Keeping a dog in an apartment is much easier with a dog park right next door.
As much as we love our pets, it can be hard to be a dog owner living in an apartment. There isn’t as much space and you likely don’t have a private backyard where they can run and go to the bathroom.
Plus, some breeds simply aren’t suited for apartment living. That means that most apartment-dwelling dog owners need to use neighborhood or community dog parks. But this isn’t always the most convenient option. Maybe the nearest dog park isn’t within walking distance, meaning you need to drive there. Maybe your dog is still learning social skills and you still aren’t comfortable taking them to a large dog park.
The solution could be found in choosing an apartment complex that has its own dog park on the property. Exclusively available for the use of four-legged residents and their human companions, apartment dog parks have many benefits for apartment dog owners from their proximity to your home to reduced attendance. Plus, dog parks are amenities commonly found at higher-end luxury apartment buildings, meaning that there are likely tons of other desirable perks and amenities for you to enjoy.
13 reasons to look at apartments with dog parks
Every dog has its day, or at least it will once it lives in an apartment with its own dog park. Here are 13 benefits to dog owners and their canine roommates of choosing apartments with dog parks.
1. Your dog can get more frequent exercise
If you have a dog park in your apartment complex, you don’t have to drive or walk long distances to reach a nearby park. It’s easier to fit in multiple visits per day, giving your dog more opportunities to stretch their legs, run around and get some fresh air and exercise. Your dog will be happier and healthier for it.
2. Get in your daily steps
It’s not just your dog who can get in some exercise during dog park visits. It also gives you a chance to get in more daily steps while walking to, from and around the dog park. If your dog likes to run around, you can even get in some light jogs and cardio during dog park playtime. Having an on-site dog park gives you a chance to fit some easy exercise and stretching into your day as well.
3. It’s easier and more convenient
In general, having a dog park close at hand is more convenient for everyone. If you work from home, it’s easier to fit dog park visits into your schedule when it only takes a few minutes to get there. Instead of needing to plan outings around your work schedule, you can quickly run your dog down to the park to use the bathroom and exercise before a meeting starts. If it’s late at night and your dog needs to go out before bed, you don’t need to get dressed again and walk around the neighborhood. Early mornings are also better when the dog park is a few minutes away.
It’s also easier for pet sitters. If you don’t work from home and someone needs to let your dog out during the day, they don’t even need to take the dog off-site.
4. Meet and connect with other dog owners in your apartment complex
Apartment dog parks are also great places to socialize and meet your other neighbors who are dog owners. If you’re new to the complex and want to introduce yourself, saying “hi” and chatting at the dog park is a casual, easy way to get to know other dog owners in the complex. You can also meet and welcome new residents to the complex.
Not only can you make new friends this way, but knowing who among your neighbors are dog lovers can come in handy. If you’re going on a trip and need someone to watch your dog, you can simply ask trusted neighbors instead of needing to find someone new. If you’re away for work during the day, you can also ask work-from-home neighbors if they’re willing to help out with getting your dog their daily bathroom runs.
5. Your dog can make friends as well
It’s not just you who can make new friends and acquaintances while hanging out at your apartment dog park. Your dog can also make friends and become playmates with other resident pooches.
Larger neighborhood and community dog parks usually attract a bigger crowd, but a small apartment dog park that only caters to a particular complex will have a smaller pool of dog visitors. That way, your dog is more likely to bond with other dogs that they see more frequently and become friends.
6. Extra safety and security
Apartment dog parks are also generally safer for both dogs and their owners. At larger neighborhood dog parks where everyone is welcome, there may be run-ins with aggressive or untrained dogs. At a smaller apartment dog park, you’re more likely to know all the dogs there and whether or not they’re well-behaved or can become aggressive.
Having a dog park just steps from your apartment is also safer for humans too. For early morning or late nights, you don’t need to walk around a dark neighborhood or an empty dog park where there’s no one else around in case something happens. If your dog park is on your apartment complex’s grounds, it’s in a secure, safe area that likely also has better lighting.
7. Keeps messes to a minimum
The whole reason to take your dogs to a dog park is so they can have a good time, but sometimes they get messy in the process. Maybe they roll around in the mud or get covered in dust. If you need to drive to your nearest dog park, that return trip will get dirt, mud and other messes around your vehicle.
While your dog can still get dirty at an apartment dog park, at least your nice, clean car doesn’t have to pay the price. Plus, your apartment is right there for a fast clean-up.
8. Let your dog run free
Apartment dog parks may be one of the few places where you can let your dog off-leash for some untethered fun and exercise. Not all dog parks allow this because of the risk of violent or aggressive encounters. But in quiet apartment dog parks, you can usually give your dog free rein to run around and have fun.
Plus, you can quickly leash them back up if someone else comes to use the dog park that isn’t comfortable with off-leash dogs. Since you’re more likely to know all the other residents who use the dog park, that also means you can preemptively avoid encounters with aggressive or reactive dogs.
9. The apartment may have other pet amenities like dog washes
If your apartment complex has pet-friendly amenities like a dog park, they definitely cater to and understand the needs of pet owners. That means there’s a good chance they have other pet-friendly amenities like dog washing stations or dog spas like these dog-friendly apartments in Los Angeles.
No more getting your bathroom all dirty giving your dog a bath or hauling them to the pet groomers. You can take care of it yourself at your apartment’s on-site dog-washing spa.
10. Some dog parks may come with agility equipment
Offering chances for more enrichment play or learning new tricks, some apartment dog parks also come with agility equipment. These can help your dog keep their health and agility up, train for competitions or just have a good time.
11. Your dog will be less restless
Taking your dog out more frequently during the day means they’ll be less restless back at the apartment. Instead of hassling you to play or give them attention, they’ll relax or take a nap.
If you work from home or have lots of chores, it’s easier to work through your to-do list without a dog in the way. You’ll be more productive or can simply unwind and relax as well.
12. Better behavior both in and out of the apartment
Not only will having closer access to a dog park make your dog less restless, but they’ll be less disruptive. Dogs who are stuck indoors all day can bark, be noisy or make messes around the apartment.
This isn’t just disruptive to you, but can also impact your neighbors. A barking dog can lead to noise complaints and issues with your neighbors and building management. Making sure your dog gets plenty of fresh air and exercise at a dog park that’s close and accessible can help avoid these issues.
13. Living in a pet-friendly community
Living in an apartment complex that has its own dog park means that the overall community is pet-friendly, and there are many benefits of living in a pet-friendly apartment building. Firstly, it can be hard to find pet-friendly apartments sometimes. Even if you do live in an apartment that allows dogs, your neighbors might not, which can create conflict.
In an apartment complex that caters to pet owners with amenities like dog parks, odds are that many of the residents love and have their own furry best friends. You’re living in a community of understanding, like-minded people who share a common interest and passion, which makes for a more comfortable, happy living situation.
Find the perfect apartment for you and your furry best friend
From its convenience to helping you and your pooch make new friends, living in an apartment with a dog park offers numerous benefits for both you and your dog.
To find apartments with dog parks in a dog-friendly city, use the Pet Policy tools on Rent.com to look for apartment complexes that allow dogs. This will filter results to only dog-friendly apartments, which you can then browse to find complexes that come with pet amenities like dog parks.
You’ve found the perfect apartment. It’s got everything you want — parking, amenities and spacious closets. Even the apartment grounds are nice… at least they were. There are few things more frustrating than a pet owner who neglects to clean up. Not only is pet waste unsightly, it can also ruin a decent pair of shoes or stink up your car if you don’t notice you’ve stepped in it.
While most apartment communities have rules and regulations on pet waste, sometimes there’s just one neighbor who won’t play ball. So what do you do when you’re reaching your breaking point?
Know Who It Is? Try a Friendly Chat
If you’ve noticed your neighbor being slightly “forgetful” about bringing out the baggies, and other people are left to clean up after dog waste, try a friendly chat. Mention that you’ve noticed the issue and it’s bothering you. Keep calm and keep it friendly. With some apartment communities levying fines for irresponsible pet owners, the problem person might be glad you talked to them directly instead of going to the apartment manager.
Mystery Culprit? Talk to Your Apartment Manager
If you’ve spoken to your neighbors and can’t figure out who the culprit is, it’s time to enlist the aid of your apartment community manager. They’re invested in keeping the property beautiful too, and will probably be happy to help you. Some of the ideas you can suggest include:
Baggie dispenser near the site
Baggie disposal garbage can nearby
Signs reminding residents to clean up after their dog, and of the consequences if they don’t
Reminder emails to residents
Print Your Own Signs or Reminders
If you and your neighbors are having difficulties, try printing your own signs that remind to clean up after your dog. You can find plenty of downloadable signs on the web that you can easily print, laminate and then hang near problem areas.
Join Your Neighborhood Group
When there’s an issue in your neighborhood, there’s nothing better than rallying your neighbors. Try joining groups like Nextdoor, or see if your community has a Facebook group where you can discuss community issues. You might be surprised to find that some of your other neighbors are also having issues with the very same thing.
An irresponsible pet owner who won’t clean up after his or her dog can be frustrating. But there are things you can do to help alleviate the problem. Have you ever had to deal with an issue like this? How did you handle it? Let us know below!
The capital city of Georgia is becoming a very popular destination lately and even has the distinction of being the only American city to land on a recent global “best in travel” list. And why not? With its warm weather, historical significance, happening restaurants, and major airport, it’s a fun, easily accessible place to vacation.
There’s a lot to do in Atlanta, from the Georgia Aquarium to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park; from the Ponce City Market (don’t miss the rooftop bar) to Piedmont Park. Here, you’ll find a list of 10 best things to do in Atlanta, Georgia, plus smart tips for enjoying every minute and staying on budget.
Best Times to Go to Atlanta
Spring and fall are usually considered the best times to go to Atlanta. Atlanta can get very hot and crowded during summer travel. For example, the average high temperatures in July and August are nearly 90 degrees, but it can feel much hotter, thanks to the city’s high humidity. Spring and fall also tend to be less crowded and have milder temperatures, while still being warm enough to spend the days outside. For example, April and October have comfortable average temperature highs in the low 70s.
A great time for music lovers to visit is at the start of summer: The Atlanta Jazz Festival is held on Memorial Day weekend, when you can expect average daytime temperatures to be in the still comfortable low 80s. However, you will also likely have to contend with higher prices and more crowds during big events on major holiday weekends.
Unlimited 2% cash back rewards* and no annual fee.†︎
Earn 3% cash back on up to $12,000 in purchases your first year when you set up direct deposit through SoFi.** After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on everything.*
Bad Times to Go to Atlanta
Allergy sufferers may want to avoid springtime in Atlanta, as the city experiences an extreme pollen season. A visible dusting can be seen as early as January. Pollen counts peak in late March to mid-April, with cars and lawns blanketed in bright yellow pollen from oak and birch trees.
Winter is typically the slow season for tourists in Atlanta, and the city offers fewer events during this time. Because of this, hotel prices may be lower, so it may be enticing if you are looking for how to save money on hotels in Atlanta. For example, there are plenty of hotels available for $125 to $175 per night during a weekend in January.
If you do decide to visit in the winter, watch out for snow or ice in the forecast. Although frozen precipitation is rare in Atlanta, when it happens, it shuts down the city, which means you won’t be seeing the sights.
Average Cost of an Atlanta Vacation
As is the case with many city getaways, you can have a great time in Atlanta with nearly any budget. If you are visiting for a week, you can expect to pay an average of $2,419 for two people. That’s a good number to know as you decide where to keep your travel fund and start saving for your trip.
Hotels range from $100 to several hundred per night, with an average of about $180. Price depends on how fancy the hotel is, the time of year you visit, and the location of the hotel.
The pricey areas tend to be downtown and in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood. Less expensive areas include the suburbs and areas around the airport.
Beyond hotel expenses, you’ll find good news when it comes to food and entertainment. Thankfully, Atlanta is still much less expensive than other major cities like New York and Los Angeles or resort areas like Florida and Hawaii. You will eat well: There’s a vibrant restaurant scene, with everything from Indian food to soul food and back again Plus, there are loads of nightlife options, including comedy clubs and live music.
You’ll also need to decide how to get to Atlanta. Given what a major airline hub the city is, you may find affordable fares for plane tickets, though that will depend on where you are flying in from. It’s wise to learn how credit card travel insurance works when booking flights in case of cancellations, lost luggage, and the like. Then you can decide whether to purchase private travel insurance or use your credit card protections.
Worth noting, too, is the fact that the city does not have as extensive of a public transit system as some other cities. If you want to explore various sites, you may want to look into renting a car or budget for Ubering around town.
Recommended: Where to Find “Book Now, Pay Later” Travel
10 Fun Must-Dos in Atlanta
Here’s the fun part: Deciding what to do in Atlanta. There is something for just about everyone in the city. Here is a list of 10 cool things to do in Atlanta, culled from those who have traveled to the city as well as loads of online reviews of top-rated attractions. Whether you’re taking a solo trip or one with friends and/or family, you will probably find more exciting activities than you can pack into your days in town.
While we also made sure to include several free activities, make sure to capitalize on your credit card rewards and use a card that’ll bring you points, miles, or cash back when charging your trip’s expenses.
1. Spend an Afternoon at the Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is practically a household name and for good reason. It’s the largest indoor aquarium in the western hemisphere. It even serves as a teaching hospital for marine biologists. You’ll encounter dolphins, penguins, sharks, and gigantic but adorable whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea. Take a free self-guided tour via an app that you can download for your visit.
The aquarium is located next to Centennial Park (see below) and is open daily from 9am to 6pm Mondays through Thursdays, 9am until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9am to 4pm on Sundays. Admission can be pricey, around $43 to $48. GeorgiaAquarium.org
2. Get Outdoors
Atlanta may be a city, but you can easily get some greenery on your trip. Piedmont Park, for instance, is a huge park located in midtown Atlanta (between downtown and Buckhead) that offers trails for walking, running or biking, picnic locations, ponds, greenery, and wildlife. Arts festivals, music festivals, concerts, and farmers markets take place throughout the year, adding to the fun. And may we mention that it’s a great destination if you are traveling with pets? It’s a free thing to do in Atlanta and is open daily from 6am to 11pm. piedmontpark.org/
Or check out the adjacent Atlanta Botanical Garden, a 30-acre natural delight with a canopy-level footbridge, suspended 40 feet above lush woodlands, and a Japanese garden. It’s open every day but Monday, and admission ranges from $23.95 to $34.95. atlantabg.org
3. Enjoy an Urban Mall
Ponce City Market is a super-fun food and retail hub (there are even some apartments plus office space there) tucked into a circa-1926 Sears & Roebuck building. Located in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood along the BeltLine (see below), there are local “shop-small” boutiques, with cards, crafts, jewelry, denim, and more, along with national retailers like Sephora and JCrew. Great food abounds inside in the a/c’d premises, whether you’re looking for a latte or yakitori. And don’t miss the rooftop bar and amusement park. Open from 10am to 9pm Monday through Saturday; on Sunday, the shops are open 10am to 6pm and the eateries from 10am to 8pm. poncecitymarket.com/
4. Stroll the BeltLine
The Atlanta BeltLine is an amazing urban revitalization project: It’s a former railway corridor that is being transformed in part into a public path that has art, planting, parks, and attractions. While the complete loop is not fully paved yet (it is expected to be finished around 2030), sections are available for strolling, running, and biking. The BeltLine connects popular locations like Ponce City Market and Piedmont Park, and, since it’s free, can be a way families can afford to travel. Events are held throughout the year, including fitness classes, art events, and concerts. beltline.org/places-to-go/ or consider a bus, bike, or walking tour beltline.org/things-to-do/atlanta-beltline-tours/
5. Visit the Soda Headquarters
Coca-Cola has been advertised as “the pause that refreshes,” so you might enjoy a refreshing pause by visiting the company’s World of Coca-Cola, near the Georgia Aquarium. Coke was invented in Atlanta in 1886, and its global corporate headquarters are still located in the city today. The World of Coca-Cola, which highlights the brand’s history and the soda industry, features a pop-culture museum, a 4-D theater, replica soda fountains, and beverage dispensers where you can try dozens of sodas from around the world. Ticket prices range from $15 to $19, and the attraction is open from 10am to 5pm on Mondays through Thursdays, and 10am to 6pm on Fridays through Sundays. worldofcoca-cola.com/plan-your-visit
6. Honor Martin Luther King Jr.
This park is a great way to remember a great man: It preserves the home where Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised, as well as the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he was once a pastor. Guided tours are available. The visitor center has exhibits on the Civil Rights Movement and its important figures. Worth knowing: The last scene of the Marvel movie Black Panther was filmed two blocks away from the park. This free attraction is open from 10am to 4pm daily, with small ranger-led tours available. nps.gov/malu/index.htm
7. Eyeball Some Great Art
Atlanta’s High Museum of Art is located in a stunning modern building between the Midtown and Ansley Park neighborhoods. Visitors will delight in the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, with masterpieces spanning folk, self-taught, African, American, and European art and more. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm, Sunday from noon to 5pm, and is closed on Mondays. Admission costs $18.50. high.org/visit/
Recommended: Credit Card Rewards vs. Cash Back
8. Let Your Imagination Soar at the Delta Flight Museum
Atlanta is home to the busiest airport in the world, but the airport isn’t the only place to see planes in the city. The Delta Flight Museum, located inside an airport hangar, has aviation artifacts, several airplanes, a hot air balloon, and the country’s sole full-motion flight simulator open to the public (though that’s a pricey experience). If you or a member of your travel posse loves flying, this can be a fascinating place to spend a few hours. The museum is located outside of Atlanta’s airport, which is about eight miles south of downtown, making it a convenient stop if you are heading into or out of the Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The museum is typically open from 10am to 4pm (closed on Wednesdays), but it’s wise to check in advance as it sometimes is closed for private events. Tickets range from $10 to $15. The flight simulator is a separate ticket, costing $425 for up to four people. deltamuseum.org/
9. Pit-Stop at the Varsity
Feeling hungry? Pull into Atlanta’s renowned Varsity, where you can indulge in chili dogs, onion rings, a frosted orange milkshake, and a fried peach pie. It’s an iconic eatery that opened in 1928 and is a popular drive-up experience; there are now six locations around town. You just may want to snap up a Varsity t-shirt after you’ve had your fill of their food. thevarsity.com/pages/locations
10. See a Show at the Fox Theatre
Ready for some entertainment as you look for fun things to do in Atlanta? Head to the Fox Theatre, an amazing space that was built as an auditorium for the Shriners organization and was inspired by Egyptian temples, among other structures. It’s a treat to be inside, and you can catch a show before it hits Broadway. The Fox also hosts comedy shows and concerts. Cool fact: It’s home to “Mighty Mo,” the largest working Moller theater organ in the world, constructed in 1929. foxtheatre.org/
The Takeaway
Atlanta is a lively, vibrant city with so many attractions and experiences, from strolling along the BeltLine to visiting a historical site to dining at a food court inside an old Sears building. By learning more about what Atlanta has to offer, you can be sure to make the most of your trip to this buzzworthy destination.
FAQ
What are some things to do in Atlanta for free?
Atlanta offers plenty of free or cheap attractions, like walking on the Atlanta BeltLine or window shopping in the Ponce City Market. You could also pick up some groceries for a picnic in Piedmont Park.
What are things to do in Atlanta, Georgia with kids?
The Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta Zoo, and the World of Coca-Cola are some of the more popular attractions for children. There are also many parks and outdoor spaces for kids to run around and play, like the Centennial Olympic Park and Piedmont Park.
What are some things to do in Atlanta at night?
Atlanta has a robust nightlife scene. There are numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs throughout the city. Other options include the Starlight Drive-In movie theater, comedy clubs, and music venues.
What’s the symbol of Atlanta?
Atlanta’s official symbol is the phoenix. The mythical beast represents the city’s history: The area was destroyed in the Civil War during the Battle of Atlanta, then rebuilt from the ashes.
Photo credit: iStock/Sean Pavone
1See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards. SoFi cardholders earn 2% unlimited cash back rewards when redeemed to save, invest, or pay down eligible SoFi debt. Cardholders earn 1% cash back rewards when redeemed for a statement credit.1 Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. The SoFi Credit Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri (TBOM) (“Issuer”) pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners. SOCC0223014
America is more than a little dog crazy: The percentage of households with a canine rose from 38.4% in 2016 to 44.5% in 2022. Owning a dog can be one of life’s great pleasures, whether you choose a tiny toy Poodle or a mega Great Dane as your new best friend.
But amid imagining all the cuddles and sloppy kisses, many prospective pooch parents aren’t fully prepared for the expense of owning a pet. You might wonder: “How much should I budget for a dog?”
This can be an important question because not only can dog ownership be a huge personal commitment, it can also be a considerable financial investment too. The initial first-year investment has been estimated at between $1,135 and $5,155.
If you’re contemplating bringing home a new pooch, here’s the information you need to know about budgeting for a dog and how much it really costs.
Adoption Costs
The initial cost of adopting a dog can vary greatly depending on if the dog comes from a shelter or purchased from a breeder. As a range, however, Animal Humane Society sets its standard dog and puppy adoption fees between $215 to $414.
The fee cost varies, as some dogs (such as purebreds) are in higher demand and the organization needs to cover the cost of caring for animals who may take longer to adopt out (such as older dogs).
At many pet rescues, adoption fees also cover the cost of extra services, like a pet physical exam, deworming, spaying or neutering, or common vaccinations.
Meanwhile, buying a Goldendoodle from a breeder costs an average of $2,200. Purchasing a pet from private breeders, often, does not come with the extra services that some non-profit rescues cover. So, if an owner is considering the breeder route, the out-of-pocket cost of future medical visits, may be one more dollar sign to add to the eventual pet budget. This can help you know how much to allocate towards your new companion so you can avoid ending up with credit card debt.
Recommended: Tips to Save Money on Pets
Food and Treats
Some of the tiniest puppies can morph, in just a few months or years, into heftier eating machines. Young puppies can grow quickly. And, all that fast growth can mean they’ll eat…A lot.
So, food and treats can also play a significant role in your personal budget when you bring home a furbaby. Individual dog budgets can vary based on the size of the pooch and type of food each owner opts to feed their pet. Food choices might include dry kibble, wet food, a raw food diet, or some mix of each.
What to feed a dog is all a personal choice between the owner and their veterinarian. However, if someone is looking to estimate the potential cost of feeding a new dog, a recent survey estimates that pet parents can expect to spend about $287 a year on dog food and $87 on treats.
Recommended: Ways to Save Money on Food
Toys
Toys may seem like a silly little add-on, but they can play an important role in puppy development and adult dogs’ mental stimulation.
Toys can help dogs fight boredom when they are left at home alone and comfort them if they’re agitated. (With toys to gnaw on, dogs may be less likely to turn to shoes for a midday distraction.) Rather than investing in pricey toys, a simple tennis ball will satisfy many dogs. And, a dog owner can grab a can of three tennis balls on Amazon for about $4.
However, the cost here can also depend on just how quickly an individual dog chews through the balls. Some doggos do a great job of tearing them apart. So, a pet owner may want to budget a small amount, say $50 a year or so, to buy their pooch some toys.
Ready for a Better Banking Experience?
Open a SoFi Checking and Savings Account and start earning 1% APY on your cash!
Pet Sitters or Walkers
Taking a vacation with a pet? Then pet sitting isn’t an expense. But for many people who work outside the home or travel without Fido, it may be a good idea to consider a dog walker or pet sitter. This person can be a trusted friend or family member, a neighbor, a kid down the street, or a professional service.
Even if it’s a friend, a new pet owner may want to budget in some dollars to pay this person. Doggie daycare can run $30 or more per day, so it can be helpful for owners to know how many days each month they might need a dog sitter. A typical pet sitter will charge at least $30 a day to attend to your pup.
Recommended: Tips to Cut Costs When Traveling with Pets
Incidentals
A lot of smaller expenses can come with owning a dog. Incidentals to budget for include things like, collars, leashes, dog beds, cleaning supplies, crates, pet bath products, and the all-important groomer.
Some may want to build in another cushion in a pet budget to cover the above-mentioned items, too. Pet I.D. tags and registering a pet with the city are extra costs to bear in mind. (For reference, it can cost between $8.50 and $34 a year to obtain a dog license in New York City.)
Routine Medical Visits
Dogs, like humans, need regular medical check-ups, so “How much will it cost?” is a wise question to ask when budgeting. Just like a human exam, dogs need blood drawn to check for diseases, routine vaccinations to prevent disease, and a general physical exam once a year to make sure their health is in working order.
Some pet organizations estimate this visit can run a pet owner between $210 and $260, but it can vary greatly depending on where the person and the pup live (and the age or breed of the dog). Given that variation, it can be helpful to budget at the higher end of that range (just in case).
Beyond the vet visit, pet parents may also want to add in a budget for preventative medicine. Depending on where an owner lives, a veterinarian could recommend a monthly flea and tick medication, along with regular heartworm medication, to prevent the dog from becoming afflicted. Flea and tick meds can range from $40 to $200 a year while heartworm medication averages $80 a year, and treatment, if your pet is diagnosed, can cost $400 to $1,000.
Pet Insurance
While pet insurance won’t cover routine veterinary visits, it could come in handy if an emergency occurs with the pup.
For example, a new dog could eat something that causes it to get sick — like, ingesting pieces of a chew-toy or snatching food with bones in it off an owner’s plate (or street).
Many pet insurance plans will cover a portion of medicines, treatments (including surgeries), and medical interventions that aren’t tied to a pre-existing condition.
Paying monthly for pet insurance, while the dog is young, could save an owner hundreds or thousands of dollars as a dog continues to age as well. (Generally, pet insurance costs less when a dog is younger). This kind of policy typically costs between $38 and $56 per month.
Pet insurance may cover things like ingesting harmful items or food, accidents, urgent care, and — in some cases — preventative medicine. The cost of pet insurance can vary by breed, age, and any other health history.
Emergency Fund
It can be wise to save up an emergency fund for pet-related expenses. Things just tend to happen with dogs around. They can accidentally knock things over with their tales, swallow objects. and need an emergency vet visit. Dogs can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time (ahem, chewed up leather shoes, ahem).
But, guess what? Having some financial discipline and going to that trouble can be worth it for a lick on the face, a little playtime, and coming home to a happy dog. Planning ahead for a pet budget can help new owners focus on those tail-wagging moments with Fido instead of stressing over canine costs.
The Takeaway
Saving in advance can make adopting and then caring for a dog easier. A SoFi Checking and Savings Account can be a great place to stash your money. It includes budget tracker tools, charges no account fees, and offers a competitive annual percentage yield (APY).
Ready to adopt a pup? Track your spending (and establish a dog budget based on your habits) with SoFi Checking and Savings.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 4/25/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners. SOBK0423060
Inside: Do you want to make quick money? If so, you’ll love this collection of ways to make cash in one day. Start these tasks and start making extra cash fast.
In today’s world, there are many ways to make quick money in one day.
The internet and technology have created opportunities that were non-existent just a few years ago. You can now make money in your PJs from the comfort of your own home! I do!
We all have those times when we need cash fast. Maybe it’s for an emergency car repair, an unexpected medical bill, or a last-minute plane ticket home.
Whatever the reason, there are plenty of ways to make quick money in one day.
We will include some of my personal favorites as well as methods I researched.
In today’s blog post, we will outline the best ways to make quick money in one day.
How can I make immediate money?
If you need immediate money, you need to look for ways to get cash in your hand quickly.
This would be by selling your possessions, participating in focus groups, find a gig job that pays cash tips.
These ideas will get cash in your hand within 24 hours.
How much money can I make in one day?
Many people wonder, “How much money can I make in one day?”
The amount of money you can make in a day depends on a variety of factors, such as your job, side hustles, and financial opportunities.
With a bit of hustle, creativity, and smart financial decisions, it is possible to make up to $1,000 a day.
However, you need to develop a smart strategy for achieving this goal. Investing in education will help you put that money to work growing for you.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
50 best ways to make quick money in one day
Making money quickly is possible with some time and effort.
There are a lot of ways to make quick money in one day. In fact, many ideas center around how to make money online for beginners.
Here are 50 of the best methods that you can use to make some extra cash.
1. Work on freelance projects
Working on freelance projects can help you make quick money in one day by providing you with one-off jobs that can benefit from your skill set.
With the percentage of freelance workers in the workforce climbing steadily, there are many online marketplaces that make it easy to connect with businesses and individuals who need your services.
Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal allow you to create a profile and showcase your work, making it easy for you to set your own rates and decide on the length of the project.
Additionally, the more experience you get, the more you can charge and the higher your demand will be, potentially leading to full-time work.
2. Sell items on consignment
Selling items on consignment can help you make quick money by providing an easy, fast way to earn a profit from gently used items.
With consignment shops, you can take your clothes, electronics, jewelry, musical instruments, or even your car to be sold without having to take an active role.
For a cut of the profits, your items will be placed in front of buyers, allowing you to make quick cash.
3. Take on odd jobs
If you’re looking for ways to make money quickly, odd jobs are a great way to do so.
Think of day laborer types of jobs. You can use an app like TaskRabbit to find work in your area.
Some of the common odd jobs you can consider include:
Gardening – you can offer to do gardening work such as weeding, planting, mowing, and trimming.
Furniture Assembly – if you have experience in assembling furniture, you can offer your services to people who need help.
Cleaning – you can offer cleaning services to keep homes and offices tidy.
Painting – you can offer your painting services to those who need help with their walls.
General Handyman Work – if you are good with your hands and have experience in repairing and fixing things, you can offer your services to people who need help.
Moving Gig – people are always looking for help with moving.
4. Trade Options
If done correctly, trading in options can help you make quick money and generate substantial returns in a relatively short period of time.
However, trading options come from experience and should not be taken as a get-rich scheme. Personally, I trade options for a living.
You can make quick money trading options if you know what you’re doing. The key is to identify when the market is going to move in a certain direction and then make the right trades to capitalize on the profits.
Here is the one and only investing course I recommend.
5. Become a rideshare driver
Becoming a rideshare driver can be an easy and convenient way to make money quickly.
All you need to get started is a valid license, active insurance coverage, and an approved vehicle. With Uber and Lyft, you can set your own hours and receive a base rate plus tips and distance or time-based bonuses.
From one of our rideshare drivers, we learned some tricks of the trade such as working in peak hours or in areas with popular nightlife scenes or active airports.
6. Offer house cleaning services
Nowadays, people don’t want to learn their own house, so starting a house cleaning service is a great way to make quick money.
With countless opportunities available online or on local job boards, you can easily find a job that works for you. There are even ways to market yourself so potential customers can find you!
If you have a background in cleaning and don’t mind physical labor, you can make up to $25 an hour or more.
Becoming a housecleaner is a great way to make extra money on the side and you can even make up to $200+ per weekend.
With a bit of effort, you could have a great side-hustle in no time!
7. Rent out your parking spot
If you live in a busy area and have a spot that’s in high demand, you can easily rent out the space for a premium price.
This can be especially profitable if you live near an event center and can offer parking to visitors who don’t want to pay a premium to park in a lot or parking structure. You can put your parking spot to work with services like Just Park or Neighbor.com and earn up to $300 per month.
Renting out your parking spot offers a great way to make extra money while utilizing unused resources or space.
8. Proofread documents
Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, a teacher looking for extra income during summer vacation, or someone with a passion for grammar and punctuation, you can make up to $65,000 a year by proofreading documents.
Make sure to take a Free Training Course: Caitlin Pyle offers a free workshop on how to use the most popular proofreading tool and how to become a work-from-home proofreader.
With some hard work and dedication, you can start earning quick money as a proofreader. Good luck!
9. Walk dogs
Walking dogs can be a great way to make some quick money.
Apps like Rover provide pet owners with a platform to find dog walkers in their area and pay for their services.
A dog walker can make $15-18 per 30 minute walk, with occasional bonuses for boarding or pet-sitting. This is a simple way to get your exercise and make cash.
10. Take an online survey
Companies and websites are always looking for consumer feedback in order to improve their products and services, and offer incentives such as cash, rewards, and gift cards for filling out surveys that can take as little as a few minutes.
Popular survey sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks offer these incentives, enabling individuals to make a few quid in just a few minutes of form filling.
Most surveys will only take a few minutes, so you will have to do a bunch to add up to serious cash for your feedback.
Here are the top legit survey platforms:
11. Sell your old junk
Are you looking for an easy way to make some extra money? Why not start by looking around your house and attic/basement for things you no longer use?
You can turn those things into cash by selling them online or having a yard sale.
With a little effort, you can easily make hundreds of dollars by selling your old stuff. It’s a great way to declutter your home and make some extra cash in the process.
Make sure to list your items with attractive descriptions and photos to draw in potential buyers.
12. House sitting
House sitting is a great way to make quick money. It allows you to watch someone’s home while they are away and take care of tasks such as feeding pets, watering plants, and taking out the trash.
You can usually make between $25 to $50 per day depending on the market demand in your area. It’s easy to start, with most sites having a minimum age requirement and a sign-up process that takes only minutes. Payment is typically made when the job is completed.
More importantly, beyond making good money, you are able to housesit in beautiful locations that you may not be able to do otherwise. Personally, this is something I want to start doing.
Build your profile on Trusted Housesitters now.
13. Babysit
Babysitting is a great way to make extra money, especially for those who are looking for flexible jobs that match their availability.
Whether you’re an experienced babysitter or a novice looking to give it a try, there’s no doubt that you’ll find plenty of opportunities available. With a little bit of effort and a lot of dedication, you can make a great living out of babysitting.
Most babysitters earn way more than minimum wage making this a great gig.
14. Deliver food orders
Delivering food orders can make you money quickly by taking advantage of the increasing trend in the popularity of food delivery apps.
With driver-friendly apps like Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats, all you need is an insured vehicle and a smartphone to start delivering food to customers in need.
The pay per delivery can go even further if you work on busier nights like Friday or Saturday. With many apps, you can also choose your own hours and the flexibility to work as much or as little as you’d like. This can be a great way to make some fast cash on the side.
15. Earn money with eBay
eBay is an amazing platform for anyone looking to make some extra money by selling items they don’t use. Whether you’re looking to get rid of an old phone, clothes, or books, eBay is an easy and accessible way to do so.
You can start by selling items you don’t need or don’t use anymore.
You can also consider buying items at a low price with the intention of selling them at a higher price.
If you’re looking to make a full-time income from home, selling items on eBay could be a perfect way. You can start small by buying a thrifty item for a low price and selling it at a much higher price.
With the right knowledge and resources, you can make money on eBay easily. So get started today and watch your earnings grow!
16. Write articles for websites
Writing articles for websites can be a great way to make quick money in one day.
With the increasing amount of new content created daily, business owners often don’t have the time to create content for their websites themselves.
Freelance writers can fill this gap by providing quality content for clients in exchange for payment. Depending on the complexity and length of the article, writers can make anywhere from $25 to $500+ in a single day.
By specializing in a niche, writers can showcase their work as samples to potential clients. Furthermore, writers can establish relationships with other bloggers in their niche, guest blogging, and approach websites in their niche with their writing services to further increase their chances of finding work.
17. Become a pet sitter
Personally, I have a friend who makes money by being a pet sitter and has help from her kids.
With Rover, pet owners in your area can easily find and hire pet sitters for their pets. Dog sitting is the most popular pet sitting activity, and it can earn you around $20-35 for overnight stays.
Plus, you get to decide when and how you want to work, and you can fit it around your own schedule. With the right amount of communication and excellent service, pet owners may even offer you recurring gigs.
18. Participate in focus groups
Participating in a focus group can be a great way to make quick money in one day.
Focus groups are usually based on interesting products or services, and they can pay participants anywhere from $50 to $400 for their time. Not only is it a great way to make money quickly, I have found many focus groups can also be a lot of fun.
The hardest part with focus groups is it is not a steady stream of income as you may not qualify for each opportunity.
19. Do yard work
Just like housecleaning, this is a popular job to be hired out.
Yard work such as basic gardening and landscaping, shoveling snow or salting walkways, and even cleaning gutters can all be done for a fee. Advertising your services through flyers, door knocking, or posting on local job boards can help you find potential customers.
By doing quality work, you can turn this into a weekly gig for quick money.
20. Shop at thrift stores and buy low and sell high
You buy items for a fraction of the cost and resell them for a higher price. For example, you can find brand-name clothing, electronics, antiques, and children’s toys at thrift stores that you can resell on online platforms such as eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.
You can also look for items marked as “free” on the side of the road and spruce them up to sell for a profit.
Shopping at thrift stores can help you make quick money in one day, and with time and experience, you’ll discover which items sell the fastest and for the most money.
To make money flipping items, you must do your research upfront and know how much you can pay for something while still turning a profit. With time and experience, you will learn which items sell the fastest and for the most money.
21. Photography gigs
You can make money with photography in two ways:
Turn your photographs into cash by selling them through stock image websites such as Shutterstock or iStock.
Offer your photography services for family sessions, birthday cake smashes, and even weddings.
Either way, you are able to turn your passionate hobby into a way to easily make a decent income in one day.
22. Participate in sweepstakes
Participating in sweepstakes can help you make quick money in one day by giving you a chance to win big.
Yet, this option comes with a lot of RISK!
There are a variety of competitions and prizes available, ranging from online product giveaways and gift vouchers to big-money TV game shows. You want to look for sweepstakes that are free to participate in and not pay money.
This one ranks up there with the left hand itching principle.
23. Use your Writing Skills
Are you looking to make money with your writing skills? There are lots of opportunities available that pay you to write. From blogging to freelance writing, to reviewing music, you can find the perfect job that allows you to utilize your writing skills and get paid.
You can also make money by helping people refine their writing. If you have a good grasp of grammar and can help people write in a more engaging and structured way, then you can charge for your services.
Publications often hire freelance writers, so that’s another avenue to explore.
No matter what you decide to do, there are plenty of ways to make money with your writing skills – all you have to do is find the right opportunity for you.
24. Become a home staging stylist
Becoming a stylist can help make quick money in one day by offering services to those who are in need of help staging their homes for sale.
Realtors often hire outside help to ensure that the home is presented in an attractive and appealing way, and these services can be provided for an hourly or flat fee.
This is a great part-time gig.
25. Donate plasma
You can make money quickly by donating plasma.
Plasma is the liquid part of the blood that contains antibodies. It can be used to create medications and other medical products. Plasma donation is a safe procedure that can help people in need.
Typically, you walk out with cash immediately.
Check with your local blood bank or hospital to learn more.
26. Host workshops
Hosting workshops can be a great way to make money in a short period of time. There are endless webinar ideas you can try, such as live-at-home fitness classes, cooking, a writing workshop, an Excel class, nutrition coaching, or even a first-time homebuyer class.
With the rise of video conferencing, it’s easy to set up webinars to teach people your skills and knowledge.
Typically, you will need to build an online presence with a social media following to hold successful workshops.
27. Trade Stocks
Trading stocks can be a lucrative way to make quick money, but it is essential to understand the risks involved.
With the help of online market trading platforms, anyone can start to trade stocks with a minimum amount of money.
Learning how fast you make money with stocks, but realizing you need to learn to trade stocks is like going back to school for a stock trading education.
Although trading stocks has the potential to generate quick money, it is important to note that all trading involves risk and that you should only invest what you can afford.
28. Become a courier
Being a courier is a great option for flexible income, as they allow you to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you’d like.
Think outside the box of UberEats or Instacart. This would likely be for a local business that needs to move documents from location to location.
You will need to be reliable and trustworthy.
29. Deliver Pizza
Even today, this is a classic gig to make quick money by delivering pizza!
Businesses are desperate for workers, so finding a job should be fairly easy. However, be prepared to work more than one day.
30. Repurpose your skills
Those skilled in writing, graphic design, coding, bookkeeping, or any other number of computer-based skills, can use these sites to find freelance jobs that require their skills.
Additionally, those with knowledge or experience in a particular field can create and sell an online course via a platform like Teachable or Podia.
Too often, we overlook the things that we are the best at, yet repurposing your skills us a great wat to make money.
31. Dog groomer
The income potential as a dog groomer is considerable.
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet owners spent $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022.
Dog grooming is a easy way to make money.
Over to pick up dog poop and you can double how much money you make.
32. Sell your unwanted items
Selling unwanted items on eBay and Amazon can be a great way to make quick money.
By scouring online retailers, local thrift stores, and yard sales for hidden treasures, individuals can find consumer goods for cheap and then resell them for extra profit.
Selling on Amazon also provides an opportunity to source products for fulfillment.
Additionally, apps like LetGo, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace make it even easier to make extra money, as people jump on items quickly.
For those with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, buying items at a low price and then reselling them at a higher price can generate a decent side income.
33. Sell Printables
If you’re creative, you can create and sell digital products like ebooks, courses, templates, and graphics.
Digital downloads are also becoming increasingly popular, as they require no shipping or fulfillment costs and you can easily make them once and sell them hundreds of times over. Depending on the craft and the demand, your potential earning potential can be quite high.
In fact, selling printables is a popular summer jobs for teachers!
So why not give it a shot? With the right strategies, you could start making a few hundred dollars a month with very little effort.
34. Crafts and handmade goods
One of the best ways to make money quickly is by selling crafts and handmade goods on websites like Etsy.
From jewelry and candles to sourdough bread to quilts and custom T-shirts, there is a huge variety of items that you can make and sell. You can also design and sell custom stationery, pillows, tote bags, coasters, cosmetics, and more.
35. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is an online business model that allows entrepreneurs to start an online shop without having to keep a product in stock. Instead, a business makes a sale and then passes the order along to a third party, known as the dropshipper, who ships the product directly to the buyer.
Dropshipping is a great way to make money quickly, as it requires minimal upfront investment and overhead.
With dropshipping, you can add products to your store without having to buy them in bulk, and you don’t need to worry about shipping or fulfilling orders.
36. Affiliate Marketing
Renting out your property can help you make quick money in one day by taking advantage of the services offered by websites like Airbnb.
Affiliate marketing is a way to earn money by promoting other companies’ products or services. You can do this without a website, by sharing affiliate links on social media, a blog, online forums, post comments, and with friends or family.
When someone buys a product or service via unique affiliate link you provide, you get paid a commission.
It is possible to make money quickly if you have a social media following or a website, as you can start promoting all sorts of companies, products, services and offers online.
37. Work for tips
Making money quickly by working for tips may sound intimidating, but it is actually very achievable with a bit of hard work and determination.
Tips are normally paid in cash, which is exactly what you need.
Jobs that pay tips:
Waitstaff
Bartender
Bellman
Drivers
Casino dealer
Golf caddy
Babysitters
Also, many jobs that pay weekly work for tips.
38. Rent out your property
These services allow you to rent out a room, a condo, or your own home if you’re away on vacation.
Airbnb has revolutionized the hotel industry by allowing everyday property owners to lease their place to travelers. By creating an account and listing your property, you can immediately start earning passive income.
With the right location, you can create a steady stream of income that can help you make quick money in one day.
39. Join a MLM
Joining a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) company is one of the most popular ways to make money these days. With an MLM, you can potentially make a lot of money by building a team and earning commissions from their sales.
But you need to be careful and do your research to make sure it’s an opportunity worth pursuing.
MLMs can be profitable, but it can take a lot of time and effort to get them off the ground and make them successful. You need to be prepared to take the time to build your team, train and support them, and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
Personally, I have tried making money with an MLM and found out that it was not worth the time or effort.
40. Collect and sell scrap metal
Collecting metal items such as old swing set parts, metal toys, and other bits of metal can be sold at scrap yards or redemption centers for a small sum of money.
Iron, steel, aluminum, brass, and copper are the most commonly traded types of scrap metal, and the prices vary depending on the type and amount of metal.
This is a simple way to make money if you put in the resources. Just don’t steal metal because that can get you in severe trouble.
41. Deliver for Food Delivery Apps
This industry is booming with no signs of slowing down. You can easily make $100 a shift by delivering food!
Sign up for driver-friendly apps such as Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. These apps allow you to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you’d like.
Make sure you have an insured car, truck, bike, scooter, or motorcycle. Depending on what you choose to use, certain apps may have different requirements.
Go to the restaurant and pick up the order. You’ll be paid a flat delivery fee, an additional fee per item ordered, and 100% of the tips customers choose to give you.
Deliver the food to the customer.
Get paid instantly, usually within the same day.
Maximize your earnings by delivering for multiple apps at once. This will give you access to more orders, and a larger area to deliver in.
42. Become A Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are in demand right now.
Consider becoming a virtual assistant with no experience to help small businesses with tasks like scheduling appointments and managing emails.
Typically, small businesses are looking for someone to take a short-term 3-month stint or a long-term relationship.
If you have marketable skills, you will make an outstanding virtual assistant.
43. Cook and deliver food
Cooking and delivering food can make you money in one day, especially since the demand for convenient delivery is increasing.
If you are cooking food on your own, you need to check with your local state and city regulations to see if you are allowed to sell food from a home kitchen. These food regulations are tough, so make sure you comply with these regulations.
However, many busy families are looking for a personal chef and are willing to pay for the service.
44. Trade-In Programs
Trade-in programs are a way for people to get quick money by selling their old phones, tablets, and other electronics. These programs give customers the opportunity to receive cash or gift cards in exchange for their unwanted devices.
You can trade in your own unused or unwanted electronics or for neighbors who don’t want to deal with the hassle themselves.
When selling through a trade-in program, customers are usually asked to provide a description of the device and its condition. The amount of money received depends on the device and its condition.
Plus you are helping the environment by keeping old devices out of landfills.
45. Become a social media influencer
If you have a large following on social media, you can make money by becoming a social media influencer and promoting products or services.
There are a number of ways to make quick money as an influencer. You can promote products or services by posting about them on your social media account.
Obviously, you must thrive using social media.
46. Flipping items on Poshmark
Making money on Poshmark by flipping items can be a great way to make cash.
You can find items to resell from big box retailers, online retailers, local thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. Potential items you can flip for profit include brand-name sneakers, clothing, and purses.
You should also figure out which items sell the quickest and for the most money.
Poshmark also has a “bundling” function which allows you to group similar items together for a discounted amount. This is a great way to make more money as you can sell multiple items in one go.
This platform allows followers, so it is easy to build return buyers.
47. Start a small business or side hustle
Small businesses and side hustles can be a great way to make money quickly. Consider your skills and interests and start something that can help you turn a profit.
No matter how you do it, starting a business can be a great way to make money and meet new people.
Building your side hustle to a full-time income will not happen overnight, but you will make progress with hard work and dedication.
48. Take advantage of Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an online rewards and survey platform that provides numerous opportunities to make money.
With Swagbucks, you can earn money by completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, and even shopping online. With each task, you can earn anywhere from $0.40 to $2.00 in SB points which can be redeemed for cash back or gift cards.
Plus, when you sign up, you get a $10 bonus and can even get 500 SBs for referring a friend.
49. Tutoring
Tutoring is a great way to make quick money while using your knowledge and expertise to help others. It involves providing instruction to an individual or a small group on a particular subject, usually to help them improve their understanding.
Tutors can work with students in person or online, depending on the subject and their availability.
No matter your educational background, you can make money tutoring as long as you have a deep knowledge of a subject. With the right resources and platform, you can find tutoring gigs in your area and start making quick money today.
50. Make money with your phone
Making money with your phone is possible with a little bit of effort. You can sign up for apps to complete small tasks and earn money quickly.
Alternatively, there are plenty of mobile apps such as Ibotta, Rakuten, Shopkick, Swagucks, or Receipt Hog which can help you make some extra money with simple tasks.
You can also take on odd jobs through apps like TaskRabbit to make cash.
Finally, you can trade stocks on your phone.
There are so many ways to make money with your phone today.
FAQ
Yes, it is possible to make passive income. This type of income is earned with little effort or direct work.
It can come from investments such as returns and dividends, as well as from sources like stocks, rental properties, and online businesses.
With some creativity and diligence, anyone can create multiple sources of passive income. It may take months or even years to build up these streams of income, but the potential rewards are worth the effort.
Many of the statistics are leaning on the fact that you need a side hustle to make ends meet or get ahead financially.
I started a side hustle to make money to afford what we wanted to do. Personally, my side hustles are blogging and day trading stocks.
The best side hustles are the ones that you are passionate about. More than likely, you will be spending time on them in your free time, so you want to enjoy them.
Regardless of what type of side hustle you choose, you can make extra money on the side. To maximize your earnings, you can even combine several different side hustles together to create multiple income streams.
I always say, if I can make $100 a day, then I am making $3000 a month. That will make a difference in my personal finance situation.
Before you can make $100 a day, you need to find out how you will make money. Look for opportunities that match your skills and interests. Some examples of this include driving for Uber, selling your skills on freelancing sites, creating an online store, or even starting your own blog.
Learn how to invest 100 to make 1000 a day.
When looking to make $1000 fast, you need to up your game – specifically, the time and energy to make your goal happen.
You could start by looking for high-paying side hustles such as trading stocks or options, becoming a freelance writer, setting off as a virtual assistant, or by selling products online.
The key is to make $1k a day consistently. Then, you will be working on how to turn 10k into 100k.
Which Quickest Way to Make Money in a Day Will You Choose?
There are many ways that you can make quick money in one day.
Whether you want to start a side hustle, do some odd jobs, or make money online, which option is best for you?
Whichever option you choose, make sure that you choose something you will enjoy doing as well as the quickest way to make money.
We covered fifty options to make cash and start making extra money today!
Which one is your favorite?
Mine are trading and writing. Comment below on which method you will choose.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Finding the best renters insurance policy is what most renters want but aren’t interested in spending a lot of time weighing all the different options.
Worse, a lot of renters don’t know much about it, or think it’s important.
But if you rent the home you live in, whether it’s a house, a condo, or an apartment, renters insurance is no less important than homeowner’s insurance is to a homeowner.
Renters often assume if they experience any losses due to disasters, such as fire and theft, they’ll be covered under the landlord’s insurance. That’s almost never true!
The landlord’s property insurance will cover destruction of the building, but not the contents that are within it. And since virtually all of the contents in a rental property belong to you, the renter, you will be completely out of luck if disaster strikes.
Best Renters Insurance Companies
It would be impossible to say which company offers the lowest premiums on renters insurance. That’s because the quotes you’ll get will be different, based on your personal needs and profile, other insurance policies you might bundle with the renter’s policy, your geographic location, and the type of property you live in.
There’s a wide variation in the premiums for renters insurance between companies competing in the same market. That means it pays to shop!
And while some companies seem to provide additional coverages, it’s hard to know if what they were giving were actual extras, or if they were simply giving more detailed quotes. It’s possible that similar types of coverage are available with all five companies.
What is Renters Insurance?
Renters insurance is a specific type of coverage that insures the possessions that are stored in your rental property. Exactly which possessions are covered depends upon the type of renters insurance you have. Whether you want to protect your prized jewels, new laptop, big screen TV, or a number of other items that are near and dear to your heart, a good renters insurance policy is probably well within your reach.
Renters insurance helps you with replacing stolen or damaged property, but also with protecting yourself from liability on your property and providing you with a backup plan in the event that your home itself is damaged. Let’s take a closer look at those below.
What Renters Insurance Covers
There are three standard provisions that will be found in nearly all renter’s insurance policies:
Personal Property
Similar to a homeowners policy, renters insurance covers the contents of the home you are renting. That includes furniture, electronic equipment, clothing, appliances, and personal effects. You will typically take a policy that will cover anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 in personal property, though it can be higher.
To determine how much personal property coverage you need, you should take an inventory of everything you have. List the inventory, and then get retail prices on the cost to replace each. It’s tedious, but that’s the only way to really know how much coverage you’ll need.
It’s usually best to take photos, particularly of high-value items. That will make it easier if you need to make a claim with the insurance company.
Personal Liability
Personal liability coverage will protect you if an accident or injury happens to someone else who’s in your home. This can be someone slipping and falling in the home, being bitten by a family pet, or other types of injuries.
It could include visitors, repair people, or even the landlord if the cause of the injuries is determined to be your fault.
Personal liability coverage will protect you and your assets from lawsuits brought against you by injured parties who are holding you responsible.
Additional living expenses
This is coverage that pays in the event you lose the use of the rental premises. For example, if the property is destroyed or damaged by a fire, the insurance policy will pay for reasonable relocation expenses, such as reimbursement for a hotel stay, meals, and other expenses related to the temporary lodging situation.
Non-standard Renters Insurance Provisions
The following may be offered as part of a standard package with some insurance companies, but are additional provisions with others.
Off-premises coverage
This is coverage for possessions beyond the rental property itself. For example, it could include possessions stored in the common area of the basement of your apartment, that are subject to either damage, destruction, or theft. It can also extend to personal items stolen from your vehicle, if those items would normally be covered under your rental policy. This might be a laptop computer, as long as it’s specifically covered under your renter’s policy.
Some renter’s insurance may also include a provision to cover lost luggage, which might be lost by an airline.
Specific coverage items
You should never assume a renters insurance policy covers every possession you own. Some have specific exclusions, and others will exclude an item if it is not specifically listed.
Common specific coverages include home computers, jewelry and furs, business personal property, and firearms. If you have these items, be sure to check to make sure they’re included in your coverage. If not, you may have to get special coverage for each category individually.
Some policies do specifically include all four of these categories. State Farm is an example (see policy quote below). But never assume they’re automatically covered in your policy.
What Renters Insurance Doesn’t Cover
In the broadest sense, renters insurance doesn’t cover any hazard that is not specifically listed in the policy.
Got that? That’s the general rule, but there are certain specifics you should be aware of.
For example, just as is the case with homeowners insurance policies, renters insurance doesn’t usually cover losses due to floods and earthquakes. Those are considered a special category of hazard, specifically requiring either flood insurance or earthquake insurance.
While a renters policy may cover damages sustained as a result of a burst water pipe, you won’t be covered if your home is destroyed as a result of a river that floods your neighborhood.
If you live in an area that’s subject to natural disasters, you should look into getting a policy specifically for that hazard.
When is Renters Insurance Needed?
When required by a landlord – Large apartment complexes typically require you have renters insurance, but so do a lot of individual landlords. It’s likely they have this requirement to protect themselves from tenants filing suits to get compensation for possessions lost due to fire or some other hazard. The requirement is written into the lease.
When you want your possessions protected – Even if your landlord doesn’t require you to have renters insurance, you should have at least a small policy to protect your possessions. Though your stuff may not seem to be worth much, it could easily cost several thousand dollars to replace it, should most or all of it be destroyed or stolen.
College students – Whether you live in a dorm or off-campus, renters insurance is worth having. You probably have at least a laptop, clothing, and some entertainment equipment that would need to be replaced upon loss. You can usually get an inexpensive rider added to your parent’s policy to cover your dorm room.
Retirees who rent – Like college students, retirees may assume that what they have isn’t of much value, particularly if much of it is more than a few years old. But once again, the cost to replace your possessions could be many thousands of dollars. Renters insurance would provide you with the cash for the replacements.
Anyone who rents their home – You might assume if your rental is short-term you don’t need renters insurance. Or, if you’re renting a house, you may assume you’re covered under your landlord’s homeowner’s policy. Both assumptions are wrong.
Renters insurance is necessary anytime you’re in a rental situation.
How Much Renters Insurance Do You Need?
As I wrote earlier, you need to do an inventory of your possessions to determine how much coverage you’ll need to replace everything you have that could be lost. You might also have to get additional coverage for gray-area possessions, like business property, computer equipment, or jewelry and furs.
Liability coverage requirements are harder to estimate. $100,000 should probably be a minimum. But you should also adjust for factors such as how frequently you have visitors or people coming and going to and from your home, as well as any maintenance considerations. For example, if you live in an area where snow and ice are common, and you’re responsible for keeping walkways and stairwells clear, you may need more coverage.
As to the additional living expense portion, try to come up with a reasonable estimate of how much it will cost to live in a hotel for maybe 30 days, while repairs are being done to your rental property. If it’s a severe situation, you might need several months. But the cost of that coverage could be high.
Replacement cost versus actual cash value
This might be the most important single factor in choosing a renters insurance policy. It will determine how much you’ll receive on a claim, so you need to know which provision your insurance company is using.
Under a replacement cost provision, the insurance company will pay a sufficient amount to replace the lost items based on retail cost.
Under actual cash value, the insurance company will reimburse you for the depreciated value of the item. Let’s say you paid $1,000 for a flatscreen TV five years ago, and it’s destroyed in a fire. The insurance company may decide the value of the TV is just $200, based on its age. That’s the amount you will be reimbursed for.
Now actual cash value policies are less expensive than replacement cost policies. But as you can imagine, they’ll also pay you a lot less if you file a claim.
Unless you’re in the habit of buying your possessions at flea markets and garage sales at deep discounts, you’ll be much better off with a replacement cost policy. It may cost more for the premium, but it will do its job better when disaster hits.
How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost?
According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce renters insurance averages between $15 and $30 per month.
How much renters insurance costs depend on the usual factors that affect all insurance policies. These can include the amount of coverage you want, the deductible you’re willing to accept, your history of claims, and even how you plan to use the property.
But where renters insurance is concerned there are more specific considerations. For example, the number and type of pets you have can be a factor. Certain breeds known to be more aggressive will result in a higher premium. So will a wood-burning fireplace. The number of occupants might also figure in. Presumably, the higher the number, the more likely a claim will be paid out.
A higher premium might also be charged if you’re running a business out of the residence. In fact, certain types of businesses might require you get a commercial policy, rather than a standard rental policy.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
One of the biggest single factors is property location.
Urban locations typically cost more than rural ones, due to the closer proximity of buildings and the likelihood of fire. If the property is located in a high-crime area, it can also increase the premium. So can a location in an area that’s more prone to natural disasters, such as tornadoes and hurricanes.
The type of construction of the building is also important. For example, a building made of brick, rather than wood, would have a lower premium. The age of the building might also be a factor, since newer buildings generally have better fire protection features, like smoke alarms and sprinkler systems.
Here’s a table put out by the Insurance Information Institute that shows the average cost of both homeowner’s and renter’s insurance from 2006 to 2015. Notice how inexpensive renters insurance is compared with homeowners? It is a common misconception that insurance is too expensive for renters.
In fact, it is affordable and well worth the cost for the peace of mind and protection you receive. In 2019 and beyond, you can expect the same kind of minimal changes and affordability to remain intact, as the table below suggests.
How to Lower the Cost of Renter’s Insurance
Whatever the situation with your renter’s insurance premium, there are ways that you can keep the cost down.
Don’t buy more coverage than you need – Take an inventory of the contents of your home, and make a reasonable estimate of the replacement value of what you have. If it’s only realistically worth $25,000, then you don’t need a $50,000 policy.
Security and protective systems – Residences that have smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, indoor sprinkler systems, deadbolt locks, and security systems will usually have lower premiums.
Bundle renters insurance with other coverages – If you have auto, life, or health insurance, consider bundling your renter’s insurance with one of these policies. It can result in small savings on the premium.
Claim-free history – Like all other types of insurance, your claim history will be a major factor in determining the premium. When it comes to renters insurance, companies normally look back at least five years. If you had no claims filed in that time, you’ll get the best premium rate.
Policy exclusions and limitations – You can specifically exclude any types of property that you don’t actually own. For example, if you don’t have much in the way of high-cost jewelry, you won’t need coverage for jewelry and furs. Also, you can save a good bit of money by increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000, or even higher you have the liquid savings to cover the difference.
The insurance company you choose may be the single biggest factor in determining your premium. Some companies just want the business more in your particular location, and will discount premiums to get it. You’ll see how this works in the next section.
What to Watch Out for With Renters Insurance
There are a few situations that might cause your premium to be higher, or even cause the insurance company to deny your application.
High-risk renters
This could be the result of the location of the rental property or even certain risks associated with you as a tenant.
Location can be a factor if you’re living in a high crime area, or in an area that has seen an above-average number of fires and other hazards. A location may be considered high risk if it’s located too far away from fire hydrants or fire stations. Your premiums will be higher if you’re located in such a neighborhood, or you may find that an insurance company is unwilling to extend coverage at all.
You could be considered a high-risk renter if you made one or more claims against your policy within the past five years (this is a standard question on renters insurance applications, so be ready). Some insurance companies may not offer a policy at all if you have one.
Still another possibility that would make you a high-risk renter is if you run a business out of your home. While a work-from-home situation won’t usually be a problem, having the type of business where you have people coming and going from the residence could be an obstacle.
One prominent example is if you’re running a childcare business out of your home. A situation like that would probably require a business insurance policy, in addition to renters insurance.
Sub-letting the residence
This is where you are the primary tenant in the property, but you might then rent the property out to another party on a temporary basis. While renter’s policies do provide for roommates and other regular occupants, they generally frown on transient arrangements. This will pretty much preclude using a rental premise for AirBnB customers!
Dangerous or exotic pets
Since certain types of pets are statistically more likely to cause injury to people, the insurance company may either charge you a higher premium for these pets, or even refuse to issue the policy entirely.
This is a common occurrence with certain dog breeds. For example, most insurance companies will have a problem if you have a pitbull, a German Shepherd, or other dogs deemed to be aggressive.
You might also run into a problem with certain exotic pets. A good example might be an iguana or a 10-foot python. Both are considered to be potentially dangerous, and don’t fall within the definition of ordinary pets. You probably won’t be able to get a renters insurance policy at all if you have this type of pet.
Unusual possessions
The same can be true of jewelry, furs, artwork, or antiques. If you have items that have significant value, either individually or collectively, you may need a separate policy that specializes in that particular type of possession.
Never assumed that a high dollar value item is covered under your policy. Just because you have $50,000 in coverage doesn’t mean that a $10,000 diamond ring is covered!
Should You Get Renters Insurance?
Unless you’re the kind of person who travels light in life – like really light – you absolutely need renters insurance. That means anything more than the clothes on your back, and an overnight bag with toiletries. It can be furniture, computer equipment, photography equipment, family heirlooms, appliances – you name it. If it’s worth anything at all to you, to the point that you would need to replace it if were lost, then you need renters insurance. .narrow-sky-1-multi-648border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;
Never assume your personal possessions will be covered under your landlord’s homeowners insurance, or under any other policies you may have. Renters insurance is a very specific type of coverage, and there’s no substitute for having your own policy.
Is there anything that can cause a bigger debate than the best place to eat in your town or city? If there is, we don’t know about it (or talk about it – at least this debate is fun!)
Thrillist recently published its Top 50 Essential Restaurants Every American Should Visit list – a treasure trove of American dining experiences that you should make sure to add to that ever-growing must-eat list. While you might think this means a list of high-end, totally out-of-budget restaurants, you’d be wrong. While some are expensive, many fall into the “sandwich you can’t miss” or “to-die-for BBQ” categories.
We’ve picked our favorites from this year’s list, but you can see the full list here.
Apartment Guide’s 18 Picks from Thrillist’s Top 50 Essential Restaurants:
Peter Luger Steak House
Brooklyn, NY
Arguably the best steak in NYC, and therefore probably the world – these Peter Luger’s are the Jedi Masters of meat.
Yume Wo Katare
Cambridge, MA
Great ramen, applause when you finish your bowl and encouragement to write down your dreams and hang it on the wall. Bliss.
The Buckhorn Exchange
Denver, CO
Open since 1893, this restaurant has seen several presidents pass through its doors. It’s also where you can try Rocky Mountain oysters, rattlesnake or even buffalo.
Johnnie’s Beef
Elmwood Park, IL
In a town known for Italian beef sandwiches, this Chicago area classic serves up one of the city’s finest examples.
Ganesh Temple Canteen
Flushing, NY
Found in the basement of a Hindu temple, this all-vegetarian eatery is known for their beautiful, crepe-like dosas.
Little Vincent’s Pizza
Huntington, NY
It may look like just another New York pizza place, but think again. They’re slinging out slices covered in cold, unmelted mozzarella cheese. And people love it. Really.
Joe’s Kansas City BBQ
Kansas City, KS
Forget the pulled pork of the south and the brisket of Texas and belly up for what’s often called a “life-changing slab of ribs.”
In-N-Out
Los Angeles, CA
Yes, it’s a chain fast food joint, but to West Coast folks, it’s more than that. Grab yourself a cheeseburger and go “animal style,” otherwise you’re ordering it wrong.
Payne’s BBQ
Memphis, TN
Let’s face it – Memphis is known for BBQ, and they take it seriously. When locals tell you this is the best place in town? You believe them.
Matt’s Bar
Minneapolis, MN
Home to a cheeseburger’s bigger, badder older brother, the Jucy Lucy (yep, it’s spelled that way), Matt’s ditched cheese on top for their famous, oozing cheese-stuffed burger.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
Nashville, TN
If you love spice, this is the place for you. Crunchy chicken drowned in sauce of varying degrees of heat. Don’t be a hero: you can’t handle the “XXX Hot.”
Café Du Monde
New Orleans, LA
Undo what you surely got up to the night before with classic, chicory-infused café au lait and a pile of fried beignets, heavy with powdered sugar.
Katz’s Deli
New York, NY
Home to a classic pastrami sandwich as big as your head, and also the backdrop to many films. Don’t lose your ticket!
Pat’s King of Steaks
Philadelphia, PA
You simply can’t go to Philadelphia without getting into a cheesesteak. We think it may be the law.
Pizzeria Bianco
Phoenix, AZ
Love a proper Italian pie? Meet the place that kicked off the revolutionary American artisanal pizza movement.
Primanti Bros.
Pittsburgh, PA
This old-school lunch counter is home to the city’s favorite blue-collar special: their sandwiches stacked with meat, slaw and a fistful of fries.
Mama J’s
Richmond, VA
The portions are almost as enormous as the lines at this classic, Southern soul food restaurant.
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Washington, D.C.
World famous chili dogs adored by both locals and tourists alike. One will never be enough, so order a couple and prepare for a chili facial.
Do you agree with Thrillist’s list? Did they miss something major, or overlook a culinary hotspot? Get social with us and tell us your favorites!
Does this sound disturbingly familiar? Skyrocketing home prices have very suddenly leveled off. Recession fears are swirling. The number of home sales has dropped. Is it 2006—the year that saw the ramp-up to America’s housing crash two years later—all over again?
Just like in the mid-2000s, experts are adamant that the correction in the housing market is simply that: a correction and not a catastrophe. Many news reports from early 2006, which often downplayed the risk of a severe housing crash, seem like they could be written about what’s happening today.
But back then, the pundits were wrong. We all know that a housing bubble burst, ushering in the Great Recession and taking down the global economy with it. Hindsight is 20/20.
So is the housing market in for a repeat performance? Or is this just some temporary pain for both buyers and sellers?
“Parallels can be drawn because of how quickly home prices have risen over the past few years,” says Yelena Maleyev, an economist at KPMG. “But that’s where the comparisons would end.”
Housing experts are quick to point out that the foundation of today’s housing market is stronger than it was in the mid-2000s. This time the downturn is due to higher mortgage interest rates, which rose rapidly from below 3% in 2021 to the high 6% range.
Today’s buyers have monthly mortgage payments that are basically double what they were just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. So many aren’t buying, or they’re unable to bid up prices like they did over the past few years.
But the most important difference between then and now is there are many more buyers than there are homes available this time around. The acute housing shortage will likely keep prices from falling off a cliff.
During the Great Recession, there were plenty of available homes—and no one to purchase them—so prices dropped about 26% over five years for existing homes. Today, buyers are still willing to bid over the asking price for move-in ready homes in desirable neighborhoods despite the financial challenges they face.
In addition, mortgages made over the past few years are much safer than those made nearly 20 years ago when lenders joke that their dogs could have gotten loans. The worst of the subprime mortgages that got homeowners in trouble when their payments suddenly doubled—or even tripled—have largely been eradicated. Borrowers have been thoroughly vetted, and only the strongest have been approved. And today’s homeowners are generally sitting on record amounts of equity.
“There are a lot of similarities that we should not ignore just because this time is different. … We do have some of our fundamentals that are out of whack,” says Ali Wolf, chief economist of the building consultancy Zonda. “But I don’t think it’s going to be a crash because the undersupply of homes is so different.”
___
Watch: The Best Cities in the U.S. for Home Sellers Right Now
___
Will home prices crash?
The question on the minds of homebuyers, sellers, and homeowners is what is going to happen with home prices.
They’ve already come down from their peaks last summer, which is typical. But they’ve also dipped a bit in some of the markets that got the most heated during the pandemic.
That’s reflected in the new-construction data from John Burns Real Estate Consulting. The price of newly built homes in Phoenix fell 15% year over year in March, according to the data. (The price includes incentives and concessions.)
In Boise, ID, another pandemic destination, prices were down 14% year over year for newly constructed homes. Prices dropped 10% in San Antonio, TX, just outside of Austin.
“It’s substantial,” says Devyn Bachman, senior vice president of research and operations at John Burns.
These places where prices rose the most or were extremely expensive to begin with might be the most vulnerable to larger price corrections, says Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist of Bright MLS. That includes the priciest parts of many housing markets, such as the downtowns of large cities.
Even with the affordability challenges, more than half of the sellers in the mid-Atlantic region received multiple offers in March, according to Sturtevant. About a third of all of the home sales went for more than the list price.
And home prices could continue to rise in the more affordable markets, such as in the Midwest. Homes in the lower price tiers could also see prices go up. Demand is so high for those more affordable properties that the competition often results in higher prices.
“We should expect some price corrections, not a price crash in these places where prices ran up the fastest,” says Sturtevant. “Everything seems to be slowing down a little bit … but everything still seems very competitive.”
The shortage of homes for sale is also keeping prices high. Builders have slowed down construction as their pool of buyers has dried up. And homeowners who would have listed their homes have been reluctant to do so thanks to the high mortgage rates. Most sellers are also buyers, many of whom will need to get a new mortgage at today’s rates. That means significantly higher monthly payments.
“Are there enough homes on the market for sale today? No,” says Matthew Gardner, chief economist at Windermere Real Estate. The Seattle-based brokerage covers much of the Western U.S. “Who is going to sell their home when they’re comfortably sitting on mortgage rates that are around 3%?”
Could higher mortgage rates deliver a death blow to the housing market?
Low mortgage rates were the fuel that caused the housing market to catch fire during the pandemic. Low rates meant buyers had more purchasing power—and could afford to bid higher than they otherwise would have. But when they rose, and buyers could no longer afford to buy, the housing correction commenced.
If the U.S. Federal Reserve keeps raising its rates to combat high inflation, mortgage rates are likely to keep climbing. That could scare off and price out additional buyers and put pressure on home prices to come down.
But many real estate professionals don’t anticipate mortgage rates to zoom up. They largely expect them to stay about where they are now—in the mid-6% range—at least through this spring.
Important to note: Historically, a 6% mortgage rate is relatively low. It’s a lot better than the peak of about 18.6% in September 1981, according to Freddie Mac data. The problem is home prices are high and memories of rates below 3% are fresh in the minds of many recent homebuyers and sellers. For every percentage point rise in rates, buyers can afford a whole lot less house.
Even though higher rates have led to a correction in the market, there are still buyers around the country queueing up at open houses.
“People have figured out how to make these mortgage rates work. They’re just looking for something to buy,” says Sturtevant.
Could there be another wave of foreclosures?
Foreclosures have been ticking up as pandemic-era moratoriums aimed at preventing homeowners from losing their properties have expired. But another tidal wave of foreclosures, like what happened during the 2000s, isn’t likely.
In the 2000s, “we had a huge amount of people using adjustable-rate mortgages with remarkably low interest rates. And there were also people who quite frankly should not have gotten a mortgage,” says Gardner, of Windermere. But when mortgage rates rose, “people found their mortgage payments doubling overnight and they had next to no equity. So what did they do? They walked away.”’
About 40% of homeowners currently own their homes outright without a mortgage, according to KPMG’s Maleyev. Many homeowners have record amounts of equity in their properties thanks to the rising prices over the past few years. So if they were having trouble making their mortgage payments, they choose to sell their homes instead—and often walk away with a profit. And most homeowners who have mortgages have 30-year fixed-rate loans, which don’t balloon in size over time.
There were more adjustable-rate mortgages in the early 2000s. So when mortgage rates ticked up and borrowers’ payments ballooned, “it didn’t take very much to burst that housing bubble,” says Maleyev.
Now, many real estate experts believe the nation is headed right into a recession—or will it be a near miss? A downturn with steep job losses would likely result in unemployed homeowners losing their abodes.
It would also discourage many folks, even those who remain employed, from purchasing property. Buying a home is typically the largest transaction that most people will ever make. And many people won’t feel comfortable doing so if they’re worried about the stability of their jobs.
“We will likely see some effects on the housing market going forward,” says Bachman, of John Burns. “Any time you lose jobs, there’s less demand for housing, for sale and for rent.”
But few expect another downturn would cut as deep as the Great Recession—or last nearly as long. Once the Fed gets inflation under control, it’s expected to cut rates to combat any turbulence in the economy. That will likely lead to lower mortgage rates, giving the housing market a boost. Many economists believe the housing market will begin recovering as early as next year, if not the year after that.
“It’s not the calm before the storm,” says Gardner. “This was just an important reset in the housing market.”
America’s national parks are legendary: You can probably conjure up images of Old Faithful at Yellowstone, El Capitan at Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains without too much trouble. But what you may not realize is that our country’s network of over 400 national parks can also be a terrific, budget-friendly vacation destination.
Planning a road trip to a national park with the family or your BFFs can be an amazing way to see the natural beauty of the U.S. And it’s a popular idea: In 2022, the parks welcomed 312 million visitors, up 5% from the previous year.
By doing some prep work, you can be among those travelers who revel in the iconic landscapes of the parks while having an environmentally friendly, low-cost adventure. Here, you’ll learn the ropes, from advice on destinations to ideas for keeping expenses down.
Cheap National Parks to Visit
Unlike other standard vacation destinations (theme parks, etc.), most national parks don’t charge an entrance fee. Over two-thirds of these sites, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, are free to enter. So the vast majority of these destinations are indeed cheap national parks to visit!
Even if you choose one that does charge, you’ll most likely pay by the carload, like the 7-day pass for your group at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado for $35. The ever-popular Yosemite and Acadia National Parks charge the same fee.
If you want to see which parks charge a fee, check out the National Park Service’s website .
Here’s an important warning, however: During peak times, you may need a reservation simply to drive into a park. You may gain admission if you have another kind of reservation (hotel room, say, or campsite), but double-check. Keep this top of mind if you are thinking you can just cruise on over and take selfies at, say, Half Dome for a day in August. Probably not going to happen without advance planning.
You can also take advantage of fee-free days. The National Park Service selects certain holidays and special occasions each year to offer admission-free entrance to everyone. So, you can visit over 400 sites at no cost in 2023, like on Great American Outdoors Day on August 4.
To find parks conveniently located near you, use the National Park Service’s “Find a Park ” tool online. Then you can compare options and see what type of landscape you’d most like to visit.
Setting a Budget for Visiting National Parks
If you have a vacation in mind, you might have already started budgeting for it. Saving money for a trip is an important step and allows you to explore the world guilt-free. But to make the most out of your visit to a national park, you need to know exactly what type of costs to expect. That way, you never have to worry about not having enough money on hand to enjoy yourself.
Here are some expenses you should account for in your national parks budget.
Food & Drink
Saving money on a road trip is often challenging since you don’t have all your basic necessities ready at your disposal. That includes food and drink, whether your style is more drive-through or sit-down dining or “I’m happy to cook for myself.” You’ll need to factor the cost of meals into your travel budget.
One budget-smart option is to rent a cabin with a kitchen. With that, you can pick up groceries once you arrive and cook your meals instead of ordering out. That’s a big savings right there!
You may not be the type to cook on vacation, though. If not, you can look for affordable options near you for meals. But keep in mind: You’ll need to budget for your three meals a day, plus you’ll probably want some water and a snack here and there, lots of liquids to fuel you on hikes, and perhaps to go out for a beer or two one evening. There will likely be taxes and possibly tips involved. See how it all adds up and what you can afford.
One very dollar-smart move to stay well-fed and not blow your budget: Use a backpack cooler. If you want to spend your days hiking and walking, you’re going to get thirsty and hungry pretty quickly. You can load a cooler up with protein bars, nuts, apples, and granola, preventing you from buying potentially pricey food throughout the day.
Gas & Travel
When it comes to the expense of traveling to national parks, the nice news is that a destination might be closer than you think. Many of us hear the phrase “national park” and think of large, sweeping spots in the West, like the Grand Canyon. But that’s just one iconic site. There are actually hundreds of places in the U.S. under the National Park Service’s care, from historic sites to scenic trails. So you may not have to plan out a cross-country trip to enjoy what this country has to offer.
However, if you have to travel a significant distance, why not whittle your transportation costs? For example, if you need to fly, it can pay to be flexible with your dates and look for the lowest possible fare. Sites like Expedia and Kayak can notify you when prices drop on flights you are interested in. Another smart move is to pack light so you won’t pay those ouch-inducing baggage fees.
Perhaps you’re driving to your destination, though. If you want to improve gas mileage and get the most out of your trip, try to choose a park that isn’t isolated. For example, there are multiple national parks near Las Vegas, such as Death Valley National Park and Zion National Park, which are about two and a quarter hours apart. Once you’re at Zion, you might decide to hop over to Bryce Canyon National Park, barely an hour and a half away, and see the incredible rock formations known as hoodoos.
You’ll be able to visit multiple parks without too much drive time, save money on gas, and see all the more spectacular sights. It may be the best way to travel around America on a budget.
Recommended: Guide to Renting a Car
Lodging
You know the law of supply and demand: When demand is high, supply gets scarce — and potentially pricey. With that in mind, note that the peak season for visiting national parks is summer. Kids are off from school, temperatures are warmer, and international travelers may visit our lovely landscapes. So that means bigger crowds, which impacts local lodging. It will be harder to find accommodations, and their prices will be higher, too.
Because of this, it’s best to book your lodging in advance so you don’t get shut out of affordable rooms. National Parks have a wide range of accommodations; during spring 2023 at Yosemite, for instance, rooms ranged from $101 to $500+ a night. A location farther out from the park will be cheaper as well. Those who accumulate points on a travel credit card may find lodging nearby at a discount.
Of course, that’s not your only option. You can also rent an RV or stay at a campground. If you choose to camp, check to see if you need a reservation. At national parks, the average price is around $20 per night, though prices can range from $5 to $30 or so. These sites usually offer electricity hookups, water, camp stores, and fire rings. Research what your campground offers to help plan out your packing needs. If you snag one of these spots at a free-admission park and already have tents and other gear on hand, congrats! You may have scored one of the cheapest national park visits to be found.
Activities and Entertainment
If you have never visited a national park before, you might not know what they offer. While part of their appeal is just being in the great outdoors and soaking in the views, you also have activities available to you. There may be anything from guided walks and museums to talks and films, and they all typically come at no extra cost. It can be a great way to learn about local wildlife, fossils, history, and more.
In addition to that, you might seek other activities. For instance, if you are visiting Florida’s Everglades National Park, perhaps you want to go on a kayak adventure with a guide. It can be a terrific way to see the mangroves and sawgrass marshes the area is famous for. That will be an additional cost to keep in mind.
There’s also every chance that you may pass all kinds of mini-golf, waterparks, multiplexes, and other attractions as you explore the area near a national park. If a vacation isn’t a vacation without indulging in these offerings, factor that into your budget, too.
Permits & Passes
Again, most parks are available to the public for free. But if you want to visit multiple national parks, consider opting for a National Park Annual Pass. It typically costs $80 ($20 for seniors) and gives you unlimited entrance to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, such as national parks.
Recommended: How Credit Card Travel Insurance Works
Saving for Your Travel
Saving up for your trip can be pretty straightforward. One way is to set up a dedicated travel fund. Separating your vacation money from your regular savings account will make your progress that much easier to track. You can also maximize your savings by setting up automatic contributions to your travel fund. That way, you never forget to put in a few dollars on payday.
If that sounds appealing, you need to pick the correct type of account. Some options, like a high yield bank account, promise higher interest rates than your standard version. However, your choice will depend on your timeline. For example, someone taking a trip in a year has more time to accrue interest than someone taking a trip within a few months.
Let’s say you don’t have much time, though. Even if you can’t build much in the way of interest, you can still find extra cash in your life. You might need to budget a bit differently. For example, if you have a streaming service membership, you can cancel that for a while. Or perhaps you can pick up a side hustle on the weekends, whether that means driving for a rideshare service or walking dogs.
The Takeaway
Vacations are a time to relax, enjoy yourself, and make memories with your loved ones. The last thing you need is for that time away to leave you deeply in debt and saddled with stress. That’s why a trip to a national park can be such a terrific destination: You’ll explore the great outdoors but can do so without breaking the bank, thanks to low fees, free activities, and the smart saving advice you learned here.
Are you considering a week wandering around Yellowstone? Or maybe a weekend at a nearby park? Or just looking to stash some cash while you figure things out? We’re here for you! SoFi Checking and Savings offers eligible accounts a competitive APY. That means your money grows faster. And we are devoted to being account fee-free, with no monthly or minimum-balance charges.
Let SoFi help you afford your next adventure sooner.
FAQ
Is it expensive to visit national parks?
In many cases, it’s a more affordable vacation than other options. Over two-thirds of national parks offer free admission year-round. Plus, there are many throughout the country, meaning you can pick one that’s close and may not have to spend much on travel costs. The main expenses will come from your lodging, food, and additional activities.
How many days should you spend at a national park?
The length of your stay should depend on the type of itinerary you want to build and the size of the park you are visiting. There are many itineraries for Yosemite online that involve staying three to five days, but you could certainly spend much longer or shorter periods of time. Worth noting: Some smaller parks and historic sites may not be open every day. Larger parks may close due to weather events. Always check in with a park (either online or by calling) beforehand.
How much does it cost on average to visit a national park?
Most national parks are free. The National Park Service allows you to see the entrance rates for each fee-charging national park. Use their listings to see if the park you want to visit charges an entrance fee. The per-vehicle prices are often between $20 to $35 for seven days.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.20% annual percentage yield (APY) interest on Savings account balances (including Vaults) and up to 1.20% APY on Checking account balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for these rates. Members without direct deposit will earn 1.20% APY on all account balances in Checking and Savings (including Vaults). Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 4/25/2023. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances. Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners. External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. SOCC0323047
Our semi-regular series on motherhood is back today and I’m particularly excited about this post. While we’ve tackled weighty motherhood-related topics in past posts (breast feeding, co-parenting, self-care, the election) this post is touch different – because we’re talking about books!
Now some moms might be sharing their favorite parenting books, but since I’m always on the hunt for good children’s books (and haven’t found the time to actually read any parenting ones yet – whoops) I’m focusing on books for the littles. Because they really are books for us too. We’re the ones reading them after all!
Surely, the world of children’s books is nearly endless but some books really do stand out from the crowd. And my definition of good is not as straightforward as it sounds. To classify a kid’s book as worthy it has to be visually appealing with lovely illustrations, have a truly good story, be well written (for the most part) and not drive me absolutely bat-sh** to read it for the 1,000th time. I’m tellin’ ya, it’s a tough bar. Pete the Cat does not make the cut. But I’ve managed to begin building a collection of kids books that both I and my kiddo equally adore. To the point where he has half of them nearly memorized. And wants to read each a minimum of three times in a row, stretching evening storytime into a freaking hour, but I digress. Because these books don’t suck, I’m ready and willing to do it.
To remind, I now have a toddler one my hands, so these are not board books. He’s just trustworthy enough to flip through the pages on his own. While I’ve found some good board books I love, classics like Go Dogs Go and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, I haven’t found as many board books that I also find truly compelling. If anyone has any recs, I’d love to see them!
1. Almost an Animal Alphabet by Katie Viggers. This alphabet book takes the ABCs to another level. Charming illustrations, actually interesting information about animals and a hidden joke or two make me smile every time we read this book.
2. Ish by Peter H. Reynolds. Ish might just be my favorite children’s book I’ve read thus far. A truly sweet story about a little boy who loves to draw, but his joy is stymied when he’s teased. But through a lesson, from a younger sister no less, little Ramon finds his love of art again. Delightful illustrations and great life lessons make this book a true treasures.
3. Home by Carson Ellis Home is a wonderful visual story about the definition of just that, home. Be it a nest, an apartment, a pasture or wigwams or boats, this book celebrates how and where all beings live. The illustrations soar above my bar and the diversity of places keep you guessing and the little delighted. It’s a winner.
4. I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen. If you’re looking for a book that will crack you up virtually every time you read it, I Want My Hat Back is certainly one. The humor is most definitely adult, but the illustrations keep the kiddos engaged. They might not get the joke in the end, but that almost makes it more fun. This one is also short. Always a bonus when wine is calling. (am I bad mom??)
5. Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts. If books that rhyme start to make you crazy after a while, Iggy Peck will save you. While written in verse, the story of a little boy who falls in love with architecture is witty, entertaining, and truly fun to read. You’ll love the pictures, you’ll love the message. There are also sister books, Ada Twist Scientist, and Rosie Revere Engineer are equally great.
6. I’d Know You Anywhere My Love by Nancy Tillman. This story is about a mother’s love for her children, but told through eyes of a child playing make believe. If your little loves animals this is a perfect book. It communicates a monther’s devotion while also empowering the child to use their imagination. It also introduces uncommon animals like the Blue Footed Booby. I just adore it.
7. We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen. This is the only book on my list from the same author that I mentioned before. The language in these books is so simple (would be good for early readers). The illustrations are a crack up. And there’s another wonderfully adult joke at the end. It’s a gem.
8. The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfeld Martin. This is another uplifting little tale about parents’ love for their children. I love the modern, dare I say hipster-esque illustrations. There are great messages for littles about caring, empathy, creativity and joy. There’s a fun little flip out section that makes my little guy say wow. It’s got all the pieces you need for a book both they and you’ll love.
I’m so excited to be raising a little reader. There is nothing more satisfying then seeing my little plop down and pick up a book all on his own. Or recite snippets of the books we read frequently. Books truly do open a child’s mind, inspire, teach and entertain.
I can’t wait to add even more to my little guy’s library with all the other Mamas’ recommendations! Check them out below.
The Refined Woman / Ave Styles / Sacramento Street / The Life Styled / The Effortless Chic / Freutcake / Sarah Sherman Samuel
For our entire Real Talk / Real Moms archive CLICK HERE.