork and Fiverr.
• Sell things you own or make online via eBay, Etsy, or other sites.
• Participate in paid market research.
• Look locally for jobs like dog-walking.
• Explore passive income ideas, including renting out your car or your tools.
Protecting Your Finances from Future Job Loss
There are also steps you can take to bring in income and prepare for any future financial setbacks you may endure. Consider these options:
Starting a Side Hustle
A side hustle is a gig you start that doesn’t have to be full-time but fits into pockets of time you have available. One of the key benefits of a side hustle is bringing in income.
Side hustles can include anything from driving a rideshare to delivering food. You might sell your nature photography online or help local businesses with their social media part-time.
Building an Emergency Fund
Starting an emergency fund can help protect your finances if you were to lose your job. This involves saving money so it’s there if you are laid off or encounter an unexpected expense, such as a major car repair or dental bill.
In terms of how much money should be in an emergency fund, aim for three to six months’ worth of basic living expenses. Of course, it’s fine to build that up over time versus coming up with the whole amount. Even putting aside $20 a month is a start. And by keeping the funds in a high-interest savings account, you’ll help it grow.
It’s important to know when to use an emergency fund. Losing one’s job is an emergency; it’s exactly what the money is there to pay for. However, the opportunity to travel at a deeply discounted rate or buy designer shoes for 50% off are not good reasons to tap this account.
Starting a Budget
Developing a budget and following it can help you get through challenging financial moments and thrive in good times. A budget helps you balance the money you have coming in, your spending, and your saving. It helps you get a better handle on your financial situation and make adjustments in real time.
• One popular budget is the 50/30/20 budget rule. This says that, of your take-home pay, 50% should go to basic living expenses, 30% to spending on your wants (such as eating out), and 20% should go to savings and debt payments beyond the minimum.
• If you have lost your job, you can minimize the 30% by trimming back your spending on wants as much as possible and then attributing more to the basic living expenses and debt payments.
• The 20% saving figure can be a way to plump up that emergency fund that can help sustain you during a job loss.
The Takeaway
Paying bills when you lose your job can feel stressful, but it’s not impossible. Some key steps may include prioritizing your bills and focusing on budgeting for the bare necessities. It’s also wise to negotiate lower or delayed payments where possible and look for other interim streams of income while you look for your next job.
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FAQ
What happens to debt when you lose your job?
Your debt does not go away when you lose your job. You want to keep paying at least the minimum due. However, you may be able to negotiate a way to lower your interest rates or defer payment while you are out of work. Contact your creditors and see what can be worked out.
What bills should I pay first?
When you are unemployed and need to pay bills, prioritize basic living expenses, such as housing, food, and healthcare. It’s also important to stay current on loans, such as student or car loans.
How do you budget if you are unemployed?
If you are unemployed, focus your budget on paying for your basic living expenses (food, shelter, healthcare, etc.) and paying the minimum on your debt. Trim down your discretionary spending; negotiate with creditors to keep debt manageable; and look into borrowing or earning additional funds.
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At what point after graduating college do we let go of collapsible dinner tables and high-end knock-offs? For interior designer Charlie Ferrer, the answer is ASAP. The Chelsea-based creative founded his own interior design studio and gallery in 2012, offering a plethora of furniture, lighting, and art by both notable and emerging designers. The joint practice has been the go-to agency for fellow creatives and private collectors who appreciate his eclectic eye. Here, Ferrer discusses his personal favorite artists, the importance of supporting smaller talent, and the secret to putting together a tasteful interior.
CULTURED: What do you think makes the New York art scene distinct?
Charlie Ferrer: The density of resources. New York has the highest concentration of galleries, dealers, institutions, working artists, curators, advisors, conservators, and, not least, collectors. This proximity of people and talent, money and ideas, breeds a highly productive atmosphere.
CULTURED: You’ve been billed as a “millennial designer.” What do you think this generation is doing right and wrong in their homes?
Ferrer: There are plenty of young collectors participating in the art and design markets at advanced levels, and that’s great. I wish for more participation at the emerging level. There is a vast world of young people making art. Where are their collector counterparts? I would love to see the coalescence of a larger community of “emerging collectors,” a group that supports their artist contemporaries, choosing art and design purchases as frequently as other discretionary categories like fashion and travel. The spend can be modest—it’s less about money and more about curiosity, education, a shift in focus. I rarely walk into the home of a 30-year-old or even a 38-year-old to find a handful of thoughtfully collected pictures or objects. I find this reality disappointing.
This same wish extends to interiors and collectible design. Millennials tend to consume commodified retail products. Why choose formless sectionals, poorly knocked-off Scandinavian design and Pierre Jeanneret reproductions when there are so many opportunities for an individualized expression of taste? Historical design and specialty goods for the home are more accessible now than ever.
CULTURED: How does a client’s art collection impact your vision for their interiors? How did you build your space around your own?
Ferrer: I am selling collected environments. When a client comes to me with an existing collection of art and/or design, we make space for it. I prefer that every room I touch contains art and objects, but I do not necessarily design rooms for art or the inverse—select art for specific rooms. I suppose large-scale works are one exception. If a work requires a massive wall, a special path of access into the space, etc, we plan for that early on in our process.
Philosophically, I believe in collecting for the sake of a collection and creating interiors that support and dialogue with that collection. I build spaces through an iterative process of layering in which every object is something of meaning on its own. As a project evolves, an assemblage of cool things grows. The vision for the project as a whole eventually takes form. The sum of its parts feels eclectic and organically collected because it is. The best projects are never really finished, they keep evolving, even if just in small ways.
When it comes time to install art, I do like to hang densely, often asymmetrically and sometimes unconventionally, so long as the client is on board.
David Morehouse worked at the Hammer during our years there. Through David, I enjoyed a lot of exposure to artists and collectors and dealers—artists like Mark Bradford, Mark Hagen, Elliott Hundley; collectors Eugenio López, Beth Rudin DeWoody, Bill Bell, Alan Hergott and Curt Shepard; dealers Shaun Regen, Hannah Hoffman, Nino Mier, David Kordansky. The art world in LA 10 plus years ago felt like a small club. That period in my life was vastly eye-opening. It clued me into a world I did not know. Though I had a gallery for a year where we showed furniture and art (featured in CULTURED‘s Spring 2013 issue), I don’t think I actually acquired any art for myself until I left for New York.
CULTURED: What is the first piece you ever bought?
Ferrer: An abstract painting by Shinpei Kageshima from Take Ninagawa at NADA, Miami Basel in 2011. That was an exciting moment for me—being at a busy fair, finding a work by a young artist that spoke to me, shown by a dealer who had come from so far away, offered at a price I could conceivably afford.
CULTURED: Which work provokes the most conversation from visitors?
Ferrer: A mixed media piece composed of used socks, silicon, and pigment on canvas called A Rag of Sorts by Jesse James Thompson. It is appealingly tactile and fetishistic. The colors are beautiful and so is the bronze frame I had made for it. I bought the work out of a group show of MFA candidates put on by Edsel Williams at The Fireplace Project in East Hampton.
CULTURED: Which artist are you currently most excited about and why?
Ferrer: Kevin Beasley, in particular his figurative sculptures, for their rich materiality and the palpable emotion they embody for me. Pretty much anything is shown by Gordon Veneklasen at Michael Werner. The quality of their program is impeccable. On the design side, I am impressed by what Alex May is doing with SIZED out of Los Angeles. The shows are broad and ambitious. They inspire me.
CULTURED: What was the most challenging piece in your personal collection to acquire?
Ferrer: For lovers, maybe, but for art I’m not one to play the hard-to-get game. I just don’t have the bandwidth to get involved at that level personally. I suppose for me the toughest acquisition was my César sculpture because it was a matter of finding the funds when I found the piece. Sometimes, I stretch my limits to get a work I know I want. There is a distinctive gut feeling, a reflex. I imagine others can relate… The timing was right enough for the César. Thankfully, the gallery was patient, and it worked out. I am very fond of that piece.
CULTURED: Is there one piece that got away, or that you still think about?
Ferrer: One of Christopher Wilmarth’s ethereal glasswork sculptures at Craig Starr Gallery. Craig put on a show in 2020 that I continue to daydream about.
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