puppies

Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

So, you’ve decided it’s time for you and your dog to move. You do your research, choose your preferred neighborhood and take the time to come up with several options for apartments you’d like to see. You set up viewings, find the perfect place and send in an application.

But if you’ll be renting with a dog, did you remember to check for breed restrictions? Some apartment communities have a list of restricted dog breeds — and may exercise restraint when it comes to “aggressive” dog breeds in particular.

If your dog is not accepted in your target apartment community, your application may get rejected even if you have good credit and income to cover the rent.

Before you begin the process of finding a new home — it’s important to understand what breed restrictions are and how they can impact your ability to rent with a dog when facing apartment breed restrictions.

What are apartment breed restrictions?

Breed restrictions are just what they sound like: Certain dog breeds and their mixes are not permitted to live in certain buildings, houses and apartments. That means that even if Fido is a mutt — he may not make the cut, depending on the various dog breeds in his mix.

Breed restrictions came about to protect people from what some consider “dangerous” or aggressive dog breeds — especially pit bulls. In other words, if dogs that are commonly associated with aggression aren’t allowed in, there’s likely less chance of attacks or dog bites within the apartment community.

If you’re unsure of your dog’s breed, get a DNA test done! It is tough to identify a breed or breed mix visually.

Dog breed restrictions by weight or age

Another common factor in breed restrictions is the weight and age of your dog. Because apartments are usually smaller than homes and condos, property managers may not want a large dog on-site. Often, renters are only allowed to have smaller breeds.

Age is another factor because puppies often are hyper and destructive, making landlords wary that they’ll tear up the apartment.

Why do apartments have breed restrictions?

There are three reasons dogs may face restrictions living in an apartment building:

  1. Legislation: Some cities and counties have enacted breed-specific legislation that can ban certain breeds from even entering the city or county limits
  2. Insurance companies: Many insurance companies have blacklists that the buildings or apartments they insure must abide by
  3. Landlord’s choice: Breed restrictions are the decision of the building’s landlord or management company

Commonly restricted dog breeds

Each apartment community will probably maintain its own list of specific breed restrictions, but here’s a look at the most common aggressive dog breeds:

  • Akitas
  • Alaskan Malamutes
  • Bulldogs
  • Cane Corso
  • Chows
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • German Shepherds
  • Great Danes
  • Mastiffs
  • Pit bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • Siberian Huskies
  • Terriers
  • Wolf hybrids

Mixes of these breeds may also be restricted in some communities. Check with the property manager or leasing agent if you have any questions.

Are apartment breed restrictions legal?

Many activists, as well as some high-level animal organizations (including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), are completely against breed restrictions for several reasons.

Consider this: Has Fido ever attacked another animal or human or acted aggressively above and beyond what’s normal for dogs? If not, why should he be restricted just because other dogs of the same breed have shown aggression?

Basically, many animal organizations agree that aggressive behavior in a dog is much more about nurture than nature — it all depends on how the animal grows up and how it responds to training. Plus, many believe that breed restrictions simply don’t work to lessen the chances of dog attacks or bites.

Unfortunately, breed restrictions have increased the number of homeless dogs — sometimes, owners simply set the dog loose or bring it to an animal shelter rather than trying to find an apartment that accepts all breeds.

What can I do if my dog is on a list of apartment breed restrictions?

Breed-specific restrictions have been slowly decreasing — great for loving dog owners like you! However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that insurance companies or landlords are going to change their minds.

If Fido is not welcome off the bat, there are a couple of things you still might be able to do to persuade your landlord into giving your beloved fur baby a chance.

1. Request a pet interview

If the breed restrictions are in place by a landlord (not an insurance company), there’s still hope! Ask the landlord if he or she is willing to do a doggie interview during which he or she can meet and interact with Fido.

If the building has an area for dogs to roam, ask if you can hold the interview there. That way, the landlord will be able to see Fido has no aggressive tendencies toward dogs or people. Create some talking points to guide the interview in the right direction.

Talk about your pet being part of the family — especially the role they play as a family member. Discuss your understanding and good track record of keeping your past properties clean and well-maintained, despite your dog(s). Offer additional money on your non-refundable pet deposit.

2. Create dog resumes

Next time you apply for an apartment, come prepared. Put together a pet resume for Fido with pictures, vet records and any other information you have. You can even bring along a video to show the landlord. Who will be able to resist those puppy dog eyes?

Apartment Guide has a simple tool that will let you build a printable pet resume for your animals.

3. Provide references

Your future landlord might not always want to meet your pet right off the bat, especially if they have a fear related to aggressive dog breeds. If this is the case, ask your vet, groomer, pet sitter/boarding facility or friends and family to write letters of reference for your furry friend.

4. Gather vet records

Gather up and provide proof of your pet’s medical records (i.e. vaccinations, Rabies shots, tag registration, etc.)

5. Create a video

Make a video of your pet showing it as a part of your family. If possible, try to include shots of interactions with children, other pets and elderly people. This might build trust between your potential landlord and your pet.

6. Offer to pay pet rent

We’ve all heard the expression that “money talks.” You might be able to offer your landlord a little more security with the promise of extra monthly rent for Fido.

7. Secure renters insurance

Many landlords will want you to have your own kind of Renters’ Insurance regardless of your pets, but in this case, try taking it a step further. Offer to secure a policy that covers your pets and has a liability policy that covers them of $300,000 — listing the landlord as an additional insured member.

Additional animal restrictions

Thinking about becoming the next Tiger King? Great! Just check with your landlord or state first.

Often, pets other than dogs face restrictions, too. Any animal from hedgehogs and ferrets to zebras or certain snakes may not find itself welcome.

Pet owners should take restricted breeds seriously

It might be tempting to lie on your application about your pets, but lying is the worst thing you can do. If a landlord discovers you’ve been dishonest about your pet(s), they can potentially evict you — and living on the street is not an option.

Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

The Conrad Washington, DC is one of the newest and highest-end Hilton properties in the nation’s capital.

Situated within a short metro ride or 15-minute walk of the city’s prestigious monuments and museums, the hotel offers a combination of easy proximity for those wanting to explore the city and comfortable, modern touches for those preferring to relax on-site.

As part of the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts portfolio, the property also provides AmEx Membership Rewards members additional perks and savings during their stay, from breakfast and other dining credits to guaranteed late checkouts and room upgrades.

Despite its location in one of America’s most historic cities, the Conrad Washington, DC sits in one of the city’s most modern neighborhoods.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

The hotel is within a stone’s throw of CityCenterDC, an outdoor shopping district with high-end shops — think Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and the like.

Those hoping to use their stay as a jumping-off point for monument and museum visits have a few options. The first is by car.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

Our Uber ride from the hotel to the National Mall took five to 10 minutes. If you bring a car with you to the hotel, you’ll pay $60 per night for valet parking.

To avoid traffic and parking fees, you can reach major landmarks by taking the D.C. Metro a stop or two. There are two Metro stops within a short walk of the hotel.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

Many landmarks are walkable, too, if you’re able and willing. The Capital One Arena, home to the Washington Wizards and Capitals, is four-tenths of a mile away on foot.

Perhaps the destination most convenient to the hotel is the Washington Convention Center, which is just a couple of blocks away and, in fact, was visible from our hotel room window.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

This Conrad property stands out with its black, all-glass look. Upon its opening in 2019, Hilton described it as “architecturally striking,” and that’s not overstating it.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

You’ll take an elevator or escalator to reach the front desk. The hotel lets in extensive natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms and a skylight in the lobby.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

You’ll also find white marble throughout the building, from the floors to the walls.

Most of the views from the rooms and restaurant are of CityCenterDC and the convention center. If you do manage to catch a glimpse of the Washington Monument or U.S. Capitol from a high floor, it’ll be a distant view.

Food and beverage options

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

The Conrad’s main restaurant is called Estuary. The seafood restaurant includes a bar, lounge-style seating area and a larger dining room with an open-concept kitchen.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

All of Estuary’s ingredients come from the Chesapeake Bay region. Yes, that means you’ll find plenty of seafood-oriented offerings — crab included — on the menu, though there’s a little something for just about any palate.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

And that’s a good thing because guests who book through AmEx Fine Hotels and Resorts will want to eat on-site. AmEx Fine Hotels and Resorts guests get a $100 food and beverage credit per stay and a $60 daily credit toward breakfast or brunch.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

At our predinner happy hour, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the crispy pig ears, ceviche and hush puppies with yuzu aioli and Maryland crab (and come to think of it, we probably didn’t need dinner afterward).

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

Breakfast is served in the Estuary’s cozier Blue Willow Room. While I had no complaints about my bacon, egg and cheese on a croissant, anyone who doesn’t order the crab Benedict — as my wife did — will have order envy.

Because we visited on a cold night in January, the hotel’s Summit Rooftop bar was closed for the season, but it features appetizers, beverages and great views of D.C.

The hotel also has room service available late into the night, and a more upscale, personalized room and dining experience through its pricier Sakura Club.

Accommodations

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

I was upgraded to a studio suite, featuring a distinct entryway, living room and sleeping area. Those hoping to watch some TV can sit on the couch or chair next to a floor-to-ceiling window.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

There’s also a table for those wanting to get work done or enjoy in-room dining.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

The king bed sat across from a second TV equipped with cable, Netflix and YouTube capabilities.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

The nightstands are fully outfitted with plenty of USB and AC outlets, and full light controls that control the electronic “do not disturb” light outside the front door.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

Featuring two sinks and marble walls, the bathroom included rain-style shower heads and large, bolted-to-the-wall shower products. These larger bottles are a nod to the sustainability initiatives many hotel chains are undertaking to reduce plastic waste.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

A favorite touch of mine at higher-end hotel rooms showed up here: Nespresso machines instead of the old-school coffee makers.

The Conrad caters to business travelers and those looking for an exceptionally comfortable place to recharge in between sightseeing. To that end, you won’t find a pool or spa on-site.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

However, on top of its top-notch eating and drinking locations, you’ll find expansive meeting space, event rooms and balcony seating areas overlooking CityCenterDC. The balconies are a great place to enjoy a drink or spend time outdoors.

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

The fitness center is well equipped with treadmills and weights alongside several Peloton bikes, as is now the case at many Hilton properties nationally.

Are dogs allowed at the Conrad Washington, DC?

(Photo by Sean Cudahy)

Count us among the travelers who brought a four-legged friend along for the stay. The Conrad is a pet-friendly hotel, though you’ll have to pay a $75 nonrefundable fee.

Our French bulldog received a water bowl and Conrad-branded bandana for the visit.

Being in the middle of a concrete-dominant city neighborhood, finding pet relief areas wasn’t the simplest experience, but there are grassy spaces within a block or two in each direction.

How to get to the Conrad Washington, DC

The hotel is located along New York Avenue between 9th and 10th streets Northwest.

MetroCenter, the DC Metro system’s central-most station, is just three-tenths of a mile from the hotel. The station connects to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (blue line) and, at long last, Washington Dulles International Airport (silver line).

MetroCenter is also just a few stops from Union Station, serviced by Amtrak and commuter trains, including those arriving from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Is the Conrad Washington, DC a good hotel?

While the Conrad Washington, DC’s proximity to D.C. landmarks and comfortable accommodations make it a great option for any visitor to the U.S. capital, the value we enjoyed as an AmEx Fine Hotels and Resorts guest made the stay stand out.

Add in complimentary premium Wi-Fi and and a guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout that allowed us some morning museum visits before leaving town, and there’s no doubt the perks add up.

(Top photo courtesy of Sean Cudahy)

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:

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Pet adoptions have been soaring with the current COVID-19 pandemic. In my opinion, that totally makes sense! After all, who wouldn’t want an adorable cuddle to pass the newfound time at home? 

That’s where a pandemic puppy can come into the picture. Today I will share a complete look at the cost of adopting my pandemic pup, so you can know what you’re getting into. 

What’s Ahead:

Why I adopted a pandemic puppy

I’ve been dreaming of adopting a puppy since I got to college. I grew up with a wonderful dog and waited for the day that I could comfortably adopt a new puppy. 

Over the years, I always had a responsible reason for why I couldn’t adopt a puppy at the moment. For years, my string of small apartments wouldn’t make a happy home for a puppy. Plus, I wanted to have some savings on hand for the inevitable expenses the responsibility of a dog would bring, like unexpected vet visits. Little did I know, I could save on some of these expenses by purchasing a pet insurance policy through an insurer like Embrace. However, without that knowledge, I continued to put off my desire to bring a puppy into my life. 

In January, my husband and I started to seriously consider bringing a puppy home. We were finally living in a space with a fenced backyard and plenty of nearby hiking trails for an active pup. We even applied to adopt a handful of puppies, but the timing never worked out for us. 

In mid-March, my husband and I were looking forward to a busy spring. I had several fun trips mapped out until the COVID-19 pandemic through our plans for a loop. As things started to settle into an isolating routine, my husband transitioned to working from home. At that point, we decided that we were truly ready to bring home a puppy with both of us available at the house. 

When we spotted our pandemic puppy on a rural shelter page in mid-March, we hopped in the car and drove the hour to meet him. Immediately we fell in love and put down a deposit to secure his adoption for the next week. We were able to bring him home at the end of March when he turned eight weeks old. 

Pongo has been our fun-loving pup ever since! 

The cost breakdown

Pongo was an adorable eight-week-old puppy that quickly grew into a 40-pound bundle of joy. Along the way, he has turned out to be a rather expensive pandemic purchase. 

I will take more in-depth about this below, but one way to save a ton on puppy costs is through pet insurance. Pumpkin is one of the best options on the market, with an affordable preventive care option.

Bringing him home

The first major expense of owning a pet is bringing them home. For Pongo, those costs added up quickly. 

  • $50 deposit to secure his adoption. We paid this fee a week before he was available for adoption to ensure that he was coming home with us.
  • $150 adoption fee. The adoption fee covered his neuter surgery and other medical treatments that the shelter provided. When Pongo was found at the shelter, he and his brother were in fairly bad shape. Both had significant skin issues which needed extensive treatment. Luckily, the shelter quickly restored his skin to a better condition and continued the treatments after we brought him home. 
  • $210 rental pet fee. When we first got Pongo, we were living in a rented duplex. The landlords graciously allowed us to bring Pongo home. But we had to pay a $210 non-refundable pet fee. 

The first part of the adoption journey was several hundred dollars. But that was just the beginning!

Vet bills

When you bring home a young puppy, you should expect to pay for a wide range of vaccinations. We brought Pongo home as an eight-week puppy with some severe skin issues. With that, our vet bills were a little bit higher than the norm. 

  • $189.96 – First vet visit and a handful of shots. 
  • $87.04 – A booster shot visit.
  • $205.8 – More shots and skin check-up. 
  • $67.27 – Another booster shot visit. 
  • $79.33 – A microchip visit with another vaccine. 

The veterinary costs can add up quickly. But after this last visit to the vet, Pongo should be okay until his annual appointment in March. 

Other costs

Beyond the initial costs of bringing him home and the vet bills, extra expenses needed to be considered. I’ll break them down now:

  • $98.17 – The first of many Amazon orders to make our home comfortable for Pongo. This included buying a crate to grow into, potty training pads, teething rings, and other toys.  
  • $6.25 – A quick trip to the hardware store by my house that sells dog toys and bones. 
  • $12.68 – Another Amazon purchase to stock up on toys – because Pongo rips through toys very quickly. 
  • $58.01 – A Petsmart run for food and other supplies. 
  • $10.57 – More toys from Ace Hardware. 
  • $280 – We set up a subscription for Pongo’s food from Amazon. With that, we are able to save 5% on his food, but it still adds up. 
  • $50 – Walmart Pet Rx purchase for his first round of heartworm medication. 
  • $75 – A Chewy delivery of Pongo’s six month supply of preventative medications. 
  • $275 – The combined total of boarding costs for Pongo on three separate occasions. 

As you can see, the extra costs of a puppy can get expensive. 

The total cost of adopting my pandemic puppy

Although we look for opportunities to save where we can, the cost of owning a pet is just expensive. What isn’t included in these expenses are the sleepless nights of puppy potty training and adorable puppy cuddles that make it all worth it. 

In total, the cost of adopting our pandemic puppy is $1,904.51. So far, we’ve spent close to $2,000 on Pongo. But I’m optimistic that the upfront veterinary costs of adopting a puppy with a few skin issues will not continue to be a major factor. 

Overall, we were very happy to bring Pongo into our lives. He has been worth every penny!

Where I could have saved more

Of course, there are always ways to save more. What I didn’t look into when I first brought Pongo home was pet insurance. I think that I seriously missed out on an opportunity to save on vet bills. With that, you may want to look into your pet insurance options if you are considering adopting a pet. Here is a bit more about Embrace. 

Lemonade

Lemonade is a great pet insurance option. They’re quickly disrupting the industry with their low-cost plans that start as low as $10/month (and a 10% discount if you also insure your home or car through Lemonade). But, you can decide the deductible amount and coverage limit you want to set for yourself. 

When it comes to what they cover, the answer is pretty much up to you. If you’re looking for basic wellness care and vaccine coverage, Lemonade has a plan for you. But, they’re also perfect for those looking to protect their pet in the event of an accident or illness. They’ll cover heartworm testing, fecal testing, bloodwork, emergency surgeries, x-rays, labwork, medications, and more.

Plus, an especially wonderful feature of Lemonade is that they offer expert medical advice via their chat feature. That way, you don’t have to call up the vet for every little question.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is another pet insurance provider that offers an insurance plan designed to prioritize the wellness of your pet. Pumpkin offers insurance that covers a high percentage of eligible veterinary expenses for accidents and illnesses. Pumpkin also offers an optional preventative care plan – Pumpkin Preventive Essentials – which pays for an annual wellness exam, vaccines, and select lab tests to detect parasites & life-threatening diseases.

Here’s how Pumpkin works: when your dog is sick, you can take them to any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada for treatment. You pay the vet and then afterward, file a claim for the eligible veterinary expenses to be reimbursed after your annual deductible has been met.

In terms of annual limit options with Pumpkin, every family is offered a 90% reimbursement rate on eligible vet bills, up to an annual coverage limit of $10k or $20k for dogs and $7k or $15k for cats.

Embrace

Embrace offers pet insurance policies that you can customize to your coverage needs. You’ll be able to adjust the monthly premiums and annual payout limits to suit your budget. 

In addition to the flexible coverage, you can choose to take part in a Wellness plan. A Wellness plan will reward you for taking care of your pet’s needs on a regular basis. Essentially, you’ll be rewarded if you are taking care of your pet responsibly. 

Summary

The costs of a pandemic puppy can add up quickly. But if you are prepared for that financial responsibility, then the costs pale in comparison to the fun of bringing home a puppy. Even as the chaos of the pandemic swirls around us, Pongo has been an amazing blessing in our lives. 

If you are considering bringing a puppy home, I’d encourage you to think about the costs ahead of time. When you have the costs of a puppy factored into your budget, you can enjoy the experience of adopting a puppy to the fullest!

Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113, Morristown, NJ), a Crum & Forster Company and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement.

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Source: moneyunder30.com

Apache is functioning normally

Our Style Your Staples series has been such fun. We’ve looked at the Pencil Skirt, the Oxford Shirt, and now we’re back with the last installment: the Denim Short!

Yet again, all the ladies put their stylish spin on this summer must-have and now I want to give each and every one of their looks a go. But first, here’s how I tried my hand at working denim cut-offs, Apartment 34 style:

I have to say, this assignment was my biggest styling challenge yet. Though I’m tall and obviously have long legs, I’ve never been a huge short-shorts wearer. I don’t know what it is – maybe being in my 30s, maybe living in slightly chilly San Francisco…I just haven’t been a huge shorts fan. But when I put these super-cropped puppies on, they were decidedly the most flattering for my body shape, so I went with ’em! I couldn’t rock the boy short – they just felt frumpy on me. I guess you ought to flaunt it while you got it, right?!

get your shop on: shorts // top // blazer (similar) // heels (similar) // necklace // sunglasses // clutch (similar)

The key to feeling comfortable with this look was covering up up top. I firmly believe a girl can never have too many stripes in her closet and a good tee can always be dressed up. By throwing on my favorite oversized double-breasted blazer, I didn’t feel overexposed. By toting a structured clutch, a touch of gold jewelry and putting on a pair of clean and classic nude sandals, my shorts suddenly felt more sophisticated and ready for primetime.

I was also pleased to discover that denim shorts can be highly versatile. A tank and sandals is all you need for the beach. Sneakers, t-shirt and hat and you’re ready for an afternoon at the baseball park. I’d switch out my blazer for a leather jacket and a Celine-inspired heel to take this look from day to date night!

Be sure to check out Casey, Hilary, Jen, Sara, and of course, the masterminds of this whole operation, Kat & Em’s, takes on the denim short. I’m quite certain you’ll find more than one look to love!

PS: Did you like this series? Are you interested in seeing more ways to wear some of your favorite fashions? I’m thinking of bringing something like this back to the blog on a more regular basis if you do!

original photography for apartment 34 by Emily Scott, bike courtesy of Public Bikes

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Source: apartment34.com

Apache is functioning normally

With great weather, friendly people and enough museums and historic spots to keep you busy for months, Raleigh is a great place to live. Known as the City of Oaks thanks to its trees, what pulls people in is the warm atmosphere you’ll find throughout the city.

The cost of living is another reason people like living here. Overall, living in Raleigh costs 3.8 percent less than the national average. This puts the city smack in the middle of North Carolina towns, with places like Chapel Hill being 6.1 percent more, and Thomasville being 14.2 percent less.

Sitting below the national average can make Raleigh a pretty affordable town. But the best way to calculate if the city will fit into your budget is to break down the cost of living in Raleigh into its most essential parts.

Housing costs in Raleigh

Although housing prices in Raleigh are rising by a decent amount, overall costs are still 3.5 percent below the national average. Again, this hits a more middle range when looking across the state. Costs are nowhere near as high as in Chapel Hill, at 18.7 percent above the national average, but they’re also not as low in places like Winston-Salem at 23.1 percent below.

Looking at specific rent averages, you’ll most likely find Raleigh somewhere between reasonable and slightly high. A one-bedroom apartment in Raleigh is up 12 percent, with an average monthly rent of $1,520. A two-bedroom apartment is up a little less, at only 10 percent, and has an average monthly rent of $1,759.

Home prices are increasing at a similar rate for those who want to bypass being a renter. The median sale price in Raleigh is $410,000, up 12.5 percent over last year.

Apartment hunting

Deciding where to live in Raleigh can depend on a lot of factors. You may want to live close to your job or prefer a suburb over a more urban neighborhood. Regardless of your amenity wish list or rental parameters, Raleigh offers up plenty of friendly, comfortable neighborhoods at multiple price points.

For those with a little extra money to spend on rent, Glenwood tops the list when it comes to cost. The average one-bedroom here is $2,269. Also toward the higher end when it comes to renting is North Hills. One of Raleigh’s fastest growing areas, North Hills is full of good schools, great shopping, plenty of parks and popular restaurants and entertainment. The average one-bedroom apartment here is $1,923.

For neighborhoods closer in price to the average, check out Wakefield. One-beds here rent at an average of $1,578. Locals love this suburban neighborhood with its easy access to the city center. Also relatively affordable, Downtown Raleigh averages out at $1,619 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. That will definitely keep you close to all the city’s happenings.

If you need to save a little on rent, check out Cameron Village. This popular, affordable neighborhood has it all, and it’s all within walking distance. Situated near North Carolina State, you’ll also find a lot of college students close by. The average one-bedroom rent here is $1,304.

Food costs

Yet another city that excels at Southern cuisine, Raleigh is famous for a variety of classic main dishes and sides. This includes everything from the city’s unique style of barbecue to the hush puppies and collard greens you might pair with that rack of ribs. You may also want to try some juicy fried chicken or shrimp and grits when dining out in Raleigh.

When it’s time to dine in and get that shopping list ready for the grocery store, it’s good to know items are 8.3 percent below the national average. Even though this is a slight increase over the previous year, prices for individual food items should still average out on the more affordable side.

For example, you’ll pay an average of $1.76 for a dozen eggs and $2.04 for a half gallon of milk. A loaf of bread carries an average cost of $3.34, while a frozen meal is about $3.12. Individually, grocery items in Raleigh are less expensive, on average, than in other North Carolina towns. In Winston-Salem, a dozen eggs are $0.78 more, and you’ll see that same price increase in Charlotte when it comes to a loaf of bread.

Utility costs

Pleasant is an appropriate word to describe Raleigh weather on most days. Yes, the summers can get a little hot and humid, and yes, some winter nights are cold, but overall, the weather here is the kind that calls to you to get outside and encourages you to let the fresh air into your home.

That said, the cost of living in Raleigh when it comes to utilities is a little high. This is thanks to those 90-plus-degree days in July and the frosty January nights. Overall, utility costs are 3.2 percent above the national average, a 3.1 percent increase over last year.

While some months may test your budget when it comes to your electric bill, on average, expect to pay $193.76, one of the highest averages across the state.

Transportation costs

Though there are some walkable spots in Raleigh, for the most part, getting around in the city will require a car or proximity to public transportation. Overall, transportation costs are affordable at 10.7 percent below the national average. This, once again, puts Raleigh toward the middle when compared with other cities in North Carolina, sandwiched in by Charlotte (1.6 percent more) and Salisbury (0.7 percent less.)

If you opt for public transportation, you’ll get to hop on a GoRaleigh bus. There are 26 regular and express routes, a free downtown circular and the Wake Forest Loop, which travels in both directions. A single-ride fare is $1.25, but passes are also reasonably priced. You can get a day pass for $2.50, a seven-day pass for $12 and a 31-day pass for $40.

Taking your own car out and about most likely means paying for parking at some point, especially if you’re heading in or near downtown. Raleigh makes it easy to find parking options. Parking garage prices will vary, but most meters will cost no more than $1.50 per hour.

Healthcare costs

The cost of living in Raleigh when it comes to healthcare is 4.2 percent above the national average. This is a 4.1 percent increase over last year, but healthcare across the state is higher than average in most cities.

This can mean higher prices when it comes to doctor’s visits and prescription medications, however, everyone’s specific budget greatly depends on insurance coverage and overall health. Knowing averages can help estimate costs, but everyone will have a different cost of living expense when it comes to maintaining their health.

That said, without insurance, expect to pay $122.50 on average to see your general practitioner, $119 for each trip to the eye doctor and $116.33 at the dentist. Average prescription drug costs, without the help of insurance, are $498.

Goods and services costs

This broad category makes up a huge section of your cost of living in Raleigh. It’s where all the fun things go, and all the regular things you may want, but don’t necessarily need.

In Raleigh, goods and services costs are 3.2 percent below the national average. Winston-Salem has the highest numbers in North Carolina at 5.9 percent above the national average, so Raleigh is a lot more reasonable.

This could make it easier to plan a night out full of fun, starting with a six-pack of beer you buy to enjoy with a few friends before going out. You’ll pay an average of $9.49 for that. Next, you decide to catch a movie. A ticket will cost an average of $12.51. Afterward, you all decide you’re hungry so you go out for burgers. At an average price of $4.49, this will be the least expensive piece of your night.

There are also goods and services that don’t involve happy hour and hanging out with friends. In Raleigh, the average yoga class is $18.40, and most locals spend around $14.92 on dry cleaning.

Taxes

Sales tax across North Carolina varies by location. The state requires a 4.75 percent tax, but Raleigh adds on both a county tax and a special tax. This brings the Raleigh sales tax rate up to 7.25 percent. This is higher than the average tax across the state, and only slightly below cities like Chapel Hill, which at 7.5 percent, has the highest rate.

How does this impact what you pay when you shop? Well, say you’re out buying furniture for your new apartment. You spend $1,000 on a new couch. Of that grand, $72.50 goes straight to taxes.

How much do I need to earn to live in Raleigh?

Making enough to live comfortably in Raleigh is a huge component of happily calling the city home, and this all starts with rent. If you can afford rent, you can technically afford to live in Raleigh. But, if you don’t want your entire budget to go to this expense, make sure you use our rent calculator to figure out exactly what you can afford.

Looking at the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the city ($1,517) and assuming you want to follow what most experts suggest and only spend 30 percent of your annual income on rent, you’ll need to make $60,680 to live in Raleigh.

This is entirely plausible given that the median household income in Raleigh is $69,720. That means you may even have a little money left over to upgrade your living situation or splurge in another part of your monthly budget.

Free things to do

Of course, one great way to save money, should you need to make some budget cuts, is to seek out all the free fun Raleigh has to offer. Sometimes considered the “home of the free” by locals, there’s a considerably large number of free attractions throughout the city, from parks and lakes to museums.

For free fun outdoors, check these spots out:

  • With 22 miles of hiking trails and a hanging bridge that’s so much fun to cross, William B. Umstead State Park does not disappoint
  • Perfect for bird-watching and hiking, the Carl Alwin Schenck Memorial Forest contains 245 acres of managed woods
  • Featuring more than 6,000 different types of plants from around the world, the J.C. Raulston Arboretum has one of the largest and most diverse collections of Southeastern greenery
  • For fishing, sailing, canoeing or kayaking, make sure to visit the 650-acre lake at Lake Wheeler Park
  • To stop and smell the roses, check out the 60 different varieties in the Raleigh Rose Garden

For a free cultural experience, visit these great places:

  • Although you can take classes for a price, Downtown Raleigh’s Artspace features access to exhibits from national and community artists
  • Get to know the athletes that called North Carolina home by visiting the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
  • Hop in the car and head a little north to the Wake Forest Historical Museum where you can learn all about the town of Wake Forest, as well as the history of Wake Forest College
  • For another community experience, visit the Cary Heritage Museum and see a complete chronicle of the town’s history

What’s even better, the North Carolina Museum of Art (permanent collection only), North Carolina Museum of History and North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences are all also free to visit.

Living in Raleigh

Raleigh is a friendly and mostly affordable place set in perfect Southeast weather. It has so many positives, from delicious food to a ton of free activities. Are you convinced yet that it’s the perfect place to live? Good. Now, you just need to make sure your budget agrees.

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.

The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of August 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

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With dogs giving birth to an average of 12-18 puppies yearly and cats birthing 20-27 kittens, the number of strays is rising exponentially. According to veterinarians, spaying and neutering your pets is the best way to control this population growth.

Over 2.7 million cats and dogs are euthanized annually in shelters– no one is proud of that figure. In the US, over 70 million abandoned pets every year, out of which over 8,000 are put to rest daily. Neutering your pets can be quite a costly venture. Because of this high cost, many owners don’t get orchiectomies or ovariohysterectomies for their pets.

Pet insurance policies vary from provider to provider, as do the procedures. Pet insurance typically does NOT cover spaying or neutering surgeries, making the process more out of reach. In this guide, we will look at which pet insurance offers neutering coverage and the options for getting along with these surgeries.

What’s Ahead:

Does Pet Insurance Cover Spaying & Neutering?

While most pet insurance policies do not cover neutering, Lemonade Pet Health Insurance offers a quick and streamlined pet insurance experience for pet owners across the United States. There are several pet insurance plans you can choose as per your budget and what you’d like covered.

There are several others as well, which we will discuss in detail in this article. However, before diving into the different pet health companies, we must first understand why neutering or spaying is not covered.

Why is Neutering Or Spaying Not Covered By Pet Insurance?

Just like with your health insurance, the policy usually covers procedures necessary to help you live a better life – not elective ones. Similarly, pet insurers consider spaying and neutering an elective procedure.

Yes, they are indeed elective procedures. Still, unless we start raising awareness about the stay population and animal euthanization, it is doubtful that you will recognize the issue – or coverage will become mainstream.

Instead of being a part of direct pet insurance, neutering and spaying is usually a part of add-on preventative care. These wellness plans are also manna from heaven for many pet owners as they can save you from spending thousands of dollars on the surgery, medicine, and care that follows. These pet insurance plans often also cover vaccinations, flea infestations, tick prevention, general examinations, and other similar services.

There are usually quite a few options, depending on your choice. In the next section, we will discuss the costs associated with different pet insurance providers in more detail.

Finding a Pet Health Insurance Provider That Covers Neutering

Five major pet insurance providers cover neutering. Of course, their price range, rating, and coverage differ. Here is a general overview of these companies.

Pet Insurance Provider Monthly Cost Rating Type of Coverage
Lemonade $15 – $30 4.7 Add-on
Spot $10 – $30 4.6 Add-on
ASPCA $10 – $30 4.5 Add-on
Prudent Pet $10 – $40 4.4 Basic
Pets Best $20 – $30 4.3 Add-on

Spot

Coverage

Spot has several pet health plans. Premiums range from $10 for basic coverage to $30 for platinum coverage, with an add-on option of $25 per month for neutering. The add-on gives you a reimbursement after you have gotten the surgery. This means you have the base amount in your account for the surgery. The total platinum preventative care plan offers an annual benefit of $450 to $500, while the reimbursement for spaying or neutering values of $150 to $165.

Other Plans

There are a handful of vets that the provider covers, giving you a lot of freedom about where you want to take your little one. Of course, there is the Gold Preventative Care plan, which would cost you just $10 per month. It also includes dental! Though, you won’t have spaying or neutering covered with the Gold plan. You get an annual benefit of $250 with the Gold plan.

ASPCA

Coverage

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance is another pet health insurance provider offering reimbursement for spaying and neutering. However, it differs because it provides surgery coverage in the base plan. This initiative has allowed ASPCA to overtake its primary competitor, Spot, quite quickly. Another benefit you can enjoy with the provider is that the plan does not have any waiting period.

You get a reimbursement of up to $150 for spaying or neutering your pet, and the policy will cost you $25 per month.

Other Plans

The Prime Preventative Plan covers spaying and neutering, but there is also the Basic Plan. It costs less but does not cover spaying or neutering. It is similar to Spot in terms of price and care, except that ASPCA Pet Insurance offers a quicker reimbursement. Chances are that, if verified quickly enough, you won’t even have to go out of pocket for the surgery!

Prudent Pet

Coverage

A pet health insurance policy for those looking for a cost-effective venture, Prudent Pet offers $60 against spaying and neutering. If you choose a high-end veterinary, you may have to go out of pocket a bit with this plan as it may not cover the entire cost. However, for mid-range vets, this plan is very attractive.

The plan has no waiting period nor a deductible for the coverage. This means the plan will continue to stay cost-effective for years. There are three types of plans, and the coverage varies accordingly.

Other Plans

There is a low, medium, and high plan for your pet. The low plan will cost you $12 per month, but it does not cover spaying or neutering.

Then there is the medium plan that costs $20 per month. It offers $40 as reimbursement against spaying or neutering surgeries.

And finally, the high plan will cost you $30 per month and offers a $60 reimbursement against the surgery.

Of course, the preventative benefits also vary, awarding you $250, $350, and $500 as coverage, respectively (subject to change). Each plan has a broader range of coverage than the competitors, though, and includes wellness checks, vaccinations, heartworm digestive tests, microchipping, and even deworming.

Pets Best

Coverage

Pets Best is unique in the sense that there is no deductible that you have to pay with this policy. It gives you up to $160 against spaying or neutering, which is enough for many high-end clinics. To cover neutering, you will need to purchase an add-on totaling $26 per month for coverage. You will need to go for the BestWellness plan for full coverage. You will get an annual benefit of $535 with coverage, which is relatively impressive.

Other Plans

Pets Best has two wellness coverage plans; EssentialWellness and BestWellness. The former will cost you $15 per month and covers basic pet care costs. The former, on the other hand, offers a wide range of pet care facilities and a much larger reimbursement against preventative care costs every year.

Lemonade Pet Insurance

Coverage

Easily one of the highest-trending pet health insurance companies, Lemonade Pet Insurance is on its way to becoming a market leader with its deals and extensive coverage. It offers several preventative care treatment options, especially for those under two years. For spaying and neutering, it offers $110, $120, and $135 as reimbursement. It has a much smaller waiting period of two days against accidents. This is much shorter than many competitors out there.

Other Plans

First, Lemonade Pet Insurance offers a 10% discount if you bundle your pet insurance policy with other policies, i.e., home, car, or renters insurance. There are accident and illness plans, vet visit add-ons ($2 to $5 per month), physical therapy ($1-$3), and preventative care add-ons (price varies based on insurance selection).

You may pay about $50 per month for a neutering plan coupled with every other plan. However, this gets reduced to $35 per month if your pet is under two years. For puppies, Lemonade policies offer:

  • Complete dental coverage
  • Spaying or neutering service
  • Elective surgeries and procedures
  • Gastrointestinal issues/gland expansion
  • Breeding/pregnancy issues
  • Behavioral issues
  • Other preventable issues.

You have the option of customizing your Lemonade pet insurance policy to cover only a handful of things or everything. Deductibles may range from $100 to $500, while annual coverage limits may range from $5,000 to $100,000.

Which Pet Insurance Company to Choose?

This makes Lemonade insurance an excellent option for expensive pets, including horses! Of course, for exotic pets requiring over $100,000 as coverage, you must contact the company and ask for a consultation.

Customers also find that the pet insurance provider offers several informative resources upon consultation and during coverage. They guide you every step of the way, saving you time researching during the claim. The app and website are also straightforward to use and intuitive, making the experience more pleasant.

Should I Get Pet Insurance for Neutering?

Pet neutering for dogs can cost anywhere from $30 to $40 with lower-end or non-profit veterinary clinics. For higher-end private clinics, costs may range from $150 to $300. For cats, the costs may be $30 to $40 with non-profits and $50 with higher-end clinics.

The surgery may cost even more for horses/ponies, big cats, large birds, and other exotic animals. The rarer your pet is, the more the surgery will cost. This means that pet health insurance coverage for spaying and neutering can help you cover the costs of the surgery and associated care quite easily and save you a lot of issues in the short and long term.

It is not uncommon to expect the cost to be around $150 to $300 for the surgery alone, but the price can go up to $400 to $500 with preventative care and medicine. Choosing the right pet insurance company can ensure that you and your pets can go through the surgery without any personal or financial issues. Be sure to conduct your due diligence with your vet before choosing a pet insurance company, though!

Source: moneyunder30.com

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I asked, as I sometimes do, what personal finance question my friends and Twitter followers had for me. It was a slow day on the internet and the responses flooded in.

My friend Neil asked, “what do you think about real estate?” A broad question, indeed, and I got him to clarify. “You know… should I buy a house? Why not just rent?”

Why not indeed.

The Dream of Home Ownership
I too bit off and gulped down the dream of home ownership when just a small lass. When I graduated from college, I moved to a Southern U.S. city — Charlotte, North Carolina — and like any young professional often in the company of older, established professionals — saw immediately that they all owned houses. And that this was very good.

What they had, I wanted: the houses with the staircases and the pretty backyard decks and the grand old trees in the back and the guest bathrooms with bowls of little colored soaps. I wanted a kitchen, with wide countertops and an arching clamp-hose faucet over the deep sinks and big drawers for flour and pot lids and recycling bins. And art on the walls, and a king-sized bed, and a walk-in closet, and a master bath.

My dream was only made more intense while shopping for condos in New York City, then in Reston, Virginia, with my 20s-era boyfriend. When he went to sign his first title, I went too, and we went out to lunch afterward at a restaurant on 54th street; we spent $112 and when I ate the tiny plate of tiny after-lunch sweets (a little cheesecake, a little truffle, a little gelee), I felt I’d arrived.

Years later, after the boyfriend, I became pregnant and my now-husband and I shopped for homes. My stories of those searches are intense and full of longing and stress; but by my fourth month of pregnancy I was living in house all my own. I vowed to never move.

Tip: Compare mortgage rates from multiple lenders for new home loans and mortgage refinance loans.

Other People’s Dreams
I am — I was — the classic case for home ownership. I live in a small city and, when I bought the house, prices were reasonable; my mortgage payment is now less than many pay for renting an apartment. I love working on the yard and painting walls and I even tiled my bathroom myself (with lots of structural help from my father and husband). My husband is handy, and can run wiring and solder plumbing and he built a whole room in the basement. We’re the home ownership success story (though admittedly we have a lot more work to do, and no walk-in closet, no master bath).

But for many people, home ownership should remain the stuff of other people’s dreams.

I think my friend Neil is a good example. His ex-wife longed to buy a home in Los Angeles, where they had made a home after Neil’s upbringing in New York City. The situation was probably even more intense for her than for me in Charlotte; their friends and colleagues owned expansive ranch-style show-homes and sweet artsy bungalows, in neighborhoods where the price-per-square foot probably neared four digits at the peak of the market. The mortgage on those homes would require all of one middle-class salary.

Even for the more economic choices, prices were high and there was no clear benefit to buying over renting; in fact, most mortgages would be more than the cost to rent a nice (and low-maintenance) apartment.

Neil wasn’t good with a hammer or a chop saw, nor did his wife have any desire to keep a fine vegetable garden. There was no dad around to rip out old bathroom floors or teach Neil to solder copper pipes. Neil had no dreams of living in his home forever with his growing family; to date, he has no children and he’s now divorced; he’s not sure if he’ll stay in LA for the rest of the year, let alone the decade. For him, home ownership is someone else’s dream.

Should I Buy a Home?
For me, Neil’s question was easy. “No,” I said finally. “I don’t think you should buy a home.”

“But isn’t that the goal?” he asked me. “Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do?”

Well, maybe. But I’ve found my own definition of “getting rich slowly” is often made up of doing few things that one is “supposed” to do; for me, living a double income, office job lifestyle is one such “supposed to” I’ve discarded. For Neil, I prescribed letting go of that “supposed to” of buying a home.

How to Know When You’re Neil
Are you Neil? That is to say, should you too avoid adopting the dream of home ownership? Here are a few signs you may be Neil:

  • You are still a transient. Of course, we know I don’t mean “homeless person.” I believe many of us today graduate college (or high school, if college wasn’t the path for you) as transients, expecting to live in one place for a few years before trying out another, and another, and another, until one feels like home (or until you fall in love with someone who’s rooted to a place, giving you a graft and rooting you, too). If you’re not sure yet if this place is going to be your home for more than the next few years, home ownership is not for you. With closing costs and the uncertainties of the real estate market, it’s very difficult to come out of a two-year home ownership transaction without losing money as compared to renting.
  • You have no desire to engage in home and garden upkeep. While some such people might hire gardeners and contractors to fill in the holes in their handy skills and passions, most of those who don’t care to pick weeds or fix fences or mow lawns or plant apple trees are better off with an apartment. Purchasing a condo might be an option, if you don’t say “yes” to any of the other items in the “are you Neil” list.
  • The market in your favorite neighborhood doesn’t make sense. If the cost of a monthly payment on a mortgage would be greatly higher than the price of a two-bedroom apartment or other rental suitable for your family’s needs — say, more than 25 or 30% higher — it’s probably not a good time to buy. While indeed mortgage interest deductions and home buyer credits and the time value of money might be squished around to make the comparative cost similar, do remember that life is uncertain and markets fluctuate and maybe you should wait a bit — or look around for a more sensible neighborhood — before buying something.
  • You’re not sure about your career or your job. Maybe you’re considering going back to school to become a sommelier. Maybe you’re pretty sure your boss wants to retire and sell the company. Maybe you just don’t love your job and you’re looking around for something new. If you’re not fairly confident your next few years won’t include a significant change in income, it’s probably not a good time to engage with the home ownership dream.
  • Your relationship with your partner is rocky. I’ve been watching several of my friends deal with the tough decision over what to do with the family home when a relationship is over. In one case that worked out for the best — the family made a nice profit from the sale. But that was a rarity. If you’re married, you might end up having to sell and take a significant loss, even if you’d rather stay in the house solo; if you’re not married, things could be even more wonky. One woman I know lost her grandmother’s home after a pre-marriage breakup (with someone who obviously turned out to be enough of a jerk to keep her grandmother’s home, though that analysis is one-sided and second-hand, so take it with salt). Be honest with yourself, and know that, much like puppies and babies, houses do not fix broken relationships.
  • You would have to cash in retirement or emergency savings to buy the house. A home buying fund should be separate from those savings for emergencies and retirement. You’ll have more emergencies, in all likelihood, with a home than without. And you know how we feel about retirement savings. If your dream is that intense, then you can use your intensity to fuel your frugality while you save up for the down payment.

It also makes sense to run the numbers through a rent vs. buy calculator to see if the results would influence your decision one way or another. Have you struggled with the decision to rent or buy? Where did you come out on the Neil/not Neil spectrum?

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Table of Contents
show

Let’s be honest: as popular as ergodicity is, you want content you can relate to. This post will be the first in a regular cadence of relatable quarterly updates. I’ll dive into the past three months of:

  1. my personal finances
  2. blog and podcast updates
  3. and even show our recent foster dogs

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”

-Ben Franklin

You’ve got to read to the end to get to the dogs. And I’ll know if you skip over the other stuff. I’ll know! 🙂

Money: Some Good, Some Bad

The first quarter of 2021 was a mixed bag for my personal finances.

Budget

Personal finance starts with the budget, so let’s begin there.

I spent much more money in January-March than I expected to. Not good!

For the past 30 months, I’ve spent ~$3100 per month on average. But in the past three months, I spent $3900 per month. Overspending by $800 a month is not a good thing. But I have some silver linings.

I worked some overtime (ok…a lot of overtime) in January and February. OT money is a big boost that evens out my overspending. I banked ~$15K in these past three months (against ~$12K spent). So I pass rule #1 of personal finance—spend less than you earn!

But here’s another important factor: I “pay myself first” via my 401(k). The ~$15K that hits my bank is in addition to money going into my 401(k). Even if I spent all $15K, I’d still be saving a little money. That’s the importance of paying yourself first.

Also important: my emergency fund is already full. Remember the financial order of operations? It says that you should ensure your emergency fund is full (and do a few other important things) before overspending your budget like I did. Thankfully, I meet that bar.

And you might be wondering…how did I spend an extra ~$2400 in three short months? The answer rhymes (kind of): dogs, blogs, and Steve Jobs.

Dogs: a couple vet trips for Sadie + fosters in the house adds more expenses here and there. Nothing huge, but it all adds up.

Blogs: I’m investing in the Best Interest because it’s starting to “turn the corner” as a business. I’m spending money to get professional help to do things I can’t do (design a nice logo, increase the website speed, etc.). In the long run, I think that investing in myself and my business will pay off. Fingers crossed!

Steve Jobs: Well…Apple. I’ve been saving for a few months, and I finally pulled the trigger on a nice MacBook Air. I’m writing on it right now. It’s a great machine.

So, I spent more than I typically do. Not ideal.

But I spent less than I earn, I spent the money on useful items, and I pay myself first—all good stuff.

Investing

While my active budgeting didn’t go according to plan, I still have my passive investments sitting in the background. Markets go up, markets go down. My investments are (mostly) going along for the ride. And I’ll share a fun little change I’ve made to my portfolio recently.

I’m leaving out details here. If you’re curious, I wrote this article describing exactly how I invest.

My boring, lazy investments are up ~$25K in the past 3 months. It makes me feel a little better about over-spending my budget by ~$2K. These are just paper returns—I haven’t sold anything. Remember: investing is a long-term game.

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Of the $25K increase, about $9K is added principal—my personal money and my employer’s matching 401(k) contribution. The other $16K is growth—a nice reward for the past decade of “lazy,” boring investing.

And if you feel a decade behind, don’t worry. Start now.

Bitcoin?!?!

I want to tell you about a fun little change to my portfolio. It started by writing this 7000-word monster explaining how Bitcoin works. I was open-minded going into it the article, and the process of writing it taught me new ideas. To wit:

  1. I don’t know if the world will ever wholesale adopt crypto (more thoughts in that article above)
  2. But crypto is here to stay, at least in a role similar to gold. It’ll act as a hedge against traditional fiat currency and as an alternative to other asset classes. It is unlikely that crypto will ever “go to zero” or disappear.
  3. The blockchain is cool. Full stop.

With those thoughts in mind, I decided to take ~1% of my investing nest egg and invest in the Osprey Bitcoin Trust, or $OBTC.

So far, I’m down 15%, so the egg’s on my face! But I’m in it for the long-term. I’m not interested in short-term crypto craziness.

A few Q&A’s that you might be thinking about:

  • Why OBTC? First, OBTC handles all the wallet transactions for me. I don’t want to handle (and potentially lose) my Bitcoin wallet key. And second, OBTC is traded on Fidelity. I use Fidelity to invest. It couldn’t be easier. It’s as easy as buying any other fund. These two facts give me psychological security.
  • Why ~1% of my portfolio? If I lose that entire 1%, I won’t be devastated. And if Bitcoin increases by 10x, I’ll feel like I’m in on the party. Win-win.
  • Isn’t Bitcoin supposed to be decentralized? And here’s Jesse investing in “the man,” a fund that holds Bitcoin? Yes and yes. I don’t believe Bitcoin will achieve the decentralized libertarian utopia that it thinks it will. But I’ve been wrong before.

Things are good. I overspent but still saved money. I lost money in Bitcoin (Warren is pissed), but a minimal amount. I’m ok with those trades.

Blog and Podcast Updates

More decent months of readership on the blog. Google continues to be a fairly fickle master. I’ve had days of 1500+ readers from Google but more recently had days of < 300 readers.

The only solution is to keep writing articles that are 1) good and 2) fun. Good content eventually rises to the top, whether by Google or by others sharing it. And fun content keeps me interested.

In non-Google traffic news, the past few months have been amazing. I’ve had multiple articles published by MSN, the Motley Fool, and The Good Men Project. Five years ago I was reading these sites, now I’m writing for them. Lesson? A lot can change in a few short years.

And there’s no better feeling than seeing a Best Interest article show up on Reddit or Facebook or Twitter. Thank you all for sharing my work. It means a lot to me.

If you’re looking for my favorite/best articles of the past few months, I will point you to:

Update: Monkeys and Dartboards

We’re three months into the 2021 Monkey Dartboard Investing Invitational. Here’s the backstory.

As of this typing, the market is up 7.0% on the year. Not bad. The so-called experts are up 6.35%—not even beating the market.

But my monkeys are kicking ass! These simians are up 10.35% on the year. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Wall Street!

Remember: these “monkeys” (actually my unknowing readers) picked stocks 100% at random. And here they are, beating the market. Just goes to show, stock picking is not necessarily an act of skill.

Podcast?!

Yes, I started the Best Interest Podcast in early February. It’s eclipsed 1500 listeners in six short weeks, far surpassing my hopes for it.

If you like my writing, I think you’ll enjoy my speaking. And let’s be honest: listening to a podcast asks far less of you than sitting down to focus on a blog post.

The Best Interest Podcast is available on all popular podcast apps. If you don’t see it on your preferred app, let me know.

Dogs

We started fostering dogs in 2020. Here’s an article about those pups.

So far in 2021, we’ve helped out four more dogs.

Ivy was a 60-pound labrador/terrier mix. She was a good girl but a grumpy sleeper. Like many of us, she would growl when we tried to rouse her. We all need beauty rest!

Squirrel!

She was also protective of her food. Every time I fed her, she’d spend the first 15 seconds of her meal growling at Sadie from across the room. “This is my food—you stay away.” Message received!

Mabel was a scared young mutty mongrel. The dogs that cower are the saddest. They associate human contact with pain. But Mabel now has nice humans in her life, so she’ll bounce back!

Mabel (L), lying low…

Sunny and Tula—these sisters were such cute pups! We had them for three weeks and watched them double in size.

Puppies Day 1 – Sunny (blonde) and Tula (grey). Sadie on watch while the family naps.

Tula was headstrong, athletic, smarter of the two, and better at going to the bathroom outside. Sunny was a cuddler, a sweetie, but a little dumb. It’s ok, Sunny!

Both sisters were builders. They turned the underbelly of our couch into a cave/hammock.

Sunny, Canine Spelunker

And here they are right before they went to their forever homes!

In summary, these four dogs reinforce my crack theory of dog fostering. The adults are easier but are likely to have behavioral tics (e.g., Ivy’s growling, Mabel’s cowering). Some of those tics might never go away. The puppies take a lot of effort (e.g., the worst kind of accident at 3 a.m.) but are behavioral blank slates.

As usual, Sadie did a great job being a friend and/or surrogate mom to these dogs. Nice work, Sadie!

Until June…

I’ll write the next update in June. Here’s to a great Spring, and may you get safely vaccinated soon (I sure am!).

And writing from the future, here’s the Q2 2021 update…

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, join 6000+ subscribers who read my 2-minute weekly email, where I send you links to the smartest financial content I find online every week.

-Jesse

Want to learn more about The Best Interest’s back story? Read here.

If you prefer to listen, check out The Best Interest Podcast.

Source: bestinterest.blog