Home

Month: January 2020

  • Thank Goodness They Installed A Home Security System… You Wont Believe What They Found!

    Thank Goodness They Installed A Home Security System… You Wont Believe What They Found!

    Better safe than sorry…. Smart homes add convenience to your everyday life, but security systems are the most popular feature when homeowners want to feel safe in their own home.

    It is now easier than ever to set up a smart home in which you can remotely control your door locks, lights, thermostats, vacuums, lawn mowers, and even pet feeders, using your smartphone and an app. It’s also made it simple (and relatively affordable) to monitor your home from pretty much anywhere.

    SimpliSafe

    With plenty of deals available, the latest case in point: SimpliSafe, which is now offering 50% off any new home security system purchased via the company website. SimpliSafe packages typically start at $230 — but that drops to $115 with the Black Friday discount. Meanwhile, the company’s most popular starter kit, “The Essentials,” usually retails for $259, but you can snag it right now for $130.

    Ring Alarm

    Amazon cut prices on the Ring Alarm Home Security Systems eight-piece kit. Normally priced at $239, the Ring Alarm eight-piece system is $189 during this sale, plus it includes an Echo Dot smart speaker at no extra charge.

    The eight components in the kit include a base station that connects the whole system to your home Wi-Fi network, a keypad to arm and disarm the system from inside your home. The system includes a range extender so the base station signal will reach all installed components. There are also two motion detectors and three contact sensors to protect windows or doors in the kit.

    ADT

    The most well-known home security system is the professionally installed ADT. It’s not terribly easy to get pricing information from ADT without subjecting oneself to lots of salespeople, but here’s some rough numbers for a base system. For the upfront cost of around $129, and an ongoing cost of roughly $47, you get a 3-year contract with monitoring and two door contacts.

    ADT’s not for everyone, though, as the contract length and high price of monitoring can be a turn-off. However, the company is a trusted name, the monitoring is well-regarded and the system is high-quality.

    Nest Hello

    A stylish, modern and slick doorbell camera, Nest Hello is from the same company that makes the Nest Thermostat. Ample Alexa integration and face recognition make this a very high-tech security solution. It’s around $230 for the up-front cost to get the system installed, and then it’s about $5 per month for the ongoing costs for recording.

    For an upcharge, you can get the more upscale features like facial recognition. The most impressive part about the Nest Hello is the integration, though, as it works together with Alexa or other smart home systems.


  • Work from Home is Here to Stay- Are you Ready to Move?

    Work from Home is Here to Stay- Are you Ready to Move?

    For many Americans, the new realities of working remotely have opened up possibilities for relocation that they had not considered before.  Open House searches are on the rise, and people are figuring out ways to make moves. Our team was curious about where people are moving- here’s what they found.

    On the popular real estate website redfin.com 27% of searchers were looking to move to an area outside of their immediate metro area. In the second quarter of 2020, the most popular places people were looking to move included Phoenix, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Austin and Atlanta.

    Why are people looking to move? Many potential buyers from out of town are now working remotely, so affordable options that include office space, a big backyard, and good weather are now a much higher priority.

    Tech workers are making up a large portion of the new buyer pool. A realtor in Austin was quoted stating that he had buyers from New York, San Francisco and Portland buying homesites in Austin, sometimes site unseen!

    Even areas that have been thought of traditionally as ‘vacation’ towns, or ‘places to retire’ are now also seeing an influx of full time residents with Palm Springs, CA as a perfect example. With nice homes priced between $350k and $600k- it’s no surprise that urban dwellers are ditching their apartments for more space and sunshine.

    Only time will tell if this trend becomes permanent, but one thing is for sure- with the many new realities we all face, considerations about moving are top of mind these days.

    If you are looking to sell your house- consider the following:

    When you are ready to sell your home, there are a few steps that you must keep in mind. Knowing how these steps work and being prepared for them is one of the best ways to get the most out of the sale and ensure that you can get moved out quickly. Some of the steps to take to get the most out of your real estate investment includes:

    Working with a Real Estate Agent

    One of the first things that you should do when you are ready to sell your home is find real estate agents near you. Some people want to go the “for sale by owner” route, but this can take a lot more time and effort to complete than doing it with an agent. Be aware that it does cost a commission, or a percentage of the sales price, to hire a real estate agent. But considering they often take on all the work and can handle the showings, the legal documents, and more, they are often worth it to get results.

    How an Agent Can Help You

    There are a number of benefits to hiring a real estate agent rather than trying to do it all on your own. Some of these include:

    1. They help you list your home at the right price. This helps you to get the highest price possible, without your home sitting on the market forever.
    2. They can present your home in a way that makes it more appealing to potential buyers. You love your home and that is great, but a real estate agent knows how to make it shine to a buyer.
    3. They can bring in more potential buyers. Most buyers like to work with an agent. And many times your agent will already have a list of people who may have some interest in the home. This helps you to get the best offer possible.
    4. They handle all of the paperwork for you. This is one of the most difficult things to do when you try to sell your home on your own. With the help of a real estate agent, you will not have to worry about all of the paperwork and legal stuff because they will do it all.
    5. The agent can get the best offer from each buyer. When the home sells for more, the agent earns more. This incentivizes them to get a better offer on your home.
    6. Can negotiate after the inspection. While you most likely will need to get a few things done on your home after the inspection, an agent will make sure the work is kept to a minimum.
    7. Speeds your closing time. This helps you to get the home closed on and the money in your account so much faster than before.

    Typical Costs for a Real Estate Agent

    There are several factors that will come into play when you have to pay for your real estate agent. Some agents will charge more if the sale price is below a certain threshold and then will lower the rate if the price is higher. Some may have other deals and incentives to get sellers to work with them. The average commission for most real estate agents is 6%.

    Before you sign with an agent, take the time to ask about the commission they will earn. This helps you be prepared and can make it easier to factor in this cost when you finally get an offer on the home. You as the seller will be the one who will pay the commission to the real estate agent. This 6% is often split between the buyer’s and the seller’s agent, but the seller is still responsible for the whole amount.

    Picking a Good Sale Price

    The next thing that we need to take a look at is how to pick out a good sales price for your home. There are a lot of different things that go into determining a price for your home. While you want to get top dollar for your home, you do need to be realistic about what a buyer is willing to pay.

    To determine the price of your home and what to sell it for, you must consider its location, how big the home is, how many rooms and bathrooms, any upgrades, and even what other homes in the area are selling for as well. And since each home is a little different and very unique, this can be hard.

    One way to figure out a fair sales price on your home is to perform a “comps” analysis. This is when you and your agent will look at some of the recently sold comparable homes on the market. While it may be hard to find one exactly like your home, it can give you a better idea of how much similar homes in your area have sold for.

    This is also why it is important to work with that real estate agent we talked about earlier. They know how to handle the pricing of your home and will help explain it along the way. They can take in all of the factors for you and come up with a fair price that is likely to sell your home quickly.

    Staging Your Home

    If you have already moved out of your home and no longer live there, one way to sell it faster is to stage the home. This helps to give your potential buyer a look for how the home can be used and gives them a vision of all the potential in the home. Never leave the home completely empty because this slows down the process.

    List the Home and Start Showings

    When you are ready, your agent will come over and sign some paperwork with you. This helps both of you be on the same page the whole time and can avoid confusion later on. The agent will also take pictures of the inside and outside of the property so they can show potential buyers, both online and in person. It is then time for the agent to list the property and wait for the calls to come in.

    At some point, you will need to show your home. The days of  an ‘Open House’ are gone for now, and most agents will hold private showings. The agent can handle this, but you must make sure the home is clean and ready to go. And you may have to be out of the way for a bit. Sometimes it only takes a few showings and sometimes you may need to deal with quite a few showings. But these are the best way to sell your home. All buyers will want a chance to look through the home and see if it is right for them.

    Accepting an Offer

    At some point, you will get an offer on your home. If the offer sounds good to you, you can accept it and move on with some of the inspections and other things that need to get done. You can also provide a counteroffer to better meet the needs you have if the buyer’s offer is close to your original offer. If the offer is way off, you can choose to decline the offer.

    The offer will often include information on what the buyer expects. They will say what they want to purchase the property for along with the preferred closing date, any inspections they want, and other contingencies. The most common contingencies including the buyers securing their financing and the buyers selling their other home.

    The Different Types of Inspections

    Your buyer may choose to do a few different inspections to make sure the home is safe and secure. If there are some major problems with the house and they are found during the inspection, then you will be responsible for them. Most home buyers choose to do a full home inspection that checks out quite a few different things, but they can also do a few other inspections based on their needs. The most common inspections include:

    1. Pest and rodent inspection
    2. Radon inspection
    3. Chimney inspection
    4. Roof inspection
    5. Lead-based paint inspection
    6. Flooding damage inspection
    7. HVAC inspection

    As we mentioned, the full-home inspection is the most common, though some may choose the others if these problems are common in your area. The buyer will usually put this in their offer so you can decide which inspections you want to participate in ahead of time. The cost of the inspection falls to the buyer. The cost to fix anything falls to you.

    If there are some repairs necessary on the home, you can typically negotiate these. When the buyer has some minimal repairs to do, you may consider doing them and finishing the process. Other options are to offer the home “as is” so you won’t do any repairs or offer a credit for the work to be done. The credit may work if there is a time crunch on the sale and you don’t have time to get it done. Homes sold “as is” often take a lot longer to sell.

    Closing On Your Home

    Once all the inspections are done and you have moved out of the home, and your home buyer has secured their financing, you can close on the home. These often happen at two different times. You will meet with the lender or a title company to sign off on the home and agree to the sale.

    Later, sometimes the same day and sometimes later depending on the schedules, the buyers will go in and complete their paperwork to buy the home. The funds will go to pay off the rest of your mortgage, your real estate agents fees, and any other closing costs that are necessary. Whatever is left will be deposited in your account and can be used for purchasing your new home, paying off debt, or other uses depending on your needs.
    Typical Closing Costs

    There are a few closing costs you will need to pay before you get any money from your home sale. Some of these include:

    1. Any attorney’s fees for writing up the documents.
    2. Credits towards the closing costs that you and the seller agreed on.
    3. Any HOA fees if applicable.
    4. The prorated property taxes.
    5. Any escrow that is agreed on and other closing fees.
    6. Title insurance
    7. Transfer tax
    8. Agent commission.

    There are some other fees that may be required based on the bank you work with and where you live. You and your agent can discuss these fees before closing so you aren’t caught by surprise.

    Are the Rules Different in Each State?

    There are a few things about selling a home that will vary based on the state you live in. In fact, depending on where you live in each state the rules may be slightly different as well. Knowing what these differences are in your local area can be tough, but this is another benefit of working with a real estate agent to get things done.

    First, the amount in taxes you pay will vary based on one state to the next. Some states will require the seller to pay taxes on the home up to a certain point and others will require the buyer to handle this. Some states, including California, have a special tax on any home sold that may add to the closing costs you must work with.

    Most states have requirements that the seller needs to include any information about the property that may deter the buyer from making the purchase. This is often presented to a potential buyer before they even put an offer in on the home. This could include any updates you did on the home, along with any potential problems that you know about.

    You may also need to work with an escrow account. The way that this is used will depend on the state you live in but allows a little protection on both sides. It ensures that both parties know where the money is and they can get it back if things go south during the deal. Talk with your real estate agent to find out if an escrow account is necessary for you.

    Where is Everyone Moving During the Covid-19 Pandemic?

    Due to Covid-19 pandemic many Americans are ready to live the cities and move somewhere more rural. This is great news if you have a home for sale in a rural area as you are more likely to attract a good buyer for a good price.

    In fact, six out of ten Americans have said that they would consider moving to a less populated area. Some may have been considering this before. Some may be tired of living with all of the health mandates. And some see these rural areas as safer areas to be because with fewer people there, it is a much safer place to be right now.

    This is a common trend no matter which state you live in. Rural homeowners who are looking to make a switch and get out of their home into a new one will find that is a sellers’ market and they will do well. In fact, it is likely that you will have a few offers to sweeten the pot.

    Selling your home is a big experience. You have to get the home prepared and looking nice while cleaning. You need to find a good realtor who will work with you and find the best deal. And you need to finish all of the inspections and other work after you accept an offer. But when you have things organized and ready to go, you will find that it is easy to sell your house quickly.

    Related Posts

    Are You Looking to Refinance? Interest Rates Just Went Down Again.

    Posted: April 19, 2021

    If you own a home, chances are high that you’ve been giving some serious consideration to refinancing lately.   Why Refinance?   Everyone knows that mortgage rates have fallen to record breaking lows, but do you know about the “adverse market refinance fee” set to take effect on Sept. 1 2020? This fee will apply […]

    Is a Reverse Mortgage for You?

    Posted: January 27, 2021

    What is a Reverse Mortgage? If you are over the age of 62 and have most of your net worth tied up in your home, but you don’t feel like moving yet and want to stay put in your home, then a reverse mortgage may be the right option for you. It is a loan […]

    Moving is Tough Work if You’re Not Prepared

    Posted: January 5, 2020

    The average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven many families to consider moving to greener pastures. Now that you have finally decided to move, it’s time to find a suitable moving company. If you’re moving for the first time, it is important to understand how you can prepare and […]


  • Smarter Business Solutions: Best Employee Time Tracking Software

    Smarter Business Solutions: Best Employee Time Tracking Software

    Every business needs the right tools in order to succeed. Chief among these tools are employee management tools. When your employees clock in, when they leave: these are critical data points you have to have great tracking of. Time tracking software is how you generate payroll, and how you accurately keep up with billable hours, time management and project durations.

    When you get employee time tracking software, you need the best. It needs to be reliable, easy to use and easier to read. No one wants to have to decipher crazy tables and illegible data points in order to try to generate payroll. Today we’re looking at a few of the best employee tracking software solutions on the market to help you narrow it down to the best options. Run your business like a pro with these smart time tracking solutions.

    Beebole

    Don’t let the odd name fool you: Beebole is a great app for businesses of any size. Whether you have only 10 employees or 1,000, Beebole can help you to manage your team’s time. Of course, it can track basic time sheets, but it’s also great for coordinating project time management as well as budget monitoring.

    Beebole offers budget tracking, configurable time reports, one-click timers and a lot more. It’s incredibly simple and easy-to-use, but it’s also highly modular and can be configured to do pretty much whatever you need it to. To add to how easy it is to use, it’s also got a mobile app that works on all mobile devices, and can even be used when offline. Beebole only costs $6 per month, and there are even discounts for large groups.

    Scoro

    Scoro is a very popular time sheet program capable of handling tons of functions for your business. The basic time-tracking is there, of course, keeping up with billable hours employee in and out times and project durations. This information is presented in a clear and easy-to-read format, and can be used to help coordinate team efforts on project. This is a stellar tool for people who need their teams to work consistently on time-sensitive projects.

    Scoro is a lot more than just time-tracking, though. It also offers billing automation, quoting and invoicing, time and work reports, CRM and a lot more. It can probably replace three or four different tools you’re already using for these tasks, likely saving you a ton of money. Scoro costs only $26 per month per user, and you can try it out for 14 days for free.

    Harvest

    Harvest is a favorite time-tracking app of hundreds of businesses. It’s one of the best-known time tracking software solutions, and for good reason: it’s a very focused time tracker for businesses of small or medium size. It’s not like the other software suites on this list, though: it’s not a team collaboration tool, it’s primary function is as a time tracker. This single-mindedness makes it incredibly straightforward: it has one job, and it does that job quite well.

    Harvest is available in both free and paid plans. The paid version starts at $12 per month per user. The app supports real-time tracking of time spent on the job, generates estimates of invoices based on collected data, and can even integrate data from across a wide variety of time-tracking tools. In short, there’s a lot of very useful features under the hood of this deceptively simple time-tracking app. Whether you’re running a small business and just need an inexpensive solution for your time-tracking or you’re running a medium-sized business and need an efficient and focused time-tracker, Harvest can fill these roles for you.


  • Considering A Mobility Scooter? READ THIS FIRST!

    Considering A Mobility Scooter? READ THIS FIRST!

    So your mobility isn’t what it used to be… no problem! Today, some insurance companies will actually help with coverage on a mobility scooter, or even pay for the whole thing. Check it out for yourself! Either way, it may be worth checking them out and seeing if it fits your lifestyle. With that in mind, let’s look at the top ten mobility scooters.

    Drive Medical Phoenix Heavy Duty

    A heavy, sturdy scooter for a great price, this one is a good pick. This one has a headlight, which is good for darker areas. It also has a basket in the front for carrying things, making it great for grocery store trips! The seat is customizable, broad and comfortable. For $1,200, this is a great heavy-duty pick.

    Pride Mobility Go-Go Sport

    This scooter is notable for its four-wheel drive and durability. It’s not terribly fast, topping at 4 MPH. That said, it’s rugged and durable, and works great when outdoors! If you like being outside and enjoying the sunlight, this is a great pick! For a combination of durability and mobility, check out the Go-Go Sport!

    E-Wheels EW-72

    A stylish and slick scooter, the E-Wheels EW-72 has a look inspired by classic cars! For those looking to really zoom, this scooter has a top speed of 15 MPH! As a heavy-duty scooter, it works quite well, as it has a top weight rating of 500 pounds! If you’re looking for a great, stylish, heavy-duty scooter, this is a great choice for you!

    Transformer Electric Folding Mobility Scooter

    Another great choice for carrying in a trunk and carrying around with you, this transforming scooter is pretty neat. It folds up into a nice, compact shape so it can go anywhere with you! The battery is airline compliant, so it can fly with you, which is great for those who fly often. If you’re on the move and need a scooter that can keep up, this is the one for you!

    E-Wheels Jellybean Electric Scooter

    The second E-Wheels scooter on our list, this one is also quite heavy-duty! This one is three-wheeled, though, so it’s got a bit of a different construction from some others on this list. The best thing about this scooter, though, is the high speed! It tops out at 18 MPH, which makes it a serious scooter! It has a great battery, too, offering up to 45 miles on a single charge. This one also has an anti-theft alarm, which is great! It sports a huge back-mounted basket, perfect for trips to the market.

    Spitfire 420 Ex

    Another great scooter, this one has interchangeable panels in different colors. The panels come in red, blue and silver, and are easy to change out! It also boasts quick-connect batteries, a comfortable seat and padded armrests. The wheels are anti-tip, which makes this a very safe pick. The front-mounted basket even has an interior lining, which is great for shopping. If you’re looking for a good mobility scooter for medical reasons, such as old age, this is a good pick.

    SmartScoot Lithium Foldable Travel Scooter

    This folding scooter is great to throw in the trunk or backseat and carry with you to a destination. The best thing about this scooter: the battery! It has great battery life for how portable it is for travel. It lasts for up to 12 miles! It also breaks down into three parts, and only weighs 27 pounds.

    Drive Medical Scout 3 Wheel

    At the very low price of right around $600, this three-wheeled scooter is a popular choice. A little less expensive than its four-wheeled counterpart, this one is a good value. The drawbacks to this scooter include its three-wheeled construction, slightly low battery life and make. There are more comfortable, high-end scooters, but if you’re looking for a good bargain, this is it. This scooter is the most affordable on our list!

    Best Value: Drive Medical Scout Compact 4 Wheel

    For those on a budget, the Drive Medical Scout Compact is a very popular choice. At $700, it’s a fantastic value, and it shows in its popularity. It’s a good scooter, with all the trimmings you’d expect from a medical mobility scooter. Older customers on a fixed income love the low price, and the price doesn’t compromise the quality. This one also has interchangeable panels in red and blue, so you can change your style! A great value for the money for those looking to save.

    Best Overall Mobility Scooter: Shopride Sunrunner

    If you’re looking for an especially comfortable scooter, look no further than the Sunrunner! It has a 300-pound capacity and a huge 25-mile battery. You can opt for a headlight, which is quite useful. It has a front basket, perfect for shopping. The star of the show is the big, comfortable seat, though. You can’t beat the level of comfort on display here! It’s hard to find something this premium and high-quality for this price! It retails for $1,500 but can often be found on sale for less.


  • Live Your Dream: Owning an RV

    Live Your Dream: Owning an RV

    Many retired people dream of buying an RV—a recreational vehicle—and traveling around the country. One of the most enduring and fun pastimes that Americans enjoy during their vacation time is going camping. However, camping can be a bit inglorious: slumming it out in a tent in the woods is a bit harder to do once you’re out of your twenties. So, what’s a lover of the great outdoors to do? Well, the simplest solution would be to buy an RV, so you can bring a little bit of home with you when you go camping!

    RVs are quite the investment, though. It’s important that you know what you’re getting into before you buy an RV. To that end, we’ve compiled a quick guide of things you should know before you buy an RV. Get ready to hit the road and the campground in style!

    Be Selective

    It’s okay to take your time when you’re looking to buy an RV. Check out all the options available to you, take it slow and easy, and don’t fall in love with the first camper you see. It’s easy to fall for a hype sales pitch, but don’t let it convince you to buy something you’re not sure about yet. An RV is likely the second-most expensive thing you’ll ever buy, after your home. As such, it’s important you’re as discerning with your RV as you were when you bought your home.

    Keep a lookout for substandard components. Maybe the plumbing isn’t ideal, or the water pump is outdated. Check the cabinets out and double-check the build quality on the furniture. This is a huge purchase: it’s okay to take a year or more doing research and weeding out the campers you know you don’t want before you find the one you do.

    On the Lot

    When you’re going in to buy the RV, make sure you know when to buy. The best time to hit the dealership is towards the end of the month, or the end of the year. That way, you’re close to the deadline for some of the dealership’s quotas and sales targets. This gives you a lot more power in negotiating. When the power is in your hands, you can negotiate much more freely.

    Start by haggling for around thirty percent off the sticker price of the RV. If you can get the price down around that region, you’ll be in good shape. It’s important that you know to walk away if you can’t find a good price with the dealership you’re at. Let the salesperson know that you’re willing to walk away and work with their competition if they won’t work with you.

    Or Buy Used

    If you don’t feel like fussing with a dealership, you can try to buy an RV used. RVs are unusual in that they’re luxury items, but their value depreciates rapidly once they’re purchased. After being driven off the lot, they can drop as much as 25% in price on the spot. As such, if you’re willing to shop around and deal with secondhand sellers, you can likely find RVs for as much as half off their MSRP.

    When buying used, make sure you check the living quarters thoroughly and ask the owner for all the paperwork showing the proper upkeep and maintenance of the RV. They can be a big hassle to keep up with and maintain, so if the person you’re buying from is done with the RV and wants to get rid of it, you’ll likely find it easy to haggle for a better price on the camper. Be aware before you buy any RV that repairs can be costly and can take a lot of time, so be ready for a big responsibility. If you put the work in, though, they can be huge fun!


  • Thinking of Purchasing A Boat? Learn Just How Affordable It Can Be!

    Thinking of Purchasing A Boat? Learn Just How Affordable It Can Be!

    Most people don’t realize how affordable boating is: in some instances, you can buy a brand new boat financed for around $250.00 a month, like a car. If you’ve fallen in love with a boat — or the idea of one — it pays to learn more about boat loans. Boat loans are set up much like car loans, with a specific loan amount on which you pay interest over a fixed term. You can get boat financing through banks, credit unions, boat dealers or marine finance companies.

    3 Types of Boat Loans:

    Secured Loans

    This type of loan is secured, meaning that it is backed by collateral. So, if you default on your loan, the lender will take the collateral as a form of payment. Much like a car loan, your boat can be repossessed if you stop making payments.

    Unsecured Loans

    This type of loan does not use the boat, or any other asset or property, as collateral. Because these types of loans are not anchored to any specific asset as collateral, they’re seen as high-risk loans. Due to this, you’ll often find a much higher interest rate attached to this loan.

    Second Mortgage

    Some boat owners opt for a second mortgage, which is essentially a second type of secured loan mentioned above. A home equity loan, which is a type of second mortgage, uses your home as collateral for the boat loan. Interest rates for secured loans tend to be lower than those for unsecured loans That said, home equity loans can be particularly risky because the stakes are so high: If you default on the loan, the lender may be able to take your home.

    How do boat loans work?

    If you’ve had a car loan before, you already have a basic understanding of how a boat loan works. You can apply for a loan amount, put money down, and then choose a repayment term. If approved, the lender may offer a higher or lower interest rate based your credit history.

    Lenders

    You have a range of lender options. Some banks, credit unions and boat dealers offer boat loans. However, marine finance companies also specialize in these types of loans.

    Down payment

    Boat loan lenders often want to see a down payment, usually somewhere between 10% and 20%, depending on who the lender is and how much your boat costs. Watch out for some lenders offering 0%-down loans. While it may seem like a great deal to not make a down payment, this can actually increase the total cost of the loan once interest is taken into account. Ouch!

    Interest

    Interest rates on boat loans may be fixed or variable. This will vary widely based on the lender you decide to go with and, of course, your credit. Some lenders are offering APRs starting between 4% and 6% on secured boat loans. But factors such as your credit history, loan term and loan amount will always affect your rate.


  • The Secret Hack To Getting Your Taxes Done For FREE!!

    The Secret Hack To Getting Your Taxes Done For FREE!!

    It’s that time of year again. Tax time, the time when you know you need to get out and get your taxes prepared. Maybe you’re notorious for putting it off, since it can be pricey.

    However, there are a number of ways to get your taxes prepared for FREE! In fact, you can even get your taxes prepared online for completely free today! Here are some of the best sites to use for free tax preparation.

    Free Tax Preparation

    FreeTaxUSA

    FreeTaxUSA is a user-friendly and well-made site for tax preparation. The site is very straightforward, easily walking you through filing your taxes step-by-step. If you’re worried about your taxes being too complex to fill out online, don’t. This site offers you a very thorough helping hand in getting everything filed easily.

    While the federal return is totally free through this site, filing a state return through this site costs money. On average it costs about $12, so make sure you factor that in when you’re considering your tax filing. Keep in mind that it’s most likely that any tax prep site you use will require a small fee for filing a state return.

    H&R Block

    Many people are much more familiar with H&R Block due to their physical tax preparation locations. However, H&R Block also offers a free tax filing service through their website. While preparing online might not sound like the normal H&R Block, it’s actually a rather streamlined and easy-to-use site.

    Not all types of returns can be prepared on the site for free, however. As with most sites, state returns will still require a fee to be sent in from their site. Additionally, more complex tax returns could include a fee for filing.

    The upside to H&R Block is that if your taxes prove too complex to fill out online, you can go to one of their physical locations. Then, a tax-preparer can get you set up in-person! Keep in mind, however, that using in-person tax preparation won’t be free.

    TurboTax

    As their numerous commercials have proclaimed, TurboTax allows you to file your federal return for free. As you might expect, this doesn’t apply to state returns, which include a small fee. Much like FreeTaxUSA, TurboTax offers a great user interface for inputting all of your tax information.

    You won’t have to worry about forgetting something or getting lost. If you miss a box or need to input more info, the useful client will remind you. You can rest assured with TurboTax that your return will be accurate before you submit it!


  • Discover How New Home Food Delivery Services are Revolutionizing the Industry

    Discover How New Home Food Delivery Services are Revolutionizing the Industry

    Eating right is one of the most beneficial changes you can make to your life. While many make this a New Year’s resolution, the best time to start is now. There are a variety of cooked and uncooked food delivery services that can help you kick off your healthy eating practice. We’ve made the decision a little easier and put together a list of our favorite food delivery services.

    Home Chef: 40-385 for weekly meal plans

    Home Chef specializes in providing you with all the ingredients to easily create classic dishes from home. They tend to focus on dishes that are simple but hearty like steak or sesame chicken and potatoes. They also feature international meals like Vietnamese pork and Cuban steak burritos. Home Chef also takes its responsibility to the environment seriously. Every piece of food that comes to your door is wrapped with fully recyclable packaging and instructions on the best way to dispose of it.

    They also feature memberships that fit what you’re looking for. There’s no commitment and you can cancel any time you please.

    Blue Apron: $48 to $120 for weekly meal plans

    Blue Apron is one of the most recognized names in the food delivery space. They focus on easy recipes that should take less than 45 minutes to make. They take pride in focusing on using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients for their recipes when possible. While they focus on simple dishes, the flavors are far from it. They also offer an additional service that will pair various wines for your meals.

    Freshly: $50 to $108 per meal plan

    Freshly is different from the first two services that we’ve chosen. They not only focus on saving you time at the grocery store, but they also save you time in the kitchen. Freshly meals come prepped and cooked by their chefs so all you have to do is heat it up. They claim every recipe is free of refined sugar and gluten, so they are perfect for those following the Whole30 or Paleo diets. They even allow you to schedule your meals weeks in advance so it is truly a service that you can set and forget.

    Martha & Marley Spoon: $48 to $131 for weekly meal plans

    Some people love the creativity and attention to detail that Martha Stewart puts into her famous dishes. Her recipes in the past have been known to be complex and challenging. But with the Martha & Marley Spoon home delivery you get the chance to make those dishes in a simplified and delicious form. The ingredients are all high quality like grass-fed beef, artisanal vinegar and come perfectly portioned so you don’t end up with leftovers that go to waste.


  • Moving is Tough Work if You’re Not Prepared

    Moving is Tough Work if You’re Not Prepared

    The average American moves 11.7 times in their lifetime. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven many families to consider moving to greener pastures. Now that you have finally decided to move, it’s time to find a suitable moving company. If you’re moving for the first time, it is important to understand how you can prepare and what companies you should work with to help you with your move.

    Our Recommendations for the Top Cross Country Moving Companies in the US:

    1. Mayflower Transit: They have been in business since 1927. You can request a quote from the company and see if it falls under your budget.

    2. United Van Lines: A North American moving company that can help you with the relocation and moving.

    3. Stevens Worldwide: They can help you with the moving. Stevens has 150 offices in the USA.

    4. North American Moving Services: Operates in more than 170 countries.

    5. Bekins: Was founded in 1891, so if the experience is what you prefer in a company, they have plenty!

    There are many more national and local moving companies that can help you with the moving process. Just do a quick search and you would know what’s the most viable option for you. It’s a good idea to learn from the performance of such companies and get an idea of what to look for in a professional moving company. Before you engage- check out our helpful tips to help you along the way.

    How To Evaluate A Professional Moving Company

    Keep the following ways in mind to evaluate a professional moving company:

    Check Online Presence

    You are living in an era of modernization and information technology. It’s important for every company or service provider to keep pace with the fast-changing world. The professional moving company should have an online presence.

    The relevant information about the company should be just a click away. It would help you know whether the company is legitimate or not! As you can see from the list above these reputed companies have an online presence.

    Go Through Official Website

    If you are able to locate a professional moving company, find its official website. Go through the official website to find all the relevant information. See what services the company has to offer.

    Don’t forget to check out the section of FAQs as it would help you understand more about the company. In case of any query, it would be a good idea to contact the company and ask for further information. You can check out the official website of the moving companies mentioned above and get an idea of a professional website.

    Ask For A Quote

    It’s better if the rates are published on the website, but if not then ask for a quote. You can contact the company and ask to provide you an estimated amount.

    When you know what to expect in the pricing, it would become a lot easier for you to maintain your budget. Plus, you can try doing some of the tasks in advance so that you can save some costs. All the companies mentioned above would be happy to give you a quote!

    Check The Experience

    The professional moving company should be registered and official. The company should be experienced in what they are doing! When a company has the required experience and expertise, it would be possible for you to deal with it efficiently.

    You can get information about the experience in the about us section of the website. You can also try searching for the company on Google. It would be possible to find the relevant information about it. Some companies are established for a long time and thus, it would be possible for you to trust more on it.

    Estimate The Cost

    Take help from this moving calculator and see what’s the estimated cost. For example, the average cost of a local move would be $1250 while for the long-distance move it would be up to $4890 for a distance of 1000 miles for a house of 2-3 bedrooms. It can be $25 per hour when you are hiring for hourly services.

    The following factors are included in estimating the relevant cost:

    1.Moving supplies
    2. Moving date
    3.Moving size
    4.Packaging

    Tips On Selecting The Best Moving Company

    For nationally or the local moving, keep the following tips in mind when selecting a professional service provider:

    Check Reviews

    When you are selecting a professional moving company don’t forget to check the reviews online. Such reviews are usually left by the current and past customers and thus, it would give you a clear idea about the user experience.

    Nowadays, it’s possible to get an idea about the performance of a company by going through customer reviews. When you go out to eat or visit a place then through reviews you can have a clear idea of what to expect. Make sure you are checking the reviews thoroughly! However, it is important for you to make sure that the reviews are genuine.

    Ask Friends and Family

    It doesn’t matter whether you are moving nationally or locally. If your friends and family members have told you about a professional moving company then it might become your first priority! What best source of information could be other than your friends and family members. Based on their recommendations, it would be possible for you to select a reliable moving company.

    Gone are the days when it was tough to ask your friends or family members to recommend you! You can take help from social media and ask everyone to let you know about a reliable moving company.

    Check Customer Service

    A good way to know about the professional performance and reliability of a moving company is to get an idea about their customer service. To get this information you can see how they are responding to you.

    Nowadays, information, queries, and answers are just a click away. So when you are contacting a company they should be able to answer you within 24 hours. It would give you an idea of their quick response. Plus, you can also see how they are handling their social media as companies nowadays are focused on being digital.

    Finding Out The Rates Set By Moving Companies

    You might be looking for moving company rates and ways on how to negotiate. It’s important that you are finding information about the rates set by the moving companies in advance as it can help you plan your budget.

    The rates set by the moving company would depend on different factors. Moving to a small apartment would be different from a large house! Thus, the price and rate would be set accordingly. Plus, the moving company would be sending the people to help you with the moving process. There could be a single person, two movers, or maybe three. It would depend on how many people are required for the moving process.

    Pros and cons of fixed-rate pricing versus hourly rates:

    -If you go with the hourly rate, let’s say $25 an hour then you don’t know how long it would take for the company to pack everything and be done with it. Remember- an hourly rate does not incentivize the movers to act quickly!

    -If you go with the fixed price then you would know what to expect in advance. It’s always better to evaluate your options and see what would be an ideal option. In our experience, a fixed cost aligns your priorities with the movers- and that is to move as fast as possible!

    -If you are not interested in packing since you have no time and no idea how to pack then it might seem viable for you to get an estimated cost.

    -For the fixed-rate, the moving company might want to take certain factors into account to quote you a price.

    -If you are moving cross country and considering the hourly rate then it might turn costly for you. Plus, even locally you don’t know how much time would be involved in the moving and what pieces of furniture would require an extra effort in the moving process.

    Hidden Costs

    Apart from all this, make sure you are aware of the hidden costs. It would be a good idea to ask the company in advance what hidden charges are there. It’s possible that you might not be aware of certain hidden charges and when you have to bear the cost, it can be tough.

    Moving is already tough. You must be expecting a change in your life with the whole moving to a new place. If you are shifting to a new city then it might be tough for you and on top of that if a hidden cost incurs then it won’t seem like a viable option to you.

    Tips On Saving Money When Dealing With Moving Companies

    You can save a lot if you are preparing for certain tasks in advance. In fact, it’s always a good idea to take a proactive approach and prepare for as many things as you possibly can.

    Consider the following:

    -You can try packing the items in your house in the boxes. Do it in advance rather than relying on the moving company to help you with the packing.

    -Place the relevant boxes in each room and mark them. Or you can move the boxes together in one area and mark each of them. The moving company just has to grab the boxes and move!

    -You can ask friends and family members to help you with moving. You can rent a van and move a lot of items yourself. Make sure you are aware of how to pack and move the items safely. Let the moving company handle fragile items.

    -You can negotiate with the moving company and try to get the best possible price. It would only be possible if you are doing your homework and trying to collect information about the market rates of the moving companies.

    What To Expect From Movers

    When you are hiring a moving company evaluate the pros and cons. The moving company is hired to make your life easier and your shifting to a new place comfortable.

    The company has to be reliable, trustworthy and should be able to deliver the tasks on time. You have to see if hiring the moving company is worth the cost.

    How To Prepare For The Move

    When you are hiring a moving company, you can prepare for the move in the following ways:

    -Try to get rid of unwanted belongings.
    -Find free boxes to put your stuff.

    -Try to find the deals to make the moving affordable for you.
    -Choose a date that’s less expensive.

    Apart from the physical exertion, you have to be mentally prepared for the big move. Make sure to remind yourself- ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’…and your move may not be done just because the movers are gone!

    What To Do Next?

    Now that you are finally moving it’s time to connect with the best service provider in your area.

    If you are moving to a small apartment then you can ask for a small package or go for the hourly rate provided that the company is giving you suitable rates. You can try packing the majority of the items yourself or moving as many items as possible.

    If you are moving to a large house you can ask friends and family to help you. You can try negotiating with the company to get a suitable price.

    Make sure you are able to get your hands on the best company in the area with the rates that are affordable for you. Always do a little research when you are inviting a company or service provider to your house. You don’t want to hire a shady company or service provider especially when your belongings are too precious. Over the years you have collected these items in your house. You want to take everything in one piece and in good condition for your new place. You don’t want to buy everything from scratch, right! To avoid the fear of stealing or theft, hire a reputable company only. There is nothing more important than your sense of relief.

    The Best Options For The Local or Cross Country Moves

    Depending on where you are moving whether locally or cross country, you can search for a reliable company as per your requirements.

    Consider the following:

    You can check what companies have a great reputation in your area for local moves. Contact the moving company with the best reviews and make your life easier.

    In the same way, you can see what companies are the best for the cross country moves. Do a little research on such companies and check out the reviews left by other customers. Based on your preferences and budget, you can select the one you prefer the most. You can also take help from the points mentioned above.

    You have to see what viable options are available to you. Always aim to find the best moving company with the best price. When it comes to services and peace of mind, won’t you prefer to hire a company that helps in making the moving smooth and relaxes your mind? You don’t want to do everything all by yourself especially if there is already a lot on your plate. Life is not a piece of cake! You have to move on and a good service provider can be of great help in such a time.

    Good luck with moving to a new place!
    Related Posts

    How to Sell Your Home Fast!

    Posted: April 19, 2021

    Selling your home is a big deal. You want to be able to sell your house quickly and find the right people who buy houses in your area. You want to get your home looking nice and sell it for the right price, but all of the work seems overwhelming and like it will take […]

    Are You Looking to Sell Your House?

    Posted: August 10, 2020

    For many Americans, the new realities of working remotely have opened up possibilities for relocation that they had not considered before.  Open House searches are on the rise, and people are figuring out ways to make moves. Our team was curious about where people are moving- here’s what they found. On the popular real estate […]


  • Surprising Hacks to Finally Achieve Your New Year’s Resolution

    Surprising Hacks to Finally Achieve Your New Year’s Resolution

    With 2021 nearly over, people all over the world are coming up with new resolutions to improve their life. Some are easy and some are tough. That’s why we’ve come up with some of the most popular resolutions for 2022 and surprising ways to achieve them.

    Build the Body You Want

    Many people come up with a new year’s resolution to lose weight. But we encourage you to think beyond just losing weight. Make a resolution to develop a stronger and healthier body. There are numerous small ways to accomplish that.

    Every day there’s a new study that touts the varying health benefits of working out. You can find numerous ways to break a sweat, but the important part is that you do it consistently. One great way to get in shape at home is through a wi-fi connected Peloton Bike or Mirror. Both can provide you with an amazing workout providing you’re ready to make a monetary investment.

    Another easy way is to do that is by developing a meditation habit. There are numerous free apps that can provide you with simple guided meditations to get you started. You don’t need to start with 30-minute-long meditations. 10 minutes is enough to feel the energizing and focused effects of meditation.

    Learning New Things

    Part of living a fulfilled life is continuing to develop as a person. Being a lifelong learner is part of continuing to develop as a person. Some people want to earn more, some want to learn more about themselves and some just want to learn for entertainment.

    One of the most popular skills people attempt to learn to earn more is coding. If you have the motivation there are numerous great online resources like Skillshare, Codecademy and Lydia. Some of these sites even allow you to practice your coding within the web browser.

    If you want to read to learn more about yourself there are lots of sources that can help you. For example, optimize.me goes through 100’s of new and classic self-improvement books to provide you with a thorough summary of the main points of these books. Since we typically remember a limited portion of what we read, this is a great way to consume your favorite titles in a fraction of the time.

    Earn More Money

    When you want to earn more money, turning to savings can be the easiest way to boost your earnings. There are numerous ways to start saving, but getting started is the biggest challenge. Your phone can even help you save. Acorns is an app that allows you to connect it to your debit card and round up purchases to the next dollar. You then can choose your investment risk and Acorns will invest that rounded up change into your own personal investment portfolio. Over time that small investment can grow into something big.

    Another great way to save money is by comparing your insurance policies. Many car insurance companies won’t give you their best rate unless you negotiate with them. That’s why it’s important to get multiple quotes when reconsidering who it is you want to protect your vehicle.