I am fat, but I am not obese. I do not pause to catch my breath when climbing stairs. I do not avoid hikes or sports for fear of failure. But — no mistake — I am fat. I am far above my normal weight. I carry 205 pounds on a frame built for someone forty pounds lighter. [PDF: Body mass index and health, from the USDA.]
How does this relate to personal finance? Your health is your most important asset. Not your house. Not your car. Not your job. Not your retirement account. These are secondary. Your health is your most important asset. Even someone as young as I am (37) can face serious financial repercussions from being overweight.
According to the USDA, “overweight or obese people are more likely than those at normal weight to have medical problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.” Furthermore:
According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, in 2003-2004, an estimated 66 percent of U.S. adults were overweight or obese, along with 17 percent of children and adolescents. The total annual cost of obesity was an estimated $117 billion in 2000.
Another USDA publication [PDF: “Health Insurance, Obesity, and Its Economic Costs”], breaks down the individual cost of being fat:
The lifetime medical costs related to diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, and stroke among the obese are $10,000 higher than among the non-obese. Among the overweight, lifetime medical costs can be reduced by $2,200 to $5,300 following a 10-percent reduction in body weight.
Being fat costs money. It costs time. (Overweight people have shorter lifespans.) And it costs mental capital, too. I have experienced these costs in my own life.
Four years ago, I destroyed the ACL in my right knee while playing city-league soccer. I was out of shape and overweight, and my body betrayed me. I spent six months hobbling around, unaware of the injury’s extent. Ultimately, after several doctor’s visits, I had an MRI, surgery, and physical therapy. Even with insurance, this was expensive, especially considering I hadn’t yet wised-up financially. (Cost: roughly $2,000, and a loss of mobility in my right knee.)
Like many who are overweight, I suffer from sleep apnea. Last summer, I spent two nights in a sleep lab. I was given a prescription for a C-PAP machine. (Cost: $734.54, and that damned mask strapped to my face every night for the past year.)
When overweight, I suffer from mild depression. It afflicts my self-esteem and saps my will. (Cost: more mental than financial, thus far.)
Whenever I get heavy, I always join a gym. I pay for a year in advance, go for a couple weeks, and then gradually lose interest. Soon the guilt of having paid hundreds of dollars for a service I am not using becomes overwhelming, which makes matters worse. (Cost: Nothing out-of-pocket — paid by employer. I used to pay $300-$500/year.)
As I get bigger, I’m forced to buy new clothes. My wardrobe increases as I do. I tell myself that I’ll have lots of clothes when I lose the weight, but so far I’m only buying new. (Cost: about $200/year.)
Ultimately I spend more on food to subsidize my fat than I do when I eat healthfully. I’ve never examined the actual costs, but I’m sure all the candy and chips and soda are a steady drain on my funds.
In the past four years, I have paid $4500 because I am fat. And that doesn’t include food.
This post is not a pity party. It is a rallying cry for anyone who is out of shape, who has allowed their physical fitness to lapse. I know many adults who are at a healthy weight but who do not exercise. Just half an hour of exercise every day promotes better fitness. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cancer and improves self-esteem. Just do it!
If you would like to pursue a course of fitness, here are some helpful tools.
Joe’s Goals, a free online goal tracker.
FitDay, a free web-based diet and weight loss journal. I’ve used this on-and-off for several years. I recommend it.
The book that helped me defeat the fat in 1997 is Realities of Nutrition. It’s fantastic. It doesn’t try to convince you one diet is better than another. It lays out the facts about nutrition. It describes what carbohydrates are, what fat is, what protein is, and explains how they work in concert to give the body energy.
The 29 healthiest foods on the planet
The world’s healthiest foods
When I stood on the scales on the evening of 07 May 1997, I was horrified. I weighed 200 pounds. I was 28 years old. How had I grown so heavy? I steeled my mind. Over the course of the next six months, I dedicated myself to eating healthy and exercising daily. I lost 42 pounds before falling off the wagon on Halloween night. Despite continued battles with food, for two years I remained fit. But then the weight came back.
I am ready to lose it again.
Extra Weight, Higher Costs
I’ve been working with Lauren Muney, a wellness coach (about which more later). This morning, Muney sent me a New York Times article by Damon Darlin which describes how extra weight leads to higher costs.
Being fat costs money — tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Heavy people do not spend more than normal-size people on food, but their life insurance premiums are two to four times as large. They can expect higher medical expenses, and they tend to make less money and accumulate less wealth in their shortened lifetimes. They can have a harder time being hired, and then a harder time winning plum assignments and promotions.
Darlin’s article does a great job of summarizing the financial impact of being overweight. It’s these financial costs (resulting from health problems) that most worry me about being fat. Many find fat people unattractive, but I’m not one of them: I was raised in a family where fat was the norm, and it does not bother me. But the health risks and the associated costs do bother me.
For example, Darlin cites a study from the University of Wisconsin which demonstrated that by supersizing a fast-food order (at an average cost of 67 cents) leads to $6.64 in future medical costs for an obese man, and $3.46 in future medical costs for an obese woman. Super-sizing does not save money.
Many people do find the overweight unattractive, and consciously or not, they treat them differently. There is a social cost to being fat. (More here.) Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that “weight bias”, discrimination against the obese, is at least as strong as race bias. (The article points to Harvard University’s Implicit Association Test, where you can check your own internal biases.)
Studies have also demonstrated that there’s a direct correlation between obesity and net worth. The heavier the person, the less they earn. My initial reaction is that it’s impossible to determine which is the cause and which is the effect — does obesity lead to low net worth, or does low net worth lead to obesity? — but apparently this is a known problem with the research. Regardless, significant weight loss can lead to an increase in wealth.
A baby boomer whose [Body Mass Index (B.M.I.)] drops from 27.5, the middle of the overweight category, to 21.7, the middle of the normal category, sees an increase in wealth of $4,085.
Since first writing about my weight problem in October, I’ve made tremendous progress. This is largely due to Muney, a reader of this site. She wrote that because I had helped her make progress on her wealth, she’d like to help me make progress on my health. After working with her for a month, the results have been outstanding. I’ve lost weight. But more than that I feel great: my physical and mental well-being are the best they’ve been in years.
I look forward to continued progress, and to removing myself from the risks and costs associated with obesity. Right now, I’m going for a walk!
Three months ago I wrote about the high cost of being fat. I had spent $4500 over four years because of my weight. The problem wasn’t just costing me money — it had caused sleep apnea, a torn ACL, and mild depression, three conditions which eroded my quality of life.
Then a reader issued a challenge. Lauren Muney wrote to provide her services as a wellness coach free for one month: “I’m offering this to you because I’ve been reading your blog daily and I want to give back,” she said. She continued:
Most people think that coaching is bull. It’s amazing how much money people will spend on diet books, fad equipment, diet pills, and the like — and never budge an inch. I just talk to my clients. They drop 10, 20, even more pounds of weight, plus they retain the weight loss and make life changes they never thought possible. But it is they who do the work and they who take the glory. I know you understand the value of getting rich slowly but carefully. It’s the same with fitness and lifestyle changes — the good stuff is slow, but it sticks.
For years I’ve complained about being fat. People are sympathetic, but nobody had ever laid it on the line like this before. It felt strange. Lauren was offering to help me, but only if I were willing to take responsibility for my actions. I was scared. I realized that an impartial third-party — an expert third party — was exactly the sort of motivation I needed to succeed. (I’ve always worked best under supervision.) I decided I’d be a fool to refuse her offer.
Lauren had me begin by keeping track of everything I ate. (This is similar to my admonition to track everything you spend.) I knew my diet was poor, but I never realized how poor until I began to keep a food journal: donuts for breakfast, candy bars for lunch, Safeway Chinese food for dinner. I recorded everything in gory detail. After Lauren looked at the data, we spent an hour by phone discussing my habits, exploring ways I could change them. Among other steps, she had me:
Eliminate excess sugar. It was clear that I’d become a sugar junkie. Eating donuts and candy bars and sucking down soda was giving me more refined sugar than my body could handle.
Reduce alcohol consumption. I’d been having a drink or two most nights. On Lauren’s advice, I cut back to almost nothing. (I still have a drink at parties or on special occasions.)
Reduce caffeine consumption. So long, soda. So long, tea. I used to be a Diet Pepsi junkie. I had a weakness lapsang souchong. Now caffeine is a rarity.
Eliminate processed foods. Most of my meals were from one of two food groups: canned or frozen. Canned soup, canned chili, canned pasta, canned vegetables. Frozen pizza, frozen lasagna, frozen chicken patties, frozen fish. Lauren had me purge processed foods from the house. (This was difficult for a frugal person like me — each discarded TV dinner was like throwing away money.)
Introduce whole foods into my diet. I’ve always struggled to eat enough fruits and vegetables. Even with this program, I’m not getting as much as I should, but I’ve gone from eating a couple a week to eating a couple a day. That’s a huge improvement.
Drink water. Humans are ugly bags of mostly water. I wasn’t getting enough of it. By drinking more water, my hunger subsided.
Eat balanced meals. Lauren emphasized the importance of having a protein, a carbohydrate, and a fat with every meal. I thought this change would be pointless, but have been surprised at how effective it has been at satisfying my hunger.
Exercise portion control. I have a natural tendency to eat huge portions. Lauren coached me to reduce my portion sizes so that I’m not overeating.
Lauren’s advice wasn’t all about food, though. She stressed the importance of physical activity. She had me do the following:
Obtain a complete physical. We were particularly curious if I showed signs of diabetes. (My addiction to sugar, and my reaction to it, are worrying.) I don’t. My cholesterol is borderline, but other than that things look fine.
Buy a pair of running shoes. I’d been walking and jogging in a pair of fashionable sneakers. Lauren had me actually get fitted for shoes that matched my stride.
Meet with a running expert. I made an appointment with the owner of the running store. He spent time demonstrating proper form, showing me how to improve my stride.
Practice mindfulness. A lot of my behavior was reflexive. I was just eating whatever I felt like, or whatever was in front of me. Lauren urged me to slow down, to question my actions.
Over the course of one month Lauren and I spoke weekly about my progress. During each session she praised my success and helped me to learn from my failures. After each conversation, she drafted an e-mail that summarized the goals we’d set for the coming week. This process worked wonders.
Lauren helped me see the barriers I had created: “I can’t eat breakfast because I don’t have time”, “I need to eat all of the leftovers”, “It’s too cold and wet to exercise”. These barriers still exist, but now I recognize them for what they are. And I’ve learned something: 80% of wellness is mental. Just as with personal finance, physical fitness is about overcoming mental barriers.
I learned not to bring temptations into the house. I’m good about saying “no” to the big things — a package of cookies at the grocery store — but I’m terrible at saying “no” to the little things. A single cookie at home becomes two, which becomes three, which becomes an entire plate. I have the discipline to resist an entire package of cookies, but not to resist them individually, so I keep them out of the house completely.
I’ve stuck to the plan for three months now. I had a ten-day lapse around Christmas — all the cookies from friends were too much to resist — and I need to ramp up my exercise, but things are going well. I’ve lost thirteen pounds. I have more energy. I’m not foggy-headed from sugar. Best of all, I’m no longer suffering from the depression that has dogged me for the past two years.
I couldn’t have done this without the help of a wellness coach. Because Lauren exists outside my daily life, outside my family, outside my circle of friends, she’s able to point out problems without the baggage of other relationships. There’s still a lot of work to be done. In early March, when spring begins to peek its head through the Oregon rain, I’ll contact Lauren to set up another month of coaching, but this time as a paying customer!
As the proprietor of Physical Mind, Lauren Muney specializes in lifestyle improvement and increasing human performance for personal, professional, and business endeavors. She’s also a crack whip artist! And a fire-eater!
Pet adoptions have been soaring with the current COVID-19 pandemic. In my opinion, that totally makes sense! After all, who wouldn’t want an adorable cuddle to pass the newfound time at home?
That’s where a pandemic puppy can come into the picture. Today I will share a complete look at the cost of adopting my pandemic pup, so you can know what you’re getting into.
What’s Ahead:
Why I adopted a pandemic puppy
I’ve been dreaming of adopting a puppy since I got to college. I grew up with a wonderful dog and waited for the day that I could comfortably adopt a new puppy.
Over the years, I always had a responsible reason for why I couldn’t adopt a puppy at the moment. For years, my string of small apartments wouldn’t make a happy home for a puppy. Plus, I wanted to have some savings on hand for the inevitable expenses the responsibility of a dog would bring, like unexpected vet visits. Little did I know, I could save on some of these expenses by purchasing a pet insurance policy through an insurer like Embrace. However, without that knowledge, I continued to put off my desire to bring a puppy into my life.
In January, my husband and I started to seriously consider bringing a puppy home. We were finally living in a space with a fenced backyard and plenty of nearby hiking trails for an active pup. We even applied to adopt a handful of puppies, but the timing never worked out for us.
In mid-March, my husband and I were looking forward to a busy spring. I had several fun trips mapped out until the COVID-19 pandemic through our plans for a loop. As things started to settle into an isolating routine, my husband transitioned to working from home. At that point, we decided that we were truly ready to bring home a puppy with both of us available at the house.
When we spotted our pandemic puppy on a rural shelter page in mid-March, we hopped in the car and drove the hour to meet him. Immediately we fell in love and put down a deposit to secure his adoption for the next week. We were able to bring him home at the end of March when he turned eight weeks old.
Pongo has been our fun-loving pup ever since!
The cost breakdown
Pongo was an adorable eight-week-old puppy that quickly grew into a 40-pound bundle of joy. Along the way, he has turned out to be a rather expensive pandemic purchase.
I will take more in-depth about this below, but one way to save a ton on puppy costs is through pet insurance. Pumpkin is one of the best options on the market, with an affordable preventive care option.
Bringing him home
The first major expense of owning a pet is bringing them home. For Pongo, those costs added up quickly.
$50 deposit to secure his adoption. We paid this fee a week before he was available for adoption to ensure that he was coming home with us.
$150 adoption fee. The adoption fee covered his neuter surgery and other medical treatments that the shelter provided. When Pongo was found at the shelter, he and his brother were in fairly bad shape. Both had significant skin issues which needed extensive treatment. Luckily, the shelter quickly restored his skin to a better condition and continued the treatments after we brought him home.
$210 rental pet fee. When we first got Pongo, we were living in a rented duplex. The landlords graciously allowed us to bring Pongo home. But we had to pay a $210 non-refundable pet fee.
The first part of the adoption journey was several hundred dollars. But that was just the beginning!
Vet bills
When you bring home a young puppy, you should expect to pay for a wide range of vaccinations. We brought Pongo home as an eight-week puppy with some severe skin issues. With that, our vet bills were a little bit higher than the norm.
$189.96 – First vet visit and a handful of shots.
$87.04 –A booster shot visit.
$205.8 –More shots and skin check-up.
$67.27 –Another booster shot visit.
$79.33 –A microchip visit with another vaccine.
The veterinary costs can add up quickly. But after this last visit to the vet, Pongo should be okay until his annual appointment in March.
Other costs
Beyond the initial costs of bringing him home and the vet bills, extra expenses needed to be considered. I’ll break them down now:
$98.17 – The first of many Amazon orders to make our home comfortable for Pongo. This included buying a crate to grow into, potty training pads, teething rings, and other toys.
$6.25 – A quick trip to the hardware store by my house that sells dog toys and bones.
$12.68 –Another Amazon purchase to stock up on toys – because Pongo rips through toys very quickly.
$58.01 –A Petsmart run for food and other supplies.
$10.57 –More toys from Ace Hardware.
$280 – We set up a subscription for Pongo’s food from Amazon. With that, we are able to save 5% on his food, but it still adds up.
$50 – Walmart Pet Rx purchase for his first round of heartworm medication.
$75 –A Chewy delivery of Pongo’s six month supply of preventative medications.
$275 –The combined total of boarding costs for Pongo on three separate occasions.
As you can see, the extra costs of a puppy can get expensive.
The total cost of adopting my pandemic puppy
Although we look for opportunities to save where we can, the cost of owning a pet is just expensive. What isn’t included in these expenses are the sleepless nights of puppy potty training and adorable puppy cuddles that make it all worth it.
In total, the cost of adopting our pandemic puppy is $1,904.51. So far, we’ve spent close to $2,000 on Pongo. But I’m optimistic that the upfront veterinary costs of adopting a puppy with a few skin issues will not continue to be a major factor.
Overall, we were very happy to bring Pongo into our lives. He has been worth every penny!
Where I could have saved more
Of course, there are always ways to save more. What I didn’t look into when I first brought Pongo home was pet insurance. I think that I seriously missed out on an opportunity to save on vet bills. With that, you may want to look into your pet insurance options if you are considering adopting a pet. Here is a bit more about Embrace.
Lemonade
Lemonade is a great pet insurance option. They’re quickly disrupting the industry with their low-cost plans that start as low as $10/month (and a 10% discount if you also insure your home or car through Lemonade). But, you can decide the deductible amount and coverage limit you want to set for yourself.
When it comes to what they cover, the answer is pretty much up to you. If you’re looking for basic wellness care and vaccine coverage, Lemonade has a plan for you. But, they’re also perfect for those looking to protect their pet in the event of an accident or illness. They’ll cover heartworm testing, fecal testing, bloodwork, emergency surgeries, x-rays, labwork, medications, and more.
Plus, an especially wonderful feature of Lemonade is that they offer expert medical advice via their chat feature. That way, you don’t have to call up the vet for every little question.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is another pet insurance provider that offers an insurance plan designed to prioritize the wellness of your pet. Pumpkin offers insurance that covers a high percentage of eligible veterinary expenses for accidents and illnesses. Pumpkin also offers an optional preventative care plan – Pumpkin Preventive Essentials – which pays for an annual wellness exam, vaccines, and select lab tests to detect parasites & life-threatening diseases.
Here’s how Pumpkin works: when your dog is sick, you can take them to any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada for treatment. You pay the vet and then afterward, file a claim for the eligible veterinary expenses to be reimbursed after your annual deductible has been met.
In terms of annual limit options with Pumpkin, every family is offered a 90% reimbursement rate on eligible vet bills, up to an annual coverage limit of $10k or $20k for dogs and $7k or $15k for cats.
Embrace
Embrace offers pet insurance policies that you can customize to your coverage needs. You’ll be able to adjust the monthly premiums and annual payout limits to suit your budget.
In addition to the flexible coverage, you can choose to take part in a Wellness plan. A Wellness plan will reward you for taking care of your pet’s needs on a regular basis. Essentially, you’ll be rewarded if you are taking care of your pet responsibly.
Summary
The costs of a pandemic puppy can add up quickly. But if you are prepared for that financial responsibility, then the costs pale in comparison to the fun of bringing home a puppy. Even as the chaos of the pandemic swirls around us, Pongo has been an amazing blessing in our lives.
If you are considering bringing a puppy home, I’d encourage you to think about the costs ahead of time. When you have the costs of a puppy factored into your budget, you can enjoy the experience of adopting a puppy to the fullest!
Pumpkin Advertiser Disclosure: Pumpkin Pet Insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/insurancepolicy. Products, discounts, and rates may vary and are subject to change. Pumpkin Insurance Services Inc. (“Pumpkin”) (NPN #19084749) is a licensed insurance agency, not an insurer. Insurance is underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company (NAIC #21113, Morristown, NJ), a Crum & Forster Company and produced by Pumpkin. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not an insurance policy. It is offered as an optional add-on non-insurance benefit. Pumpkin is responsible for the product and administration. Pumpkin Preventive Essentials is not available in all states. For full terms, visit pumpkin.care/customeragreement.
In the family-friendly neighborhood of Encino, in the San Fernando Valley region of L.A., a former NBA All-Star’s house is looking for new owners.
Listed for $4,999,000 (Michelle Schwartz and Mauricio Umansky of The Agency hold the listing), the gated mid-century estate is currently home to former NBA player Kiki VanDeWeghe and his wife, acclaimed interior designer and structural engineer Peggy VanDeWeghe.
Kiki, whose full name is Ernest Maurice “Kiki” VanDeWeghe III, and Peggy bought the house back in 2010, per public records, and have revamped the entire residence — giving the mid-century home a refreshed, stylish look that combines bold, sophisticated design elements with wellness amenities and an overall emphasis on wellbeing and relaxation.
NBA All-Star Kiki VanDeWeghe’s house in Encino. Photo courtesy of The Agency
The single-level, 5-bedroom home has a harmonious, Feng Shui-inspired layout, accented by dramatic design elements.
The elegant dining room and wine bar are ideal for hosting large and small gatherings alike, while the zen den — featuring walnut floors and a stone fireplace with a fossil stone hearth — provides a peaceful space to unwind.
Arguably the most attractive part of the house, the family room boasts high ceilings, oak floors, and a 23-foot stone alcove wet bar that seamlessly transitions into the chef’s kitchen.
Photo courtesy of The AgencyPhoto courtesy of The AgencyPhoto courtesy of The AgencyPhoto courtesy of The AgencyPhoto courtesy of The AgencyPhoto courtesy of The Agency
Kiki and Peggy’s primary bedroom suite is actually a fully-fledged retreat.
It features a loft, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, dual bathroom vanities, a steam shower, and a massive walk-in closet.
Photo courtesy of The AgencyPhoto courtesy of The AgencyPhoto courtesy of The Agency
The are 4 additional private suites, each with its own custom finishes, en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets, and a walkout to the luxe outdoor space.
Speaking of the outdoor areas, the couple’s home features an oversized saltwater pool, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, a putting green, a veggie garden, and even a rooftop deck.
Photo courtesy of The AgencyPhoto courtesy of The Agency
The long-retired hoopster, who played for the Denver Nuggets (1980-1984), the Portland Trail Blazers (1984-1989), the New York Knicks (1989-1992), and the Los Angeles Clippers (1992-1993), moved on to become the general manager of the Denver Nuggets and the New Jersey Nets, and a head coach of the Nets.
He also served as the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations for 8 years, playing a significant part in modernizing the league’s basketball operations during his tenure. VanDeWeghe stepped down from his position in 2021 but retained a league advisory role.
More stories
Michael Jordan’s house is still on the market, 10 years after it was first listed for sale
Where does LeBron James Live Now? A Look at the NBA Superstar’s Impressive Homes
Shaquille O’Neal’s house in Orlando — with the Superman Bed
It can be tough to get a good handle on your finances, especially when you’re first starting out in your career or just don’t have a lot of cash to spare. Throw in student loan debt, a worldwide pandemic, and growing economic uncertainty, and it can seem especially daunting to get your financial situation on the right track.
Luckily, there are a few bad money habits that you can break that will make getting your finances in order easier. While there are many aspects of your financial situation that you can’t control, getting rid of bad money habits and forming new, responsible habits when it comes to spending and borrowing can set you up for success.
What’s Ahead:
1. Spending More than You Earn
How much you spend vs. how much you earn is one of the key factors that can make or break your financial health. You should always aim to spend less than you make each month, with the goal of saving 20% of your income each month.
While this sounds simple enough, life can get in the way sometimes, whether you have a couple of unexpected expenses that tank your budget, you lose a source of income, or you just don’t quite make enough to meet your basic needs each month. Even if you find yourself unable to spend less than you make right now, earning more money than you spend should always be your ultimate goal when it comes to setting your finances in order.
2. Living above Your Means
Living above your means can put a serious dent in your finances if you aren’t careful. While you probably don’t need to be frugal to the extreme, you should steer clear of expensive and unnecessary purchases like new cars, luxury apartments, and fancy vacations if you’re still trying to get your financial footing. This doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself every once in a while, but it does mean you should make it work within your budget.
3. Not Sticking to a Budget
How do you know how much you can spend each month while still living within your means? The easiest way to do so is to make (and stick to) a budget.
You should include necessities like housing, utilities, groceries, and insurance, and may want to add categories for saving and discretionary “fun” spending each month if your budget allows.
Not sure where to start? Budgeting software like PocketSmith makes budgeting easy and painless.
4. Not Tracking Spending
After you set a budget, the next step is to track your spending each month to make sure that you’re sticking to it. Tracking spending can help you to make sure that you’re not going over budget in any one area. It also helps you to keep track of your finances and get a clear-eyed view of what you spend your hard-earned money on.
5. Not Educating Yourself about Personal Finance
The world of personal finance can be full of jargon and terms that are confusing for beginners. I had never studied business or accounting and found many financial terms frustratingly opaque when I first started to learn more about personal finance.
Unfortunately, poor financial literacy can have negative consequences when it comes to your financial wellbeing. Knowing enough about personal finance to make responsible and educated decisions when it comes to money is really important. Luckily, there are plenty of free resources online (including the articles here at Money Under 30!) to get you started.
6. Not Building up an Emergency Fund
A sizable safety net is another cornerstone of good financial health. After you’ve set a budget and begun to track your spending each month, you should start to put money away each month towards an emergency fund.
Most financial experts recommend that you save between three and six months worth of expenses in an emergency fund. If you’re not sure exactly how much to save, you can use MU30’s emergency fund calculator to figure it out.
7. Not Saving for Retirement
Once you’ve established a budget and stashed away some money for an emergency fund, the next step on your path to financial wellness should be to start saving for retirement. This is especially important if your employer matches retirement contributions since you’re basically leaving free money on the table if you don’t contribute up to their match limit.
If your employer doesn’t offer any retirement savings options, you can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA (the contribution limit is $6,000 in 2020.) Once you’ve maxed out your retirement contributions for the year, you can save or invest any additional cash that’s leftover.
If you’re not sure how much you should be saving, MU30’s investment calculator can help you plan your savings goals. If you need help with the ins and outs of investing for retirement and beyond, investing services like blooom (which helps you manage your IRA or 401(k)) and Public investment app make investing accessible even for beginners.
8. Not Paying off Your Credit Card Balance in Full Each Month
I’ve certainly been there – when you’re not making enough to make ends meet and need to pay your bills each month, it can be tempting to put extra expenses on a credit card.
While credit cards provide welcome flexibility and rewards redemption opportunities, they can quickly turn into a major debt burden if you’re not careful. If it’s at all within your means, you should try to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid accumulating interest and building up debt.
9. Making Late Payments
Late payments are another common financial mistake when you’re new to personal finance. Unfortunately, they can have lasting consequences when it comes to your credit score and your wallet.
Late payments on bills often come with additional late fees and interest, and a history of late or missed payments can lower your credit score. If it’s your first time making a late payment, you should contact your creditor to see if they can forgive a one-time late payment.
10. Not Investigating All Your Options when it Comes to Financial Products
It can be easy to go with the path of least resistance when it comes to personal finance products like bank accounts, credit cards, and loans. Whether you get a recommendation from a family member or friend, get a flyer in the mail, or see an ad online, you may be tempted to go with the first available option.
Resist that temptation – you should always compare different financial products in order to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
11. Spending Too Much on Groceries
Groceries are definitely one of the biggest weaknesses in my budget! It’s so easy to spend more than you mean to at the grocery store, especially if you love to cook and eat delicious food.
If cooking at home and eating well is important to you, it’s okay to budget a little extra in the grocery department. But you should try your best to reign it in and stick to a reasonable monthly goal when possible. I’ve found it also helps to plan meals in advance, shop at bulk stores like Costco, and invest in shelf-stable staples like rice and lentils to stretch my budget even further.
12. Buying Everything New
If you’re trying to save money and get your finances under control, buying everything new can siphon off hundreds of dollars in savings each year. No matter what you’re looking to buy, from cars to clothing and everything in between, there are probably cheaper gently used options.
I love trawling Craigslist, yard sales, and thrift stores for hidden gems! While you probably won’t be able to find absolutely everything you need, it’s still a good idea to check out your options before you buy any brand new items at the sticker price.
13. Not Investing in Insurance
When your budget is already tight, it can be tempting to forgo insurance in favor of making ends meet. But going without insurance can put you in an even worse financial situation when you need help the most.
If you’re able to, you should invest in insurance including health insurance, home or renters insurance, and auto insurance to make sure that you’re covered in the event of an emergency. Insurance marketplaces like Policygenius can help you to find an affordable insurance policy that works for you.
14. Ignoring Your Student Loans
Like many Millennials, I have a pretty sizable student loan burden racked up over the course of undergrad and graduate school. Making student loan payments on time each month can be a major strain on your budget, but failing to pay off your loans can have even worse consequences.
Luckily, there are some options to make paying down your loans more bearable. When it comes to federal student loans, you may be eligible for an income-based repayment plan that could drastically reduce your monthly payment. And for private student loans, you may qualify to refinance your loans at a lower rate and save on interest.
15. Spending More than You have to on Phone Plans
Phone plans are another common monthly expense that can add up fast if you’re not careful. When purchasing a phone plan, you should think about what services and data you really need before automatically selecting an expensive plan.
It can be helpful to look back at old billing statements and see how much data you really used each month. You may also want to consider getting on a family plan with family members, friends, or roommates to save money each month.
16. Not Shopping around for Auto Insurance
If you haven’t changed your auto insurance policy in a while, there’s a good chance that you could be saving money each month if you make a switch. That might sound like an auto insurance sales pitch, but it’s true!
Your rates are likely to be lower after you switch if it’s been a long time since you’ve been in an accident, or just because you’ve gotten older and are viewed as a less risky driver by insurance companies. Some car insurance companies, like Metromile, charge you based on how many miles you drive each month, which can be a boon if you’re mostly working from home.
If you’re happy with your insurance provider and don’t want to make a switch, ask them if they can reevaluate your monthly rate or match quotes from the competition.
17. Subscription Bloat
Subscription services have proliferated in recent years, from popular software like Adobe Creative Cloud to monthly subscriptions for everything from TV channels to cute underwear. While it’s easy to sign up for a subscription and forget about it, especially if it only costs a few dollars a month, they can really add up over time.
One way to cut down on subscriptions is to survey your bank statement at the end of each month and evaluate which subscription charges are truly worth it.
If you don’t want to take the time to do this yourself, you can set up an account with Trim, a service dedicated to helping you clear out your unused subscriptions. They’ll even negotiate your bills for you on your behalf!
18. Lifestyle Inflation
Whether you just got a pay raise or started a lucrative side hustle, it can feel incredibly freeing to have a little extra cash left over at the end of each month. While it’s tempting to treat yourself and celebrate your new success, you shouldn’t let lifestyle inflation eat into your budget. By living within your means and socking away any additional money you earn into savings and investments, you can set yourself up for a bright financial future.
19. Not Having a Career Plan
While reducing your expenses, saving, and investing are all good strategies toward sound financial health, one of the most effective ways to jumpstart your finances is to earn more money. This isn’t always as difficult as it sounds!
By planning out your career path, you can work toward earning more in the future. If you think you’re not being compensated enough at your current job, you might want to consider asking for a raise or applying to better-compensated positions at other companies.
20. Not Setting Financial Goals
Earning, budgeting, and saving money is a lot easier to do if you have concrete goals in mind. Whether your goal is to be debt-free, save up for a major expense like a new car or a wedding ring, buy a house, or even retire early, setting financial goals can motivate you to break bad money habits and create new, healthy habits that help you achieve your dreams.
Personally, I’m saving up for a little house in the countryside with a big vegetable garden and a little chicken coop.
21. Not Setting Personal Goals
Financial goals are usually pretty tightly interwoven with personal goals. Maybe your personal goal is to work part-time and spend more time with family, or maybe you dream of saving up money to travel the world.
Maybe you’re happy making less money at a job that you believe in and that makes the world a better place, or maybe you prefer a low-stress job with decent pay that allows you to devote time to creative projects. It’s a good idea to get a firm sense of your personal goals so that you can then use them to inform your professional and financial goals.
Personal finance doesn’t take place in a vacuum, and there are plenty of factors outside our control when it comes to making and saving money. If there’s a cause you care about that has an impact on personal finance, like equitable worker compensation, universal healthcare, predatory lending, or other issues, you should consider getting involved.
While one person might not be able to change these big issues alone, many people working together can have a positive impact that stretches far beyond your own bank account.
Summary
The flip side to breaking bad habits when it comes to money is forming better ones in their place. This can be especially hard if you’re struggling financially, but every little step you take in the present will pay off dividends in the future.
The growth of megamansions in Bel-Air and other hillside L.A. neighborhoods sparked new city rules over the last decade aimed at stopping overdevelopment.
Now, the city is poised to crack down again on home-building in the hills, this time in the name of preserving wildlife habitats.
A proposed ordinance targets the Santa Monica Mountains between the 405 and 101 freeways, an iconic area crowded with celebrity compounds, modest ranches, public parks and curving roads.
The rules would make it harder to build mansions and additions, as well as bigger homes on steep hillsides. It would add regulations to limit development near open space, protect soil and trees, and consider the pathways of wildlife, such as deer, bobcats or mountain lions.
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Supporters include Councilmembers Nithya Raman and Katy Yaroslavsky, who represent hillside areas; several neighborhood groups and environmental advocates.
Backers cite changing climate, the loss of animal species and the degradation of the hillsides. Wildfires and the recent landslide in Rolling Hills Estates are examples of why the city needs more scrutiny of hillside development, supporters say.
Opponents, who include real estate agents and some homeowners, predict the rules will hurt property values and argue that the hillsides are already built out. Actor and wellness executive Gwyneth Paltrow signed a form letter to the planning department last fall that said the ordinance “burdens homeowners with unnecessary development regulations.”
At the same time, some environmental advocates say the final version of the ordinance was watered down. An earlier requirement for wildlife-friendly fencing so deer could move between lots was scrapped, for instance, after homeowners complained about security.
The proposed law —called the wildlife ordinance — would apply to new homes, additions and major remodels. It passed a key City Hall committee last month and could be taken up by the full City Council before the end of the year.
Paul Edelman of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy points out critical wildlife corridors on a map of the Hollywood Hills.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
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Paul Edelman, deputy director of natural resources and planning at the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, described the ordinance as a compromise between the competing interests of homeowners, environmentalists and politicians. The conservancy consulted on the law.
It’s significant that wildlife and habitat would be considered by the planning department, Edelman said. “Before, the city had a blind eye to all of this,” he said.
Then-Councilmember Paul Koretz proposed the ordinance in 2014, envisioning rules that would allow a stretch of land on the side of a home for animals to pass.
The number of deer, in particular, has diminished in some hillside areas, pushed out by construction and traffic, according to environmental groups. A video showing L.A. firefighters helping a deer wedged in a fence illustrates the hazards faced by wildlife.
Other recent high-profile wildlife initiatives include a bridge for animals on the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills and wildlife corridor rules in Ventura County that seek to concentrate development away from the habitat areas.
As Koretz’s ordinance evolved — it is now in its third version — the proposal incorporated other hillside construction elements being debated at the city’s planning department.
Under the proposed law, a new residence that is 6,000 square feet or larger would require additional review by the city’s planning department. Today, homes that are 17,500 square feet or larger spark such a review.
Planned development within 25 of open space would also need additional review.
The goal is for builders to work with city planners to site their homes, pools and garages in a way that is less harmful to the environment and animals.
The ordinance would also close loopholes in existing hillside construction regulations for single-family homes passed in recent years. It would no longer exempt, for instance, basement space toward the square footage of a property as part of an effort to limit hillside grading. The exemption prompted some homeowners to build massive basements, according to the city.
The proposed ordinance also states that no more than 50% of a lot can be covered by a building or other type of structure. The law counts tennis courts, pools and patios towards lot coverage. Exempt from that rule are R1- or R2-zoned lots.
A statue of a mountain lion outside a home in the Hollywood Hills, where a critical wildlife corridor is threatened by development.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
In Laurel Canyon, the noise of machinery scraping the earth could be heard on a recent afternoon near Woodstock Road, where nightclub mogul and film producer Victor Drai is putting up a mansion.
Larger homes are now commonplace: The median new primary structure size in 2020 in the proposed wildlife ordinance area was 8,854 square feet, according to the city.
“We’re getting gigantic homes that displace habitat for wildlife,” said Jamie Hall, president of the Laurel Canyon Land Trust, who supports the ordinance. “There is really no regulation on the books that comprehensibly addresses wildlife and habitat.”
The area targeted for the wildlife ordinance totals about 23,000 acres. About 98% of the land parcels in the area are zoned for low-density residential uses, making up 21,000 acres of residential land, according to the planning department.
Environmentalists failed to win some protections for habitat in the ordinance. They wanted smaller homes — of 3,000 square foot or more — to trigger the planning review. Also, a provision to ban development near rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands was scrapped in the final version.
At a hearing last year on the ordinance, city environmental affairs officer Amanda Amaral urged city planning commissioners to add back in some of the wildlife-friendly provisions.
She told the commissioners that scientists estimate that 1 million species will go extinct in the next few decades.
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The city’s “biodiversity team believes that the revised ordinance has been diluted from its original draft as a result of the weakened requirements,” Amaral said.
At another hearing, an opponent of the proposal called council members “communists” and accused them of penalizing taxpayers. “Go work in Russia!” he said.
Alison MacCracken, a real estate agent, said the ordinance would hurt the property values of even modest-sized homes. She owns such a home in upper Bel-Air, she said, but the ordinance would limit how big an addition she could add because her lot is on a slope.
“These are very constrictive regulations on top of other development regulations,” said MacCracken.
Attorney Ben Reznik, who represents some opponents, including MacCracken, sent a letter last month to Planning, Land Use and Management Committee chair Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson and other city representatives that asked for a formal environmental analysis of the wildlife ordinance.
“The reality is, the city has been using wildlife as a mascot for a stricter hillside regulation ordinance, doing so by making it seem as if the ordinance regulates wildlife, when it does not,” Reznik wrote. “This is both misleading to the public, and a clear due process violation.”
Meanwhile, the ordinance is being closely watched in other parts of the city by those who see it as a tool to regulate hillside development.
Elva Yañez,board president of the preservation group Save Elephant Hill on the city’s Eastside, wants the ordinance expanded to all wildlife-rich areas.
“Given where we are at with the climate emergency,” Yañez said, “we should expand these types of policies when we can.”
Nestled in the heart of the South, the bustling epicenter of Atlanta offers a unique blend of history, diverse culture, and thriving job market, captivating newcomers seeking a new place to call home. From its iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods to its culinary delights, there’s no denying that Atlanta holds an alluring charm.
However, like any city, it comes with its share of trade-offs. Before you make the leap and buy a home or rent an apartment in Atlanta, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of living in Atlanta. From its vibrant neighborhoods to traffic congestion, this Redfin article offers valuable insights into what life in Atlanta truly entails.
Pros of living in Atlanta, GA
1. The convenient location
Atlanta’s strategic position serves as a major transportation hub, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport being one of the busiest airports globally. The city’s extensive highway network, including the intersection of major interstates, makes traveling to neighboring states and cities remarkably accessible. Additionally, Atlanta’s central location enables residents to enjoy a variety of day trips to charming towns, scenic mountains, and serene coastal destinations. Here’s a few spots locals recommend:
Blue Ridge Mountains “Glamping in the Blue Ridge Mountains is always a great year-round getaway about 2 hours from Atlanta,” explains Phnewfula, owner of Happy Mango, a baby boutique located in Atlanta, GA. “Bainbridge, GA is also a fantastic weekend trip. You can stay at the Willis Park Hotel and visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia at the Little Grand Canyon State Park. Helen GA, is like little Germany in Georgia, and is such a fun experience.”
Chattahoochie Hills, Birmingham, Charleston, and Savannah “For a quick weekend getaway, I recommend exploring the idyllic Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills, GA, soaking in the vibrant culture of Birmingham, AL, and indulging in the historical charm of Charleston, SC,” shares Atlanta Influences Everything, a creative consulting agency. “Alternatively, immerse yourself in the coastal allure of Savannah, GA, or unwind on the serene shores of St. Simmons Island or Tybee Island. Each of these picturesque destinations promises a delightful escape filled with unforgettable experiences.”
Dahlonega “Dahlonega, GA, boasts exceptional wineries and captivating wine tours, along with local breweries producing delightful Beer and Meade,” suggests Michelle Dunbar, Administrative Partner at Clutch Bicycle Shop. “For a coastal escape, head to Savannah, where pristine beaches and rich history await. And if mountain vistas call to you, venture north of I-75, near the Tennessee state line, where cozy cabins offer a perfect retreat amidst awe-inspiring scenery that stretches as far as the eye can see.”
2. Things to do
From exploring the vibrant Atlanta BeltLine and savoring Piedmont Park’s urban oasis to immersing in culture at the High Museum of Art or Fox Theatre and spending time at Little Five Points’ unique shops and bustling nightlife, Atlanta has an endless list of things to do.
Georgia State Parks are highly recommended by Atlanta native and Spa Director at D’LOR Salon & Spa, Kym Anderson, who praises the diverse landscapes, from mountains to waterfalls, perfect for romantic getaways or lunch break escapes. Anderson also shares, “Atlanta’s entertainment scene is a treasure trove for making connections. The city hosts events where going solo is embraced, allowing you to mingle and forge friendships with people from across the globe. So, whether you seek natural wonders or a vibrant social life, Atlanta has something truly special to offer.”
A can’t miss event is October Pride. Finca to Filter, an ATL based coffee shop focused on celebrating humanity’s finest through inspired drinks and celebratory events, explains “This event takes place during National LGBT History Month, and it showcases the city’s welcoming and inclusive spirit. From colorful parades to engaging cultural events, October Pride embraces diversity, advocates for equality, and fosters a strong sense of community.”
Atlanta-based beverage company Eleven TLC cherishes the abundance of greenspaces and nature trails Atlanta, “The City in the Forest,” has to offer. “As someone who loves hiking, I find it delightful that there is always a hiking trail nearby to explore. From tranquil urban parks to scenic trails nestled in the lush woods, Atlanta’s diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the city’s unique blend of urban and natural environments.”
3. Culture
Atlanta, GA, boasts a vibrant and diverse culture that reflects its rich history and dynamic present as the city embraces a blend of traditional Southern hospitality and contemporary urban energy. Residents contribute to a thriving arts scene, celebrated music traditions, and a booming film industry. The city also values its civil rights legacy, with landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park, serving as a reminder of its pivotal role in the American civil rights movement.
“Atlanta is a playground for the arts,” states Dee-Ann Woolridge, owner of Clowning for You, offering a variety of entertainment options for parties and events. “The city is home to world-class museums, theaters, and music venues that will leave you awe-struck including the High Museum of Art, Fox Theatre, and an impressive music scene – from hip-hop and R&B to jazz and indie rock – with live performances at iconic venues like the Tabernacle or the Terminal West.”
“Over the years, Atlanta has transformed into a remarkably multicultural city, and while many of us are newcomers, we have embraced it as our cherished home,” says Michelle Dunbar, Administrative Partner at Clutch Bicycle Shop. “The city offers abundant opportunities for diverse communities, and our growth knows no bounds. Atlanta proudly carries the moniker of ‘the gateway to the South,’ symbolizing its welcoming spirit and pivotal role as a crossroads of cultures and ideas.”
4. The incredible food scene
Atlanta’s food scene is a delectable melting pot of flavors and cultures. From upscale dining establishments helmed by renowned chefs to vibrant food markets offering diverse international cuisines, the city caters to every palate. Southern comfort food, farm-to-table delights, and innovative fusion dishes are just a taste of what awaits eager foodies in Atlanta. Below are some local favorites:
La Parilla for mexican food “Here in Atlanta, there is just a variety to satisfy anyone’s food palette, states Shawn Brown, owner of CheeseCaked known for their hand-crafted cheesecakes – from cheesecake egg rolls and deep fried cheesecake to the Over The Top Cheesecake Milkshakes. “I personally love Mexican food and La Parilla has the best variety of tacos, enchiladas but my favorite dish is their Fiesta salmon salad. Atlanta also hosts a variety of festivals ranging from ice cream festivals to mac and cheese festivals that are a can’t-miss event.”
Chef Moe’s Lunchbox “Atlanta is the perfect city for just about anyone,” says Jayde Mauldin, CEO and co-founder of the Treat Truck serving delicious desserts across Atlanta. “If you’re a foodie like me, there’s an endless amount of amazing food from 5 star restaurants to local food trucks. My personal favorite, apart from the Treat Truck, is Chef Moe’s Lunchbox.
Atlanta satisfies all cravings Happy Mango offers several recommendations for dining options in Atlanta. “For those looking for soul food, the Busy Bee Cafe offers delicious Atlanta soul food. If you’re in the mood for a variety of cuisines, The Chattahoochee Food Hall provides a little taste of everything. For those seeking upscale soul food, South City Kitchen is a fantastic option. If you want to explore different ethnic foods, Buford Highway is the place to go. Lastly, Kamayan is a highly recommended Filipino restaurant in the area.”
Consulting Agency, Atlanta Influences Everything, also compiled a list of their top dining recommendations in Atlanta. “Soul Vegetarian offers a variety of plant-based dishes. Magic City Kitchen serves some of the best wings. Slutty Vegan is highly recommended for plant-based burgers. Poor Calvin’s is the place for amazing mac and cheese. Zaddy’s or Humble Mumble are great choices for large and tasty sandwiches. Local Green offers creative vegan bites to satisfy your cravings.”
5. Atlanta’s neighborhoods
Atlanta boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm. Buckhead, known for luxury living and high-end shopping, contrasts with the artistic and bohemian vibe of Little Five Points. Historic Grant Park offers beautiful parks and Victorian homes, while Midtown buzzes with cultural attractions. East Atlanta is celebrated for its hip and eclectic atmosphere. Here’s a few more options to consider from locals’ perspectives.
West End Finca and Filter prefer the West End neighborhood, and not just because their shop is located there. “Known for its diverse culture and strong sense of community, West End boasts beautiful historic homes, charming streets, and a thriving arts scene. It’s a place where history meets creativity, making it a unique and appealing destination.”
Midtown “Living in Midtown is truly like living in an inclusive utopia,” says Mitchell Anderson, Founder and Executive Chef at MetroFresh, a diner offering fresh and healthy food. “The kaleidoscope of cultures, ethnicities, ages, sexual identities/expressions, and diverse range of professions are all around you here. To be part of this vibrant cultural life, to eat amazing food, to hear incredible music, to walk in beautiful parks and neighborhoods, makes living in the center of Atlanta amazing.”
Upper West Side and East Atlanta “The Upper West Side has become a cherished haven, offering an array of amenities and a lively atmosphere,” says Happy Mango. “Meanwhile, East Atlanta, with its diverse neighborhoods like East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and the Krog Street District, has won my heart as the ultimate place to reside. These areas present an eclectic blend of attractions, catering to a wide range of interests and tastes. From quirky boutiques to vibrant art scenes and culinary delights, this vibrant mix of experiences is precisely why my family and I have chosen to call this part of Atlanta our home.”
Buckhead “My favorite neighborhoods in Atlanta include Buckhead, where I attended K-12,” shares Atlanta Influences Everything. “Known for its luxurious and upscale ambiance, Buckhead offers a captivating blend of southern charm and contemporary flair, attracting celebrities and offering a glimpse of the city’s evolving landscape.”
Here’s a short description of several more neighborhoods in Atlanta worth checking out:
Virginia-Highland: Quaint, walkable streets, trendy boutiques, and restaurants.
Inman Park: Historic charm, beautiful Victorian houses, and the BeltLine trail access.
Old Fourth Ward: Art, dining, and the historic Martin Luther King Jr. site.
Cabbagetown: Artistic neighborhood with murals, lofts, and a vibrant community.
Poncey-Highland: Lively area with nightlife, the Atlanta BeltLine, and Ponce City Market.
Reynoldstown: Emerging neighborhood, mix of historic and modern homes, and BeltLine proximity.
Atlantic Station: Urban mixed-use development with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Sweet Auburn: Rich history, Civil Rights landmarks, and cultural significance.
Grant Park: Home to Zoo Atlanta, historic homes, and Grant Park Conservancy.
Ansley Park: Upscale neighborhood with tree-lined streets and Ansley Golf Club.
Little Five Points: Bohemian district with eclectic shops, music venues, and alternative culture.
Chastain Park: Upscale area known for Chastain Park Amphitheatre and green spaces.
6. Weather
“Because of Atlanta’s mild and accommodating climate, there is always a wide array of activities and events to enjoy throughout the year, explains Michelle Dunbar, Administrative Partner at Clutch Bicycle Shop. “The city’s four distinct seasons offer a balance of warm summers, pleasant springs, colorful autumns, and mild winters, catering to various preferences and interests.
During the warmer months, you can explore the numerous parks and outdoor spaces, indulge in water sports at nearby lakes, or attend lively outdoor festivals and concerts,” says Dunbar. “Springtime welcomes blooming flowers and ideal conditions for hiking and biking in the surrounding nature reserves. Fall brings a tapestry of vibrant colors, creating a perfect setting for scenic drives and visits to local orchards and pumpkin patches. Even during the cooler months, Atlanta has indoor attractions such as museums, theaters, and art galleries to keep you entertained.”
7. Cost of living
“Amid the nationwide increase in the cost of living, Atlanta stands out with a variable and relatively affordable housing market,” shares Dunbar. “Prospective residents can find a range of options that suit their needs and budget, from budget-friendly apartments in bustling neighborhoods to more spacious suburban homes. This flexibility in housing choices allows individuals and families to discover a living arrangement that aligns with their preferences without breaking the bank.”
While the median sale price for homes in Atlanta reached $439,200 in June 2023, about 3% more than the national median sale price, Atlanta home prices are still much lower than other major cities. For example, Seattle and Boston both have a median sale price of over $800,000.
8. Parks, historical sites, and attractions
“Centennial Olympic Park is a favorite spot in Atlanta, offering year-round activities like concerts, festivals, and sports,” shares Chetter Galloway, President at Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia. “Nearby attractions include the College Football Hall of Fame, The Georgia Aquarium, and the Coca Cola Museum. The National Center for Civil and Human Rights is a recent addition, leaving a profound impact. Piedmont Park in Midtown hosts outdoor activities, concerts, and festivals, attracting newcomers to its charming surroundings. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site showcases his birth home, museum, and Ebenezer Baptist Church, chronicling his remarkable journey.”
“No matter where I spend time on planet earth, this city is always somewhere I am excited to return to and call home,” shares L’Angela Lee, Natural Skin Therapist herbalist, and owner of Honeysuckle Moon Self Care & Spa. “There’s a rich vegan food community known as Historic West End that’s superior to any city I’ve ever explored. Additionally, as it relates to festivals and culture, Atlanta’s many artists, thought leaders and inhabitants never disappoint in coming together to celebrate and support one another. Two of my favorite city festivals are One MusicFest and Vibrant Moons Natural Wellness Festival for the Indigenous Women. Simply put, ATL is where it’s at.”
Cons of living in Atlanta, GA
1. Hot and humid summers
Atlanta experiences sweltering summers with high temperatures and high humidity levels. The heat can be uncomfortable for some residents, necessitating higher energy usage for cooling and making outdoor activities less enjoyable.
2. High property taxes
While Atlanta’s property taxes aren’t excessively high compared to other major cities, it’s crucial to research and understand the long-term costs for informed decisions on homeownership or renting in Atlanta. Atlanta’s property taxes can pose a significant financial burden for homeowners and renters, impacting housing affordability and overall cost of living. Higher property tax rates can result in increased mortgage payments for homeowners and indirectly affect renters through potential rent increases.
3. Traffic congestion
Atlanta is notorious for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. The city’s sprawling layout and dependence on cars can lead to frustrating daily commutes and lengthy travel times, impacting overall quality of life.
4. Air quality
Atlanta occasionally experiences poor air quality due to traffic congestion and industrial activities that contribute to smog and particulate matter, which may pose health risks for sensitive individuals, especially those with respiratory conditions. Residents may need to take extra precautions during days with poor air quality, which may also impact outdoor activities and overall well-being.
Ultimately, whether you choose to move to Atlanta or not, the pros certainly outweigh the cons when calling this dynamic city home.
Still working from home, post-COVID? It’s probably time to turn that living room workspace into something more functional and stylish.
The COVID-19 pandemic sent a lot of workers scurrying into work-from-home situations to escape the madness and otherwise stay safe. Although many have since returned to the workplace, plenty of others are still working from home, often in makeshift office quarters. In a home with limited space, like the typical apartment, this can blur the lines between the living area, office area and everything in between.
It’s time to carve out a dedicated office space (if you haven’t already)
At the beginning of the pandemic, it seemed like sudden work-from-home situations would be temporary. But as the days dragged into weeks, months and beyond, a lot of employers and staff realized the tremendous benefits of remote work. No one enjoys a painful and time-consuming commute, and it’s simply much more comfortable to take a conference call in pajamas than in heels or pointy-toed dress shoes and a pantsuit.
Once the whole thing was mostly behind us, a lot of employees continued to work remotely, even if only on a part-time basis. Unfortunately, upgrading to a place with more square footage is not in the cards for many people, forcing workers to live, work and play in the same small area. Since it’s better for sleep quality to keep business out of the bedroom, that leaves the living room space as the front-runner for most home offices. And while many people have been using laptops on the couch for a while now, the problem is that the lack of a designated work area can affect job performance.
Dedicated workspaces promote concentration
It’s so easy to get distracted when working in the middle of your living room, leading to reduced productivity and possibly an upset boss. While you’re sitting in sight of that stack of mail, an annoying pile of unfolded laundry or whatever other chore needs doing, it’s likely to worm its way into your brain, pulling it away from critical work functions.
It’s tough to unplug after work hours are over
The flipside is also true of working from a couch. When the laptop is in full view, it’s easy to plug back in on the weekend or during the evening off hours. This is a problem because overworking can cause everything from neck and shoulder stiffness to stress or even serious health problems. Having time to rest and recharge is critical to one’s personal wellness. Work-life balance is no joke and trickier than it may seem.
Productivity goes up in a dedicated workspace
People are more efficient when they have a routine and a place that forces them to focus. Working in some sort of dedicated office space gets employees in the mind-frame that it’s time to get the job done, not surf the internet or watch reality television. Plus, no one wants all of that office-related clutter to take up valuable living space.
Key ways to create a living room and office combo
It’s easy enough to create a functional and effective office space in one’s living room with a few tools and an open mind. Take these critical steps toward making your home office into the most productive space possible.
Carve out a corner
Take a measured look at the living area and identify any pieces of furniture that are simply taking up space. Relocate, sell or store such items and rearrange the remaining bits so that your office can fit neatly into a corner. Bonus points if it faces a window because natural light is always a plus!
Invest in functional office furniture
There are certain pieces that no office would be complete without, including a desk, an ergonomically friendly chair and a filing cabinet (or some other storage space). If you’re concerned that you’re not getting your steps in around a conventional office, try a standing desk with an adjustable height option or even one that attaches to a treadmill to keep moving. Or, stick with a conventional desk and take calls on your feet whenever possible to stretch your legs.
Invest in the right equipment
Since video conferencing is here to stay, consider a professional-grade conference room camera (some even hook up to your television) and set up a ring light to put you in the best possible lighting. Don’t forget a pair of noise-canceling headphones to block out any rowdy neighbors, garbage trucks or other miscellaneous background distractions.
Another idea for designating a space is using an attractive and portable divider, like this privacy screen in rustic barnwood style to section the space off from the rest of the room. This will allow you to focus on work without a wandering eye, plus it’ll keep professional items attractively out of sight from the living area. No one wants a printer visible from the coffee table, right?
Lastly, add in a couple of pretty green desk plants and some colorful artwork for inspiration. This doesn’t mean that you can never use a lap desk on the couch again, but it does offer a vastly more professional and productive space to work from when the situation calls for it.
Get the job done right in the ideal home office
For many, the switch to remote work has been a positive one that they wouldn’t trade for anything. So set yourself up for success with a workspace that illustrates your commitment and capabilities. Find your dream apartment today!
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.
Inside: Looking for some unique cash app card design ideas? Look no further! This guide has 100+ cool and unique ideas to help you create cards that reflect your personality and style.
The concept of Cash App card designs has emerged as a trendy and enjoyable way to personalize your monetary transactions.
Rather than limiting yourself to traditional designs, Cash App allows you to express your creativity, resulting in a card that reflects your individuality, interests, and style.
From inspiring quotes to your favorite emojis and collages, you have the option to turn your Cash App Visa debit card into a distinct and exciting asset.
This not only enhances the visual appeal of your card but also adds a touch of personality to your buying experience.
Whether you are getting a Cash Card for the first time or looking to redesign an existing one, this segment will offer you a plethora of unique design ideas to inspire your creativity.
Browse through our cash app card design ideas to help make your card stand out.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What is Cash App Card?
A Cash App Card is a free, customizable debit card linked directly to your Cash App account.
Let’s break this down:
It functions like your ordinary Visa debit card, capable of handling payments anywhere Visa is accepted.
Since it draws from your Cash App balance—not your bank account—you can use it for both online and in-store transactions.
Interesting perks include a unique design to suit your style.
Great for budgeting – like a cashless envelope system!
In essence, think of it as a flashy, convenient companion to your Cash App, ready to assist with purchases, whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee or buying a cool online gadget!
Is the personalized Cash App card free?
Your personalized Cash App card is mostly free unless you opt for special versions.
The basic white or black card comes without a charge on your first order.
So as long as you stick with the basic options, you’re in the clear.
Just remember, additional cards, regardless of color, will cost you $5 each. For example, if you get a black one first and then decide you want a white one too, you’d need to fork out $5 for it.
How to Customize your Cash App Card
Your card design is like your fashion statement. It says a lot about you.
So, you want to design your Cash App Card to fit exactly what you want.
To start designing your Cash App Card, first, you need to open your app — the infamous green home screen should be your first sight.
Incorporate emojis, letters, or symbols that express who you are.
Use the freehand drawing option – use a stylus or finger to sketch directly on your card! It might take a few attempts, but experimentation is part of the fun.
Remember, keep your design concise but personal, and above all – have fun!
60+ Cool and Unique Cash App Card Design Ideas
When designing your Cash Card, it’s crucial to choose a display that best represents you and easily catches your attention.
Even though images or photos can’t be added, creativity can still run wild.
From selecting initial base designs to illustrating personal interests and hobbies, every idea is an opportunity to bring your card to life.
1. Create Inspirational Quotes Cash App Cards
Choose a quote that’s both meaningful and motivating to you.
It could be a famous quote or your personal mantra. Or even one of these millionaire quotes.
Personally, this is my favorite idea because I love constant reminders of inspirational messages!
2. Choose an Affirmation You needed reminding of
Having personalized affirmations and messages on your Cash App card can turn a regular transaction into a moment of reflection and inspiration.
It is like leaving an encouraging note on your Cash App card.
Common affirmations or quotes such as “Believe in yourself” or something more personalized like “Be the change you want to see”, can provide a boost of motivation every time you use your card. Here are more money affirmations to choose from.
Remember, these design features should reflect your personality and resonate with you on a personal level.
This way, every time you use your Cash App card, it becomes more than just a transactional tool; it becomes a unique extension of you.
3. Cash App Card Design with Word Art
With Cash App’s Word Art design, you can express yourself like never before! Instead of settling for a standard design, this feature lets you craft an emblem that’s truly unique – as unique as you.
Word Art breathes life into your card and makes it a conversation starter.
Personalized wording which can include your signature, favorite quotes, or your brand’s name
Variety of fonts and colors to choose from
Word Art designs can be both sophisticated and playful, matching your vibe and setting your Cash App Card a league above the rest. It’s about expressing yourself, your way!
4. Cash App Card Design with Emojis
Indeed, adding emojis to your Cash App card is a ground-breaking design concept. Just like you would sign a text message.
It gives the card a fun, personal touch that mirrors your unique personality, interests, and style—everything traditional card designs lack.
The available variety of emojis provides ample creative liberty.
5. Cash App Card Design with Symbols
Using symbols on Cash App card designs gives you an opportunity to personalize and add a dash of creativity to your card.
The beauty of using symbols is their versatility, and how they let you express your creativity and personality without overwhelming the card design.
Creating a design you love will certainly make every cash transaction a little more enjoyable!
6. Cash App Card Design with Patterns and Designs
Using patterns and designs on a Cash App card can significantly reflect your personal style and preferences.
If the idea of a standard and mundane Cash App card doesn’t appeal to you, you can customize it using a variety of patterns and designs, making it more personalized and meaningful to you. Here are a few ideas on how you can go about it:
Choosing to use patterns and designs on your Cash App card is not only a creative way to express your individuality, but it also adds a unique, engaging element to the otherwise utilitarian nature of financial cards.
7. Cash App Card Design with Color and Style
When it comes to card designs, color and style aren’t just aesthetic choices; they define your personality.
Choose your favorite hue or pick limited-edition colors to reflect your unique taste.
Customizable designs: Be it minimalist, neon, grunge, or vintage – tailor the card to match your persona.
The multi-colored, geometric designs offer a blend of personality and style, gearing towards a modern payment solution.
8. Create Freehand Card Designs
Freehand designs give your Cash App Card a unique, personal touch, turning it into a mini portable art piece.
Free-hand drawings add an artistic flare, turning your card into a unique piece of art. Various styles, from portraits to favorite anime characters or even cherished family names, can be featured.
You can also embed empowering quotes or use the cool street-art style of graffiti to make an imaginative statement.
Remember, the fundamental goal is not just to create a card but also to design an extension of your personality. Using a stylus will make this process much easier.
Expert tip: Sketch your design on paper first to get a feel.
Card App Card Design Themes
Using the above ideas, here are specific themes you can use for your personalized Cash App Card.
Space and Stars Theme: Display an image of the galaxy or stars in the night sky.
Music Theme: A melody note or a line from your favorite song could make a great design.
Sports Theme: Choose an image that represents your favorite sport, such as a football, basketball or ballet shoes.
Nature Theme: Use imagery of mountains, trees, or the beach.
Inspirational Quote: Choose a quote that motivates you each time you use your cash app card.
Emoji Theme: Use your favorite emoji, or a mix of them.
Family Picture: A sketch or silhouette of your family members.
Pet Theme: Show off your furry friends by depicting them on your card.
Anime Theme: Pick characters from your favorite anime series.
Movie Theme: Use a design related to your favorite movie.
Superhero Theme: Show your love for superheroes like Spider-man, Batman.
Zodiac Theme: Choose symbols or constellations of your Zodiac sign.
Food Theme: Use an image of your favorite food or a trendy food item.
Book Theme: Use symbols or important elements from your favorite book.
Art Theme: Paint splotches, abstract design, or famous art paintings.
Travel Theme: Landmarks of your favorite – city or vacation spot.
Western Theme: Perfect for the horse lover and cowboy boots!
Seasonal Theme: Images relating to different seasons like snowflakes, leaves, spring flowers.
Coffee Theme: A coffee cup or your favorite coffee order.
Fitness Theme: Dumbbells, yoga poses, or running shoes.
Floral Theme: Blooming flowers and foliage.
Gaming Theme: Iconography from your favorite games.
Minimalist Theme: Simple, clean lines and minimal colors.
Fashion Theme: Sketches of clothes, accessories or a runway.
Vehicles Theme: Cars, trains, planes, bicycles.
Career Theme: Symbols or tools related to your profession.
Hobby Theme: Images of something you love doing, from knitting to scuba diving.
Love Theme: Heart shapes, cupid, and other romantic symbols.
Health Theme: Medical or wellness-related symbols.
Educational Theme: Books, graduation cap and other study-related images.
Retro Theme: Vintage designs or pop culture from a certain era.
Birthday Theme: Balloons, cakes, party hats.
Cartoon Theme: Beloved characters from animated TV shows or movies.
Doodles Theme: A collection of small, simple drawings.
Marine Life Theme: Sea creatures or marine scenery.
Inspirational Icons: Images of people who inspire you like famous athletes, actors, or activists.
Favorite Color Theme: Feature various shades and gradients of your favorite color.
Fairy Tale Theme: Designs based on your favorite children’s stories or fantasy tales.
Skyline Theme: Capture the silhouette of your favorite city’s skyline.
Outer Space Theme: Planets, galaxies, rockets and astronauts.
Nautical Theme: Anchors, ship wheels, lighthouses and other seafaring symbols.
Dessert Theme: Images of your favorite sweet treats.
DIY/Handicraft Theme: Symbols related to different crafts – knitting needles, paint brushes, etc.
Wildlife Theme: Images of your favorite wild animals.
Geometric Shapes Theme: Create a sleek design with a variety of shapes.
Personal Logo: If you have a personal logo, you could use that.
Spirit Animal: Draw or paste in an image of your spirit animal.
National Flags: Show your pride of heritage with your country’s flag.
Camouflage Theme: Explore different types of camouflage patterns.
Mountain Landscape Theme: Use an image or drawing of a mountain range.
Festive Theme: Images related to different festivals or holidays.
Grayscale Theme: Designs with different shades of black and white.
Checkerboard Pattern: A timeless tic-tac-toe design for classic charm.
Vintage Theme: Checks, stripes, or polka dots—any of these can lend a nostalgia-tinged style to your card.
Money Theme: Start by drawing dollar symbols or creating designs inspired by currency
Other Cash App Card Ideas:
Draw a self-portrait: Keep it simple yet expressive, experimenting with different colors, lines, and shapes to highlight your persona.
Use your Favorite Movie Line: Choose a memorable quote from your favorite movie.
Choose Your Life Motto or Verse: Adding such text can create a unique reflection of your personality or beliefs. Here are a few neat examples:
Your Signature: This customized detail will not only make your card look original but also speak echoes about your personality.
Stick figure family design
A signature doodle
A caricature of yourself
Your kiddo’s names with whimsical stick figure drawings
A quote that resonates with you
Let that inner artist shine!
What are the Color Options Available?
Personally, I like to think about my design before I dig right into it. And knowing the background color makes things so much easier!
1. Standard Black
The standard Black Cash App card, often referred to as the “classy classic”, might very well be your next wallet staple.
With its timeless appeal and slick design, this card is perfect if you’re looking for something basic yet sophisticated.
Pros:
Its cool black color creates a refined and sleek appearance.
With its simple and traditional design, it fits well with any wallet.
It’s a popular choice, giving it mass appeal.
Absolutely free of charge, which is a bonus.
It has that classic and vintage feel that just screams style.
Cons:
Could be considered too ordinary or basic.
Can easily be misplaced or lost due to its dark color.
The strict black design offers limited personalization.
If you like colorful or vibrant designs, it may not appeal to you.
So, whether you stick to the black card is entirely up to your personal style and preferences, mate!
2. White Base
Isn’t simplicity more your style? The white base color option for the Cash App Card might be just what you’re looking for.
Plus it’s free of charge, which appeals to your budget-savvy side. Since it is a classic color that works with anything.
Most importantly, it makes a simple statement about your preference for chic, minimal styles.
Pros:
Bright and clean: Suits any design you wish to superimpose.
Versatility: Perfectly complements both formal and casual situations.
Designer-friendly: Adds neatness and clarity to your chosen design.
Cons:
White can make stains more noticeable.
May discolor and lose it’s bright coloring.
Being a popular choice, it lacks uniqueness.
3. Glow In the Dark Base
Are you seeking an edgy, unconventional look for your Cash App card?
Consider the glow-in-the-dark base color which stands out among the more traditional options.
It’s stylish, boasting a fun green color, adding a quirky twist to your finance management. You might find it quicker if it gets misplaced, thanks to its luminous feature.
The biggest con is it comes with an additional cost of $5.
4. Chameleon Metal Cash Card
If you’re looking for a sophisticated touch to your digital transactions, the Chameleon Metal Cash Card is a unique alternative.
This cool cash app card option brings a colorful twist to your wallet.
Pros:
Customizable to your taste.
Differentiates you from other cardholders.
It has a sophisticated multicolor design.
Heavyweight imitates a premium feel.
Cons:
There are rumors that metal cards are no longer currently available.
Being noticeable might attract unwanted attention.
Also, you can choose to get a black metal Cash Card for $50.
Not sure if you should unlock button on cash app to pay for it. That is probably not a great idea!
How do you make cool designs on Cash App cards?
Remember, “cool” is subjective, so tailor your card to represent you.
Whether it’s a movie quote for film enthusiasts, adorable flowering designs for the ‘girly’ users, or a sports team logo for sports lovers, choose design elements that reflect your personality and lifestyle.
To make cool designs on your Cash App card, follow these simple steps:
Open your Cash App on your Android or iOS device and tap the Cash Card tab.
Locate the three dots at the top right corner of your screen. Tap it and select “Design New Card”.
Begin designing by choosing a base color for your card and click on “Personalize Card”.
When it comes to card text, make sure it’s large and well-aligned for easy readability. Using clean, standard fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Helvetica will look professional and legible.
You might like to add graphic elements or simple illustrations, to make your card more visually striking.
Make this card your everyday inspiration. Go all out or keep it minimal — it’s all about you!
Tips for Designing your Cash App Design
Designing your Cash App card allows you to add a touch of personality, making not just transactions but also the medium of transaction a reflection of you.
With an array of options from inspirational quotes to your favorite emojis, from creative collages to minimalist designs, the customization possibilities are endless.
This section provides helpful tips on creating a Cash App card design that is uniquely yours.
Use these suggestions as a starting point and let your creativity shine through. R
1. Simplicity is Key
When designing your Cash App card, simplicity is your best friend.
A minimalist design using a simple color palette and clean lines can create sophistication and style. Too much information? It just makes things difficult to read.
Try these tips:
Start by choosing a design that’s easy to read.
Go for a solid color background with your impactful saying in a clean font.
Don’t cram too much onto your card.
Get creative with basic shapes or perhaps, draw a scene from your favorite movie with a stylus.
But remember, keep it simple.
2. Consider Your Personal Style and Interests
Designing your Cash App card is an opportunity to truly make it your own by considering your personal style and interests during the design process.
Is there a hobby you are passionate about?
Maybe you love reading, gaming, painting or even knitting.
Get creative, perhaps with a self-portrait or graffiti of your initials
Pick or draw a design that reflects you
Remember, this is your chance to showcase YOU on your card. Have fun with it!
3. Think About the Types of Transactions You Will Be Making
If you are currently striving towards a money goal, this is a great chance to use your spending card to get you there.
Your personalized Cash App card design will greatly enhance your user probability of racing your goals.
While a little creativity with your Cash App Card design, you want to make sure you stay without your budget.
4. Make sure it is easy to read
Simple – you don’t want a cluttered card that’s hard on the eyes.
Here’s how to ensure yours pops while remaining legible:
Opt for a straightforward design. Busy doesn’t equate to cool.
Choose a clean font. Messy typefaces smack of unprofessionalism.
Balance your color scheme. Overly bright or dark? Nah, we’re seeking a middle ground here.
Consider a stylus for freehand designs – it aids precision.
Keep it simple, keep it clean.
5. Don’t overcomplicate things
Overly complex or crammed designs make it difficult to comprehend.
Aim for a clean, minimalist vibe – it’s trendy and effective.
Remember, the last thing you want is a card you can’t read or love to use!
FAQ
You’re in for some disappointment – you can’t put a picture on your Cash App card.
Cash App lets you jazz things up with emojis, freehand art, or even your unique $Cashtag, but not personal pictures.
If this changes, we will update this post.
No, you can’t have 2 Cash App cards.
Each Cash App account is tied to one unique Cash Card account, so you can’t have multiple cards for a single account.
Keep in mind that while you can change designs, you’re still only using one card tied to your account.
Show us your Collest Cash App Card Designs
What better way to stay on budget than by giving your Cash App card a personalized touch?
By incorporating meaningful sayings, emojis that encapsulate your spirit, or a favorite anime character or brand logo, you can make your debit card an extension and reminder of your financial goals.
Perhaps your creativity stretches to a cool pattern or your childhood cartoon character, or you fancy keeping it simple with your initials or nickname – remember, the simpler, the better.
You can also play around with outdoor scenes, objects that inspire you, or even a drawing from your kids.
Whatever your design preference, your Cash App debit card design is an opportunity to make your banking experience truly yours.
And yes, feel free to share your innovative designs and ideas with us in the comments. We value your input and would love to hear from you!
And remember – the ultimate goal is to stay mindful of your spending habits and budget.
Enjoy this as a canvas of individuality in the cashless world.
Now don’t forget… where can I load my cash app card?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Framed by the majesty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and enriched with centuries-old culture, New Mexico is a true gem of the American Southwest.
If you’re searching for the best places to live in New Mexico, several stunning locations emerge from the backdrop of arid desert, mountain wilderness and eclectic urban hubs. Each city, town and village featured below is a unique, diverse and downright gorgeous place to call home.
This piece explores the best places to settle down in New Mexico, highlighting not only their aesthetic appeal but also the wealth of opportunities they offer residents. Ready to find your home in the heart of the Land of Enchantment? You’ve come to the right place.
Albuquerque possesses an enchanting blend of modernity, vibrancy and natural beauty that firmly cements its place among the best places to live in New Mexico. At its core, Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, prides itself on its robust diversity, which can be experienced through the city’s culinary scene, architecture and festivals. With cuisine that tantalizingly fuses Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences, every mealtime promises to be a gastronomic adventure. The city’s architecture mirrors its history, where Pueblo-style homes brush up against sleek modern developments, creating a landscape that is as much a testament to its past as it is a nod to its undeniably bright future.
The natural beauty of Albuquerque is truly unparalleled, offering residents a playground of outdoor adventures. The city is framed by the majestic Sandia Mountains and bisected by the tranquil Rio Grande, providing an array of outdoor activities from hiking, biking and skiing to fishing and so much more. Coupled with over 300 days of sunshine per year, the city’s climate is ideal for those seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle.
With regard to education and economic opportunities, Albuquerque offers a multitude of choices. It houses reputed institutions like the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. In the sphere of employment, Albuquerque’s economy thrives on a balanced blend of industries including healthcare, aerospace, military, tourism and technology, with an added emphasis on sustainability and green technology.
Albuquerque ensures that modernity doesn’t come at the expense of community and connection. The city’s residents are known for their welcoming, friendly nature, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home. The city’s neighborhoods are diverse and often tight-knit, providing a sense of community often absent in larger metropolises.
Ultimately, what sets Albuquerque apart as one of the best places to live in New Mexico is its ability to offer a high quality of life, balancing city amenities with a sense of community, diverse cultural experiences with modern living and a vibrant economy with incredible natural beauty.
As the oldest state capital in the United States, Santa Fe has long been one of the best places to live in New Mexico. Known as ‘The City Different,’ Santa Fe’s unique blend of cultures, history and natural beauty makes it a magnet for artists, retirees and anyone looking to forge a different path in the desert.
The multicultural makeup of Santa Fe is interwoven with an enchanting mix of Pueblo Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo influences. This mosaic of cultures is reflected in the city’s architecture, particularly the adobe structures and the city’s famed cathedral, as well as in its art, music and food. The blend of cultures also extends to the people who call Santa Fe home, adding a rich, cosmopolitan feel to the city that’s often unexpected for a town of its size.
Santa Fe’s art scene is renowned and offers a breadth of artistic experiences hard to find elsewhere. The city is saturated with art, from the more than 200 galleries that line the streets of the art district, to the world-class museums like the Museum of International Folk Art. It’s no wonder Santa Fe has been named a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art.
Living in Santa Fe is a lesson in history, with every street corner whispering stories from the past. The city’s history is visible in its present-day facade, with buildings and landmarks that have been preserved and cherished for centuries.
Moreover, Santa Fe is a city that puts a premium on wellness and healthy living. It’s home to a variety of spas, yoga studios and wellness retreats. The city’s clean air, natural beauty and a pervasive spirit of tranquility combine to make Santa Fe a popular destination for those in search of a more balanced lifestyle.
Whether one is drawn to Santa Fe for its artistic prowess, its layered history or its emphasis on wellness and community, one thing is for certain: Santa Fe stands as one of the very best places to live in New Mexico.
Las Cruces often lands on the list of the best places to live in the state—and for good reason. This scenic city, nestled in the heart of the Mesilla Valley and caressed by the Organ Mountains, offers more than just picturesque vistas; it’s a thriving hub that blends culture, history and modern living, earning its status as one of the best places to live in New Mexico.
In Las Cruces, there’s a deep appreciation for cultural history. Traces of the area’s rich heritage can be found in everything from the adobe architecture that decorates the landscape, to the local cuisine steeped in New Mexican and Mexican influences.
An underappreciated jewel in the academic world is the presence of New Mexico State University, a significant contributor to the city’s youthful atmosphere. The university brings a wealth of intellectual and cultural experiences to Las Cruces, from public lectures and performing arts to college sports. It also provides economic stability, making Las Cruces an attractive destination for academics, researchers and students from around the world.
Despite its small size, Las Cruces has made strides in offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, and retail options. The city’s burgeoning culinary scene brings with it a delightful mix of tastes and flavors, featuring everything from classic New Mexican dishes to international cuisines.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a ton of activities in Las Cruces. The city’s proximity to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument offers a healthy selection of recreational activities including hiking, camping and soaking up your surroundings in peace.
Despite its many assets, Las Cruces manages to maintain a relatively low cost of living compared to many other U.S. cities. The housing market is notably accessible, allowing more residents to own their homes and invest in their community. This financial accessibility, combined with its strong local culture, make Las Cruces one of the best places to live in New Mexico.
To experience the allure of the Southwest in all its glory, look no further than Rio Rancho. Often hailed as one of the best places to live in New Mexico, this city conjures a sense of belonging, as though it has been awaiting one’s arrival with a benevolent, sun-drenched patience.
The beating heart of Sandoval County, Rio Rancho is no typical desert town. It’s a medley of contemporary architecture punctuated with southwestern flair, capturing the spirit of New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage while adapting to modern living standards. Its rapidly growing economy is a testament to its entrepreneurial spirit, with companies, large and small, contributing to its ever-evolving landscape.
Intel Corporation, for example, plays a pivotal role, providing thousands of jobs to residents and fueling the tech boom in the city. But Rio Rancho isn’t just a corporate hotspot. It’s an ecosystem where small businesses thrive, drawn by the city’s supportive infrastructure, a true testament to the business-friendly climate that nourishes growth and innovation.
Life in Rio Rancho is a celebration of nature. The city is ensconced in a landscape that changes colors with the passing day, from the gold of dawn to the crimson of dusk, creating an everyday spectacle. Outdoor enthusiasts relish the multitude of parks and trails, while the nearby Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande are always nearby to offer an adventurous escape.
The city is also an educational haven. Rio Rancho Public Schools are known for their commitment to excellence, fostering an environment where children grow into curious, compassionate and creative adults. These institutions are more than just schools – they are crucibles that shape the leaders of tomorrow.
A city where cultures coalesce, where people seek to carve out their dreams and where nature seamlessly intertwines with urban living — Rio Rancho is more than a city. It’s a community that nurtures the essence of New Mexico, making it one of the best places to live, not just in the state, but arguably in the entire Southwest.
A gem nestled in the northern mountains of New Mexico, Los Alamos has consistently topped the charts as one of the best places to live in New Mexico for a multitude of compelling reasons.
Los Alamos’ uniqueness begins with its compelling history, which is deeply rooted in science and innovation. Home to the renowned Los Alamos National Laboratory, this town is a beacon for brilliant minds from all over the world. It’s a place where cutting-edge research is intertwined with everyday life, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
Despite its small size, Los Alamos is not lacking in cultural opportunities. From the Bradbury Science Museum, with its engaging exhibitions on the Manhattan Project and the role of Los Alamos in modern science, to the Los Alamos Historical Museum, there is always an ample selection of educational and entertainment options around every sunkissed corner.
Culturally, Los Alamos offers more than meets the eye. The local arts scene is thriving, with regular concerts, theatrical productions and art shows. The Los Alamos Concert Association brings in renowned performers from around the world, ensuring a rich calendar of events throughout the year.
Los Alamos has consistently high rankings in safety. Its crime rates are significantly below the national average, lending an overall feeling of security and peace to the community. The excellent public school system is another draw, offering high-quality education that consistently produces well-rounded students.
In summary, Los Alamos’ blend of intellectual vigor, natural beauty, safety and proximity to major cities solidifies its position as one of the best places to live in New Mexico. It is a town that offers more than just a place to live, but a place to thrive, grow and engage with both the world’s toughest questions and its most beautiful moments.
When it comes to the best places to live in New Mexico, the enchanting town of Taos consistently tops the list. Its rich collection of cultures, abundant natural beauty, thriving arts scene and focus on sustainability all contribute to its charm, making it an idyllic place to call home.
Taos brims with a rich history that can be traced back a thousand years. The native Taos Pueblo people, who’ve inhabited the region for over a millennium, infuse the town with deep-rooted traditions and stories that can still be experienced today. The Unesco World Heritage site of the Taos Pueblo stands as a symbol of the town’s enduring heritage, providing a unique, living link to the past.
Taos’ natural surroundings are nothing short of breathtaking. The town offers a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts, from skiing to hiking and whitewater rafting to mountain biking, the area provides plentiful options for those with an adventurous spirit.
A sense of community runs strong in Taos, fostered by local businesses, organic farmers and the bustling Taos Farmers Market. Sustainability is more than a buzzword in Taos, it’s a way of life. From eco-friendly homes, known as Earthships, to local initiatives aimed at preserving the town’s natural beauty, the commitment to sustainable living is palpable.
Despite its modest size, Taos embodies a dynamic blend of old and new, traditional and innovative, rugged and refined. It’s a place that demands a slower pace, where one can take the time to appreciate the beauty of a sunset or the simplicity of a well-crafted pottery piece. In a world that is often dominated by the hustle and bustle, Taos stands as a beacon of tranquility, authenticity, and rich cultural experience.
Nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, Farmington has quietly emerged as one of the best places to live in New Mexico. Offering a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, economic opportunity and community spirit, Farmington is much more than a mere dot on a map.
Farmington’s geographic position in the Four Corners region provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. With the San Juan River meandering through the city, it’s a paradise for fly fishing, boating and kayaking. The nearby Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness presents a surreally beautiful landscape of unique rock formations and fossil beds. It’s a hiker’s and photographer’s dream, one of many natural treasures that make Farmington truly unique.
A place’s true worth, however, is defined by more than just its physical attributes. It’s the spirit of the community that truly determines the quality of life. And in Farmington, this spirit is palpable. With a population diverse in age and background, the city incubates an atmosphere of inclusivity and camaraderie.
Farmington’s connection to the Navajo Nation contributes significantly to its allure. The rich display of Navajo culture is intertwined with the city’s identity, visible in its vibrant arts scene, local businesses and community events. This cultural heritage is a point of pride for Farmington and a source of continual inspiration and learning for its residents.
In terms of economic opportunity, Farmington holds its own. With a strong local economy built on the energy, healthcare and education sectors, the city provides a solid foundation for entrepreneurs and job-seekers alike. Its commitment to sustainable development, evident in the city’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and invest in renewable energy, ensures a promising future.
In sum, Farmington embodies the essence of a well-rounded city. Its stunning natural environment, rich heritage, strong community spirit and economic opportunity all combine to create a place that truly deserves to be called home.
Make the move to New Mexico today
In the quest for the best places to live in New Mexico, the journey is as remarkable as the destination itself. Each location carries its own distinct personality. Be it the bustling urbanity of Albuquerque, the artistic allure of Santa Fe or the tranquil serenity of Los Alamos, each has a unique way of capturing one’s heart and imagination. New Mexico offers a truly enchanting experience that seamlessly blends the past, present and future. As one thing is certain, choosing to reside in the Land of Enchantment will indeed be a decision marked by discovery, diversity and delightful living. Find your future home in New Mexico today!