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Apache is functioning normally

If you scan the headlines from time to time, it won’t take long to notice that a slew of celebrities have been caught up in legal troubles lately. From famous actors and musicians to reality stars, high-profile individuals often make headlines for getting on the wrong side of the law—even when their alleged crimes aren’t what you might expect. To glimpse how tough times can hit anyone—even those in the limelight who appear perfect to us— look at this shocking list of celebrities we bet you didn’t know had been accused of these crimes!

1. Vince Neil of Motley Crue

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One user posted, “Vince Neil of Motley Crue killed his friend and crippled two others in a drunk driving accident and served 15 days in prison for it. It had no impact on his career.”

Another commenter replied, “He is probably the most selfish person I’ve ever seen. His autobiography makes you hate him more. That’s quite an accomplishment!”

One Redditor added, “If you hate him for that, listen to him sing live now, and you will hate him even more.”

2. Caitlyn Jenner

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“Caitlyn Jenner [seems to have] committed vehicular manslaughter and walked away,” shared one user.

Another replied, “BUCKLE UP, BUCKAROOS!”

One commenter responded, “Ricky Gervais made a joke about this like the Emmys or something. Said how brave Caitlyn was, did a lot for women and trans rights, Yada Yada… then sheepishly says ‘Didn’t do a lot for women drivers though.’“

3. Stephen Collins

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One Redditor shared, “That dude who plays the dad on 7th Heaven.”

Another user exclaimed, “Stephen Collins.”

One commenter added, “A family friend’s daughter went to a very pricey rehab. Stephen Collins’ daughter was also there and shared her own story of… abuse by her father. This is not something that I, nor they, would have shared due to the agreement of anonymity, except it has now become public knowledge. Truly appalling, unfathomable terror, pain, and heartbreak this man has caused to the people around him.”

4. Katie Price

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One user posted, “Katie Price, AKA Jordan. She harassed and threatened her ex’s new partner while on a restraining order. She was driving [with a] disqualification for speeding, drunk driving, etc. Threatened with jail multiple times. Finally caught driving without license insurance and crashing the car high on drugs. Free.”

Another Redditor added, “There’s a huge petition right now to ban her from keeping animals because of how many animals have died in her care too. Mainly dogs she lets roam freely. One died again last few weeks after being hit by a car.”

5. OJ Simpson

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“OJ Simpson nearly decapitated his ex-wife and brutally murdered a bystander. People still gather around him to take selfies at football games,” commented one user.

Another user responded, “I hope those waiters were watching their backs.”

One commenter added, “If I’m his server, he’s eating with spoons.”

6. Chris Brown

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An online user posted, “Chris Brown.”

One user commented, “My mom went on a cruise that he was on, and people ignored him, and he was booed constantly. I liked that story.”

One Redditor explained and shared, “Brown was driving a vehicle with Robyn F. as the front passenger on an unknown street in Los Angeles. Robyn F. picked up Brown’s cellular phone and observed a three-page text message from a woman who Brown had a previous sexual relationship with.

“‘A verbal argument ensued, and Brown pulled the vehicle over on an unknown street, reached over to Robyn F. with his right hand, opened the car door, and attempted to force her out. Brown could not force Robyn F. out of the vehicle because she wore a seat belt. When he could not force her to exit, he took his right hand and [began to hit and punch her, causing multiple bruises and bloodshed.]

“Brown resumed punching Robyn F., and she interlocked her fingers behind her head and brought her elbows forward to protect her face. She then bent over at the waist, placing her elbows and face near her lap in [an] attempt to protect her face and head…

“Brown continued to punch Robyn F. on her left arm and hand, causing her to suffer a contusion on her left triceps (sic)… and… on her left hand.

“Robyn F. began screaming for help, and Brown exited the vehicle and walked away. A resident in the neighborhood heard Robyn F.’s plea for help and called 911, causing a police response. An investigation was conducted, and Robyn F. was issued a Domestic Violence Emergency Protective Order.’

“At the end of his statement, Andrews said Brown sent a text message nine days later apologizing. In the text message, Brown apologized for what he had done to Robyn F. and advised [Rihanna’s assistant] Ford that he was going to get help.”

7. Ted Kennedy

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“Ted Kennedy—kinda of a celebrity, famous family, name, and politician,” one user posted.

Another user commented, “I used to fish on Chappy. That bridge he drove off has no side rails. It is a flat wood plank bridge and narrow. You don’t have to be drunk to drive off it. Teddy was plastered tho. Common on the Vineyard and in Edgartown for everyone. That bridge goes to basically a dead end. He drove the wrong way—suspicious.

“He pulls himself out of the water and walks miles to the ferry (literally a 60-second trip from dock to dock in Edgartown. Too late. He has to swim across. He walks home. Go to sleep.

“LEO inspects the car and finds the body of Mary Jo. Teddy isn’t charged or really even bothered by LEO at all about it.”

8. Roman Polanski

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One Redditor shared, “Roman Polanski. Sure, he’ll be prosecuted if he ever returns to the US, but he’s been living a nice life in France for decades & occasionally still releases a movie. His reputation took a hit, but otherwise, his life seems pretty great.”

9. Karl Malone

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“Karl Malone, an all-time NBA center who is still celebrated and revered to this day, impregnated a 13-year-old girl when he was 20 and a sophomore in college. The family settled out of court, but [an assault] of this magnitude seems like one of those crimes that shouldn’t be able to be settled out of court,” one user commented. 

10. Pete Townshend

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One user posted, “Pete Townshend claiming that he was doing research for his book when caught trying to subscribe to a child p-rn website.”

Another added, “It’s weird cos Chris Langham (actor in The Thick of It) got caught in the same sting and also claimed it was for research purposes to get into character for a show he was doing. But Langham was completely blacklisted, and Townshend wasn’t.”

Do you agree with the list of actors above? Leave us a comment!

Source: Reddit. 

These are 10 Things That Completely Destroyed The Love in a Relationship

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There’s no question that relationships can be confusing, but here are some of the top things to avoid if you want to keep your relationship healthy!

10 Actors and Actresses People Refuse to Watch Ever Again

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We all have a favorite actor or actress, but most of us have a least-favorite as well. Check out this list of actors and actresses people never want to see performing again!

Top 10 Worst Human Inventions of All Time

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Some inventions are world-changing, and some of them, well, they change the world in the wrong ways. Here are some of the worst inventions Redditors could think of.

10 Famous Celebrities Who Look Like They Smell Terrible

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We’ve all had moments of hygiene faux pas—but these celebrities just look like they don’t take care of themselves at all.

10 Terrible Fads People Are Glad Died Out

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Every fad has its time in the limelight, but some of them come and go faster than others; and some just need to die out right away. Check out this list of fads of which people were happy to see the last.



About the Author



Source: financequickfix.com

Apache is functioning normally

Have you ever considered taking out a personal loan to invest? If so, you aren’t alone. 

When you hear about the ability to make money in the stock market, it can be tempting to find a way to start investing today. This is true even if you don’t have any available cash.

Want to invest, but don’t have cash? Find a personal loan with Fiona

If you’re trying to get ahead, it may seem tempting to take shortcuts to get there faster. Unfortunately, some alternatives are a very bad idea. This includes taking out a personal loan to invest in the stock market in the vast majority of cases.

There may be a very rare time when it makes sense to take out a personal loan to invest. However, I don’t think I would ever do it. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Ahead:

How personal loans work

Personal loans have a couple of key characteristics that are important to understand. 

Personal loans are unsecured debt

First, they are unsecured loans. This means the lender can’t foreclose on your home or repossess your car if you don’t make payments. 

Unsecured loans, such as personal loans, have higher interest rates than secured loans. This makes sense because there is nothing the lender can directly seize if you default on your loan. It is riskier for the lender.

Personal loans have a fixed term

Next, personal loans are fixed-term loans. This means you have a set number of months or years to repay the loan after you take it out. 

Based on your balance, interest rate, and term, you’ll have to make a payment each month that results in paying off the loan at the end of the term.

This is unlike a credit card where you can carry a balance from month to month and make minimum payments. 

This is important if you’re considering investing the money. It means you have to make a fairly decent monthly payment each month. You can’t pay the minimum and pay the rest off at the end of the loan.

Can I use a personal loan to invest?

Unless your lender specifies otherwise, a personal loan can be used for anything you want. This includes investing in the stock market. 

That said, some lenders will offer you lower personal loan interest rates if you use the money for certain purposes. That’s because some uses may result in a lower risk to the lender than others.

For instance, personal loans for debt consolidation may require the funds to be disbursed directly to the loans you’re consolidating. Read the terms of your loan to understand if there are any restrictions on the money.

Why would someone take out a loan to invest?

A person may be tempted to take out a personal loan to invest if they see an opportunity to make money. If a person could earn higher returns investing the money they borrow than they pay in interest, they could come out ahead.

This can be very tempting after a stock market crashes and then starts rebounding. In some cases, you may see sharp gains for a few days or weeks that would exceed the costs of some personal loans over a year.

When would this be worth it?

Taking out a personal loan to invest only makes sense when you’re very confident your investment gains will exceed the costs of the loan.

For instance, let’s say you can take out a personal loan with an 11.99% interest rate. It would only make sense to use this money to invest if your returns could exceed that 11.99% cost.

Investing is volatile, though. Nothing is guaranteed. It probably wouldn’t make sense to take out an 11.99% personal loan to earn 12% by investing. Due to taxes and the minimal amount you’d gain, you wouldn’t come out ahead.

In order for the risk to be worth it, you’d likely have to get returns that greatly exceed the interest rate you pay on your personal loan.

There are other types of investments other than the stock market. Some of these investments may make more sense to use a personal loan for.

For instance, let’s say you have the opportunity to invest in your small company that has a huge profit margin. Unfortunately, you can’t get access to cash any other way than a personal loan for whatever reason. 

If you put in $10,000 but could earn $20,000 from that investment in three years, it may make sense to take out a personal loan to invest. 

Why it may be a good idea to take out a personal loan to invest in the stock market

Taking out a personal loan to invest in anything, including the stock market, only makes sense in one scenario. This scenario is when you know with a relative degree of certainty that your returns will exceed your costs.

Investing in the stock market at any rate of return is far from certain. I personally do not believe it is ever a good idea to take out a personal loan to invest in the stock market.

Why it may not be a good idea to take out a personal loan to invest in the stock market

There are several reasons why taking out a personal loan to invest in the stock market is a bad idea.

Personal loans have fixed terms

First, personal loans have fixed terms that are usually relatively short. Personal loan terms typically don’t exceed seven years, although they can be longer in some cases.

Short terms are a problem because most investments vary in returns greatly from year to year. The returns average out over the long run, but the short-term returns are very unpredictable. 

While seven years seems like a long time, it isn’t in the grand scheme of the stock market. 

High interest rates

Personal loans don’t offer low interest rates like car loans and mortgages do. While you may see low personal loan rates advertised, such as 5.99% APR, people rarely qualify for them.

These low rates are usually for funds for a specific use, such as debt consolidation. Additionally, they’re typically for the shortest term loan, such as 24 months. Finally, you normally have to have impeccable credit to qualify for these rates.

To make matters worse, the longer the loan term is, the higher your interest rate will be, too. In order for you to invest for a long enough period to have investment returns be less volatile, it would cost you even more in interest payments. This could cut down on your potential profit.

You have to make monthly payments on your loan

Personal loans require you to make equal monthly payments. When you’re invested, you don’t want to have to sell portions of your investment to make payments. 

Doing so would lower your return. It could also cause you to sell when your investment is performing poorly, resulting in locking in a loss.

Other types of investments that have greater returns may not be as liquid. This means you can only sell them at certain times. If you can’t get your money out to make your monthly payment, you could default on your loan.

Who should consider taking out a personal loan to invest?

In my opinion, only people with investments that have guaranteed returns and very little to no risk should take out a personal loan to invest. These investments rarely exist. 

The risk isn’t worth the relatively low amount you’ll earn over the interest costs of the loan in the vast majority of cases.

This means most people should avoid taking out a personal loan to invest.

It’s about risk and return – here’s an example

Let’s say you take out a five-year personal loan for $10,000 to invest in the stock market. There is no origination fee, so you get the full $10,000 upfront. Interest rates from these loans vary, but you get an 11.99% APR for the purposes of this example.

Your investment has a break out period and you get an incredible 15% return on your investment each year. In this case, it might make sense to take out a personal loan to invest. Unfortunately, you’d only know this after the fact.

At the same time, your interest is not tax-deductible. You would have to pay income taxes on the gains on your investments. This would reduce your profits. 

Even without taxes, you’d only theoretically earn a 3.01% difference between the loan APR and the return from the investment.

Once you consider the fact that you’d have to make a monthly payment of about $222, things get trickier. You’d have to have cash on hand to make this monthly payment or you’d have to sell some of your investment each month to make your payments. 

If your investment varies in price, you may end up having to sell low to make your monthly payment. This could reduce your future returns below the 15% per year the investment would have returned if you left the money in the investment the entire time.

Let’s now look at an example with a more reasonable rate of return for the stock market. Let’s assume you earn an 8% return each year. 

In this case, you’d be paying 3.99% per year to invest. This makes no sense. You wouldn’t take out a personal loan to invest because it’d cost you money to do so.

Personal loan providers you may want to consider

If you happen to have an investment opportunity that would likely result in a higher return than the cost of the loan, here are a few lenders you may want to consider.

Fiona

Fiona doesn’t directly offer personal loans, but they do help you find a personal loan lender. Once you pick the type of loan you want, you input a few details about your situation. In the case of personal loans, you input your credit score range, zip code, loan purpose, and the amount of the loan you’re requesting.

Based on this information, Fiona will display several lenders that may match your needs. They show you estimated terms, APRs, and monthly payments. If you find an offer you like, click continue. You’ll be directed to input information to get personalized loan offers for your situation.

Find a personal loan lender with Fiona.

Monevo

Monevo is another personal loan aggregator website. You’ll just some basic information about yourself and the purpose of your loan to get quotes from more than 30 different lenders. The process won’t affect your credit score, and you’re under no obligation to accept any of the offers.

If you want to get a feel for the lenders and rates being offered, you can browse a list before you even start the quote process. Loans are available in amounts up to $100,000, with rates range between 1.99% – 35.99% APR. If you like one of the offers, you’ll then progress to the full application.

By shopping multiple lenders at once, you’ll save time and increase your chances of getting great rates. Whether you go with one of the quotes offered or not, you’ll get a great idea of the rates and terms you can expect.

Get personal loan rate quotes from Monevo.

Credible

Credible is another personal loan aggregator. They allow you to check your personal loan rates without impacting your credit. Since it doesn’t hurt your credit, it doesn’t hurt to check to see if they have any offers the other aggregator sites don’t that may offer you a better rate.

Credible is so confident in their ability to offer the best rates that they’ll give you $200 if you find a lower rate. Of course, terms apply so look at the details of the offer. See Terms*. Even with this guarantee, it still makes sense to shop around to ensure you’re getting the best rate.

Get personal loan quotes from Credible.

Credible Credit Disclosure – Requesting prequalified rates on Credible is free and doesn’t affect your credit score. However, applying for or closing a loan will involve a hard credit pull that impacts your credit score and closing a loan will result in costs to you.

Places to consider investing if you decide the potential returns are worth the risk

If you decide to take out a personal loan to invest, here are a few of the options you may consider.

Robo-advisors

Robo-advisors manage your money on your behalf by using technology instead of human financial advisors. Based on your risk tolerance, robo-advisors generally set up a well-diversified portfolio.

Robo-advisors usually charge a fee for their service, which will cut into your returns. Since robo-advisors typically take a diversified approach, you aren’t likely to hit a home run and get amazing returns.

Self-directed brokerage accounts

Self-directed brokerage accounts allow you to pick what you want to invest in. You could invest in several options including individual stocks, mutual funds and ETFs.

Self-directed brokerage accounts allow you to have a better chance of getting returns that exceed a personal loan’s interest rate. At the same time, they can also result in a larger loss.

ETFs

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a basket of investments that help you diversify. When you buy an ETF, you’re normally purchasing several investments. Some ETFs are as large as the S&P 500 index while other ETFs only follow a small sector or industry.

If you want to bet on a particular industry with an ETF, there is a chance your returns could be high enough in the short term. If you bet wrong, your losses could also be massive.

Mutual funds

Mutual funds also allow you to invest in a basket of investments. Rather than trading live throughout the day, mutual funds settle all trades and reprice once per day after the markets close.

Like ETFs, you can use mutual funds to purchase a very diversified basket of investments or a small portion of investments such as a certain industry.

Real estate crowdfunding

Real estate crowdfunding is a much talked about investment option. Here are two companies that may offer investments you could be interested in.

Roofstock

Roofstock currently offers two main services. The first allows you to buy rental properties from around the country. Personal loans normally won’t provide enough cash to invest in most of these properties, so it isn’t really an option to invest personal loan proceeds.

What may be an option is Roofstock’s Roofstock One offering. This allows you to buy shares of a rental property rather than the whole thing. Only accredited investors can invest in Roofstock One, though. Most people taking out a personal loan to invest don’t likely fall into this category.

Learn more about Roofstock.

Fundrise

Fundrise is a real estate crowdfunding option that doesn’t require you to be an accredited investor. Rather than let you invest in individual properties, you invest in a portfolio of properties Fundrise sets up. They have a starter portfolio as well as three other portfolios you can choose from depending on your goals.

Unfortunately, Fundrise displays its historical annual returns (8.7% to 12.4%) on the front page of its website. These returns aren’t high enough to allow significant profit after taking out a personal loan, so it isn’t a good idea in most cases.

Learn more about Fundrise.

This is a testimonial in partnership with Fundrise. We earn a commission from partner links on MoneyUnder30. All opinions are our own.

Summary

Ultimately, it almost never makes sense to take out a personal loan to invest in the stock market. In rare cases, it may turn out to be profitable if you get lucky. 

Even so, the profit probably won’t be very large compared to the risk you’re taking.

Read more:

Source: moneyunder30.com

Apache is functioning normally

For 35 years, Bay Area finance revolutionaries have been pushing a personal investing strategy that brokers despise and hope you ignore. [This is] the story of a rebellion that’s slowly but surely putting money into the pockets of millions of Americans, winning powerful converts, and making money managers from California Street to Wall Street squirm.

So writes Mark Dowie in a recent issue of San Francisco magazine. Dowie describes how Google prepared for its IPO in 2004. Aware that hundreds of young employees would soon be millionaires, the company brought in a series of financial experts to teach them to make smart investment choices.

  • Stanford University’s Bill Sharpe, winner of the 1990 Nobel Prize in economics said, “Don’t try to beat the market.” He advised the Google employees to put their money into indexed mutual funds.
  • Burton Malkiel, author of the classic A Random Walk Down Wall Street (in which he posits that a “blindfolded monkey” could pick stocks as well as a professional money manager) and former dean of the Yale School of Management said much the same thing. “Don’t try to beat the market … and don’t believe anyone who tells you they can — not a stock broker, a friend with a hot stock tip, or a financial magazine article touting the latest mutual fund.”
  • Jack Bogle is the founder and retired chairman of The Vanguard Group. What did this expert on mutual funds advise? The same as the others. “Brokers and financial advisors … are there for one reason and one reason only — to take your money through exorbitant fees and transaction costs, many of which will be hidden from your view.”

These experts, and many like them, recommend the same thing: take the slow, sure path to wealth. Invest your money in index funds. Index funds are low-maintenance, low-cost mutual funds designed to follow the price fluctuations of a broader index, such as the Dow Jones Industrials or the S&P 500. They are boring investments. But they work.

Related >> How to Invest in Index Funds

Jack Bogle’s common-sense approach has inspired a loyal following among savvy investors, many of whom participate in the Vanguard Diehards discussion forum.

[This] forum is characterized by its contributors’ commitment to low cost — primarily index — mutual fund investing, its unusually civil tone, and the thoughtful replies to almost all who post a question, no matter what their level of investing knowledge.

Some of these diehards call themselves Bogleheads in tribute to their muse. Three of them recently published The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing, which is an excellent guide to smart investment choices. In the book, the Bogleheads stress their philosophy: Make index funds the core — or all — of your portfolio.

But not everyone believes that index funds the best choice for personal investors. A week ago I shared a brief conversation about money with Sparky, a friend to whom I often go for investment advice — he reads widely on the subject, and is well-informed. He doesn’t like index funds. Also last week, Jim at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity urged his readers, “Don’t just buy index funds.” Another blogger is worried that even index funds may be getting too complicated.

Even some professionals prefer other stock investment strategies. For example, Lowell Miller wrote a well-regarded book entitled The Single Best Investment: Creating Wealth with Dividend Growth in which he touts high-quality, moderate-growth, dividend-producing stocks as the best choice. In The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need, Andrew Tobias admits the virtues of index funds, noting that over time they beat the returns on nearly every other sort of investment. But he notes:

For the prudent, thoughtful investor there is now the possibility of the ultimate fund. The one you put together yourself. The Personal Fund. It is no-load, of course, because you don’t charge yourself a nickel. And not just low-expense, like an index fund, but, rather, no expense.

This “personal fund” approach is exactly what my friend Sparky was trying to describe to me in our conversation last week. I like the idea of using some portion of my portfolio for a personal mutual fund. It’s easier for me to pay attention to my investments when they’re stocks I picked myself. But I will always want the core of my investments to be in index funds.

Despite the dissenters, most experts agree: index funds are an excellent way to get rich slowly. Dowie’s article on the subject is long, but is worth reading if you’re serious about your stock investments. Bookmark it. Print it. Save it for later. But make some time to read it.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

It’s not hard to see why North Dakota claimed 14th place for the best states to live. Its scenic natural landscapes range from the vast expanses of the Great Plains where bison roam to the stark beauty of the Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Its multicultural cities and towns are full of friendly, Midwestern locals, with vibrant arts scenes, diverse dining, good schools and strong economies. While the summers bring warm weather, winters here bring abundant snow for outdoor fun.

On top of all that, the cost of living in North Dakota is affordable. You’ll find low rents in even its biggest cities and reasonable prices for everything from utilities to food. Knowing more about how the cost of living in North Dakota varies by city can help you find the right city for your budget.

North Dakota housing prices

One of the benefits of living in North Dakota is the affordable housing costs. You can find one- or two-bedroom apartments in the state’s top cities for less than $1,000. In Fargo, the state’s most populous city, the average rent for a one-bedroom is $783. The low rents in this famous, unique city make it one of the cheapest cities in the nation. Smaller cities or towns offer even more affordable options.

Let’s look at the average rent and housing costs in several major North Dakota cities to see how prices vary around the state.

Grand Forks

Located in northeastern North Dakota on the border with Minnesota, Grand Forks is a lively city of 58,781. It’s the third-most-populous city in the state. As the home of the University of North Dakota, it has a charming college town atmosphere, as well as all the trappings of a college town like cultural activities, fun dining and shopping. One of the best features of Grand Forks is the riverfront parks and Greenway paths along the Red River, offering outdoor recreation right in town.

Housing costs in Grand Forks are 8.7 percent below the national average. One-bedroom apartments are available for an average of $845 a month, up 7 percent from last year. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment for $945 a month, up 1 percent from last year.

Minot

With a population of 47,789, Minot is the fourth-most-populous city in North Dakota. Located in the north-central part of the state, it’s best known for being the home of the Minot Air Force Base. It’s also the home of the State Fair. Nearby nature areas like the Bison Plant Trail offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. Around town, residents can explore the city’s Scandinavian roots at the Scandinavian Heritage Association, enjoy the Roosevelt Park Zoo or hang out in city parks.

In Minot, you can find one-bedroom apartments for an average monthly rent of $875 and two-bedroom apartments for $965 a month. These rates are up 1 and 2 percent from the previous year. Overall, housing costs here are 19.1 percent below the national average

North Dakota food prices

Thanks to its diverse immigrant population, dining in North Dakota is a truly globe-trotting experience. You’ll find kuchen from Germany, lefse from Scandinavia and the Russian-Germanic dish fleischkuekle. Many dishes are also centered around local ingredients like walleye fish or the abundant wheat grown here. For those long winters, you’ll find comforting Midwestern staples like knoephla soup and hotdish.

Perhaps due to its remote location, food costs in North Dakota are higher than the national average. Total grocery costs are 2.1 percent above the national average. North Dakotans spend between $233 and $266 per person a month on food. That comes out to between $2,801 and $3,200 a year. That’s about the same as what residents of California and New York spend on food annually.

Depending on where you live in North Dakota, your total food costs are above or below the national and statewide averages:

  • Grand Forks is 5.3 percent below the national average
  • Minot is 4.1 percent above the national average

Minot is the more expensive city for food prices. A dozen eggs cost $1.74 there compared to $1.44 in Grand Forks. A half-gallon of milk in Minot is $2.69. In Grand Forks, it will only set you back $2.40. But Grand Forks does sometimes have higher food prices. You’ll pay more for ground beef in Grand Forks with a price tag of $4.92 compared to $4.68 in Minot.

North Dakota utility prices

Paying for utilities like electricity and water in North Dakota are close to or below the national average. Although over half of North Dakota’s electricity comes from coal-powered power stations, the state also utilizes renewable energy sources like wind energy and hydroelectric power. The Missouri River is the state’s biggest supplier of water.

Looking at total utility costs, here’s how these cities compare to the national average:

  • Grand Forks is 3.2 percent below the national average
  • Minot is 0.3 percent below the national average

Grand Forks is the least expensive of the two cities when it comes to energy costs. Residents of Grand Forks will pay around $162.41 for total energy costs each month. In Minot, average energy bills are higher at $171.25.

Water bills in North Dakota are low compared to the national average. While the average water bill nationwide is $68, North Dakota residents pay an average of $24 a month.

North Dakota transportation prices

While expenses for personal vehicles are extremely variable, the good news is that many cities and counties in North Dakota offer public transportation. Every county in North Dakota has some form of mass transit, primarily bus service. Bigger cities generally have more extensive systems with more frequent service. But rural routes are also available for those in outlying counties or towns. Not only does public transportation provide a vital link between communities, but it can help riders save money and it reduces traffic. It’s also more environmentally friendly.

When it comes to transportation costs, you pay above or below the national average depending on where you live in North Dakota:

  • Grand Forks is 4.1 percent below the national average
  • Minot is 11.5 percent above the national average

Let’s take a closer look at the mass transit options in these two cities:

City Transit in Minot

Consisting of a fleet of buses, City Transit operates six different bus routes around the city of Minot. The buses only run on weekdays, with no weekend service. A one-way ride costs $1.50 and a day pass is $5. You can also purchase 10-ride passes for $10 and a monthly pass for $36. Transfers are free, and reduced rates are available for eligible riders like senior citizens.

With limited bus routes and service, you may need to have your own car to efficiently and easily get around Minot. With a walk score of 32 and a bike score of 35, it’s also not the most walk- and bike-friendly city. Luckily, drivers don’t have to worry about paying tolls. North Dakota doesn’t have any tolled routes.

CAT in Grand Forks

The Cities Area Transit system provides bus service to Grand Forks and the neighboring city of East Grand Forks in Minnesota. It offers routes around the University of North Dakota campus, and staff, faculty and students of the university ride free on all CAT buses. Riders have 13 different routes to choose from around the two cities. Single-ride, one-way fares cost $1.50. A monthly pass costs $35. Transfers are free and reduced fares are available for K-12 students and other eligible riders.

As a college town, the city is slightly more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Grand Forks’ walk score is 52 and its bike score is 61.

North Dakota healthcare prices

Living in North Dakota, you’re likely to pay above the national average for healthcare. While the location is a contributing factor to healthcare costs, so is your personal health. When viewing average healthcare costs in a particular city or state, it’s important to note that they’re very subjective. It’s difficult to calculate average healthcare costs since these costs vary by person. Some people may pay more for healthcare due to factors like pre-existing conditions. Your personal healthcare costs may vary from your city’s average depending on your health needs.

But to give a ballpark figure of what to expect cost-wise, here’s the average cost to go to the doctor’s office in these cities:

  • Minot: $154.40
  • Grand Forks: $190

While Grand Forks is the most expensive for general doctor’s check-ups, it’s the opposite for dental care. It costs $80 to go to the dentist in Grand Forks. But in Minot, it costs $102.

Although neither city offers especially low rates, Minot’s total healthcare costs are higher than the national average:

  • Grand Forks is 6.8 percent above the national average
  • Minot is 12.6 percent above the national average

At the very least, you’ll receive good quality care for the higher prices. North Dakota ranks 27th in the nation for its healthcare. It has good marks for healthcare access, quality and general public health. While its rankings aren’t stellar, they’re solid and point to a functional, accessible healthcare system.

North Dakota goods and services prices

Although paying for the occasional haircut or buying a pizza may seem like small purchases, it does add up over time. Miscellaneous goods and services are an important category to account for in your monthly budget. It covers common items or services you need on a regular basis. This can range from going to the movies to buying toothpaste.

Depending on where you live in North Dakota, you may pay more or less than the national average for miscellaneous goods and services:

  • Grand Forks is 10.5 percent below the national average
  • Minot is 2.2 percent above the national average

As Minot is above the national average, some prices there are higher. It costs $19 to get a haircut there as opposed to $18 in Grand Forks. Want to go out to the movies? Expect to shell out around $13.29 in Minot for tickets. But in Grand Forks, movie tickets are only $7.56. Buying a pizza will set you back $10.59 in Minot but only $10.49 in Grand Forks. As you can see, for some items the price difference is small, meaning that Grand Forks isn’t necessarily always significantly less expensive for goods and services.

Taxes in North Dakota

Since high taxes can have an impact on your spending and income, it’s important to know what the tax rates are in your state.

North Dakota has a statewide sales tax rate of 5 percent. For every $1,000 you spend in North Dakota, you’ll be paying a minimum of $50 in sales tax on top of that. You may have to pay even more in sales tax because some cities and counties add their own local sales tax as well:

  • Minot has a combined tax of 7.5 percent
  • Grand Forks has a combined tax of 7.25 percent

Both Minot and Grand Forks have similar sales tax rates, but Minot is slightly more expensive. Living there, you’ll pay $75 in sales tax for every $1,000 spent. In Grand Forks, it’s slightly less at $72.50.

Ranging from 1.1 percent to 2.9 percent, North Dakota’s income taxes are among the lowest in the country.

How much do I need to earn to live in North Dakota?

Overall, the cost of living in North Dakota is close to the national average. Its affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of budgets. But exactly how much do you need to make to afford to live here?

It’s recommended that you only spend 30 percent of your gross monthly income on rent. North Dakota’s average rent is $917. In order for that to only be 30 percent of your gross monthly income, you need to make a minimum of $3,056 a month or $36,672 annually. North Dakota’s median household income is $65,315 and salaries here range from $28,794 to $97,188. So, while households with multiple inhabitants should comfortably afford housing, people living alone that work lower-paying jobs may need to spend more than 30 of their monthly income on rent.

Our handy rent calculator can help you figure out what you can afford to pay in rent based on factors like income, expenses and location.

Living in North Dakota

The low cost of living in North Dakota is a major plus to living here, but it’s far from the only one. Along with affordable rents, this rugged state is ready to impress with its beautiful landscapes, fun cities and abundance of things to do.

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of August 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

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Our Style Your Staples series has been such fun. We’ve looked at the Pencil Skirt, the Oxford Shirt, and now we’re back with the last installment: the Denim Short!

Yet again, all the ladies put their stylish spin on this summer must-have and now I want to give each and every one of their looks a go. But first, here’s how I tried my hand at working denim cut-offs, Apartment 34 style:

I have to say, this assignment was my biggest styling challenge yet. Though I’m tall and obviously have long legs, I’ve never been a huge short-shorts wearer. I don’t know what it is – maybe being in my 30s, maybe living in slightly chilly San Francisco…I just haven’t been a huge shorts fan. But when I put these super-cropped puppies on, they were decidedly the most flattering for my body shape, so I went with ’em! I couldn’t rock the boy short – they just felt frumpy on me. I guess you ought to flaunt it while you got it, right?!

get your shop on: shorts // top // blazer (similar) // heels (similar) // necklace // sunglasses // clutch (similar)

The key to feeling comfortable with this look was covering up up top. I firmly believe a girl can never have too many stripes in her closet and a good tee can always be dressed up. By throwing on my favorite oversized double-breasted blazer, I didn’t feel overexposed. By toting a structured clutch, a touch of gold jewelry and putting on a pair of clean and classic nude sandals, my shorts suddenly felt more sophisticated and ready for primetime.

I was also pleased to discover that denim shorts can be highly versatile. A tank and sandals is all you need for the beach. Sneakers, t-shirt and hat and you’re ready for an afternoon at the baseball park. I’d switch out my blazer for a leather jacket and a Celine-inspired heel to take this look from day to date night!

Be sure to check out Casey, Hilary, Jen, Sara, and of course, the masterminds of this whole operation, Kat & Em’s, takes on the denim short. I’m quite certain you’ll find more than one look to love!

PS: Did you like this series? Are you interested in seeing more ways to wear some of your favorite fashions? I’m thinking of bringing something like this back to the blog on a more regular basis if you do!

original photography for apartment 34 by Emily Scott, bike courtesy of Public Bikes

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Source: apartment34.com

Apache is functioning normally

We’ve all been there — living in a cluttered, disorganized space, promising ourselves to organize it but finding it a daunting and never-ending task. It’s time to put an end to the cycle of clutter and chaos, for real this time. By breaking down organization tips by room, we’ll show you how to declutter your home and regain control over your living space. From practical tips on sorting and organizing to expert advice on letting go of sentimental items, we’ve got you covered on your journey to a cleaner home.

Benefits of decluttering

Decluttering your home goes beyond just tidying up; it brings along a plethora of benefits that can significantly improve your physical and mental well-being. A clutter-free environment promotes better focus and productivity. A study by Princeton University researchers discovered that clutter can make it difficult to focus on a particular task.

More specifically, they discovered that a person is overwhelmed by objects not related to a particular task, making it harder to focus and complete projects efficiently. Additionally, decluttering is known to have great benefits when it comes to decreasing stress levels and anxiety. Decluttering is an essential step toward improving your overall quality of life.

The time is now

One of the hardest parts of decluttering is knowing where to start. It’s overwhelming to begin a project of decluttering and organizing your space knowing how many areas need attention. However, delaying the process only allows the clutter to grow and worsen the situation. The longer you wait, the more time and effort it will take to tackle the clutter, and it might even become a source of frustration. Starting now, going room by room through our guide, will allow you to break this process down into digestible steps so you reclaim control over your space.

How to declutter your home, by room

When going room by room, we recommend you use Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method of asking yourself, “Does this item spark joy?” If an item doesn’t bring you joy or serve a practical purpose, it’s time to say goodbye.

Bedroom

When starting the decluttering process of your bedroom, make sure to make your bed first. This helps the space look a little cleaner, encouraging you to keep treading on.

  • Nightstands and cabinet surfaces: Clear off nightstands, dressers and any other surfaces of any items that don’t belong. Keep only essential items like a lamp, clock or a few decorative pieces. Put any misplaced items back in their original home and store other items in drawers using organizers. Drawer/ shelf organizers
  • Under the bed: Pull out anything under the bed that doesn’t belong. Between clothes that have fallen, loose storage for items or even trash, this is an area that accumulates mess. By cleaning this space, you can invest in under-bed-organizers to practically store clothes, shoes or miscellaneous items without a clear category.
  • Dresser drawers and closet: Start going through your dresser and set aside a donate pile, a wash/dry/clean pile and a keep pile. Ask yourself with each item if you still wear it, need it or even want it. If it’s an article of clothing in decent condition and you don’t have a use for it (or haven’t worn it in a while), it makes for a great donation. Apply the same process to clothes in your closet. Hang up any loose clothing on the floor as well to tidy up this small corner as well.

Bathroom

Decluttering your bathroom is a rewarding and refreshing process. It’s a good idea to start by picking up any clothes from the floor so you can really tackle organizing the cabinets and drawers. Then, set aside two areas; one for garbage and one for items being kept.

  • Countertops and sink area: Remove all items from the countertops and sink area that don’t belong. It’s ideal, for decluttering purposes, to keep this area clear and organize items within cabinets or shelving. Make sure to add to the discard pile any empty or expired containers, old cosmetics and products you no longer use.
  • Under-the-sink cabinet, drawers and medicine cabinet storage areas: Odds are, there are quite a bit of products and containers to dispose of in these areas. Make sure to check expiration dates to help dispose of space-taking items you no longer need. Use drawer dividers and organization containers where needed to separate items by category and frequency of usage. It’s easier to keep bathroom items tidy in designated spots for them, through dividers and containers.
  • Shower/ bathtub: Remove any empty items from the shower or bathtub area and take note of any necessary refills you may need. Make sure to ask yourself if you need the products before purchasing replacements to keep products minimal in this area. Consider using shower caddies or wall-mounted organizers to keep the products tidy and easily accessible.

Living room

Depending on the size of your home or apartment, your living room may bleed into other areas. Consider any walkways or middle areas between your living room and other areas in this section, especially since there’s typically more space in the living room for more storage when cleaning up these undefined areas.

  • Floor: Start by removing any items that don’t belong in the living room and return them to their proper places in other rooms. Discard any trash items that are present.
  • Coffee table: Clear off any items that are not essential or decorative. Invest in a decorative tray to place on your coffee table to hold various items like remote controls, magazines, candles and other miscellaneous items that otherwise look cluttered on your coffee table.
  • Entertainment center: These centers are necessary but often become cluttered quickly with numerous cables and remotes. Remove outdated electronics, cables and accessories that you no longer use. Purchase a cord cover or holder to keep these cords hidden and untangled for a more polished appearance. Then neatly arrange video games and other media items and consider donating or selling any DVDs or games you no longer enjoy or use.
  • Other decor items: Bookshelves and other wall shelving can accumulate random items over time. Donate or sell any books you no longer read or need and clear out random decor that serves no purpose to the aesthetic of the room.

Kitchen

It’s a great idea to start decluttering this room by cleaning out the fridge and pantry of any expired or stale food. Donate any canned items and non-perishables to local food pantries.

  • Countertops: As they are the most visible and used spaces in the kitchen, remove all items that don’t belong on the counters, like paperwork, keys or other non-kitchen items. Put away small appliances that you rarely use, leaving only the essentials.
  • Cabinets and drawers: This is another great instance to use containers to organize drawers and cabinets by sorting their contents into categories.
  • Under the sink: This area often accumulates various cleaning supplies. Dispose of any empty or old cleaning products and use organizers or caddies to keep everything tidy. Invest in a bag dispenser to keep your reusable plastic grocery bags organized as well.
  • Junk drawer: We all have a notoriously cluttered junk drawer in our kitchen or dining area. While it’s fine to keep this drawer for miscellaneous items, it’s important to dispose of actual junk and only keep essential items.

Face clutter head-on

Conquering the cycle of clutter and chaos in our living spaces is not an impossible task. By taking a proactive approach and breaking down the decluttering process by room, you’ll regain control over the mess. With the urgency to start now, armed with practical tips and a modified KonMari Method, we can bid farewell to unnecessary items and embrace a clutter-free lifestyle. Begin this transformative journey today and experience the liberating power of decluttering in your dream apartment!

Source: apartmentguide.com

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Banks and mortgage lenders kept appraiser blacklists for those who refused to falsely inflate home values, according to a report from the Center for Public Integrity.

These lists apparently contained thousands of names of appraisers who weren’t willing to play ball, or simply couldn’t come up with the values needed to get deals closed.

One mortgage lender, Amerisave, had nearly 12,000 appraisers on its “ineligible appraiser list,” which was available online until this report got underway.

However, the Center found that many appraisers “bowed to lender pressure” to stay relevant in the business, and often agreed on a certain house value before actually carrying out the appraisal.

Amazingly, pressuring an appraiser to inflate the value of a property is only a crime in about 20 states, but often just a misdemeanor punishable by fine, which clearly doesn’t deter perpetrators.

One appraiser from Vero Beach, Florida said lenders forced appraisers to abandon their standards if they wanted to get work, often providing an estimated value for a home on each appraisal order.

Appraisers would then work backwards from the estimate to “make the value,” which he said was actually easier than coming up with a real value.

“And since appraising homes is subjective — both an art and a science — it was easy to fudge numbers,” the report said.

Of course, it wasn’t always this way; banks and lenders used to rely on appraisers to come up with solid values so they wouldn’t get burned by the loans they held in their portfolio.

But once the originate-to-distribute model came around, where loans would be quickly originated and bundled into securities on the secondary market, it was all about volume and quality slipped out the window.

This also explains why underwriting went to the dogs and why banks and lenders pushed high-risk loan programs that were seemingly destined to put borrowers in a position of failure.

On May 1, the so-called Home Valuation Code of Conduct will go into effect; it eliminates broker-ordered appraisals, prohibits appraiser coercion, and reduces the use of in-house appraisals and captive appraisal management companies.

It’s intended to strengthen the appraisal process and reduce mortgage fraud, but it’ll probably just be a matter of time before the new rules are circumvented…

(photo: jaypeg21)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

Living in Colorado is paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to Mesa Verde, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. If Colorado sounds like the state for you, then you may also be curious about what cities fit into your budget. For example, the median home sale price in Colorado is $580,900 as of July. 

If that number is out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected 10 of the most affordable places to live in Colorado. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under the state’s average. From Colorado Springs to Aurora, read on to see what cities you may want to consider moving to this year.

#1: Pueblo

Median home price: $262,950
Average sale price per square foot: $163 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,512 
Median household income: $42,902 
Nearest major metro: Colorado Springs (45 miles)
Pueblo, CO homes for sale
Pueblo, CO apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $262,950, Pueblo claims the first spot on our list of affordable places to live in Colorado. Pueblo is home to roughly 111,900 residents and is about 45 miles away from Colorado Springs, the nearest major metro. Living in Pueblo, you can visit the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo, explore the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum and the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center, or check out the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center.

#2: Greeley

Median home price: $405,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $185 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,200 
Median household income: $57,537 
Nearest major metro: Fort Collins (35 miles)
Greeley, CO homes for sale
Greeley, CO apartments for rent

The second most affordable city to live in Colorado is Greeley. The nearest metropolitan area is Fort Collins, which is approximately 35 miles northwest of Greeley. When living in this city of 108,800 people, you can spend the day outside at Island Grove Regional Park, check out Gateway Lakes Natural Area, or visit the Colorado Model Railroad Museum.

#3: Grand Junction

Median home price: $434,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $262 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $775 
Median household income: $54,570 
Grand Junction, CO homes for sale
Grand Junction, CO apartments for rent

Third is Grand Junction where about 65,600 residents currently live. The median home sale price is $434,000 which is about $145K less than the median home sale price in Colorado. If you find yourself moving to the third most affordable place in Colorado, explore the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens, and visit one of the many museums like Museum of the West or Eureka! McConnell Science Museum. You can also hike one of the trails and stop by Colorado National Monument.

#4: Colorado Springs

Median home price: $460,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $218 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,227 
Median household income: $57,537 
Nearest major metro: Denver (70 miles)
Colorado Springs, CO homes for sale
Colorado Springs, CO apartments for rent

Only slightly more expensive than Grand Junction is none other than Colorado Springs. The second most populous city in Colorado, you can reach the nearest metro, Denver, in about 70 miles. With roughly 478,900 residents in Colorado Springs, make sure to visit the Garden of the Gods, tour the United States Air Force Academy, ride the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, and explore the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

#5: Aurora

Median home price: $480,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $241 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,678 
Median household income: $57,537 
Nearest major metro: Denver (10 miles)
Aurora, CO homes for sale
Aurora, CO apartments for rent

Another great affordable city to consider moving to is Aurora, just outside of Denver. Home to 386,300 residents, this affordable town can be a great option to add to your list. Living in Aurora, you can check out the Plains Conservation Center, explore the city center, and fish or swim at Aurora Reservoir.

#6: Loveland

Median home price: $508,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $221 
Median household income: $72,515 
Nearest major metro: Fort Collins (15 miles)
Loveland, CO homes for sale
Loveland, CO apartments for rent

Sixth on the list is another well-known city, Loveland, where you’ll find the home prices are about $80K less than the state’s average. With just about 76,400 people living in Loveland, it’s a great place to consider buying a house in. Make sure to enjoy a day by the lake at Lake Loveland or Boyd Lake State Park, explore Devil’s Backbone Open Space, or check out the sculptures at Benson Sculpture Garden.

#7: Westminster

Median home price: $550,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $264 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,928 
Median household income: $76,378 
Nearest major metro: Denver (10 miles)
Westminster, CO homes for sale
Westminster, CO apartments for rent

Seventh on our list of affordable places to live in Colorado is Westminster. With a population of close to 116,300, living in Westminster is a great option for those looking for a mid-sized city. If you find yourself moving to this area make sure to spend the day at Standley Lake Regional Park & Wildlife Refuge where you can fish, boat, and camp, visit the Butterfly Pavilion home to over 1,500 butterflies, or explore the many local shops and restaurants.

#8: Thornton

Median home price: $562,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $221 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,599 
Median household income: $80,732 
Nearest major metro: Denver (10 miles)
Thornton, CO homes for sale
Thornton, CO apartments for rent

Living in Colorado, it’s likely that you know of Thornton, the eighth city on our list. Nearly 141,800 residents call this affordable city home. Be sure to explore the 200-acre Pelican Ponds Open Space, check out the Trail Winds Recreation Center, and golf at one of the courses throughout the city once living in Thornton.

#9: Lakewood

Median home price: $569,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $285 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,675 
Median household income: $71,233 
Nearest major metro: Denver (8 miles)
Lakewood, CO homes for sale
Lakewood, CO apartments for rent

Lakewood is a great place to consider moving to in Colorado. This Denver suburb is home to about 155,900 residents. Fun activities to do in Lakewood include camping, hiking, horseback riding, or swimming at Bear Creek Lake Park, heading to the famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for a concert, and hiking up Green Mountain.

#10: Fort Collins

Median home price: $570,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $277 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,644 
Median household income: $70,528 
Nearest major metro: Denver (65 miles)
Fort Collins, CO homes for sale
Fort Collins, CO apartments for rent

Finishing off our list is Fort Collins, where the median home sale price is $570,000. This city has a population of 169,800, there is plenty to do in your free time living in Fort Collins. You can explore the Old Town Historic District where you’ll find homes dating back to the 1800s, trolleys, and charming shops, check out the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and visit Riverbend Ponds Natural Area.

Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in Colorado. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during July 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com July 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

Source: redfin.com

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Last year I asked, “How much do you spend on food?” Answers varied widely. Some commenters couldn’t comprehend that others could spend so much — or so little. I’ve always believed that buying produce at the farmers market is a good way to cut food costs. But is it really? This weekend I decided to find out.

Over the past two days, I’ve surveyed produce prices at five different locations: the farmers market, a produce stand, and three different grocery stores. I did my best to compare apples to apples (so to speak), but I cannot guarantee that my methodology was flawless. Still, this survey was accurate enough for me to draw general conclusions about my personal shopping. Here are the places I scouted:

The nearby farmers market is a great source for produce, but it’s not exactly convenient. It’s open every Sunday from 9:30am to 2:00pm between May and October. The market is a crowded, bustling place with dozens of local growers offering their wares. Quality is good, and most items are raised organically. The market also features cheese-makers, bakers, and the all-important knife man. (We take our blades to be sharpened at the end of every summer.)

You won’t find out-of-season or out-of-region produce at the farmers market. Ginger and bananas and asparagus are nowhere to be seen. You can, however, find a dozen different types of tomatoes, or sample the fall raspberries before you buy. Prices are good on some things, poor on others. For us, it’s worth paying a little extra to support local farmers and businesses with our food dollars.

This high-end grocery store is tucked at the edge of a wealthy neighborhood. We shop it a couple times a year, generally before dinner parties. It stocks a variety of interesting items, and has the highest-quality meats of any nearby source. New Seasons sells a lot of organic and “health” foods, but is less concerned with local items.

The produce here is high quality, but it’s expensive. I have friends that refuse to shop for groceries anywhere else because they support the ideals New Seasons represents. This hinders their ability to economize, but it’s a price they’re willing to pay. I find it difficult to justify the forty minute round trip and the higher costs.

Safeway (Oak Grove store)

Safeway is the closest source of food for us. It’s a mile from our house, and I often walk to the store if our grocery list is light. The prices are decent, especially on sale items. Kris usually plans her weekly shopping list around the Safeway sale inserts.

While the store stocks some organic items, these are costly. The concept of local produce — or local anything — doesn’t enter into the picture with Safeway; we’re treated to woody California strawberries even during the peak of Oregon’s berry season. Produce quality here is good but not great. Safeway’s real competitive advantage is that it sells just about anything we cold possibly need for our home.

Grocery Outlet (Oak Grove store)

Just beyond walking distance is a discount grocery store that features nick-and-dent items, as well as products approaching their expiration dates. We don’t shop here much because Grocery Outlet mostly sells processed food. They do have a small produce section in the back of the store, and their prices are excellent. I can’t vouch for quality, however, as I’ve never purchased any fruits or vegetables from them. On the downside, you must purchase produce in bulk. They don’t sell Costco-sized packages, but still — does anyone really need three pounds of plums?

The Willamette Valley is an agricultural region, and there are produce stands all over, even in the middle of the city. I pass three on my daily commute. Produce stands offer local high-quality organic fruits and vegetables. Selection is mostly seasonal, though; you’re usually limited to whatever is ripe. For this survey, I chose the closest produce stand, which is located across the road from a fish market.

At each location, I jotted prices and observations. After compiling the data, I created a spreadsheet. I had hypothesized that the farmers market would have the lowest prices, but I was wrong. Click below to open the results of the survey in a new window:

Based on my past experience with each produce purveyor, and based on this new research, I charted the pros and cons of each supplier:


My arbitrary system for evaluating my options.

The choice seems clear. During the peak of the harvest, at least, the produce stand offers the best balance of quality and cost, with the best price on 33 out of 63 items. But will it still be a smart place to shop in February? Instead of berries and tomatoes, perhaps the stand will stock yams and winter squashes, cabbages and turnips. Some produce stands shut down completely in the off-season.

Another advantage of shopping exclusively at a produce stand or farmers market is that there are fewer temptations that fall outside the realm of healthy eating. One vendor at the farmers market sells fresh bakery cookies, but that’s as bad as it gets. The produce stand carries bottled soda (including my beloved Mexican Coke), honey stix, wax-paper-wrapped cubes of caramel, and carob balls, but there are few other distractions. Grocery stores — even high-end natural food stores — are warrens of processed food.

What’s the cheapest source of produce in your town? Who has the best quality? Are you willing to pay more to support causes that are important to you? Do you always buy from the same source? Or do you shop around based on price and convenience?

Source: getrichslowly.org