Los Angeles-based rental management software provider RentSpree successfully passed an audit regarding its data protection strategy, obtaining the System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II compliance. SOC 2 is regarded as the premier data security standard for Software as a Service (SaaS) providers.
Developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the SOC 2 Type II audit examines a company’s controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality and privacy. RentSpree’s audit report received a “clean” opinion from national audit firm Sensiba LLP.
“This achievement is huge for us and was a top priority this past year as the integrity of our systems and the policies and practices we have in place to protect sensitive information is integral in today’s marketplace,” said Michael Lucarelli, CEO and co-founder of RentSpree.
In addition to Sensiba LLP, RentSpree also worked with Drata, a leading compliance automation platform, to streamline its compliance efforts and monitor its security controls, the news release said.
RentSpree offers rental software solutions such as tenant screening, online applications, document automation, e-signatures, denial and approval communications as well as property landing pages. In October, RentSpree also added a rent reporting feature.
Security is top of mind for those in housing. Recent cybersecurity incidents in the industry emphasized the exposure of the sector to cyber threats. In the fall of 2023, title insurance companies First American and Fidelity National Financial suffered cyberattacks. So did non-bank mortgage lender and servicer Mr. Cooper, as well as data host for property listing information Rapattoni. According to security company Astra, there are 2,200 cyber attacks per day in the U.S. on average across all industries. The financial impact of those attacks is significant, costing companies an average of $9.44 million.
We’re all aware that there are vast differences in what’s considered normal around the world, and most of us have even noticed that there are differences in normal between families, small towns, different schools, etc. But have you ever found yourself in the midst of your own country or even your family and wondered How is that just normal? Well, we’re with you. Whether it’s something as seemingly inconsequential as a particular gesture, or more dramatic such as customs surrounding celebrations, it’s pretty common to feel like the odd one out a some point. So stick with us; we’re examining some of the things people find normal that we just can’t get used to.
1. Spitting Loogies
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user shared, “Spitting, especially loogies. I literally almost throw up when I see someone doing it.”
Ok, we’re with you on that one. We know everybody has their own preferences and we’re not here to stop you, but spitting really just baffles us.
2. Holding a Bag of Dog Waste
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One Redditor user said, “On colder days when my dad walks the dog, he’ll sometimes hold the dog [waste] bag in his hands to warm his hands.”
Another user commented, “This is deeply disturbing.”
Fortunately, it seems only that commenter’s dad thinks this is normal. Frankly, we’ve never heard of anyone else doing this and we don’t plan to make it any more widespread than it already is. That’s just uncomfortable and gross.
3. Writing With Chalk
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Perhaps not gross, but I am repulsed by holding chalk and writing on a chalkboard. The touch, the feel, the sound, everything,” posted by one Redditor.
Another user shared, “We just got new dishes a couple of months back and the bottom is the raw clay feeling. That terrible gritty sandpaper-like texture. I can hardly use the plates without shivering and getting weirded out.”
There are a lot of odd textures out there, and while they don’t bother a lot of people, when they do bother you it’s almost impossible to forget about.
4. Parents Monetizing Kids on YouTube
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user pointed out, “People monetizing their kids on YouTube.”
Another user replied, “This should be a top comment.”
To be fair, that’s definitely a gray area. But we definitely feel a lot of sympathy for those kids, having to grow up in the spotlight, and sometimes in really vulnerable and uncomfortable ways. We’ll say this much for sure: people’s kids should never have to be publicly uncomfortable just to help their parents make a buck. Providing for the family is the job of an adult, and kids aren’t responsible to help with expenses by performing.
5 When Someone Else Washes My Dishes
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user stated, “When someone else ‘washes’ my dishes for me and I drink from a ‘clean’ glass, and it smells of rotting food and I look at my sponge and it’s covered in food because someone thought that smearing food around my dishes with a sponge somehow made them clean you’re all fired I never want to see you again.”
Sanitation is no joke when you’re washing the dishes. Sponges are great, but you’ve got to keep them clean in order to really clean the dishes you’re washing. And if you’re washing dishes in somebody else’s home to show them you care, go the extra mile and make sure you wash the dishes they way that they like them washed.
6. Wearing Big Engagement Rings Without Cleaning Them
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Wearing those big-a- engagement rings and never properly cleaning them. Especially in a hospital, nobody should be wearing anything below the elbow for good hand hygiene. I can’t imagine how many germs live between all those diamonds that are now spreading to my patients. Just take it all off, leave them at home!” one online user stated.
Another user confirmed and replied, “Omg, so many patients just leave their rings on for years, and then the stones are filled with lotion, dead skin, and grease.”
Besides the important sanitary concerns, did you know your ring will sparkle so much more if you clean it regularly? Most jewelers will offer free cleanings for any rings or jewelry you’ve purchased through them, and otherwise the price is very low, often as cheap as five dollars to get your whole ring polished and looking good as new again.
7 the Sound of Chewing
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user posted, “The sound of people chewing,”
Another user responded, “Ugh, eating with mouth open …”
Honestly, that’s just good manners. There’s definitely an etiquette to chewing. If you’re alone in the privacy of your own home, then be considerate of anyone else around you while you’re eating.
8. Children With Snotty Faces
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Children with food on their face. And snot,” one user shared.
Another user stated, “As a parent, we find it gross too. We’re just tired of cleaning it 900 times a day.”
9. When Clothes Smell Musty
Image Credit: Shutterstock – Krakenimages.com
One Redditor posted, “Maybe not ‘normal’ but I am repulsed by the smell created by clothing not correctly drying. The scent is on clothing that sat in the washer machine too long. Or dish towels and bathroom towels that dried without being spread out. I smell it on people from down the aisle in stores. And don’t get me started on drying my hands in someone’s bathroom and finding out the smell is lingering on my hands now.”
Granted, some people have this harder for others. For example, the southwest United States is much less humid than other parts of the country, and that makes drying clothes and towels much faster and easier. In other locations, it’s more challenging to get clothes and linens completely dry and it takes some effort not to smell musty.
10. Constantly Spitting
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user said, “Spitting. I feel physically ill when I witness someone hawking and spitting in public or see spit sitting on the pavement.”
Another user added, “My friend is always doing this. I’m less disgusted than I am confused. I’ve never felt the need to spit spontaneously, lol.”
While we’re here, could somebody tell us why they spit all the time? Is there a good reason for this? From the outside it seems like a pretty unnecessary habit, so please enlighten us.
11. Licking Fingers to Turn a Page
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Licking their fingers to turn a page. Turns my stomach!” one Redditor shared.
Another user added, “Or counting money. F- filthy.”
Ok, fair enough.. If you need to lick your fingers for any reason, please wash your hands afterwards. Keep the germs from spreading and be considerate of others.
12. Not Washing Hands Before a Meal
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One Commenter mentioned, “Not washing hands before a meal. You have been in filth, and you are going to touch your food with those hands? Yuk.”
Another replied, “Also, not washing your hands when cooking food. I can’t understand how people just start cooking food for other people without doing it.”
13. Not Rinsing the Soap Suds off Dishes
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user added, “Washing dishes in a tub of soapy water and not rinsing off the soap suds. Or not scrubbing the outsides of pots and pans as well. Makes me want to vomit. I’d rather not taste stale soap and bacteria in my cup of tea or food, thanks. I can always tell as well.“
Soap always leaves a residue, and yea, most of us can taste it. It’s such a strong flavor and it adds an unpleasant taste to anything you eat or drink from that dish. It seems Washing dishes is more of an art than maybe we first thought.
14. Coughing Without Covering
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Spitting, coughing without covering your mouth. I have multiple sclerosis. Get sick really easily,” one user added.
Another user agreed, “I work in a hospital. I still wear a mask the entire work day. I’ve been asked “why” over & over, told that I don’t have to do that anymore, so-called a sheep, & various other comments. My job is directly in patient’s bubbles. The mask does prevent being a direct hit from bodily fluids, helps with the unpleasant outdoors, & hides my facial expressions from exposure to those things.”
Ok, that’s a pretty fair assessment. If you’re working with people’s bodies and fluids, it only makes sense to be as protected as you can.
15. Not Washing Your Hands After Going to the Bathroom
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
A user commented, “Not washing your hands after going to the bathroom. Nasty.”
Another user shared, “I would hope everyone finds this nasty …”
What can we say; there’s a reason stores and restaurants have signs reminding employees to wash their hands. It’s both less common than we could wish, and much more gross than some people seem to think.
16. Employers Paying New Hires More Than Current Employees
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One user stated, “Employers paying new hires more than tenured employees. Having drastically different pay rates for people with similar credentials doing the same job.”
Another user added, “Not entirely the same, but my first job was at a McDonald’s. I was making, I think, like, 5.45 an hour? One of my friends at the time got hired on at 6/hr. I approached the manager about it, and he said, ‘It was a mistake, but I can’t increase your pay or decrease theirs. Also, who told you about it?’ He made clear in his tone he intended to punish the person that told me, and I didn’t say s-.”
17 Wearing Sneakers Without Socks
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Wearing sneakers without socks. Ugh! The sweat stinks,” one user shared.
Another user replied, “Agreed. But Most of the time you see that; they’re probably just wearing no-shows.”
We agree with both commenters; most of the time people are wearing no-show socks. And if they’re not wearing socks at all, that’s about to smell terrible. Even shoes you’ve only worn with socks tend to smell terrible after a while. But if you really have make that fashion choice, rest assured there are plenty of stinky-shoe remedies online to rescue you.
18. Childbirth
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
One Redditor stated, “Childbirth. We’re all here because of it, and it’s currently my day job to catch a baby or two per day, but [holy cow] is it like watching a woman’s [body] go through Vietnam each time.”
One user added, “Time for a game of ‘child-snatcher or midwife?’”
It’s true that watching childbirth can be an uncomfortable process, but birth is truly a normal part of life. Like the commenter said, without birth none of us would be here, so we have our mothers to thank for going through all that struggle for us.
19. Kissing Pets on the Mouth
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
“Kissing pets in their mouth,” shared one user.
Another user posted, “What everyone’s dad didn’t say, ‘I just saw that dog eating s- outside,’ every time this happens … “
No offense to the pet parents out there, but there’s definitely a lot of germs not only in cats’ and dogs’ mouths, but in human mouths. And transferring that many germs between humans and animals has never been a great idea. We get that it’s normal and a lot of people connect with their pets and show affection that way, but maybe consider some other manner of pet cuddling than kissing them.
20. Smacking Gum
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Another commenter shared, “Smacking gum. I hate it. And loud chewing/swallowing noises.”
Chewing gum seems to be one of those things people either love or hate; there’s no middle ground. But we totally understand how it can be annoying for those who are highly sensitive, especially to noise.
What do you think of the list shared above? Share your thoughts with us down in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
10 Actors Perfectly Cast for Their Character Roles
Photo Credit: Warner Bros.
Have you ever watched a movie or show and been completely lost in it because of how well an actor or actress became their character? Check out this article for a whole list of actors who were perfectly cast!
11 Vampire Movies That Will Make You Thirst for More
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures.
You know that feeling where you’re on a movie kick in a certain genre, but you seem to run out of good movies to watch? Well, if you’re down for a vampire movie or three, check out this article for the best ones out there!
10 Incredible Movies That People Rated 10 Out of 10
Photo Credit: Universal Studios.
It’s pretty hard to replicate the experience of watching your favorite movie for the first time, but we’ve put together a list of movies that people have rated at a perfect 10/10. Next time you need a good movie to watch, check this out!
10 Famous People Who Canceled Themselves With Their Own Stupidity
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We’ve all been there: you make a comment you haven’t thought through at all, and the whole room goes silent at what you’ve just said. But can you imagine doing that as a famous person—and getting canceled? Check out this list of celebrities who did just that!
13 Things You Shouldn’t Do When You’re in the US
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Are you planning a trip to the US? Culture varies a lot between countries, even countries that share borders. So if you’re headed to the good old U. S. of A, here are a few pointers to make your travels go more smoothly!
The bad news is the holiday season is just about over. The even worse news is that it comes with a whole lot of cleanup and decoration organization. But don’t worry, there’s some good news here, too. Right now, QVC is having a sale on a variety of storage solutions for ornaments, artificial trees, wrapping paper, and more for up to 62 percent off.
QVC’s storage deals include items for all of your holiday essentials to help you clean up faster, stay organized, and keep everything in one space-saving place. Look for collapsible wreath boxes and ornament storage in 64-piece or 72-piece options. You can also find artificial tree bags starting at $28, plus multi-purpose containers to hold lights, gift bags, and other items you won’t need until next year.
Home Reflections 7.5-Foot and Under Tree Storage Bag With Wheels, $50 (was $83)
Periea 64-Piece Collapsible Ornament Storage Box
QVC
When it’s not in use, this ornament storage box is completely collapsible, and when it is, it keeps everything tidy thanks to its sturdy design with inserted metal rods and four divided trays to hold ornaments. You can safely transport it to its permanent spot during the year using the carry handles, and if you need a larger size, grab the 72-piece version that’s also on sale. The box is available in six designs, including red berry, gold floral, and green tartan.
Tidy & Co. Three-Piece Multi-Purpose Collapsible Storage Set
QVC
Another collapsible storage set is this one from Tidy & Co. that comes with three pieces—two small and one large cube—for storing decorations like ornaments, figurines, holiday trains, candles, lights, and more. Each box has a clear window pane to easily identify what’s inside, and they can be used with or without the inserts. One shopper said the “boxes were very sturdy, and if packed right, hold lots of items.” Another reviewer has found other uses for them, including their “yarn, sewing” and “cords from [their] TVs.”
Santa’s Bags Wrapping Paper Storage Tube
QVC
If you overestimated how many rolls of wrapping paper you would need, keep the excess neat for next year in this storage tube. It has a convenient carrying handle and zip top design so nothing can escape or become unraveled. The bag can hold up to twelve 40-inch wrapping paper rolls, more if yours are half-used. One shopper noted that this is a “really inexpensive way to organize,” and that now, their closet is “no longer” filled with “ripped wrapping paper.” Another reviewer shared that it “takes up very little space.”
Whether you need to pack up your tree lights, ornaments, or holiday garland, this one-size-fits-a lot storage box is a must, and it’s 62 percent off and just $15. The durable bag is made of water-resistant material and measures 41 inches, so it can even fit your longest unused rolls of wrapping paper. Plus, when it’s not in use, you can fold it up so it takes up almost no space.
Home Reflections 7.5-Foot and Under Tree Storage Bag With Wheels
QVC
When it’s sadly time to take down the artificial tree and pack it up for next year, grab Home Reflections’ wheeled storage bag that’s 39 percent off. The mesh window provides airflow while the straps keep the tree secure and in place. The bag has wheels to make transporting it up or down stairs as smooth as possible, and it can fit trees that are 7.5 feet tall or smaller.
While few enjoy the cleanup and organization that comes with the end of the holiday season, QVC’s sale on Christmas storage bags and boxes makes the process a little easier—and less costly. Find even more items below.
An upcoming new year brings excitement for new opportunities, both big and small. The ability to reset your space by cleaning, reorganizing and decorating is one exciting venture renters can join. As you embark on the journey of refreshing your living space for the new year, don’t overlook the small yet impactful task of cleaning your baseboards— a simple step that can contribute to the overall cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of your home.
Cleaning baseboards is a simple task that not only enhances the visual appeal of your living space but also promotes a healthier indoor environment by eliminating dust and grime. We’ll help you kick off your new year on the cleanest note with this ultimate cleaning baseboards guide.
Materials needed
For those baseboards to sparkle, gather these materials. We recommend utilizing gloves as well, to protect your hands from any cleaning products.
Microfiber cloth
Sponge
All-purpose cleaner or Bucket of soapy water and white vinegar mixture (1:1 mixture)
Broom
Vacuum cleaner
Dryer sheets
Old toothbrush (optional)
Magic Eraser (optional)
How to clean baseboards: Step-by-step guide
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to tackle those baseboards. Depending on your cleaning style, this guide is a little more meticulous; however, the satisfaction of seeing your baseboards restored will make for a worthwhile effort.
1. Remove any loose dirt
Take your broom and go over the baseboards to remove any accumulated dust or crumbs. You’ll go in for a deeper clean in the next steps, this is just to remove the loose layer of dust to get to the deeper grime. Once you’ve gone over your baseboards a few times with your broom, vacuum the surrounding floor area to clean the loosened grime.
2. Select your cleaning solution
You have a few options for this step, your selection boils down to what you have on hand. Depending on what room the baseboards you’re cleaning are in (some are dirtier than others), you may need extra strength cleaning solutions to fully remove dirt and grime, we recommend all-purpose cleaner for dirtier baseboards while soapy water and vinegar work better for standard dirt and grime.
If you have an all-purpose cleaner or cleaning wipes of any sort, you can utilize those for this step. If you’re using a spray cleaner, dilute it with a little water and utilize either a microfiber cloth or sponge for application. Wipe over the baseboards, scrubbing in circles over dirtier or grimier spots.
If you don’t have any all-purpose cleaner on hand, don’t worry. You can create a 1:1 solution of soapy water and white vinegar to work as your baseboard cleaner. Use a sponge to wipe over the baseboards, paying extra attention to any stained spots or caked-on dirt.
3. Fight tough spots with a Magic Eraser (optional)
Once you’ve done a base level of cleaning, with your cleaning method of choice, there may be spots that remain. These spots need a tougher agent to break through the dirt and grime. Use a Magic Eraser according to user instructions to scrub through these tough stains. Typically, dirtier baseboards are those that are in stain-prone rooms like entryways and kitchens.
If you don’t have this product on hand, you can utilize an old toothbrush or cotton swabs, dipped in your cleaning solution of choice, to scrub extra tough spots.
4. Dry your boards
When the boards are cleaned to your liking, take your microfiber cloth and swipe over your baseboards. This is an important step as it prevents any water damage from your baseboards.
5. Regularly maintain
Maintain clean baseboards by using a dryer sheet over them. Rubbing a dryer sheet across your baseboards prevents static which attracts dry dust. Utilizing dryer sheets is a simple way to ensure your hard work lasts.
Leave grimy baseboards behind
Source: The Moulding Company
Cleaning your baseboards is a chore that not only helps your home appear tidy but creates a better living environment by eliminating cumulated dust. A person’s surrounding environment is shown to impact their mental health and well-being, so a deep clean can ensure one heads into the new year with a refreshed and revitalized living space, setting the stage for a positive and organized start.
Looking for a new, clean start for the new year? Take a look at available apartments and houses for rent here.
Featured image source: Martha Stewart
Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.
Do you want to learn how to make money in one hour? Whether it’s for an unexpected bill or you’re saving for a special purchase, the good news is that there are many real ways you can make money within an hour or less. These can be ways to make extra income or even possibly…
Do you want to learn how to make money in one hour?
Whether it’s for an unexpected bill or you’re saving for a special purchase, the good news is that there are many real ways you can make money within an hour or less.
These can be ways to make extra income or even possibly be turned into a full-time job.
Back when I had student loans, I found many different ways to make money in an hour. I did this because I wanted to squeeze in quick side hustles around my full-time job – such as before and after work and during my lunch break. There were also times when I needed money quickly, such as in less than an hour, and I had to find ways to make that happen to have cash on hand.
There may be other reasons for why you need to make money in an hour or less. If this is you, continue reading below to learn how to make money in 60 minutes or less!
Key Takeaways
If you have unwanted items (like clothes you don’t wear anymore), sell them. You can use apps or go to a thrift store, and they might give you cash right on the spot.
You could sell helpful services like tutoring or dog walking. These jobs pay you right away for the time you spend doing them.
You can make money fast by taking online surveys. Websites like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks pay you for sharing your opinions.
Recommended reading: How To Make $100 A Day
Best Ways to Make Money in One Hour
Whether you only have one hour to spare each day or if you need to make money in literally one hour from now, you do have some options.
Make money in one hour by selling items you don’t need
Got stuff at home you don’t use anymore? You can turn those things into cash, often in just an hour!
Here are some easy ways you can do this.
Clothes and jewelry – Look in your closet. Are there clothes that are no longer worn? Take them to a thrift store or a consignment store like Once Upon A Child. They buy your gently-used clothes and you leave with cash in your hand!
Toys and games – If you have toys or video games that just sit around, you can sell these too. Kids outgrow these fast, and you can find a new home for them where they’ll be loved again.
Unused gift cards – If you have gift cards that you haven’t used, you can sell them!
Other stuff – Electronics, books, or maybe some old furniture could also be sold.
You can sell items on platforms like Decluttr, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay. I have sold on all these (plus a lot more!), and they are all easy to use.
You could even have a garage sale if you have lots of items to get rid of.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
Mow lawns or shovel snow
Making money in one hour can be done if you mow lawns or shovel snow. These jobs can be done quickly, and you get paid right after you finish the work.
You’ll need a lawn mower, shovel, and/or snow blower to get started, and you can typically charge around $50+ for a yard.
Doing a good job increases the chances of people asking you to return or recommending you to their friends. Take your time to do things well. Before starting any work, make sure to ask how much they’re willing to spend because this way, both of you agree on the price!
Return a recent purchase
If you bought something you don’t need or haven’t used yet, returning it is a quick way to get cash.
Surprisingly, many people have items lying around that they’ve purchased but may have not used yet. If you really need the cash, then this can be a great option to start with.
First, find your receipt. This shows you paid for the item and when you bought it. No receipt? Look in your email or bags. Sometimes, stores send receipts to your email or put them in your shopping bag.
Next, check the store’s return policy. Some stores let you return items within a certain time, like 30 or 60 days. Be quick – if you wait too long, you can’t return it!
Before you go to the store, make sure the item is in good shape. It should look like when you bought it. Return it in its original packaging if you can. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to return a purchase:
Your receipt (or email proof)
The item (unused and not broken)
Packaging (the box or bag it came in)
At the store, go to the customer service desk and tell them you want to return the item. Be polite – it makes things smoother. If you don’t want to go to the store, some stores might let you mail the item back.
Remember, some items can’t be returned. Things like opened DVDs or personal use items like earbuds usually can’t go back to the store. It’s always a good idea to know the return rules before you buy things.
Deliver food to make money in one hour
If you want to make money fast and take advantage of the gig economy, you can deliver food, such as groceries or restaurant meals. Companies like Instacart, Uber Eats, and DoorDash let you sign up to be a delivery driver.
To get started, you’ll need a car, bike, or scooter and sign up for the company that you want to work with. You’ll then get orders on your phone through an app, go to the restaurant or grocery store, pick up the food, and drive it to the customer’s place (this may be their home or where they work).
You’ll get paid for each person or food delivery, plus get tips as well.
You get to choose the hours that you want to work, and you can work for just one hour or as much as you want.
Related to this, you can even deliver packages for retailers with Amazon Flex!
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Instacart is a popular website for people looking to earn extra money shopping for and delivering groceries. Instacart gives you the option to turn your free time into a chance to make some extra money.
Drive for rideshare companies
If you want to make money quickly, you might start driving for companies like Uber or Lyft.
You get paid for giving people rides in your car, and the more you drive, the more money you can make.
Drivers can earn about $20 per hour on average. In some cities, drivers can make more than $30 an hour.
You can increase your earnings further by concentrating on busy areas (such as before and after a concert) and driving during the busiest times (such as on a Saturday night). This way, you can make more money for each hour of your time!
Recommended reading: How To Make $1,000 In 24 Hours
Answer online surveys
If you want to make money quickly, you can try taking paid online surveys. Market research companies need your opinions to make their products better, so they pay you for your time.
Some paid survey sites where you can take surveys include:
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
Here’s what to do:
Sign up: Make a free account on the survey site.
Pick a survey: Choose one that looks interesting to you.
Give honest answers: Share what you really think about the questions you’re asked.
Earn rewards: After you finish, the site will give you points or money.
Earning money from answering surveys is not always fast, and it won’t make you rich. But if you have an hour, it’s a simple way to earn a little extra cash.
For me, I have answered a lot of surveys over the years. I like how I can answer surveys in little breaks I have during the day, such as before and after work, during a lunch break, while being a passenger in a car, and so on. They are easy to answer, and usually only take a few minutes.
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Branded Surveys is one of the most popular survey sites that rewards you in cash and gift cards for sharing your opinion. You can get paid anywhere from $0.50 to $5.00 per survey.
Perform odd jobs found on Craigslist
Craigslist has a jobs section on their site where you can find tasks that people need done right away. These are typically one-time gigs, but there are also part-time and full-time jobs listed here as well.
When you do a job on Craigslist, you usually get paid right after you complete the short task. That means you’ll receive your money on the same day.
To find Craigslist gigs in your town, just go to Craigslist and look for the “gigs” section.
Here are some gigs and tasks I found through a quick search on Craigslist:
House cleaner
Mover
Focus groups
Help with launching a boat
Gardening help
Help with painting a home
Lawn mowing
Participate in focus groups
Are you looking for a quick way to make money? Joining focus groups can be a fun way for you to earn extra cash and many times they take an hour or less.
A focus group is a small group of people who talk about products or services. Companies use your opinions to make their stuff better by learning more about their customers, such as you.
User Interviews is a popular site to find focus groups to take part in.
I have done a user interview in the past and got paid $400 for just one hour of work. It was simple, and everything happened online through a video call to see my opinion on a new feature for a well-known company (one of the largest companies in the world, in fact – so even large companies use these to help them improve!).
You can make $50 to $100 per hour, or even more, by sharing your thoughts and feedback.
Recommended reading: 19 Best Places To Find Paid Research Studies
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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.
Mystery shopping
If you want to earn money quickly, like in just an hour, you can try becoming a mystery shopper. Mystery shoppers are people just like you and me who get paid to shop and give their opinion.
I’ve done a lot of mystery shopping over the years to make some extra money and to get free stuff. It’s easy work that can be done either on the phone (such as by rating their customer service when they answer the phone) or in person at a store. Most mystery shops take less than an hour too! I’ve done many that even take less than 5 minutes to complete.
The way mystery shopping works is that you’ll typically buy products or try services, pay attention to the details like how clean the store is or if the staff is nice, and then answer questions that the mystery shopping company gives you after you are done.
Donate plasma
If you’re looking for ways to make money in one hour, you can donate plasma and get paid for it.
When you go to donate, the center will check your blood to make sure you’re healthy and that your plasma can be used to help others.
Here’s what you might earn for your plasma donation:
$20 to $50 for each time you donate
Up to $300 a month if you donate regularly
Some centers might pay more money for your first time donating, like a bonus to persuade you to start. The amount you get can change depending on where you live, so make sure to confirm before you commit.
Tutor students online
If you want to learn how to make money in one hour online, then online tutoring jobs can be a good option to look into.
If you’re good at a subject, you can make money fast by tutoring students online. Lots of students need help with their schoolwork and are willing to pay for your knowledge.
As a tutor, you might spend 30 minutes to an hour giving a lesson, answering questions online, or working one-on-one with a student through a video lesson.
Tutors can earn different amounts depending on what they teach (the subject) and the duration of the session (whether it’s a quick question or a full-hour session). For example, tutoring in advanced subjects like calculus usually pays more than simpler ones like first-grade math. Some tutors may earn around $20 per hour, while others can make well over $100 per hour.
Sell scrap metal
Selling scrap metal or precious metals is a quick way to make some money in just one hour.
To get started, you’ll want to find metal items from around your home. This can be old appliances, wires, and even soda cans.
Then, you’ll want to find a scrap yard nearby to take your metals. You’ll want to make sure it’s clean and to keep your metals separated and organized.
Once you get to the scrap yard, you’ll weigh your metal on their scales, and then they’ll give you a price. If it’s your first time, ask how the process works just so that you are not confused by anything.
Prices change often, so what you earn depends on the type and weight of the metal you sell.
Play online games for rewards
Have you ever thought you could make money by playing games on your phone or computer? Yes, you can! Some apps and websites let you earn rewards, like gift cards or even cash, just for playing online games in your spare time.
Apps that pay you for playing games usually make their money through ads, things you buy in the app, and paid gaming competitions. They share a bit of what they earn with you to get you to keep playing their games and spend more time on their platform.
Here’s a quick list of the top game platforms that pay real cash:
KashKick
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Recommended reading: 23 Best Game Apps To Win Real Money
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Swagbucks is a site where you can earn points for answering surveys, shopping online, watching videos, using coupons, and more. You can use your points for gift cards and cash.
Walk dogs
If you like being around pets and want to make money fast, dog walking is a great choice. Many dog walking gigs are one hour or less per visit, so this can be a great way to make money in an hour.
To start, you just need a love for dogs and a good pair of walking shoes.
You can set your rates, usually between $10 to $20 for a 30-minute walk.
One hour of walking dogs could mean walking one dog for 60 minutes or doing two 30-minute walks for two different dogs.
Rover is a website that connects pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers. Starting on Rover is simple. You create a profile where you talk about your experience with pets and the services you can offer, such as dog walking, pet sitting, and house sitting. After setting up your profile, you’ll get requests from customers and discuss pricing. Rover handles payment processing, and you’ll receive the payments directly into your account.
I know many people who are dog walkers, and they all really love the job. I have also used dog sitters in the past – it is a wonderful and super helpful service.
Freelance online on your own schedule
As a freelancer, you get to choose your own hours. So, you may decide to work an hour here and an hour there.
Back when I had a full-time job, this is what I loved about being able to freelance online – I could work in my spare time, even if it was just small pockets of time that I had. For example, I would complete short tasks an hour before I went to work, during my hour lunch break, and later once I got home from work.
And, there are many different types of freelance gigs that you can do, such as managing social media as a virtual assistant, data entry, proofreading, graphic design, email management, and more.
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
Sign up for a high yield savings account
A high-yield bank account is a low-risk method to make extra money, and it typically takes less than an hour of your time to set up.
These savings accounts earn more interest than a regular one, so your money grows faster.
You will want to make sure that you pick a trustworthy bank and check the interest rates regularly because they can go up or down. Some people move their money into high-yield savings accounts often so that they can get the highest interest rates.
I personally use Marcus by Goldman Sachs as they have a very high rate. You can get up to 5.50% (at the time of this writing through a referral link bonus). According to this high-yield savings account calculator, if you have $10,000 saved, you could earn $550 with a high-yield savings account in a year. Whereas with normal banks, your earnings would only be $46.
This is an easy way to make passive income!
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers help you find quick ways to make money when you need it fast.
How can I make money ASAP?
If you need cash right away, you can sell things you don’t use anymore, like toys or clothes. Another fast way is to do small jobs for neighbors, like walking their dogs or helping in the garden.
How can I make $100 a day?
To make $100 a day, you could do jobs like cleaning houses, pet sitting, or babysitting. You could also combine a few things like doing surveys online, delivering food, or driving people places.
How to get money in one day without a job?
Without a job, you can still make money by selling stuff online, like clothes, games, or even sports equipment. You can also collect cans or bottles to recycle, or ask friends or family if they need help with anything for some quick cash.
How to make money in one hour as a kid?
As a kid, you can make money fast by setting up a lemonade stand, doing a car wash, or even making and selling crafts to friends and family (such as bracelets or custom T-shirts!). Of course, please check with your parents and stay safe.
How can I make money in one hour at home?
To make money in an hour at home, you can do things like sell items that you already own, such as your old clothing or a cell phone. You could also walk dogs, freelance online, or even tutor.
How to Make Money in One Hour – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make money in one hour.
As you can see, there are many things that you can do to make money – whether you’re looking for a full-time job or just want to complete short tasks that take less than an hour.
Hour or shorter gigs helped me a ton to pay off my student loans as quickly as I could. Being able to work in short amounts of time helps me to work on my own schedule and fit more side hustles in.
Why are you looking to make money in an hour? Let me know in the comments below!
Home decor is a manifestation of personal style, and 2024’s interior design trends provide even more ways to express your point of view—boldly.
The accent walls and mid-century modern furniture that ruled 2023’s interior design trends aren’t disappearing entirely. But in the upcoming year, we can say goodbye to standard design rules and all-minimal-everything. Embrace clashing patterns, chrome counters, ultra-luxurious materials, and maximalism. Whether that means trading in beige soft sheets for a Barbiecore pink bedding set, or adding bow-adorned wallpaper to your kitchen a lá Sandy Liang, nothing is off-limits in 2024.
Like a fun pair of heels or sparkly party dress, 2024’s home trends are all about embracing creativity and fun. With expert input from interior designers and trend predictors, explore the five most popular interior design trends of 2024 that will help you express your individuality through your space.
2024 Interior Design Trend: Kitschy Kitchens
Oleksandr Shcherban//Getty Images
Gone are the days of clean marble and white walls in the kitchen. In 2024, we can expect to see more personality, color, and spunk in this essential area.
“We’re going to say goodbye to farmhouse kitchens, and hello to Kitschy Kitchens, or what we like to call ‘Kitschens,’” says Pinterest global trends and insight lead Sydney Stanback. “A way that people can tap into this trend is through incorporating thrifted finds, vintage appliances and eye-jarring pops of paint into their kitchen designs and cooking areas.”
2024 Interior Design Trend: Plenty of Patterns
Harrison Eastwood//Getty Images
Clean white walls are on their way out. “Having languished in the realm of neutrality for what feels like an eternity, we’ve witnessed the rise and subsequent demise of farmhouse, mid-century modern, and the all-encompassing minimalism craze. The universal aesthetic is teetering on the edge of ‘been there, done that,’” says Danielle Walish, Havely’s VP of merchandising and product design. “People are craving homes with character, personality, and a bit of oomph–a bold departure from the subdued styling that has held sway for too long.” Now, it’s time for a pattern on pattern (on pattern) renaissance.
“We’re not just talking about a small print here and there,” Walish elaborates. “It’s all about mixing it up–upholstery, textiles, wallpaper and beyond. From classic stripes to whimsical florals, modern motifs to organic botanicals. It’s all about making a statement.”
2024 Interior Design Trend: Master Metals
First chrome metallics came for statement earrings, then they came for home interiors. In 2024, metallic hues will enter living spaces in a new, big way.
“A trend that we’ve been seeing pop up recently, specifically within the fashion space–thanks to a certain very iconic artist who was on tour this summer–is cool silver tones. And cool silver tones and bold chrome will continue to grow in 2024, but will also evolve into the home category,” Pinterest’s Stanbuck says. “People trade in their trusty neutrals for something a bit more hardcore. We especially see that Gen Z and Millennials on Pinterest are driving this heavy metal aesthetic.” Aluminum accents are a shortcut to bring the shiny trend into home decor.
2024 Interior Design Trend: Saturated Spaces
asbe//Getty Images
Whether you want a pop of pink or a moody sitting room, 2024 is all about accessorizing with color. “From rich blacks and sultry navies to more lively hues of blues, greens, and even pinks, the color trends of 2024 advocate for a daring approach,” says Havenly design editor Heather Goerzen. “Excitingly, we’re observing a refreshing pushback against the ubiquitous all-white aesthetic. Whether through the application of monochromatic paints or the embrace of deep, saturated color schemes, color in all its glorious shades is reclaiming the spotlight.”
The expert notes that the trend manifests everywhere from painted alcoves and striking wallpapers to deep wood tones and evocative upholstery. “If ever there was a moment to unleash your color perspective,” Goerzen says, “it’s now.”
Quiet luxury was never just about fashion; it also crept into the home. “A year ago, everything, everywhere, was light-washed oak, calacutta marble, and matte accents,” Havenly VP of creative and design Shelby Girard reflects. “At first, this felt like such a refreshing scene–it was simultaneously calm and inspiring, collected and effortless. However, with such widespread adoption, particularly with new builds, the aesthetic began to feel a little…expected.” That’s why, in 2024, we’re seeing a return to luxurious materials of yore.
“As traditional design is once again taking center stage, we’ve seen a backlash against the usual materials and a desire to seek out elements that in and of themselves are more unique, dramatic, and notable,” Girard explains. “Think richly veined marbles in a range of striking colors, lush velvets with added dimension, crystal chandeliers for a hint of glamour, dark wood tones that speak to heritage, and un-lacquered hardware for a lovely patina.”
Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in home by working with the world’s leading authorities in interior and architectural design, textiles, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.
Tatjana Freund is Hearst’s Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She’s a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
When you apply for a new job, you know that you’ll need to submit a cover letter and resume. It’s the best way to show your past work experience and qualifications. But did you know that you can also create a renter resume and rental cover letter as you hunt for a new place to rent?
That’s right! A renter resume is a great way to highlight your past rental history, detail your income and occupation and help the landlord get to know you better. Renter resumes help you stand out from lots of applicants. They also show your future landlord just how serious you are about wanting to rent a home from them.
When you find yourself looking to rent a new home and you want to better your odds of securing that lease, check out this sample letter to rent a house and draft up your own renter resume.
When to create a renter resume
Once you’ve decided that it’s time to move and find a new place to live, you’ll start the house hunt to find some new locations to rent. When you go to rent a new place, you’ll have to fill out a rental application, which is standard practice.
While a renter resume isn’t required, it’s a nice added touch to help the landlord know you better. Here are a few scenarios when you should create a renter resume:
It’s a competitive market
Just like dream jobs, your dream apartment may go up on the market and quickly get snatched up. A renter resume is a great way to stand out from other potential tenants in a hot market.
Your rental or job history is spotty
Landlords look at your past job and rental history to predict what kind of tenant to expect. Property managers want to rent to people who have a consistent income, will pay the rent on time and will become a good edition to the neighborhood and other tenants.
If your history has gaps, a renter resume is a great way to explain the circumstances surrounding it. This is your chance to vouch for yourself, explain your history and convince the landlord that you’re a worthy candidate for the rental.
You don’t have a rental history yet
In some cases, people like students or newlyweds who have never rented before will lack rental history. In these situations, you won’t have a rental history to highlight and show that you would make an excellent tenant.
Use a renter resume to explain who you are and why you’d be a great tenant.
What to include in your renter resume
If you think a renter resume is a good option for you, here are the details you must include:
Contact information: Include your contact information like your email and phone number so the landlord can easily reach you
Objective: Include two to three sentences that clearly state what you’re hoping to achieve and why it’s important to you. Make this a short and concise paragraph that outlines why you want to rent a new home.
Background and personal information: Include details like hobbies, interests or how you spend your free time. While you don’t have to include details like race, gender, religion, familial status or age — absolutely include things that’ll humanize your application and show your personality.
Rental history: Talk about where you last lived, why you’re moving and what you’re hoping to get out of the new location. This is your opportunity to talk about what kind of neighbor you are and how you’ll be as a future tenant.
Work or student history: Another important thing to include in your renter resume is your work or student history. If you’re currently employed, you can provide information about your job status. This shows you’re a steadily employed person who will pay rent on time. If you’re a student, showcase your dedication to education. Talk about how those qualities will apply to you as a tenant, too. Landlords want to rent to dependable, stable people so use your work history and ethic clear.
References: While you can put lots of good things about yourself on paper, a personal reference is incredibly important to see what other people say about you. When you include references, avoid listing family members. Instead, put people like your manager, past neighbors or mentors. If your landlord calls them and asks about you, these people will advocate for you.
Renter resume template
We’ve included a renter resume template to use as a sample letter to rent a house. Simply fill in the blanks with your personal information. You can also download the word document template here.
Your name Email address Phone number Current address
OBJECTIVE: Write two to three sentences explaining your goals and motivations for wanting to move to this location.
(Example: I am interested in renting this home from you as I’m looking for a home in a location that is closer to work, has more space and is located in a neighborhood where I can walk and enjoy my neighbor’s company. This location seems like the perfect fit as it meets my needs and would be a great place to settle down long-term.)
BACKGROUND AND PERSONAL INFORMATION: Write two to three sentences about who you are, what you like to do and why you’re a good tenant.
(Example: I was born and raised in Salt Lake City and am now looking for a home of my own to rent. I went to school at the University of Utah and graduated with a degree in marketing. My husband and I are looking for a home where we can raise our two children. We like to go on walks, visit new parks, picnic as a family and explore new places. The location of this home is perfect for us as it’s close to work and good schools. We are a friendly, outgoing family who is eager to rent in a safe, clean neighborhood full of good people.)
RENTAL HISTORY: Include three to four sentences about where you’ve previously lived and why you’re moving. This section is very important because it’ll indicate what type of renter you are.
(Example: Before looking for a new place to live, I rented an apartment and resided there for X years. The reason I’m looking to move is that I want a place with more space and a backyard. I always paid the rent on time, kept the place clean and orderly and was a courteous neighbor at my previous location.)
WORK HISTORY: Draft three to four sentences detailing your work history, proof of income and employment record.
(Example: I’ve worked at the same company for five years. I’m dedicated to my work and company, which shows stability. I’m a hardworking person who values my job, hard work and a good work-life balance. When switch jobs, I make sure my finances are in order beforehand and have other work options lined up so I can stay consistent with an income.)
REFERENCES: Include a list of two to three references, your relationship to them, their phone numbers, email numbers and the best time to contact them. Make sure you let the references know that you’ve listed them so they are not caught off guard if the landlord reaches out to them.
Use your renter resume to impress future landlords
Once you’ve found the perfect place to rent, it’s time to write the perfect sample letter to rent a house. A one-page renter resume lets you stand out from other applicants and delight your future landlord.
Take a little extra time to write a renter resume using our template. You’ll find yourself moving into your dream home in no time.
Sage Singleton is a freelance writer with a passion for literature and words. She enjoys writing articles that will inspire, educate and influence readers. She loves that words have the power to create change and make a positive impact in the world. Some of her work has been featured on LendingTree, Venture Beat, Architectural Digest, Porch.com and Homes.com. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading and learning French.
The astonishing pace of the recent drop in interest rates has raised some questions regarding sustainability and justification, but we can clear them up with a single chart.
The Federal Reserve doesn’t ultimately dictate rate levels, but it has a huge impact on how rates move. The Fed has been credited with fueling the improvements of the past 2 months, but it’s important to remember that credit couldn’t be given without justification from economic data.
Inflation is the most important part of the Fed’s “mandate” (a fancy word for job description). Before we get to the chart that explains it all, let’s take a look at a chart that adds to the confusion. It’s often repeated that Core year-over-year PCE is the Fed’s preferred metric for tracking the 2% inflation target. Here’s how it looks after the most recent update this week:
If this were the only way to view inflation, certainly the Fed would not yet be justified in cutting rates. To be fair, the Fed is not cutting rates. They are merely beginning to discuss what rate cut timing might look like if that line continues to fall as expected.
Still, some pundits say it’s too soon. The counterpoint is that year-over-year inflation numbers include many past months with much higher inflation, and those months are no longer indicative of current price patterns. Fortunately, we have month-over-month charts as well, and they tell a different story.
Monthly inflation numbers are already back at target levels. In fact, even if we use the last 6 months of core PCE, the annualized inflation rate would be right in line with the 2.0% target. Point being: as long as inflation doesn’t move quickly higher, the year-over-year numbers will fall to target levels as time passes.
Combine all of the above with the fact that the Fed wants to facilitate a soft landing for the economy and it’s hard to argue against a mere conversation about rate cuts in 2024. To be sure, several sectors are looking like they might appreciate a more moderate interest rate environment. Several monthly reports came out this week that speak to that fact.
Will the housing market respond to lower rates? Weekly data from the Mortgage Bankers Association holds clues. Both purchase and refi applications are back to their highest levels in months.
To get an idea of how much room we have for improvement, we can examine the exact same two metrics in a broader context.
From a market movement standpoint, this week was very uneventful. Mortgage rates held a very narrow range that was right in line with the lowest levels in 7 months. Whereas the Mortgage News Daily Index may have seemed low earlier in the week, Freddie Mac’s weekly rate index matched it almost perfectly when Thursday’s update came out. As always, keep in mind that an index level represents perfection and most loan scenarios are imperfect.
Looking ahead, the bond market is closed on Monday for Christmas and it closes early next Friday for New Years Weekend (following Monday is also closed). Collectively, this represents a slow, weird time of year for bonds that can generally be disregarded as “noise.” We won’t have a clean signal until the end of the first week of January after the big jobs report comes out and after bond traders are all back in the office.
In this episode of NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast, hosts Sean Pyles and Sara Rathner share the best money moves of 2023 as submitted by their fellow colleagues. Some of the highlights include saving aggressively to prepare for future expenses, getting rid of private mortgage insurance, automating finances for budgeting and planning, setting up 529 college savings plans for children, shopping around for the best mortgage rates, and understanding the difference between an emergency fund and a rainy day fund.
Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including:
Episode transcript
This transcript was generated from podcast audio by an AI tool.
Sean Pyles:
If you’re a loyal fan of the show, it’s possible you stay until the very end of each episode and if you do, you always hear us say, “Until next time, turn to the Nerds.” Well, today, dear listener, we are turning the show over to the Nerds. We present the best money moves of 2023 by our fellow Nerds.
Amy Knight:
This year I learned how to explain the effect of compounding using a lovely seasonal analogy, snow. You think of your money like snow. When you spend it, it melts and runs away, but when you save it, any new snowfall sticks to the snow that’s already there.
Sean Pyles:
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast. I’m Sean Pyles.
Sara Rathner:
I’m Sara Rathner.
Sean Pyles:
This episode finishes off our Nerdy deep dive into the end of 2023. This is it, Sara, the finale of our last series of the year.
Sara Rathner:
The piece de resistance.
Sean Pyles:
Yes. We sent a notice out calling all Nerds, asking for the best things our colleagues did with their money in 2023, and I mean all Nerds, IT, HR, everybody, even the corner office, and today we’re going to share their money wins.
Sara Rathner:
I love this. Before we start, you and I are Nerds, too, right, Sean? Should we start with our money wins for 2023?
Sean Pyles:
I think we should. Sara, give us yours.
Sara Rathner:
Yeah. This sounds like a weird money win, but I have said, on the show before, one of the pieces of advice that I got when I was younger was to save as aggressively as you can for as long as you can because your life will get more complicated as you get older. Well, I have reached the point where my life is complicated and expensive, and I will say that because I had spent those years putting money away as best I could, I had money on hand to do the things that I needed to do this year.
There were some unexpected repairs to our house that we had to do. We ended up replacing our car because we had a baby, and that was probably one of the most expensive things I did in 2023 was pay all those hospital bills, and now I’m paying daycare bills, so this kid will cost me money until he’s 35 and then maybe he’ll be independent by then. We’ll know.
Sean Pyles:
They say you reap what you sow. You had been sowing savings for years and years, and now you are seeing the benefits of that, which is great.
Sara Rathner:
Yeah. What it has allowed us to do, and by us, I mean I say my husband and I, is say yes to the things we need and know that we have the money on hand. That’s really nice when something in your house breaks or there’s something that you want to do like travel or a night out with friends that’s going to cost a lot of money. We can say yes to the things that mean something to us because we spent so long just pocketing and putting money away, living as well below our means as we could. Now, I think we’re living at our means, which is nice.
Sean, what about you? What is your money win for 2023?
Sean Pyles:
Well, it’s a little Nerdy and a little in the weeds maybe, but I got rid of my private mortgage insurance on my house after going into war with the bank that owns my mortgage. It was not a fun process, but I came out the victor, and I’m so proud of myself for that because the bank that owns my mortgage is not very nice. That’s my money win for 2023.
Sara Rathner:
I’m surprised you had to go to war. Isn’t it just like, once you hit 20% equity, you have to refinance, or how does that work?
Sean Pyles:
Oh, yes, they barraged me with a mountain of paperwork and time delays and bureaucratic processes that I actually detailed in a Money Hot Takes episode of Smart Money. I think that you were out on maternity leave, Sara.
Sara Rathner:
Sean Pyles:
Will do. Okay. Great. Well, before we get into the Nerd’s best money moves of 2023, a reminder, dear listener, that we always love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373, that’s 901-730 N-E-R-D, or email a voice memo to [email protected].
All right. Sara, are you ready to hear from our Nerdy colleagues about their best money moves of 2023?
Sara Rathner:
I am. Let’s see what they all learned this year and maybe we could take some of that advice and apply to our own finances.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah. I mean, that’s the idea, so let’s start with the boss. Tim Chen is the founder and CEO of NerdWallet, and he did an energy efficient move this year.
I switched from a Mercedes SUV to a Toyota Sienna. I’m getting twice the gas mileage. I’m using the cheap gas, and I’m paying about a 10th as much every time I service the car.
Sara Rathner:
Well, Sean, it is so true that you really save money on servicing when you don’t have a luxury car. Just getting a new battery or oil filter can be less expensive.
Sean Pyles:
Sara Rathner:
Yeah, new to me, and it’s a hybrid, so the mileage is pretty sweet.
Sean Pyles:
Nice. All right. Well, let’s hear from another Nerd. Skylar Damiano is an IT administrator here at NerdWallet.
Skylar Damiano:
My partner and I are accelerating our marriage to the end of this year because it’ll save us a ton of money in the long run via tax benefits. These are things that we just never thought about when we were single or, even in our case as queer people who never really thought about marriage beyond our domestic partnership, but I’ve also learned that I will never stop learning about the financial world around me. I can’t possibly know everything related to financial wellbeing, but the more I research and the more I practice good habits, the more likely I am to carry those good habits into the future.
One that stuck with me from last year is not spending beyond my means. I now wait until I have funds available before I make a purchase like a new smartphone or a new toy or a hobby that I want to get into. In this case, I want to become a DJ in the next year. I’m not spending any money on that equipment though until I for sure have enough to save on it, because if I have the option to not rely on credit, but instead use my credit card to my advantage via cashback, it’s far more rewarding for me down the line.
Sean Pyles:
Sara, waiting until you have enough money to actually purchase something you want is a timeless piece of financial advice, one of the most basic and most important.
Also, Skylar, I would love to hear a DJ set when you are up and running with your equipment.
Sara Rathner:
This is near and dear to my heart, but utilizing a credit card for points or cashback instead of carrying a balance, that is chef’s kiss. And Skylar wasn’t the only Nerd highlighting this idea. Here’s Tom Lehmann, an account executive for NerdWallet.
Tom Lehmann:
The best piece of financial advice I would have to say is live well below your means. What a lot of people do is, over the course of their career, they tend to make more money, and when that happens, they tend to buy more stuff. They buy a cooler car, bigger house, more clothes, everything. I call that the lifestyle tax. If you really want to take control of your finances, what you have to do is you have to increase the gap between how much you make and what your expenses are.
I think making more money will naturally happen to a lot of people as they progress in their career, so I think the real key is figuring out where you could cut costs and be minimalistic about everything in your life. Just getting rid of stuff and getting out of the habit of buying stupid stuff every time. Every time you buy one thing, you’ve got to get rid of two in your house. That’s a great way to start.
Sara Rathner:
Sean, I think a lot of us often take the opportunity at the end of the year or the start of a new one to get rid of stupid stuff. The harder part is Tom’s advice to get out of the habit of buying stupid stuff in the first place.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah, preaching to the choir, Sara, because I’m sure that I have some stupid stuff on the way to my front door as we speak. All right. Well, let’s hear now from Sally French. She’s a travel writer here, and she’s been on the show before. Here is her takeaway from 2023.
Sally French:
My biggest money lesson is to always ask if your travels go wrong. I was caught up in the United meltdown as well as I had a canceled Southwest flight, and even though I was able to get another flight, I was still delayed. While I wasn’t entitled to any compensation officially, I still asked the airline customer service and I asked nicely, and in both instances, I got either a flight credit or miles from the airline. Even if your travels are disrupted, even if you’re not entitled to compensation, it doesn’t hurt to ask, because like I did, I was able to get some money back.
Sara Rathner:
Love it. Always ask. What do you have to lose? All they can say is no and you’re on your way, or not and you’re stuck at the airport indefinitely, but you could still ask.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah. You’re hopefully on your way unless your flight is canceled twice, but yes, it’s always worth asking. Next up, we have Kevin Berry. He leads multimedia content here at NerdWallet and happens to be my direct boss. You’ve heard his name in the credits of this show as a fact-checker and editor.
Kevin Berry:
I think my big money takeaway from 2023 is that automation of your money can be really, really valuable and super helpful when it comes to budgeting and planning. I spend, whatever, an hour every January looking at everything and the money coming into my checking account, and I had set up all these automated like, “Send this money here. Send this money to an investment account. Send this money to a savings account,” and just set it and forgot about it and let it do its thing this year, and then that has really come back to help me.
For example, the property tax bill showed up, and I was like, “Whoa, it went up, it’s thousands and thousands of dollars,” but then I went to my account that I’d set up for automated savings for property taxes because I knew this bill was coming, right? Kevin in January knew Kevin in November had to pay this bill, and lo and behold, the math held up and there was the right amount of money there, and that just took a lot of stress out of it. Yeah, I think my money lesson is invest in automation for things that you know you’re going to need to pay for or want to pay for, even like a vacation. That’s just been a real stress reliever and time saver on my end in 2023.
Sara Rathner:
Oh, man, Sean, automation can absolutely save your sanity. I have quite a few automated contributions in my own finances. A big one, two big ones, is I automate contributions for my largest expenses, which are my mortgage and daycare, and that comes out of my checking account into a joint savings account. My husband also contributes, and then the money is whisked away by an automatic clearing house once a month or once every other week, depending on the bill.
Sean Pyles:
Lovely. You just need to make sure that the money is actually automatically going into that checking account so it can then be paid elsewhere.
Sara Rathner:
Then there’s automation, obviously, into my retirement account, my 401(k) that I set up at work. If you work for a place where you have to opt into the 401(k) when you first start your job, do it. Because the longer you wait to get that started, the less money you’re able to save up, and you might even be missing out on employer match. If you’re starting a new job or if you have been in your job for a while, but you just haven’t bothered to set up your retirement accounts yet through your employer, maybe make this the year you do that.
Sean Pyles:
Absolutely. Well, I think I’m going to take a page out of Kevin’s book and set up automated deposits into an account for my car’s annual registration, because every year, June Sean curses every-other-month-of-the-year Sean for not saving up for that in advance. Okay. Our next piece of advice is from Hannah Cho. She’s our Nerdy vice president of content.
Hanah Cho:
This year, I’m really proud of finally sending up 529 college saving plans for my two kids. I have three kids, and I have one set up for my oldest, and I finally got around to setting up two for my youngest. I’m really trying to lean into taking advantage of time. They’re still very young where I still have probably 10 to 12 years before they head off to college.
Sean Pyles:
Yes. All of those years of investing and compounding will work wonders. Sara, I know you just had your baby like five minutes ago, but have you set up a 529?
Sara Rathner:
I have, so by the time my kid is 18, he’ll either be well on his way to college or he’ll be fighting in the climate war of 2041.
Sean Pyles:
That’s grim, but probably not inaccurate.
Sara Rathner:
It’s grim, but I want to set him up for a realistic life.
Sean Pyles:
Right. He’ll be able to buy plenty of munitions on the battlefield.
Sara Rathner:
Sean Pyles:
Well, Sara, you weren’t the only Nerd to procreate this year. Adam Smith did as well, and he’s all over the 529 planning.
Adam Smith:
In 2023, my wife and I actually had twin boys, and the first thing that came up once I heard that was knowing that I’ve got to pay for potentially two college educations at the same time, so another thing that crossed my mind was what if one of them goes to college and the other one doesn’t, or what if neither of them go to college? What’s the best way to approach this? We actually found that there’s a change to the 529 plan, which is how a lot of people save for their child’s college education, and so should your child or if one of our twins or both of them decide not to go to college in the future, you can actually roll the 529 plan into a Roth IRA, and the beneficiary of the 529 plan now becomes the owner of that Roth IRA. Traditional Roth IRA rules apply when transferring ownership, but, that being said, it’s a great savings vehicle for college planning or setting up a nice little nest egg for my twins in the future.
Sean Pyles:
You know what, Sara? I love that Adam knows that there are options for his kids, college or no college.
Sara Rathner:
Yes, and this is a huge way to get your kids started on their financial lives regardless of what they do after high school.
Sean Pyles:
All right. Up next is Alison McCoy, VP of brand marketing at NerdWallet.
Alison McCoy:
My husband and I, we’ve officially begun our home-buying process, and one of the best things we did this year was shop around for the best mortgage. I was pretty surprised at the options out there even in this high interest rate environment and feel really confident that we found the right option for us, that makes sure we’re not leaving any money on the table.
Sara Rathner:
Yes, always shop around for just about anything, but especially mortgage rates especially now.
Sean Pyles:
As Alison knows, we have a lot of mortgage and home buying information all over NerdWallet. We have a whole team devoted to that subject matter, and Abby Badach Doyle is a member of that team. Here’s her best money move of 2023.
Abby Badach Doyle:
This year, I learned the difference between an emergency fund and a rainy day fund. People use those terms interchangeably. I know I sure did, so I never really thought about it, but they’re actually two pretty different things. An emergency fund is for big major surprise expenses like major unexpected car repairs, new carburetor, and a rainy day fund is to help you pay for those things that aren’t necessarily emergencies, but are still outside of the scope of your typical monthly budget, like “Wow, the car is dirty after this camping trip. Can we please pay someone to do a deep clean and a full detail?”
Anyway, in our savings account, we’ve always used named sub-accounts for goals like holiday shopping and travel, but then we had this amorphous blob of money that I always felt so weird and guilty tapping into. Even though we’re disciplined savers and there was always enough there, it always just felt weird. This year, I split the blob into separate rainy day and emergency fund accounts, and that took away all of the stress and weirdness. Mentally, it was so helpful to not feel bad about spending money that I knew that we needed to spend on stuff that we knew was coming and to know that we’re still on track with our emergency savings for the bigger, unexpected stuff.
If you haven’t tried naming sub-accounts yet, I highly recommend it, and review the names often to make sure that they’re still working for you. If you need to set a savings goal for your emergency fund, try using an online calculator. NerdWallet, of course, has a great one. And then name that and separate it from your rainy day fund and from the rest of your other savings goals. That might be a small thing, but it was super helpful to me this year, and I hope that it helps you, too.
Sean Pyles:
Sara Rathner:
Sean Pyles:
Sara Rathner:
Sean Pyles:
I feel like we should do a chest bump or a high five after that. Anyway, Sara, do you have an amorphous blob of money that you feel weird and guilty tapping into?
Sara Rathner:
Always with the guilt, but the blob of money is divided into several smaller sub-blobs in the form of a few accounts with different purposes, and that helps me stay organized when it comes to deciding which accounts to use when I need to fund something.
Sean Pyles:
Love it. I mean, it’s no secret to devoted Smart Money listeners that I have many sub-blob accounts that I use on a daily basis. Also, nice call out to our NerdWallet calculators. Okay. On to our final Nerdy piece of advice.
Sara Rathner:
Already? That was fast.
Sean Pyles:
I know. Well, the good news is, Sara, that we’re always here, all of us, all of us Nerds, and we are here for you and our listeners. Our final guest is Amy Knight. She is a spokesperson for NerdWallet UK, and she has a money lesson to share about compound interest and the beauty of snowfall.
Amy Knight:
I have a money lesson to share about compound interest. This year, I learned how to explain the effect of compounding using a lovely seasonal analogy, snow. I think this is a great way to think about saving, and it can be helpful when you’re trying to start taking a longer-term view of your finances.
The lesson is this. You think of your money like snow. When you spend it, it melts and runs away, but when you save it, any new snowfall sticks to the snow that’s already there. New snowfall is your wages, maybe a bonus or holiday gift, an inheritance, maybe you sold an asset. Importantly, snow falls as interest. If you’re not actively saving, new snowfall is not going to stick. It’s going to melt and run straight out of your account.
We see in real life that fresh snow sticks a lot more when there’s already snow on the ground. I’m going to give a shoutout here to my friend Kim in Wisconsin who will soon be shoveling her driveway every day. You start with a thin layer, and as more snow falls, it builds up, and this is very like compounding. Gradually, your snow pile of savings compounds, and the bigger it gets, the more interest sticks to your money. As you watch it grow, you may be less tempted to melt the whole lot on an impulse purchase.
I’d love to know what you think of this analogy, Sean? This winter, if you are able to leave just a little savings in your account after the holidays, think of it like leaving a thin layer of snow on the ground ready for 2024’s snowfall to stick to. Don’t forget the Nerds can help you understand more about saving and investing. To discover how different financial products could work for you, just head to the personal finance section on NerdWallet.com.
Sara Rathner:
Well, that was lovely and spoken like a true spokesperson.
Sean Pyles:
Gotta love the plug. She does that for a living. I also really like this idea of snow as a metaphor for saving and compounding. Not only is it accurate, it’s also very soothing.
Sara Rathner:
Well, I’m closing my eyes here in Virginia, waiting for maybe a snowfall this year that, within minutes, will turn all black and sooty, if we even get snow at all because last year we didn’t.
Sean Pyles:
I’m hoping we get at least a little bit here in the Pacific Northwest. And also, shoutout to Kim in Wisconsin.
All right, and that’s a wrap on our year-end special series for 2023, but never fear, we’ll be back next year. In the meantime, if you have a money question of your own, turn to the Nerds and call or text us your questions at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730 N-E-R-D. You can also email us at [email protected]. Visit nerdwallet.com/podcast for more info on this episode, and remember to follow, rate and review us wherever you’re getting this podcast.
Sara Rathner:
This episode was produced by Tess Vigeland. Sean helps with editing. Kaely Monahan mixed our audio, and a big thank you to NerdWallet editors for all of their help.
Sean Pyles:
Here’s our brief disclaimer. We are not financial or investment advisors. This Nerdy info is provided for general educational and entertainment purposes and may not apply to your specific circumstances.
Sara Rathner:
With that said, until next time, turn to the Nerds, and Happy New Year.
As Florida’s insurance crisis makes hurricane hardening more important than ever, consumer advocates have pressed to reign in a popular — but controversial — loan program that allows homeowners to pay for new roofs or impact windows through their property tax bills.
Some counties and tax collectors across the state have pushed for clearer disclosures for a program that has generated hundreds of complaints from people who say they were misled on costs or didn’t understand that the loan amounts to a long-term tax lien on their home.
Now, one agency that bankrolls construction projects for the Property Assessed Clean Energy program, known commonly as PACE, is pushing back — arguing that individual counties have no legal right to force it to follow additional rules or even decide where it can operate.
The fight has led to a high-stakes lawsuit that includes nearly half the counties in the state, several of which have blasted the continued operations of a single quasi-governmental agency in Northeast Florida as “an immediate danger to the health, safety or welfare” of residents. Tax collectors from Alachua County to Palm Beach have complained in emails and court records that the Florida PACE Funding Agency’s statewide expansion is “running roughshod” over local government rights. For now, Broward and Miami-Dade are staying out of it, but the outcome has big implications for two counties that lead the state in PACE contracts.
The case in Tallahassee shapes up as a major legal test for the few but hard-won consumer protections already in place across the state, including new ones in Miami-Dade County, and, perhaps, the future of Florida’s PACE program.
And it could also impact nearly 13,000 property owners across Florida who’ve recently signed agreements with Florida PACE Funding Agency for more than $500 million in home improvement projects — with no guarantee that the tax-lien arrangement they agreed to will stick. Potentially, they could be hit with big bills from contractors or lenders instead.
The Florida PACE Funding Agency, meanwhile, has launched its own public relations offensive, taken multiple tax collectors to court and vowed to take the case to Florida’s Supreme Court if the judge doesn’t rule its way.
Mike Moran, executive director of Florida PACE, strongly defends his agency’s actions as well as the industry itself. He argues his quasi-governmental agency has its own authority to levy property taxes. He paints the agency’s statewide expansion as a plus for the state and consumers, an opportunity for people who might not otherwise qualify for conventional loans to make crucial home repairs at a cheaper price (usually 9 to 11% interest) than a credit card.
“I can’t finance because you don’t like your kitchen counter top. It has to be a public purpose, home hardening and energy efficiency,” he said. “If you take this option away, they’re just going to put it on a 29% credit card.”
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Going rogue
Up until last year, the PACE program worked like this: groups like the Florida PACE Agency, which serve as middlemen between homeowners and loan companies like FortiFi and Home Run Financing, needed a county’s permission to work within its boundaries.
Unlike a traditional bank loan, which is based on credit and financial records, PACE agreements are based on home equity. In exchange for the cash to complete a construction project, PACE providers put a lien on the property and collect annual payments through the property tax bill, which is gathered by a county property tax collector.
The bump to the tax bill can be steep, in some cases a 200% to 300% rise, and unlike a loan from a bank, failing to pay a tax bill can lead to foreclosure.
As the program grew in popularity across Florida in the last decade, tax collectors started hearing complaints from residents who didn’t understand why their tax bills had risen so steeply, or believed they had been signed up for the program under false pretenses by contractors.
In response, several counties passed new consumer protections like limiting loans to the lifespan of the product, requiring recorded phone calls and more thorough disclosure forms. Others did nothing, leaving a patchwork of protections across the state.
Then, starting in January, the Florida PACE Funding Agency abruptly announced that it no longer had to follow any of those rules, thanks to a Leon County judge’s ruling.
A ruling changes landscape
It was supposed to be a routine hearing, the same kind PACE agencies across Florida regularly attend to ensure they’re checking the right financial boxes. But instead of just asking the judge if his bond documents were in order, Moran asked the judge to rule on whether Florida PACE needed permission from a local government to operate within its borders.
In his ruling, the judge said no, they didn’t need permission.
Moran said that gives Florida PACE Funding Agency the right to operate in any county in Florida, including those that have explicitly banned the program.
“We do all of those consumer protections. There’s not a single one that someone asked us to do that we aren’t doing,” he told the Miami Herald. In court records, however, Alachua County said Moran “vehemently” fought a new consumer protection it tried to enact in 2022, and Leon County said Moran negotiated with the county to tweak some of its proposed protections the same year.
Tax collectors stop collecting
Tax collectors across the state have fought Moran’s moves. They sent cease and desist letters, passed county commission resolutions and called in county attorneys and legislators. At least 30 tax collectors have joined a lawsuit against Florida PACE over the issue.
“What a judge did in Tallahassee should never have happened in a bond-type hearing,” said Mike Fasano, Pasco County’s tax collector and a longtime vocal critic of PACE. “That’s not what the Legislature had any intent of happening. There was always supposed to be this interlocal agreement.”
As the fight spread to new counties, Florida PACE continued to sign up thousands of homeowners in counties across the state without their permission, including Alachua, Hillsborough and Palm Beach.
In response, some tax collectors said they weren’t going to collect the PACE assessments tacked on to their residents’ tax bills.
“I believe the responsibility tax collectors have is we’re only going to collect what is proper and authorized on the tax rolls. As it stands right now, these assessments are not proper or authorized, so they’re not getting collected,” Rob Stoneburner, Collier County’s tax collector, told the Herald.
That left Florida PACE scrambling to recoup its investments and quell questions from its investors. In an October news release, Moran said bondholders and private investors withdrew funding from Florida.
“The consequences of this withdrawal are far-reaching, impacting tens of millions of dollars that were to be used to pay contractors who have recently completed or are currently working on renovation projects. Furthermore, many ongoing projects face uncertainty, potentially leaving homeowners in a precarious financial situation,” he wrote.
At that, Moran sued.
He took multiple tax collectors to court to force them to collect the assessments he insists are legally valid, based on the Leon County ruling. So far, judges have agreed with his argument in some counties, including Hernando and Sarasota, where he is chairperson of the county commission and is running for tax collector, and disagreed in others, including Alachua, Bradford and Hillsborough.
“We don’t do ‘mother may I’ to another governmental authority to tell them to put it on the tax bill, we are the governmental authority,” Moran said. “There are a billion dollars of bondholders on the street in Florida that need to be paid back, and property tax collectors need to put this on the tax bill. That is not a complicated discussion.”
What the courts say
Experts say this drama will end in two ways. Either a judge rules that Moran is right or wrong, or the Florida Legislature tweaks the rules of PACE to resolve the dispute.
Stoneburner, the tax collector from Collier, said tax collectors across the state need “a clear answer” on whether or not Florida PACE needs permission from a county to operate there.
“Either they’re right or they’re not right. If they’re right, OK, in my mind it’s going to be the Wild West because then all the other PACE providers will do the same type of thing, they’re going to operate however they want,” he said.
But Moran said that even if the Legislature moves to fix the issue in the upcoming session — or get rid of PACE entirely — he still wants the courts to weigh in.
“If that curtain went down and PACE is gone, you still have that billion dollars of bondholders that need to get paid back,” he said.
That decision could come as soon as February, when the same Leon County judge whose ruling set off the crisis has agreed to revisit the discussion, after a legal push from at least 30 tax collectors across the state.
