Solar panels can save money or increase energy independence. If you want further savings, you can DIY solar panels, which requires more research and effort but can result in a cheaper system overall.
Can you build your own solar panels?
It is possible to build your own solar panels by purchasing individual solar cells, shatterproof glass, and the necessary wire and soldering equipment to assemble the panels
.
You’ll need to be knowledgeable about electricity in order to choose your cell voltages and power output correctly and safely.
You’ll want to purchase high-quality equipment because a DIY solar panel will not be guaranteed with a warranty the way commercially-produced panels are.
In general, this level of do-it-yourself isn’t going to yield a cost benefit, however. DIYers often can save money when they create small-scale systems for an RV or tiny home using solar panel kits, or when they use manufactured panels but create their own DIY solar panel system.
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How to DIY a solar panel system
If you’d prefer to spend time and effort rather than money, using manufactured panels to DIY your own system could be your answer.
1. Evaluate your roof or ground area and make a plan
Solar panels work best on south-facing roofs with an angle between 15 and 40 degrees, and you’ll want your roof area to be free of shade as much of the time as possible
. Measure your roof, draw out where you’d ideally like to place your panels and calculate how many.
Evaluate how much electricity you want to generate, and determine the potential output of your system. Do some calculations to size your batteries, solar panels and wiring to conduct electricity appropriately without overloading and overheating the system. Free tools help people model their systems, but be prepared to do a lot of research if you don’t have an electrician background.
2. Understand the requirements for interconnection and permitting
Contact your electric utility if you intend to tie your system to the grid; your municipality may also require permits even if you intend to be off the grid. “It’s technically possible to DIY aspects of a solar panel installation. However, it can be challenging due to the engineering drawings, permits, inspections and licensing requirements in most jurisdictions,” Dan Massaad, CEO of Florida-based solar installer Guardian Home, said in an email.
3. Source your equipment carefully
Your exact needs will vary, but you’ll definitely need to source solar panels, mounting/racking supplies, electrical supplies, an inverter system and any batteries and related supplies.
You can purchase less-expensive used panels and batteries, or you can purchase new from manufacturers that offer some guarantee or warranty for their products.
“All of the solar panels I have, I purchased used from online sources; Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are the two sites I use when searching,” said David Posluszny, prominent DIY solar expert and energy efficiency YouTuber, in an email. “I’m able to buy used panels far below retail price.”
4. Install yourself or contract elements of the project out piecemeal
People often opt to do parts of the installation process themselves and contract out other portions of the process for a bit less than a full installation would cost. For instance, a professional installer might quote you a lower rate if all you need is someone to physically mount the system that you’ve designed, sourced and permitted on your own. It just depends on who is available in your area and how flexible they are.
How much does it cost to DIY your own solar panel system?
The average price of an 11 kW solar panel system is $29,926 before federal tax credits, according to EnergySage, a solar and home energy product comparison marketplace founded in 2012
. Anecdotally, DIYers are able to install their systems for substantially less, but there isn’t definitive data for all DIY installations.
Instead, there is a range of expected savings. You might see a modest 10% savings for a partially DIY project you design and source but still contract out to professionals piecemeal, or a 50% savings for a completely DIY project sourced with pre-owned panels/batteries. In the end, your savings really depend on so many factors that you’re better off getting professional quotes in your area as a baseline and then pricing out your own project in comparison.
Making this system worthwhile, however, also requires valuing your time. If this project is highly personally fulfilling and you have the spare time anyway, it will be easier to value those hours at a lower rate. If you have limited free time or don’t enjoy the manual labor and planning aspects of the project, consider whether the value of a DIY solar panels system is there.
Is it worth it to DIY solar panels?
In general, you’ll see the biggest savings from DIY solar panel installation if you enjoy the thorough research involved and the hours of work getting the project online after sourcing your materials.
“If you don’t feel safe, then you might want to hire a licensed installer,” Posluszny said. “Keep in mind, there are risks with everything, including solar. Our goal should be to minimize risk to acceptable levels. Electricity can harm and should be treated with respect… If at the end of that journey, you still feel like you’re ‘missing something important’ definitely hire a licensed installer/electrician/construction person.”
Advantages of DIY solar panels
You may save thousands of dollars in installation costs.
Professional installers may have specific limits on what they are willing to customize, making DIY a better option for those who want an unusual or highly customized project.
Learning about power generation and electrical work can be rewarding and fun.
Disadvantages of DIY solar panels
For those who have limited free time or demanding day jobs, the hours of labor for the DIY project come at a high price.
It may be safer to rely on experts to design and install a system due to the research necessary to have both a safe system and cost savings.
Sourcing high-quality equipment can take more time and effort as a single purchaser because many PV equipment producers generally sell to professional installers.
As the largest city in Wisconsin, and the second-largest city on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is a Midwestern hub bursting with culture and history just waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re renting a home in Milwaukee, WI, looking to buy a house in the city, have your eyes on an apartment, or just torn between the Midwest charm of Milwaukee and Minneapolis – this Milwaukee bucket list has you covered. It’s the perfect guide to help you get acquainted with your new city and keep track of all the must-see spots of Cream City.
1. Cruise across Milwaukee’s many rivers and Great Lake Michigan
“My favorite thing to recommend is renting a boat on the river,” shares Taylor of Buckley’s Restaurant and Bar in Downtown Milwaukee. “Riverwalk Boats has pontoons you can rent to stroll up and down the riverfront. Lots of breweries, bars, and restaurants have docks open to the public, too. It’s a great way to see the city.”
Image courtesy of O & B Photo Co.
2. Try a famously towering Bloody Mary at Sobelman’s
“Sobelman’s is a hidden gem in Milwaukee that brings a giant twist to the iconic Bloody Mary,” share Olivia and Bryan, wedding photographers and owners of O & B Photo Co. “Coming in at 80 liquid ounces with a full menagerie of fixins’, this gaudy delight is made to be shared with your nearest and dearest – or maybe a really epic first date.”
3. Explore the commercial corridor of Downer Avenue
Historic Downer Avenue is one of Milwaukee’s most popular East Side business districts known for its great dining, shopping, movies, and annual events. Nestled between residential neighborhoods, this two-block long commercial corridor holds a variety of activities and specialty shops to peruse. Their seasonal events are a must-add to your Milwaukee bucket list.
4. Get outside to enjoy the many waterfront vibes
“Milwaukee is the freshwater capital of the world, sitting at the convergence of three rivers and accessible to Lake Michigan,” says Isabel of Milwaukee Downtown, an organization supporting the funding of specific initiatives aimed at creating a clean, safe and friendly downtown. “Lakeshore State Park and Milwaukee’s Riverwalk are the best ways to experience this paradise.” Lakeshore State Park, the only urban state park in Wisconsin, is home to wide prairies and paved trails that link up to other nearby parks. The Riverwalk path extends through three downtown Milwaukee neighborhoods across the Milwaukee River.
5. See your city from above with a flight tour
If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on your city, MyFlight Tours has you covered. Hop into one of their helicopters for one of the most unique ways to see Milwaukee in style. Wave at Waukesha and West Allis as you take in some unforgettable views of this Great Lakes city.
6. Treat yourself to some of the most unique cocktails in the Cream City
Milwaukee’s amazing food and cocktail scene would not be the same without At Random or Bryant’s. Get a taste of history and quality craftsmanship at these local partner bars. At Random is known for its ice cream drinks and specialty cocktails, and has been a charming staple of the Bay View area since 1964. Bryant’s, by comparison, has been around since 1938, and has no menu whatsoever. Let fate – and your bartender – choose the perfect cocktail for you at this hidden gem.
7. Don’t miss a Milwaukee Bucks game
“Milwaukee is full of life, culture, and fun,” says Ashley, owner of Ashley Kalbus Photography. “To get to know Milwaukee, I highly recommend visiting a Bucks game at Fiserv Forum. The arena is located in a beautiful part of the city, surrounded by historic buildings. It’s a fun experience that creates a sense of community and makes you feel right at home.”
8. How to make the most of 24 hours in the city
Don’t have enough time for a full Milwaukee bucket list? The County Clare Irish Inn & Pub has the perfect itinerary items for a shorter schedule:
The ultimate Milwaukee bucket list: Final thoughts on what you can’t miss
There is no shortage of unique things to do in Milwaukee, but this bucket list highlights the top activities you just can’t miss if you find yourself in Cream City. Regardless of how long you’re staying, be it a short trip to visit a friend or a longer stay on your search to find your new home, jumping into some local activities is sure to help you decide that Milwaukee is a good place to live.
In a world that constantly pushes us toward more — more things, more choices, more consumption — the concept of minimalism has emerged as a breath of fresh air. However, as we delve deeper into the philosophy of living with less, a new movement is gaining traction: underconsumption core. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Des Moines, IA, settling into a rental home in Boston, or buying a home in Savannah, GA, this way of life offers a more sustainable, mindful way to live.
Understanding underconsumption core
Underconsumption core takes minimalism a step further by emphasizing the value of what we don’t consume rather than just focusing on what we own. “Underconsumption core is the latest social media movement that takes a spin on the minimalist and simplicity trends of recent years, highlighting the ‘use it up, wear it out, make do or do without’ teachings from older generations,” explains Amanda with Useful Roots.
“It’s all about finding joy in owning, maintaining, and buying fewer things or even acquiring material items via thrifting and repurposed goods. Instead of purchasing multiples of the latest item, you’re pairing down, making do with just one, using what you have, and perhaps not purchasing at all. It’s an approach to engaging in the economy that can be better for the wallet and more environmentally friendly.”
The benefits of underconsumption core
Adopting the underconsumption core philosophy can lead to numerous benefits:
Less clutter, more comfort: When you intentionally reduce unnecessary consumption, your living space becomes more comfortable and serene. Renters, especially, benefit from this as it makes small spaces feel larger and more functional.
Financial savings: Consuming less can lead to significant savings. Instead of spending money on trendy decor or impulsive buys, you can invest in quality pieces that last or save up for bigger goals — like homeownership or investment property.
Eco-friendly living: Consuming less means generating less waste, which benefits the environment. “At Composty, we believe that living minimally begins with making intentional choices about what we bring into our homes. By embracing compostable, reusable cleaning tools, you can significantly reduce waste while still maintaining a clean environment. We encourage making the most of what you already own, avoiding impulse purchases, and focusing on products that are not only functional but also sustainable, helping to reduce consumption in the long term. Composty’s CEO Matt Guest says, “Our sponges borrow natural materials from the planet and, after use, give them back to nature to help it flourish and grow.”
Ways to embrace ‘underconsumption core’
Underconsumption core can significantly improve your living experience, and it’s surprisingly easy to implement small, intentional changes that create lasting positive impacts.
Shift your mindset
Shifting your mindset is key to embracing underconsumption core. It’s about moving away from the constant pursuit of more and reframing how you view consumption.
“At fulFILLed Lifestyle Co., we believe that sustainable living starts with a shift in mindset. In today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to buy more, especially as we’re constantly influenced to consume more than we truly need,” explains Paige Garrity, co-founder of fulFILLed Lifestyle Co. She continues: “But what if less is actually more; underconsumption, the idea of being intentional with what we bring into our lives, allows us to focus on quality over quantity.
By reducing the excess, we make room for what truly matters — whether it’s the products we choose or the relationships we nurture. Sustainability, after all, is a way of life, and at fulFILLed Lifestyle Co., we’re here to support consumers in making choices that help them create a toxin-free, sustainable, and fulFILLing life.”
Prioritize essentials
Whether you’re furnishing an apartment or conducting your weekly grocery shop, start by focusing on the essentials. What do you really need? Avoid the temptation to buy and fill every corner with “stuff”.
“By embracing underconsumption core, we inherently buy less and utilize what we have more efficiently. Furthermore, replacing disposable everyday items with reusable alternatives, like shopping bags, water bottles, and sustainable kitchen essentials, significantly reduces waste and conserves resources,” explains Amanda Runkle, founder of Me Mother Earth.
“These small changes not only support a greener lifestyle but also save money in the long run, as reusable products are designed to last for years. By making these conscious choices, we all have the ability to contribute to a more sustainable future and reduce our environmental impact.”
Embrace sustainability
Elizabeth Casas with Simple Living on Repeat, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and sustainability. “With the cost of living and food prices increasing, underconsumption is a new trend that people must try to save money. Avoid buying products until you finish the ones you already have and use, such as skincare or cleaning products. Shop secondhand first. Before a new purchase, try to see if you can buy gently used items like clothing, furniture, books, and toys. Buying second-hand first not only helps you save money but also positively impacts the environment, giving items a second chance and reducing waste.”
“Well-storied homes often belong to well-storied discount shoppers, dumpster divers, thrift store thrifters, and roadside wranglers with well-storied lives,” shares Paige Grose with Paige Grose Design.
She adds, “I love expensive furniture, luxurious linens, fine china, and hand-woven rugs, but many of my most treasured and unique pieces that give our house style were found, thrifted, or haggled for and not purchased from a design center showroom. Thrift stores, flea markets, yard sales in upscale and retirement communities, trolling the streets on trash night (some neighborhoods encourage this and post items in real-time on social media), vintage and antique shops, as well as your family’s basements and attics are perfect places to start an underconsumption journey to create a well-storied home.”
Create and embrace multi-functional spaces
For renters in apartments, especially those with limited square footage, multi-functional spaces are key. Consider furniture that serves dual purposes — like a sofa that doubles as a guest bed or storage solutions that blend into your decor. “If I were going to say one thing a renter could do to create a more functional space, I would say not to underestimate the value of leg risers,” shares Mary Colmar with Salad Bowl Dress.
“You can make a kitchen island with two or more risers under a kitchen table. They’re helpful in a bedroom for your dresser or a bed to add storage space underneath. I have even used them in the living room under a couch to add the illusion of space.” Hacks like these can create a more functional and stylish space, without breaking the budget or spending impulsively.
Value quality over quantity
Quality pieces stand the test of time, saving you from frequent replacements and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. “I quit Amazon Prime to minimize unnecessary impulse buys. Instead, I put items in my shopping cart and wait till I hit the $35 minimum spend for free shipping without Prime,” shares Julie George with The Brown Girl Podcast.
“Sometimes during this “waiting time,” I find I actually didn’t need or want this or that, and then remove it from my cart. I also started investing in higher quality items that I can keep for a lifetime instead of low-quality/fast fashion junk that ends up needing constant replacement.”
Create a consumption budget
Just as you would budget your finances, consider creating a consumption budget. “Adopt a more mindful approach to spending and prioritize experiences over possessions, this will help you to focus on what truly brings value to your life,” recommends Emma with Bee Money Savvy. “Being more mindful when it comes to money can also help to reduce your living costs, allowing you to save towards long-term goals such as a first home or retirement.”
Reflect, remember, and adjust
“People have this strong belief that somehow happiness comes through spending on things and experiences. That if we only owned a nicer item, and splurged on a vacation, that we would be happier,” explains CEO and content creator, Save My Cents, Inc.
“Research has proved this to be the opposite. After meeting a certain minimum level of lifestyle, then additional levels of happiness gained from spending on nice-to-have items are diminishing — meaning the more money you spend, you don’t necessarily become equally happier. Knowing this is powerful because it means that you have to learn to derive joy from your current life. Lean into the strength of the good relationships and friendships you have. Take comfort and have gratitude for when you do have abundance — such as a decently paying job, payable skills, and good mental and physical health.”
Less, truly is more
Underconsumption core is more than just a trend; it’s a transformative lifestyle choice that encourages us to prioritize what truly matters. “When I coach Americans to spend less, I coach them to have gratitude. When you see everything that you “get to” enjoy, then you don’t feel the need to buy more to be happy,” Save My Cents continues.
“By embracing this philosophy, we can redefine minimalism and cultivate a life filled with purpose, sustainability, and fulfillment.” Underconsumption core offers a refreshing perspective that invites us to slow down, evaluate our choices, and make room for what genuinely enriches our lives.
Do you want to learn how to become a photographer? Many photographers are making $50,000 and over each year. Today, I have a great interview to share with you. I interviewed my friend Sydney Hampton on how to become a photographer. I actually met her when I hired her to take my maternity photos, and…
Do you want to learn how to become a photographer?
Many photographers are making $50,000 and over each year.
Today, I have a great interview to share with you. I interviewed my friend Sydney Hampton on how to become a photographer. I actually met her when I hired her to take my maternity photos, and later on my newborn photos. We stayed in touch, and I recently asked her if I could interview her for this article.
Sydney is a photographer who focuses on family, couples, maternity, branding, and newborn photography.
The demand for this kind of photography is high, and many people are looking for quality photographers for these types of photos.
Are you wondering questions such as:
How much money can a professional photographer earn?
Is there room for new photographers?
What equipment does someone need to become a photographer?
How many hours does it take each week to run a photography business?
If so, these questions, plus more, will be answered in today’s interview about how to become a photographer.
Today’s interview will help you get started and perhaps even introduce you to a new way to work at home.
Recommended reading:
Tell me your story. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Sydney Hampton and I am a wife, mom, and photographer. I am the face behind Sydney Hampton Photography. I love being a photographer and helping others figure out their path in the world of photography.
I am also the creator of The Mom Photographers, a group that helps moms who are photographers get more organized, manage their time better, and grow their businesses so that they can grow their business while balancing life as a Mom. The Mom Photographers is a community, educational hub, blog site, and we have a podcast on Spotify that features moms who are photographers and business owners.
What kind of photography do you do?
I do several types of photography, but currently I focus on family, couples, maternity, and newborn. Maternity and newborn have my heart, but I have also done many other types of photography including weddings, senior portraits, and business and branding photography.
This year, I am really focusing on family, maternity, couples beach photography and in-studio sessions such as newborn and business branding. As a photographer in a prime vacation destination, I tend to do a lot of beach mini sessions and have found that men and children are usually not up for full sessions. This has helped to truly launch my business to another level where I am able to do mini sessions weekly.
Here’s a picture of me photographing on the beach.
Why did you decide to become a photographer? How did you get started?
I have always loved photography and really started getting into it in about 2006 when I was in high school. I grew up with photography all around me; my Dad was a professional sports photographer. So from a young age, I learned how to shoot in manual and learned important key things like composition.
Like many though, I really thought of myself as an amateur, especially being around family members like my dad and his brother, my uncle, who also is a photographer but an amazing wildlife photographer. After the first 2 years of college, I put my camera down for a few years. When my father passed, I inherited his camera and really picked it back up as a way to connect with him.
To be honest, it was my husband who gave me the confidence to become a professional photographer. After watching me for 2 years continuously take photos of landscapes, our van, and dog on road trips and seeing the passion I had for it, he convinced me to take a leap and go for it.
I truly decided to become a photographer as a way to do what I love, and maybe make some money. With my husband’s support, we were prepared for it to make nothing, so the risks were low.
In the beginning, I attribute all of my success to the military community! As a military spouse, I was able to reach out to the military spouse community and have clients that I still service 5-plus years later and in different states! The support from that community has been ongoing. I was able to grow a following on Instagram and Facebook, which really helped create my business as a Florida Keys vacation photographer. Having followers and clients who shared my work regularly, allowed me to establish credibility and book new clients.
What do you like about having a photography business?
My favorite part about having a photography business is that I get to be with home with my kids all day every day. Having the freedom to create my schedule, be with my family, and to be creative is beyond any financial benefit. While this year has been my busiest and most financially beneficial year thus far, I have made sure to dedicate time to doing things with my kids where I can set my phone aside. I have found that the biggest blessing has been to step away from work and not be worried.
I love how diverse photography as a career is. For example, it can be very simple like just stock photography on the side, or just weddings or you can open a studio and become a portrait and newborn photographer… Or you can do it all! You can photograph events such as weddings for thousands per wedding, do family sessions, maternity, business advertising, even sell products like landscapes, start blogs and podcasts, create courses, write books, and more. Just like with many other opportunities, the sky is the limit – it’s a perfect career for someone creative and driven, yet also great as a side gig.
I have been fortunate to see many sides of photography from just word of mouth within a small community with a few clients to over 400 clients so far this year alone. I have loved that I get to meet new people with each shoot and that I am able to connect with people from all walks of life.
I believe in growing and learning from others, which is part of why I created a community called The Mom Photographers where I host a podcast/blog and talk with other moms who are photographers about all the topics we face. Things like how do you edit with kids, what does workflow look like when you have kids, and ways to get started. Through The Mom Photographers, I will also be releasing educational videos, courses, presets, and doing hands-on/virtual workshops.
How much money can a professional photographer earn?
Again, it’s all flexible. You can do it very part-time and only make a few thousand a year or you can make a million. It truly depends on a few key principles such as the amount of time and effort you want to put in, the quality/ consistency of your work, and the type of photography you choose to do.
On average, most photographers can expect to make about $50,000 in a small town or non-tourist destination.
In a tourist destination or bigger city it is easy for a photographer to make $75,000+ with the right tools in their pocket and a quality consistent product. Now, I’m not saying anyone who just buys a camera can walk out and expect to make $75,000. It takes professionalism, some business knowledge and having a quality product that people want to buy. It also takes time, but working with a mentor or shadowing a photographer are ways to speed that up. I have also found that those who do start with a mentor or who work under an established photographer their first year tend to make more money and be more successful in the end.
I am actually mentoring 5 photographers currently and just hosted a styled shoot with 12 other photographers. To me, connecting with others is key! So to be able to host a shoot that I create and make money is a blessing.
What equipment does someone need to become a photographer? Do they need to spend a lot of money to get started?
Someone looking to get started will need a camera, a lens, computer and a few programs to help make them successful such as Lightroom. To get started as a family, couples or wedding photographer I definitely suggest having a professional level camera/lens set up.
I always suggest shadowing and making sure it’s what you definitely want to do before you invest in equipment. Knowing that this is the right path for you is step one.
I actually have a free course called: Is Photography Right for you? My goal with this course was to lay out a realistic expectation of what all is involved to start and be successful in the photography industry.
Below is some more in-depth information on what equipment you need to become a photographer:
Camera – I highly suggest starting with a Professional camera. I suggest going with a mirrorless camera. I am a Nikon user, and I suggest getting the best camera you can within your budget. My top suggestion is the Nikon Z 6II which you can find lightly used for around $1300 or Nikon z6III $2500 which was just released in summer 2024. It’s good in low light, sharp, and easy to use. If it is out of your price range, then go for the Z50 would be my next suggestion (which is $1,000 brand new or used around $750). I currently have 2 cameras, a Nikon Z 6II and a Z8 which is my new camera, I went with the Z8 over the flagship Z9 for 3 reasons.
1. It’s smaller and lighter
2. It uses the same batteries as the Z 6II.
3. It was the same performance but less expensive.
Lens – I definitely recommend when you buy your camera to not purchase it with a kit lens. Buy a lens appropriate for the work you would like to do. Example: family, maternity, or portraits – go for a 35mm or 50mm lens with an f-stop of 1.8 or lower, then later add lenses such as 85mm, 50mm, 35mm, and 70-200mm. I like to shoot with a lower f-stop because I like the subject isolation and blurred background. For Family, Maternity and newborn I definitely suggest having a 50mm and a 35 mm. My favorite lens is my 50mm 1.2 this lens gives dreamy background and crisp images. The kit lens often does not hold value for resale well, and it’s better to just buy the camera body without it. Nikon just released a 35mm 1.4 lens which is $599.
Computer – I use an Apple MacBook to do all of my editing. I edit on Lightroom primarily and also on Photoshop. I also use several other programs to assist me in saving time that I go more in-depth with in a few of my Mom Photographer blog posts (Aftershoot, Portraiture, Imagen AI, and Topaz). For newborns and Portraits, I love Portraiture!
Website- You can actually start your website for free through Pixieset. I have been using them for 6 years and they are amazing, I love how everything is integrated. It is not only the host site I use now but how I book clients and deliver galleries. Pixieset also has a print store, and is always looking for ways to improve. Once you do get more involved and find yourself needing to upgrade the prices are still reasonable at $19/month and up. You will still need to get your own url from a site like GoDaddy and you can connect that to your Pixieset.
With those things, anyone can start. The list grows with what type of photography, so I suggest starting simple in one type of photography, like aiming for just family or just branding.
Note about the camera purchase: You can start with an older camera or with what ever camera you have. The goal with starting with an older camera would be to learn to shoot in manual, as well as to learn composition. Just definitely plan to set aside money to upgrade to a professional camera as soon as you can so that you can provide clients with a quality product. Also depending on the photography route you choose you could also start with a camera like a good drone! Think landscape, real estate, marketing, weddings or a way to earn income while saving up for your professional camera. Lots of professional photographers love to work with people who can provide drone video and photo images.
Here’s a picture of one of my recent maternity pieces (underwater).
What is your typical work schedule? How many hours does it take each week to run a photography business?
My typical work week varies depending on the time of year. I have weeks where I maybe work 5 hours and other weeks where I work 30 plus. But in general, even at my busiest, I still have freedom to do things with my family that matter, like church 2x a week, dance class 2 days, or enjoy time with my family and our little farm.
Each morning, I spend the first 15 minutes checking all emails, scheduling social media posts, and responding to DMs. I often also find that my best editing hours are between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. because I have a two- and four-year-old! Batching content is also a great way that I save some time.
Is there room for new photographers?
Many may say no, but I say Yes!
Lots of room, and there will be room for anyone new. In any industry, there is always someone who is burned out, not driven, not open to changes in the industry. There is always a new style, but even more so, there is simply just a huge range of customers and what they are looking for.
There’s someone who wants a $100 shoot or a $10,000 shoot. So it’s important to know where you want to fall in there and to aim for how to build your business and create the quality product worth what you want your target market to be.
For new photographers, you can be a second shooter or an associate shooter for a well established photographer. This is a great way to start while still working a regular job and never have to edit anything except what you want for your own personal use. This is something most photographers, including myself, don’t know before taking the plunge to be professional.
Looking back, this is the perfect approach for someone with a job or a busy life not wanting to ruin their name doing free shoots and never gaining repeat clients. It’s also a great way to learn and cash flow everything while not taking huge risks.
Also, I am a strong believer in being a business with insurance and everything you need to be legit. You can start as a luxury photographer without having to spend 10 years to get there, but you need to be able to create a luxury product consistently, and that does take some time and guidance from others such as mentors. You will need honest feedback from someone who knows photography well.
Can you list the steps to get started with a photography business?
First make sure its something you want to do, my suggestion is shadow someone, watch Youtube videos or take a course like my free course: Is Photography right for you?
Next is get a camera, or even rent one, to learn how to shoot in manual and to build a portfolio for Instagram and your website. You should have 50-200 unique edited images that you feel, and others honestly feel, show the quality of what you would like to charge for your website.
I have found that honest criticism is key to success, so being able to hear someone say, “No, I would not pay $350 for your work,” and why is important. All friends and family will always sing your praises, but you need to know what clients or potential clients think when they look at your website. Be open to criticism, and allow it to help you grow, don’t ever let it set you back!
What are your best tips for someone who wants to become a photographer?
Find a prominent photographer in your area to shadow, or mentor under. You can even shadow or mentor under me from anywhere in the world. I also can help you find a reputable photographer in your area. Shadowing is really a great way to start.
My biggest tip, keep learning. The industry is constantly changing, growing with it is key!
Always accept criticism and be open to seeing your work through the eyes of others even if its discouraging at first it will help you to grow in the long run and eventually you will become your harshest critic.
Figure out the style you want to portray and use a preset to create consistency in your work.
Build a website and social media following.
Shoot as much as you can, even if it’s your neighbor or kids.
I do offer a mentorship program with an in-person and a virtual mentorship option. You can find the mentorship program information by clicking here.
What are your goals for your photography business for the future?
My goals for this year, now that I have hit a 6-figure-income photography business, is to create passive income. I would also like to grow and spend more time with my family.
Knowing that our family would like to possibly add another little one in the future and that I tend to take off up to 6 months postpartum, having passive income or finding ways to keep my photography business moving while I am out has been my goal.
With this in mind I created a team this past year, started another blog and a podcast. I also created The Mom Photographers to not only achieve my goals but also to help other moms have a one-stop shop to learn, grow, vent, and connect with other moms who are photographers. The Mom Photographers is a Facebook group as well as a website, blog, podcast, community, and educational hub.
I will be releasing a few courses in the next 6 months:
Is Photography Right for You?
How To Get Started as a Professional Photographer While Being a Mom
The Mom Photographers Course for Established Professionals Looking To Grow and Dedicate More Time With Their Family
Kids- College guide to photography as a Job: with a focus on growing wealth at a young age and avoiding debt.
I will also be going more in-depth with the podcast and YouTube, adding free educational information, weekly tips, advice from experiences myself and others have learned, business trends, and ways to grow.
My financial expectation this year is to hit $175,000 and 3-5year goal is $1 million/year. I always aim to set realistic expectations and my goals are higher. Over the last few years my income has grown each year by 50-100 percent, so for me a competitive goal keeps me motivated.
I am fortunate to have my husband, a retired military warrant officer, to be my support system and help me in all aspects. My husband is my rock who not only homeschools our kids while I do shoots but also drives me to each shoot and helps me stay on task. Without him, I would be nowhere near as successful. It is imperative for anyone’s success that they have a good support system if they have kids or a family.
We are also fortunate to have zero debt including our home – our mini modern farm, as we call it! Complete with our 4 dogs, 2 cats, 10 ducks, and 13 chickens.
Photography has very much been a financially freeing stream of income that has allowed us to live in a million-dollar paid-for home on top of my husband’s retirement from the military. It also allows our children to grow up with the unique opportunity of having both parents with them every day. I am 34 and my husband is 45, we believe in being debt free and cash flowing everything. Making Sense of Cents often talks about the many benefits of financial freedom, and how to grow wealth. When I mentor photographers I also make sure to include how important it is to not build a business on debt, and that saving for three categories is imperative- taxes, emergency fund, and equipment upgrades.
“It’s great news that starter homes are becoming a little more affordable, but there’s a catch,” said Redfin senior economist Elijah de la Campa. “Starter homes aren’t what they used to be. A decade ago, a turnkey four-bedroom house in a nice neighborhood was often considered a starter home, but today, a small fixer-upper condo … [Read more…]
With their home in the heart of the charming fictional town of Stars Hollow, CT, the Gilmore Girls—Lorelai and Rory—have captivated audiences young and old with their quick wit, strong bond, and a lifestyle brimming with cozy charm. From their iconic coffee runs to their love for literature and all things quirky, the Gilmore Girls’ aesthetic embodies a unique blend of comfort and style that many aspire to recreate in their own homes.
Whether you’re buying a home in Hartford, CT, renting an apartment in Baltimore, MD, or even exploring a rental home in Provo, UT, get ready to transform your space into a haven reminiscent of this beloved duo, where every corner tells a story and every detail invites conversation.
1. Add a personal touch
Adding a personal touch to your home can capture the charming essence of Gilmore Girls decor. Incorporating this not only reflects your personality but also adds to the cozy, intimate aesthetic, creating an inviting and relatable ambiance.
Recreate maximalism
Carlin van Noppen, founder of home goods store Fig Linens and Home, shares her viewpoint on the warm style, “In an attempt to recreate the homey maximalism found in Stars Hollow, focus on using only decor, textiles and pieces you love. Feature special items like photos with your beloved friends and family or special trinkets collected over years of traveling.”
Worried about going against the grain of the current minimalism trend? “It’s all about curating a home you love regardless of current trends,” van Noppen states.
A nostalgic kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s essential to add a personal touch to this space, as well.
“To achieve that cozy, comfortable vibe as seen in the Gilmore Girls home, fill your space with family photos and souvenirs on display to add a personal touch,” recommends Dana Scammon of Living With Dana, a lifestyle blog. “Nostalgic kitchen canisters in a bright color along with a display of quirky coffee mugs adds character and charm.”
Make your space feel like a reflection of your life—like the character-filled home in Stars Hollow.
2. Don’t be afraid of colorful, mismatched patterns
Incorporating colorful and mismatched patterns brings delightful energy to your space, enhancing the Gilmore Girls aesthetic. The vibrant hues and varied textures create a layered, inviting environment that makes you feel instantly at home.
“I often draw inspiration from the cozy, lived-in feel of the Gilmore Girls’ homes,” states Meri Wick, owner of the Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast in Westbrook, CT. “To recreate that warm, eclectic charm, focus on layering vintage furniture with colorful, mismatched patterns—think floral cushions, soft quilts, and worn wooden tables.”
The playful mix of prints—from flowery pillows to striped throws—creates visual interest and a sense of whimsy, inviting you to relax and enjoy your surroundings. This quirky approach not only showcases your personality but also evokes the warmth of lived-in spaces, where every piece tells a story.
3. Create a cozy nook
To create the perfect reading nook that channels the Gilmore Girls, start by selecting a plush chair or loveseat that invites you to sink in and relax. Add soft, textured blankets in warm colors to wrap yourself in comfort as you dive into your favorite book.
Don’t forget to incorporate good lighting—a unique floor lamp or a warm table lamp can provide the perfect glow for late-night reading sessions. This inviting nook will become your go-to retreat, much like Rory’s beloved spots around Stars Hollow.
4. Lovingly gather thrifted items
Thrifted furniture infuses your home with character and history, instantly creating a warm atmosphere. Each piece, with its unique story and charm, adds charm and encourages conversation, making your space feel more personal.
New-York based Interior Designer Dominique Michelle Vidal suggests, “To recreate the cozy, collected feel of Gilmore Girls, focus on incorporating a mix of thrifted or hand-me-down furniture that looks like it’s been lovingly gathered over time. This approach creates a space that feels inviting, nostalgic, and reminiscent of Lorelai and Rory’s home in Stars Hollow.”
Mixing thrifted treasures with your home decor not only showcases your style but also fosters a sense of comfort and nostalgia, perfect for curling up with a good book or hosting friends.
5. Start collecting knick knacks
Adding knick knacks to your home is a nod to the whimsical charm of the Gilmore Girls aesthetic. Just like their cozy abode, these little treasures can tell a story and showcase your personality.
“The eclectic look of Lorelai and Rory’s classic New England Victorian cottage is an easy mix of mismatched florals, throw rugs, and odd-but-appealing lamps and knick knacks,” states Rachel Shields Ebersole of Living in Southern Vermont blog.
Where to find these necessary knick knacks? Ebersole continues, “Head off to an estate sale or your grandma’s attic to find some quirky baskets and decorative plates to complete the vibe.”
6. Set up a coffee station
A home coffee bar that pays homage to Luke’s Diner is a necessity when it comes to finding your personal Gilmore Girls aesthetic. Display a collection of cute, mismatched mugs that add a personal touch and invite guests to choose their favorite. Consider adding a small pastry stand to showcase fresh baked goods or treats, creating an inviting space that encourages relaxation.
With the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, this charming corner will be the perfect spot to savor quiet mornings or catch up with friends, just like Lorelai and Rory would.
7. Keep it cozy
“Gilmore Girls has always been synonymous with autumn. It’s a cozy, heartwarming show and your decor needs to reflect that,” says Eleanor Jones, blogger at Not So Modern Girl.
But how do you transform your home accordingly? Jones goes on to recommend packing your living space with plenty of books and utilizing warm lamps to enhance a cozy glow in the room. “The Gilmore girls aren’t very tidy, so don’t worry if your space looks a little cluttered,” she reassures.
8. Repurpose vintage pieces
Including vintage pieces, like items you would find at Kim’s Antiques, into your home evokes the charming style of the Gilmore Girls aesthetic. Just as Lorelai and Rory surrounded themselves with unique finds that reflected their personalities, adding vintage items can create a sense of warmth and allure.
“To style your home like Gilmore Girls, start by repurposing the vintage furniture pieces you already own, especially those that hold sentimental value and reflect your interior aesthetic. These items add depth and character, much like the charm of Stars Hollow itself,” shares Maripi Aspillaga, creative director and founder of Nima Design.
This thoughtful mix of old and new not only captures the essence of small-town charisma but also fosters a cozy atmosphere perfect for heartfelt conversations and quiet moments.
“After all, as Lorelai says, ‘Everything’s magical when it snows’—and your home should feel just as magical year-round with the right mix of nostalgia and modern touches,” Aspillaga concludes.
9. Warm up your space
A comfortable, warm environment fosters connection and relaxation, making it easier to enjoy conversations over coffee or movie nights. It sets the stage for cherished moments, allowing friends and family to feel at ease and truly present, enhancing the joy of being together.
Melissa Perley, blogger at A Life in Vermont states, “The Gilmore girls’ home was a nest stuffed full of things that helped make them feel safe and cozy. Creating this kind of warm space begs for overstuffed chairs with a soft blanket over the back tucked into a corner softly lit by a standing lamp for reading.”
Perley continues with things to make your home warm, “A contrasting print love seat big enough to bury your toes and to cuddle on, or a small conversation corner with an antique table that just fits two large coffee cups.”
10. Quirky is key
To keep your home quirky like the Gilmore Girls, embrace pieces that tell your story, much like the charming, layered spaces of Stars Hollow.
“Lorelai and Rory’s quirky home style can be yours by infusing your space with eclectic pieces and warm colors that you love. No need to be matchy-matchy,” recommends Stacy Moher, founder and interior designer at Living Interiors of Connecticut. “Bring in timeworn wood furnishings as well as florals in the form of lampshades, quilts, pillows, and even wallpaper. Add a thousand (okay, a dozen will do) yellow daisies as a final touch, and then curl up in your oversized armchair with a good book.”
These unique touches add personality and warmth, inviting friends and family to relax and share in the charm of your wonderfully individual home.
11. Focus on a lived-in vibe
A lived-in vibe is key to capturing the essence of the warm, inviting atmosphere of the Gilmore Girls aesthetic. It’s all about creating a space that feels personal and homey.
“Focus on creating a lived-in vibe with well-worn armchairs, soft throw blankets, and rustic wood accents,” shares blogger Ali Sturges of Inspired Lifestyle.
“Fill your kitchen with mismatched dishware and vintage coffee mugs to give your space that welcoming Stars Hollow feel, where comfort and charm are always at the forefront,” Sturges continues. This approach also encourages spontaneity—whether it’s a last-minute movie night or an impromptu dinner with friends—and makes your home a welcoming haven.
12. If you like it, buy it
The motto “If you like it, buy it” perfectly captures the spirit of homes in Stars Hollow, encouraging a fun, unapologetic approach to decorating. Tricia Tobey, founder of Tobey Design Group, proposes, “I would describe Rory and Lorelai’s home as comfortable, fun, whimsical, and Yard Sale Chic—a montage of collected items that throw out all the stuffy rules of matching.”
The interior designer proceeds to share, “This ‘If you like it, buy it’ vibe somehow all comes together in the end. A perfect example of recycling design to prove you don’t have to spend a lot of money to create a space that is truly you.”
This philosophy invites you to curate a space that reflects your tastes and passions. Whether it’s an unusual piece of art or a vintage chair that catches your eye, indulging in what you love adds character and charm to your home, making it a true reflection of who you are.
13. Play with texture
Playing with texture is a delightful way to infuse your space with the inviting vibe of Lorelai and Rory’s home.
“Mixing textures helps achieve that cozy, lived-in feel. Layer plush throws, velvet cushions, and knitted blankets over vintage-style furniture to create warmth and depth,” advises Yinka Oni-Orisan, founder and lifestyle blogger at Yours Truly Yinka.
“Focus on adding natural textures like woven baskets, wooden accents, and soft rugs, creating an inviting space that feels like it’s always ready for a movie night with the girls,” she concludes.
Incorporating a mix of materials adds depth and interest to your space, much like the eclectic feel of the Gilmore Girls aesthetic. This thoughtful approach makes every corner of your house feel lived-in and uniquely yours.
14. Host gatherings
Creating an inviting and warm living space for friends and family that embodies the Gilmore spirit of connection involves prioritizing comfortable seating arrangements that encourage conversation and togetherness.
Set up a central gathering area—whether it’s a coffee table for snacks during movie nights or a dining table for casual dinners—where everyone can come together. Warm lighting, personal touches like photos of loved ones, and a selection of games or movies will enhance the atmosphere, making it the perfect backdrop for memorable moments with loved ones, just like in Stars Hollow.
The perfect Gilmore Girls aesthetic at home
Incorporating the charming style of the Gilmore Girls into your home is all about embracing warmth, individuality, and a touch of whimsy. By mixing vintage finds with personal mementos and adding elements that celebrate your passions, you can craft a space that feels both inviting and uniquely yours. Remember, the heart of Stars Hollow lies not just in its aesthetics, but in the connections and memories created within those walls. So grab your favorite book, brew a cup of coffee, and let your home tell its own story—just like Lorelai and Rory would.
The closest I got to Halloween as a child was through classic movies like “Hocus Pocus” and “Casper.” That’s because I grew up in a religious household that chose not to celebrate Halloween.
Since I didn’t embark on the adventure of costume wearing as a child, it’s become a first-generation tradition in my household. Although fun, my third year in, I’m realizing how expensive this costume business can become.
Americans are expected to spend about $104 on Halloween this year, according to the National Retail Federation. If you’ll be participating in spooky season festivities, keep reading for a few mom-approved tips for how to save on costumes.
Set a budget to avoid spooky spending
If you’re anything like me, when it comes to spending on creative ventures, you become a kid in a candy store. However, splurging on a Halloween costume can be counterproductive to your financial goals.
Karen Heffren, a mom from Tucson, Arizona, and owner of the DIY blog Desert Chica, says she’s always been frugal, and that’s no different on Halloween.
“When it came to costumes, I didn’t want to spend $25 on a costume that wasn’t great and my kid would wear for an hour,” she says.
Consider setting a hard limit on how much you’ll spend. If you’re unsure how to calculate what you can afford this year, remember your costume money should ideally come from your discretionary income. That’s what’s left after you meet all of your core financial needs.
If you use the 50/30/20 budgeting system, costume money should come out of your 30% wants category, while 50% goes to needs and 20% to debt and savings.
Push your creative boundaries with a DIY costume
You’d be surprised how much you can save by making a Halloween costume using items around the house. Heffren was first inspired to DIY Halloween costumes about 17 years ago when her family became a single-income household. She shares DIY costume ideas on her blog to help people who may need inspiration and says you don’t have to be a super crafter to use this option.
“You just have to be able to think about what skills you have, and then just modify your ideas to make it work,” she says.
Inspired by my research and interviews for this article, I plan to be Whitney Houston this year and have all the items I need at home already. I’ll use a black leather jacket, big hair, red lipstick, a white shirt and leggings. There are multiple resources you can consult for DIY costume research, such as Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, blogs and TikTok.
It’s also important to keep track of your DIY costume spending along the way so it doesn’t end up costing significantly more than a ready-made costume. If it does cost more, the extra expense may be worthwhile if the costume can be repurposed, which we’ll discuss more below.
Choose costumes that can be repurposed
Kalia Johnson, a content creator and mother in Dallas, made a grape costume for her son last year, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving because most of the items are still functional. The inspiration for the costume came from her son playfully putting balls from his ball pit into his onesie.
“The reason why I like this costume is because we still use all the items that we used for the costume,” she says. “He still uses ball pit balls. He still uses the bamboo sleeper as pajamas. He still uses the beanie if it [is] cold outside.”
The only items Johnson bought were the leaves she used, and they cost a couple of bucks.
Heffren, too, is a firm believer in using items that can be repurposed. She uses hoodies as an example.
One of her most memorable costumes was Olaf from the movie “Frozen,” and she used a hoodie and felt fabric to make it. Another example? Heffren says you can use a white button-down shirt, cardboard, an angry face printout, black slacks and some felt material to create the Anger character from the “Inside Out” movies.
Heffren recommends using duct tape or sewing items onto the costume base so you can easily repurpose it or fix mistakes. I plan to take this advice and use a hoodie and felt material to build my son’s Sonic costume this year.
Consider using pre-loved items
Using secondhand items for a Halloween costume is another way to save money.
Some places where you can buy a used costume or items for a DIY piece include Facebook Marketplace, eBay, OfferUp or your local thrift store. Keep in mind that one of the challenges with getting a ready-made costume may be finding one that you like and that comes in your size. If you want to coordinate costumes with loved ones, going this route could be difficult.
Heffren says people should remember that costumes don’t have to be perfect. That means you don’t have to coordinate your entire family’s costumes, nor do you need to turn costumes into a grand and expensive DIY project.
“I think you just have to set realistic expectations and it’s just for fun, you know? It’s not Picasso, right?”
Looking for the best ways to sell a car? There are so many methods to selling your car such as selling privately, going through an online platform, or selling to a local car dealership. Each method of selling a car has its benefits and drawbacks. Selling a car can feel overwhelming, especially with all the…
Looking for the best ways to sell a car?
There are so many methods to selling your car such as selling privately, going through an online platform, or selling to a local car dealership. Each method of selling a car has its benefits and drawbacks.
Selling a car can feel overwhelming, especially with all the different ways to do it.
When I had to sell my own car, I wasn’t sure whether to go the easy route by trading it in or put in more effort for a higher price with a private sale. There are pros and cons to each option, and it really comes down to what matters most to you—speed or getting the best price.
In this guide, I’ll go over some of the best methods to help you figure out the right approach for selling your car. Whether you want something quick or you’re aiming for top dollar, there’s a method for selling your stuff here for you!
Best Ways To Sell A Car
Below is a list of the best ways to sell a car.
Recommended reading: How To Get A Free Car – 11 Places For Those In Need
1. Share your car for sale on Facebook
One of the best places to sell your car is via Facebook Marketplace. Facebook Marketplace has a huge audience and is incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to sell just about anything on the platform.
When listing your car on Facebook Marketplace, it’s important to include details like:
Make, model, and year
Mileage
Condition
Vehicle history (clean title, any accidents)
Price
Photos
Any special features (heated seats, sunroof, backup camera)
Maintenance records (mention if you have consistent records of maintenance)
Reason for selling
Facebook Marketplace has zero listing fees and allows you to reach potential buyers in your area immediately.
However, there are drawbacks to Facebook Marketplace, including potential scams, lowball offers, and the time to communicate back and forth with potential buyers who may not be serious inquirers.
2. Trade in your car to a dealership
Trading in your car to a car dealer is one of the easiest ways to get rid of an old vehicle, but you must be willing to buy another car.
This process is easy (I’ve done it myself) and begins with the dealership appraising your car. This includes assessing the condition of your car and giving you a trade-in value of your vehicle based on market demand, mileage, and vehicle history.
If you decide to accept the offer, the trade-in value is applied to the new car you’re buying. However, there’s a major drawback in trading in a vehicle because car dealerships tend to pay way less than what you would get from a private sale.
3. Sell your car to a dealership
If you’re not in the market to buy a new car, you can instead sell your car to a dealership.
These days, dealerships are actively looking for popular cars and will often make you an offer. My sister once got an instant cash offer from a dealership while her car was just parked at a store! She’s also received offers through email from dealerships, and this was for an ordinary car!
This way of selling a car is easy and fast because car dealerships are buying used cars from people all the time. To get started, the car dealership will perform an appraisal. The dealership handles everything including paperwork, title transfer, and payment.
The benefit of selling your car to a dealership is that you don’t have to deal with private buyers and your car will likely sell quickly. However, similar with trading in a car to a dealership, you won’t get nearly as much money as you could with a private sale.
4. Sell to Cars.com
Cars.com is a site specifically for buying and selling vehicles. This platform is beneficial to use because you’re posting your car on a site where people are actively searching for vehicles to purchase.
To get started, you’ll want to include important information in your car listing, such as the make, model, year, mileage, condition, and any other special things the buyer should know. You’ll want to add high-quality, well-lit photos, and make sure to note any dents or scratches the potential buyer should know about.
Cars.com even has a pricing tool to help you figure out a price to list your car. You’ll be in charge of communicating with potential buyers, answering questions, and the final sale process. However, this effort can be well worth it as you’ll get a much better price versus if you were to sell it to a car dealership.
5. Sell to Carvana
Carvana is well known for delivering cars straight to your house, but did you know you can also sell your car on the platform? Carvana makes it super easy and convenient to sell your vehicle on their website.
To sell your car to Carvana, you’ll go to the sell/trade link at the top of Carvana’s website. This is where you’ll start the process of answering questions about your vehicle. You’ll receive an instant offer for your vehicle based on the information you give Carvana. If you accept the offer, Carvana will schedule a pickup time to get your car. They’ll do a quick on-site review of your car to make sure you answered the questions truthfully and then pay you on the spot.
While Carvana’s offer may be lower than what you’d get from a private sale, this can be a good option if you want to get rid of your vehicle quickly.
6. Sell on eBay
A popular way people sell cars is by creating an ad on eBay.
This site has an eBay Motors section that lets you create a listing for your car. You can choose auction-style, where people bid on your car, or a fixed-price option if you have a specific price you want to sell your car at.
I have a family member who has sold several cars on eBay, so I know this is possible!
7. Sell to CarMax
CarMax is a quick and easy way to sell a car because of its easy process.
You can take your car to a CarMax location, where they will do a no-obligation appraisal. The CarMax team will inspect your vehicle and give you a written offer to you within seven days of performing the appraisal.
If you decide to accept the offer, CarMax handles all of the paperwork and pays you on the spot. Again, you probably won’t make as much as you would if you went with a private sale, but CarMax has the benefits of speed, ease, and certainty of the transaction going through. Plus, you won’t have to worry about dealing with online scammers.
8. List your car on Craigslist
Craigslist has been a popular method of selling cars for a long time. The site is free and easy to use, and it takes less than ten minutes to create a listing with your asking price.
When creating your car listing, include important details like make, model, year, mileage, condition, and any unique features (like any additions or changes you may have made). You’ll want to include high-quality photos taken from different angles, including the interior and exterior. Then, set the price for your vehicle and include if this price is firm or negotiable.
Most importantly, always follow your gut when communicating with people on Craigslist. The platform is great for selling stuff but can bring scammy people who are trying to steal personal information or take your money. Selling your car private party to a car buyer can be worth it, you just want to be safe!
9. List your car on Autotrader
Autotrader is a site where you can buy new and used cars, list your car to sell, and get an instant offer from nearby car dealerships.
It costs $49 to publish a car listing on Autotrader and KBB.com (Kelley Blue Book). Though there’s a cost to list your vehicle, there are benefits to this including getting a free vehicle history report (which can increase the odds of selling your vehicle).
Once you find a buyer on Autotrader, the buyer pays online and Autotrader transfers the funds to you securely for as low as 0.99% of the selling price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the best ways to sell a car.
What is the best place to sell my car online?
The best place to sell your car online depends on how fast you want to sell your car or if you’re prioritizing making the highest profit.
If you’re in a rush to sell your vehicle and want to get it off your hands ASAP, you may want to try selling the car to a car dealership, CarMax, or Carvana. However, if you have the time and you’re not in a rush to get the car off your hands, you may want to spend the extra time and effort to sell your car privately so that you can make more money.
What is the fastest way to sell a car privately?
If your goal is to sell your car as fast as possible privately, follow these tips:
Set a competitive price and research to see what similar cars are listed for
Thoroughly clean the car and maybe even get it professionally detailed
Have all paperwork necessary, including title, maintenance records, bill of sale
Create a detailed listing, highlighting any special features or recent maintenance
List your car on multiple platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Autotrader
Have good communication with potential buyers and respond to their questions
Following all of these tips will help you sell your car quickly.
Who pays the most to sell my car?
If you’re trying to get the most profit out of selling your car, stay away from car dealerships and instead sell your car privately. This is because car dealerships need to make money from selling your vehicle, so they’re going to give you much less than what you could potentially get if you sold it privately.
To sell your car privately, you may want to try listing your vehicle on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, and Craigslist. These platforms will help you reach a wide audience and get you talking to interested buyers.
What is the best platform to sell a car?
The best platform to sell a car depends on your specific needs. Platforms like Carvana and Autotrader make it easy and convenient to get rid of your car quickly, whereas listing your car on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace can take a lot longer.
What is the best form of payment when selling a car?
The best form of payment when selling a car is the safest form of payment. The best form of payment when selling a car privately is usually cash. Sometimes people will take money orders or cashier’s checks, but there is a chance that they are fake.
Personal checks can bounce, whereas cashier’s checks are issued by the bank and guarantee that the money is available. You can also accompany the buyer to the bank to witness the check being issued for additional safety (this is what most people recommend if you do decide to take a check).
Should you accept cash when selling a car?
Accepting cash for your car can be convenient but it has many risks such as counterfeit bills, lack of paper trail which can be problematic for tax or legal reasons, and in case of dispute doing a cash transaction can be more challenging to prove.
If you decide to accept cash, make sure to meet in a safe space like a police station parking lot or at a bank. If the amount of cash is large, bring along a friend or family member as added safety. Bring a counterfeit detection pen or ask the buyer to get a cashier’s check to decrease the risk of a fraudulent transaction.
Is it safe to take a cashier’s check when selling a car?
It’s generally safe to take a cashier’s check when selling a car because these checks are issued by banks. These kinds of checks are guaranteed that the funds are available. However, I do recommend that you be aware that there are counterfeit cashier’s checks. You can verify the check by contacting the bank directly.
What paperwork do I need to sell my car privately?
When selling your car on your own, you will usually need the car’s title and a bill of sale (with the VIN listed on it). You might also need things like maintenance records and a release of liability. You may want to ask your local department of motor vehicles or your state DMV to see what else they recommend. I also recommend taking your license plates off your car when it is sold.
Best Ways To Sell A Car – Summary
I hope you enjoyed my article on the best ways to sell a car.
There are many ways to sell a car, and the method you choose to take depends on how fast you want to sell your car.
Some people don’t want to spend any time or effort selling a car and would rather get rid of it ASAP, while others want to take the extra effort to make the most profit possible.
Each method of selling a car has its benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll want to think about that when selling your vehicle. Luckily, there are many car-selling platforms, so you can choose your best option.
Have you sold a car before? What do you think is the best place to sell a car?
The trade-in value of a truck is the amount a dealer is willing to give you to put toward the purchase of a new vehicle. Cars depreciate in value the moment you drive them off the lot, so over time, trade-in values tend to decrease as well. They are also impacted by a variety of factors, such as make and model, age, condition, and mileage.
Here’s a look at what your truck might be worth over the first five years of ownership, and the factors that impact that value.
Average Trade-In Value of a Truck After 5 Years of Ownership
The trade-in value of a truck is based on its market value, which is the amount a person is willing to pay based on the truck’s make, model, age, condition, etc. However, when saving up for a new car, it’s important to realize that what a dealer might offer for a trade-in is likely less than the market value. That’s because when the dealer eventually sells your vehicle, they will need to turn a profit. And their profit will be the difference between market value and trade-in value.
Cars, trucks, and other vehicles depreciate, meaning their market value decreases each year. Luckily for truck owners, trucks tend to depreciate more slowly than cars and SUVs.
For example, the average five-year depreciation of Toyota Tacoma, a midsize pick-up truck, is 20.4%, according to a 2024 study by iSeeCars. Average five-year depreciation for Ford F-150, a full-size pick-up truck, is 36.0%. Compare that to an average five-year depreciation rate of 38.8% for cars, 42.9% for midsize SUVs, and 49.1% for electric vehicles.
Depreciation is also an important factor to understand when leasing a vehicle, as your lease payment will cover the cost of depreciation to the lessor.
Supply chain issues, component shortgages, and increased demand for vehicles has driven up the price of new and used cars and trucks in recent years. This has had an impact on how fast vehicles depreciate. In 2024, the average five-year depreciation was 38.8%, compared to 49.1% in 2020.
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Factors That Impact Truck Value Over Time
As we mentioned above, the moment your car leaves the lot, it starts to lose value. (For that reason, savvy consumers often believe it’s better to buy a used car over a new one.) What happens to the car will have a big impact on value as well, from wear and tear to how much it’s driven and its accident history. As a result, depreciation and trade-in values will vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Age and Condition
Age and condition are two of the biggest factors that will affect your truck’s trade-in value. The older a vehicle is, the less value it tends to maintain (unless it’s a desirable vintage vehicle). The reason: It’s assumed that the older a car is, the more it will have been driven and the more wear and tear it will have experienced.
All sorts of factors big and small can go into determining condition, from dents and scratches to major repairs made after an accident. Only cars in pristine condition will fetch top market values and trade-in prices.
Mileage
How much a truck has been driven will also have an impact on trade-in value. The more you drive your truck, the more wear and tear you may be putting on the engine and other parts. As a result, trucks with lower numbers on their odometers tend to command.
Make and Model
A truck’s make and model refer to the company that makes the vehicle and the specific product, respectively. For example, Ford is a make while the F-150 is a model of truck. Some makes and models are more popular than others, which can increase trade-in value. This may be for a variety of reasons. For example, some may get better gas mileage or have roomier interiors that make them more appealing to used truck buyers.
Recommended: What Should Your Average Car Payment Be?
Trim Level
The trim level of a vehicle refers to the optional features it has. For example, higher trim levels may offer more equipment or luxury materials, such as leather seats. Automotive technology, such as back-up cameras and navigation systems, are in high demand. Higher trim levels can translate into higher trade-in values.
Accident History
Even if a car shows no outward signs of damage after an accident, vehicles that have been involved in a major accident or a natural disaster, such as a flood, will usually fetch lower trade-in values.
According to Carfax, any accident will remove $500 from the value of a car, on average, while a major accident can cost as much as $2,100 in lost value.
Local Market Demand
Where you resell your truck can have an affect on its market value. For example, if you live in an urban area, there may be less local demand for trucks than if you live in a suburban or rural location.
Geography can have other impacts on the value of your truck. For example, a truck that’s been through a number of harsh Northeast winters might be in worse condition than one from a warmer, dryer climate.
Increase Your Truck’s Trade-In Value
Bring your truck up to the best condition to increase its trade-in value. Fix whatever damage you can, such as scratches, chips in the windshield, or minor engine repairs. Have your truck cleaned and detailed before an appraisal by a dealer. A money tracker app can help you carve out room in your budget for any repairs.
It’s worth noting that your credit score will also impact the deal you get on your new car. That’s because a higher credit score gets buyers a lower interest rate on car loans.
Recommended: Does Net Worth Include Home Equity?
The Takeaway
How much a truck is worth is calculated based on many factors, including make, model, age, mileage, and condition. The trade-in value will be less than the market value. Understanding your vehicle’s potential trade-in value is an important consideration when budgeting and saving for the purchase of a new or used truck. If you think you may trade it in for a newer model in the future, research vehicles that are likely to hold their value better.
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FAQ
What is the trade-in value of a truck?
The trade-in value of a truck is how much money a dealer is willing to give you toward the purchase of a new vehicle in exchange for your old one. Because dealers want to turn a profit when they resell your vehicle, trade-in values tend to be lower than fair market values.
How is trade-in value calculated?
Your truck’s trade-in value is based on a variety of factors, including make, model, age, mileage, and condition of the vehicle. Your truck’s value will depreciate every year, until it no longer has a resale value.
How do I find the fair trade value of my car?
A number of online tools can help you find the fair trade-in value of your car. For example, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds offer very good online tools. Enter your vehicle identification number, license plate number, or the year, make, model, and mileage of your truck to get an idea of what it may be worth.
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Editor’s Note: Options are not suitable for all investors. Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Please see the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options.
While most investors are familiar with buying and selling shares of stock directly, investing in options is another way to put money behind stock price movements.
Options are a type of derivative contract that allows the investor to buy (or sell) a stock, or some other asset, at a certain price within a specific time period. The two basic types of options are known as “puts” and “calls.”
Options trading is a popular strategy for day traders, because it offers the potential to make profits within a shorter time frame, as opposed to owning shares of stock outright, and waiting for the price to move in the desired direction. Options trading can potentially generate returns, but it can also amplify losses, making it a risky strategy.
Key Points
• Buying a call option gives an investor the right, but not the obligation, to buy shares of an underlying asset at a specific price and by a specific date, to potentially profit from a price increase.
• Buying a put option gives an investor the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares of an underlying asset at a specific price and by a specific date, to potentially profit from a price decrease.
• The buyer of a call or put option must pay the seller a premium for the options contract, assessed per share.
• The price at which an option can be exercised, as specified in the option contract, is called the strike price.
• Options trading involves risks, including potentially substantial losses.
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Overview: What Are Options?
In options trading, an option contract is a derivative instrument that’s based on an underlying asset: e.g., stocks, bonds, commodities, or other securities. Thus, the buyer of an options contract doesn’t purchase the asset directly, but a contract with an option to buy or sell that security. For example, with stocks, also called equity options, one contract represents 100 shares.
Options come in two flavors, as noted above: calls and puts. For the sake of simplicity, this article will refer primarily to stock or equity options.
Options Buyers vs. Options Sellers
An options buyer, also called the holder, has the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the underlying asset at the agreed-upon price (the strike price) by a specific date (the expiration). Buyers pay a premium for each option contract, which is assessed per share. If there is a $1 premium per share, at 100 shares, the total cost of the option is $100.
The potential upside for an options buyer could be unlimited, depending on their strategy. And since an options buyer is not obligated to exercise their option — meaning to actually buy or sell the underlying stock at the price agreed to in the option contract — the most they stand to lose is the premium paid for the option.
An options seller, also called the options writer, is on the other side of the trade. In this case, if the options holder exercises the contract, the option seller has an obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset at the strike price.
The potential upside for an options seller is the option’s premium. Their potential downside depends on whether they’re selling a put option or a call option. More on this below.
Trading options requires familiarity with options terminology, since these strategies can be complex and come with the potential risk of steep losses, depending on the strategy. 💡 Quick Tip: How do you decide if a certain trading platform or app is right for you? Ideally, the investment platform you choose offers the features that you need for your investment goals or strategy, e.g., an easy-to-use interface, data analysis, educational tools.
What Is a Call Option?
When purchased, a call option gives the options buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy 100 shares of the underlying asset at the strike price, by the expiration of the contract.
Buying a call option can be appealing because it gives a buyer a way of profiting from a stock’s increase in price without having to pay what could be the current market price for 100 shares.
If the price of the underlying asset rises above the strike price, then the buyer may choose to exercise their option, paying less than what it’s worth on the market and potentially selling shares for a profit.
For a call option buyer, the profit is determined by the premium they pay and if, and by how much, the price of the security rises above the option’s strike price before it expires. The maximum potential upside is unlimited since, theoretically, the price of the underlying asset could continue to rise. The maximum potential downside is limited to the premium paid for the option.
Conversely, the seller, or writer, of the call option has the obligation to sell the underlying shares to the buyer, if the buyer exercises the option. The seller’s maximum potential gain is limited to the option’s premium. Their potential downside is unlimited, since they must sell shares at the option’s lower strike price, no matter how high the market price has risen.
Example of Buying a Call Option
If an investor buys an option with a strike price of $50 for a stock that’s currently worth $40, the option will be “out-of-the-money” until the stock rises to $50. If the premium is $1/share — meaning they only pay $1 up front — then the investor will only be risking $100, not $4,000.
If the stock is trading at $55 on or before the expiration date, it would make sense to “exercise” the option and buy the stock for $50, thus giving the investor shares with built-in profit thanks to the difference between the strike price of $50 and the value of $55. In this case the profit would be $4/ per share (or $400), minus the premium paid: a strike price of $50 gives the investor the right to buy 100 shares of a stock worth $55, with a premium of $1 per share.
On the other hand, if the stock has not risen enough in price, the investor can just let the option expire, having only lost the price of the premium, rather than being saddled with shares they can’t profit from.
Recommended: A Beginner’s Guide to Options Trading
What Is a Put Option?
A put option gives the investor buying the contract the right, but not the obligation, to sell the underlying security at the agreed-upon strike price, by the expiration date of the option.
If buying call options are a way to profit when the price of a stock or other underlying asset moves in the right direction, buying put options can be a way to profit from the fall of a stock’s price, without having to short the stock (i.e. borrow the shares and then buy them back at a lower price).
Purchasing a put option contract gives its buyer the right, but not the obligation, to sell shares at a certain price, at or by a specified time in the future. The key difference between buying a put vs. a call option is that the put option becomes increasingly valuable as the price of the underlying asset decreases. A put option buyer is hoping they can sell the underlying asset at a strike price that’s higher than the market price.
For the put option buyer, the maximum potential upside is the difference between the option’s higher strike price and the price at which the option is exercised (minus the premium), while the maximum potential downside is limited to the premium paid.
Again, the put option seller is on the other side of the trade, and is obligated to buy the shares from the put buyer, if the buyer decides to exercise the put option. The put option seller’s maximum upside is the option’s premium. Their potential downside extends to the difference between the option’s higher strike price and the lower market price at the time the option is exercised.
Example of Buying a Put Option
As an example, let’s say a stock is worth $50 today. If an investor thought the stock’s value could go down, they might buy a put option with a strike price of $40. Let’s say the premium for the option is $1, and they buy a contract that gives them the right to sell 100 shares at $40. The premium, then, is $100.
At the time the investor buys the put option, it’s out-of-the-money. If the price remains above $40 until it expires, the investor will not be able to exercise the option and they will lose the premium.
But if the stock has dropped from, say, $50 to $35, the option is in-the-money and if they were to exercise the option, they’d profit from being able to sell shares for $40 that are worth $35, pocketing $5 per share or $500, minus the $100 premium, leaving them with $400, minus any brokerage fees.
Risks of Options Trading
Option trading can be a useful way to manage risks in a volatile market and potentially profit from movements in stocks one doesn’t own. Again, an investor buying options only stands to lose the premium they pay for an options contract, though the cost of premiums can accrue if purchasing multiple options contracts over time.
However, an investor selling call options or put options, who is obligated to either buy or sell an option’s underlying assets per the terms of the options contract, could potentially see substantial losses. This is especially true if they don’t understand the potential downside to the trades they’re executing.
The Takeaway
Option trades may appeal to individual investors because they offer a way to potentially see a gain from movements in a stock price, without having to own the underlying shares. If an investor isn’t able to exercise the call or put option they purchased, they’ll lose the premium they paid for that contract. However, selling a call or put option can be high risk, potentially leading to significant losses.
Investors who are ready to try their hand at options trading despite the risks involved, might consider checking out SoFi’s options trading platform. The platform’s user-friendly design allows investors to buy put and call options through the mobile app or web platform, and get important metrics like breakeven percentage, maximum profit/loss, and more with the click of a button. Currently, investors can not sell options on SoFi Invest®.
Plus, SoFi offers educational resources — including a step-by-step in-app guide — to help you learn more about options trading. Trading options involves high-risk strategies, and should be undertaken by experienced investors.
Explore user-friendly options trading with SoFi.
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Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes. Disclaimer: The projections or other information regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results. Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.