During my twenties, I accumulated nearly $25,000 in consumer debt. I had a spending problem. With time, I was able to get my spending under control (mostly), but I still owned overwhelming debt. How could I get rid of it?
The personal finance books all suggested the same approach:
Order your debts from highest interest rate to lowest interest rate.
Designate a certain amount of money to pay toward debts each month.
Pay the minimum payment on all debts except the one with the highest interest rate.
Throw every other penny at the debt with the highest interest rate.
When that debt is gone, do not alter the monthly amount used to pay debts, but throw all you can at the debt with the next-highest interest rate.
This made perfect sense. By doing this, I would be paying the minimum amount in interest over the long term. The trouble was, my highest-interest rate debt was also my debt with the biggest balance (a fully-maxed $12,000 credit card at 19.8% interest). I’d plug away at this debt for several months at a time, but then give up because it felt like I was never getting anywhere.
This happened over and over. I’d start and fail. Start and fail. Then I read about the Debt Snowball method in Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover.
How the Debt Snowball Works
The Debt Snowball method is similar to the traditional approach except that instead of attacking high-interest rate debts first, you attack low-balance debts first. Why? Because you’ll get the psychological lift of pinging debts off in rapid succession. And if you’re like me, this makes all the difference. The Debt Snowball approach is:
Order your debts from lowest balance to highest balance.
Designate a certain amount of money to pay toward debts each month.
Pay the minimum payment on all debts except the one with the lowest balance.
Throw every other penny at the debt with the lowest balance.
When that debt is gone, do not alter the monthly amount used to pay debts, but throw all you can at the debt with the next-lowest balance.
(For more on this, including some actual figures, see my entry on two approaches to debt elimination.)
When I read about the Debt Snowball method, I was skeptical. I knew it would cost me more in the long run, at least on paper. But I figured I had nothing to lose. I tried it. In four months I’d paid off most of my debts. I was shocked. I’d been trying and failing for years, and now I was able to make a huge dent in just months? It was all because I had changed my approach just slightly.
Why the Debt Snowball Works
Humans are complex psychological creatures. They’re not adding machines. Many of us know what we ought to do but find it difficult to actually make the best choices. If we were adding machines, we wouldn’t accumulate $20,000 in consumer debt in the first place! It’s misguided to tell somebody so deep in debt that they must follow the repayment plan that minimizes interest payments. The important thing to do is to set up a system of positive reinforcement, and that’s exactly what the Debt Snowball method does.
Which method should you choose? Do what works for you. The first method can save you money in the long-run. But if you’ve tried it and failed, give the Debt Snowball method a shot. It might be the answer you’re searching for!
Do you want to learn how to get paid to watch Netflix?
Yes, you can actually get paid to do something that you probably do all the time.
Netflix is one of the most popular ways to watch TV, and there’s an estimated 232.5 million subscribers worldwide.
It’s no surprise that Netflix is so popular – there are countless TV shows, movies, and documentaries to watch. But what if you could not only enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows, but also get paid to watch Netflix?
There are many benefits to making extra money by doing something you enjoy, such as watching Netflix. One big benefit is that you may watch a lot of TV each week, so why not turn that into a way to make money?
Secondly, making extra money can help you reach your goals. Whether you are looking to pay off your student loans, save for a trip, or just have some extra money, finding ways to get paid to watch Netflix can be a great way to supplement your income.
Below, I will also be talking about the very popular Netflix tagger position, as this recently went viral and is something you may be interested in.
You are also going to learn about more than how to make money watching Netflix. I’m going to explain which sites pay for watching videos and how you can monetize your love for films.
So if you’ve been sitting in front of the TV thinking “I wish someone would pay me for this,” then you are going to love today’s post.
In this article, I am going to tell you about the different ways that you can get paid to watch Netflix. Some may be a full-time job, and others may simply be a small side hustle.
Related content:
How To Get Paid To Watch Netflix
1. Closed captioning for movies and TV shows
Netflix is available globally, which means that people all over the world want to watch Netflix movies and TV shows, but they may not be available in their language.
Not only does closed captioning help non-native speakers watch TV and movies, closed captioning also assists people who have trouble listening to the audio and need to read the words instead.
Closed captioning is an extremely important need for this streaming service, and due to that, they need closed captioners.
Netflix uses freelancers for a lot of their closed captioning work. You may be able to find jobs by looking at Netflix’s preferred vendor list, heading to their website, and seeing if any of these companies have an opening for a closed captioner. You can find Netflix’s list here.
Transcriptionists are paid to listen to audio content and type what they hear. You must have a quiet place to work and be very detail oriented.
You can learn more at How to Become a Transcriptionist From Home And Earn $15+ An Hour.
2. Build a movie review blog
If you love watching shows and movies, then you may be able to turn your passion into a way to make money by starting your own blog or YouTube channel.
With a movie review site, you can share your thoughts on the latest movies and TV shows, your recommended hidden gems, and more.
All you need is an internet connection and a laptop, to start watching Netflix content, and strong opinions about the shows and movies you’ll be reviewing.
With a blog, you could make money in a variety of ways, including placing affiliate links to movies you’re watching. You can use your blog to share your thoughts about movies you’ve watched and host online discussions on your website platform.
Another way to make affiliate income with a movie review blog is to share links to products related to the movie. When movies come out, there are usually a lot of different products that are for sale as well, such as T-shirts, books, toys, and more.
Below is how affiliate marketing works on a blog:
Affiliates are people or businesses who are paid to promote a product or service.
When you become an affiliate, you are given referral links to use when you promote something for a company. These referral links allow companies to track where the sale comes from.
Then, you place those links on your website, social media accounts, etc. in the hopes that someone will buy something through your link.
When someone makes a purchase through your unique affiliate link, the company knows where the customer came from and pays you a commission.
Another way to make money with a movie review blog is through display ads and sponsorships. These are ads that are typically placed in your blog posts that a reader would see as they are reading your blog post. Display advertising is very easy to get started with, but you will need page views in order to make a good income with them.
You can learn how to start a movie blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course. In this free email course, you will learn how to start a blog and make money from it. Over the course of seven days, you will learn how to decide what to blog about, how to create your blog using WordPress, how to make money blogging, how to get page views, and more.
Also related to this – you could get paid to watch movies on Netflix by starting a podcast or a Youtube channel on movie reviews as well, and many podcasters and YouTubers make money through affiliate links in the same way as bloggers do.
3. Start a career in the movie industry
There are many jobs in the movie industry if you want to learn how to get paid to watch Netflix. Careers in the movie industry include:
Makeup artist
Animator
Production Assistant
Casting Assistant
Screenwriter
Creative Analyst
Actor
Camera person
Costume designer
Video editor
Technician
And so much more.
Some of these jobs may require a degree or training program, and while it can take a lot of work to find the job of your dreams, it’s worth going for it if it’s what you really want to do. Plus, you will most likely need a resume and/or portfolio to get your foot through the door.
If you are interested, you can start working on a smaller scale with online video editing. You can work for vloggers, influencers, small companies, and anyone who’s putting out video content.
They have many of the same needs as large-scale movies, like lighting, sound, post-production, pre-production, scripting, and more.
Many people think that they have to move to California to work in the movie industry, but Atlanta, GA, Austin, TX, Albuquerque, NM, and Chicago, IL are all growing film towns. If you are set on large-scale films, you might consider moving to one of those cities to establish your career.
4. Voice over actor
You can get paid as a voice over actor and help make movies and TV shows on Netflix.
A voice over actor is the voice you hear in animated movies, TV shows, Youtube videos, narration for documentaries, and more.
TV shows and movies on Netflix use voice over actors all the time for the reasons above, but it’s also for dubbing. Because of its global audience, Netflix dubs movies in different languages so they can be watched by people all over the world.
You can learn more about becoming a voice over actor in How To Become A Voice Over Actor. Here, I chat with a voice over actor, who explains how she got into the field and she gives advice to beginners. The interview covers topics such as how much money a beginner can make, how to find your first voice over actor job, and more.
5. Watching Netflix while you house sit or pet sit
If you want to earn money while you are watching Netflix, one way would be to find paid house sitting or petting jobs.
House sitters are paid to take care of someone’s home while they are away. You may need to water plants, take mail in, do some light cleaning, take care of pets, and so on.
You have a lot of downtime as a house sitter, and you can spend that time watching movies and TV, and house sitters make anywhere from $25 to $50 per day.
Pet sitters make anywhere from $25 to over $100 per day. I have personally paid $100 per night to a pet sitter for a pet sitter to watch our dogs in her home.
If you are looking for a company to get started with, I recommend Rover. This is the website I have used many times in the past to find dog sitters, and I have family members and friends who list their pet sitting services on this website as well.
6. Netflix Tagger
Is Netflix tagger a real job?
There are several different ways you can get paid to watch Netflix shows and movies, and the most popular one right now is a Netflix tagger (also known as Metadata Analyst or Editorial Analyst).
Netflix Taggers work directly for the Netflix streaming platform.
So, what is a Netflix Tagger? A Netflix Tagger is a person who watches Netflix and adds the tags and categories to them in order to categorize the different movies and TV shows. The tags that you add may be the genre, mood, cast members, and more. These tags are so that people like you and me can find what we are looking for easier.
As a Netflix Tagger, you would be watching a lot of movies and TV shows in order to best complete the duties for this job.
Netflix is a very large company with over 12,000 employees. Due to that, they are often hiring. You can find the Netflix careers on their job board here to see if they are hiring for this position, as well as see other Netflix careers.
This position isn’t always open, and I know a lot of people want it whenever Netflix is hiring for it. Due to that, you want to make sure you have a deep understanding of what you are watching, as it can be a great opportunity for a person who wants to get paid to watch Netflix.
7. Sell Netflix merchandise
There are so many popular shows and movies on Netflix, and there are fans of these shows all over the world. That’s why one way to get paid to watch Netflix is to make and sell merchandise related to Netflix shows and movies.
You can make and sell coffee mugs, cards, stickers, calendars, t-shirts, and much more.
I’ve seen so many creative designs related to some of the Netflix shows and movies I love, and one of the best places to find them is Etsy.
That’s why I recommend checking out How I Make Money Selling Printables on Etsy. In this article, you will learn how to start creating and selling digital printables on Etsy to make passive income.
Digital printables are a great way to make money because you only need to create the file once, and it can be sold over and over again for somewhat passive income.
If you want to learn how to get paid with streaming services, printables and merch would work with any of them because they all have shows with popular characters and sayings that people go wild for.
Can I get rewarded with Viggle still?
I’ve heard a lot about Viggle, but I think the program is currently paused because the site has been down for quite a while. I still wanted to share information about Viggle because I know I will receive questions about it, if you’re searching “how to make money by searching movies?”
But as I said, Viggle is paused so I do not recommend signing up or spending too much time on it.
Below is what you need to know about Viggle.
The Viggle app was started in 2012, and it’s a way for you to watch TV shows and get rewarded with digital downloads, electronics, trips, gift cards, and more.
You get a point per minute for any songs you listen to or TV shows you watch.
They have over 7,000,000 registered users who have redeemed over $19,000,000 in rewards. Plus, Viggle is available across 170 TV channels.
You can get rewarded for watching TV shows and movies on Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu. The points you earn can then be redeemed for gift cards to places such as PayPal, Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, and more.
What apps will pay me to watch movies?
Some apps and websites will pay you to watch movies, but it won’t be on Netflix.
If you are looking for other options, you may want to look into downloading the money making apps or signing up for the websites below:
Swagbucks – You can get paid to watch videos and movie trailers on Swagbucks, as well as give your feedback. So, how much does Swagbucks pay for watching videos? They say you can earn around $5 a day. The reason Swagbucks pays people to watch videos is because they want to introduce new brands and shows to consumers, and they also want valuable market research about what people think about different TV shows, networks, and movies. You won’t make a full-time income watching movies and videos on Swagbucks, but it’s an easy thing to have on in the background.
PrizeRebel – With PrizeRebel, you can watch short videos and earn Amazon gift cards. You just head to the Offer Walls tab on the website, and there are usually videos that you can watch to earn points.
InboxDollars – InboxDollars Videos pays you cash to watch free content from their partners and it is an app that you can download. These are usually short video clips about health, beauty, and sports. You can earn $0.01 to 0.04 per playlist. There is currently a $5 sign-up bonus as well.
With these apps and websites, you may be able to win cash prizes or get free gift cards right from your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
How To Get Paid To Watch Netflix
I hope you enjoyed today’s blog post on how to get paid to watch Netflix. Streaming services are very popular, and nearly everyone has binge-watched a Netflix show.
Some of the different ways you can get paid on this streaming platform include:
Closed captioning for movies and TV shows
Build a movie review blog
Start a career in the movie industry, such as an animator, video editor, technician, screenwriter, and so on
Voice over actor
Get paid to watch movies while you house sit or pet sit
Netflix Tagger
Sell Netflix merch
Getting paid to watch movies and TV shows on Netflix can be a fun way to make money. There are several different things you can do to make this a reality for you.
While not every option is a full-time job, there are many ways to make watching Netflix a side hustle as well. Plus, if you’re already watching a lot of Netflix, there are other benefits of this, such as monetizing your hobbies, getting a little closer to achieving your financial goals, and finding a flexible way to make extra money.
While everyone right now wants one of the popular Netflix tagger jobs, there are many other options that may interest you as well, such as closed captioning or voice over acting.
So, grab some popcorn (or your other favorite movie snack!), try out something from the list above, and start earning money for something you probably already spend a lot of time doing.
Do you want to learn how to get paid to watch Netflix? How much Netflix do you watch each week?
This was an actual weekend harvest from our garden last August.
At Get Rich Slowly, we get many requests for information about starting a vegetable garden. This is huge topic, and really enough fodder for an entire website. If you’re a novice gardener you will benefit by asking yourself six questions before mail-ordering seeds or heading to your local nursery. Now is the time to do your research so that you’ll be ready for planting season.
Do you actually like to eat vegetables?
If not, focus on fruits and herbs, edible and ornamental flowers, and a favorite veggie or two. A well-tended garden will produce a lot of vegetables. If you are lukewarm about zucchini then pass up that beautiful seedling. (Or go introduce yourself to your five nearest neighbors so that you can share come July).
What is your gardening space like?
This is probably the most important question for the novice gardener. If you are starting from bare dirt or, more likely, a patch of lawn, you have some work to do. The plot needs to be evaluated for sun and wind exposure, moisture/drainage, soil pH and elemental content, pests, and other factors.
When we moved to the new house, J.D. used math to determine our garden location.
Crop gardens need a sunny spot. But remember that the angle of the sun in the summer months will be different than it is now. Nonetheless, try to watch over the next few weeks to determine where the sun hits your property. If I have to choose between morning sun and evening, I prefer morning sun — it is less intense, which means watering needs are decreased. Here in Portland, however, it’s hard to give a garden too much sun.
Get online and tap the resources at your local university’s extension offices. You can usually find them just by searching for your state’s name and “extension service”. Many states offer free soil testing, which will tell you how to amend the soil if nutrients or organic matter are lacking, or if the pH of the soil needs to be adjusted. Your county’s Master Gardener program may also offer this service. Each crop has an optimum pH growing range. We add acid for our blueberries and strawberries; kale and peas like a slightly alkaline soil. If your soil is close to neutral (pH 7), you can probably proceed as-is.
These tomatoes were started from seed in February. In May they’re ready to be transplanted!
Even if your soil is terrible, you still have options. On a small scale, container gardening can be rewarding. A cherry tomato, well-watered, can do well in a large pot on a patio. Better yet, build some raised beds. These will require an initial investment for the soil to fill them and construction materials, but they provide better drainage, warmer soil temperatures in the spring (and thus earlier crops), and reduced weeding. (Please avoid pressure-treated lumber, though, there is some evidence that the toxic chemicals leach into the soil. Okay for a picnic table, but not for the dirt where your eggplant is growing!)
If this all seems rather intimidating, I encourage you to start small. Don’t roto-till the entire lawn under until you really decide that crop gardening is for you. If your gardening space is less than ideal but you’d like to take the plunge, perhaps one 6’x12′ foot raised bed is the perfect beginning. Or try growing herbs.
During our second summer, we tore up sod to expand the garden space.
Herbs are one of the most forgiving classes of plants to grow — almost as easy as weeds — especially the hardy perennial herbs. Except for excessively moist soil and total shade, almost any conditions will support herbs. They thrive in sunny, dry areas. Herbs are also some of the most frugal crops you can grow because they are outrageously priced at the grocery store and can be used to make even basic ingredients into a stand-out meal. It’s worth the cost to start with herb plants rather than seeds so that you can use them right away.
Perennial herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme, lemon verbena, mints, chives and oregano require very little work. Again, do your homework for your climate. And a word to the wise: some herbs are invasive. Mints have spreading roots that will take over your entire city block. They are best in a container with a solid bottom rather than planted directly in the ground. Others, like oregano and fennel, spread easily by dropping their seeds. If you want to avoid little fennel and oregano families, be sure to trim off the flowers before they go to seed.
Last year we added an herb garden.
Short term, long term, or both?
Plants generally fall into two categories: annuals or perennials.
Annual crops start from a seed, mature and bear fruit (or vegetable) in one season, then die. In our region, corn is an annual, as are cucumbers, watermelons, and tomatoes. Plants that can survive the winter to regrow for another crop season are typically perennials, Examples include asparagus, blueberries, artichoke, and rhubarb. This also applies to flowers, of course: sunflower (annual) versus rose (perennial). I tend to think of fruits in the perennial group: fruit trees and berries are perennials. Most vegetables (again, this is for my climate) are annuals. Obviously there are exceptions to this generalization, like the melon family.
To decide where to focus your gardening energies, you should know your climate zone. This will help you determine the length of your growing season and which annual crops are going to have time to ripen.
Perennials usually cost more than annuals initially (buying an apple tree sapling, for example), and will require patience. We planted asparagus two springs ago and are hoping for our first taste this April. But these plants are longer living, and give you bigger returns for relatively little work. Asparagus plants can live for twenty years before needing replacements; an apple tree may not bear a crop for the first five years, but may live to be one-hundred.
If you’re just getting your gardening feet muddy for the first time, I recommend annuals. Tomatoes are extremely rewarding, as are other salad fixings such as lettuce, spinach, cucumbers, radishes and carrots. Other easy crops to start with are beans, onions (or leeks/shallots), potatoes, and pumpkin (although this needs room to spread). Besides the instant gratification they provide, mistakes with annuals are easily corrected the next season without much expense. Did the birds eat all your peas? Try something next year to protect them. Has your corn crop failed? Next spring, try it in a sunnier place.
Our strawberry plants have spread like crazy in the past three years.
If you have enough space and the inclination, try a bit of both annuals and perennials. A strawberry patch won’t produce much the first year, but the plants will reproduce and spread to give you a bounteous crop. Dwarf fruit trees are a nice option if you are looking for an ornamental small tree; most have beautiful blossoms, too. And don’t forget those herbs!
We planted two apples, a pear, and prune. We also have a filbert and walnut. (We never get many filberts — our yard is home to a Kingdom of Squirrels.)
Who are your gardening neighbors?
Tap those resources. Most gardeners love to talk about their plants. You can learn a lot about what works for your area by listening to their stories of success and failure. If you do a bit of pre-planning, you could also take part in a seed co-op. A typical tomato seed packet may hold 30 seeds — more than enough to split among four gardeners. Many vegetable starts are sold as single pots, but some come in six-packs that can be easily shared. With knowledge and experience, you can even harvest seeds from local gardens (with permission, of course) to plant the following spring. And if you’re lucky, when it’s time for the woman across the street to divide her lavender bush, she’ll share half with you!
Can you control yourself?
Most seed packets run only $2-$3, so they are tempting. But spending money and wasting your time on plants that won’t do well in your garden is an exercise in summer-long frustration. Evaluate your space and the soil and sun conditions. Learn to avoid catalog phrases such as “spreads quickly” or “freely self-sows” unless that’s what you really want. Don’t trust the catalog! The pictures are tempting, but they often show the plant only at its peak — what will it look like the rest of the time? Is it invasive? Poisonous? Hard-to-grow? Will it require constant maintenance? Use the internet and your library’s garden references to research seeds and plants before you buy them. I have found the internet to be a wonderful alternative to a knowledgeable nursery employee.
Do you have the time and money to grow your own food?
Gardening, initially, isn’t cheap. Besides plants and seeds, you’ll need garden tools, fertilizers, soil amendments, watering devices and a million other small things. But for those who savor its rewards, gardening is a labor of love. With time, and smart choices, having a kitchen garden does pay off financially. Herbs will pay for themselves quickly, and over the years, so will the berry bushes and canes, fruit trees and fresh vegetables. J.D. and I literally ate several hundred dollars of free homegrown berries this past spring and summer — all from a bit of our own labor, a few supplies and the investment of the canes and bushes. And that crop will only be bigger next year.
We’ve also dug up the lawn to plant grapes and caneberries.
Most gardens, even sizable ones, can be maintained with thirty minutes of work per day. Hoe weeds while they’re small, mulch properly, water wisely and be timely about harvesting. But if you let the garden tasks slip for a week or two, you may face a daunting task of huge weeds, spoiled crops or everything dead from lack of water. Gardening requires a time commitment if you want to reap the benefits.
Other Thoughts
If you are a beginning gardener, start small. Build on your successes. Be wise: it’s easy to dive in headfirst and then be overwhelmed. Research the plants you want to grow and the conditions they require, build a manageable raised bed if you’re starting from scratch, and use local resources to gain knowledge and cut costs.
Gardening requires a bit of seed money to begin, but the rewards are many! Healthier, fresher food, time in the great outdoors and a connection to nature, as well as engaging in an activity that can build community. And I haven’t even mentioned how much more excited kids are to eat their vegetables when they helped grow them or how people appreciate a homemade gift from the garden — whether a beautiful bouquet, and bunch of fragrant herbs, a fresh salad or a jewel-toned jar of jam.
In January fresh tomatoes are but a gardener’s dream.
Final Note
I recommend keeping your vegetable/fruit garden as organic as possible. One of the greatest benefits of growing your own is avoiding the pesticides (et al) on grocery-store goods. Insect diversity in your yard may be enough to keep pests in check; if you have an outbreak, simply try spraying with lightly soapy water, or other low-impact methods. If your soil is healthy and the plants are well-nourished, the plants will be strong and the bugs will be kept at bay.
This may not be practical in all climates, but here in Oregon, a few minutes each night hoeing will keep down the weeds, and the plants can take some munching by a bug or two once they’re established. With fertilizers, most choices are fine. I like an organic foliar spray — one that goes directly onto the leaves of my plants — but the crystalline concentrates that you mix with water can be fine as well, as long as your soil is already full of good organic matter and friendly worms.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations.
300 is the lowest credit score that a person can have. It’s impossible for a score to drop below 300 for any reason.
Learning how credit scores work can be mystifying, especially if you’re establishing credit for the first time. 42% of Gen Z don’t fully understand how credit scores work, which can lead them to ask questions like “What is the lowest credit score?” 300 is the lowest credit score anyone can have—but there’s a difference between knowing your score and having a plan to improve it.
We’ll discuss credit scores and credit ranges in this guide, and we’ll share five steps for improving low credit. Building credit can pave the way for tons of great opportunities like low-interest loans and premier credit cards.
What Are the FICO Credit Score Ranges?
Credit scores typically fall into five different ranges—Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good, and Excellent. Each range encompasses a set value of credit scores; the “Poor” category covers the widest range of credit scores and while the “Excellent” section covers the smallest range.
Different credit agencies and websites generally classify credit score ranges similarly, with slight variations. More often than not, you’ll encounter the following information:
Poor (300-579): 300 is the lowest credit score a person can have, and it’s impossible to drop below that number.
Fair (580-669): Lenders and banks will look at a Fair score more favorably, but their best offers may still be out of reach.
Good (670-739): Experian® reported 714 as the average credit score in 2022.
Very Good (740-799): Keeping your credit utilization ratio low and consistently making payments on time can contribute to a Very Good score.
Excellent (800-850): Approximately 1.3% of Americans have Excellent credit. Excellent credit isn’t necessary to attain great loans per se, but it’s a worthy goal to strive for.
The Risks of Having a Low Credit Score
Lenders, real estate agents, banks, and loan agencies use our credit scores to gauge our financial trustworthiness. These entities may interpret “Poor” and “Fair “scores as a sign that someone either won’t make their payments on time or at all. Securing a loan can be very difficult with Poor or Fair credit—and even if you do, that loan will have significantly higher interest rates.
A low credit score also makes it difficult to increase your credit limit in several ways; most banks are hesitant to offer new cards or grant a credit limit increase to Poor or Fair credit applicants. Lastly, many landlords will turn down applicants with credit scores below a certain threshold.
How to Get a Loan with a Low Score
Securing a loan with a low credit score can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Nonprofit organizations like credit unions can accommodate clients with Poor or Fair credit. It may even possible to acquire a mortgage with bad credit if your score is hovering above 580.
Be wary of scams and fraud when searching for low-credit loans; cybercriminals may try to glean sensitive information by imitating legitimate lenders. Prudence is your best bet—research the person or organization that you’re speaking to by looking them up online to verify their identity before providing your SSN.
Actions that Could Improve Your Credit Score
There’s only one direction to go if you’re at the bottom, and that’s up. Someone with a score of 300 can repair their credit by making plans and taking action. The following five steps can help you start on the road to recovery from even the lowest credit scores—and stay the course as things improve.
1. Get Your Free Credit Report
Equifax®, Experian, and TransUnion® are America’s most significant credit bureaus. These agencies provide reports about our credit history, and the law requires them to provide one free credit report each year.
Credit.com also provides free credit scores, plus a credit report card that grades your credit activity and offers practical feedback.
2. Challenge Errors on Your Report
Everyone makes mistakes, including credit lenders and credit bureaus. If you find false or inaccurate information on your credit report, you can challenge the accuracy of these blemishes. Contact the corresponding credit agency and company that made the mistake and respectfully request assistance.
3. Avoid Hard Inquiries
Hard credit inquiries result from lenders and agencies looking at your credit history when you apply for a card or a loan. Inquiries don’t stick around forever, but they can significantly inconvenience you by making your score seem lower than it really is.
Don’t apply for too many new cards while working to improve your credit. A mistimed hard inquiry can make the difference between securing a loan and having to wait months to try again.
4. Pay Down Your Debt from Largest to Smallest
Paying off your debt will always be one of the best ways to improve your credit—it’s more a matter of figuring out how to best go about doing so. As tempting as it may be to pay off your smallest accounts, paying off your largest debts will make the largest difference on your credit report.
Large debts contribute to your credit utilization ratio the most, so paying them off will free up tons of space. A large debt might also belong to one of your oldest accounts, and time is a significant factor that impacts credit. Whittling down a massive loan over time could tangibly boost your score in real time.
5. Utilize Credit Repair Services
Credit repair services excel at helping people create practical plans to work to build their credit. ExtraCredit® offers several features to help you manage your credit, including an exclusive discount to a leader in credit repair.
Low Credit Score FAQ
Is It Possible to Have a Credit Score of 250?
It is impossible for a person’s credit score to drop to 250, as 300 is the lowest number that the major credit bureaus standard modeling will recognize. However, a person’s specialized FICO® score, specifically their Auto Score and Bankcard score, can range from 250-900 as they focus on more specific areas of your credit. Auto and Bankcard scores help lenders decide if they’ll offer you an auto loan or credit card, respectively.
What Happens If I Have a Credit Score of 300?
A credit score of 300 will make it difficult to secure auto loans, home loans, and credit cards from respected lenders. Poor credit scores also can affect insurance premiums and interest rates.
Can I Buy a House with a Low Credit Score?
It’s certainly possible to gain a home loan with a low credit score—but the process may be much more difficult. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans can be monumentally beneficial to individuals with Poor or Fair scores. However, you may need to make a larger down payment.
Stay on Top of Your Credit
The most important step you can take to improve your credit score is to stay on top of your credit report. You can request a free credit report from all three main credit reporting agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—once a year.
The details on these reports can help you make sure everything on your credit report is accurate and up to date. Make sure you take the appropriate steps to remove any inaccurate information from your credit report. Additionally, having access to your report and credit score can help you determine what areas you need to focus on to rebuild your credit.
To get your free Experian Vantage 3.0 credit score, you can also sign up for Credit.com’s free Credit Report Card.
Ahsana Abeza, 9, with her mother, Sophie Mutamuliza, and father, Adam Abeza, at their new home in New Gloucester on Wednesday. The family had been renting an apartment in Portland for many years and was finally able to buy a house through a new program offered by Androscoggin Bank that complies with Sharia law. Sofia Aldinio/Staff Photographer
Sophie Mutamuliza and Adam Abeza came to the United States from Rwanda 10 years ago, eager to pursue the American dream.
By 2016 they had settled in Portland and began saving to buy a house for their growing family. A few years later they were ready to spend their nest egg, but no bank in Maine offered a mortgage that didn’t charge interest, which is haram, or forbidden, by their Islamic faith.
So they had to wait, stuck in a Portland apartment.
Finally, in February, the couple and their four children, ages 2-12, held a housewarming party in the cozy split-level ranch they purchased with a halal, or permitted, mortgage provided by Lewiston-based Androscoggin Bank, the first lending institution in Maine to offer mortgages to Muslim clients that are structured to comply with Sharia law.
“The party was amazing – the dream now came true,” said Mutamuliza, 40, who works from home processing medical records for MaineHealth.
More than that, buying a house has given the family a sense of belonging, said Abeza, 41, who is a social worker with Preble Street, a nonprofit that serves unhoused clients.
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“We were able to complete the transition,” Abeza said. “We are here. We are grounded. Owning a home means a lot.”
Abeza and Mutamuliza are among several Muslim clients who have closed Islamic mortgages with Androscoggin Bank this year, and a dozen more are either under contract and waiting to close or pre-approved and actively searching for homes.
While loans that comply with Sharia law are offered across the country, both online and in states with larger Muslim populations, Androscoggin Bank’s program is seen as a watershed initiative among Maine lending institutions and for the state’s small but growing Muslim community.
Ayra Abeza, 12, in the yard of the New Gloucester home her parents bought in January. Sofia Aldinio/Staff Photographer
Leaders of Maine’s immigrant community have been pushing local banks to offer Islamic mortgages for several years. The loans generally avoid charging interest directly by structuring payments to meet Sharia law and having the bank assume some form of full or part ownership.
Immigrant leaders recognized that many devout Muslim families in Maine were locked out of the U.S. banking system, said Claude Rwaganje, executive director of ProsperityME, a nonprofit that helps immigrants build financial independence.
“Other banks said there wasn’t enough demand for (Islamic) mortgages,” Rwaganje said. “But we said, whatever the demand, there is demand, and Androscoggin Bank stepped up.”
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Androscoggin Bank saw the need for an Islamic mortgage program as an opportunity to continue the bank’s 153-year history of serving immigrants and to fulfill its modern B Corp mission to extend financing opportunities to women and minority populations.
“We felt it was incumbent upon us to ensure this community had an opportunity to participate fully in the economic system,” said Neil Kiely, bank president. “The more we can assist them to participate fully, the more it’s a win for the state of Maine.”
Kiely said it took more than a year to develop the mortgage program, working with ProsperityME, the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, and an expert in Sharia-compliant loan programs. They held community meetings in Portland and Lewiston. Hundreds of people attended.
“It has been an incredibly rich and rewarding experience,” Kiely said. “The Muslim community in Maine isn’t a monolith. It’s a diverse, talented, and industrious community, and we worked for months to build trust and understanding with them.”
Sophie Mutamuliza, 40, and Adam Abeza, 41, purchased their first home with a Sharia-compliant Islamic mortgage provided by Androscoggin Bank, the first bank in Maine to offer this service to devout Muslims. Sofia Aldinio/Staff Photographer
As part of that effort, Kiely hired Ayesha Baye, an Ethiopian immigrant with nearly 20 years of experience working at Maine banks, to serve as a personal banker to Androscoggin’s Muslim clients. She helps them build credit profiles and take other steps toward buying a home.
BARRIER TO ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
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“Before this, there was nothing to offer my Muslim clients without compromising their faith,” Baye said. “I have Muslim clients who have been renting for 10 or 20 years, putting money toward rent instead of buying a home. They could have been homeowners by now.”
Many Muslims are not constrained by the ban on charging or paying interest, said Reza Jalali, executive director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center. An Iranian-Kurdish immigrant who is Muslim, Jalali has engaged fully in the U.S. banking system, paying interest as a homeowner, landlord and credit card user.
But for devout Muslims, avoiding interest keeps them from accessing a wider economic system where buying a house is a significant step toward financial security. According to the Koran, charging or paying interest is considered exploitative and sinful because it promotes inequality, increasing the gap between rich and poor.
“This is a barrier to a significant number of Muslims in Maine,” Jalali said. “Homeownership is about building individual wealth, generational wealth, and becoming invested in the community.”
Without access to financing through local banks, Muslims in Maine are being excluded from other services provided to customers who receive conventional mortgages, including business loans, retirement programs, and basic financial advice, Jalali said. Many immigrants face a variety of barriers in the economic system, including language differences and cultural prejudices.
“While not intentional, we’re leaving some people behind,” Jalali said. “The banking community and the larger community lose out.”
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Some Muslims choose to borrow from community members, who pool savings and lend without charging interest, a practice Jalali called “underground banking.”
“But that only delays the American Dream, because the community can only buy one house at a time,” Jalali said. “In some cases, they go out of state, purchasing mortgages online, which can be risky and unhealthy because they are not building relationships with banks in Maine.”
There are a few basic types of mortgages that are considered riba, or interest, free under Sharia law. In variations of the most common form, the financial institution is co-owner and the home buyer gradually buys out the bank’s stake in the property. In other forms, the bank buys the property and sells it through lease-to-own arrangements or deferred payments with an agreed profit factored in.
In January, the Abeza family, originally from Rwanda, was able to purchase their first home in New Gloucester. Sofia Aldinio/Staff Photographer
Kiely wouldn’t describe Androscoggin’s program exactly. “Through the use of alternative structures, the bank can work with homebuyers to reach a solution that complies with Islamic financing requirements,” he said. “It maintains the same economic costs and benefits to both the bank and client as a conventional mortgage.”
Non-Muslims also may apply for this mortgage program, Kiely said.
FULLY COMPLIANT PROGRAM
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Kiely notified the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. about the Islamic mortgage program, he said, although neither has the authority to approve the program. Like other lending programs, it will be audited for compliance with state and federal laws.
John Barr, deputy superintendent of the bureau, said Kiely notified the state about the new mortgage program.
“It is common to have discussions with institutions as they develop new products,” Barr said in a written statement. “These discussions indicate to the bureau that the bank is conducting due diligence relative to risks and that the bank is talking to counsel about documentation and disclosure requirements.”
State banks are examined by the bureau or the FDIC every 18 months, at which time examiners have an opportunity to review actual loan documents to assess the loan portfolio and compliance with lending laws, Barr said.
Kiely said Androscoggin Bank will consider expanding its Islamic loan program to meet the borrowing needs of businesses, students, and others.
Rwaganje and Jalali hope other banks follow Androscoggin’s example. So do Sophie Mutamuliza and Adam Abeza.
They’re happy in their three-bedroom home on a wooded lot in New Gloucester, which sold for $395,000, according to several online real estate services. Their children play basketball in the driveway and chase frogs that escape a nearby pond. Now, many of their friends want to buy homes, too.
“They are inspired because they see that it’s possible and it won’t contravene the principles of their faith,” Abeza said.
“Now, we belong in Maine,” Mutamuliza said. “We are here to stay.”
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Looking for a stylish and comfortable mid century lounge chair for your home or office? We’ve got you covered. Our team of experts has researched and tested numerous options to bring you the best products on the market. With so many choices available, we understand that finding the perfect chair can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve taken into consideration essential criteria such as quality of materials, comfort level, and overall design, as well as customer reviews, to create a list of top recommendations. Whether you prefer a classic or modern twist on the mid century design, our selection has something for everyone. So why wait? Invest in a high-quality mid century lounge chair today and enjoy the benefits of improved comfort and timeless style.
Modway Bestow Mid-Century Velvet Accent Chair Green
The Modway Bestow Mid-Century Performance Velvet Upholstered Tufted Accent Lounge Chair in Green is a stunning addition to any living space. Made with high-quality velvet upholstery, this chair is both comfortable and stylish. The tufted backrest and armrests provide excellent support, while the solid wood frame ensures durability. This chair is perfect for relaxing, reading, or enjoying a cup of coffee. Its mid-century design will complement any decor, and its vibrant green color will add a pop of color to your room. Don’t miss out on this gorgeous armchair!
The Modway Empress Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Leather Accent Arm Lounge Chair in Black is a stylish and comfortable addition to any living space. Made with high-quality leather and a sturdy frame, this armchair is both durable and luxurious. Its mid-century modern design adds a touch of sophistication, while the comfortable cushioning ensures a cozy seating experience. Perfect for lounging, reading, or simply relaxing, this armchair is a versatile piece that will elevate any room.
The Aoparts Mid Century Modern Shell Lounge Chair is a beautiful addition to any living space. Made with high-quality faux leather and solid wood accent legs, this chair is perfect for lounging, reading, or simply relaxing. The comfortable backrest and seat cushion provide ample support, while the classic design adds a touch of Scandinavian elegance to any room. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room or a comfortable chair for your office or salon, the Aoparts Mid Century Modern Shell Lounge Chair is a must-have. Available in white, this chair is sure to complement any décor.
Mid-century modern design, Comfortable faux leather, Solid wood accent
May not suit all decor
OAKHAM Mid Century Modern Chair White
The OAKHAM Mid Century Modern Chair is a stunning addition to any living space. Made with high-quality leather and featuring a sleek, Scandinavian design, this chair is both comfortable and stylish. Its shell lounge design provides excellent support while also adding a touch of elegance to any room. Perfect for use as an accent chair or side chair, the OAKHAM Mid Century Modern Chair is sure to impress. Available in a beautiful white color, this chair is a must-have for those looking to elevate their home decor.
Stylish mid-century design, Comfortable leather accent, Durable and sturdy construction
May not fit all decor
Furgle Shell Lounge Chair PU Leather Style-16
The Furgle Mid Century Modern Shell Lounge Chair is a beautiful and stylish addition to any living room, reading nook, or office space. Made with high-quality PU leather and a solid wood tripod base, this chair combines both comfort and durability. The classic design and sleek style make it a versatile piece that can fit into any decor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to curl up with a book or a statement piece for your home, the Furgle Mid Century Modern Shell Lounge Chair is the perfect choice.
Stylish mid-century design, Comfortable and supportive, Durable materials used
Limited color options
KINFFICT Mid Century Accent Chair
The KINFFICT Upholstered Mid Century Accent Chair is a stylish and comfortable addition to any living room or bedroom. With its thicken cushion and sturdy wooden frame, this armchair offers both durability and relaxation. Its 300 lbs weight capacity ensures that it can accommodate a wide range of people, while its coffee color adds a touch of modernity to any space. Whether you are reading a book or watching TV, this lounge chair is perfect for any cozy night in.
Mid-century modern design, Thick and comfortable cushion, Sturdy and durable construction
May not fit all decor styles
BELLEZE Shell Chair Avalon Black
The BELLEZE Shell Chair is a sleek and stylish addition to any home or office. Made with a solid wood tripod base and a faux leather padded seat, this mid-century modern accent chair is both comfortable and durable. Perfect for use in the living room, bedroom, or office, the armless design and compact size make it easy to fit into any space. The black Avalon color adds a sophisticated touch to any decor. Overall, the BELLEZE Shell Chair is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and stylish seating option.
Mid-century modern design, Comfortable padded seat, Solid wood construction
Limited color options
ZHENGHAO Swivel Accent Chair with Ottoman
The ZHENGHAO Swivel Accent Chair with Ottoman is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of mid-century modern flair to their home. The chair’s faux fur material and fluffy armrests provide ultimate comfort, while the 360-degree metal base and footrest allow for easy movement and relaxation. Whether you’re reading a book in your living room or lounging in your bedroom, this chair and ottoman set is the perfect addition to any space. Available in white fur with a white base, this chair is sure to elevate your home decor.
Comfortable and cozy, Sturdy metal base, Swivels 360 degrees
May shed fur
ANJHOME Mid Century Modern Accent Chairs Set of 2
The ANJHOME Mid Century Modern Accent Chairs Set of 2 are a great addition to any living room. These armchairs are made with a solid wood frame and upholstered with a comfortable fabric that makes them perfect for reading or lounging. Assembly is easy and straightforward, and the chairs come in a beige color that complements any decor. Not only are they stylish and comfortable, but they are also durable and made to last. These chairs are perfect for relaxing after a long day or for entertaining guests.
The Guyou Mid Century Modern Accent Chair with Ottoman Set is a stylish and comfortable addition to any home. Made with high-quality materials, this chair is both durable and comfortable. The beige upholstery is easy to maintain and complements any décor. The lumbar cushion provides extra support, making this chair perfect for long periods of sitting. Whether you’re lounging in your living room or need a comfortable place to sit in your bedroom, the Guyou Mid Century Modern Accent Chair with Ottoman Set is the perfect choice.
Comfortable, Stylish design, Includes ottoman
Assembly required
FAQ
Q: What is a mid-century lounge chair?
A: A mid-century lounge chair is a type of indoor lounge chair that was popularized in the mid-20th century. It typically features clean lines, organic shapes, and a minimalist design. Mid-century lounge chairs are often made from high-quality materials like leather and wood, and are known for their comfort and durability.
Q: What should I look for in the best lounge chair?
A: When searching for the best lounge chair, there are a few important factors to consider. First, look for a chair that is both comfortable and supportive. It should provide adequate cushioning and support for your back and neck. Additionally, consider the chair’s design and style to ensure it fits with your existing decor. Finally, look for a chair made from high-quality materials, such as leather or wood, to ensure it will last for years to come.
Q: Can a mid-century lounge chair be used in modern decor?
A: Absolutely! Mid-century lounge chairs are known for their timeless design and versatility, making them a great choice for modern decor. They can be paired with a variety of different styles and colors, and can be used to add a touch of warmth and texture to any space. Whether you’re going for a minimalist, bohemian, or industrial look, a mid-century lounge chair is a great option.
Conclusions
After conducting thorough research and analysis of multiple mid century lounge chairs, we have come to the conclusion that these chairs offer a timeless aesthetic and comfortable seating experience. From the classic design of the Furgle Mid Century Modern Shell Lounge Chair to the sleek leather upholstery of the Modway Empress Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Leather Accent Arm Lounge Chair, each product has its own unique features that cater to different preferences. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your living room or a cozy reading nook chair, there is a mid century lounge chair out there for you. Overall, we highly recommend considering a mid century lounge chair for your home or office space.
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Southern California, Malibu is a idyllic city that captivates with its breathtaking beauty and vibrant community. This charming city not only allures those seeking a luxurious beachfront living experience with exquisite homes for sale, but also welcomes those searching for apartments for rent in Malibu.
While the cost of living in Malibu is high, the city offers a wealth of natural wonders and fun activities you can enjoy without breaking the bank. This Redfin article will explore seven free things to do in Malibu to keep you and your wallet happy. Let’s get started!
1. Malibu beaches
Malibu is renowned for its stunning beaches that attract millions of people year-round. From the expansive shores of Zuma Beach to the rugged beauty of Point Dume State Beach, there’s something for everyone. Living in Malibu, CA, comes with strolls along the sandy coastline, opportunities to soak up the sun, and moments of serendipitous sounds of crashing waves. Whether you’re looking to catch some waves, have a beach picnic, or relax with a good book, Malibu beaches offer a slice of paradise that’s free for all to enjoy.
2. Malibu Creek State Park
Nature enthusiasts and hikers will solace in Malibu Creek State Park’s breathtaking landscape. This beautiful park features diverse hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging treks. Explore the picturesque Rock Pool, where you can cool off in the refreshing waters or have a peaceful picnic by the stream. The park’s rugged terrain, oak woodlands, and rich wildlife make it a haven for outdoor exploration and a perfect spot to connect with nature without spending a dime.
3. Getty Villa Museum
Nestled in the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Getty Villa Museum is a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts. Showcasing an extensive collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts, the museum offers a glimpse into the classical world. Wander through the meticulously designed gardens, admire the architecture inspired by ancient Roman villas, and enjoy the educational exhibits. Although admission is free, reserve your tickets in advance to experience this cultural gem.
4. Solstice Canyon
Embark on a scenic hike through Solstice Canyon, a lush oasis filled with oak groves, sycamore trees, and vibrant wildflowers. The Solstice Canyon Loop Trail takes you on a journey to the historic Roberts Ranch House ruins and culminates at the flowing Solstice Canyon waterfall.
5. Leo Carrillo State Park
Leo Carrillo State Park offers a coastal wonderland with sandy beaches, rocky tide pools, and picturesque sea caves. This park is perfect for beachcombing, exploring marine life, and enjoying a peaceful day by the ocean. The beautiful coastal views, tide pool discoveries, and opportunities for beach activities make Leo Carrillo State Park an ideal destination for those seeking free outdoor adventures in Malibu.
6. Malibu Pier
The historic Malibu Pier stands as an iconic landmark along the coastline. Stroll along the wooden pier and bask in the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s an excellent spot for watching local surfers ride the waves, spotting marine life, and capturing stunning sunset photos. With its free access and inviting atmosphere, the Malibu Pier is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists.
7. Pepperdine University
If you’re planning where to attend university, take a leisurely walk around the beautiful Pepperdine University campus. The expansive campus is perched atop a hill overlooking the ocean. Enjoy the stunning vistas and serene environment as you explore the well-maintained grounds. The university’s impressive Payson Library and the terrace with sweeping ocean views are open to the public, offering a peaceful retreat to read, study, relax, and appreciate the campus’s natural beauty.
An eviction notice is a written statement informing you the landlord believes you’re in violation of the rental agreement. Depending on why you’re being evicted, the type of notice you receive and the state you live in, you may need to vacate the property by a certain time. But if you have an eviction notice in your past, you might be worried about getting approved for a new rental situation.
Find out below what happens if you get evicted, including whether you can or should fight the notice and whether you can get a new rental. As with any situation involving your credit and money, being prepared with knowledge can often make a huge difference in the outcome.
How Does Being Evicted Affect Your Credit?
Evictions aren’t included on your credit report, and neither are certain types of public records such as eviction judgments. However, that doesn’t mean an eviction leaves your credit squeaky clean or that potential future landlords won’t know about your eviction history.
First, collection accounts or debts leading up to your eviction do appear on your credit report. If you fell behind on rent and tried to right the situation with a personal loan that you also fell behind on, for example, that could hurt your credit. And if the landlord turned uncollected rents over to a collection agency at any point, that can also negatively impact your score.
An outstanding debt (such a collections account) on your credit report can significantly impact your overall credit score. In fact, your payment history accounts for up to 35% of your credit score. So, just one missed payment, including one missed rent payment, can drop your credit score.
Second, judgments related to evictions are a matter of public record. Future landlords might not see them on your credit report, but they can easily find them by searching court records. Many landlords use tenant-screening services that provide rental backgrounds on prospective tenants, and court records related to evictions are typically included.
If you’re having trouble making your monthly rent payments, consider setting up a budget to track your spending. This step may help you avoid a potential eviction.
Does an Eviction Go on Your Credit Report?
No, landlords can’t report evictions to the credit bureaus because these agencies don’t collect this type of information. However, this doesn’t mean future landlords can’t find out about the eviction. Court judgments, including evictions, are public records. This means landlords can still find out if you have an eviction in your past.
While searching public records can be a cumbersome process, many landlords use tenant screening services to conduct background checks on potential tenants. This service makes it easier for landlords to learn about past evictions. So, even though an eviction won’t directly impact your credit, it can affect your ability to rent in the future.
Legitimate Reasons for Eviction
Specific landlord rights vary from state to state, but there are several reasons a landlord may have the right to evict you, including:
Failure to pay rent: If you fail to pay rent within the grace period, your landlord can start the eviction process. The judge will likely give you a set number of days to make the payment. If you still fail to pay, you may be forced to leave the rental property.
Lease violation: When you rent an apartment, you must abide by the terms of the lease. If you fail to do so, the landlord can evict you. For example, if your lease says no pets yet you have pets on the property, the landlord can break the lease and require you to move.
Illegal activity: If you’re doing something illegal on the rental property, such as using drugs or committing domestic violence, a landlord has the right to evict you.
Property damage: If you willfully damage the property or make renovations without the landlord’s permission, this could be grounds for eviction. It’s important to understand the terms of your lease before signing it.
End of lease: When you sign a lease, it should cover a set term, such as 1 year or month-to-month. Unless you sign a new lease or your lease automatically extends the terms of the previous lease, you must move at the end of the term. If you have a month-to-month lease, your landlord must give you a 30-day notice to move. If you fail to move out of the property at the end of the lease or within the 30-day notice period, your landlord can take steps to evict you.
Illegitimate Reasons for Eviction
Landlords can’t evict tenants without cause. Once a lease is signed, both landlords and tenants are bound to its terms. It’s illegal for landlords to discriminate against their tenants and evict them based on their color, race, gender or national origin.
Additionally, landlords can’t evict tenants as retaliation. For example, your landlord can’t evict you because you complain about property conditions or request repairs.
Can You Dispute an Eviction?
Yes, you can dispute an eviction. A legal eviction requires a judgment from the courts. Before a judgment is rendered, there must first be a court hearing.
You have the right to attend this court hearing, hire an attorney and present your evidence to the court. It’s important to be present at this hearing because the judge can make a final decision without your input.
What Can Happen If an Eviction Is on Your Credit Report?
If you’re legally evicted from your rental, it won’t be on your credit report. However, any unpaid rent balance that you still owe your landlord can end up on your credit report. If this happens, it’s likely to impact your credit score.
It’s important to pay off this balance as quickly as possible. This step can minimize the impact on your credit score. If there’s an incorrect unpaid rent balance on your credit report, you should take steps to remove that information. You can do this by writing to the credit reporting agencies and providing evidence that the information listed on your report is wrong.
What to Do If You Receive an Eviction Notice
Eviction processes vary by state. Eforms, a site that provides sample eviction notices for landlords, summarizes the eviction process for each state. A good first step is to find out exactly what the process in your state is so you know how to respond appropriately to an eviction.
Eviction notices come in two main types: curable and incurable. Curable notices detail how the landlord thinks you broke the lease agreement and how you can fix it. If you cure the issue, the eviction is retracted. Incurable notices don’t have any fix and simply require that you vacate the premises by a certain date.
A common reason for an eviction notice is that the landlord claims the rent hasn’t been paid. In many cases, this would be a curable eviction notice. If you catch up on your rent, the landlord might not move forward with the eviction.
In many cases, if you don’t respond to the eviction notice to cure it or move out, the landlord must go to court to get a judgment against you. This allows law enforcement to require you to move out of the property.
You usually have an option to appear in court and fight the eviction. For example, if you’re withholding rent because the landlord has not fixed something that is his or her responsibility under the lease, you could use that as a defense.
A judge might rule on your side, requiring the landlord to make those repairs before you are required to catch up your rent. But keep in mind that we’re not legal experts—if you find yourself in this situation, we recommend consulting with a lawyer.
What Happens If You Get Evicted?
If you know you’re at fault or the judgment doesn’t go your way, you are likely going to have to move out of the rental property. It’s important to know how the eviction might impact your credit history and chances of getting another rental in this case.
Can You Still Rent an Apartment If You Have Been Evicted?
If you’ve been evicted from a townhouse, apartment or rental home, it may be difficult to qualify for a new rental if a potential landlord checks your rental history. If you have an eviction hampering your ability to find a place to live, you have a few options:
Try to find a private landlord who doesn’t use screening services or check credit history
Look into reporting any rent that you’re paying—it could help your credit score
Try negotiating with a potential landlord by offering a large security deposit or several months of rent up front
Find a cosigner with good credit to live with
Live with friends who already have a home and history of good payments
Try to Make Amends
If you were evicted for unpaid rent, the best way to make amends is to reach out to your former landlord or collection agency and make up those missed payments. Doing so could make finding a new place easier, especially if you get proof in writing that you made good on the old debts.
How to Avoid Eviction in the First Place
Abiding by your rental agreement is the most important thing you can do to avoid being evicted. Your agreement is a legally binding contract, so understanding everything expected of you—from maintenance of the property to noise restrictions and timely rent payment—is critical, as is knowing the tenant laws in your state.
If you have problems, talk to your landlord as soon as possible. Things happen, but landlords often appreciate knowing you want to do the right thing, and communication is essential. Also keep in mind that finding new tenants is a hassle most landlords would rather avoid. They can often be willing to work with you, but you have to take the first step.
Keep an Eye on Your Credit
Even if you do everything you’re supposed to do, when you live in someone else’s property, keep in mind that you might have to move unexpectedly. A landlord could potentially sell their property, or you could decide that the landlord isn’t someone you want to rent from anymore, for example. Keeping an eye on your credit regularly helps you improve your score, which can help you secure a new rental property as needed.
Check out Credit.com’s Credit Report Card. It gives you the everything you need to know about all the factors that make up your credit score, so you know exactly what areas you need to work on to improve your score.
Last week, construction finance platform Rabbet announced raising a Series A funding round of $8 million led by Goldman Sachs, QED Investors, and Camber Creek. The Fintech company which was formerly known as Contract Simply – helps companies involved in construction finance to digitize and view documents relevant to a deal.
“Rabbet brings efficiency, accuracy and visibility to the complex construction finance industry.”
Rabbet’s groundbreaking software solves a huge point of pain for construction loan processing by helping to expedite construction draw processing, which saves time and money while minimizing human error in data processing. Currently, these processes are manual and paper-based, making it time-consuming and prone to errors.
This funding round comes as the construction markets are in a big slowdown, a trend which has caused a shift from new developments toward the operations and technology end of the business. Given this “throttling back” environment, many in the business of construction finance are searching for new ways to streamlining and making more efficient all their processes.
Rabbet provides just such a streamlining solution, at a time when Fintech investing is empowering entreprenuers to blaze new trails with AI, machine learning, and VR. RealtyBizNews asked Jake Fingert, General Partner at Camber Creek about the VC firms investment in Rabbet. Here’s what Fingert had to say:
“Given the recent deceleration of the construction market, many in the industry are shifting more of their focus from new development to operations and technology. Rabbet is the leading construction loan software solution, an area ripe for innovation and where many in the space, such as Goldman Sachs, are looking for more efficient ways of doing business. Rabbet’s technology significantly reduces the time it takes to process a loan, which means faster payments for subcontractors and more interest for banks, all while digitizing the workflow to improve compliance and record keeping. Instead of ten days, banks are pushing out draws in as little as two days.”
Rabbet’s platform helps banks, developers, and contractors to perform streamlining functions which are currently manual paper-based functions. The Austin based startup makes use of machine learning to located and extract key information from documents so that data and information can be migrated to PDF or spreadsheet form. At the end of the day, Rabbet technology creates a cross-sharing capability that is not currently available. Will Mitchell, Rabbet’s , CEO and co-founder, told interviewers last week:
“All this information is trapped in disconnected PDFs, spreadsheets, emails. We want to focus on the efficiency, accuracy and transparency that software can bring to this complex industry.”
Goldman Sachs’ construction finance division uses Rabbet’s software for streamlining and modernizing their construction investing operations, according to this Reuters release.
Babbet announced the company will use the new funding to continue to invest in the development of its automation platform, to expand service offerings, and to cultivate partnerships. The company also announced an expansion of its software engineering and sales teams in Austin.
Founded back in 2017, Babbet (Contract Simply) was accelerated with Y Combinator. Since that time the company has seen rapid growth, having improved efficiency for projects sized up to $150 million nationwide.
Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.
Have you ever recognized benign habits that you wish you could give up, but they seem pretty harmless? You’re not alone. Many of us have compulsions, addictions, and unhealthy habits that can affect every aspect of our lives—and they’re often overlooked due to their subtle nature. From eating too much sugar or ice cream to checking one’s social media notifications several times a day, the need for instant gratification has taken its toll on society today, leading many people down an unhealthy path without even noticing it.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the top 13 addictions and habits that everyone should be aware. If you’ve been looking for ways to make positive changes in your life and reduce stress, then dive into this comprehensive list!
1. Checking the News
One Redditor shared, “NEWS addiction.”
Another replied, “People get addicted to the cortisol hit from getting outraged, so a lot of news outlets realize they just need to keep the cortisol flowing. Edit: Per comments, I changed ‘dopamine’ to ‘cortisol’.”
One commenter added, “It’s neurologically a very similar addiction to gambling. In both cases, it’s less about getting something positive and more about getting something negative and then feeling they have to cancel or counterbalance the negative with a positive… that always seems just out of reach but never seems to come. So they dig themselves a hole of negativity.”
Another user posted, “A few years ago, I realized it was taking a toll on me. The first thing I’d do when I got up was check the news, then periodically check it throughout the day, and it was frequently the last thing I did before falling asleep. So, I just decided I have to check it maybe once or twice to stay informed, but that’s it. I even hid political subreddits, so I won’t see them unless I actively go to them.
“There’s just no reason to be glued to the news all day long. That much anger or depression or whatever is no good for your mental well-being, and it’s very rare that something is going on in the world where you need hourly updates. I think most people would be a lot happier if they cut back on gorging on news and politics.”
“YES! Absolutely. Especially the doom-scrolling and sensationalized side of things. I’ve just written a much longer comment about this, but it creates a physical dopamine dependency and changes habits,” replied another user.
2. Justified Outrage
One user posted, “Outrage is an addiction. Some people seek it out, actively searching for a reason to hate their neighbors just so they can get their hit of dopamine. It feeds news addiction, tribalism, and eventually extremism. It’s the source of so much violence, so many divided houses and ruined lives, but we do nothing to curb it.”
“I remember my uncle, who had a history of domestic violence to my aunt before she passed of cancer, told the family he has an anger problem. My dad said, ‘But you’re able to keep it together every time a cop is around.’ The look on his face and the dead silence… An anger issue is not an excuse,” another replied.
One commenter added, “My Dad was always going on violent outbursts, literally every day. Remember a few times their doorbell would ring, and he’d flip to being charming in a split second. It’d be salespeople, charity collectors, and even Mormons. He was always extremely polite, and they probably saw him as one of the most pleasant people he encountered. Pure sociopathy.”
3. Shopping
“Shopping,” one user posted.
Another user replied, “I just got back this month after being in rehab for 2 months for weed, alcohol, and [other drugs], and at my therapy, they asked me if I noticed any cross addictions. I told my therapist I think I have a shopping addiction, and she told me it’s a common addiction that goes unnoticed way too many times.”
One user confirmed, “My hoarder mother 1000% has a shopping addiction.”
Another Redditor said, “My MIL is a hoarder, and it is ridiculous; she has 3 storage units (one she’s had for 20+ years), her home, and my husband’s grandmother’s garage full of her sh-t. We have tried to help clean out the garage, but MIL always has to be there when we try and has to go through every single box/bag/etc, and physically touch every single item. 9 years and the garage still has not been cleaned out.”
4. Video Games
One online user shared, “I always laughed at the idea of video game addiction. It sounded so overblown until I met a guy who honestly defined it for me. We used to chat and hang out weekly. He quit his job and now just lives at home with his mum, mooching off her to sit in his room and play games for close to 16 hours a day. After refusing to hang out long enough, I just gave up on him.”
Another user exclaimed, “FINALLY, I found someone who mentioned video games. I grew up gaming, I absolutely loved playing them throughout my entire childhood and into adulthood, but I have seen addiction to video games absolutely destroy people. Part of me is glad that I simply don’t have the time to play them much anymore. Maybe an hour or two a week. But I know adults in their 30s and 40s who are still obsessed, to the point of not wanting to do anything else.”
5. Addiction to Phones
“Phone addiction—no explanation needed,” one Redditor shared.
Another user added, “My stomach drops every time I see my daily average screen time. It’s hard to realize how much time you spend scrolling until you actually see the numbers.”
One commenter said, “That’s why I turned screen time off. I don’t need that type of negativity in my life, lmao.”
Another user added, “My phone addiction varies based on my mental health state. I’ve been in a depression that has apparently become a downward spiral, according to my therapist. I’m capable of doing the bare minimum to keep my kid alive, and then I live on my phone the rest of the time. I’m even on it at work. My therapist wants me to be an inpatient, but the idea of not having my phone for even the three-day minimum stay has me freaking out.”
6. Sleeping to Escape
One user shared, “When my depression is terrible, I’d say sleep. It’s a free, safe way to escape but ultimately feeds the depression, becoming a destructive cycle. It doesn’t sound that bad, but it’s consuming. Edit: Some people are confused, so I’ll clarify. It’s not because of a lack of rest. It’s not the sleep itself; it’s the dreaming (aka escape). A different ‘reality’ that feels very real and isn’t this one. Maybe I’m just not explaining it right, but yeah.”
Another user replied, “Thank you for saying this! I was labeled as a typical ‘lazy teenager,’ and it wasn’t till I was in my final year of uni that a friend asked if I was OK and explained oversleeping as a symptom of mental health issues.
“The truth was I was so miserable I just didn’t want to be conscious and experience it. Better to be asleep with a teeny tiny hope that I might feel a bit better when I woke up. I had virtually no awareness of mental health issues then and therefore had no vocabulary to articulate how I felt. I feel sad for that lost time, but at least I can recognize it now for what it was.
“Edit to add: this has, unfortunately, resonated with a few people. Keep your chin up; it can and does get better eventually. Get help from your support network of friends and family and professional help. I hope you feel better soon.”
“Well said. There are days I can sleep 4-5 hours, be productive and alert, and just kill it. Then there are days when I sleep at least 11+ hours and on my phone the other 13 while doing the BARE minimum to skate by, realizing that. Hey! You’re not eating better; the 50ish pounds you lost in 3 months is from depressively not eating. I hate being depressed and all the extra stuff it brings that makes life even harder than it is,” one user responded.
7. Workaholism
One Redditor posted, “Work Addiction—most people will say they dislike working extra, but the responsibility you feel towards your co-workers and the purpose work gives your life can make you work more than you should. Source: addicted to work.”
One added, “I worked for one manager who literally had an addiction to work so bad it was ruining her life. She was a recovering drug addict, and I guess staying busy helped her cope, but she just traded one addiction for another.
“We worked for a corporate retail chain; she would be the first one there and the last one to leave every day, and she never scheduled herself a day off. She would clock herself out when she hit her 40 hrs to avoid getting flak from her management, but she was easily working 110+ hours a week, and more than half of that was unpaid.
“Her family, her ex-husband, and her kids would come by periodically and try to get her to go home, and her entire staff, including me, constantly tried to get her just to go home, but she was afraid the place couldn’t run without her present for even a second. It was really sad because we could all see her obsession with being there was destroying her mentally and physically, as her sleep had to have been horrendously impacted since she was there 15-16 hours a day.
“I spoke with HR about it, and they said they had already been aware of it for some time and that they weren’t going to do anything about it. That incredible amount of incredulity and not giving a shit about the super illegal and dangerous fact that they were letting an employee work for free for 70+ hours a week were obviously huge red flags for me, so that was my last day.
“A couple of years later now, she still works there, and this is still happening.”
8. Addiction to Junk Food
One user shared, “Junk food. Sugar. Soda. I am addicted to these things and wish to break that habit.”
Another confirmed, “I quit smoking quite easily, but I cannot for the life of me quit sugar. So much harder, in.”
“I think I just swapped my after-dinner cigarette for after-dinner chocolate. Doesn’t matter how satisfying the meal was. I still crave some chocolate later,” one user replied.
Another user shared, “Apologies in advance for the unsolicited advice, but your comment hit a chord with me. Is it specifically chocolate you crave? ’cause I used to crave chocolate constantly. It got to the point where I’d buy the cheapest milk chocolate bars from my grocery store and eat a couple of pieces every day, trying to limit how much chocolate I was eating but also trying to stop the constant craving for it.
“Supposedly being low in magnesium can cause chocolate cravings. I figured more magnesium couldn’t hurt, so I started eating more food with magnesium, and the craving went away! I still have a massive sweet tooth, and I love chocolate, but that never-ending chocolate craving has stopped, thank goodness.
“Maybe something to try if it seems relevant to you? I know this is just a very unscientific anecdote; maybe it was something else going on with me that just naturally stopped. Maybe the slight changes in my diet I made solved it in some other way. Who knows!”
9. Social Media
“Social media addiction,” one user responded.
Another user replied, “Including Reddit. Source: Reddit addict.”
“Yup. I spend way too much time on this stupid app,” one user confirmed.
One user commented, “I tell myself I’m learning new stuff every day. Then my wife asks me to tell her something new and interesting I found on Reddit, and I can’t think of a single thing.”
10. Dermatillomania
One Redditor commented, “Skin picking, aka, dermatillomania. It’s so overlooked that our society has glorified it. We have a show called Dr. Pimple Popper! Wtf!”
Another user commented, “I wish I could replace that [terrible] habit somehow.”
One user replied, “Same. I don’t get the Dr. Pimple Popper thing. Mine is picking at any skin that is not smooth on my skin. On the scalp, around my nails, blemishes on my face, arms, and chest. If I have a scab, that will take forever to heal because I do it subconsciously on occasion and even do it at night when I’m asleep, no matter where it is on my ‘pick zones.’ Something in my mind says if I pick it, I may reveal healed areas beneath it… and then it starts all over again once it starts bleeding. Looking at it typed out is really disturbing, tbh. But I’m proud that I stopped picking at my lips!!!”
11. Tribalism
“Tribalism. People become indoctrinated and too engrossed to realize it. People become so addicted they choose to kill over sports, vehicle types, religion(s), politics, etc… and it’s by design. People act less intelligent when they’re a part of a group. (Mob mentality).
“Edited because syntax/grammar police attacked my auto-fill. Proofread everything, kids,” one user shared.
One Redditor replied, “Outrage is the addiction; tribalism is just one of the many crack pipes through which it is consumed. People are seeking Outrage. Tribalism gives a sense of legitimacy to the Outrage.”
12. Nasal Spray Addiction
A user posted, “Nasal spray. There are plenty of other, much worse things I could shove up my nose, but still. I can’t breathe through my nose without it, and I can’t stand that it’s like this.”
One user replied, “I’ve been there! It’s pretty fast to reverse the dependency, though—you can switch to saline or Neti pot for a couple of days to get you over the hump, but I’ve found my nose clears up after 2-3 days without it. 2-3 VERY uncomfortable sleepless days, mind you.”
The OP responded, “I’ll have to give that a shot! Thanks!!”
13. Addiction to the Gym
One of the online users shared, “Gym addiction. It’s the only thing keeping me sane these days. Started because I wanted to gain muscles, now the thought of taking a prolonged rest is quite dreadful.”
Another user replied, “The rest is so true. It’s so difficult to let yourself rest, even if it’s just for a week. Interestingly, sometimes you end up coming out of the rest week stronger than if you’d kept lifting through it, too!”
“This is something I learned while I was a soldier. I struggled at first with my PT tests, so I worked out all the time. Eventually, someone told me that rest and recovery were basically as important as working out and that I NEEDED to let my body rest and heal. Lo and behold, I was stronger and faster after rest breaks because my body was actually recovered and I could properly use the strength and speed I had been working on building in the gym,” one Redditor commented.
Do you agree with the things listed above? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
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