Save for a Rainy Day Today Because Tomorrow it May Storm

Are you caught in the “eye” of a financial storm? If you watched Suze Orman on Oprah’s September 23rd show then you know she is fired up. She gave no sympathy to a couple who is $90,000 in credit card debt. The wife did not want to hear that the right move to make was to sell the house. God forbid the couple move into an apartment. They must enjoy yard work, routine and not so routine maintenance, and the typical house work. Then again, maybe they hire people to do this for them which is why they are $90,000 in debt. For “5 priceless money saving tips by Suze Orman, please visit MSNBC.com.

Clipping coupons is a great way to save money on groceries and personal items. The dollars you save will add up over time. Take the extra cash and put it into a savings account. When you are ready, take some of the money and put it into Treasury Bills and Bonds and Treasury Money Market accounts.

Give up the Starbucks Coffee for awhile. It may seem cruel and unusual, but it will be worth it in the long run. Think of all of the extra money to be deposited into the savings account. Not only will you save money, but reduce time and gas consumption. Plus, cutting down on your drive time will decrease the amount of emissions being released into the air.

Money Saving Links

  1. The Dollar Stretcher. Find out how to live better for less.
  2. Bank Rate. “Original and objective personal finance stories to help consumers make informed financial decisions.”
  3. Money.CNN. Gerri Willis gives you personal finance and savings tips.
  4. Woman’s Day. Has money savings tips from finding a cheap flight to how to do-it-yourself household cleaners.

Most Americans are in credit card debt beyond what their eyes can see. Too much indulgence and not enough self-discipline equals a financial disaster. Unfortunately, this can all be avoided with a little frugality.

Now is the time to face the truth of the situation. It will not be easy at first, but once you stop lying to yourself and others it will get better. Do what you have to do for a brighter future. If you have children then you better sit down and face the facts. Is it fair to make your children suffer for your mistakes? This is something to think about now and going forward on your financial quest. A little honesty goes a long way. Get real, get out of debt, and start saving for those rainy days and not so rainy days.

Does Renting Makes More Financial Sense Than Buying a House?

Many renters think about buying a house, a place to call their own. They save a “nest egg” hoping to buy the home of their dreams. But, does buying a home make sense from a financial perspective? Is it a sound financial investment? Can renting help you to acquire wealth? These are some questions that “weigh” on peoples minds when it comes to considering purchasing a home.

According to an article by Jack Hough from SmartMoney.com “Rent is the cost of owning shares with money you would otherwise spend on a house. Houses have ownership costs, too: taxes, insurance and maintenance. Rent costs about 5% of house prices each year if we apply the price/rent ratio of 19. House incidentals often cost around 2%. If you have $300,000 and a choice between spending it on a house or shares, you’ll pay $6,000 a year in incidentals if you buy the house or about $15,000 a year ($1,250 a month) in rent if you buy the shares. But the shares will return $21,000 a year after inflation while the house will return zero. (My numbers work out even better than these. I pay a smidgen less than $1,250 a month for rent, while house prices in my neighborhood are far higher than $300,000.”)

Renting does not have as much responsibility as buying a home does. When you rent, it’s the property management’s job to fix repairs and maintain the property’s landscape. Renting gives you lease flexibility and a opportunity to check out different areas of the city. Once you a buy a home and decide you do not like the area, then you must put the home up for sale and pray to God that it sells straight-away!

Buying vs. Renting Links

  1. New Buyer.com. “Learn the tradeoffs, potential money savings and which option makes sense.”
  2. Ms. Money. A great site for financial planning.
  3. ABC News. Find out the pros and cons of renting and buying.

The bottom line is only you can decide if renting or buying is the best option. Do you want the flexibility of a lease or the commitment of a home? What is your financial situation? Ask yourself these questions before signing your name on the bottom line of either a lease or mortgage loan.

If you desire to make more money or spend a little more, renting may make sense for you. Many financial calculators are available online and can help you decide if renting or buying is the right move. Start crunching the numbers and plan for your future today!

Read These 10 Tips Before You Rent an Apartment

Today, most people are renting. When it’s time to renew the lease you may or may not stay at your apartment. Why are you moving? Is the complex noisy? Do the maintenance people ignore your “fix it” list? Are the leasing people clueless?

Before you move to a new place, make sure you know what to look for and what questions to ask the leasing manager and assistant manger.

For those who are in the market for a new place, make sure you do research. Visit a property during the day and night. Just because the property is nice and quiet during the day does not mean it will be at night. What types of people live in the complex? Are they young professionals? Are they mostly college students, let’s say from ASU who like to party and blare the radio 7 days a week? Are there young children? If there are children, do the parents discipline them? Do the parents allow their children to “scream” their heads off at 8 am on a Saturday morning?

If you have a pet, make sure the complex will allow your pet. Find out if there is a weight limit and what types and breeds of pets are allowed. Ask if there is a monthly pet fee and deposit.

10 Tips for Renting

  1. Visit the property during the day and night.
  2. Ask if the property allows pets, what kind, and if there is a weight limit.
  3. Is the complex non-smoking?
  4. Walk around the complex and observe the people.
  5. Make sure the grounds are well kept.
  6. Is parking ample? Will your friends and family be able to find a parking space?
  7. Ensure that the trash is not overflowing from the dumpster.
  8. Is the property well lit and secure?
  9. How old is the property? Are appliances and apartments updated?
  10. Stop residents and ask how long they have been at the complex? Are they renewing their lease year after year? Are the residents mostly transients?

Whether you are moving to your first or third apartment, now you know what to look for and what questions to ask. This will be your home for the next 12 or 14 months. Make sure the complex is the right fit for you. You do not want to be in a situation where you are paying a fee to break your lease. The fee can range from $800 – $1,600 depending on the property. Be prepared before signing your name on the dotted line!

Bonus!

  1. Ask if there are smoke detectors and a sprinkler system in the apartment.
  2. Inquire about dead bolt locks!