Average rent: $2,653 per month for a one-bedroom apartment
Median home sale price: $1,090,000
Public transit: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) provides bus and rail services throughout the city
Public parks: Over 450 parks and green spaces for recreation and relaxation
Languages spoken: Over 200, reflecting the city’s rich cultural diversity
Annual tourists: Approximately 50 million visitors each year
Restaurants: Over 29,000, offering a wide variety of cuisines from around the world
1. Pro: Entertainment capital of the world
Los Angeles is globally recognized as the entertainment capital of the world. The city is home to Hollywood, the center of the film and television industry, and hosts numerous film studios, theaters, and music venues. Residents have easy access to world-class entertainment, including movie premieres, concerts, and live performances. Additionally, LA offers a plethora of museums, art galleries, and cultural events, ensuring there’s always something exciting to do.
2. Con: High cost of living
The cost of living in Los Angeles is about 50% higher than the national average. Housing costs, in particular, are significantly higher, with the median sale price for a home in Los Angeles around $1,090,000 and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles about $2,653 per month, making housing 137% more expensive than the national average. Additionally, utilities are 13% more expensive, groceries are 12% higher, transportation costs are 29% above average, healthcare costs are 7% more, and lifestyle expenses are 17% higher than the national average. Residents need to budget carefully to manage these elevated expenses effectively.
3. Pro: Diverse cultural scene
Los Angeles boasts a rich and diverse cultural scene, influenced by its multicultural population. The city is a melting pot of cultures, offering a variety of international cuisines, festivals, and cultural experiences. Neighborhoods like Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Olvera Street provide unique cultural experiences and highlight the city’s diversity. This cultural richness enhances the overall living experience and provides endless opportunities for exploration and learning.
4. Con: Traffic congestion
Los Angeles is infamous for its traffic congestion. With a sprawling layout and a high number of vehicles on the road, commuting can be time-consuming and stressful. The city has made efforts to improve public transportation, including expansions to the Metro rail system, but the reliance on cars remains high. Residents often face long commute times, especially during peak hours, which can impact daily life and work schedules. The heavy traffic can also contribute to increased pollution and higher stress levels. Despite various measures to alleviate congestion, including carpool lanes and ride-sharing options, traffic remains a significant challenge for Angelenos.
5. Pro: Beautiful weather
One of the biggest draws of Los Angeles is its beautiful weather. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny days and mild, pleasant evenings throughout the year. This favorable weather allows residents to enjoy outdoor activities year-round, from beach outings to hiking in the nearby mountains. The consistent sunshine and mild temperatures contribute to a high quality of life and a variety of recreational opportunities.
6. Con: Air quality
Despite its beautiful weather, Los Angeles struggles with air quality issues. The city’s large population and heavy traffic contribute to smog and pollution, which can impact health and visibility. Efforts are being made to improve air quality, but it remains a concern for residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions. Staying informed about air quality levels and taking precautions on high-pollution days is important for maintaining health.
7. Pro: Thriving job market
Los Angeles has a thriving job market, with opportunities in various sectors such as entertainment, technology, healthcare, and tourism. The city is home to numerous major corporations, startups, and innovative businesses. The entertainment industry, in particular, provides a wide range of job opportunities, from production and acting to marketing and management. Additionally, the tech industry in Silicon Beach is growing rapidly, attracting talent from around the world.
Top employers in Los Angeles
The Walt Disney Company
Warner Bros. Entertainment
UCLA Health
Kaiser Permanente
Northrop Grumman
8. Con: High property taxes
Property taxes in Los Angeles can be quite high, adding to the overall cost of homeownership. The average property tax rate in Los Angeles County is about 1.25% of the assessed home value. For a median home priced at $800,000, this translates to an annual property tax bill of around $10,000. The combined state and local tax burden can be significant, impacting homeowners’ budgets. This high tax rate, coupled with the already steep housing costs, can make purchasing and maintaining a home in Los Angeles financially challenging. Prospective homeowners need to consider these additional costs when planning their budgets.
9. Pro: Excellent education
Los Angeles is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of Southern California (USC). These universities offer a wide range of programs and contribute to the city’s vibrant academic atmosphere. Additionally, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and numerous private schools provide diverse educational options for everyone. The presence of these institutions enhances the city’s appeal to students and professionals seeking advanced education opportunities.
10. Con: Natural disaster risk
Living in Los Angeles means being prepared for natural disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires, and occasional flooding. The city’s location along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it prone to seismic activity. Residents need to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions, such as having emergency kits and evacuation plans in place. While the city has infrastructure and protocols to manage these events, the risk of natural disasters is an important consideration for potential residents.
11. Pro: Outdoor recreational activities
Los Angeles offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, thanks to its diverse landscape. Residents can enjoy surfing at Venice Beach, hiking in Griffith Park, or skiing in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains. The city’s numerous parks and recreational areas provide ample opportunities for fitness and relaxation.
Popular outdoor spots in Los Angeles
Griffith Park
Runyon Canyon Park
Topanga State Park
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Malibu Creek State Park
12. Con: Noise pollution
Living in Los Angeles often means dealing with significant noise pollution. The city’s constant hustle and bustle, from traffic and construction to nightlife and entertainment events, can create a noisy environment. Residents in areas close to major highways, airports, or busy commercial districts may find the noise levels particularly disruptive. This can impact sleep quality, stress levels, and overall quality of life. For those sensitive to noise, finding a quieter neighborhood or investing in soundproofing solutions may be necessary.
13. Pro: Iconic landmarks
Living in Los Angeles means having iconic landmarks and attractions at your doorstep. From the Hollywood Sign to the Santa Monica Pier, these sites contribute to the city’s unique character and charm.
Popular landmarks in Los Angeles
The Getty Center
Griffith Observatory
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Los Angeles Coliseum
14. Pro: Culinary diversity
Los Angeles boasts an incredibly diverse culinary scene, with thousands of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. From high-end dining establishments to street food vendors, the city has something to satisfy every palate. The city’s food scene reflects its multicultural population, offering a vast array of dining options, including authentic ethnic cuisines, farm-to-table eateries, and innovative fusion dishes. Food festivals, such as the Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival and Smorgasburg LA, further showcase the city’s culinary creativity.
Some of the best budgeting methods include proportional budgeting, zero-based budgeting, and reverse budgeting.
This article was originally published on Arrest Your Debt and has been republished here with permission.
A budget method sets out how an individual, company, or organization plans to spend money over time. Budgeting for beginners can be an extensive process, but a failure to budget is a quick path to long-lasting debt problems.
Multiple budgeting methods address different needs—some people might only need to set a budget for a specific purchase, while others might be looking for long-term financial strategies. Here, we’ll explore several different budgeting methods and valuable personal finance resources to help you address future financial questions.
The Traditional Budgeting Method
The traditional way to budget is rooted in the business and corporate world. Those who are willing to invest the time can use this method to handle their personal finances.
With this method, you study the income and expense figures from a previous month or year to help you plan out an upcoming period. You subtract the expenses from your take-home income, the funds in your checking account, or cash in your savings account. With this method, you’ll also need to account for inflation and any significant changes to your income.
Track Your Expenses
Check with your bank for options to get spending reports, and use banking apps to help streamline this process. You can then update your expenses daily or weekly for the most accurate results.
This type of accounting helps you understand what you’ve brought in, what you’ve spent, and what you have left each period. You can then decide where you may need to trim spending—especially if you find that your funds are running low each month. For example, you might see opportunities to lower food expenses by:
Using store-label or generic brand groceries rather than national name brands
Cooking more and eating out less
Opting for water instead of sodas at the restaurant
Change Your Shopping Habits
Switching up your shopping habits based on sales and price hikes is an excellent way to save money. Some common habits to target include:
Driving less can help lower your monthly gas or EV charging expenses.
Ordering online, especially if you can avoid shipping and handling charges.
Purchase foods that can serve multiple meals to reduce the time and money spent at grocery stores.
Wait to grab extra supplies until you’re already commuting from work or running errands.
Zero-Based Budgeting Method: AKA Zero-Sum Budget
In this approach, you give a task to every dollar you bring home. Since you account for every dollar of income, you should not have any money left over in your budget at the end of the month.
Here, you don’t simply rely upon expense categories. However, you would identify specific categories for food spending and then set funds aside for that distinct purpose.
Below is an example of a zero-based budgeting system for a particular month:
Total Monthly Income: $3,000.00
(-) Expenses:
Rent – $700.00
Electrical – $100.00
Water – $50.00
Cable and Internet – $175.00
Wireless/Cell Phone – $200.00
Grocery Shopping – $400.00
Dine out – $75.00
Car Payment – $200.00
Gasoline – $200.00
Car Insurance – $150.00
Credit Card 1 – $75.00
Credit Card 2 – $100.00
Doctor’s Visit – $25.00
Church Offering – $100.00
Deposit to Savings Account – $450.00
(=) $0 leftover after paying all expenses
You have all of your $3,000 in take-home pay allocated to various expenses and items in this example.
The zero-based method might not involve as much detail and time as you think. Remember that you have many fixed expenses such as mortgage or rent, car payments, and phone or cable bills. If one-time expenses crop up that are high priority, you can briefly pull funds from non-essential items.
Proportional Budgeting Systems
In a proportional budget, you devote a certain amount of your monthly income to specific categories. Unlike the zero-based method, you focus less on specific items. Instead, general areas of expenses guide the budgeting process.
The 50/30/20 Budget Method
The 50/20/30 method calls for you to reserve 50% of your funds for fixed expenses (i.e. rent & car notes), 20% for emergencies, long-term savings goals, and paying extra on your debts. The remaining 30% can then go to your wants.
Suppose you have a monthly after-tax income of $3,000. In the 50/20/30 budget, you distribute your money as follows:
(50%) Essentials: $1,500
(20%) Savings, Retirement, Emergency-Fund: $600
(30%) Discretionary: $900
The 50/30/20 helps you keep long-term savings in mind, but it might not be effective if your income is low and inflation is high. When the cost of living increases, it’s easy for the essential budget to exceed 50% of your monthly income.
The 60/40 Budgeting Style
The one-time MSN Money Editor-in-Chief Richard Jenkins developed another proportional budget. In the 60/40 approach, you spend 60% of your net income on committed expenses. This categorization of spending includes mandatory expenses and non-essentials to which you commit.
You then dedicate savings and money that might not have any utility beyond “fun” to the remaining 40%. Ideally, you can distribute these funds in 10% increments across three 401(k) or retirement plans, including a tax-free account. In developing his budgeting plan, Jenkins expressed a strong preference for saving well above the recommended 5% of income.
With enough income and the ability to shave expenses from your committed expenses, you might reach significant savings goals and future spending power in a few years.
Proportional Budgets for Would-Be Homeowners
If you plan to buy a home, your monthly debt payments should not exceed 43% of gross (pretax) monthly income. In calculating this debt-to-income ratio, you include car loans, student loans, credit card debt, and the anticipated monthly mortgage payment in debt. For example, your debt payments should stay at or below $2,580 per month on a monthly gross income of $6,000.
Also, consider the cost of maintaining your home. Some financial or home experts suggest budgeting 1% of your home’s price for maintenance. Other advisors include maintenance costs with mortgage payments and suggest that your housing costs do not exceed one-fourth of your income.
Reverse Budgeting: AKA Pay Yourself First Budget
Reverse budgeting makes saving the top priority. Most budgets have you start with mandatory expenses such as debt payments, food, and utilities. When you put the budget in reverse, you first decide how much to save and then set funds aside for your other expenses.
Reverse budgets should include a mixture of short-term and long-term savings goals. If you’re planning to buy a home or car or save a certain amount for college or retirement, start the process by estimating the cost of the particular benchmark.
Envelope Budget AKA Cash Envelope Method
Many budgeting techniques focus on determining how much to spend on particular categories depending on your financial goals. With the cash envelope system, you’re mentally forcing yourself into a planned spending limit.
Specifically, you label envelopes according to spending categories. Your take-home pay goes into particular envelopes based on your budget for each category. To that end, you might use some of the methods we’ve discussed, especially a proportional budget method, to decide how to allocate the money.
As you want or need to pay for something, you take money out of the envelope for that category and pay for the items with cash. Once you have emptied the envelope, you no longer spend on that category. With discipline and commitment, you resist the urge to borrow from another category.
Calendar Budgeting
Calendar budgeting encourages you to base your spending on your paydays and your monthly due dates. For example, if you get paid on the first and the fifteenth of each month, you would mark down those days on your budget along with the amount you expect to receive.
Next, you can mark down each fixed payment that will be due during your payment periods. If you receive $1,500 on the first and you have an $80 smartphone payment due on the 10th, you’ll want to jot down $1,500-$80 on your budget. Knowing how to read your paycheck stub is vital to effectively using this method.
Value Proposition Budgeting
Value proposition budgeting, also called “priority-based budgeting,” prompts people to measure the importance of every item they spend money on. The more integral an expense is, the more it’s justifiable if a large percentage of your budget is spent on it.
Businesses and entrepreneurs might favor this method, as it illustrates which expenses are worth their weight in revenue and which you can trim down. Using this method before applying for small business loans can also help you stay within your limit.
Budgeting Methods FAQ
A lot of questions can surface when you’re building out a budget. Here are some of the most common questions we’ve encountered.
What is the best budgeting model?
Budgeting isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, so there isn’t one model that beats the rest. It helps to learn about as many different budgeting strategies as possible to help you construct a plan that suits your specific needs.
The following information will highlight some of the most prominent budgeting methods people use. However, incorporating ideas and budgeting categories from multiple different methods is also a fantastic strategy.
What Things Do I Need to Include in My Budget?
Excel spreadsheets, Google Sheets, a printable monthly budget template, or a budgeting app can all help you account for your income and expenses. Start by listing your take-home pay and other income you received in a given period. If you’re basing the budget on a year, find your W-2 form and subtract all of the taxes withheld from the gross income. As an easier approach, use your final pay stub for the calendar year or total the paystubs in the particular previous month.
Next, list your common expenses for each month. You might have debt payments such as mortgage, car, student loan debt, and credit cards. Other categories of expenses include transportation, food, clothing, utilities, entertainment, television, and other media and insurance.
Build a Better Budget with Credit.com
The budgeting method that works best for you is a personal preference and depends on your financial situation, goals, and ability to be detail-oriented. Whatever you use to create your budget, budgeting should enhance your financial literacy, help you find approaches to debt repayment and other financial goals, and afford you discipline and structure in your spending habits.
A successful budget involves total buy-in and a belief that you can achieve financial independence and finally fix your debt payoff problems. Choose one of these simple budgeting methods to take control of your financial future and reduce your overall money stress.
Check out Credit.com’s guide for managing debt if you need help recovering from a financial setback. When you’ve got the funds, our investing guide can help you learn more ways to strategically increase your income.
During Thursday night’s historic presidential debate broadcast by CNN, housing issues only came up briefly, and only from one candidate. The debate was the first in decades not to be sponsored by the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, the first presidential debate with a commercial break and the first television debate between a current and former president.
In his introductory remarks, President Joe Biden came right out of the gate mentioning housing costs as an issue he wants to address if he’s elected to a second term.
“We’re going to be able to reduce the price of housing,” Biden said of a potential second term in the debate’s opening moments. “We’re going to make sure we build 2 million new units. We’re going to make sure we cap rents so corporate greed can’t take over… corporate greed is the reason why we’re in this problem right now.”
Later, during a question about issues facing Black Americans, Biden mentioned challenges including “segregation that exists among these corporate operations that collude to keep people out of their houses.” He also mentioned his proposal for a $10,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers.
<img decoding="async" width="620" height="620" data-attachment-id="433698" data-permalink="https://www.housingwire.com/articles/election-2020-bernie-sanders-and-donald-trump-on-reverse-mortgages/potustrump_official/" data-orig-file="https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/potustrump_official.jpg" data-orig-size="620,620" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta=""aperture":"0","credit":"White House","camera":"","caption":"Official portrait of President Donald J. Trump, Friday, October 6, 2017. (Official White House photo by Shealah Craighead)","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"Please note that this photo is being sent to you for personal us","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"" data-image-title="potustrump_official" data-image-description="
The official portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump.
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Donald Trump
” data-medium-file=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/potustrump_official.jpg?w=300″ data-large-file=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/potustrump_official.jpg?w=620″ src=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/potustrump_official.jpg?w=620″ alt=”The official portrait of U.S. President Donald Trump.” class=”wp-image-433698″ srcset=”https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/potustrump_official.jpg 620w, https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/potustrump_official.jpg?resize=150,150 150w, https://www.housingwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/potustrump_official.jpg?resize=300,300 300w” sizes=”(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px”>Donald Trump
The Biden administration has been vocal about housing issues this year, including in a dedicated section of the president’s State of the Union address this past March. In the lead-up to that speech, the White House released a housing plan that included an annual tax credit that would give eligible beneficiaries $400 a month for two years to put toward mortgage payments.
He also proposed cutting the requirement for title insurance on some loans, a controversial element of the plan, though it only applies to refinances.
Former President Donald Trump did not specifically mention housing during the debate, nor did any question from moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash specifically focus on it. As of Thursday evening, housing is not present on the “issues” section of Trump’s campaign website.
Welcome to wild and wonderful West Virginia, where quaint college towns create unparalleled community life. Known for its stunning landscapes and hard-working people, West Virginia also has a strong undercurrent of academics that make it a truly special place to spend four years or more.
Whether you’re an aspiring engineer looking for an affordable apartment in Morgantown or a professor of the arts on the hunt for your forever home in Charleston, West Virginia has what you’re looking for and then some. Let’s explore nine exceptional towns that offer strong programs in a welcoming atmosphere.
Lace up your hiking boots, we’re about to explore nine of the best places to study, live, and thrive in the Mountain State.
West Virginia University (WVU) is the heart and soul of Morgantown. Popular majors include engineering, business, and health sciences. The university is known for its well-funded research facilities and dedicated faculty. The PRT (Personal Rapid Transit) system, a unique feature of the campus, showcases the engineering prowess of WVU. Additionally, the John Chambers College of Business and Economics offers students a comprehensive education that includes real-world business experience.
WVU works closely with Morgantown on a handful of projects. The Lane Innovation Hub is a great example of their collaboration, providing students with opportunities to work on real-world projects. Students often find internships with local businesses through university connections. The university also partners with the Morgantown Area Partnership to drive economic development, ensuring that the town and the university grow together. The partnership’s initiatives include promoting local businesses and attracting new companies to the area, providing more opportunities for four-year students and lifetime locals.
Apartments near West Virginia University | Houses for rent near West Virginia University
At Marshall University, nursing, education, and business programs are top-rated. The university’s forensic science program is one of the best in the nation. The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine is another standout. The College of Arts and Media also provides plenty of opportunities for students to find their artistic voices.
Marshall University and Huntington have a strong partnership. The university supports local startups and provides resources for small businesses through its Brad D. Smith Business Incubator. This incubator helps students and local entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to life with mentorship and funding opportunities. The annual Huntington Music and Arts Festival is another joint effort, showcasing local talent and fostering a sense of community. The university also works with the Cabell Huntington Hospital, giving health sciences students experience through internships and clinical rotations.
Apartments near Marshall University | Houses for rent near Marshall University
Shepherd University has excellent programs in nursing, social work, and environmental science. Their historic preservation program is also well known, attracting students interested in conserving and restoring historical sites. The contemporary art and theater programs attract creative students from all over, offering opportunities for artistic expression and performance in professional settings.
Shepherd University is deeply integrated into Shepherdstown. Students often work on community projects, like the town’s annual arts festival, which draws visitors from across the region and showcases student talent. The Shepherdstown Visitors Center frequently collaborates with the university for events, promoting local tourism and cultural activities. The university also works with local environmental groups on sustainability initiatives, like the Shepherdstown Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers program.
Apartments near Shepherd University | Houses for rent near Shepherd University
Fairmont State University is known for its programs in aviation, architecture, and education. Their criminal justice program is also very popular, attracting students interested in law enforcement and public safety careers. The school’s unique National Security and Intelligence program is a significant draw for students interested in government careers, providing specialized training and education in security studies.
Fairmont State University partners with local schools and businesses around Fairmont to provide students with hands-on experience through internships and community service projects. The university also hosts events that bring together residents and students, like the annual Science and Engineering Fair, which showcases student projects and fosters interest in STEM fields. The university’s Center for Civic Life promotes community engagement and collaboration on local issues, encouraging students to participate in town meetings and civic activities.
Apartments near Fairmont State University | Houses for rent near Fairmont State University
University of Charleston has strong pharmacy, business, and nursing programs. Their leadership studies program is unique and highly rated. The Physician Assistant program is one of the top choices for students pursuing medical careers, offering comprehensive training and clinical experience.
The university has a great relationship with Charleston. Students often intern at the West Virginia State Capitol, gaining real-world experience in government and policy-making. This opportunity allows students to see the legislative process firsthand and network with state officials. The Innovation Center on campus fosters local entrepreneurship and business development by providing resources and support to aspiring business owners. This center helps bridge the gap between academia and the local economy, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.
Apartments near University of Charleston | Houses for rent near University of Charleston
Bluefield State University offers excellent programs in engineering technology, business, and nursing. Their computer science program is also noteworthy, providing students with a strong foundation in technology and programming. The radiologic technology program is solid and prepares students for healthcare careers with extensive hands-on training.
The college has strong ties with Bluefield. Students often intern at nearby businesses and organizations, like the Bluefield Regional Medical Center, where they gain practical experience in their fields. The college also collaborates with local high schools for STEM outreach programs, inspiring future engineers and scientists through workshops and mentorship opportunities. The Bluefield Innovate Initiative helps bridge the gap between education and local industry needs, fostering collaboration and innovation. This initiative supports local economic development and provides students with valuable real-world experience.
Apartments near Bluefield State University | Houses for rent near Bluefield State University
West Virginia Wesleyan College is known for its biology, nursing, and creative writing programs. Their musical theater program is nothing to scoff at either. The college’s School of Fine Arts offers extensive opportunities for artistic expression, with numerous galleries, performance spaces, and workshops available to students.
The college works closely with Buckhannon in many ways. Students volunteer at local schools and community centers. The annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival is a joint effort between the college and the town, bringing in visitors and boosting the local economy. The festival features parades, live music, and local vendors. The college’s WE LEAD program encourages students to engage in local service projects, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and community pride.
Apartments near West Virginia Wesleyan College | Houses for rent near West Virginia Wesleyan College
Davis & Elkins College has a particularly strong hospitality management program, preparing students for careers in the tourism and service industries. The Outdoor Recreation Management program takes advantage of the nearby natural resources, offering students unique opportunities for experiential learning.
The college and Elkins have a close-knit relationship. Students participate in community service projects and local events, like the Ramps & Rail Festival, which celebrates local cuisine and history. The college’s arts programs often collaborate with local theaters and galleries, like the Old Brick Playhouse, providing students with opportunities to perform and showcase their work. The Center for Sustainability Studies works on local environmental projects, promoting green practices and sustainability. This center involves students in research and community outreach, helping to address local environmental challenges.
Apartments near Davis & Elkins College | Houses for rent near Davis & Elkins College
Concord University offers popular programs in education, business, and social work. Their psychology program is also highly rated, providing students with a strong foundation in mental health and behavioral sciences. The RTV (Radio Television) program prepares students for careers in media and broadcasting, offering hands-on experience with modern equipment and techniques.
The university and Athens work together on many projects. Students often intern at local schools and social service agencies, gaining practical experience and contributing to the community. The annual Athens-Concord Town Social is a highlight of their partnership, fostering community spirit and bringing together students and residents. This event features music, food, and activities that showcase the talents of the university and the town. The Concord Business Development Center supports local entrepreneurship and business growth, offering resources and support to aspiring business owners.
Apartments near Concord University | Houses for rent near Concord University
Methodology
College towns are qualified as towns or cities with at least one college or university and fewer than 150,000 people according to U.S. Census data. Average rental data from Rent.com in May 2024.
This is not a comprehensive list of all of the towns and cities in the state meeting those requirements.
The average annual cost for a homeowner to perform maintenance on their single-family property has grown 26% over the past four years, faster than the rate of inflation, a Bankrate study found.
Nationwide, the current average cost for maintaining a typical single-family home is $18,118 per year, the Bankrate Hidden Costs of Homeownership Study reported. Using an average property value of $436,291, it means the buyer is paying $1,510 per month in addition to their mortgage payment in homeownership costs.
Back in 2020, before the pandemic-fueled run-up in home prices, it cost $14,428 annually for maintaining or repairing a typical single-family home, equivalent to $1,202 per month.
The cumulative rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, from 2020 until now is 21.7%.
The report’s calculation assumes that the homeowner pays 2% per year of their home’s average value on these costs.
“While homeownership is worth the financial sacrifice, homeowners also need to be aware of the ongoing expenses that go along with owning property,” said Jeff Ostrowski, Bankrate analyst, in a press release. “After you achieve homeownership, you need to fatten up your emergency savings account for all those surprise repairs.”
Incentivizing homeowners to create emergency savings accounts to deal with unexpected events including job loss helped to reduce mortgage default rates, a 2018 JPMorgan Chase study claimed.
While describing these as the hidden costs of homeownership, some of the items used in the calculation are typical beyond maintenance costs, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance, the T&I portion of the mortgage payment. However, rising costs here have been seen as a stressor on troubled homeowners, a panel at a Mortgage Bankers Association conference noted earlier this year.
Some of these other costs are also common (although not necessarily a part of depending on the agreement) to renting a home, such as electricity, internet and cable television service. Many renters also have an insurance policy to cover their personal property.
In a related Bankrate report that came out at the end of May, while 24% of home purchasers said they put aside money to pay for home repairs and maintenance, 19% have needed to take out additional debt for these costs.
Of that second group, 60% financed through credit cards, one-third took out a personal loan, while 25% obtained a second mortgage (respondents were able to make more than one choice for this question).
There’s also a generational divide among those seeking financing. Gen Z makes up the largest cohort of those having to take out debt, at 31%, followed by 26% of millennial homeowners.
At the other end of the spectrum is Gen X, at 19%, and the baby boomers at 13%.
“There’s no question whether these hidden costs of homeownership, involving plumbing calls, appliance replacement or repair, or getting a new roof or HVAC, will occur,” said Bankrate Senior Economic Analyst Mark Hamrick in a press release. “The key questions involve timing and costs. Planning for the expenses, including through dedicated savings, can help affirm the positive experience of what many consider the American dream, which is homeownership.”
The same generational divide exists among the savers, with the younger groups actually claiming a higher rate, 30% of Gen Z and 25% of millennials, while the baby boomers had 24% and Gen X trailed at 20%.
“By avoiding the elevated cost of borrowing, homeowners can hold onto more of their money, which is almost always a good thing,” Hamrick said.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan who schedules their life around the release date of every new movie (that’s us) or you haven’t seen the Caped Crusader since Tim Burton’s fanciful depictions in the ’80s and ’90s, the lure of Batman and the sinister world of Gotham has been drawing us all in some way, shape, or form, since the 1960s.
With yet another brand new Bruce gracing our screens recently (the incomparable Robert Pattinson), the popularity of arguably the world’s most famous superhero continues to peak.
With that and a second installment of The Batman officially confirmed, we can think of no better time to take a closer look at all the places the Dark Knight called home.
Where does Batman live?
Photo credit: IMDb
Just beyond the skyscrapers, surrounded by a sprawling estate and secret tech-filled caves, sits the ever-imposing, Wayne Manor.
There have been so many different versions over the years but they’ve all, in their own way, been equally impressive. Starting of course with the first feature-length depiction of our hero and his home back in 1966.
Batman: The Movie (1966)
Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin in Batman: The Movie (1966). Photo credit: IMDb
Having starred as Batman in the beloved television series, Adam West continued in the role for the first feature-length, live-action movie directed by Leslie H. Martinson. Since the film was made the same year as the show, we got the same Wayne manor in both.
Built in 1928 and valued by Redfin.com at over 20 million dollars, you’ll find this impressive property at 380 San Rafael Avenue in Pasadena. It boasts a whopping 10 bedrooms, six bathrooms, and almost five acres of land making it truly fit for a millionaire CEO (and part-time bat).
The impressively long list of other famous productions shot here includes Rush Hour, Murder, She Wrote, Alias, Stand By Me,The X-Files, and so many more.
It even features as the luxurious home where Helen (Rose Byrne) throws the infamous bridal shower in Bridesmaids. You know the scene where Megan (Melissa McCarthy) takes nine puppies as party favors and Annie (Kristen Wigg) flips out and tries to push over a chocolate fountain with her bare hands? Yeah, that all takes place at Batman’s house!
Batman (1989)
Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne, standing in front of the Knebworth House. Photo credit: Batman Wiki / Fandom
Ramping up the stakes in terms of square footage and, let’s be honest, literally everything else, Tim Burton’s 1989 take on Wayne Manor employed the use of a real-life castle.
That castle is Knebworth House, a stately Tudor home located in Stevenage in the UK. As famous for staging rock concerts as it is for a long history in film, the house and surrounding Knebworth estate have featured in countless blockbusters. The Kings’ Speech, 28 Weeks Later, Nanny McPhee, and Paddington 2 to name just a few.
As for television, you may have also spotted Knebworth doubling as Lady Pheobe’s country house in the latest season of You, and as the inside of Balmoral in The Crown. The best part? During the warmer months, you can buy reasonably priced tickets to tour the house and grounds and soak in all of that history in person.
Batman Returns (1992)
Wayne Manor in Batman Returns (1992). Photo credit: IMDb
Three years later when Michael Keaton’s Batman, well, returned, Tim Burton gave him all new digs. This new and decidedly spookier home was so full of fantasy that it wasn’t actually real.
So, sadly no house to find but it makes perfect sense. Since the overall design concept for this installment was so wacky and exaggerated, it’s only fitting that Burton designed a house so unique it’s literally out of this world.
See also: Skyfall, James Bond’s Childhood Home in the Scottish Highlands
Batman Forever (1995)
Wayne Manor in Batman Forever. Photo credit: IMDb
As Keaton hung up his cape for the third installment, Val Kilmer stepped in to play the role with Joel Schumacher directing. Alongside our new hero came, you guessed it, a brand new Wayne Manor, and it looked nothing like the ones before.
Taking up the mantel was Stevenson Taylor Hall, home to The Webb Institute, a high-ranking college of engineering in Glen Cove, New York. This new home certainly felt more real, though if you ask us, it lost a little of the fantastical flair that made it feel so intriguing.
Interestingly though, the hall was a hit and went on to feature as Wayne Manor twice more. Firstly in Schumacher’s 1997 sequel, Batman & Robin, then again in the television series, Gotham in 2014.
Recognize this location? Scenes from the 1998 movie, Great Expectations starring Gwyneth Paltrow,and the CBS series, Limitless were also filmed here!
Batman & Robin (1997)
George Clooney as Batman and Michael Gough as Alfred in Batman & Robin (1997). Photo credit: IMDb
George Clooney‘s Batman was by no means anyone’s favorite, but that’s not to say the 1997 movie did not leave a lasting legacy. In fact, Clooney recently donned the superhero cape recently for a cameo in 2023’s The Flash, 25 years after his run as Batman.
Also directed by Joel Schumacher, this installment in the Schumacherverse may have changed up the lead actor, with Clooney replacing Val Kilmer, but both Chris O’Donnell (as Robin) and the Webb Institute in Glen Cove, New York (as Wayne Manor) retained their roles.
Batman Begins (2005)
”…this place is a mausoleum. If I have my way, I’ll pull the damn thing down brick by brick.”
Bruce Wayne – “Batman Begins“, 2005
Jumping ahead ten years to 2005 Christian Bale is our brand new Batman. Just when we thought Wayne Manor couldn’t be any more impressive, Mentmore Towers appears.
Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, descending the front steps of Wayne Manor in Batman Begins (2005). Photo credit: IMDb
One of the most iconic and visually striking Residences of the entire franchise, this palatial estate in Buckinghamshire, England dates back to 1852. It has also played a role in countless other iconic movies including Eyes Wide Shut, The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, and even Johnny English!
Sadly as of last year, and since plans to turn the house into a luxury hotel fell through, this once revered estate now sits in a state of decay. The English Heritage register now has it listed as ‘at risk’. We’re hoping someone swoops in soon to rescue this monumental piece of historical real estate.
The Dark Knight (2008)
With art almost imitating life, by the end of Batman Begins, Bruce Wayne’s home lies in ruin. All but burned to the ground after an attack by Ra’s al Ghul, Bruce has to leave the mansion and set up shop in his New York apartment.
Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne inside his New York penthouse in The Dark Knight (2008). Photo credit: IMDb
Not quite as grand but we’ll always welcome a swanky NYC penthouse, however, that’s not where these scenes were shot. In fact, filming took place in Chicago, in the lobby of a Mies Van Der Rohe building.
City views were added with green screens to make it look as if the apartment was sitting above the New York skyline when in reality, it was on the ground floor!
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Bruce Wayne driving away from Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Image credit: Warner Bros.
Okay, so we know we said earlier that each Wayne Manor has proved equally as impressive as the last, but we were wrong.
Woolaton Hall and the surrounding Deer Park, aka, the newly re-built Wayne estate, might just be the most iconic of all the manors we’ve seen so far. Standing proudly in 500 acres of natural parkland in Nottingham, England, this beautiful Grade I listed building is the one we picture when we when think of the Wayne residence.
And can you visit Batman’s house? Yes! Open from January to May and again from August until November, tickets are available on their website.
The Batman (2022)
A final ten-year leap and Robert Pattinson has donned the cape! And serving as a background was not a CGI-generated mansion or a palatial English estate, but something in between.
Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne in The Batman (2022). Photo credit: IMDb
This iteration of the Wayne manor introduces something new altogether with a sleek Art Deco-style tower and an eclectic mix of architectural styles inside. According to Architectural Digest, however, it’s this unique blend of styles that means it’s unlikely this is a real residence.
Unfortunate, but at least we have plenty of other Manor’s on our to-visit list!
The Batman’s second installment is scheduled for release in 2026 and we can’t wait to see all the action. But mainly, we can’t wait to see Bruce’s next house!
More stories
Bruce Wayne’s manor in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy is a palatial estate fit for Gotham’s prodigal son
The most striking James Bond houses, from villain lairs to ancestral homes
The most memorable houses in the MCU: From Tony Stark’s cliffside mansion to Xavier’s School
The San José Mineta International Airport is located in San Jose, California, in the middle of Silicon Valley. If you find yourself traveling into or out of this airport, you may be wondering if there are any lounges in which to relax and avoid the crowds.
There are currently three lounges from which to choose. Below, we’ll dive into all you need to know about the lounges at the San Jose airport.
About San Jose airport lounges
The San Jose airport doesn’t have any airline-affiliated lounges. There are two lounges open to travelers regardless of which airline they’re flying, while the other is accessible only by active U.S. military members.
🤓Nerdy Tip
The San Jose airport has two terminals (A and B), and while there are currently no lounges in Terminal B, you can easily walk between the two.
The Clubs at SJC (Gate A8 and A15)
The San Jose airport offers two lounges, both dubbed The Club SJC: one near Gate A8 and one at Gate A15.
Both offer free snacks and beverages (including soft drinks, beer, wine and liquor), showers, flat-screen televisions with Direct TV and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Club lounges are open to Priority Pass members and travelers who purchase a day pass at least six hours before their scheduled flight.
While the exact food and drink options can change seasonally, below is an example of what’s currently available:
Breakfast (served until 11 a.m.). Cheesy scrambled eggs with mascarpone, orange ricotta toast, yogurt parfaits, fruit and cereal.
All Day Dining (served after 11 a.m.). Sweet and sour meatballs with rice, smoked turkey, avocado and cheddar slider, masala chickpea rice bowl, trail mix, and chocolate brownies.
Drinks. Specialty cocktails, vodka, whiskey and other hard liquors, red and white wines, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
USO Lounge (Between Terminals A and B) – Military only
Located curbside between Terminal A and Terminal B (access from the street-level sidewalk behind the U.S. and California flags).
Offers free snacks and beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations, books and a large-screen television.
Access to the lounge is only available to active U.S. military on a pre-arranged basis.
Credit cards with Priority Pass
If you have the right card in your wallet, you will get access to Priority Pass lounges without having to pay out-of-pocket for a membership or a day pass.
Best Priority Pass cards
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
on Chase’s website
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual fee
Priority Pass benefits
• Full Priority Pass Select membership.
• Includes two guests per visit.
• Full Priority Pass Select membership.
• No limit on the number of guests allowed.
• No restaurants.
• Full Priority Pass Select membership.
• Includes two guests per visit.
• No restaurants.
Enrollment required. Terms apply.
Learn more
Lounges at the San Jose airport recapped
While the San Jose airport lacks an airline-affiliated lounge, it offers three lounges to travelers — two of which are accessible to Priority Pass members.
If you aren’t a Priority Pass member, you can pay $50 per person for access to either The Club SJC (Gate 8) or The Club SJC (Gate 15), though AAA members will receive a discount.
Active U.S. military members may also access the San Jose airport’s Military Lounge, provided they email the airport in advance to arrange their visit.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
We all know Whoopi Goldberg as an iconic actress with an impressive roster of nostalgic films. The 68-year-old EGOT winner has crossed over from the big to the small screen effortlessly, bringing her magnetic personality to daytime television.
Being a host on The View made her a household name, but few people know of her achievements beyond her actress/talk show persona. On top of her long-spanning career, her real estate portfolio is also pretty impressive — and Whoopi has an eye for old Victorian homes.
She loves antique houses so much that she has acquired a remarkable collection of historic homes, now living in a nearly century-old residence in, fittingly, America’s oldest planned community.
Whoopi Goldberg currently lives in West Orange, New Jersey
Photo credit: Google Maps
Nowadays, Goldberg resides in the gated neighborhood of Llewellyn Park in West Orange, New Jersey, about an hour away from her workplace in New York. Known as “America’s oldest planned community,” this area is known for its grand estates and architectural pedigree, with famous residents and ex-residents including William Colgate, George Merck, and inventor Thomas Edison.
Born and raised in Manhattan, Goldberg has always considered herself a true-blue New Yorker. But even city dwellers need a little peace and quiet sometimes.
“I lived in the city and had no way of sitting outside,” Goldberg said in an interview. “Because every time I go sit outside, 50 people would come and hang out.”
Whoopi purchased her current West Orange home in 2009 for $2.8 million. The 97-year-old colonial-style abode was built in 1927 and has 9,486 square feet of space. It has eight bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a large pool, and a gym.
Design-wise, the vintage home is a mish-mash of everything the actress loves. She loves collecting diverse photos and artwork to display on her walls.
Photo credit: Instagram / Whoopi Goldberg
“I am sort of eclectic,” she explained in April 2012. “The periods kind of clash all over the house, which is great for me — it feels like you can hang out. It’s formal … and yet it doesn’t give a s—t.”
She bought her first Victorian in Berkeley, California back in the ’80s
Her love for old homes started in the 1980s, shortly after her big break in The Spook Show.
Goldberg bought her first-ever Victorian-style house for $335,000. It featured New Orleans-style architecture with 1,455 square feet of living space, a large front porch, and vintage columns.
It also had a two-story barn, which was converted into a cottage. She sold this property in 2015 for an impressive $2 million — that’s over $1 million in profit!
Whoopi’s Pacific Palisades vintage home
In 1993, she purchased her second historic home in Pacific Palisades for $2.5 million.
Built in the 1930s, the house was owned by famed writer Vicki Baum. The gorgeous vintage estate boasts over 7,000 square feet of living space and sits on a half-acre lot in a private area.
Photo credit: Redfin / MLS
Lush greenery, tall gates, and thick trees line up its perimeter, keeping the property hidden from prying eyes. Creeping vines decorate the facade, adding an enchanting look to the home.
Indoors, modern elements juxtapose its vintage vibe. Checkered floors, marble fireplaces, and expansive windows add a contemporary touch. Other amenities include a large swimming pool and a separate guest house.
Whoopi kept this home for over two decades and sold it in 2018 for $8.8 million.
Her most remarkable property was a 17th-century house on 745 acres of land
All of Whoopi’s homes have their own unique charm, but the most impressive property she owned was her Vermont farm, which sits on 745 acres of land. While 640 acres are conserved land, which means they can never be developed, the estate is vast and teeming with pasture animals, trees, and crops.
Photo credit: Redfin / MLS
The original colonial house, which dates back to the 1700s, had a two-bedroom bunkhouse. It has been reconstructed several times throughout the years.
In 2004, Whoopi decided to strip down the property to its bare bones and do an extensive renovation. A lot of the original structures were scrapped, but the rustic feel from the original cabin was kept. Whoopi sold the estate — known as the Robinson-Winchester Farm — in 2012 for $1.5 million.
Currently, Whoopi is busy promoting her just-released memoir titled Bits & Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me. The semi-autobiographical book discusses her rise to fame and her relationship with her late mom and brother.
In her exclusive statement to PEOPLE, she said: “This book is dedicated to my mother and my brother and our time together as a small, funny little unit. It’s dedicated to anyone who’s found themselves on a scary path not of their choosing or dealing with loss.”
More stories
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Brad Pitt’s home in Carmel, the historic D.L. James house
See Gwyneth Paltrow’s house in Montecito, her “Forever, Forever Home”
When interior designer Mandy Cheng agreed to take on a project in LA’s upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, she came prepared to discuss ideas for how the clients wanted to live and function in their new surroundings. The clients, tech-industry executives Stuart Leung and Monika Shah, “wanted me to collaborate on ways to make the home express their own distinctive style,” says Cheng, an AD100 designer who parlayed her experience in television and film into a career as one of LA’s top decorators.
The designer’s penchant for employing light, earthy tones, and organic textures helped to showcase that distinctive style while creating an interior scheme that radiates easy, unpretentious livability.
Though the Spanish Mediterranean residence stretches more than 5,800 square feet, Cheng manages to inject warmth and intimacy into each of its rooms using decor that suggests a sophisticated, urbane sensibility. Cream-colored accent chairs with curved frames greet visitors in a living room that includes a deep and spacious velvet sofa. Rounded coffee and end tables add a soft sculptural form to the space.
Wood beams were added to the living room and throughout the house to provide more visual interest to the ceilings, Cheng says. The beams are appropriate for the architectural style of the house and allow visitors to appreciate the entire space from floor to ceiling, she adds.
Custom bifold arched doors were installed to separate the living and dining rooms and create a bold statement upon entering the house. The steel doors—added with the help of SZK Metals—are a nod to the iron doors found in older 1920s Mediterranean- and Spanish-style homes. Cheng says, “These doors really helped elevate the look of these two rooms and framed them nicely, allowing for visual separation.”
The homeowners say Cheng was able to find harmony in blending modern forms and understated colors that naturally reflected their lifestyle. The couple, who have two small children, relied on the designer to synthesize their broad ideas for the home into actionable interior themes.
“When the project started, we kept using a certain set of words as a reference like ‘organic‘ and ‘comfy,’” says Leung. “Mandy understood right from the start what we were after and really brought all of those ideas together.”
Those design aesthetics are on display in the home’s kitchen and breakfast nook, which emphasize craft and materiality. The stools next to the kitchen counter have wood finishes and natural seat cords that give the space an easygoing style that’s welcoming and calming. Floating shelves were added in a kitchen that includes a brass with white leather pendant light. A custom wrap-around bench in the breakfast nook includes an expandable dining table and upholstered chairs. A handwoven pendant light in natural rattan adds a soft, sophisticated tone to the space.
“Our priority was to create a home for our family that fit to our functional and practical needs,” says Shah, whose youngest son was a newborn when the project began in 2021. “The flow from the kitchen into the nook shows how Mandy anticipated the things that would become important to our family.”
Cheng’s talent for blending understated colors with natural textures is also showcased in the primary bedroom. A Noguchi Akari pendant light created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing hangs above a soft-hued bench that’s wrapped in velvet upholstery with a foam-padded frame. An ottoman in cotton velvet with fluting and a piped rim adds to the bedroom’s balance of material, color, and texture.
“Stuart and Monika had a strong sense of how they saw this design unfolding,” adds Cheng. “So we really wanted interiors that didn’t take away from their own tastes.”
Have you ever thought about how it would feel to live cheap?
I didn’t think about it before, but now I know.
When you live a cheap life, you have more money for what you actually want to spend it on, and you can put more money towards your future.
You can do so many things in life, but you should make sure you’re doing them on your own terms. If you want to live cheap, but still have a high quality of life, you’ll need to get out of your comfort zone and be willing to try new things.
A cheap life can also help you save money on your biggest expenses.
Plus you can learn how to live cheap but good and no one will know anything different. Except for you because you are watching your accounts grow with your money saving style.
It is way easier to learn how to live cheaply! The hardest part is saying no to all the temptations.
Living cheap does not mean you deprive yourself or never have fun. In fact, it is quite the opposite!
Let’s dig in and you can enjoy the benefits of how to live cheap and save money.
Why Live Cheap?
In the past, living cheaply meant sacrificing a lot of things in life. However, that’s not always true anymore. There are many ways to live cheaply and still have a great quality of life without compromising your happiness or finances.
One main reason to live cheaply is that it will save you money.
Another reason for living cheap is because of the environmental impact of having a large carbon footprint, which can cost a lot more in the long run.
You might be interested in living cheap if:
– You want to save money on expenses
– You’re struggling to make ends meet
– Your family is spending more than they earn
– You want to have a positive impact on the world
Living cheap is oftentimes associated with simple living. While simple living has a better flair and acceptance, both mean you are willing to live on less and spend less money.
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How to Live Cheap
It’s possible to live cheaply, but the effort involved is significant especially when you are trying to change spending habits and ways of living.
There are big life changes you can make or tiny money saving habits you can do.
What are some ways to live cheap?
There are many ways to live cheaply! Some tips include not eating out, cooking at home, choosing entertainment wisely, and finding free activities. You just have to decide what works for you.
Learn about the frugal home must haves.
The most important step is, to be honest, and creative about what you can do and what you can’t do.
Here are the big things you can do to live cheap:
#1 – Spend Way Less
Many of us can’t afford how society wants us to live. Or maybe you can, but you have no desire to be materialistic.
You prefer the simplest way to create a new life that still allows us to work and care for our family.
Living cheap is not about living poorly. It is about spending way less than your income. Thus, you are saving the difference.
You have a heightened awareness of what your expenses are and you know where your money is spent. Now, you are mastering how to spend money wisely.
You know that living below your means is the path of how to live cheaply.
Budgeting is a way of life in order to keep your expenses at a minimum.
The thought of splurging every single day is gone and when you spend money, you invest in something that will last.
#2 – Focus Long Term
Focusing long term is the process of thinking about the consequences of your actions for a period of time before you take any action. This can be hard to do, especially when it involves emotionally charged topics.
Everyone knows that money is an emotional topic.
For example, debt is expensive. It is not just the money you borrow and repay, but also the interest fees and penalties that accumulate over time. If you want to live cheap, one of the best ways to do it is by paying off your debt as quickly as possible so that no more monthly payments go out the door.
Instead, start with a savings account where you deposit all of your extra cash each month (and ideally add some every week). This will be used for emergency purposes like car repairs, doctor visits, and so on.
Always stay focused on your current money goal as well as your long term financial vision.
#3 – Housing Expenses
Given that housing accounts for 25-35% of your income, this is the biggest place to start.
This is a great way to huge amounts of money each month.
1. Rent a room
Rent a room is an act of renting an apartment or other living space from another person. Renting rooms for a living can be seen as a service that enables people to live close to their work. Renting a room usually involves sharing living space with one or more other people.
2. Live in an RV or Van
Living in an RV or van is a question that many people have been asking themselves, and the answer to this question varies from person to person.
The most common response would be that it depends on the person. Some people love camping and would love to live in an RV for a few months before going back to their house. Other people enjoy living in a van as they are able to go to work and school without having to worry about commuting.
3. Own a Duplex
In a duplex, there is one unit of living space that shares a wall with another unit.
The concept is house hacking by living in one unit of a duplex and renting out the other units and getting money from one side of the building. Thus, making your mortgage nothing or even making money.
4. Buy a Fixer-Upper
A fixer-upper is a house with major problems, which the buyer fixes up and then sells. You can also live in the property while doing the renovations and lowering your housing expenses.
When it comes to buying a fixer-upper, there are always risks and rewards. There is always the possibility that you could end up with an expensive disaster on your hands or find yourself living in paradise for less than the market rate.
5. Rent an Efficiency Apartment
The monthly rent for an efficient apartment is usually lower than a studio.
Efficiency apartments are like studios in that they have only one room and the bathroom is separate from living quarters, but unlike studios which contain two to three rooms, efficiency apartments do not feature any additional space.
By renting an efficient apartment, it offers limited space and utilities, but at a low price.
What are free housing options?
Free housing options are available to people who are homeless, low-income, or living in shelters. These types of housing options include government-funded apartments that are given to the homeless and single-room occupancy hotels.
Other options for free housing include living in a friend or family member’s home. You are living without paying rent.
Also, you can net yourself a free room by doing a little work as well.
Where can you find the cheapest housing?
Finding the best place to live is a difficult task, but it can be made easier with some knowledge of where to find the cheapest housing.
There are many factors that go into finding affordable housing, such as the cost of living, quality of schools, and commute time.
The best place to find the cheapest housing is by looking for listings in your area. There are many websites that offer up-to-date listings of homes for sale or apartments.
70 Ways to Live Cheap
In today’s economy, it is hard to live on a budget. However, there are ways to make your life easier by living cheaply.
Whether we’re saving money or just living debt free, we all struggle with these life decisions. Most of the time it’s better to be frugal than indulge all of our wants and needs.
Frugal living can be difficult, but it’s better for you in the long run.
Here are many tips to live cheaper yet fuller lives.
Money Spending Habits:
Budget your money: Budgeting your money is a process of making decisions on how you will spend your income so that you can have enough for necessities and not exceed your budget. This is a great way to reach a goal.
Cancel bills you can’t pay: The best way to cancel bills you can’t pay is to contact your creditors and ask for a cancellation. If that doesn’t work, you’ll have to explain why the bill was not paid. If you have a lot of bills, consider filing for bankruptcy.
Switch Banks: You should not pay for banking. Period. If you do, it is time to switch. Credit unions are great options.
Insurance bundles: Insurance bundles are a type of insurance that is usually offered by an insurer and includes a number of different types of coverage. Bundles typically include home, auto, life and disability insurance as well as rider policies for loss of income and medical expenses.
Switch banks to one with high APY: If you do not invest in an account with high interest, then you are losing money by not investing. A bank’s APY is the annual percentage yield it pays on deposits. Here is a great online banking option.
Increase income: Increasing one’s income is a way to increase the amount of money one can earn. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as by finding a new job or starting their own business.
Cut your bills: The average person spends around $150 a month on various bills, such as electricity and gas. By cutting your bills where you can, you’ll be able to save a lot of money each month.
Earn cash back on purchases: Earn cash back on purchases is the opportunity to earn money for items you already buy. It can be done through a credit card, debit card, or other means.
Make money on things you own: Sell items you no longer need on eBay, craigslist, and other classified sites instead of throwing them away
Avoid unnecessary spending: When you’re out and about, do your best to avoid places that sell items you don’t need.
Don’t buy things on credit: If you don’t have the money, don’t buy it! That way you won’t be stuck paying more than what an item is worth.
Save your spare change: If you take your spare change and divide it into jars, you’ll be surprised how much money can accumulate.
Automate your budget: Knowing what you have to spend will help keep your shopping in check and prevent impulse buying.
Avoid fees from simple transactions: Credit cards, debit cards, and electronic check transactions have fees associated with them that users need to be aware of in order to avoid being charged for a transaction that they did not intend to pay.
Shopping Habits
Stay out of stores: Don’t go the mall. Changing this simple habit can be a huge savings on a budget and improve quality of life. Find thrifty alternatives to cramming your whole life into a big container, from food to avoiding the mall.
Have a no-spend weekend: A no-spend weekend is a time when people often give up spending and try to save money. Many people use this as a way to get back on track financially by trying to cut back on their spending. Get your no spend printables.
Write down what you want to buy: When you’re tempted by a purchase, take five minutes and write down what you want from the item. Do this for at least three days until your desire is gone.
Buy only used items: Buying used items is a great way to lower the cost of your purchase. The downside, however, is that you might not be able to find exactly what you are looking for.
Skip paying the full price: Many people do not want to pay the full price for a product or service. However, as most companies now provide discounts and promotions, consumers are finding themselves paying less for their services.
Be wary of subscriptions: There are a lot of different types of subscriptions that can be found online. Many people today subscribe to the idea that they need some type of subscription in order to access content on any given website. There are many subscription services that make it seem like you’re not actually paying for content, but rather making a one-time payment to receive all the benefits. Review your subscriptions to make sure you benefit from them.
Trim unused subscriptions: Unused subscriptions are subscriptions that have been set to expire in the next 30 days. They can be canceled by clicking on “cancel subscription” and then deleting the unwanted subscriptions from your account.
Get cashback on everyday products: Online shopping is a great way to get cashback on everyday products. You can search for the best deals by using comparison websites, which will help you find the cheapest price. Personally, I use this one.
Free Stuff: Take advantage of free events and activities in your area. Here is a list of 101+ things to do with no money.
Use the Library: For things like magazines or books, look at the library instead of buying them new.
Buy clothes during the off season: Buying clothes during the off season is a time when deals can be found everywhere. If you want to know what’s inside the trend, now is not the time to buy those clothes. Department stores also offer discounts on winter clothing. Shop at stores with racks, not shelves.
Shop thrift stores: Visit thrift stores and garage sales to find items you want or maybe even flip for a profit. Want to learn more about flea market flipping?
Try to reduce waste: Consider what can be done to reduce waste when purchasing items you need in your house.
Around the House
Adjust the temperature: Turning down the temperature is a key part of many different energy saving strategies. Reducing air conditioning or heating can help people save money, but it also has health benefits. Turn down the heat or air conditioning in your home at night and turn it back up during the day.
Cut back cell phone plan: The best wireless provider for you may be to cut back your cell phone plan. Cutting down on the number of minutes or texts could save you money, but this decision should be made with careful consideration.
Make clothes last longer: The best way to make clothes last longer is to not wear them too often. Washing garments made from natural fibers will help preserve them, while colors can be faded or bleached out with the addition of vinegar. This is a great powder detergent to have your clothes last.
Shop for clothing on clearance: Shopping for a style that best fits within a budget is possible. You can save lots of money by shopping off season.
Eliminate cable or satellite television: People can find shows on the internet instead of overpriced services, so the only monthly payment is something to get broadband internet.
Switch cell phones: It’s important to keep in mind that switching cell phone providers are a big decision. While there are many cheaper alternatives, they may not have the cell service where you need it.
Look into your energy usage: By adjusting your thermostat a few degrees, you could save hundreds and then invest in a comfy sweatshirt.
Limit trips to the Salon: Cut your own hair at home, or get it trimmed. You can also grow out your natural hair color.
Turn off unused lights: Of course, turning off lighting when leaving a room always happens.
Buy in Bulk: Buy things like toilet paper, toothpaste, cleaning supplies for yourself rather than in bulk.
Save money on laundry: All you have to do is wash your clothes at night and hang them up, so it’s ready in the morning when you go to school or work for a whole week! Find more tips on how to save money on laundry.
Transportation
Sell any cars you own: Benefits of selling your own car include not having to worry about finding parking, saving on gas or maintenance, and not having to worry about getting a ride to work.
Use a bike: Biking is a great way to get in shape, exercise, and save money. The best bike for you depends on how much time you have to practice and what kind of riding experience you want.
Carpool: Car pooling is a way for people to share the responsibility of driving each day, or from one destination to another. This can be done by carpooling with others who live near you, or by finding drivers for ridesharing. Plus you save money on gas and maintenance.
Public transportation: Public transport modes include buses, trolleys, trains (rail), metro (subway), trams, ferries, and others. This is cost-effective option.
Food / Grocery Ideas
Grocery Shop Less Often: In order to save on spending, grocery shop less often. Most people rely on big grocery stores with extended selections for their meals, but it’s easy to find out what you need or make what you need.
Meal plan based on cheap ingredients: Being on a budget is never easy, but it can be manageable. In order to make the best use of your time and money, create a meal plan based on cheap ingredients that you have in your pantry and fridge.
Always use a shopping list: To create a shopping list, start by making a list of the items you need. Online grocery shopping has made this process simpler.
Avoid convenience foods: Convenience foods are typically less expensive and easier to make, but they lack nutrients and often have a high amount of sugar. They can cause weight gain, cravings for more food, and even mood swings. Save your money and your health.
Eat at home: Eating at home is cheaper than eating out. Period.
Make your own coffee: Make your own coffee, saving money on your morning fix. Set yourself up with a nifty electric French press or better yet use a reusable cone to brew grounds that won’t ever taste gross.
Make as many of your dinners as possible at home: Eating at home also eliminates the need for two trips out, one to buy food and one to clean up. On average, most people who cook for themselves do so twenty minutes each day.
Maybe use a meal delivery service: Most of the time, the factor that makes eating healthy impossible for some people is the overwhelm in the kitchen. Fortunately, there are many online food delivery services to get fed with fresh produce on your plate. Studies show that people are eating fresh, organic items more often now with the help of these wonderful services. Check out the best meal delivery services.
Buy produce from large supermarkets, not from stand-alone farmers markets.
Eat Out Smart: Find more affordable locally owned restaurants, but be aware of the cost. Look for weekly specials or happy hours.
Use your own coffee mug: Then, you can get a discount on hot drinks at places like Starbucks or Peet’s Coffee & Tea.
Pack lunch for work or school: Instead of buying lunch on-the-go, pack a lunch and save lots of money.
Shop Grocery Ads: Plan ahead for what you need to buy by checking the weekly ads before shopping. Look for the loss leaders to bring you into the stores.
Slashing grocery bills: Slashing grocery bills is a term used to describe the process of reducing food costs by shopping at discount stores. The most common ways to slash grocery bills are buying in bulk, switching from expensive “brand-name” items to generic brands, and buying food on sale.
Figure out Food Habits: You must first determine where you are spending the most money on food. Many people spend a majority of their money on unhealthy processed foods, such as boxed cereal or frozen pizzas. To slash your grocery bill, you must cut back on these items and buy more healthy food.
Cutting coupons: Coupons are an important tool for saving money. Cutting coupons can be tough, but it is possible to save the most money by cutting out ads and extra fees that come with regular purchases.
Buy Store Brands: A store brand is a product that is produced and sold under the same name as a popular brand, but by a different company. Stores that offer their own brands of products include Costco, Wal-Mart, and Kroger.
Don’t Shop Hungry: Shopping while hungry can be a recipe for disaster. That’s why it’s important to remember that you should never shop hungry. Remember not to buy anything that is going to last more than a few hours.
In-Store Grocery Apps: In-store grocery apps are digital tools that help people to find the best prices, buy groceries at their local store, and discover new recipes. In-store grocery apps can be used on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Eat Meatless Meals: If you want to take a break from meat, try eating more vegetarian meals. Meatless meals are often higher in fiber and protein than their meat-containing counterparts. You’ll also save money and help the environment.
Don’t eat out: It’s hardly surprising to hear that eating out is going to cost a ton more than if you simply made your meals at home.
Use cash back apps: Cash back apps are an easy way to earn cash for purchases. They often offer coupons, discounts, and other promotional codes that can be redeemed on selected products or services. Check out these five best cash back apps.
Use Ibotta every time you shop: Ibotta is a mobile app that rewards users with cash for shopping. Users earn money by scanning barcodes and completing tasks such as taking surveys, watching videos, or answering trivia questions.
Stop buying K-Cups: In recent years, K-Cups have been a popular way to brew coffee for many people. However, the problem with these pods is that they are actually quite expensive and environmentally unfriendly. The cost of a K-Cup is roughly three to five cents, whereas the average coffee shop brews a cup for two or three dollars. Additionally, many people are concerned about the waste that comes with K-Cups. Coffee pods are typically made of plastic, which cannot be recycled and is often littered on the ground for people to pick up. As a result, here is a reusable alternative that is cost effective and environmentally friendly way to drink coffee.
How to Live Simply and Cheaply
A budget can help you live a simple and cheap life. It allows for the spending of money on what is necessary to keep your quality of life up at all times.
It’s important not to spend too much time thinking about how you’re going to pay for things because that will only lead to stress, which leads to bad financial habits like overspending or taking out loans when they don’t need them.
The best way to live cheaply is by not spending on luxuries or buying too many things.
Instead, focus on big purchases. For example, buying a car can be expensive but it will make your life easier as you won’t have to rely on public transportation or worry about traffic jams.
Most people, do not want to go to the extreme of how to live super cheap.
But, that is completely up to you and what you want to do with your life.
You can choose your lifestyle.
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