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Known as the Home of the Blues, Memphis is a music lover’s paradise, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit this incredible city. You’ll be able to explore its deep history, both in terms of music and the heart of the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20th century. Plus, there are museums, parks, and more waiting.

Here, you’ll learn more about the best things to do in Memphis, Tennessee, as well as discover ideal times of year to visit. In addition, you’ll get a good idea of the average trip costs so you can budget accordingly.

Best Times to Go to Memphis

Memphis is at its most comfortable during the spring and fall months, typically from late April through the beginning of June and again from late August to the middle of October. For instance, in April, you’ll find temperatures in the 70s during the day, and in October, you’ll experience similarly warm temperatures.

For music lovers, also consider visiting for the annual Beale Street Music Festival, which takes place each May. Some of music’s biggest names perform at this three-day event. 2022’s headliners included Megan Thee Stallion and Van Morrisson, so you know there’s something for everyone.

Recommended: Where to Find Book Now, Pay Later Travel

Bad Times to Go to Memphis

Summer and winter will be less crowded in Memphis, but the weather is less than ideal for many. Summer travel in Memphis can be hot and humid. The average high temperature in July is in the 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, making that one of the worst times to visit Memphis. Late fall and early winter tend to be cloudy in Memphis, but there’s not a high chance of snow. Rainfall tends to peak in early December and mid-April.

Average Cost of a Memphis Vacation

Before you start making a list of the top things to do in Memphis, get an idea of how much a trip there will cost you once you arrive. According to Budget Your Trip, an individual spends an average of $34 on dining every day. Local transportation is actually more expensive at $47 per day, so you might want to look into renting a car to get around.

Hotels, however, can be reasonably priced at around $134 per night in Memphis, and perhaps even less if you try some hacks to save money on hotels.

Here’s how the costs break down if you plan to spend a week in the city; there will be some incidentals as well:

•   One Person Total: $1,172

•   Two Person Total: $2,343

One note: You may want to also budget for travel insurance in case the unexpected were to happen, or look into what kind of credit card travel insurance your issuer provides.

Recommended: Credit Card Miles vs. Cash Back

10 Fun Must-Dos in Memphis

As you plan a trip to this Tennessee city, you’ll likely want to map out an itinerary, even if just loosely, to make sure you hit the highlights. Here, culled from top online reviews and seasoned travelers, is advice on the 10 best things to do in Memphis.

1. Pay Homage to the King

We would be remiss to start off a list of best things to do in Memphis without mentioning Graceland, the home of iconic singer Elvis Presley. Open for tours on a daily basis, your ticket gives you access to 120 acres. Explore Elvis’s mansion (including the Jungle Room), his most iconic outfits, and the exterior grounds.

There are also on-site museums dedicated to the King of Rock ‘n Roll’s career and cars. If you really want to make the most out of your time at Graceland, you can also stay at a hotel on the grounds. If staying in the city, consider a rental car or shuttle for the 20-minute drive. Ticket prices range from $28 to $215 for the Ultimate VIP Tour. (If you’re buying the top of the line tickets, you may want to swipe with plastic when paying to earn credit card rewards.) graceland.com/

2. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum

Memphis is also known for another King — civil rights legend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated at the city’s Lorraine Motel in 1968. Now the location has been transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum with interactive exhibits, films, and oral histories cataloging centuries of the quest for freedom and equality in America.

Exhibit material starts with the struggle against slavery in the early 1600s and moves forward through today’s continuing Civil Rights Movement. Walk through a recreation of the Montgomery Bus Boycotts of the 1950s, the Memphis Sanitation Strikes, and more. The museum is closed on Tuesdays so plan your visit in advance. civilrightsmuseum.org/

3. Stroll Down Beale Street

This nearly two-mile stretch of road in downtown Memphis is a celebration of all things music. Considered the official Home of the Blues, you’ll find clubs and restaurants to satisfy any music lover’s thirst for live entertainment.

There’s always something going on at Beale Street. Just show up to explore on your own, or download the official app to create a plan. Note that a security checkpoint goes up on Friday and Saturday nights. Those under 21 must be accompanied by an adult after 9 p.m., and the street is strictly 21+ after 11 p.m. In other words, weekend nights on Beale Street are on the list for fun things to do in Memphis for adults but not kids. bealestreet.com/

4. March with the Peabody Ducks

One of the best things to do in Memphis with kids is to head to the downtown Peabody Hotel for the daily Duck March. Occurring at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day, this decades-long tradition involves five North American mallards who live at the hotel. Each group of ducks lives at the hotel for three months before returning to farm life outside the city.

They’re brought down from their Royal Duck Palace on the rooftop to swim in the lobby fountain. Participants must be at least five years old, and the hotel recommends arriving 30 minutes early to get a seat. Seeing the Peabody Ducks is definitely an affordable family travel option. peabodymemphis.com/peabody-ducks

5. Tour the Belz Museum

What started out as a private art collection has turned into five permanent exhibits displaying Asian and Judaic art, as well as the Holocaust Memorial Gallery. The Belz Museum also brings in special exhibits twice a year.

One of the most comprehensive collections at the museum is the Chinese art exhibit, which is known as the largest such collection in the southeast United States. You’ll see many pieces from the Qing dynasty, which lasted from the mid-1600s through the early 1900s. The Belz Museum is closed Monday and Tuesday.

6. Take in Some Thrilling Basketball

Love basketball? Check out an NBA game at FedExForum, which is home to the Memphis Grizzlies (nba.com/grizzlies/tickets). The season runs from October to April. The stadium also hosts University of Memphis men’s basketball, which is a NCAA Division I. You can also check out the Division I women’s team on campus at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.

7. Marvel at the Mighty Lights

Put this on your list of free things to do in Memphis: the nightly Mighty Lights on the downtown waterfront. Every evening, the city’s two iconic bridges (the Hernando de Soto and Harahan) are lit up in a huge display of LED lights. You’ll see the show at the hourly and 30-minute marks starting at sundown, followed by a grand final at 10:30 p.m.

Scout out a spot to watch along the Mississippi riverfront parks, or scope out an aerial view in the city. The Fourth Bluff and Mud Island are both good options to check out. mightylights.com/

8. Snap Selfies at Mud Island River Park

Tap into your inner river rat at Mud Island River Park. It takes just a few minutes to walk to it from downtown Memphis, and you’ll enjoy lounging on this Mississippi River island. It’s also a perfect spot for some social media selfies thanks to the huge Memphis sign, which spans 50 feet.

This 52-acre park also features a scale model of the Mississippi River to give you a sense of the true breadth of the world’s third largest river basin. Traveling with pets? Mud Island is also a great location for a long walk with your dog. memphisparks.com/park/mud-island-park/

9. Drop into the Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Not only is Memphis home to the blues and rock ‘n roll, it has also played a pivotal role in America’s soul music scene. The Stax Museum is the original home of the legendary Stax recording studio, which was the recording label of iconic artists like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Shirley Brown, and many others.

Explore the rich history of the studio through exhibits and artifacts. You’ll even get the chance to see Isaac Hayes’ custom Cadillac Eldorado, decked out in 24-karat gold trim with a mini-fridge and television on the inside. The Stax Museum is closed on Mondays; tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for kids 9-12; children 8 and under are free. staxmuseum.com/

10. Wander Through Meeman-Shelby Forest

Needa dose of nature? Memphis has that, too! Head 20 minutes outside of downtown Memphis for the enchanting Meeman-Shelby Forest. You can explore 13,000 acres of wilderness that is home to a diverse range of ecosystems. Discover sandy beaches and swamplands (home to the Bald Cypress tree).

There are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, including trails, a nature center, and a disc golf course. tnstateparks.com/parks/meeman-shelby

The Takeaway

From a huge music scene to pivotal moments in history, from parks to nightly light shows, Memphis has attractions worth exploring for all ages. It doesn’t matter if you have a few days or a full week — it’s easy to fill your schedule with tons of fun things to do in Memphis on any budget.

FAQ

Is Beale Street worth a visit?

Beale Street is considered a must-visit if you’re visiting Memphis, whether it’s your first time or you’ve vacationed there before. Home of blues music, you’ll get a truly unique flavor of entertainment any time of day or night.

What is the best month to visit Memphis?

If you have a completely open calendar and are ready to head to Memphis at the perfect time of year, consider going either in mid-spring or mid-fall. You’ll miss the heat of summer and clouds of winter, so you can explore the top things to do in Memphis, Tennessee, in the best possible weather.

What is Memphis most popular for?

Memphis is best known for its music scene, both historically and today. It’s considered the home of the blues as well as the hometown of rock ‘n roll (Elvis Presley’s Graceland is there), so you’re sure to find something to enjoy.

Photo credit: iStock/benedek
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Are you 54 and seeking life insurance, chances are you are not doing so for the first time. If it is the case that you are obtaining life insurance for the first time or are simply renewing there are several factors to consider. Today’s day in age with advanced medicine, cheap life insurance rates are surprisingly low for a 54-year-old person.

Time is of the essence when you are in your early 50’s. Once you reach your 60’s, rates jump dramatically from those of someone who is in their 50’s. This of course is all dependent on your health conditions, pre-existing or otherwise.

However, the fact of the matter is that your risk to that of a life insurance company increases with your age, so seeking out insurance now is better than waiting.

Which Life Insurance is Best for a 54 Year Old?

Two of the best types of insurance for someone of age 54 are term life insurance or whole life insurance. If you are the average person, you probably don’t know the difference between the two. Even if you do, you may not know which one is best for your situation.

Term life insurance varies in the amount of time you are covered for. Terms can be anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Of the two term life insurance is the preferred route for many people of this age. Not only is it much more affordable but it also allows for an extent of flexibility that you may not otherwise find with other insurance.  Another reason that term life insurance is more popular among 50-year-olds is because their need for life insurance could be coming to an end shortly. There are a lot of people that once they retire, they don’t need life insurance for much longer, which is by buying a shorter-term life insurance policy is so valuable.

Whole life insurance, sometimes referred to as universal life insurance, will continue to cover you for as long as you make the premium payment. It is appealing in that it can be considered an asset of which you can borrow against. It of course is slightly more expensive for this reason. Whole life insurance can actually be as much as 12 times the rates of term life insurance.

If you do not know much about life insurance, there is no shame in seeking the guidance from a life insurance agent. They know how to save you money in the short and long term.

For a $250,000 policy, a 54 year old winds up paying $23.40. A $200,000 policy on the other hand with cost $41.34. A $500,000 policy is a bit pricier, valued at $71.22. For the $1 million dollar policy, the rates go to $125.15.Check these results for a $250,000 term life insurance policy:

Sex 10 Year 20 Year 30 Year
Male Protective – $35.51/month SBLI – $60.25/month Banner – $118.13/month

Female Protective – $27.81/month SBLI – $46.76/month Banner – $85.53/month

These rates of course are all dependent on your level of health. Factors such as pre-existing conditions and newly diagnosed diseases will all take a toll on the rates that you pay. Some insurance companies may ask you to take a medical exam in order to confirm that you are indeed healthy.

Getting the Lowest Life Insurance Rates

When you’re looking to purchase life insurance at 54, you’ll notice monthly premiums are much higher than when you purchased your first policy. That’s because age is one of the biggest factors in calculating your premium. Just because you are a couple years (or couple decades) older than the last time you applied, doesn’t meant that your insurance premiums have to be through the roof. There are several things that you can do to get the lowest life insurance rates possible.

The first is to improve your health. In addition to how old you are, the premium is impacted the most by how healthy you are. Most of the time you have go through a health exam before the policy is approved, and how your results come back will go a long way in the outcome of your premium.

Spend some months working on your health through diet and regular exercise. Being overweight increases your risk of having health problems later in later, which means your risk is higher to the insurance company. Sticking to a diet and getting regular exercise is not only going to help you lose weight, but it will also help lower your blood pressure and your cholesterol, which will lower your premiums even further.

Additionally, one of the best ways for you to save money on your life insurance plan is kicking the bad habits like smoking cigarettes or using tobacco. Marking yes to tobacco on your insurance applications is going to cause your quoted price to double automatically. In some cases, it could even triple. If the time comes to buy another life insurance policy, drop the cigarettes once and for all. Your wallet is going to thank you.

The easiest option to find the most affordable rates is by comparing dozens of different insurance companies before you choose the policy that works best for you. Instead of calling all of the companies yourself, our independent advisors can do all the hard work. Our agents represent dozens of the highest rated companies across the United States, and have access to the lowest rates available.

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Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad

If you do not already have insurance, there is no better time to obtain it. The life insurance over 50 policies can go up dramatically when you hit age 55.  

Life is unexpected and, tragedy could strike tomorrow. You can’t predict the future, but you can plan for the worst.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com

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Hello! Today, I have a great post from my blogging friend James. James and his wife paid off $62,000 in debt in just 7 months! 

Shortly after we got married, my wife Andrea and I got serious about our finances and paid off all our debt.

This is the story of how we turned a profit on our wedding, combined our finances, and paid off $62,000 of debt in 7 months.

Related:

Where’d all the debt come from?

All the debt was mine. I was a dumb young kid and thought I’d always be able to out earn my stupid decisions. Until one day I couldn’t.

Despite a generous 3-year military scholarship at my pricey, private college, I had student loans to pay for:

  • my housing (~$12,000 x 4)
  • my freshman year’s tuition (~$30,000)
  • and a summer study abroad program (~$15,000)

Then shortly before I graduated, USAA, a military-member’s bank, offered me a $25,000 loan at the ridiculously low rate of 2% interest. USAA dubbed it a “Career Starter Loan,” but really it was their clever way of ensuring I’d be a customer for the foreseeable future. I used $15,000 to refinance my study-abroad loan, bought a new laptop, and put the rest in savings.

If you’re keeping count, that pushed my total debt upon graduating college up over $100,000.

So of course I immediately got serious about my finances, did a budget, and started attacking my debt, right?

Nope.

I bought a sports car instead.

I was 22 years old, only 4 months into my Army career, and had racked up over ~$115,000 in debt. All I had to show for it was a fancy diploma, a 3 year old Mazda, and $1,100+/month in debt payments.

My wake up call

As can happen in the military, I got hurt.

I always knew it was a possibility, but never thought it’d happen to me. Ultimately, the Army decided it was best if they “retired” me. Just like that my once promising career was over only two years after it started.

Fortunately for me, the Army is a huge, slow moving bureaucracy and I had some time to prepare for my unexpected new life as a civilian. Unfortunately for me, I got hurt during the financial collapse of 2008 and I was entering one of the worst job markets of my life.

I didn’t know how long I’d be without a reliable income, but I knew I’d still be expected to reliably come up with $1,100/month for debt payments.

I opened an excel file and made my first crude budget, subtracting what I needed to spend each month from what I made each month. Turns out I had more money leftover at the end of the month than I realized. I saved as much of it as I could and set it aside as an emergency fund.

Six months after leaving the Army, and nearly draining my savings, I convinced a Fortune 500 company to put me in charge of a $15M/year operation. Now armed with a decent salary I set aside one month’s worth of expenses as a small emergency fund and attacked my debts with a vengeance.

I finally understood what a hindrance my debts were and I wanted them gone!

If you’d like, check out this article to get the exact tools and tactics I used to attack my debts. Following this plan, I would’ve paid off my remaining ~$80,000 and been totally debt free in 3 years.

There was just something I had to do first.

Will you marry me?

My debt was no secret to Andrea, and to her credit, she didn’t really care. She valued me more than my debt and saw how hard I worked to get through my career crisis and get my act together. In fact, we grew closer through all the craziness.

We’d been together for 5 years at this point and it was time to move our relationship forward. I paid off a couple more debts, kept current on my remaining balances, and used my excess cash each month to save for an engagement ring.

In September 2011 I asked Andrea to marry me, she said yes, and we were married a year later.

In that year, I paid the minimum payments on my remaining debts and we saved all our excess cash to pay for our wedding and honeymoon.

We made sure to stretch our dollars by:

  • Booking a daytime wedding, it was a lot cheaper to rent a venue during the day than at night.
  • We rented centerpieces (the vases all the flowers went in) instead of buying them. I’m not sure what we would’ve done with 20 identical glass cylinders after the wedding, anyway.
  • Made our invitations and programs using kits available from craft stores.
  • “Hired” friends and family in the industry we would’ve been willing to hire even if we didn’t know them
  • Andrea’s aunt is a seamstress and made all the bridesmaids dresses.
  • Our DJ/Pianist was a friend.
  • Our Photographer was a friend.

In the end, we had a beautiful wedding, a great honeymoon, and were able to pay for everything in cash. We even had a bit leftover.

Joining forces

After our honeymoon, we moved into a new rental house and started combining our finances. Then once we could see all our money coming into and going out of the same account, we redid our budget.

Andrea and I both earned similar incomes, but now our expenses were much less as a married couple than when we lived on our own. We only had one rent payment, one set of utilities, etc. Since our “married” expenses each month were pretty close to what each of us spent as a single person we had a lot of cash left at the end of the month.

By this point, the debt was down to ~$62,000 and it was time for us to attack it.

Andrea and I both wanted to pay off the debt quickly, but we didn’t agree on how. The main point of contention centered around the money we had leftover from our wedding, wedding gift cash, and some of Andrea’s savings from her years as a responsible person.

Even though Andrea had shown me incredible grace, I still felt ashamed of my debt. I didn’t want it hanging over our heads and was willing to take drastic action to to wipe it out.  

I wanted to throw most of our savings at debt, leaving just enough to act as a small emergency fund. Then once the debt was totally gone, we’d rebuild our savings to its previous level.

That plan would have us out of debt really fast, but was risky as it would leave us with only a small emergency fund for a while. I didn’t love this risky plan, but I was anxious to pay off our debts and was already used to living with only a small emergency fund. Besides, with two incomes I figured the odds of us having a catastrophic emergency were quite small.

Andrea, however, hated that plan.

She wasn’t comfortable with the risk and did not want to drain our savings. Having a big emergency fund gave her a sense of security I’d never experienced before and the idea of only having a small emergency fund freaked her out.

Balancing speed with security was a new concept for us. We viewed risk differently and had to come up with a plan we’d both be happy with. The more we talked about it, though, the less our conversations centered on our finances.

Instead, we focussed more on building the life we wanted.

Debt freedom and a big emergency fund were just some of the ingredients.

We both wanted to travel. We both wanted to give to charity. We both wanted to pursue work we love.

Paying off the debt would give us the freedom to do so.

We never wanted to worry about putting food on the table. We never wanted to wonder how we’d pay our rent. We didn’t ever want to be tied to a job we didn’t like just because we needed the money.

A big emergency fund would help us avoid those things.

Our plan for paying down debt

So here’s what we came up with.

  • We agreed to use some savings to pay off a couple of my smaller student loans completely. This still left us with enough of an emergency fund to maintain Andrea’s sense of security.
  • We agreed to keep our expenses to less than half of our combined income. We could’ve afforded to rent a fancier house and eat lobster every night, but we chose not to. This way, if one of us lost our jobs we’d still be able to pay rent and keep food on the table. While we were both working, though, we’d use the leftover cash to attack the remaining debt.
  • We agreed to stay focussed and pay off all the remaining debt in less than a year. If by our first anniversary we still had some debt we’d tap into our savings to pay off whatever small amount was left.

Assuming everything went according to plan, we’d be debt free with a healthy emergency fund within the first year of our marriage.

FINALLY DEBT FREE!

Everything went according to plan and we’re done paying down debt!

Seven months later we were totally debt free. ~$62,000 paid off and we still had a healthy emergency fund.

Or to put it another way, we paid off ~$115,000 in five years, about a year faster than if we’d not gotten married and I just paid it off myself. I paid off ~$53,000 in 4 years on my own, slowed down my debt attack to get married, and together with my awesome wife wiped out the rest.

Even more important than paying off the debt, Andrea and I learned how to set the course of our lives and take action to get us there. We grew closer as a couple as we faced the challenge of paying off debt. Best of all Andrea and I learned to work together to achieve great things.

Now it’s your turn

Maybe you’ve never talked about hopes and dreams or set goals with your partner.  Or maybe you’ve never even thought about it for yourself. This can be tough and tricky, but I’d like to help you out.

It’s pretty easy to articulate a “what” and a “how” for money and call it a day. Take for example “Let’s pay off our credit card/student loan debt by cutting our expenses.” That’s great and responsible, but boring. Instead, as Andrea and I learned, start with “why” you want to do something.

Think about or ask your partner:

  • How would it feel to have an extra $100, $500, or $1,000 leftover at the end of the month?
  • How would you approach your career differently if you didn’t have to trade your labor just to pay Sallie Mae or Visa?
  • How much fun could you have?
  • How generous could you be?
  • What new options would you have in your life?

Taking this approach, you’d come up with something like: “I want to take a job for the love of it, give more money to charity, buy that thing I’ve always wanted without feeling guilty, and/or stay home with the kids. So let’s trim our expenses to pay off our debt.”

With a solid “why” like that, the “what” and “how” are just details. You’ll also be much more likely to stick with your goals when, not if, something comes along to distract you.

Pessimism is practical

If you find yourself struggling to come up with a worthy “why” release your inner pessimist. Think about all the things you don’t want in life. Think about what you’re afraid of. Then flip it by stating the opposite.

Take “I’m afraid I’m going to work as a corporate slave forever just to pay off my student loans” and flip it to “I want to pay off these loans so I can afford to work for a non-profit.”

“We’re going to be too broke to travel or have any fun when we get older” flips to become “I want to travel the world with our friends and family, so let’s save up a bunch of money to do so.”

Once you have your “why” figured out, “what” to do with your money and “how” will come more easily.

You’ll be able to withstand temptation and not get distracted by shiny stuff. And by working towards a worthy “why” together with your partner, you’ll learn to talk about money without fighting because you won’t just be talking about money. Instead, you’ll be planning and working towards a better life together.

I hope you and your partner will face the challenge of your finances, decide what you really want for your lives, and work towards your goals together. Aggressively paying off our debts actually brought Andrea and I closer together and deepened our marriage. We learned how to talk about tough subjects, set goals, and work together to achieve them. You and your partner can do the same.

Author bio: James helps couples handle and talk about money without fighting at loveandmoneymatters.com. Enjoy his blog post about paying down debt below.

What’s your family’s biggest financial goal? Why is it important to you? Are you currently paying down debt?

If you are new to my blog, I am all about finding ways to make and save more money. Here are some of my favorite sites and products that may help you out:

  • Find ways to make extra money – Here are over 75 different ways to make extra money.
  • Cut your TV bill. Cut your cable, satellite, etc. Even go as far to go without Netflix or Hulu as well. Buy a digital antenna and enjoy free TV for life.
  • Start a blog. Blogging is how I make a living and just a few years ago I never thought it would be possible. I earn over $100,000 a month online through my blog and you can read more about this in my monthly online income reports. You can create your own blog here with my easy-to-use tutorial. You can start your blog for as low as $2.75 per month plus you get a free domain if you sign-up through my tutorial. Also, I have a free How To Start A Blog email course that I recommend signing up for.
  • You should know your credit score – Check your credit score with Credit Sesame for free!
  • Answer surveys. Survey companies I recommend include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, American Consumer Opinion, Pinecone Research, Prize Rebel, and Harris Poll Online. They’re free to join and free to use! You get paid to answer surveys and to test products. It’s best to sign up for as many as you can as that way you can receive the most surveys and make the most money.
  • Sign up for a website like Ebates where you can earn CASH BACK for just spending like how you normally would online. The service is free too! Plus, when you sign up through my link, you also receive a free $10 cash back too!
  • Save money on food. I joined $5 Meal Plan in order to help me eat at home more and cut my food spending. It’s only $5 a month and you get meal plans sent straight to you along with the exact shopping list you need in order to create the meals. Each meal costs around $2 per person or less. This allows you to save time because you won’t have to meal plan anymore, and it will save you money as well!
  • I highly recommend Credible for student loan refinancing. You can lower the interest rate on your student loans significantly by using Credible which may help you shave thousands off your student loan bill over time.
  • Try InboxDollars. InboxDollars is an online rewards website I recommend. You can earn cash by taking surveys, playing games, shopping online, searching the web, redeeming grocery coupons, and more. Also, by signing up through my link, you will receive $5.00 for free just for signing up!

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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Investing requires resolve and a long-term vision, but it doesn’t actually have to involve the stock market. Here’s a guide to non-stock investing options:

Precious Metals

During the Great Recession, precious metal commodities like gold and silver were all the rage. As the stock market lost more than 50 percent of its value, gold and silver started a monumental rise in price. Gold went from around $600 per ounce in 2007 to peak at $1,900 per ounce in 2011.

The prices of the most popular commodities have since fallen from their peak; but had you invested in precious metals for that period of time (and others like it in history), you would have netted a healthy profit for your portfolio.

Relying solely on precious metals for your portfolio is extremely risky, though, and I wouldn’t suggest it. However, commodities do tend to act in an opposite manner to the stock market, and using precious metals as a hedge against volatility can be a great strategy.

Related >> Beginners’ Guide to Investing

Peer-to-Peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending is one of my favorite alternative investments. It is the ultimate win-win for consumers. Consumer “A” gets a loan from Consumer “B” (and typically a large group of other investing consumers). Then Consumer A gets to pay off high-interest-rate credit card debt that stands at 20 percent with a personal loan that has a fixed term and a fixed interest rate of, say, 10 percent. This also means a fixed payment each month.

For their part, Consumer B and his friends get to enjoy a much higher rate of return than they would be able to reach with cash sitting in the bank. Both sides win: The borrower gets a lower rate and a fixed term to pay off the loan while the lender enjoys a healthy rate of return.

It’s true that some see peer-to-peer lending as a risky asset class because you are relying on strangers to pay the loan back. As with any type of investing, you don’t want to put all your eggs into one basket. Diversifying your portfolio of loans helps tremendously when you do experience a loan that goes unpaid. (Plus, P2P websites like Lending Club and Prosper have collection methods that kick in on borrowers who miss payments.)

I’ve become so enamored with peer-to-peer lending that I decided to embark on a little experiment. I divvied up about half of my Solo 401(k )contribution into both Lending Club and Prosper. The goal of the experiment was two-fold:

  1. See how much interest I could make with this investment strategy.
  2. Compare the two companies to see which one provided better earnings.

Overall, I was pleased with the results. Both companies netted double-digit returns for me, and I plan to add more money into these investments.

Owning a Business

Hands down, I think the alternative investment with the highest potential rate of return is running your own business. This isn’t without risk — the vast majority of small businesses die within five years — but if you can outlast the statistics, it can be extremely rewarding.

I used to work for a company providing financial advisory services. I took a huge leap of faith, started a business, and started blogging. My financial planning business has thrived and my blog has earned well over six figures since I started.

The beautiful thing about running a small business is not only are you the boss, but you can grow and maintain it as much as you want. Maybe you love your full-time job but you want to try out a new skill. Spend your nights and weekends trying it out, earn some extra dough, and keep working full time. Even a little side income can make a huge difference in your financial life, and when you don’t have time to maintain it, then slow down and focus on other priorities.

Related >> Best side jobs for extra cash

Real Estate

If you’re interested in…

-significant cash flow

-leveraging other people’s money

-enjoying large tax write-offs

…then real estate can be a great choice.

Let me be clear so I don’t sound like a late-night infomercial: Real estate investing is difficult. The learning curve is significant. When you first start, you *are* putting all of your eggs in one basket because you will only have one property to rent out or flip. A previous GRS writer shared his experience of rushing into real estate investing.

Many people have lost their shirts trying to get rich with real estate. Even Dave Ramsey went bankrupt based on a series of really poor real estate investments at the start of his career.

Amid all the horror stories about crazy tenants, poor cash flow, and something always breaking, there is some significant income to be had from real estate investing. What’s better is you don’t have to put 100 percent down on a house. You can usually get away with 25 percent to 35 percent as a down payment and let the bank fund the rest of the purchase. This leverage means you can leave more money in reserve for the inevitable issues that pop up or to expand into a larger number of properties faster.

Bonds

Nearing retirement? You’ll want to cut back on your stock allocation and put some of those funds into bonds. You might associate bonds with the stock market because they are so commonly paired with stocks in a portfolio, but technically bonds are traded on the bond market. You won’t generate sky-high returns here, but you will also cut out a majority of the volatility you get from stocks. Very few bond investments have lost 50 percent of their value for two years and then returned 100 percent the next four years.

Related >> Investing 101: How Bonds Work

Investing in individual bonds carries more risk because they are not diversified. If the company that issues the bond goes under, you might not get your principal investment back. However, bond ETFs and mutual funds can provide the non-stock exposure of bonds with the added benefit of diversification.

Certificates of Deposit

The lowly certificate of deposit or CD. Simple. Basic. Low return.

And sometimes. . . just what the doctor ordered.

A CD is a simple financial product where you hand over some cash to a bank or credit union for a set period of time and a set interest rate. If you have less than $250,000 in total assets at that bank or credit union — across *all* accounts — your investment principal is guaranteed by the FDIC. You literally cannot lose the principal balance if you use this method.

The upside of CDs is stability and guarantee. The downside is, at least right now, inflation will be eating away at your principal balance. Certificate of deposit rates are extremely low due to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies but if rock-solid security is your number one investment driver, this is worth a look.

Related >> Best CD Rates

Annuities

Ewww. . . annuities. Don’t all personal finance bloggers hate annuities?

Listen, I get it. Annuities CAN be bad. Terrible, in fact. Fees, confusing contract terms, and an encyclopedia of fine print.

Most people don’t realize there are several types of annuities: fixed, immediate, variable, equity-indexed, and several more.

Hear me out. The right annuity with the right, sensible, un-scammy terms can be a solid foundation for a retirement portfolio.

In fact, Mike Piper, a previous GRS contributor, shared how you can create retirement income by purchasing the right annuity.

But like any investment, buy with caution. And be wary of commission-hungry, shady advisers just looking to make a sale vs. matching you with an investment that works toward your financial goals.

Yourself

Last but certainly not least, investing in yourself can pay dramatic dividends. I have personally done this in a variety of ways. Besides getting my CFP certification — certified financial planner — another major investment I made in myself was signing up for a coaching program.

I can’t blame you if you’re skeptical about coaching programs. I was too. It’s been more than three years since I signed up for The Strategic Coaching program and it has literally been the best investment I ever made. The mentoring has allowed me to grow my business significantly, and the return on what I paid has been tremendous. It makes a 9 percent return in the stock market look like nothing.

In all, when you think of investing, you don’t have to immediately think of bull or bear markets or even markets at all. There are other avenues to explore. Let us know what’s working for you in the comments section below.

Source: getrichslowly.org

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Office real estate investments trusts are trading at their lowest level since 2009 as the trend toward remote work leaves desks empty and economic pressures tighten corporate budgets.

The S&P Composite 1500 Office REITs index is down 27% in 2023, plunging to its worst reading since July 22, 2009. Office landlords comprise just 6% of the REIT sector, which explains why the broader S&P Composite Equity REITs index is down just 5.2% year-to-date and the S&P 500 Real Estate sector has dropped 4.5%. Offices are what’s weighing on the group.

“There’s two ways to lose money: You can own a boat, or you can own an office building,” Piper Sandler analyst Alexander Goldfarb said. “At least with the boat you can take your friends out on a sunset cruise.”

While the stress on the office sector may not be new, the shift to working from home has exacerbated the problem. However, much of the damage could already be priced into the stocks after this latest selloff, analysts said. 

In addition, fears about commercial real estate have added to the woes of regional bank stocks that typically fund local projects like strip malls and small office buildings. The sector has been pressured since the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in March sparked industrywide turmoil. Now some investors fear that its exposure to office weakness could be the next shoe to drop. 

However, those worries may be overblown. 

“There’s probably going to be some heartburn in the bank space and probably some charge-offs,” said Ben Gerlinger, an analyst at Hovde Group. “But I think a lot of smaller and community regional banks are well-positioned.”

Quality Counts

What’s more, the outlook for office landlords could improve as companies encourage workers to return to their desks and restrict remote work policies. 

“We’re starting to see some of that reversal,” RBC Capital Markets analyst Michael Carroll said. “You’re seeing the first steps of people starting to reutilize their office spaces when they weren’t just a few years ago.”

The age and quality of each building will be a key differentiator in which offices succeed over the long term and which don’t. Newer office buildings with modern amenities will likely benefit the most as companies seek out spaces that will entice workers back into the office.

And of course, the financial makeup of each office landlord is key. Industrial and senior housing landlords could prove to be potential bright spots due to their healthy fundamentals and strong cash flow generation, according to Carroll. 

Similarly, Piper Sandler’s Goldfarb recently upgraded Douglas Emmett Inc. to overweight because of its small tenant focus and lower cost of leasing. On the opposite end of the spectrum, he slapped an underweight rating on New York-based Vornado Realty Trust due to its struggling balance sheet and development exposure around Manhattan’s Penn Station expansion project. 

So identifying winners and losers among office REITs remains a stock-picker’s game. But in the end, the damage may not turn out to be as bad as investors’ angst.

“There are a lot headwinds out there,” Goldfarb said. “But when you really look into it, the fear is much bigger than reality.” 

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

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Today we’ll take a look at the top mortgage lenders in Oregon, based on total loan volume.

Nearly 700 different mortgage companies duked it out last year in a bid to take first place in Oregon, originating about $91 billion in home loans in the process.

And like many other states in the nation, a certain Rocket Mortgage topped the rankings in The Beaver State.

That doesn’t come as much of a surprise given their dominance throughout the country, and their national #1 ranking.

Read on to see who else made the top 10 lists for home purchase lending and mortgage refinancing.

Top Mortgage Lenders in Oregon (Overall)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $4.6 billion
2. UWM $3.5 billion
3. Guild Mortgage $3.2 billion
4. Umpqua Bank $3.2 billion
5. U.S. Bank $3.1 billion
6. Caliber Home Loans $3.0 billion
7. Chase $2.8 billion
8. OnPoint Community CU $2.7 billion
9. Wells Fargo $2.5 billion
10. loanDepot $2.1 billion

As stated, Detroit-based Rocket Mortgage took the top spot in Oregon with $4.6 funded in 2021, per HMDA stats from Richey May.

Their crosstown rival United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) was on their tail with $3.5 billion in second place.

Third went to San Diego, California-based Guild Mortgage with a close $3.2 billion funded during the year.

In fourth we finally see a hometown lender represented, Portland-based Umpqua Bank and their $3.2 in loan origination volume.

Taking fifth was another depository, Minnesota-based U.S. Bank with $3.1 billion in home loan volume.

Others in the top 10 included Caliber Home Loans, Chase, Portland-based OnPoint Community Credit Union, Wells Fargo, and loanDepot.

So just two of the top 10 are native Oregon companies, and both are headquartered in Portland.

Top Oregon Mortgage Lenders (for Home Purchases)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Guild Mortgage $1.7 billion
2. Caliber Home Loans $1.5 billion
3. UWM $1.5 billion
4. Umpqua Bank $1.5 billion
5. Chase $1.2 billion
6. U.S. Bank $1.1 billion
7. OnPoint Community CU $922 million
8. Fairway Independent $902 million
9. Wells Fargo $875 million
10. Finance of America $773 million

When we filter out the refis and focus only on home purchase loans, Guild Mortgage took the cake with $1.7 billion funded in the state of Oregon.

That makes them the go-to lender for Oregon home buyers, despite being located in Southern California.

In second was Caliber Home Loans with $1.5 billion funded, just slightly better than UWM’s similar $1.5 billion in purchase loan volume.

Umpqua Bank again took fourth place with $1.5 billion, followed by JPMorgan Chase’s $1.2 billion.

The rest of the top 10 included U.S. Bank, OnPoint Community CU, Fairway Independent Mortgage, Wells Fargo, and Finance of America.

Similar to the list above, just two Oregon-based companies made the top 10 list, surprising since home buyers typically gravitate to local lending institutions.

Top Refinance Lenders in Oregon (for Existing Homeowners)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $3.8 billion
2. UWM $2.0 billion
3. U.S. Bank $1.8 billion
4. OnPoint Community CU $1.7 billion
5. Wells Fargo $1.6 billion
6. Umpqua Bank $1.6 billion
7. Chase $1.6 billion
8. loanDepot $1.5 billion
9. Guild Mortgage $1.5 billion
10. Caliber Home Loans $1.5 billion

When we single out mortgage refinances, such as rate and term refis and cash out refis, Rocket Mortgage easily took #1 with $3.8 billion funded.

They were again trailed by UWM with $2.0 billion funded and U.S. Bank’s $1.8 billion in refi loans.

Once again, an Oregon-based lender took fourth, OnPoint Community CU, with $1.7 billion funded.

Rounding out the top five was San Francisco-based Wells Fargo, which is fairly closely located to the Oregon border.

The rest of the best included Umpqua Bank, Chase, loanDepot, Guild Mortgage, and Caliber Home Loans.

In this list, we saw the two previously mentioned Oregon-based mortgage companies represented again.

Top Mortgage Lenders in Portland, OR

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. UWM $3.0 billion
2. Rocket Mortgage $2.9 billion
3. OnPoint Community CU $2.5 billion
4. Chase $2.3 billion
5. Guild Mortgage $2.2 billion
6. U.S. Bank $2.1 billion
7. Umpqua Bank $2.0 billion
8. Wells Fargo $1.9 billion
9. Caliber Home Loans $1.8 billion
10. Pennymac $1.4 billion

Did the Best Oregon Mortgage Lenders Make the List?

While many of the names mentioned above have good or even excellent ratings overall from customer reviews, not many Oregon-based companies made the lists.

However, there are lots of highly-rated loan officers from both Umpqua Bank and OnPoint Community CU based on their Zillow reviews.

If you prefer to keep it local, you may want to look beyond the biggest names, at least in terms of loan volume.

For example, Willamette Valley Bank has an impressive 4.98-star rating on Zillow from over 2,200 reviews, and PacRes Mortgage has an even better 4.99-star rating from 1,100+ reviews.

Both are Oregon-based mortgage companies. The same is true of Portland-based Mortgage Express and Tualatin-based Capital Hill Mortgage.

There are lots of home loan lending options in the state of Oregon, so take a moment to see what’s out there before simply jumping at a big name.

Sometimes the best lender isn’t a household name, but instead a small, local shop.

(photo: Colin Durfee)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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Today we’ll take a look at the top mortgage lenders in Ohio.

Last year, nearly 1,000 mortgage companies originated about $113 billion in home loans there.

But one company dominated the rest by a fairly large margin.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t the nation’s top mortgage lender, but rather a depository bank.

Read on to see who took the top spot and what other companies did a lot of business in The Buckeye State.

Top Mortgage Lenders in Ohio (Overall)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Huntington Bank $7.8 billion
2. Rocket Mortgage $6.4 billion
3. Union Savings Bank $4.1 billion
4. Fifth Third Bank $3.9 billion
5. Chase $3.2 billion
6. U.S. Bank $3.0 billion
7. Wells Fargo $2.4 billion
8. Third Federal $2.3 billion
9. Freedom Mortgage $2.1 billion
10. Union Home Mortgage $2.1 billion

The top mortgage lender in Ohio last year was Huntington Bank, a company founded all the way back in 1866.

In 2021, the Columbus, Ohio-based company funded $7.8 billion in home loans, per HMDA data from Richey May.

That was more than enough to hold off Rocket Mortgage’s $6.4 billion, the nation’s top overall mortgage lender.

In third was Cincinnati, Ohio-based Union Savings Bank with $4.1 billion funded, followed by fellow Cincinnati-based bank Fifth Third with $3.9 billion in loan volume.

Rounding out the top five was JPMorgan Chase with $3.2 billion funded. Chase was the only entry not located in the Midwest.

The rest of the top 10 consisted of U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, Third Federal Mortgage (Cleveland, OH), Freedom Mortgage, and Union Home Mortgage (Strongsville, OH).

So it seems Ohioans like to keep it local when obtaining a home loan.

Top Ohio Mortgage Lenders (for Home Buyers)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Huntington Bank $2.8 billion
2. U.S. Bank $1.6 billion
3. CrossCountry Mortgage $1.5 billion
4. Rocket Mortgage $1.3 billion
5. Union Home Mortgage $1.3 billion
6. Chase $1.2 billion
7. Fairway Independent $1.2 billion
8. Fifth Third $1.1 billion
9. Wells Fargo $1.1 billion
10. Pennymac $979 million

When it came to home purchase lending, Huntington Bank once again led the charge with $2.8 billion funded.

They were followed by Minneapolis, Minnesota-based U.S. Bank with $1.6 billion and CrossCountry Mortgage (Brecksville, OH) with $1.5 billion funded.

The nation’s top lender, Rocket Mortgage, took fourth with $1.3 billion in purchase loan origination volume, trailed by Union Home Mortgage with a similar $1.3 billion.

Places six through 10 went to Chase, Fairway Independent Mortgage, Fifth Third Bank, Wells Fargo, and Pennymac.

No big surprises here, with more local companies and big household names making the list.

Top Refinance Lenders in Ohio (for Existing Homeowners)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $4.9 billion
2. Huntington Bank $4.6 billion
3. Union Savings Bank $3.1 billion
4. Fifth Third Bank $2.6 billion
5. Chase $1.9 billion
6. Freedom Mortgage $1.8 billion
7. PNC Bank $1.4 billion
8. Wells Fargo $1.2 billion
9. U.S. Bank $1.2 billion
10. Third Federal $1.2 billion

When we shift focus to mortgage refinance loans, Rocket Mortgage is king with $4.9 billion funded.

Per usual, homeowners are happy to look at non-local options as they go for the lowest rate, as opposed to a familiar face.

In second was Huntington Bank with a close $4.6 billion funded, followed by Union Savings Bank with $3.1 billion.

Fifth Third took fourth (confusing) with $2.6 billion in refinance volume, followed by Chase with $1.9 billion.

The remaining companies in the top 10 included Freedom Mortgage, PNC Bank, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, and Third Federal.

All in all, more of the same, Ohio-based mortgage companies and big national brands/banks.

Top Mortgage Lenders in Cincinnati

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Union Savings Bank $2.0 billion
2. Huntington Bank $1.4 billion
3. Fifth Third Bank $1.4 billion
4. Rocket Mortgage $1.2 billion
5. Guardian Savings Bank $1.1 billion
6. U.S. Bank $1.1 billion
7. Guaranteed Rate $645 million
8. Wells Fargo $639 million
9. Freedom Mortgage $597 million
10. PNC Bank $539 million

Top Mortgage Lenders in Cleveland

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $1.6 billion
2. Huntington Bank $1.5 billion
3. Third Federal $1.1 billion
4. CrossCountry Mortgage $1.0 billion
5. Fifth Third Bank $780 million
6. KeyBank $714 million
7. First Federal Savings $569 million
8. Chase $566 million
9. Wells Fargo $550 million
10. Citizens Bank $518 million

Top Mortgage Lenders in Columbus (OH)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Huntington Bank $2.4 billion
2. Chase $1.4 billion
3. Union Savings Bank $1.4 billion
4. Rocket Mortgage $1.3 billion
5. Fifth Third Bank $945 million
6. U.S. Bank $898 million
7. Union Home Mortgage $722 million
8. Wells Fargo $637 million
9. Mr. Cooper $535 million
10. Freedom Mortgage $535 million

Who Are the Best Ohio Mortgage Lenders?

While the Huntington Bank was Ohio’s largest mortgage lender, its reviews are pretty mixed, with a lot of 3-star ratings across different review websites.

It’s difficult to determine if that’s due to mortgage lending or other bank services offered by the company.

Regardless, there are other mortgage companies in Ohio with far superior ratings, even if they aren’t as large.

For example, CrossCountry Mortgage has an excellent 4.97-star rating on Zillow from a staggering 18,000 customer reviews.

Meanwhile, Revolution Mortgage has a 4.96 rating, Lower.com has a 4.92-rating, Union Home Mortgage has a 4.89-rating, and Nations Lending has a 4.81 score.

The highest rated Ohio-based mortgage company on Zillow is a tie between American Mortgage Service Company and Equity Resources, Inc., both with a 4.98 score.

So it’s clear there are plenty of highly-rated Ohio mortgage companies that aren’t necessarily the biggest of the bunch.

At the same time, you may also find that working with a mortgage broker or local credit union is the way to go.

Regardless of what option you choose, do your research and take your time to ensure you obtain quality service at a competitive price.

(photo: tlarrow)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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By Peter Anderson 1 Comment – The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited August 25, 2011.

Over the past few years of personal finance blogging one of the companies that I’ve heard recommended time and again as one of the best places to invest is Vanguard. The reasons why people love them so much include the facts that they have low costs as compared to so many other companies, they offer a diverse set of index funds to choose from, and even some of their actively managed funds are super affordable when compared to the competition.

Another thing that a lot of folks like is that it is relatively easy to buy into mutual funds at Vanguard with low initial mutual fund investments. Most vanguard funds with exceptions of one, the Vanguard STAR® Fund (which had a $1,000 minimum) had initial investments of around $3000. This past week Vanguard announced that they were lowering the initial investments for a wider range of funds to $1000 in order to make investing with Vanguard that much easier.  In addition a variety of other funds have had their fund minimum lowered to $3000.

Vanguard Lowers Target Retirement Fund Minimums

Vanguard announced that they were lowering their fund minimums for their Target Retirement Funds last week, as well as reducing and standardizing minimums for other fund types.

To help investors take the first step toward a more financially secure retirement, we’re lowering the minimum initial investment for our popular Target Retirement Fund series from $3,000 to $1,000, effective immediately. Previously, only one of our funds, Vanguard STAR® Fund, had a $1,000 minimum.

“Investing early and investing regularly are two of the most important things investors can do to help ensure their retirement readiness,” said Vanguard CEO Bill McNabb. “By reducing the investment requirements for our target-date funds, we hope to encourage more individuals to participate in the financial markets.”

In addition, Vanguard is standardizing the minimum investment for Investor Shares of nearly all our other funds at $3,000. Previously, fund minimums for the affected funds ranged from $3,000 to $25,000. This change reduces the minimum investment for 15 Vanguard funds, including some of our oldest and largest actively managed funds, such as the Wellington™ Fund, Windsor™ II Fund, and Health Care Fund.

Target Retirement Funds Affected

Here’s a list of the Target Retirement Funds affected by the lowered minimums:

  • Target Retirement 2010
  • Target Retirement 2015
  • Target Retirement 2020
  • Target Retirement 2025
  • Target Retirement 2030
  • Target Retirement 2035
  • Target Retirement 2040
  • Target Retirement 2045
  • Target Retirement 2050
  • Target Retirement 2055

Vanguard Now Even Friendlier For Newer Investors

Vanguard has been known as a friendly place for newer and experienced investors alike, but I think that this move will most likely be one that ingratiates them even more to the newer investors who previously may not have had the $3000 to start an account. $1000 is that much more accessible to newer investors who just want to test the waters and get started investing – even if they don’t have a ton of money to work with.

As Vanguard mentions in their post – investing early and regularly are two very important pieces of the puzzle – and this move will most likely help a lot more people to get started earlier.  I think I’ve mentioned in the past that I wished Vanguard would reduce the minimums on their funds – especially the target retirement funds.  Others including Mike at obliviousinvestor.com has also written about how they wished Vanguard would get rid of minimums to make their funds more accessible.   Now they have, and I’m sure investors everywhere are happy with the change.  I know I am.

What do you think?  Are you more likely to invest with Vanguard now that they’ve reduced their minimums for so many of their account types? Do you use Vanguard? Tell us your experience in the comments!

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Source: biblemoneymatters.com

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Las Vegas is known for many things, typically its world-famous casinos and that legendary nightlife. There’s a reason they say, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

For some people, those features of Las Vegas are exactly what they want. But not everyone loves to play the slot machines, try their luck at roulette, or sip those fancy cocktails. The good news is you don’t have to: There are countless things to do in Las Vegas, and only a small fraction involve drinking and gambling.

Here, learn about the best things to do when visiting Las Vegas because this Nevada town has a lot going on!

Best Times to Go to Las Vegas

The best times to visit Las Vegas can depend on your personal preferences. What do you want to do while you are there? Here are some things to keep in mind:

•   Weather: Las Vegas can be very hot if you opt for summer travel. Temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit during that time. So, if you prefer not to be covered in sweat, the best time to visit in terms of weather is usually in the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May), when temperatures are milder. However, if you are planning a visit that involves nothing but casino time, seeing shows, and hitting the pool, you can travel pretty much whenever.

•   Events: Las Vegas hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including the Electric Daisy Carnival music festival in May, the World Series of Poker in the summer, and the National Finals Rodeo in December. If there is a particular event you want to attend, that could influence when you decide to go.

•   Crowds: Las Vegas is a popular destination all year, but certain times of year tend to be busier than others. The winter holidays and New Year’s Eve are typically the busiest times, while weekdays in the summer can be quieter.

Generally, the best time to visit Las Vegas depends on what you want to do and see. If you want to avoid crowds and extreme heat, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. If you want to attend a specific event, plan your trip around that. Also, consider travel insurance to give yourself peace of mind in case you hit any obstacles before or during your trip.

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Bad Times to Go to Las Vegas

Again, the bad times to visit Las Vegas are subjective and depend on your preferences. For most people, though, here are times of the year that might be less enjoyable:

•   Summer: As mentioned, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. That could make it an uncomfortable time to visit for many.

•   Major holidays: Las Vegas is a popular destination on many major holidays, including New Year’s Eve, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. During these times, hotels and attractions can be crowded, and prices might be higher than usual.

•   Convention weekends: Las Vegas is a popular destination for business conferences and conventions, and hotel rates can be higher during these times. You might also find that the city is more crowded than usual.

As you can see, the worst times to visit Las Vegas also depend on your personal inclinations. If you want to avoid crowds and high prices, it’s best to avoid major holidays and conventions. If you can’t handle the heat, staying away during the summer is best.

Average Cost of a Las Vegas Vacation

The cost of a Las Vegas vacation can vary widely depending on factors such as the time of year, duration of your visit, accommodations, dining and entertainment options, and your budget for spending. It might help if you already have a travel fund, but it depends on how much you will spend. Here is a general breakdown of common expenses for a one-person and couple’s vacation:

One-Person Vacation:

•   Accommodations: A mid-range hotel room can cost around $100-$200 per night; luxury hotels in Vegas will of course typically be more, but you may be able to use hacks that will lower that cost and help you save money on hotels.

•   Flights: Round-trip flights generally cost around $200-$500, depending on the departure city and time of year.

•   Transportation: Taxis, Ubers, and public transportation can add up to around $50-$100 or more. Of course, they might cost you more money depending on how often you use them.

•   Food and drink: Meals can cost around $20-$50 per day, depending on where and what you eat, plus drinks and snacks can add another $20-$50 per day.

•   Entertainment: Shows, attractions, and activities can range from free to several hundred dollars per person. Tickets to those high-profile residencies can get quite pricey.

Total: A one-person vacation to Las Vegas can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more, depending on the above factors. Also consider things like traveling with pets, which will increase your costs as hotels typically add a charge and you might have additional transportation costs getting to pet-friendly parks.

Couple’s Vacation:

•   Hotels: A mid-range hotel room can cost around $100-$200 per night or more for a luxury hotel.

•   Flights: Round-trip flights can cost around $400-$1,000, depending on the departure city and time of year. However, you can save money or get extra perks with an airline credit card or cash back rewards credit card.

•   Transportation: Taxis, Ubers, and public transportation can add up to around $100-$200. Again, it depends in part on how much you use them.

•   Food and drink: Meals can cost around $40-$100 per day for two people, depending on where and what you eat. Drinks and snacks might add another $40-$100 per day.

•   Entertainment: Shows, attractions, and activities can range from free to several hundred dollars per person.

Total: A couple’s vacation to Las Vegas might cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on the above factors. Naturally, how much you can afford will have an effect on your budget.

10 Fun Must-Dos in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is one of the best places in the country for all kinds of entertainment. Whether young or old, you are never more than a few steps away from something interesting. This list of the best things to do in Vegas is culled from top-rated attractions on popular review sites, as well as insider intel from savvy travelers.

The good thing about taking a trip to Las Vegas is that the Strip is generally the focal point. So, if you stay near the Strip, you are sure to find many attractions that are accessible. Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as traversing the Strip takes more steps than you might realize.

1. Visit the Las Vegas Strip

As the main attraction in Vegas, the Strip has numerous shops, restaurants, and shows. Of course, you can visit the casinos if you prefer, but even the Strip has plenty to do that doesn’t involve gambling. Admire the Bellagio’s fountains and the artwork inside the casino, or visit the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Visit the city’s museums, or enjoy some performances by the city’s various street performers. The Strip offers endless entertainment for all kinds of people. visitlasvegas.com/las-vegas-strip/

2. See a Live Show

Seeing a live show is one of the best things to do in Las Vegas. The city is home to many spectacular shows, including Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and magic shows. All the best shows are usually on the Strip, so catching a show is convenient, too.

3. Explore Fremont Street

This is the old downtown area of Las Vegas, with vintage casinos, bars, and the famous light show on the overhead canopy. While the Strip is generally the main attraction in Last Vegas these days, many people insist Fremont Street is the “real” Vegas experience. Today, Fremont Street is home to unbeatable experiences like the Viva Vision Light Show, an indoor zip line, and the vintage Golden Nugget casino. vegasexperience.com/

4. Ride the High Roller

Even if you aren’t a high roller in the casinos, you can feel like one in the High Roller observation wheel. This 550-foot-tall Ferris wheel is the world’s tallest observation wheel, offering a stunning view of the Las Vegas skyline. Because the High Roller is so tall, the seats are completely enclosed in glass to keep passengers safe. The High Roller is located in the heart of the Strip, on the property of the LINQ Hotel and Casino. Daytime tickets for a 30-minute ride are typically $8.50 for youth; $23.50 for adults; nighttime is $17.50 for youth, $34.75 for adults. caesars.com/linq/things-to-do/attractions/high-roller

5. Visit the Hoover Dam

Las Vegas has endless things to do, but sometimes, you just need an escape. Located just outside Las Vegas, the Hoover Dam is a marvel of engineering and a great place for a day trip. You can reach the Hoover Dam in about one hour by car from the Strip, so getting there isn’t too time-consuming. It was built between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression. It serves several purposes, including controlling flooding of the Colorado River, irrigating over 1,500,000 acres of land, and providing water to 16,000,000 people. Tickets are $10 for a self-guided tour; $30 for a guided tour. usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/service/

6. Go Shopping

If you’re a shopping fiend, few places are better than Las Vegas. The city is home to many high-end shopping destinations, including the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the Fashion Show Mall. There are also indie shops, other malls on the Strip, and outlets. That includes Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, where you’ll find deals on designer brands like Versace, Paige, and Michael Kors. This could also be a great opportunity to earn credit card rewards.

7. Visit the Neon Museum

Be sure to check out The Neon Museum Las Vegas to see a visual representation of Vegas’s history. This outdoor museum is located just north of the Strip and showcases vintage neon signs from Las Vegas’s past. The museum provides guided tours of signs from Vegas, some of which are from famous landmarks from the 1930s to today. General admission is $10 for children, $20 for adults, and tours are available. neonmuseum.org/

8. Play Miniature Golf

Adults and children of all ages can enjoy some amazing mini-golf courses in Las Vegas. The city has several miniature golf courses, including the Twilight Zone by Monster Mini Golf and KISS World featuring KISS Mini Golf. Both courses feature mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark mini-golf. Las Vegas is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to play mini-golf, so be sure to check these out.

9. Go on a Helicopter Tour

Experience the stunning views of Las Vegas and its surrounding areas from above with a thrilling helicopter tour. Several helicopter tour options are available in Las Vegas, ranging from short sightseeing flights to longer tours that take you to nearby attractions like the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam. Some helicopter tours are as brief as 10 minutes, while some can last several hours. Keep in mind that helicopter tours in Las Vegas can be expensive, ranging from around $100 to several hundred dollars per person. The cost depends on the length of the tour and the attractions included. Book now, pay later travel can help, though these services can have caveats, including incurring high-interest debt.

10. Visit the SkyPod

Visiting the Skypod at the Strat Hotel and Casino is a must-do activity when you’re in Las Vegas. This iconic tower offers stunning views of Las Vegas and an array of thrilling rides, including the SkyJump and Insanity. You can also see the surrounding mountains and desert from the observation deck. The tower stands 1,149 feet tall, making it the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States. There are several dining options, including the award-winning Top of the World restaurant, which is located on the 106th floor of the tower and offers 360-degree views of the city while you dine. thestrat.com/attractions

Getting Around Town

Las Vegas doesn’t have a wide array of public transit options, but it does have the Las Vegas Monorail that runs along the strip. Unfortunately, the Monorail isn’t exactly cheap, but a 7-day pass might save a bit if you use it multiple times daily. There is also the Las Vegas Loop to transport you between convention halls. Tickets are a reasonable $4.50 per day. Renting a car is always an option as well.

Dining Details

Las Vegas is a great food city. The hotels are packed with amazing options from household-name chefs. You can also stray from the Strip and find local favorites offering affordable tacos, BBQ, and more. Research your favorite kinds of foods, and then let your tastebuds guide you.

The Takeaway

Las Vegas is known for its casinos, but there is much more to Vegas than just gambling. With world-class live performances, incredible dining, fantastic museums, and mesmerizing mini-golf, there is something for everyone in Las Vegas.

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FAQ

How do I get the most out of my Vegas vacation?

You can do many things to get the most out of your Vegas vacation. For example, you can stay on the Strip or at least nearby so you are centrally located and can easily move between destinations. You should also wear comfortable shoes and enjoy free things to do in Las Vegas, like the fountain shows at the Bellagio.

What is Las Vegas best for?

There are many things Las Vegas is great for, including the Strip, Fremont Street, live performances, and museums. Obviously, there are great shows, gambling, and all kinds of delicious dining options, too.

How much money should you take to Vegas?

How much money you should take to Vegas depends in large part on what you plan to do. An individual on a tight budget might be able to skate by on as little as $500 for a week-long stay. But a couple planning a luxury vacation might need as much as $4,000 or perhaps more.

Photo credit: iStock/f11photo

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