Stone walls, crocodile-filled moats, Rottweilers — our ancestors found some pretty creative home security solutions!
Today’s home security systems feature a more tech-savvy approach, but the goal remains the same: to keep your family, your property, and your stuff safe from outsiders.
Recent innovations have fueled a new surge in home security sales.
As you shop around and compare systems, consider your home’s security challenges, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Chances are good you’ll find the system you need, whether you’re a new homeowner or just new to the home security market.
Believe it or not, tech-driven security systems have been around nearly two centuries. Augustus Russell Pope of Boston combined electricity, magnets, and a bell to create a burglar alarm in the 1850s.
Marketing the invention proved difficult, though, because people feared electricity as much as they feared intruders. As the decades passed, the world caught up with Pope’s idea.
By the early 20th century, electricity had grown safer and more common. The burglar alarm started to catch on.
By the 1970s, home security systems featured motion sensors. Off-site monitoring caught on in the 1980s.
Prices started to fall in the 1990s, making systems accessible for more homeowners. Now the internet has changed the industry again.
For a few hundred dollars in hardware and installation fees — or perhaps less if you install the system yourself — you can monitor your own home from your smartphone from work, school, your commute, or even while on vacation.
These new systems have drawbacks, too, so before you jump in, make sure you’re getting the security your family needs.
This has become the first question to ask when shopping for home security: Should you pay more for a system with professional monitoring included?
For decades, monitoring fees prevented a lot of homeowners from getting a home security system.
Even the lowest fees can become cost-prohibitive when you pay them month after month and year after year for the indefinite future.
For those homeowners, unmonitored systems may offer the only way into the home security market. If you have a choice, though, give this question some thought.
Monitored systems come with some advantages you may like.
Just like with cars, computers, and houses, you get what you pay for with a home security system.
A monitored system costs more, but consider these advantages:
Unmonitored, also known as self-monitored, home security systems have become the fastest growing segment of the market for a reason. Advantages include:
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could combine the best aspects of professionally monitored and self-monitored systems?
Well, the industry has been moving in that direction.
Here’s why: The rapid growth of self-monitored home security systems has grabbed the attention of the traditional home security companies.
The leading monitored services are compensating by adding modern conveniences such as app-based customer control and, in some cases, acquiring smaller, self-monitored home security companies.
And it’s not a one-way street: Some self-monitored services have added the option to have your home professionally monitored, but with a twist. You can get add-on monitoring for a fee only when you need it. That way you could still avoid the contracts and flat monthly fees.
As the market continues to evolve, I’d expect to see less separation between these two categories.
But full-time monitoring will continue to be a separator. It simply costs more money to have someone monitoring your home and responding to problems all day every day.
And in many cases, professional monitoring equals a more secure home.
This gradual merging of monitored and unmonitored home security features could, ironically, make it harder to decide what kind of service to buy.
If you like the control an unmonitored system offers, you don’t necessarily have to opt for an unmonitored system anymore. You can find a monitored system with similar capabilities.
Or, if you want a monitored system because you’re out of town a lot, you no longer have to choose from only traditional security service providers. You may be able to find an unmonitored service with added-on monitoring periods without a contract.
If you can’t decide for sure, take a look at your home, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences. They can tell you a lot about your needs.
The kind of home you’re protecting should help drive the kind of protection you buy.
Makes sense, right?
Well, it’s easy to forget such obvious things once you start comparing features, prices, contracts, apps, and customer reviews.
Take a look around your home. If you have two full floors full of windows and doors, along with a garage door and windows to consider, you’ll need a lot of equipment installed and maintained.
You’ll also have a lot more sensors to trigger false alarms. A monitored system could be worth the cost.
On the flip side, if you live in a 2-room apartment with just a few windows and only two doors, your up-front equipment investment will be less, and you’ll have fewer trigger points to keep an eye on as you monitor things while away. A self-monitored system could do the job.
If a home security system sends an alert to your smartphone but no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? We could debate that question for hours, and if your phone happens to be off, someone could be stealing your stuff as we contemplate.
With an unmonitored system, you’re on call around the clock via your smartphone. If you’re the kind of person who likes to unplug after work or while on vacation, you may want to lean toward a monitored security system.
If, however, you and your phone are inseparable — if you sleep with the phone beside you on the pillow — you’re likely set up well to monitor security alerts.
That said, I’d suggest using a different ringtone for home security alerts. You wouldn’t want to ignore a serious problem thinking it was just a reminder to pick up your sister’s cat from the vet tomorrow.
Most of us have WiFi at home now. Most does not mean all, though.
People without WiFi at home will have a hard time using all the features of a self-monitored home security system.
In that case, a landline-based, traditional system would be a better option.
If you have WiFi, the quality of your surveillance will depend a lot on the quality of your Internet connection.
As more devices and appliances get online — thermostats, washing machines, tablets, phones, TVs, refrigerators, lawn mowers — there’s more demand on your network. For many of us, a DSL connection just doesn’t cut it anymore.
If you have a gigabit-per-second coming across fiber into your home, your unmonitored security features should work just fine.
A lot of us can add tasks to our regular schedules without a lot of stress. People in the gig economy or with a couple side hustles may have just the kind of schedule flexibility they need to assess threats from their smartphones.
Sure, you may have to re-arrange a few things or tell a client to hold on a second while you check the alert on your phone, but it’s still possible. People who teach school, run meetings, perform surgery, or preside over class-action lawsuits may not have time to check their phones every couple of hours.
Just like any other commitment you take on, consider the time demands of an unmonitored security system.
I’ve been in more than one meeting where someone had to check on a security alert. (Usually, something like leaves blowing onto the porch or a delivery from Amazon triggered the alert.)
I referred to this earlier, but it bears repeating. Traditional home security firms more or less ignored renters for years since they didn’t have permission to install a system anyway.
With no wires to run behind walls, a tenant can usually install an unmonitored system without changing the property.
Mounting a camera in the corner is hardly different from hanging a picture, and it’s a whole lot simpler than installing a wall-mounted TV.
Plus, when you move on to a new home in a new city, you could take a lot of the system’s components with you to use at the new rental house. Of course, check your lease agreement to make sure you have permission to make the changes an unmonitored system would require.
And, by the way, if you’re a renter who would like a traditional monitored system, ask your landlord about it. He or she may be fine with the idea, especially since a system could reduce your landlord’s homeowners insurance rates.
We’ve chewed on a lot of theoretical stuff, so let’s get into what really matters. How do systems compare to each other, and which one should you get?
A year or so ago I would have made two best security system lists: One for monitored security systems and one for self-monitored systems.
The features of these systems have blended so much I think one list will better serve shoppers. I’ll be sure to indicate whether you would need a contract to use each service.
While convenient features are important and worth weighing into the equation, the quality of the system itself still matters most.
So I’ll be giving the quality of your home security system first priority in these comparisons while giving conveniences and customer flexibility a little less importance.
Contract required: Yes
Professional monitoring: Yes
Length of contract: At least one year
Remember earlier when I suggested the future of home security will likely blend the features of monitored and unmonitored systems?
I had Frontpoint in mind when I said that.
This company has led this confluence of features, offering professional monitoring plus the conveniences do-it-yourself systems introduced.
Yes, Frontpoint requires a contract and you’ll be paying for 24/7 professional monitoring. But you’ll also have a user-friendly app that can control your locks, lights, and thermostat.
With Frontpoint, you install the equipment yourself since it’s wireless, lightweight, and easy to position with included adhesive strips.
Essentially, Frontpoint offers the best features of monitored and unmonitored services in one package: professional monitoring, quality equipment, convenient features, and a do-it-yourself approach.
That’s why I’ve listed Frontpoint first.
I also like the 30-day, risk-free guarantee. If you’re unhappy with the service, Frontpoint won’t bill you and you can return all the hardware. You won’t be on the hook for the rest of the contract.
I also like the one-year contract. Most companies require a three-year commitment.
Frontpoint offers three price points. If you’d like to access recorded video surveillance from your property, you’ll need to go with the most expensive plan.
Best for: A homeowner who wants mobile control, full-time professional monitoring, and more contract flexibility than usual.
Avoid if: You don’t want to enter at least a one-year contract.
Contract required: Yes
Professional monitoring: Yes
Length of contract: At least three years
ADT, a leader in home security for almost 150 years, has also started offering the conveniences of unmonitored security in its ADT Pulse system.
Like Frontpoint, ADT Pulse still bases its services on contracts, but it has bulked up its app to give customers more control over their security equipment. In fact, you can probably incorporate your own cameras and sensors into ADT’s system since it supports many third-party hardware brands.
Unlike Frontpoint, ADT Pulse includes professional installation (and a corresponding $99 set-up fee). The result is another best-of-both-worlds approach for the customer who is willing to enter into a contract.
In ADT’s case, the contract will last at least three years, and you’d be billed a hefty termination fee to get out of it.
ADT will let you out of the contract if you’re not happy with the service, but it’s not a no-questions-asked policy. ADT will try to resolve your issues, which is a good thing if home security is your priority.
Best for: A homeowner who wants a time-tested, trustworthy home security partner with professional installation plus modern mobile-based control.
Avoid if: You’re not sure about entering a long-term contract.
Contract required: Yes
Professional monitoring: Yes
Length of contract: At least three years
By now you’re sensing a trend: Traditional, contract-based home security companies that have adopted modern conveniences are dominating the top of this list.
And for good reason: Ultimately, a home security system should provide the best home security for you and your family, and professional monitoring tends to offer more security.
ProtectAmerica makes this list for those reasons and because of its flexible pricing options. The company has five price points.
I’d stay away from the company’s less expensive, landline-based options. They do not offer the control and integration you’d get from Frontpoint or ADT Pulse (unless you want a traditional, landline-based system).
ProtectAmerica’s broadband and cellular-based options deliver a lot. You can even integrate the system with your Amazon Alexa or Google Home smart device for voice control.
And when an alarm goes off, you can also get a voice prompt from the system telling you which sensor or camera triggered the alarm. When you’re half asleep, this simplicity can pay off! There’s also a panic button which will automatically call for help.
Best for: A homeowner or renter who wants the conveniences of tech-based security with fewer potential complications.
Avoid if: You’re shy about a three-year contract.
Contract required: No, unless you’re financing equipment
Professional monitoring: Yes
Length of contract: At least 42 months (but only when financing equipment)
If you’ve been looking for a no-contract home security solution that still delivers professional results, consider Vivint Home Security. Vivint offers monitoring for a monthly fee, but it doesn’t require its customers to commit to more than one month at a time.
However, if you cancel your account while you still owe money on your equipment, Vivint will bill you for the balance. So even though you wouldn’t have an official contract, you’d still be compelled to keep the service or pay a lump sum to end your connection to the company.
It’s not exactly a no-strings-attached situation, but customers do have more control month to month, especially if they pay up front for the equipment.
Vivint makes this list because of this potential flexibility and because of the flexibility of the company’s equipment.
You can essentially build your own home security and home automation package the way you want. Rather than choosing from a package, you can combine different kinds of surveillance equipment including outdoor monitoring, and different safety features such as smart lighting and thermostat control.
You can manage your system through a Google or Amazon smart speaker or you can use a more customized control panel.
Best for: A homeowner who wants to customize a security solution.
Avoid if: You don’t want to pay up front for equipment. If you don’t pay up front, you’ll have a de facto contract.
Contract required: No, unless you’re financing equipment
Professional monitoring: Yes (by a third party monitoring center)
Length of contract: N/A unless financing equipment
Link Interactive rounds out my top 5 because, once again, it blends traditional and unmonitored features to give customers the best of both worlds. Link Interactive stands out because it has embraced broadband and cellular networks more thorough than most other providers.
As a result, you can talk with a professional monitor through your control panel at home during an emergency. Sometimes just knowing what’s going on and finding out easily when help will arrive can alleviate stress.
But you should know that Link Interactive uses a third party, which doesn’t always equal a loss in quality, but it does mean the company has less control over the monitoring process.
Still, lots of Link Interactive customers have been satisfied with their service according to TrustPilot and Better Business Bureau reports, which tend to lean toward the negative for security systems.
Link Interactive lets you pay month to month instead of committing to one to three years. However, as with Vivint, if you owe money on your home security equipment, you’d have to pay the balance if you canceled service.
So unless you pay up front for the equipment or pay the balance down enough to make more affordable, you’d likely be sticking with the service for a while.
Essentially, it’s a contract by another name. Link Interactive does stand by its 30-day grace period. If you change your mind or don’t like the service, you can cancel without obligations.
Security matters most, and even though I’ve listed a couple concerns, Link Interactive has the experience (about 70 years’ worth) and the equipment to serve its customers well.
Best for: A homeowner who wants a reliable partner with the best modern conveniences.
Avoid if: You don’t plan to stick with the company for at least until you’ve paid off the equipment.
I know — I listed my five top choices for home security, and not a single one offers a completely self-monitored system.
I alluded to the reason earlier but here it is again: Professionally monitored systems simply provide better security across the board, and we’re looking for the best home security systems.
In most cases, security tends to be better because you have a staff of monitors at the ready to respond to a crisis at your home.
Most, of course, doesn’t mean all. You may have just the right work-life balance to handle a self-monitored system. Or you might just prefer to self-monitor your home security, either to save money or because you like the control.
If so, you have a lot of choices.
Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites.
You’ve probably seen this one on TV. It looks simple, efficient, and affordable.
Overall, it lives up. For only $200 or so up front, you can get a pretty solid set-up and install it yourself. Pricier packages offer more components for larger homes.
You can opt for professional monitoring (for $10 a month or $100 a year) or for self-monitoring, which is free. Ring connects to Z-wave, which means you can incorporate a wide variety of home management and security equipment.
Amazon owns and sells Ring systems, so if you’re a frequent Amazon shopper you’ll know pretty much what to expect.
Best for: A low-cost but useful alternative with professional monitoring available.
Honeywell, whose name you may have seen on thermostats somewhere along the line, has expanded its business into smart home connectivity, including home security.
You’ll pay more, over $1,000 most likely, to get your system going, but after that, you can do a lot, including arming and disarming the system with a key fob and even integrating facial recognition.
Honeywell’s system works seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, and the system should soon also offer Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit integration.
Honeywell also syncs with Z-wave, which means you can use all sorts of wireless equipment to manage and monitor your home.
Best for: A do-it-yourself alternative that still has top-notch gear and accessibility specializing in self-monitoring.
SimpliSafe has grown in name recognition and market share. The company offers a lot of options. About 16 to be precise. They all vary slightly in the number of components and price.
Set-up fees range from about $290 to about $550 depending on how much equipment your home needs. The equipment is easy to install and use. You can go without professional monitoring and keep using the security equipment.
It tends to be harder to incorporate third-party equipment, though. So if you get SimpliSafe don’t assume you can use existing gear from previous systems.
Best for: An all-in-one system for homeowners new to security systems.
If you use Google products — Google Assistant and the Android operating system, for example — Nest Secure could offer a sensible extension for your home automation and security needs.
Naturally, the service integrates nicely with Google Assistant and your Android phone or tablet. You can spend up to $500 or so getting the equipment set-up.
You can add professional monitoring on a contract or month-to-month basis.
Best for: Customers who already use Nest home automation products. Nest is part of Alphabet, Google’s parent company.
Even though the home security market has changed a lot with the success of self-monitoring systems, customers still have two basic choices:
Some customers wonder why they can’t just buy some cameras and door sensors and connect the gear to their smartphone. That may be possible, and if that’s your thing, you could save compared to buying a pre-packaged deal.
But, for the majority of consumers, I do not recommend this approach for a few reasons:
I tried to limit this post to companies offering nationwide service. Some regional companies offer great equipment and great service, too.
If you’re considering a regional firm in your area, make sure to check on the following issues:
Our homes are personal. Having a stranger violate, steal, or destroy our homes, our property feels like a personal attack even if we’re not home and deal only with the aftermath.
People who have experienced that feeling know it can change the way you look at the world for a while.
It makes sense for homeowners (and renters) to seek some kind of protection against this danger. No system can guarantee your safety and the safety of your family.
But home security systems do get results. For proof, just ask your homeowners insurance company.
Many insurers will give you a discount on your home insurance premiums if you have a professionally monitored home security system. Insurers give this discount because they know a quality home security service will likely reduce the likelihood of a personal property insurance claim.
As you compare systems, consider what kind of security you need and whether what you’re buying fits your home.
Security is personal. It’s up to you to make sure you’re getting a system to match your life.
Source: goodfinancialcents.com
Few things go better with the desert weather and aesthetic than the luxury spa treatment.
It doesn’t matter if you work over 40 hours a week or 40 minutes a month. Everyone needs time to unwind. From work stress to tough workouts and beyond, the pressures of daily life add up if they aren’t handled properly.
The apartments featured on this list all have one thing in common: They hold some of the best spas in Phoenix. Amenities that provide residents with options to unplug, resources to recharge and everything they need to make the most of every day. From resort-style pool and spa setups to yoga rooms and saunas, these Phoenix apartments have what you need to stay sane and healthy right at home.
Optima Kierland Apartments aims to be more than an apartment community. The goal of this complex is to feel more like a world-class spa destination than it does a tower of apartments. Residents here are able to enjoy the stunning natural landscape from the sprawling rooftop deck and sit out by one of the many water features on-site to let the stresses of the day slip away.
This Kierland apartment complex also boasts a stunning infinity edge pool and a separate shaded jacuzzi area complete with two tubs. It also has a stunning poolside sauna complete with mountain views. There’s a reason why Optima Kierland Apartments sets the standard for spa-style amenities in Phoenix. Swing by for a tour and see for yourself.
Undeniably boasting one of the best spas in Phoenix, the wood-floored, light-filled yoga studio at Vela on Camelback is a serene place to stretch out the demons or sit and meditate on all life’s twists and turns. Equipped with everything you need to complete a particularly difficult yoga flow or just sit and let some time pass in peace and quiet, Vela on Camelback has what you’re looking for.
Vela on Camelback also boasts one of the best outdoor pool and spa areas in the desert. With their choices of towel service, ledge loungers and an outdoor games area, residents here always enjoy the freedom of choice when they decide to unwind. Good luck finding a better apartment complex in North Phoenix to unplug.
With a stunning pool and spa area as the central meeting spot for the community, The Logan at Deer Valley has a long list of spa-like amenities to offer its residents. Crystal-clear waters surrounded by lounge chairs sitting atop turf, this desert oasis is an undeniably cool spot to chill out, beat the heat and recharge for the next work week.
The calming pool area at this Foothills North apartment complex is also surrounded by large cabanas that house multiple chairs and loungers and provide ample shade for anyone that needs a break from the pool and the sun.
With a large oval-shaped pool and a sizable squared-off hot tub, the outdoor spa area at The Met is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing places in Downtown Phoenix to be. With picnic tables and loungers under umbrellas, full-grown palm trees and mood lighting embedded under the surface of the water, this uniquely relaxing outdoor area is the ideal desert hangout.
The Met also boasts a tropical-themed workout room with a stretching area. While working out may not be the best way to relax, everyone could use a good stretch at least once a week to work out the knots and reflect on the day.
Boasting a long turf lawn peppered with loungers and conveniently located right next to the resort-style pool, the courtyard area at 56 North Phase II is a serene place to spend a lazy day. Whether you want to soak up the sun, soak away aches and pains or simply sit and think about life, there’s a place for you here.
Located in scenic North Phoenix, this peaceful paradise is perfect for busy nine-to-fivers, laid-back work from homers and everyone in between. Kick back and watch the day go by from the comfort of a covered cabana or get to know your neighbors poolside, the choice is yours at 56 North Phase II.
It’s not every day that you encounter a mid-century modern apartment complex. Quays at Encanto is a boutique apartment community located near Phoenix College. With only 26 units, this small community was thoughtfully designed to help residents relax when they’re at home and live their best lives.
That starts with the apartment decor itself. The bathrooms in this beautiful complex are absolutely beautiful. Artisan fixtures, custom tilework and top-of-the-line appliances all combine to provide a potent spa vibe. This complex also boasts a rectangular courtyard pool — perfect for when the desert temperatures soar well into the triple digits. Plus, you’ll also see turf landscaping throughout for whenever you want to take a load off and soak up the sun.
Designed to look and feel like a five-star resort, the pool and spa area at The Logan at Osborn is simply stunning. A large rectangular pool surrounded by loungers backs right up to the crystal-clear jacuzzi creating an undeniably calming environment. With plenty of shade and more than enough room in the pool, this is one of the most relaxing places in the Phoenix College area to unwind.
The Logan at Osborn also boasts a number of well-manicured community courtyards. These lush green areas are ideal for anyone looking to get away from the hustle with a little alone time. Great for leisurely walks and breathwork, stress relief is always just steps away when you live at The Logan at Osborn
Located in nearby Glendale, the Acero at Algodon Center apartments are spacious, modern and undeniably homey. Along with an elevated apartment standard comes an updated list of amenities, including an absolutely amazing outdoor pool and spa area. A large jacuzzi and rectangular pool sit in the center of the complex lined by palm trees and complete with loungers and a shaded outdoor clubhouse. It’s tough to stay stressed with a setup like this.
Acero at Algodon Center also boasts a beautiful community garden. If you’re the type that finds comfort in getting your hands dirty, the community garden is a great place to meet neighbors, reconnect with Mother Nature and recharge for another week in the real world.
It doesn’t get more zen than an ivy wall and a couple of statues of people in tree pose. Camden North End provides residents with two fitness centers, an indoor spin area and yoga studio and an outdoor stretching area. With so many other places to work out, the stretching and yoga areas are almost always quiet and perfect for a half hour of stretching, meditation or spacing out.
Camden North End also boasts not one, but two seasonally heated pools. These pools are surrounded by sundecks and peppered with loungers so there’s always a place for everyone at these Desert Ridge digs.
Circa Central Avenue may not have a traditional spa, but it does offer residents a long list of amenities that are designed to facilitate relaxation. Amenities like the outdoor poolside lounge. This enchanting outdoor oasis has tipi-style cabanas under string lights and a fire table to boot. Good luck finding a better place to relax and recharge.
The pool area at this Los Olivos apartment complex is nothing to scoff at, either. Falling water acts as the soundtrack thanks to the fountains lining the perimeter of the pool making it one seriously relaxing place to unplug.
Looking for an apartment that provides the resources you need to relax and unwind? You’re in luck. Phoenix is full of beautiful apartments with unique amenities that prioritize wellness, mindfulness and the best of a leisurely lifestyle. Find the spa-like place that fits your style and fill out an application today.
Source: rent.com
Automotive tasks I can do:
Automotive tasks I can’t do (partial list):
“Evaporator canister” does return only 457 Google hits, leading one to question whether such a component even exists. (cf. “skyhook”, “snipe hunt”, and “key to the batter’s box.”)
The vehicle in question, a 2008 Ford Explorer, has 52,340 miles on it. The check engine light came on, a crisis that created an opportunity to do two things:
You can read about what to do regarding vehicle maintenance in the book (available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other fine bookstores). Rule 1 is Don’t Go To The Dealer. More specifically, don’t begin at the dealer. You might have no choice if you need a specific original-equipment part for body work, but for repairs not restricted to a certain make and model of vehicle, start elsewhere.
There is a caveat, the exception that reinforces the rule. It’s OK to begin at the dealer if you’re willing to stay a few minutes with your vehicle and confirm that you don’t want this to turn into a full-on service appointment. If your vehicle’s clearly in the warranty period, it shouldn’t be a problem. If it’s on the fence, stand your ground and ensure that the dealer’s service department won’t charge you.
“On the fence” means you aren’t sure whether a certain component is still in the coverage period or not, which is definitely possible. Here are some examples from the warranty for said Explorer:
So yeah, you might not know what’s covered until the dealer’s already in your pocket. Beware, especially since check engine lights are similar to dental cavities: ignoring them is never an effective way of getting the underlying problem to disappear.
It’s astonishing how many people will take steps to reduce their water bills by .35¢ a month, or shop around to save $5 on groceries, but won’t expend a little effort to save hundreds on automotive repair.
The dealership will tell you that only it can diagnose the check engine light and identify the code that arises. They’ll also charge you $90 for the privilege of determining what’s wrong with something they sold you in the first place. (Read that sentence again.) This is the same dealership that likely told you the $1100 desert protection package option is a vital add-on that all the smart drivers are getting this year, even though you live on Kaua’i.
In other words, a lie. If you don’t have a scanner of your own, find a lube shop that does and an employee who knows how to use it. Depending on what state you live in, you need to do this surreptitiously. The bureaucrats in some state governments, peons of the automotive-industrial cabal, prohibit everyone but dealers from using scanners legally. Which is not only counterproductive and immoral, it’s expensive.
Nor are state transportation department employees above going to a lube shop, asking for a diagnosis, then levying a fine. (The 1930s are alive and well in some industries.) So be careful. If you’re already comfortable at a particular lube shop, and they know you, or you can prove that you’ve taken your vehicle there before, ask if you can get someone to check the code on your vehicle. Obviously, you shouldn’t do this in front of anyone but a single technician. At the very least, they might be able to recommend someone who can help you. Be explicit about how you’re not there to jeopardize anyone’s livelihood.
With a diagnosis from a lube shop, which takes less than a minute, you’ve already saved the $90 service fee a dealer would charge. (At this point you’re welcome to tip the technician.) Yes, the dealer will refund the $90 if the work is covered under warranty, but why wager $90 to take that chance? Better to walk in armed with at least the results from the code reader.
The Explorer had an evaporation leak, which the tech classified as a small one. Small, by definition, means .004-.006”. (Anything smaller is hard to detect.) The initial course of treatment was a “smoke test”, in which a tech literally blows smoke up your vehicle to determine the genesis of the leak.
Lube shops don’t do this, so the next stop was a non-affiliated service center, which quoted close to $90 for a smoke test. However, the dealer charges about the same, but also tells you if the work is under warranty. Thus in this case it is time to head to the dealer, for a rare justifiable visit. A few hours later, the verdict: repair the leak in the fuel filler neck and hose assembly, and replace that mysterious evaporator canister. $1531.
Fortunately, a small evaporation leak isn’t enough to render the vehicle un-drivable, at least not for a few days. So off we go to comparison shop, after a tactical lie to the dealership’s service writer (“I’m broke until my next paycheck. I’ll take it home and hopefully have enough to come back and let you fix it next week.”)
Then to the service center. Their quote?
$818, at least ¾ of which is parts. Same guaranteed work, none of which voids the warranty. That’s more than a $600 savings, and no one had to turn off the faucet while brushing to accomplish it.
Only go to the dealer if you absolutely have to. In a situation like this one, doing so gets you the best of both worlds: as inexpensive a diagnosis as possible, plus a quote, which you can then use to shop around with and get a better price. Thus selling a liability, and leaving you more funds to buy assets with.
Greg McFarlane is an advertising copywriter who lives in Las Vegas and Lahaina – testament to the power of entrepreneurship. He recently wrote Control Your Cash: Making Money Make Sense, a financial primer for people in their 20s and 30s who know nothing about money. Buy the book here (physical) or here (Kindle) and reach Greg at [email protected].
Source: biblemoneymatters.com
I haven’t set up my own blog yet, I’m stuck on a decision I have to make before I can really begin. How do I figure out what topic I should blog about? There seem to be blogs on pretty much every topic imaginable, so I know I could write about any topic, but how do I figure out what kinds of topics people would be interested in reading about? -Christopher
This is such a great question, Christopher, and one that many people have. Here’s my encouragement to you and anyone else who is considering starting a blog and wondering what topic would be good for them to choose as their focus:
Take out a sheet of paper or open up a blank page on your computer screen and answer these questions. There are no right or wrong answers. Just write exactly what comes to mind in answer to these — anything and everything you think of.
After you’ve done this exercise, then wait a few days and take out another sheet of people or start a new page on your computer and ask a few close friends and/or family members to go through the questions with you giving their answers and input.
At the end of all of this, you should see some themes emerging and this should give you some direction for where to go with your blog.
One important note: I believe that the most successful bloggers are people who solve a problem, provide hope, and/or meet a need. When you are considering what you should focus on when you blog, make sure that you are seeking to do at least one of these things through your writing. If not, I encourage you to go back to the drawing board.
Here are a few things to consider:
While there is definitely a place for a very niche blog, I think it’s much easier to choose a focus for your blog that encompasses at least a few different topics.
This not only makes your blog more appealing to a wider audience, but it also provides you with more blogging options and it makes it less likely for you to run out of post ideas within a few months!
I’m a big fan of just jumping in and learning as you go. Yes, it’s good to have an idea in mind of where you’re headed for the first few months. And no, I don’t recommend publicly announcing your blog when you haven’t even written one post. However, don’t sit around and spend hours agonizing over a topic; just jump in and start writing posts.
Here’s the thing: it’s hard to really know what works best until you just get out there and try it. I would have never guessed that I would love writing on some of the topics I’m passionate about today. And I certainly would have never guessed that so many people would have been so wildly interested in certain topics. Had I sat and planned and brainstormed and mapped out and goal-set and analyzed and never just DONE SOMETHING, I wouldn’t have figured out what I loved to write about or what the market wanted.
So truly, just go for it. Start writing posts. Try different kinds of styles of posts. Experiment with different topic angles. Keep learning, keep tweaking, keep observing what’s hitting a nerve and what’s not. And then keep doing what works and let go of the things that don’t work.
When I started my first blog, I would have never dreamed that I would someday be writing about intentional finance, intentional family, and intentional business. At the time, we were just trying to make ends meet financially, I had just had my first child, and I was trying to figure out how I could make enough money from home to keep our family afloat financially while allowing me to still be a stay-at-home mom.
I was not in a position to be blogging about intentional finances, family, or business because I had little to no life experience in those areas. In the beginning, I tried out a LOT of different topics. In fact, my blog was so eclectic that I really couldn’t tell you what the focus of it was.
I had a lot of learning to do and a lot of life to live. But honing and sharpening my writing and thinking skills by blogging about whatever I was passionate about that day was one of the best exercises for a budding blogger. Not only did I quickly discover how little I knew, I also discovered there were a lot of topics I shouldn’t be blogging on — because I had no life experience to bring to the table.
As I continued to experiment, I slowly learned things that worked, learned areas I was qualified to write on, and developed a better understanding of what kind of blogging focus was a good fit for me. It took me a few years, though, and lots of writing and trial and error to find that happy medium.
Pick some topics you think will be a good fit for you, jump out there and start writing about them, and keep learning and tweaking as you go. I’m cheering for your success!
What advice do the rest of you have for Christopher? If you’re a blogger, how did you choose the focus of your blog? I’d love to hear!
Thinking Of Starting a Blog?
Over the years, I’ve received many requests from folks asking for help and information on how to start a blog and how to make money blogging. I’ve written about this in past years, but I wanted to let you know that I recently put together a comprehensive page on How to Make Money Blogging with updated information and links. I encourage you to check it out here if you’re interested in how to make money blogging.
photo credit; photo credit; photo credit
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Source: moneysavingmom.com
Last Updated on March 29, 2023 by Mark Ferguson
I fix and flip a lot of houses (over 200 to this point), and I have bought 30 + rentals. One of the most often-asked questions I hear is how long does it take to fix up a house. This is a hard question to answer because every house and situation is different.
A small remodel job could take a couple of weeks, while a big job could take 6 months or more. The contractor you use can also affect the timeline. If you decide to do the work yourself (like I have), that also can change the timeline a lot. There are no set guidelines on how long it takes to remodel a house, but hopefully I can give you an idea of what to expect.
I remodeled a house myself about ten years ago. I replaced the windows, doors, kitchens, baths, flooring, fixtures, and even took out a wall. I thought doing all the work myself would be a great way to save money. In the end, I lost money because it took me so much longer than it would have taken a contractor. It took me three times as long to do the work, and I did not do the best work because I was learning on the job. In fact, it took me over 6 months, and I was working on it nonstop. I had my worst year ever as an agent and investor because I decided to do that work myself.
When you do a remodel yourself, count on it taking at least three times as long as you think it will. I hire contractors and subcontractors for every project now. It can still take time to repair a house, but it is much better than doing the work myself. On a typical job, it takes my contractors from 1 to 3 months to complete a remodel. That time varies based on the number of people on a crew, the work needed, and how many subcontractors I use. Some contractors are also much faster than others, and using a general contractor can slow down or speed up the process depending on many factors.
The video below shows me walking through two of my current flips and giving timelines for what it takes to repair them.
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A general contractor (GC) manages remodel jobs by hiring subcontractors or using his own crew. A GC will schedule, figure out, and budget for all the work to be done. There are pros and cons to using a general contractor.
Pros:
Cons:
In my experience, using a general contractor can be a good idea for people who have never dealt with repairing houses. A GC can handle the entire process, but they will charge for it. I do not use general contractors because I can manage the project myself, and I have my own sub contractors I can use on the job. I also can get my remodeling jobs done more quickly by managing them myself. One of the biggest problems I have run into with general contractors is that they want their crew to do all the work because they make more money that way. If one crew is doing all the work, it can take longer than if you have subcontractors or specialists who work on:
While I have contractors working on installing kitchens, baths, doors, etc. I can have my sub contractors working on other items, which speeds up the process.
How to find a great contractor.
The time it takes me to remodel my houses depends on the house and the crew working on them. I have some contracting crews with four guys on them, and other crews that just have one guy. I will contract out work, and I also have my own employees who do work for me. The time it takes to complete the jobs depends on many factors, but here are some examples of how long it has taken:
The number of people on the contracting crew, how well you can manage the subcontractors, and the project size all affect how long it takes to complete a remodel job.
I have 21 flips going at the moment, and I also have a couple of rental properties we are working on. It takes a lot of time and management to get all of these properties repaired in a timely manner. I have a full-time project manager who helps me with everything. But if you are only doing one or two projects at a time, there are many things you can do to speed up the repair process:
Problems will always pop up. I always expect things to take longer than I think they will. If I think a job should take one month, I will count on six weeks. New issues pop up, contractors don’t work as fast as you think they will, or you may even have to fire a contractor.
Figuring out how long it takes to remodel a house can be tough. It is even tough for general contractors to estimate how long it will take, and that is their job. It all depends on the quality of the workers, the project, who is managing the project, and what problems pop up. If you are flipping houses, remodeling it is only part of the process.
Build a Rental Property Empire
Source: investfourmore.com
Traci emailed in this reader tip:
I had been planning a yard sale for months but this summer I decided I didn’t have enough or valuable enough things to make it worthwhile.
About this time, I joined a handful of Yard Sale groups on Facebook and bought a few things through them. After purchasing a few things from others and realizing how easy it was to post things for sale also, I decided to list a few items around the house.
Within minutes — even seconds, sometimes — I had people interested!
I started cleaning out closets and found so many other things that I wanted to get rid of. It felt great to purge and makes some money, too. Items that I have sold so far have been: adult and children’s clothing, toys, kitchen items, furniture, books, and movies.
Money is tight this Christmas, but by selling items on the Facebook Yard Sale Groups, I was able to pay cash for Christmas for my entire Christmas for my family and even had some extra money leftover!
The best advice that I have for selling on local Facebook Yard Sale groups would be consider the time and gas you are spending to buy or sell an item. If you have to travel far, this could be eating your profit or savings.Post that others need to pick up in your city. I like to try to arrange pickups or drop-offs either in the morning or evening as to not interrupt my daily work, school, and family routine.
I also don’t have strangers come to my home. Remember safety first and it is best to meet in a public place like a shopping center or, even better, the local police department parking lot.
Also remember that people have busy lives and things happen that they have to reschedule a transaction sometimes. With that said, if someone is not being respectful of your time or you are not comfortable with something, don’t meet with them.
I am not stressing about Christmas this year and have not put one thing on a credit card that I will regret having to pay for later! -Traci
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Source: moneysavingmom.com
Crystal Paine on September 27, 2014 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.
Recently, I was honored to have the opportunity to be interviewed by WAHM.com — a site for work-at-home moms or those who want to be work-at-home moms.
In this interview, I share:
Thinking of starting a blog? Check out my step-by-step post on how to make money blogging.
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Source: moneysavingmom.com
You’ve probably heard that it’s free to hire a buyer’s agent when you’re looking for your next home. This outdated line of thinking probably came from the traditionally confusing process of calculating real estate commissions. However, it is NOT free to hire an agent, and that’s the biggest mistake you can make when buying a home. Here’s what you should know.
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Let’s use a $300,000 home for example. If a seller and their agent decide to offer a 3% buyer’s agent commission and the seller’s agent is charging a 3% commission for their services. That’s $18k in commissions alone.
How does that affect you as the buyer? Many homes are marked up in price to cover the agent commission. How do we know? Because Homie was established because our founders did the math. They knew how much they personally lost to commissions when they sold homes. Now, Homie agents join our disruptive team because they believe the traditional model is broken, too.
Now you’re probably wondering why Homie agents choose to join a company that believes real estate commissions are broken in a way that favors the agents. Here are a few reasons:
Many of our agents would add to this list because their journey to Homie is personal. Ask any Homie and they’ll tell you all the reasons they chose to disrupt the real estate industry! You can read more about Homie agents and what they do here.
When you buy with Homie, you can keep up to 50% of our commission!* Looking to sell before you buy? Sell with Homie for a low fee that’s due only at closing.
Learn More About Homie
How Does Homie Work?
How Much Does Homie Cost?
Homie vs. Traditional Agents
Can You Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time?
*Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the Buyer Broker Agreement.
Source: homie.com
We’re in the midst of tough economic times and a lot of people are finding themselves in situations where they need to come up with money quickly in order to pay for one debt or another. Whether it’s IRS tax debt or needing to replace a broken water heater, there are times when people find themselves with a large bill with no emergency fund to pay it. So what do you do in a situation like that? For many people the answer is to take out a 401(k) loan. Up to 3/4 of company 401(k) plans have a provision available to do a 401(k) loan, and up to 30% of people with one of those plans have taken advantage of that and taken out a 401(k) loan.
Taking out a 401(k) loan can be a legitimate road to take if you’re dealing with a serious financial situation like IRS debt or a foreclosure. You should also be aware, however, that there are risks to taking out a 401(k) loan.
Before we get too far into talking about the pros and cons of the 401(k) loan, let’s look at how they typically work. Different plans may have different rules and regulations surrounding 401(k) loans, but typically they’re pretty similar.
When taking out a 401(k) loan be sure to know what the provisions and stipulations of doing one are with your company’s 401(k). Depending on what the fees are, maximum or minimums may be, you may not want to go down that road.
I’m not a huge proponent of doing a 401(k) loan just because I think it short-circuits the gains you could see in your retirement account, and it carries some significant risks. That being said, there are some situations where I might consider doing one.
For example, if you’re in a situation where you’ve got a large IRS debt that you need to pay, I think a 401(k) loan might be preferable to getting in trouble with the IRS. You don’t want to go to prison. Or if you’re in danger of going into foreclosure, or losing a vehicle to repossession, you may want to consider it. Just know the risks.
Here are some reasons why a 401(k) loan can be a good thing.
While I don’t typically suggest a 401(k) loan, it can be an option if you’re in a pinch and you have to pay off a pressing debt right away. There are some positives of doing one, but you also have to be aware of the significant risks – which we’ll look at next.
There are some considerable risks to be aware of when doing a 401(k) loan. If you’re not careful they could come back to haunt you.
So as you can see there are a ton of cons associated with taking out a 401(k) loan. There are risks associated with the fees charged, penalties if you default or lose your job and can’t pay in full, and the lost opportunity cost of not realizing investment gains. Those are some pretty serious things to consider.
My suggestion when it comes to taking out a 401(k) loan is to avoid it if you can and try other options first. What are some other options?
Try saving up an emergency fund in advance so that when you have a need for a large chunk of cash you’ve already got it saved and ready to go. That’s what I’ve done with our 12 month emergency fund – so that when big bills come due, like my recent $5000 tax bill, it wasn’t a problem because we’d planned ahead.
Another option is to open and use a Roth IRA account for your retirement savings instead. When you use a Roth, you can withdraw your Roth IRA contributions at any time without any tax penalties, so you can avoid those risks of the 401(k) loan. You’ll still be having the risk of losing out on investment gains, but at least you won’t be paying taxes or penalties.
If and when you decide to go down the road of a 401(k) loan, however, make sure that you’re doing your homework. Go run the numbers using a 401(k) loan calculator and see just what interest rates you’re actually paying. That may help you to decide if it’s actually a good deal.
Have you ever taken out a 401(k) loan? If so, how did it turn out, did you pay it all back, or did you face paying taxes and penalties? Tell us your 401k loan experience in the comments.
Source: biblemoneymatters.com
Your rent is already eating a hole in your pocket… so how can you maximize your grocery budget? Getting savvy with your grocery shopping techniques can go a long way toward grocery shopping on a budget. You probably already know about clipping coupons (which is still a great tactic), but here are some other tips to keep your bank account in the black and your pantry and fridge full of goodies.
If you’re going to the same grocery store a lot, it helps to get to know the Manager. These are the guys and gals who can clue you in to when they mark down produce, meat and even fish that’s about to go past the sell-by date. They’ll also let you know about upcoming deals, and it’s in their interest to sell these things.
Loyalty card? Collecting points? All of these things can pay off in the long run. Some stores only offer certain deals to card holders, and many also let you load digital coupons on to your card, making your shop a lot easier. Find your grocery store’s loyalty program here.
By taking just an extra 20 minutes a week to go to your store’s website, you can find savings on the things you were already planning on buying (or even stock up on the things you use all the time). This is also a good time to browse any specials the store might be running and plan accordingly.
Apps such as Ibotta or Checkout 51 can really help boost your savings on your foot budget. Additionally, look for savings on apps you’re already using. For example, eBates and Acorns give cash back when you shop at certain online stores.
Yes, coupons are still very much a thing in your Sunday paper, and having a look can really help reduce your grocery budget. Remember, only buy things that you will actually use, or that you can use to stock up your pantry. If you don’t like beans, then buying a truckload just because they’re cheap won’t help you.
Even if you live in an apartment, there are always places you can stash essentials and build your pantry, particularly when they’re on sale. Find a cupboard, closet or shelf where you can store nonperishable essentials like canned foods, pasta and rice. Having these on hand can mean a quick dinner when you don’t feel like heading out to the store, or you’re too broke to order in.
Buy one get one free? Awesome deal, right? Not always. Check the original price and make sure you’re not just getting seduced into buying more than you need. Also, some grocery stores have a policy to let you buy just one, giving you ½ off. Make sure you know your store’s policies and use them to your advantage.
SEE ALSO: How much can you save with energy-saving bulbs?
What are your best tips to save at the grocery store? Let us know below!