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Hereâs How to Turn Food Pantry Staples into Delicious Meals
Pandemic-related layoffs and income loss have driven many people to community food pantries for the first time in their lives.
According to Feeding America, about four out of every 10 people who visited a food bank from March through June of last year were first-time visitors. As the winter holidays approached, more than 80% of food pantries were serving more people than the year prior.
Economic concerns have caused countless others to become more conscious of their spending â resorting to cheap staples rather than more expensive options at the grocery store.
Getting groceries from a food pantry and reducing food spending can be great on the wallet, but you may also need to adjust to cooking and preparing meals differently. We spoke to registered dietitian and nutritionist Wendy Wesley for advice on how to make nutritious, tasty meals using ingredients from food pantries.
How to Turn Cheap Pantry Staples Into Delicious Meals
Canned goods should not be overlooked when it comes to creating great meals, Wesley said.
âI keep an arsenal of canned beans in my pantry at all times,â she said.
The key to making satisfying dishes from cheap ingredients is to incorporate kitchen staples like onion, garlic, peppers, spices, dried herbs, butter and eggs.
âYou get rice and beans from a food pantry and then you doctor that up with your onion, your green pepper and your garlic and you use chili powder, garlic powder [and] onion powder,â Wesley said.
One of her favorite cheap meals to make is black bean soup, using a can of black beans along with onion, garlic and green pepper.
âThere is something magical about black beans,â Wesley said. âFor maybe a dollar or two in ingredients, you have this meal that is very hearty, very filling, full of fiber and is going to stay with you for a long time.â
Another of her inexpensive meal ideas: Crack some eggs you pick up from your neighborhood food bank into a pan with onions, peppers and maybe tomatoes and mushrooms. You can make a big scramble for less than a dollar.
Think food pantries only give out non-perishable canned foods? Think again. Many also distribute a good share of perishable ingredients like eggs, dairy products, bread, fresh produce and more.
When it comes to keeping your kitchen stocked with those supplementary meal-enhancing ingredients, Wesley recommends picking up a few items here and there when you grocery shop.
âIf you went to the store and tried to buy it all in one day or one shopping trip it would be quite expensive,â she said.
Spices, in particular, can be pretty pricey, so look for less expensive brands.
Wesley saves money by buying Badia brand spices. You can also try your storeâs generic option or shop at an ethnic grocery store.
âWe donât need very expensive ingredients to have delightful and tasty meals at home,â she said.
How to Stretch Your Ingredients and Your Dollars
Whether youâve got a family to feed or youâre just trying to make food last longer for yourself, making your ingredients stretch means more bang for your buck.
Add beans and veggies to stretch meat dishes.
âIâll bulk up taco meat with onions and green peppers and tomatoes, so itâs a little bit of meat and a lot of vegetables,â Wesley said, as an example. âOr Iâll bulk it up with beans, so itâs a little bit of meat and a lot of beans.â
Those extra ingredients also add fiber â something every American needs more of, she said.
Adding a grain â like rice, quinoa or barley â to a meal can also help make a dish stretch. Wesley likes cooking a bunch of one grain over the weekend so she has it ready to add to meals throughout the week.
Preparing servings in advance can also save you time on busy weekdays â and saving time can be so valuable. No more grabbing fast food on those days when you have no energy to cook. The food is already ready.
Nicole Dow is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
Source: thepennyhoarder.com
Credit Card Balance Transfers
Credit card balances are crippling households across the United States, giving them insurmountable debts that just keep on growing and never seem to go away. But there is some good news, as this problem has spawned a multitude of debt relief options, one of which is a credit card balance transfer.
Balance transfers are a similar and widely available option for all debtors to clear their credit card balances, reduce their interest rate, and potentially save thousands of dollars.
How Credit Card Balance Transfers Work
A balance transfer credit card allows you to transfer a balance from one or more cards to another, reducing credit card debt and all its obligations. These cards are offered by most credit card companies and come with a 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 6, 12 or 18 months.
Consumers can use this balance transfer offer to reduce interest payments, and if they continue to pay the same sum every month, all of it will go towards the principal. Without interest to eat into their monthly payment, the balance will clear quickly and cheaply.
There are a few downsides to transferring a balance, including late fees, a transfer fee and, in some cases, an annual fee.
What Happens When You Transfer a Balance on Credit Cards?
When you transfer a balance, your new lender repays your credit card debt and moves the funds onto a new card. You may incur a transfer fee and pay an annual fee, which can increase the total debt, but transferring a balance in this way allows you to take advantage of a 0% introductory APR. While this introductory period lasts, you wonât pay any interest on your debt and can focus on clearing your credit card debt step by step.
Why are Balance Transfers Beneficial?
A little later, weâll discuss some alternatives to a balance transfer offer, all of which can help you clear your debt. However, the majority of these methods will increase your debt in the short term, prolong the time it takes to repay it or reduce your credit score.Â
A balance transfer credit card does none of these things. As soon as you accept the transfer offer, youâll have a 0% introductory APR that you can use to eliminate your debt. The balance transfer may increase your debt liabilities slightly by adding a transfer fee and an annual fee, but generally speaking, this is one of the best ways to clear your debt.
To understand why this is the case, you need to know how credit card interest works. If you have a debt of $20,000 with a variable APR rate of 20% and a minimum monthly payment of $500, youâll repay the debt in 67 months at a cost of over $13,000 in interest.
If you move that debt to a card with a balance transfer offer of 0% APR for 12 months, and you continue to meet the $500 minimum payment, youâll repay $5,000 and reduce the debt to $15,000. From that point on, youâll have a smaller balance to clear, less interest to worry about, and can clear the debt completely in just a few more years.
Of course, the transfer fee will increase your balance somewhat, but this fee is minimal when compared to the money you can save. The same applies to the annual fee that these cards charge and, in many cases, you can find cards that donât charge an annual fee at all.Â
You can even find no-fee balance transfer cards, although these are rare. The BankAmericard credit card once provided a no fee transfer offer to all applicants, in addition to a $0 annual fee. However, they changed their rules in 2018 and made the card much less appealing to the average user.
Pros and Cons of Credit Card Balance Transfers
From credit score and credit limit issues to a high variable APR, late fees, and cash advance fees, there are numerous issues with these cards. However, there are just as many pros as there are cons, including the fact that they can be one of the cheapest and fastest ways to clear debt.
Pro: 0% Introductory APR
The 0% APR on balance transfers is the best thing about these credit cards and the reason they are so beneficial. However, many cards also offer 0% APR on purchases. This means that if you continue to use your card after the transfer has taken place, you wonât be charged any interest on the new credit.
With most cards, the 0% APR on purchases runs for the same length of time as the balance transfer offer. This ensures that all credit you accumulate upon opening the account will be subject to the same benefits. Of course, accumulating additional credit is not wise as it will prolong the time it takes you to repay the debt.
Pro: Can Still Get Cash Rewards
While cash rewards are rare on balance transfer cards, some of the better cards still offer them. Discover It is a great example of this. You can earn cash back every time you spend, even after initiating a balance transfer. The cash rewards scheme is one of the best in the industry and there is also a 0% APR on balance transfers during an introductory period that lasts up to 18 months.
Pro: High Credit Limit
A balance transfer card may offer you a high credit limit, one that is large enough to cover your credit card debt. You will need a good credit score to get this rate, of course, but once you do your credit card debt will clear, you can repay it, and then youâll have a card with a high credit limit and no balance.
Throw a rewards scheme into the mix (as with the Discover It rewards card) and youâll have turned a dire situation into a great one.
Con: Will Reduce Credit Score
A new account opening wonât impact your credit score as heavily as you may have been led to believe. In fact, the impact of a new credit card or loan is minimal at best and any effects usually disappear after just a few months. However, a balance transfer card is a different story and there are a few ways it can impact your score.
Firstly, it could reduce your credit utilization ratio. This is the amount of credit you have compared to the amount of debt you have. If you have four credit cards each with a credit limit of $20,000 and a debt of $10,000 then your score will be 50%. If you close all of these and swap them for a single card where your credit limit matches your debt, your score will be 100%.
Your credit utilization ratio points for 30% of your total FICO score and can, therefore, do some serious damage to your credit score.
Secondly, although FICO has yet to disclose specifics, a maxed-out credit card can also reduce your score. By its very nature, a balance transfer card will be maxed out or close to being maxed out, as itâs a card opened with the sole purpose of covering this debt.
Finally, if you close multiple accounts and open a new one, your account age will decrease, thus reduce your credit score further.
Con: Transfer Free
The transfer fee is a small issue, but one worth mentioning, nonetheless. This is often charged at between 3% and 5% of the total balance, but there are also minimum amounts of between $5 and $10, and you will pay the greater of the two.
This can sound like a lot. After all, for a balance transfer of $10,000, 5% will be $500. However, when you consider how much you can save over the course of the introductory period, that fee begins to look nominal.
There may also be an annual fee to consider, but if your score is high enough and you choose one of the cards listed in this guide, you can avoid this fee.
Con: Late Fees and Other Penalties
In truth, all credit cards will charge you a fee if youâre late and you will also be charged a fee every time you make a cash advance. However, the fees may be higher with balance transfer cards, especially if those cards offer generous benefits and rewards elsewhere. Itâs a balancing act for the providerâan advantage here means a disadvantage there.
Con: High APR on Purchases
While many balance transfer cards offer a 0% APR on purchases for a fixed period, this rate may increase when the introductory period ends. The resulting variable APR will often be a lot larger than what you were paying before the transfer, with many credit cards charging over 25% or more on purchases.
Which Credit Cards are Best for Clearing Credit Card Debt?
Many credit card issuers have some kind of balance transfer card, but itâs worth remembering that credit card companies arenât interested in offering these cards to current customers. Youâll need to find a new provider and if you have multiple cards with multiple providers, that can be tricky.Â
Run some comparisons, check the offers against your financial situation, and pay close attention to late fees, APR on purchases, cash rewards, and the length of the 0% introductory APR rate.Â
Youâll also need to find a card with a credit limit high enough to cover your current debt, and one that accepts customers with your credit score. This can be tricky, but if you shop around, you should find something. If not, focus on increasing your credit score before seeking to apply again.
Here are a few options to help you begin your search for the most suitable balance transfer card:
Discover It
- Balance Transfer Offer: 18 Months
- Transfer Fee: 3% on transfers
- Purchases APR: 0% for 6 months
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rate: Up To 24.49% Variable APR
- Rewards: Yes
Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Balance Transfer Offer: 15 Months
- Transfer Fee: 5% on transfers
- Purchases APR: 0% for 15 months
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rate: Up To 25.24% Variable APR
- Rewards: Yes
Citi Simplicity
- Balance Transfer Offer: 21 Months
- Transfer Fee: 5% on transfers
- Purchases APR: 0% for 12 months
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rate: Up To 26.24% Variable APR
- Rewards: No
Bank of America Cash Rewards
- Balance Transfer Offer: 15 Months
- Transfer Fee: 3% on transfers
- Purchases APR: 0% for 15 months
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rate: Up To 25.49% Variable APR
- Rewards: No
Capital One Quicksilver
- Balance Transfer Offer: 15 Months
- Transfer Fee: 3% on transfers
- Purchases APR: 0% for 15 months
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rate: Up To 25.49% Variable APR
- Rewards: No
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
- Balance Transfer Offer: 15 Months
- Transfer Fee: 3% on transfers
- Purchases APR: 0% for 15 months
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rate: Up To 25.49% Variable APR
- Rewards: No
Capital One SavorOne
- Balance Transfer Offer: 15 Months
- Transfer Fee: 3% on transfers
- Purchases APR: 0% for 15 months
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rate: Up To 25.49% Variable APR
- Rewards: Yes
How to Clear Debt with a Balance Transfer Card
From the point of the account opening to the point that the introductory period ends, you need to focus on clearing as much of the balance as possible. Donât concern yourself with a variable APR rate, annual fee or other issues and avoid additional APR on purchases by not using the card. Just put all extra cash you have towards the debt and reduce it one step at a time.
Here are a few tips to help you clear debt after you transfer a balance:
Meet the Monthly Payment
First things first, always meet your minimum payment obligations. The 0% APR on balance transfers protects you against additional interest, but it doesnât eliminate your repayments altogether. If you fail to meet these payments, you could find yourself in some serious hot water and may negate the balance transfer offer.
Increase Payment Frequency
It may be easier for you to repay $250 every two weeks as opposed to $500 every month. This will also allow you to use any extra funds when you have them, thus preventing you from wasting cash on luxury purchases and ensuring it goes towards your debt.
Earn More
Ask for a pay rise, take on a part-time job, work as a freelancerâdo whatever it takes to earn extra cash during this period. If you commit everything you have for just 12 to 18 months you can get your troublesome debt cleared and start looking forward to a future without debt and complications, one where you have more money and more freedom.
Sell Up
It has never been easier to sell your unwanted belongings. Many apps can help you with this and you can also sell on big platforms like Facebook, eBay, and Amazon.Â
Sell clothes, electronics, books, games, musicâanything you no longer need that could earn you a few extra dollars. It all goes towards your debt and can help you to clear it while your introductory APR is active.
Donât Take out a Personal Loan
While you might be tempted to use a loan to cover your debt, this is never a good idea. You should avoid using low-interest debt to replace high-interest debt, even if the latter is currently under a 0% introductory APR.Â
Itâs easy to get trapped in a cycle of swapping one debt for another, and itâs a cycle that ultimately leads to some high fees and even higher interest rates.
Focus on the Bigger Picture
Debt exists because we focus too much on the short-term. Rather than dismissing the idea of buying a brand-new computer we canât afford, we fool ourselves into believing we can deal with it later and then pay for it with a credit card. This attitude can lead to persistent debt and trap you in an inescapable cycle and itâs one you need to shed if youâre going to transfer a balance.
Instead of focusing on the short term, take a look at the bigger picture. If you canât afford it now, you probably canât afford it later; if you canât repay $10,000 worth of debt this year, you probably canât handle $20,000 next year.
Alternatives to Credit Card Balance Transfers
If you have the cash and the commitment to pay your credit card debt, a balance transfer card is perfect. However, if you have a low credit score and use the card just to accumulate additional debt and buy yourself more time, it will do more harm than good. In that case, debt relief may be the better option.
These programs are designed to help you pay your debt through any means possible. There are several options available and all these are offered by specialist companies and providers, including banks and credit unions. As with balance transfer cards, however, you should do your research in advance and consider your options carefully before making a decision.
Pay More Than the Minimum
Itâs an obvious and perhaps even redundant solution, but itâs one that needs to be mentioned, nonetheless. We live in a credit hungry society, one built on impulsive purchases and a buy-now-care-later attitude. A balance transfer card, in many ways, is part of this, as itâs a quick and easy solution to a long and difficult problem. And like all quick patches, it can burst at the seams if the problem isnât controlled.
The best option, therefore, is to try and clear your debts without creating any new accounts. Do everything you can to increase your minimum payment every month. This will ensure that you pay more of the principal, with the minimum payment covering your interest obligations and everything else going towards the actual balance.
Only when this fails, when you genuinely canât cover more than the minimum, should you look into opening a new card.
Debt Consolidation
Balance transfers are actually a form of debt consolidation, but ones that are specifically tailored to credit card debt. If you have multiple types of debt, including medical bills, student loans, and personal loans, you can use a consolidation loan to clear it.
This loan will pay off all of your debts and then give you a new one with a new provider. The provider will reduce your monthly payment and may even reduce your interest rate, allowing you to pay less and to feel like youâre getting a good deal. However, this is at the expense of a greatly increased loan term, which means you will pay considerably more over the duration of the loan.
As with everything else, a debt consolidation loan is dependent on you having a good credit score and the better your financial situation is, the better the loan rates will be.
Debt Management
Debt management can help if you donât have the credit history required for debt consolidation. Debt management plans are provided by companies that work with your creditors to repay your debts in a way that suits you and them. You pay the debt management company, they pass your money on, and in return, they request that you abide by many strict terms and conditions, including not using your credit cards.
Many debt management programs will actually request that you close all but one of your credit cards and only use that one card in emergencies. This can greatly reduce your credit score by impacting your credit utilization ratio. Whatâs more, if you miss any payments your creditors may renege on their promises and revert back to the original monthly payments.
Debt Settlement
The more extreme and cheaper option of the three, but also the riskiest. Debt settlement works well with sizeable credit card debt and is even more effective if you have a history of missed payments, defaults or collections. A debt specialist may request that you stop making payments on your accounts and instead put your money into a secured account run by a third-party provider.
They will then contact your creditors and negotiate a settlement amount. This process can take several years as theyâre not always successful on the first attempt but the longer they wait, the more desperate your creditors will become and the more likely they will be to accept a settlement.
Debt settlement is one of the few options that allows you to pay all your debt for much less than the original balance. However, it can harm your credit score while these debts are being repaid and this may impact your chances of getting a mortgage or a car loan for a few years.
Credit Card Balance Transfers is a post from Pocket Your Dollars.
Source: pocketyourdollars.com
Unemployment Benefits Explained: Terms, Definitions and More
CARES Act: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was the first coronavirus relief package passed in March 2020. It expanded unemployment assistance, authorized ,200 stimulus checks and provided relief for small businesses, among several other things. Under this law, those who are partially or fully unemployed as a direct result of the coronavirus may receive up to 39 weeks of federal unemployment benefits.
Beyond helping those who were laid off, PUA offers benefits to people who canât go to work or lost income due to a variety of coronavirus-related reasons. Some examples include contracting COVID-19, caregiving for someone who has COVID-19 or staying home to take care of your kids whose school closed due to COVID-19 lockdown rules.
Millions of newly eligible folks now have access to benefits. But the new programs put state unemployment agencies in a tricky position. They are receiving record-breaking surges in applications at the same time that they are tasked with creating and paying out brand new benefits. The result: overburdened websites, unclear instructions and lots of jargon.
Adam Hardy is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. He covers the gig economy, remote work and other unique ways to make money. Read his âlatest articles here, or say hi on Twitter @hardyjournalism.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
Hereâs a primer on seven key terms that youâre sure to come across as you apply for benefits.
Take, for example, this update to applicants on Arkansasâ unemployment website after the second stimulus package passed:
The 2 Unemployment Programs You Definitely Need to Know
Source: thepennyhoarder.com
DOL: The federal Department of Labor oversees all statesâ unemployment systems. Your state may have its own agency named the Department of Labor that administers its unemployment benefits. Generally speaking, DOL refers to the federal agency.
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Also referred to as Unemployment Compensation, UI is the longstanding benefits program run by each individual state. Itâs for people who are out of work at no fault of their own. To qualify for UI, you have to have made a certain amount of money in the recent past â typically from a W-2 job with an employer that paid into the unemployment system through payroll taxes. Specifics like previous employment duration or earnings vary.
PEUC: Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation extends the length of Unemployment Insurance aid for a maximum of 24 weeks. The first stimulus deal extended UI benefits for 13 weeks, and the second stimulus package added an additional 11 weeks. New applicants (after Dec. 27, 2020) are only eligible for the 11-week extension. This program does not extend Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
âUnderstanding the difference with all these programs and acronyms is going to be confusing,â said Michele Evermore, an unemployment benefits policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project.
These two foundational programs provide the bulk of unemployment aid through weekly payments. Once you understand the difference between them, a lot of the other programs will start to make sense.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
âSome extensions and changes to federal UI programs will include the reinstatement of the FPUC program, extension of PUA program and PEUC program for those who qualify,â the notice states.
The overwhelming majority of people relying on unemployment benefits are receiving aid from two key programs. According to figures from the Department of Labor, more than 13 million people are collecting Unemployment Insurance and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits.
Our plain English guide will help you make sense of it all. Consider bookmarking this page and referencing it as you trudge through the process of getting your benefits.
DUA: Disaster Unemployment Assistance is not Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. You may come across this long-standing natural disaster assistance program on your stateâs unemployment website. Do not apply. Despite their similar names, they are very different.
7 Quick Definitions to Important Unemployment Terms and Programs
FPUC: Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation boosts unemployment benefits by 0 a week for up to 11 weeks between Dec. 27, 2020, and March 14, 2021. Anyone who is approved for at least of unemployment benefits will automatically receive this bonus. No separate application or action is needed. This program previously paid out 0 per week under the CARES Act, but that version expired in July 2020.
Additionally, to collect UI, you have to be able to work, available to work and actively seeking work. Some states have waived the âactively seeking workâ requirement during the pandemic.
Depending on your state, average UI payments are between 0 and 0 per week, according to the latest data from the Department of Labor. The duration of UI programs also depends on your state. They last between 12 and 30 weeks (without any extensions). The most common duration is 26 weeks.
Since the start of the pandemic, mass unemployment has rocked the nation. To help mitigate the damage, two economic stimulus packages allotted unprecedented sums of money to create new benefits programs that assist people who are out of work.
EB: Extended Benefits are available in every state except South Dakota. EB is a state-level benefit that extends Unemployment Insurance by six to 20 weeks â depending on your state and your local unemployment rate. To qualify during the pandemic, you may have to exhaust a federal unemployment extension first. (See PEUC below.)
For the first time nationally, gig workers and freelancers, who are considered 1099 independent contractors, have been able to receive unemployment benefits through PUA.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is a new federal unemployment program. Itâs up and running in all 50 states. The first stimulus package created PUA in March 2020. Throughout the pandemic, PUA has been a lifeline for tens of millions of jobless people who donât qualify for regular UI benefits.
CAA: The Continued Assistance Act, aka Continued Assistance for Unemployed Workers, is part of the 0 billion stimulus package that became law on Dec. 27, 2020. It extends many of the unemployment programs created by the CARES Act.
Because PUA is a federal program, all states must offer it for a maximum of 50 weeks. The minimum weekly payments vary by state, however, because theyâre calculated as half your stateâs average UI payment. With average state UI payments between 0 and 0, you can expect minimum weekly PUA payments between and 5 depending on your state.
Use this tool from the Department of Labor to find your stateâs unemployment website and start a UI claim.
After reading that sentence, you may have a couple choice acronyms yourself. Maybe, âOMG â WTH does that mean?â
Now that you have a better understanding of the two major unemployment benefits programs, letâs look at extensions, payment enhancements and other important programs that you may be eligible for.
A Millennial’s Guide to Getting Your First Car Loan
Buying a car is almost a rite of passage. Making that first car purchase, negotiating with the seller, and arranging financing (if you need an auto loan) all require a certain amount of savvy.
And, once you successfully achieve the car-buying milestone, another signpost looms in the distance: Refinancing.
Whether youâre getting an auto loan for the first time, or you want to refinance your existing car debt, itâs important to be an informed consumer. Hereâs what you need to know.
Get your finances in order
Before beginning your car search, you need your finances in order, according to Joe Pendergast, the vice president of consumer lending for Navy Federal Credit Union.
âKnow your budget, check your credit score, and review your existing credit accounts to ensure they are reported accurately,â Pendergast said. Your credit situation can directly impact the interest you pay on your auto loan.
Emily Shutt, a certified financial coach who works closely with millennial women to help them manage a variety of money issues, suggested calling around to different dealers and banks or credit unions to see what credit bureau they use to check your score. Then you can check your report for errors and have them fixed before you talk to someone about financing your car purchase.
âHaving errors on a credit report can negatively impact score, which can put you at a huge disadvantage when youâre negotiating for an auto loan interest rate,â Shutt said.
You should also know ahead of time where you stand with your budget. Use an online loan calculator to determine what you can afford in terms of a monthly payment. For example, if you think you can handle a $305 monthly payment, and you have the credit to get an interest rate of 2.9% for a five-year loan, you might feel you can afford to borrow up to $17,000 for a car.
Save up for a down payment
Just because you might be able to borrow so much for a car doesnât mean you necessarily should. In fact, saving for a down payment makes a lot of sense, Shutt said. Not only does having a down payment help you to better negotiate your loan rate, but it also can allow you a shorter loan term and save you money in the long run.
Play around with the numbers a little with an online calculator. If you can put $7,000 down, so that you borrow only $10,000 of that $17,000 car, you could maybe get an interest rate of 2.5% and a loan term of three years. Even better, your monthly payment would only be $289 â and youâd save $1,494 in interest.
The less you borrow, the more money you have in the end. And thatâs money you can put toward investing in your future, rather than paying interest to someone else.
Know what you want â and what it costs
Once your finances are in order and maybe you have a down payment saved up, itâs time to figure out what you can actually buy. Avoid over-borrowing by knowing what you want in a car and having an idea of what it costs, Shutt suggested.
âEverything should already be online so you can get a sense of what all the options are,â said Shutt. A little research can go a long way toward helping you get a sense for which cars will fit into your budget.
Shutt pointed out that the job of salespeople is to get you to spend as much money as possible. The more you spend, the more you have to borrow â and the more youâll pay in interest. âConfidently stand your ground when a salesperson tries to upsell you or steer you in another direction,â she said.
Pendergast agreed on the need to research your car choices ahead of time. âKnow the price other dealerships in the area are offering so you can make an informed purchase,â he said.
Itâs even okay to play one sellerâs price off anotherâs to get the best deal. Donât be afraid to let the other dealerships know youâre shopping around. Theyâll be more inclined to negotiate with you, potentially resulting in a better deal.
Get an auto loan quote from a bank or credit union
Before you ask for dealer financing, suggested Pendergast, talk to a bank or credit union.
âYou should see what type of loans your financial institution has to offer,â said Pendergast. âThis will give you guidance for your budget, but will also increase your purchasing power to help you in negotiations, regardless of the dealerâs proposition being on par with the lenderâs.â
Donald E. Peterson, a consumer lawyer with almost 30 years of experience, warned that dealer financing still often requires the involvement of a bank or credit union. Dealers submit your information to lenders and get interest rates quotes back.
âSometimes dealers mark up the interest rate above the rate banks would buy the loan at,â Peterson said. âThe bank and the car dealer split the excess interest, usually 50-50.â
This practice isnât just limited to banks, either. âSome credit unions have entered into interest-rate kickback agreements with car dealerships,â Peterson said. âYou must apply to the credit union yourself to get the best rate.â
Starting with a financial institution allows you to get an idea of whatâs available to you. Then, youâre in a position where a dealer who wants to finance you has to match the rate youâve already been offered, rather than steer you toward an alternative arrangement.
Consider a cosigner
With my own first auto loan experience, I had to deal with the fact that I had a thin credit file. I didnât have enough credit established to get a car loan without an unacceptably high interest rate.
I went through the steps of creating a budget and deciding how much I could afford, including factoring in my car insurance costs. However, after checking my credit report, I realized that having a credit card for six months wasnât enough for me to establish much of a credit history.
After compiling research about the types of used cars I could afford, and how my earnings from my job were enough to cover an auto loan payment, I approached my parents. My dad was willing to cosign on a modest car loan through his credit union.
My interest rate â and my monthly payment â were lower because I had cosigner with good credit. I made all my payments on time, helping build my credit history so that the next time I bought a car, I was able to get a good interest rate without the need for a cosigner.
As you research your options, donât forget about the possibility of using a cosigner. If you donât have the credit history to get a good auto loan rate on your own, borrowing someone elseâs good name can help you save money â while at the same time allowing you a way to establish your own credit for the future.
Donât fall for the monthly payment scheme
While you do want to figure out what monthly payment youâre comfortable with, you donât want to get caught up in it at the dealership, cautioned Shutt.
âFocus on the all-in price of the car,â said Shutt. âIf the salesperson can get you to verbalize a monthly payment target, theyâll just manipulate other factors like the duration of the loan.â
When that happens, Shutt pointed out, you might end up hitting your targeted monthly payment, but long-term interest charges and other factors could mean that your car ends up being a lot more expensive. She said you should figure out about how much youâll pay each month over a loan term youâre comfortable with, and then buy a car with a final price that fits those parameters.
âTake your time, and donât be manipulated,â Shutt said. âIf youâre not comfortable negotiating, bring a friend or family member who can support you in sticking to your budget.â
What about refinancing?
In some cases, you might discover that you qualify for a lower auto loan interest rate than you currently pay.
âMaybe youâve been making timely payments for a year or two and your credit score has gone up,â said Shutt. âNow you can consider refinancing the loan.â
However, itâs important to be careful moving forward. Just as you shop around for the best auto loan rates on a new loan, it makes sense to shop for refinancing rates. Check with a few banks and credit unions to see if you can get a few quotes for refinancing.
When you refinance, watch out for lengthening the loan term. If you only have three years on your term, it might not make sense to refinance to a five year loan. Instead, only refinance what you have left. You could save on interest charges and still get rid of your car debt in the original time frame.
Shutt also recommended looking online for car loans. Compare the rates you find with online auto loan refinancing platforms to what your local financial institutions offer. By playing different lenders off each other, you could strike a better bargain â especially if you have good credit.
Know your finances and be ready to negotiate
Auto loans are a massive industry, with more than $1 trillion owed to U.S. lenders. Rather than being just another statistic, consider how you can come out on top.
Know your finances and understand what you can expect, Pendergast said. When you know where you stand, and when you research ahead of time, you can call dealers and lenders out. Shop around for the best auto loan rates and terms, and let dealers know youâve done your homework, so that negotiations will go much better, saving you time and, importantly, money.
If you want to be sure your credit is good enough to purchase a car, you can check your three credit reports for free once a year. To track your credit more regularly, Credit.comâs free Credit Report Card is an easy-to-understand breakdown of your credit report information that uses letter gradesâplus you get two free credit scores updated every 14 days.
You can also carry on the conversation on our social media platforms. Like and follow us on Facebook and leave us a tweet on Twitter.
Image: iStock
The post A Millennial’s Guide to Getting Your First Car Loan appeared first on Credit.com.
Source: credit.com
What Items Should You Put in a Fire Safe Box
If a fire happens, will your important documents stay safe?
Apartment dwellers need to be proactive about protecting critical information in case of a fire. Plenty of us have gone digital when it comes to storage of personal information, but certain items still need to come in hard copies. And some things, other than papers, also need a tangible safe place.
The safety deposit box at the local bank is still an option. However, bank hours aren’t always aligned with yours. If you want to go the digital route, look for companies that specialize in the storage of critical data. You can access your info directly from your phone, tablet or Amazon’s Alexa device. But if you prefer to go more old school â you need to think about protecting your valuables that are difficult to replace.
What will you need easy access to when you’re in an emergency fire crisis? Your list will probably look like this: an original birth certificate, social security card, insurance papers and car titles and other original docs. You could also include spare keys, passports and irreplaceable items like heirloom jewelry. A fireproof safe box will give you peace of mind. And, it will act as a security measure should a fire occur.
Are all fire safe boxes the same?
Did you know that not all fire safe boxes are alike? For example, standard fireproof safes protect your valuables against intense heat and smoke damage for periods of up to 120 minutes, according to Western Safe, while others can withstand the heat for longer. So, what’s the best type of fireproof box? Experts say it all depends on what you intend to store.
You should look for a fire safe box that has emergency override keys so you can open it up even if you forget the passcode. The keys are also good if the batteries run out on the keypad.
To help you know what things to keep in a fire safe box in your apartment, we’ve organized a list. These items make good sense to safeguard against fire:
- Critical documents: Store your checking and savings account bank books, birth certificates, social security cards, wills and passports in a fire safe box. If you need to get out at a moment’s notice, these important documents will be safe and accessible.
- Digital media: Your digital must-haves include USB sticks, memory cards and CDs. These items are your physical back-up. And this is especially true if you don’t want your most private data to live on remote servers.
- Insurance policies: Talk to your insurance company about your renters insurance following the fire. Having access right away to your policy will help you to take action post-fire.
- Cash: Life today is debit and credit card-driven. But it’s also smart to keep a stash of small bills on hand. If an emergency calls for quick cash, you’ll be glad you thought ahead and put some aside.
- Other valuables: Remember to organize a file with essential information. Include emergency numbers of family members. Have your prescriptions, who your family doctor is and contact info for your pet’s vet, too.
Do your homework
Before purchasing a fire safe box, be sure to research what’s on the market. You’ll be surprised to find a range of choices. You can even select from fireproof safes that you can bolt to the ground or wall. Is the fire safe box waterproof? If not, be sure to protect all contents by storing them in plastic.
An official fire rating from the Underwriters Laboratory comes with all safes, according to Haven Life. The rating lets you know what temperature the fire safe box will stay inside during a fire. It will also let you know how long it will stay at that temperature.
Look for fire safe boxes that are either 125 degrees Fahrenheit or 325-degrees safe. They typically come with up to three hours’ worth of protection. Spruce reports that some fire safe boxes can withstand fires with temperatures up to 1,550 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
Does size matter?
Fire safe boxes are compact to mid-size and come in a range to meet your needs. You can find options with a capacity of 0.17 cubic feet and weighing in at just 14 pounds. Or, one that weighs a little less than 28 pounds and can store flat 8-1/2-by-11-inch, letter-sized documents.
Extra-large capacity fire boxes can hold much more. They can weigh more than 100 pounds and measure more than 1-1/2-feet on each side. But the size is worth it because it gives your stuff a greater chance of surviving a disaster, according to Wirecutter. The site recommends a fire safe box the size of a mini-fridge that weighs in at 56 pounds.
Choose a fire safe box that has all the protective features and benefits to keep your important documents safe. In the long run, the investment could prove to be a wise one.
The post What Items Should You Put in a Fire Safe Box appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
Source: apartmentguide.com
These Free TV Apps Will Let You Cut Cable but Keep Content
As cable subscription prices rise higher and higher and customer satisfaction ratings dive lower and lower, cutting the cable has never been more popular.
Sure, there are the usual big names in streaming services available for a monthly fee, but itâs possible to kick subscription fees entirely.
Luckily, there are more options than ever for replacing your traditional cable setup. Many free streaming services have stepped up to offer access to content overlooked by subscription-based services.
And you arenât confined to squinting at your phoneâs screen or gathering the family around the old iPad to watch your favorite TV series and movies â you can download apps to your Smart TV or even your Xbox or PlayStation consoles.
Of course, there are some rather shady options out there that stream pirated content. But weâve rounded up free, legal streaming apps that provide no-strings-attached cable-cutting solutions.
12 Free TV Apps That Will Help You Cut Cable
With so many free streaming options out there, itâs easier than ever to cut the cord and save big. Whether youâre looking to keep up with the news, find a good movie for date night or entertain your kids with educational content, a streaming service exists to ensure you can do so without paying a dime.
Try these free TV apps out and see which works best for you.
1. Crackle
One of the go-to names not just in free streaming but in streaming video in general is Crackle. The cost-free service has a variety of content, ranging from classic TV shows like âBewitchedâ and âBarney Miller,â as well as the newer âSnatchâ series. It also has hundreds of films from major studios.
For a free streaming service, Crackleâs library is truly impressive. Crackle even has a handful of original series to its name. Best of all, Crackle works on nearly all mobile devices, streaming boxes and smart TVs.
2. Tubi TV
A division of FOX Entertainment, Tubi TV has deals with major studios like Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and Lionsgate. It also features lots of foreign and independent productions.
Tubi TVâs library is updated regularly, and the service claims to add new content every week. The Tubi TV app works on more than 25 devices, including Android and iOS, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, Samsung Smart TVs and Amazon Fire TV.
The library is solid and has started offering popular Fox TV series like âThe Masked Singerâ and âGordon Ramsayâs 24 Hours to Hell and Back.â
Since the service is ad-supported, you can expect to watch a couple minutes of ads every 10 minutes or so. The experience is pretty similar to watching normal television.
3. Pluto TV
Pluto TV offers TV channels of linear content much like a cable package
There are dozens of classic TV, movie and sports channels â and even some highly curated streams of niche content.
If youâre looking for breaking news, you can choose from an assortment of major network news channels that are live streaming.
The kids (or kids at heart) can check out Nickelodeon classics like âThe Fairly Odd Parentsâ and âDora the Explorer.â
Got a library card? You have access to even more entertainment options (besides the obvious, books). Check out these library apps for free access to movies, TV shows and more.
Or if you just want to veg out, switch over to their Binge menu for a seemingly endless stream of TV series, like âThe Hillsâ and âMystery Science Theater 3000.â
Pluto TV boasts a large list of supported devices including iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TVand Chromecast devices and Android TV.
Like Tubi TV, Pluto TV has advertisements similar to the ad load of normal TV.
4. NewsON
Streaming video isnât always just about entertainment. The NewsON app provides hundreds of local and national news streams.
Both live TV and on-demand news broadcasts can be streamed from over 275 local news affiliates in 160 markets. The broadcasts are available for up to 48 hours after they air, so even if you donât catch the news as it happens, you can catch up later.
Users can then select which news segments they want to watch from categories like sports, weather or entertainment. NewsON is compatible with iOS and Android phones and tablets, as well as Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
5. Funny Or Die
The go-to streaming app for comedy programming is Funny or Die. Founded in 2007 by contemporary comedy giants Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, it has since grown to be a full-blown production house featuring original content from big names in show business.
In 2018, the Funny Or Die began publishing on Vox Mediaâs Chorus and now uses the YouTube Player.
Content on the app must be streamed and cannot be downloaded.
6. PBS Kids
Kids need free streaming content, too. PBS has a PBS Kids Video app that provides hundreds of hours of educational and enriching content for the youngest members of the family. The app has a colorful, child-friendly interface, which makes it easy for kids to take control themselves.
You can even tap the âLive TVâ button to watch whatâs currently airing on your local PBS station.
Almost all of the networks and cable TV channels have their own free apps for you to download â although many charge you to actually watch current content.
Videos from many of PBSâs most popular series are available for streaming including âCurious George,â âWild Krattsâ and âSesame Street.â The PBS Kids app is supported for Android, Windows and iOS phones and tablets.
7. Xumo
Whether you want it now or later, Xumo offers live TV and on-demand options.
Like Pluto, you can choose from an assortment of major network news channels that are live streaming.
But it also includes more than 160 free channels, including themed ones in case youâre in the mood for action movies or comedies â you can watch the Funny Or Die channel here, too.
Xumo is available on most smart TVs and Roku and for download on iOS and Android devices.
Many of the free TV apps offer âpremiumâ channels â if you see that word, expect to pay for those services.
8. Crunchyroll
Anime and manga fans are likely already familiar with Crunchyroll. It specializes in mostly Japanese content, but it also features films and series from all over the world. Crunchyroll boasts a library of thousands of anime films and series, many of which are hard to find on other streaming services.
There is a paid premium feature, but the free Crunchyroll service has thousands of hours of popular series like the âDragon Ballâ franchise, âAttack on Titan,â âNarutoâ and âOne Piece.â
The Crunchyroll app is supported by Apple, Android and Windows mobile devices, as well as by gaming consoles, Chromecast, Apple TV and Roku.
Crunchyroll is a great app for anyone with an interest in anime. Of course, when it comes to anime content, you have to be watchful with your younger children, as a lot of it is geared toward teens (and sometimes even adults).
9. Twitch
For anyone with even a passing interest in gaming and esports, Twitch is the go-to free streaming service.
Twitch hosts user-created channels and streams focused on video games and other esports. It features a built-in chat feature, so users can chat with other streamers in real time.
Youâre there anyway â why not get paid to play video games? Here are four simple ways to start earning real cash for virtual play.
While there are thousands of free streams, Twitch also features premium features for a monthly subscription. Twitch apps are compatible with PCs, iOS and Android devices, game consoles, Chromecast and Fire TV.
While Twitch is popular with children, parents should beware: Twitch streams are somewhat unregulated and can sometimes contain adult language or content.
10. IMDb TV
Owned by Amazon, IMDb TV (formerly Freedive) features a host of full episodes of your favorite current and classic TV shows as well as an array of movies.
The catalogue includes some binge-worthy sci-fi hits like âLostâ and âFringe.â
The free version of IMDbTV is ad-supported, so youâll have to sit through a few commercial breaks.
It is available in the United States on the IMDb app, the IMDb website, the Amazon Prime Video app and Amazon Fire TV devices.
11. YouTube
Yes, YouTube. YouTube apps are compatible with just about every device that has a screen, and the service features videos to choose from on nearly any topic imaginable.
Most of those videos are not exactly premium content, but there are still plenty of full-length films, documentary series and curated channels that provide cost-free entertainment for the whole family.
While there are ways to download YouTube content for offline viewing, proceed with caution: Many of these sites and apps are full of malware.
12. Peacock
NBCUniversal launched this streaming service, which includes over 7,500 hours of free content, in July 2020.
Although Peacock offers paid premium options, the free version includes current and classic TV shows, movies, news, sports, kidsâ shows, Spanish-language programs and even select episodes of Peacock originals.
If youâre a fan of shows like âThe Office,â âLaw and Order: SVU,â or âSaturday Night Live,â you can watch them on this streaming service.
Customers can stream Peacock on a variety of platforms, including LG Smart TVs, Vizio SmartCast TVs, Roku, Google and Apple devices and Playstation and Xbox consoles.
Chris Brantner is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder. Senior writer Nicole Dow contributed to this article.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
Source: thepennyhoarder.com
How To Become a Freelancer and Make a Full-Time Income
Today, I have a fun interview to share with you that will show you how to become a freelancer.
I recently had the chance to interview Ben Taylor. Ben has been freelancing since 2004, and he has worked for dozens of companies.
Yes, this is a career path that you can learn!
As Ben will tell you in the interview below, a freelancer can be anything. You can be a freelance designer, personal trainer, nutrition coach, online teacher, virtual assistant, writer, and more.
If you are looking for a new business or even just a side hustle so that you can learn how to make extra money, learning how to become a freelancer may be something that you want to look into.
In this interview, you will learn:
- What a freelancer is, who they work for, what they do, etc.
- How much a new freelancer should expect to earn
- How a person can find their first freelancing job
- The steps needed to take to make money as a freelancer
And much more!
He also has an informative course called Freelance Kickstarter. This course takes you through the step by step process of creating your own freelance business.
Check out the interview below for more information.
How to become a freelancer.
1. Please give us a background on yourself and how you started as a freelancer.
I’m Ben, and I live by the sea in England with my wife and two young sons.
I started a career in tech back in 1998, and by 2004 was Head of IT for a government department. It didn’t take long for me to tire of company politics, and the endless meetings that were more about displays of ego than really getting anything done.
I came from an entrepreneurial family and my parents both had businesses rather than jobs. The businesses weren’t always successful, and there were definitely periods of “feast and famine.” However, I was well used to that and I think that branching out on my own was something I was destined to do.
My move into freelancing splits into a couple of clear phases:
Initially, in 2004, I quit my IT job, walking away from business class travel and a gold-plated pension with nothing more than a vague plan to begin to work as a freelancer!
I started to provide IT support and consultancy to both businesses and individuals. I do actually still do some of that work for a select group of long-term clients, but by 2009 I had managed to burn myself out with it. The business was going well, but I was working ridiculously long days and every holiday I tried to take was interrupted by constant phone calls and emails.
So phase two began when I sold off most of my client-base and moved to Portugal! That’s when I really started to broaden my freelance horizons. I had to start from scratch, with an unclear intention to start writing for a living, and no real plan for how to do it.
I did lots of things, including wasting a LOT of time down fruitless blind alleys. I wrote for content mills, started blogs, found clients on freelance job boards, and – slowly and steadily – started to build my income back up. The difference was that I was doing it all completely on my terms with work I really enjoyed.
I was also living in a dream destination whilst doing it.
2. Can you explain what exactly a freelancer is, who they work for, what they do, etc.?
This seems like a basic question, but it’s very worthwhile. There’s a considerable difference between freelancing and remote working that not everybody appreciates.
First off, a freelancer can be anything. For some reason many people immediately think of writing when they think about freelancing. But you can be a freelancer designer, personal trainer, nutrition coach, online teacher, virtual assistant, and dozens of other things.
It’s also worth noting you don’t only have to be one of those things. I AM a freelancer writer, but I also still dabble in IT consultancy, run my own blogs, provide coaching, and even build websites for people (if they ask nicely and the price is right!)
Regardless of what you do as a freelancer, the important thing to realise is that you are running your own business. The big plus of this is that you are in total charge. But the big negative is that you don’t have any of the safety nets you have if you are employed by a single company. This means you’re responsible for everything from your own insurance and healthcare to your own technical support!
Freelancers typically work for several different clients. There are myriad places to find those clients. It’s quite common for freelancers to find clients within their existing professional networks, and not at all unusual for ex-employers to be among them. Then there are freelance job boards like Upwork and PeoplePerHour, which provide an endless stream of new opportunities.
3. How much should a new/beginner freelancer expect to earn?
This is an incredibly difficult question to answer! I can think of one freelancer I coached who’s in a very specific writing niche. He went onto Upwork with an initial rate of $100 per hour and found lots of work. I started out in IT consultancy charging a similar rate and was quickly earning more than I did in my full-time job.
However, at the other end of the scale there are people with limited experience or specialist skills who will need to pay their dues. This means building the foundations of a freelance career by proving yourself and taking low paying jobs to build up examples of work and positive feedback. My move into writing was much more like this!
I think “job replacement income” is a useful target for new freelancers to keep in mind. That can vary vastly from individual to individual. Obviously replacing and exceeding a corporate-level income takes much more than freelancing as an alternative to a part-time, entry-level job. That said, people with senior-level experience command much higher freelance rates.
Related content: 20 Of The Best Entry Level Work From Home Jobs
4. What do you like about being a freelancer?
Not having a boss!
The difference in lifestyle is massive when you work for yourself. This is always brought home to me when I’m making plans with friends and family, and people say “I’ll see if I can get the time off.”
This makes me shudder, because it’s SO alien to me now. The example I always use is that I never have to ask anybody before I can tell my children I’ll be at their sports day or nativity play.
When you have what I call a “traditional job,” you DO have the security of healthcare, and perhaps things like holiday and sick pay. But you give up a tremendous amount of freedom in return. Freelancing is profoundly different, and it’s rare to find people who’ve given it a go that would ever choose to go back to full-time employment.
So that’s a huge thing for me, but there are other huge benefits too. I love the fact I can pivot into different things, which always allows me to keep things fresh.
About four times a year I reassess my priorities and lay out new goals for the short, medium and long term. They might involve starting a new blog, writing another book, learning a new marketable skill. For somebody like me who relishes variety, I love having total control of this.
5. How can a person find their first freelancing job?
There are SO many ways to find freelance jobs. I have an article listing 50 different options!
However, they broadly split into two categories that I call “real world” and “online world.”
It’s always worth starting out by thinking of your real life networks. As I’ve said, many freelancers do their first self-employed work for people who already know them. I’d advise people to think about any contacts who’ve already seen the kind of work they’re capable of. These are “warm leads” that are well worth perusing.
It makes sense to think about personal contacts as well as business contacts, too. Plenty of freelancers find clients who are their “wife’s best friend’s brother” or something like that!
Remaining in the “real world,” there are also options like local business groups and networking events – although they are obviously far less accessible at the present time.
Moving to the online world, the freelance job boards are the place to be. They can be intimidating places initially, and it’s crucial to learn how to use them and how to avoid scammers and low paying clients. But there are plenty of great clients out there, including many household name companies who use those boards to hire freelancers.
Often, a quick one-off $50 job can evolve into a long and lucrative client relationship. My wife and I both have clients who we first met on the freelance boards years ago. We still work with them now.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to where to find the first client, but there are options for everybody.
6. How does a freelancer decide what to set their rates at?
This is a question I’m asked a LOT! The answer leads to lots more questions, and I think many of my readers are disappointed when I don’t just give them an answer of “$x per hour” or “$x per article!”
It’s a subject I cover in my Freelance Kickstarter course, and I’m happy to share a slide from that particular lesson here. The factors to consider include tangible things like the “market rates” for specific types of work, and how each client’s geographical location could impact how much they expect to pay.
But there’s much more to consider beyond that: How much does the gig align with your long-term goals? Will the job produce a great example of work that will help you win more clients in the future? Is this a job that could lead to on-going, long-term work?
I guess a simpler answer is that your rate needs to be fair and competitive, and sufficient to make it worth your while to do the job. However, the rate for each job really needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The reality is that there are millions of freelancers out there charging vastly different rates, often for very similar services. There’s a bit of an art to working out where you sit on the pricing spectrum, but it’s an art you can learn, and it gets easier with experience.
7. What steps does a person need to take to make money as a freelancer?
The first and most important is working out what it is you actually want to do. That may seem obvious, but my inbox is full of emails from people asking what they should do, without telling me what they’re capable of and what kind of work would make them happy.
I will attempt to lay it out in a fairly simple series of steps:
- Work out what skills you have and what market there is for them.
- Look at who else is providing those services, what they charge, and what you can provide that will make you stand out and appeal to clients.
- Identify any gaps in your knowledge and experience, and work to fill them. This could mean doing some training, or doing some voluntary jobs to bulk out your portfolio.
- Establish a personal brand. This isn’t as big a deal as it sounds, but does mean having a solid resumé and LinkedIn profile, and sometimes some other ways to demonstrate your expertise.
- Learn how the freelance job boards work. Even if you have a rich personal network to draw on, it’s wise to understand the wider world of freelancing.
- Put yourself out there, and start pitching and applying for things.
- Make sure you provide perfect work and delight your clients, so that they want to work with you again and recommend you to others.
Repeating and refining these steps is the essence of becoming a successful freelancer.
8. How much does it cost to start this type of business and how much on a monthly basis to maintain it?
Freelancing is generally a low-cost venture, but that’s not to say it’s free. Depending on what you do, you may need specialist equipment and / or software. And if you’re switching from an employed position, you may have to buy things like this yourself for the first time.
A good computer is a must, as it’s often the key tool of your trade. You may also need to budget for things like insurance, possibly including healthcare cover if you are somewhere like the US where this isn’t covered by tax payments.
When it comes to monthly costs, the main things I pay for include software subscriptions and insurance policies. Thankfully these tend to build over time and no individual thing is particularly expensive. You can start out as an online freelancer without even having a personal website, and add things like that once you gain some momentum.
I also recommend budgeting for ongoing training and learning. Thankfully there are all kinds of ways to learn online inexpensively. Companies have training budgets, but when you’re a freelancer, keeping your skills on point is on you.
9. What kind of training is needed to become a freelancer?
I’d say the training splits into two: learning about freelancing itself, and building skills around the specific work you want to do.
Courses like my own Freelance Kickstarter cover the first part. Freelancing is a skill in itself, and we’ve covered some of the important areas in this interview already. Stuff like setting rates isn’t immediately obvious, so learning from those who have been there and done it already is very valuable.
When it comes to skills-specific training it depends what work you’re doing. Let’s say somebody wanted to work as a freelance social media manager. Not that long ago it would have been all about Twitter and Facebook. Nowadays Pinterest is a much bigger deal for many people, and TikTok is emerging as the latest trend.
So as that freelancer, you need to decide what you’re going to focus on. Do you want to be the “go-to guru” for TikTok, or be more of a generalist with social media in general?
It’s wonderful to have the choice.
10. Are there any other tips that you have for someone who wants to become a freelancer?
I have many!
The one I repeat over and over is that you have to eventually go for it and make the jump. I see a lot of people who never get past the “thinking about it” phase. Meanwhile the go-getters have taken the leap of faith and started to build success.
Moving to freelancing is one of those things where there may never be a perfect time to do it. Those who keep waiting for that time to arrive can easily find themselves looking back ten years later with the same commute and the same job.
Another thing I’m like a broken record about is the importance of “paying your dues.” There are often plenty of less-than-ideal gigs to finish successfully before you arrive at the amazing ones.
I wrote about some really dull topics in my early days of freelance writing, for example. But I had to wade through that stuff to build my reputation. It all felt thoroughly worth it a few years later when I was being well paid for travel articles and restaurant reviews!
You learn something from every job along the way: How to handle clients, renegotiate rates, refine your skills, and get work done more efficiently so that you’re boosting the value of your time. Freelancing isn’t supposed to be easy but it’s almost always challenging, interesting and rewarding.
And let’s face it, many people don’t feel that way about their jobs.
11. What can a person learn from your course? Can you tell us about some of the people who have successfully taken your course?
OK, so Freelance Kickstarter expands on all of the topics I’ve touched on here, and many others. It’s intended to remove confusion, and that feeling of overwhelm that often descends when researching this stuff online. It helps new freelancers make a clear plan for getting started. As the strapline goes, the idea is that people “stop wasting time, and start making money!”
I never intended to create a course, but after running the HomeWorkingClub website for several years, it became clear there was a space for something like this. I make it very clear that it’s not some kind of “get rich quick” scheme.
To be brutally honest, I don’t want students who are looking for shortcuts. There is real hard work involved in being a successful freelancer, but it’s a more than viable option for those willing to do what’s required.
The course starts with the basics of working out what you can do and want to do, and presents LOTS of different options. It then moves on to auditing your skills and experience, building your brand, and working out your own personal goals. I particularly like that section because it helps people learn the exact process I use myself every few months to keep things moving forward.
The next lessons cover finding clients, and there’s a big module on learning how to use freelance job boards like Upwork. Once people have completed this, they will know how to uncover the good and genuine jobs, and how to side-step the time-drains and scams.
Students also learn about setting rates, and all the other practicalities of running a freelance business, from getting the tech right to taking undisturbed holidays! We also cover side gigs, and long-term slow-burn projects like blogs and self-published books.
I provide personal support on the course, and people can ask me all the questions they need as they go along. There are also regular exclusive podcasts with extra advice and news of industry developments and new opportunities.
In terms of people who have already taken the course, I recently published a case study from a lady called Lyn. She now has “more work than she can handle” as a freelance writer working via Upwork. Two things that have particularly pleased me about her situation is that she’s cherry-picking projects that interest her, and that she’s been able to do exactly what I suggest in increasing her rates as she builds experience and reputation.
I’ve also had great feedback from people at a much earlier stage. I’ve kept the course price low so that people can use it to help decide if freelancing is for them – just dipping their toes in for the first time.
As one student said, the course is “ideal if you are considering going freelance and don’t know where or when to start, or even if freelancing is for you.”
Several of the testimonials so far have aligned perfectly with the original objective, which was – essentially – to help people see the wood for the trees in an environment than can seem very daunting to begin with.
I set out to create the course I wish I’d had! I’ve made more than my fair share of mistakes in over 16 years of freelancing. The people taking Freelance Kickstarter should hopefully be able to avoid the same ones!
Click here to learn more about Freelance Kickstarter.
Are you interested in learning how to become a freelancer?
The post How To Become a Freelancer and Make a Full-Time Income appeared first on Making Sense Of Cents.
Source: makingsenseofcents.com
Different Types of Debt
Debt comes in all shapes and sizes. You can owe money to utility companies, banks, credit card providers, and the government. Thereâs student loan debt, credit card debt, mortgage debt, and much more. But what are the official categories of debt and how do the payoff strategies for these debts differ?
Categories of Debt
Debt is generally categorized into two simple forms: Secured and Unsecured. The former is secured against an asset, such as a car or loan, and means the lender can seize the asset if you fail to meet your obligations. Unsecured is not secured against anything, reducing the creditorâs control and limiting their options if the repayment terms are not met.
A secured debt provides the lender with some assurances and collateral, which means they are often prepared to provide better interest rates and terms. This is one of the reasons youâre charged astronomical rates for credit cards and short-term loans but are generally offered very favorable rates for home loans and car loans.
If the debtor fails to make payments on an unsecured debt, such as a credit card, then the debtor may file a judgment with the courts or sell it to a collection agency. In the first instance, itâs a lot of hassle without any guarantee. In the second, theyâre selling the debts for cents on the dollar and losing a lot of money. In either case, itâs not ideal, and to offset this they charge much higher interest rates and these rates climb for debtors with a poorer track record.
There is also something known as revolving debt, which can be both unsecured and secured. Revolving debt is anything that offers a continuous cycle of credit and repayment, such as a credit card or a home equity line of credit.Â
Mortgages and federal student loans may also be grouped into separate debts. In the case of mortgages, these are substantial secured loans that use the purchase as collateral. As for federal student loans, they are provided by the government to fund education. They are unsecured and there are many forgiveness programs and options to clear them before the repayment date.
What is a Collection Account?
As discussed above, if payments are missed for several months then the account may be sold to a debt collection agency. This agency will then assume control of the debt, contacting the debtor to try and settle for as much as they can. At this point, the debt can often be settled for a fraction of the amount, as the collection agency likely bought it very cheaply and will make a profit even if it is sold for 30% of its original balance.
Debt collectors are persistent as thatâs their job. They will do everything in their power to collect, whether that means contacting you at work or contacting your family. There are cases when they are not allowed to do this, but in the first instance, they can, especially if theyâre using these methods to track you down and they donât discuss your debts with anyone else.
No one wants the debt collectors after them, but generally, you have more power than they do and unless they sue you, thereâs very little they can do. If this happens to you, we recommend discussing the debts with them and trying to come to an arrangement. Assuming, that is, the debt has not passed the statute of limitations. If it has, then negotiating with them could invalidate that and make you legally responsible for the debt all over again.
Take a look at our guide to the statute of limitations in your state to learn more.
As scary as it can be to have an account in collections, itâs also common. A few years ago, a study found that there are over 70 million accounts in collections, with an average balance of just over $5,000.
Can Bankruptcy Discharge all Debts?
Bankruptcy can help you if you have more debts than you can repay. But itâs not as all-encompassing as many debtors believe.
Chapter 7 bankruptcy will discharge most of your debts, but it wonât touch child support, alimony or tax debt. It also wonât help you with secured debts as the lender will simply repossess or foreclose, taking back their money by cashing in the collateral. Chapter 13 bankruptcy works a little differently and is geared towards repayment as opposed to discharge. You get to keep more of your assets and in exchange you agree to a payment plan that repays your creditors over 3 to 5 years.
However, as with Chapter 7, you canât clear tax debts and you will still need to pay child support and alimony. Most debts, including private student loans, credit card debt, and unsecured loan debt will be discharged with bankruptcy.
Bankruptcy can seriously reduce your credit score in the short term and can remain on your credit report for up to 10 years, so itâs not something to be taken lightly. Your case will also be dismissed if you canât show that you have exhausted all other options.
Differences in Reducing Each Type of Debt
The United States has some of the highest consumer debt in the world. It has become a common part of modern life, but at the same time, we have better options for credit and debt relief, which helps to balance things out a little. Some of the debt relief options at your disposal have been discussed below in relation to each particular type of long-term debt.
The Best Methods for Reducing Loans
If youâre struggling with high-interest loans, debt consolidation can help. A debt consolidation company will provide you with a loan large enough to cover all your debts and in return, they will give you a single long-term debt. This will often have a smaller interest rate and a lower monthly payment, but the term will be much longer, which means youâll pay much more interest overall.
Debt management works in a similar way, only you work directly with a credit union or credit counseling agency and they do all the work for you, before accepting your money and then distributing it to your creditors.
Both forms of debt relief can also help with other unsecured debts. They bring down your debt-to-income ratio, leave you with more disposable income, and allow you to restructure your finances and get your life back on track.
The Best Methods for Reducing Credit Cards
Debt settlement is the ultimate debt relief option and can help you clear all unsecured debt, with many companies specializing in credit card debt.Â
Debt settlement works best when you have lots of derogatory marks and collections, as this is when creditors are more likely to settle. They can negotiate with your creditors for you and clear your debts by an average of 40% to 60%. You just need to pay the full settlement amount and the debt will clear, with the debt settlement company not taking their cut until the entire process has been finalized.
A balance transfer can also help with credit card debt. A balance transfer credit card gives you a 0% APR on all transfers for between 6 and 18 months. Simply move all of your credit card balances into a new balance transfer card and then every cent of your monthly payment will go towards the principal.
The Best Methods for Reducing Secured Debts
Secured debt is a different beast, as your lender can seize the asset if they want to. This makes them much less susceptible to settlement offers and refinancing. However, they will still be keen to avoid the costly foreclosure/repossession process, so contact them as soon as youâre struggling and see if they can offer you anything by way of a grace period or reduced payment.
Most lenders have some form of hardship program and are willing to be flexible if it increases their chances of being repaid in full.
Different Types of Debt is a post from Pocket Your Dollars.
Source: pocketyourdollars.com
How to File for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in Every State
Note: This article has been updated to reflect the new programs and provisions in the second stimulus package.
For the first time nationally, independent contractors and gig workers can receive unemployment benefits â through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Millions of Americans have relied on this program since it was created by the first stimulus package in March 2020.
Depending on your state, PUA effectively expired on Dec. 26 or 27. At the 11th hour, lawmakers rallied to pass a second stimulus package, extending the program for 11 weeks. However, some states had to pause making PUA payments as they implemented the new rules.
The Penny Hoarder looked at the application process in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. when the program was first created. We compiled the information into an interactive map that shows you how to file in each state, then updated the information based on new provisions laid out in the second stimulus package.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
What Is Pandemic Unemployment Assistance?
This $300 boost is known as Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).
How the Second Stimulus Package Changes PUA
Initially, the CARES Act authorized PUA payments for a maximum of 39 weeks. The second stimulus package extended PUA to 50 weeks total â or 11 extra weeks.
PUA now sunsets on March 14, 2021, unless extended by Congress and the Biden administration. Those who havenât exhausted their PUA benefits as of March 14, 2021, may continue receiving benefits until April 5, 2021.
One new and notable limitation: PUA used to be available retroactively as far back as January 2020. The new stimulus law tightens the window for retroactive PUA payments to Dec. 1, 2020, through March 14, 2021.
All PUA recipients should be expecting to file more paperwork, too. To curb fraud, the second stimulus deal forces current and new PUA recipients to submit documents related to employment or self-employment, according to the DOL.
The exact documents needed will be determined by your state agency, which is required to notify you. The deadline to file those documents is March 27, 2021. Defer to your stateâs deadline if different.
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How to File for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, State by State
Our interactive map includes PUA filing instructions for all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Based on The Penny Hoarderâs analysis, 35 states and D.C. process PUA applicants using the same application for general unemployment. Only 15 states have separate PUA applications.
Hereâs how we broke it down on the map.
General Unemployment
To determine PUA eligibility, most states funnel applicants through the Unemployment Insurance system first. Those states require you to file two applications: state unemployment first, then PUA.
In such states, you must get denied Unemployment Insurance (UI) before applying for PUA. Only a handful of states have one streamlined, general unemployment application that determines your eligibility for both PUA or regular benefits.
For simplicity â and because in both instances your first step is filing a general unemployment claim â both methods are categorized as âgeneral unemployment (UI)â on the map, in dark blue.
To see if you need to file two applications or one streamlined version, click your state on the map for specific filing instructions.
PUA
States marked in light blue have a PUA application separate from the regular Unemployment Insurance system. If you are a resident of one of these states, you can file for PUA directly so long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
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Documents Needed to File for PUA
If youâre ready to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, youâll need to gather several types of identification- and income-related documents.
Your state may require a few additional documents, but hereâs an overview:
- State-issued ID card.
- Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number.
- Mailing and residential address (if different).
- Bank account information for direct deposit, otherwise your benefits will arrive via a prepaid debit card or check.
- Tax return: Form 1040, Schedule C, F and/or SE.
- As many income statements as possible: bank receipts with deposit information, 1099 forms, W-2s, paycheck stubs, income summaries and business ledgers.
Income statements and related documents are crucial to proving how and when the coronavirus affected your earnings. For freelancers and independent contractors, it may be difficult to compile everything. Include as much as possible.
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Depending on which gig app you use and how much you earned, you may not have received any 1099 income forms in the mail. In that case, log on to the app and download your income statements.
Expect Delays
Due to new rules outlined in the second stimulus package, state labor departments are once again scrambling. Hiccups should be expected while applying for, asking about or submitting documents related to PUA. Many gig workers and independent contractors warn of website crashes, unavailable customer service, confusing questionnaires and more.
Perseverance is key.
Adam Hardy is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. He covers the gig economy, entrepreneurship and unique ways to make money. Read his âlatest articles here, or say hi on Twitter @hardyjournalism.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
Source: thepennyhoarder.com
Trophy Apartment Once Owned by Composer Leonard Bernstein Asks $29.5 Million
An Upper East Side apartment that was once home to one of the most significant American cultural personalities of the 20th century has recently hit the market.
The Art Deco masterpiece at 895 Park Avenue was previously owned by famed composer and cultural icon Leonard Bernstein, whom music critics refer to as “one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history”. In fact, this very property is where Bernstein — also a lifelong humanitarian, civil rights advocate, and peace activist — hosted an infamous âradical chicâ party with and in support of the Black Panther Party back in 1970.
But its famous past owner is not the building’s only historical trait; built in 1929, it is designed in the classic Art Deco style, evoking New York Cityâs golden age glamour and sophistication. That, paired with its carefully preserved original architectural details (original wood-burning fireplaces and wide-plank wood floors) and panoramic Manhattan views make this residence a true gem.
Clocking in at approximately 6,300 square feet, with an extra 700 square feet of private outdoor space, the 895 Park Avenue unit spans over two floors of the 21-story Upper East Side building. The entrance is through a private elevator landing which opens into a 34-foot grand gallery, further leading into the residence’s elegant formal living room, library, and dining room.
With 6 bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms, the trophy apartment also comes with an enclosed solarium that’s bathed in sunlight and that, just like the rest of the rooms and outdoor spaces, opens up to picture-perfect views of the city.
A grand staircase leads to the lower level, which houses the 6 bedrooms, as well as a home office and laundry room. All but one of the bedrooms enjoys their own en-suite bathroom as well as significant storage space in the form of walk-in closets or dressing rooms.
The building itself adds an extra note of sophistication and convenience; the full-service white glove co-op has a long list of amenities, including multiple doormen, an elevator attendant, health club, squash court, basketball court, and private storage units. Though location itself may be its biggest asset: 895 Park Avenue is located right in the heart of the Upper East Side, on the southeast corner of 79th street and Park Avenue, providing direct access to world-class dining and shopping.
Priced at $29.5 million, the elegant unit is listed with Bonnie Chajet, Allison Chiaramonte, and Tania Isacoff Friedland of Warburg Realty.
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The post Trophy Apartment Once Owned by Composer Leonard Bernstein Asks $29.5 Million appeared first on Fancy Pants Homes.
Source: fancypantshomes.com