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Apache is functioning normally

June 20, 2023 by Brett Tams

Do you want to make extra money by renting out your storage space? This Neighbor Review will show you how it works and how much money you can make.

Are you looking for a way to make some extra money with the unused space that you have?

Neighbor.com is a platform where you can rent out your space to those who are looking to store their stuff, such as boxes of their belongings, furniture, and even their cars.

You can rent out your driveway, garage, closet, and more on Neighbor.com. It’s like Airbnb, but specifically for storage.

You’re not hosting any people and no one is spending the night. Just their stuff!

By becoming a host on Neighbor, you can make passive income from the space that you are not currently using.

The Neighbor website is easy to use, and you can list your space and get started today.

Click here to learn more about Neighbor.com and sign up.

If you are interested in renting out your unused space on Neighbor.com and making extra money, please continue reading my Neighbor Review below.

Quick summary:

Neighbor is a platform for renting your unused storage space to make extra money.
You can earn $100 to $400+ each month. This depends on demand in your area and the type of storage you are renting out.
As a Neighbor host, you get to choose who, what, and when things are stored.

Neighbor Review

What is Neighbor.com?

Neighbor.com is a platform that offers an alternative to self-storage. Neighbor connects people who have extra space (such as an unused closet) with those who need to store their stuff.

Neighbor was started in 2017 by Colton Gardner, Joseph Woodbury, and Preston Alder, and is based in Lehi, Utah. The Neighbor platform is available on both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to easily manage your rented spaces via the app and online.

You can rent out your garage, driveway, parking lot, basement, bedroom, shed, warehouse, carport, closet, attic, street parking spot, unpaved lot, and more.

As a self-storage alternative, Neighbor.com helps you make passive income by renting out extra space in your home.

In short, Neighbor.com offers a modern and efficient way for you to earn extra income by renting out the unused spaces in your home, while providing an accessible and cost-effective storage solution for others who need to store their stuff.

How much money can you make from the Neighbor app?

With the Neighbor app, your earnings depend on the demand and supply for storage space in your area.

Some places will have much higher demand than others, and you may be able to charge more for your storage space. And, the opposite may be true as well – there may not be much demand and due to that you may have to lower your storage rates.

You can make anywhere from $100 to $400 per month or more for renting out your space. The more desirable your available space is, the higher your potential earnings.

Some types of storage will earn you more money. I did a quick search and I found someone near where I currently am, and they are renting out indoor storage that is climate controlled for $1,000 a month that is big enough to fit a large RV, along with whatever else you want to store.

Why would a person store their stuff at a stranger’s home?

This is a great question. Why would a person want to store their stuff at your house instead of just going to a traditional storage facility?

Renters like to use Neighbor.com because it is an alternative to traditional storage units.

With Neighbor, that have more options, and it may be more convenient for them to store their stuff at your place. There’s no paperwork for them either, and it can all be done through an easy app.

Plus, many traditional storage facilities may be full and even have a waitlist (I have needed to store my RV in the past and many times the waitlist is years long, for example.

How Does Neighbor Storage App Work?

The Neighbor platform is easy to use.

The Neighbor Storage App connects people who have available storage space with those looking for a place to store their items. If you have unused space, you can list it on the platform, and if you need extra storage, you can search for suitable options nearby.

The Neighbor app allows you to list your space, set your price, and collect monthly rent. Communication between hosts and renters is all done through the app as well.

As a Neighbor host, you’ll need to create a listing on the Neighbor website for the storage space that you are wanting to rent out. You’ll give them details about the space, such as the size, type (is it a driveway or shed?), location (what town are you in?), and any specific requirements for potential renters. You should take pictures of the space too, as they can help a renter determine if the space is good for them or not.

After you’ve created your storage space listing and received a booking request, you can talk with the renter through the Neighbor app.

Once the booking is confirmed, you’ll coordinate with each other to have the belongings moved into the storage space. The platform also offers built-in tools for tracking and managing rental agreements, so that the transaction is easy for both hosts and renters.

Signing up and getting started with Neighbor is simple:

Download the Neighbor app or visit their website
Create a free account
If you’re hosting storage space, set up your listing with details and images
If you’re renting, search for suitable storage options and send booking requests
Communicate with your match and finalize arrangements

The steps to make money on Neighbor.com

To make money on Neighbor.com, follow these simple steps:

Create an account: Sign up for a free account on Neighbor.com using your email address, phone number, and basic personal information.
List your space: Provide details about the available space you want to rent out, including the dimensions, type of space (e.g. closet, attic, garage), and any unique features or restrictions. Upload clear, high-quality photos of the space to attract potential renters.
Set your price: Determine a competitive monthly rent for your listed space. You are in control of the price, so consider factors such as location, size, and demand in your area. Keep in mind that Neighbor.com will take a small percentage of your earnings as a service fee.
Review and accept bookings: Renters will send you booking requests for your storage space. Review their profiles and accept bookings from those who meet your requirements. You can even talk with potential renters through the Neighbor platform if you have any questions or concerns.
Get your storage space ready: Before the renter moves their belongings in, ensure your storage space is clean and easily accessible.
Maintain communication: Keep in touch with your renters throughout the rental duration. If they have any questions, make sure to get back to them in a timely manner. For the most part, it is fairly passive income, so you won’t normally need to talk very often.
Receive payments: After a successful booking, Neighbor.com will handle the payment process for you and they collect the rental earnings directly from the customer for you. Rent is collected monthly and automatically deposited into your chosen bank account or PayPal.

As you can see, it is easy to make passive income with Neighbor.com.

The types of storage you can rent on Neighbor.com

There are many different types of storage space that you can rent out on Neighbor.com.

Some common storage options you can rent on Neighbor.com include:

Garage: Renters may need to store a vehicle in your garage. This can be for reasons such as going on a long vacation, needing to temporarily free up space in their driveway, and more. They may even store furniture or other equipment. Garages are in demand because they can protect belongings from bad weather and also help keep items safe from theft.
Storage space: Smaller spaces within a house, such as closets, cabinets, or attics, can be rented out for storing smaller items or boxes that don’t require a large area. Neighbor even says that you can rent out a shelf in your home!
Driveway: For those in need of a place to park their cars, boats, or RVs, renting a driveway can be an affordable and convenient choice.
Shed: Outdoor sheds are perfect for storing gardening tools, bikes, or other items that can withstand the elements.

Things To Think About Before Renting Out Your Storage Space

To become a host on Neighbor.com, there are some things that you will want to think about.

Space Requirements – To become a host with Neighbor, all you need to do is clear a space in your property. Think about what you have available, even if that means that you may have to clear out some room and shuffle some of your belongings around. Remember, the more attractive and functional the space, the higher the chances of attracting renters.
Responsibilities – Your main responsibility as a host is to provide a safe and secure space for renters to store their belongings. You will want to keep the area clean and safe for a renter. You will also need to communicate with renters to coordinate pick-up and drop-off times, and answer any questions that they may have.
Liability coverage – To give you peace of mind, Neighbor offers liability coverage for hosts up to $1,000,000. In case a renter’s belongings are damaged or lost under your care, you won’t be held liable for the damages.
Identity Verification – For the safety and security of both hosts and renters, Neighbor requires all users to verify their identity when signing up. This process entails providing your legal name, date of birth, and proof of identity, such as your driver’s license. By verifying your identity, this creates a safer community.
Theft Protection – You should take measures to protect the items stored on your property, such as using locks or installing security cameras. Also, renters’ items are covered up to $25,000 in case of theft.

Managing Renters and Payments

Neighbor strives to provide a safe and secure platform for hosts and renters. When a potential renter expresses interest in your space, you have the chance to review their profile and approve or deny the request.

Once a renter is approved, Neighbor handles all the payments by charging the renter’s debit card monthly and depositing the funds directly into your bank account.

Payment Methods

Neighbor offers various payment methods for both hosts and renters. As a host, you will receive your earnings via direct deposit to your bank account.

Renters can pay for their storage space using a credit card, debit card, or other supported payment methods.

Service Fees

Neighbor charges a service fee of 4.9% + $0.30 on each payment from the renter.

So, if your rental fee is $100, then Neighbor will withhold $5.20 as their service charge, and you will receive the remaining amount ($94.80).

Refund Policy

Neighbor does have a refund policy and cancellation policy. This means that a customer can decide not to store their stuff at your home.

In case a renter decides to cancel the contract before moving in, they might be eligible for a full refund depending on the timing. However, if a renter cancels after moving items into your space, they may only receive a partial refund, depending on the remaining paid rental period.

Insurance and Liability Protection

As a platform for storing strangers stuff in your home, you probably have questions about safety and security.

Neighor offers insurance for both hosts and renters, protecting you from potential losses due to theft or damage. As a host, you’re eligible for a $1 million host guarantee, giving you peace of mind when you’re sharing your space with others.

As a renter, Neighbor provides a $25,000 protection plan (their rental guarantee) for your stored items as well.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

Now, you are probably wondering – “But what if someone wants to store things that I am not okay with?”

This makes complete sense, as you, of course, don’t want someone storing illegal drugs or garbage in your home, of course.

To maintain a secure environment for everyone using the platform, Neighbor has set guidelines on prohibited items and restrictions. Keep in mind that certain items are not allowed to be stored in Neighbor storage spaces.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:

Hazardous materials
Explosives
Pesticides
Firearms and ammunition
Illegal drugs
Waste
Animals
Perishable goods

Are Neighbor.com reviews positive?

Neighbor has received many reviews on Trustpilot, which have been a mix of both positive and negative reviews.

Some reviewers write about the excellent service they have received by renting out their space on Neighbor, while I did see some negative reviews with specific Neighbor hosts, for example.

Also, some people have had good experiences as renters and hosts, while others have faced issues with billing and customer service.

Common Questions About Neighbor.com Storage

If you have more questions about renting out your unused space on Neighbor.com, please read the FAQs below.

Is Neighbor.com legitimate?

Yes, Neighbor.com is a legitimate company that connects people looking for storage space with those who have extra space available.

It is a peer-to-peer marketplace, where hosts can list their garage, spare bedroom, attic, basement, driveway, or any other space that someone else can use to store their belongings.

Is Neighbor safe to use?

Yes, Neighbor is safe to use for both renters and hosts. The platform gives $1,000,000 in liability coverage for hosts and $25,000 in insurance coverage for renters.

Plus, they have a prohibited items list, so that can help protect you as well.

Are the fees on Neighbor reasonable?

Neighbor does charge a fee. This is because they have created a platform to make sharing your storage space easy.

As a host, Neighbor charges a 4.9% processing fee and $0.30 for every reservation. For renters, there is around a 15% service charge in addition to the rental price.

How does payment work?

On Neighbor, renters pay through the platform, and hosts receive their payments directly from Neighbor. This ensures a secure transaction for both parties, with agreed-upon terms.

Is Neighbor.com BBB accredited?

Neighbor.com is not currently BBB accredited. However, BBB accreditation does not guarantee a better experience or whether a company is legitimate or real.

Can I make money with Neighbor? Is Neighbor a good way to make money?

Yes, you can make money with Neighbor by renting out your extra space to others who need storage. As a host, you set the price for your space, and the platform helps connect you with potential renters.

You can make anywhere from $100 to $400 per month or more in passive income for renting out your space.

Related: 30 Best Money Making Apps

Neighbor Review – Is the Neighbor app worth it?

If you are looking to make passive income, then renting out your unused storage space on Neighbor.com may be something that you are interested in.

To understand how Neighbor.com works, think of it as an Airbnb of storage; you offer your spare storage space (garage, basement, shed, etc.) for renters as temporary storage units without having to deal with the work of hosting guests.

Instead, you are just storing their stuff and then they leave! So, all you need to do is clear out a space for them to put their belongings.

For hosts, one of the main positives of using the Neighbor app is how easy the website makes everything. As a host, you can list your storage space with a description, pictures, and price. You can also decide on the length of time you want to rent it out – whether it’s for a month, a few months, or even longer.

For renters, the Neighbor app provides an affordable and/or convenient alternative to traditional storage units. Renters can browse listings and find storage spaces near their location that fit what they are looking for. Once they find a storage space that they are interested in, they can rent it from you and start storing their items.

Neighbor does charge a fee for using their website, but they are relatively low. As a host, you set the price for your storage space and the platform takes a small commission from the rent you receive for the convenience of using the Neighbor platform.

If you have an unused storage space and are looking to earn some passive income, the Neighbor app can definitely help you make some extra money.

Click here to learn more about Neighbor.com and sign up.

Would you rent out your extra space? Why or why not? What other questions would you like me to answer in this Neighbor Review?

Apache is functioning normally

June 20, 2023 by Brett Tams

Northwestern Mutual dedicates $3 million to help residents in Milwaukee’s underserved communities achieve homeowner status The company and its local partners are helping Milwaukee residents secure financial stability through affordable housing efforts MILWAUKEE, June 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Despite gains in education and earnings, the racial wealth gap remains a deep issue in America. According … [Read more…]

Apache is functioning normally

June 19, 2023 by Brett Tams

Lenders offer borrowers to lock the mortgage rates for a period between the offer and the closing date, which vary according to their policies.

However, during periods of instability, locking the rate for a long period puts downward pressure on lenders’ margins, hurting earnings. That’s been playing out over the last few months due to massive rate increases. And more are expected to follow – the Federal Reserve signaled six additional rate hikes this year, with at least three more in 2023.

The latest weekly Freddie Mac PMMS survey, released Thursday, showed that the average purchase mortgage rate touched 4.67% early last week, up 25 basis points from the week prior and the highest reading since December 2018. Black Knight‘s Optimal Blue OBMMI pricing engine, which considers refis and data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), reported that rates on Monday averaged 4.86%, up around 80 basis points in one month.

“The sharp rise of the 2-year swap rate along with the rapid increase in credit spreads of the securitization market have led to an unusually fast increase in non-QM rates that the industry has not seen before,” Angel Oak’s spokesperson said.

Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions announced the change in its lock policy on March 31, which caused “confusion and stress” among brokers and borrowers, according to a company’s post on its LinkedIn page.

The company retracted the changes the following day, saying it was in the “process of making the appropriate system updates to reflect the original information of borrower’s loans.” After that, the spokesperson for the company told HousingWire on Tuesday that it will honor all current locks, with the new policy valid only for loans moving forward.

With mortgage rates now hovering around 5%, compared with 3% or lower for much of last year, lenders are investing more in non-QM products. UWM recently rolled out bank statement loans targeting the self-employed as well as investor loans. Likewise, Homepoint is unveiling bank-statement loans as well as non-QM cash-flow loans for real estate investors. (Several other big nonbanks have investor loan products as well.)

Investors’ appetite for non-QM loans also increases in a higher interest rate landscape, as they are seeking for more return on their investments. So far, this year, the non-QM volume numbers are impressive: year to date as of March 25, a total of 29 non-QM securitizations were completed or underway valued at $12 billion, compared to 17 deals valued at $4.8 billion over the first full three months of 2021, the most recent Kroll Bond Rating Agency’s data show.

Source: housingwire.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 17, 2023 by Brett Tams

Family travel is a whole other ballgame. The strategy, gear, planning, expectations and number of times you may answer “Are we there yet?” make it an entirely different sport than solo or adults-only trips.

While traveling with kids is arguably quite different than taking a trip without a child (notice we didn’t call it a “vacation” with kids), it doesn’t have to be intimidating. In fact, there are countless ways to experience memorable moments and make lifelong memories with your kids, whether you hike the mountains of Machu Picchu or ride the newest coaster at Disney World.

Related: TPG’s 10 top family vacation destinations

To make the journey a little easier, we’ve compiled our 43 favorite family travel tips. Whether you’re traveling with infants, teens or some of both, these tried-and-true tips are bound to ease travel headaches and ensure your family travels are as fun and carefree as possible.

Travel tips for infants and toddlers

DARREN MURPH/THE POINTS GUY

Having a baby does not mean the end of your time as a traveler. It may cause you to temporarily pause your adventures, and it will certainly change how you travel. But traveling with a baby is still worth the effort.

While it’s true that your baby may not remember the details of your trips during the first few years, quality time together is invaluable. You will always remember their first big vacations.

Some travel is often easier with a small, snuggly baby than with a growing, active toddler, so don’t be afraid to plan something while your little one is still young.

Use the right travel stroller

If you plan on traveling with a stroller, you want one that is lightweight and easy to maneuver through the airport or rough terrain, if necessary, once you reach your destination.

Related: These are the 13 best travel strollers for your next trip

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BABYZEN.COM

If you choose to gate-check your stroller, foldability isn’t as important. Instead, prioritize protecting your stroller from dirt and damage by investing in a stroller with a bag. For long layovers, you can request to have your gate-checked stroller delivered to you between flights so that your baby has a safe and comfortable place to rest while you navigate the airport. Just ask the gate agent when you check your stroller.

Baby-wear

To keep your hands free and your baby snuggled, you may choose to baby-wear through the airport or on a flight (though most airlines don’t allow it during takeoff and landing).

The Transportation Security Administration rules state that infants may be carried in a sling or carrier while going through the walk-through metal detector, so you shouldn’t have to remove them for security — at least, according to the rules.

If it’s not too hot, baby carriers and slings also come in handy at theme parks, which allow baby-wearing on many family-friendly attractions. Just be sure you ask about safety restrictions before you ride.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Breastfeeding mamas should consider carriers that allow easy access for on-the-go nursing, such as those in sling or wrap styles.

Consider a Doona

If you don’t want to lug both a car seat and a stroller and your baby weighs between 4 and 35 pounds, you’re in luck: The Doona can serve the function of both. It transforms very easily from a stroller to a car seat and back again, all while your baby is strapped in.

Because of their convenience, Doonas are great for flights, cab rides, Uber rides and, frankly, any part of your busy life with a baby.

Think twice about flying with a lap infant

Most airlines allow children younger than 2 to fly as lap infants instead of purchasing separate seats for them.

The cost savings can be hard to pass up, and during those early months when the little one is nursing or sleeping a lot, it can be the easiest way to go. However, if your baby is fussy or you are flying solo, you may feel more comfortable keeping them in their car seat. If they can sleep through anything or you have someone you can split baby-care duties with, you may have more success flying with a lap infant.

If you do purchase a seat for your baby, there are dozens of portable car seats out there that are much easier to travel with than the bulky car seat you may have at home.

Get a car seat just for travel

The Cosco Scenera is a perennial favorite when it comes to travel car seats. At around 10 pounds and only $50 to $60, this car seat is a winner for travel when you need something easy and affordable. It’s rated for rear-facing little ones weighing between 5 and 40 pounds or forward-facing kiddos weighing 22 to 40 pounds.

Another model to consider is the WAYB Pico portable car seat, which was recommended by several TPG readers.

Use a car seat on the plane

Every kid is different, but if your little one sleeps well in a car seat in the car, they may do the same on a plane. If your kids are generally comfortable in car seats and have their own seat assignments on the plane, consider bringing the car seat on board for a secure flight experience.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Related: Car seats that are airline approved

Bring a Boppy pillow if you’re holding an infant

TPG’s senior director of engineering Mitchell Stoutin recommended using a Boppy nursing pillow for long flights with an infant. In addition to being handy for nursing, it gives your baby a comfortable place to rest. He also advised stashing your Boppy in a vacuum Ziploc bag to save space when not in use.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Sign your kids up for frequent flyer programs

Once you make the transition to buying your child a seat — either because they turn 2 or because you think having a separate seat will work best for your family — sign them up for a frequent flyer account and let the miles start rolling in.

No minimum age requirements exist for kids, so enroll them while they’re young to maximize their earnings.

Related: Earning frequent flyer miles for your kids just got a little easier

Board last

Most airlines let families with young children board early in the process, but as long as your family has assigned seats, you don’t need to worry about rushing to board before others.

Instead, have one parent get all the gear ready and board first while the other waits as long as possible before bringing the baby on board. This will help minimize the amount of time you have your little one in tight quarters, reducing the likelihood of a meltdown or further disrupting their schedule.

Pack your carry-on strategically

Think about everything you may need to easily access for yourself and your baby before organizing your carry-on. That way, you don’t forget any of your must-have items or struggle to find them while on board.

Consider packing food, diapers and extra outfits for at least twice as long as you think you’ll need them for your little one while in transit. Don’t forget to also bring clothes, snacks and drinks for yourself so you have everything you need.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to have enough essentials to survive at least 24 hours off of what you bring on board, as you never know what is going to happen.

Bring large Ziploc bags and black trash sacks

Avoid packing a suitcase without tossing in a few Ziploc bags, grocery bags or trash bags. They can be used to stash snacks and store wet or dirty clothing.

As TPG executive editor Scott Mayerowitz shared, large black garbage bags can also work as blackout shades in a pinch.

Related: The best family beach vacation destinations to kick off summer

Find a space in your hotel for the baby to sleep

In the best-case scenario, you’ll have accommodations with at least two bedrooms so your baby has a dark, quiet place to sleep while you relax without disturbing them. However, there are times when having multiple rooms isn’t possible.

If you only have one bedroom, try putting a crib in a hotel closet or bathroom to achieve the same result.

Travel with gear that will help your baby sleep in the hotel

When it’s time for the baby to sleep, there are numerous sleep tents, shades and white noise machines to choose from. Here are a few of our most trusted options:

You don’t always need to buy new gear for a successful trip, though. One reader suggested using painter’s tape to cover outlets as a quick, cost-effective way to baby-proof your hotel room.

Related: These are the best New York City hotels for families to check out

Have diapers and essentials shipped to your final destination

While you need plenty on hand for that first day or two, you can purchase what you need from Amazon and have it shipped directly to your destination instead of traveling with an entire week’s worth of needed items like diapers and wipes.

Alternatively, you can use a service like Shipt or Instacart to have essentials delivered to your hotel or home rental after you arrive.

Pack the snacks

This is true for all ages but especially applies when traveling with infants.

Don’t ever assume anything baby-appropriate will be available while you are in transit. The last thing you want is the stress of scrambling to find what you need at the last minute.

To avoid this potential headache, pack enough formula, snacks and more so you have whatever your little one may need to stay happy and content.

Related: How to pack — and prepare — for travel with a baby

Travel tips for preschoolers

SKYNESHER/GETTY IMAGES

The good news is that when kids are old enough for preschool, they don’t need quite as much sleeping and transportation gear.

With preschoolers, you’ll want to pay particular attention to toys and activities that will keep them entertained, night lights that will help keep the “scaries” away and a few other important travel essentials.

Bring mess-free toys

When choosing toys to pack for a flight or road trip, keep in mind that you don’t want anything that will create a mess or get lost easily, such as Legos or slime.

For mess-free coloring, we love Crayola Color Wonder Markers and coloring pages. If you’re taking a long flight or road trip, consider suction toys that can stick to a car or airplane window.

Related: 14 mistakes parents make when traveling with kids

Pack hidden toys to reveal during your trip

A surefire way to keep your child content for extended periods of time is to hide some toys until your travel day arrives so they feel new and exciting. You can even wrap them up or dole them out periodically throughout your trip — we recommend packing one toy for each hour of a flight — to add an element of surprise.

Try visiting a dollar store or dollar aisle in a store to dial up the surprise factor. Trust us, the $5 investment will pay off in spades.

Related: Your guide to flying with kids of every age

Consider an inflatable booster seat

If your child has graduated to a booster seat (congrats!), there are inflatable and fold-flat booster seats available that are easier to haul when traveling by car.

While there are several options currently on the market, the BubbleBum inflatable booster seat is a TPG reader favorite.

Use a stroller

Should you find yourself covering lots of miles on your trip, having a stroller can come in handy, even if you don’t normally use one at home.

For example, at a large theme park like Disney World, you may find yourself needing a stroller until your kid is 6, 7 or even 8 years old if you are moving quickly and want them to easily keep up (or if you know they will fall asleep before you are ready to call it a night). This may mean renting one when you get there, though you may prefer to have your own if you’re doing more than spending time at Disney.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Get stroller straps

Because it isn’t socially acceptable to AirTag children (though they do come in handy for finding lost luggage), we instead suggest getting stroller straps that bigger kids can hold on to while you push younger children in the stroller. We’re particularly fond of the Tagalong Stroller Accessory.

Preschedule car service from the airport

If you need car seats or want to be sure you have a ride waiting for you when you land, Uber and Lyft now both have options for prescheduling a ride if you need one.

While the best service depends on where you are going, one option to try is Blacklane. Consider having your driver meet you inside at baggage claim if you’re traveling with a lot of gear.

Pack a night light

For kids who are afraid of the dark, night lights may come in handy. This affordable nightlight is small, sleek and easy to pack.

If you are going on a cruise and don’t have access to traditional power outlets, TPG senior travel editor Erica Silverstein suggests bringing along battery-operated tea lights instead.

Travel somewhere with a kids club

A magical milestone in travel is when your child turns 3 and is potty trained, as this unlocks access to a variety of kids clubs.

Whether you’re on a Disney cruise (like the new Disney Wish cruise ship, pictured below) or at a resort with a kids club (some of which are free to use), children’s clubs are great for preschoolers.

By going somewhere that caters to younger children, you’ll be able to get a well-deserved break while the kiddos are taken care of.

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SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Plan down days and afternoon rest

Even if your preschooler has dropped daily naps at home, it’s still smart to build some downtime into your vacation schedule. This is especially important because it’s likely that their sleep schedule will be a little off while you’re traveling and that your vacation will be more action-packed than what they’re used to at home.

To help your overtired kid adjust, plan a relaxing pool day or take an afternoon break in your hotel room to keep crankiness at bay.

Travel tips for elementary-age kids

NIKKI A RAE/DENVER ZOO

As kids get older, they can do more while on vacation with less help, but the tried-and-true tricks for keeping them entertained may no longer work.

Because their brains are developing and becoming more complex, elementary-age kids will need to have access to more activities while they’re away from home. As a result, you’ll need to adjust your strategy for vacations so they continue to have a good time.

Use packing cubes for the family

This tip applies to all age groups but can be especially helpful when your child starts taking more of an interest in choosing their own clothes. By relying on packing cubes, you can keep clothing for every member of your family organized while saving space.

If you decide to use packing cubes, there are a couple of good methods to choose from.

You can have a packing cube for each day of your trip and put your family’s clothing for each day in one cube. This works well if you will be making multiple stops and don’t want to pack and unpack everything.

KOSTIKOVA/GETTY IMAGES

You could also pack each family member’s clothing in a separate packing cube, which is helpful when you are encouraging kids to get dressed on their own and choose their own outfits.

Leave 1 day free in the schedule

We’ve already covered the importance of leaving some flex time in the afternoons, but if you are traveling for more than a long weekend, we highly recommend leaving an entire day unscheduled. That way, the kids can either rest and chill or you have the ability to say yes to something they spot along the way.

Depending on your child’s interests, you may want to use your free day for activities like splashing around at a water park, checking out some animals at a zoo, enjoying an epic ice cream-tasting adventure or spending more time at the kids club.

The key is to leave this day flexible so you can cater some activities to what your kid is enjoying the most.

Guatemala Zoo, Guatemala City. THE MOM TROTTER

Take advantage of your hotel’s club lounge

Club access can be invaluable when traveling with kids.

If you stay in a club-level room at a hotel, you’ll often have daily access to breakfast, snacks and drinks. An added bonus is that the club can serve as a gathering spot for enjoying more time (and often gorgeous views) with them.

Related: Can you use a World of Hyatt club lounge access award for someone else?

Plan trips with another family

This is the age where having other kids around really starts to matter.

If at all possible, try planning the trip to at least overlap with time spent with cousins or friends. Doing so will virtually guarantee the kids will have a better time, which means you will, too.

For these types of trips, you may want to look into finding a good vacation home rental.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Related: Why the best big family vacation may be skiing

Travel tips for tweens and teens

KLAUS VEDFELT/GETTY IMAGES

Traveling with tweens and teens is completely different than traveling with younger kids — something you probably know all too well if you are currently living with them.

At this age, kids are well on their way toward becoming full-fledged adults. As a result, they deserve a taste of the space, privacy and independence that comes along with adulthood.

Build an activity bag

It’s easy to assume the phone will do the trick, but TPG editor Kristy Tolley is a proponent of custom activity bags to keep kids (including older ones) occupied on long trips.

For your activity bag, consider anything from snacks to quiet toys to new games for their Nintendo Switch to art supplies — whatever will keep them entertained while you get to your final destination.

Double-check downloaded content

Wi-Fi on airplanes can be quite finicky. Even if you pay for it, there’s never a guarantee it’ll work for the entirety of your flight. Because of this, download movies, music, games and more to your device (or your child’s) before your trip.

When downloading movies or TV shows, turn to multiple sources like Netflix, Disney+ and Apple. That way, if you run into issues with one provider, you still have content from the others.

Also, remember that messaging others is free on many flights, so be sure your teen has the airline app downloaded if you want them to be able to keep using services such as iMessage while in the air.

Enroll your child in TSA PreCheck

Until they turn 13, kids traveling with a parent or guardian with TSA PreCheck will be allowed to go through the expedited security line even if they themselves don’t have TSA PreCheck.

Even after they turn 13, kids 17 and younger can typically use the TSA PreCheck lines with their parent or guardian as long as the teen has the indicator on their boarding pass.

If you have a credit card that reimburses fees for TSA PreCheck, you can recoup the cost of your child’s application. Note that Clear continues to work to bring kids through until they turn 18.

Related: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both

Consider connecting rooms

The days of squeezing two or three kids into one queen-size bed are probably long gone once they reach their teenage years. Not to mention, trying to have the whole family use one bathroom is an ordeal you likely won’t want to go through.

To keep the peace, consider reserving connecting hotel rooms.

With connecting rooms, you’ll have double the beds, bathrooms and storage space. Plus, teens and tweens will have the space and privacy they need without you being too far away to keep an eye on them.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Related: Big news for families: Hilton to guarantee adjoining rooms with ‘Confirmed Connecting Rooms’

Let kids choose a few activities (or plan the whole day)

At this age, kids are not just along for the ride. Give them some input (and independence) by allowing them to help plan your trip. Odds are they’ll be more engaged by being involved in the planning.

Bring a friend

While planning trips with other families is a good strategy with elementary-age kids, by the time kids are teens, just bringing along one of their friends could be sufficient.

To keep the costs down, consider using an airline companion certificate to bring along that friend without spending extra.

Teens play foosball on Caribbean Princess. PRINCESS CRUISES

Go somewhere with a teens club

If you are visiting a resort or destination where you may be going light on activities, lean into places that have a space just for teens.

Cruise ships are fantastic when it comes to this, as they often have kid-focused spaces divided into pretty distinct age ranges. For example, Disney Cruise Line has a club for kids ages 3 to 12, another for those between 11 and 14 and then one for teens ages 14 to 17.

By taking advantage of clubs that are broken up into designated age groups, your teen can have plenty of fun without the annoyance of hanging out with younger kids.

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SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Related: Child turning 18? Here’s everything you need to know before the next time they travel

General family travel tips

MACKINAC ISLAND TOURISM BUREAU

Some family travel tips transcend age groups.

Regardless of how old your kids are, where you’re traveling or how you’re getting to your vacation destination, there are a few tips you’ll always want to keep top of mind.

Utilize airport lounges

Airport lounges are becoming more and more kid-friendly, as they offer dedicated family rooms with toys and kids shows on TV, plus food that will please picky eaters. Additionally, if you have a long layover or are dealing with flight delays or cancellations, you’ll be much more comfortable waiting in a lounge instead of at your gate.

You can purchase a day pass to many lounges but may be able to get yourself and your family in for free with certain credit cards or airline status. For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express grants the cardmember and one guest complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges and access to Centurion and Escape lounges, though complimentary guest access depends on how much you spend annually.

Plaza Premium Lounge at Orlando International Airport (MCO). TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY

Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access

Upgrade to a suite

Similar to springing for connecting rooms, upgrading to a suite will buy you additional space and, sometimes, a pullout sofa that adds another sleeping option.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

You’ll also have more room for your family’s belongings and areas for relaxing and dining so your kids don’t spend all their time jumping, eating and lounging on the beds.

Check for reciprocal zoo and museum memberships

If you have a membership to your local zoo or museum, you may be able to use reciprocal benefits for free or discounted entry to other zoos and museums that you can visit on vacation.

This information is usually available on your zoo or museum’s website, but you can also check lists on the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ page about reciprocal admissions or on the North American Reciprocal Museum Association website.

Get a travel tracker that doubles as a memento

There are so many unique travel souvenirs you can get that also serve as keepsakes for remembering your child’s travel “firsts.”

These Junior Frequent Flyer flight logbooks allow you to record your child’s flights while teaching them about aviation.

If a national park visit is in your future, order a standard or junior National Parks Passport and collect stamps every time you visit a new park.

Don’t forget important medicines

When you are away from home, you have to be prepared for anything. That includes unexpected sicknesses and accidents.

Pack kid-safe and grown-up medicines, as well as Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment and other first-aid necessities in your carry-on bag so you won’t be without them if your checked luggage is delayed or lost.

Bring an extra bag

If you are traveling between a cold climate and a hot one, pack a lightweight tote bag that can fold into your carry-on so you can easily gather up everyone’s coats once on the plane. By keeping this tote tucked away until you’re on board the aircraft, you’ll enjoy an extra allowed bag, saving you the headache of trying to determine where to put bulky coats.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Get Global Entry for each family member

Unlike TSA PreCheck, which allows kids to travel with an eligible adult until they turn 18 (in most cases), anyone wishing to use Global Entry to expedite reentry into the U.S. needs to apply for the program.

Global Entry can save valuable time spent waiting in line. However, you’ll need to apply well in advance of your trip so you have time to submit your application, complete an in-person interview and await approval.

Similar to TSA PreCheck, you can use a credit card that will reimburse your child’s Global Entry application fee.

Try out the games built into many spaces

It’s easy to miss, but many resorts, theme parks and cruise ships have a hidden layer of fun that ranges from traditional scavenger hunts to interactive activities you can unlock with an iPhone or similar device.

While the youngest travelers won’t benefit from these types of experiences, they can be fun for a variety of age ranges, especially elementary-age kids and tweens.

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Related: Disney World rolls out all-new MagicBand+: Here’s what this wristband can do for your trip

Bottom line

Family travel has its own built-in challenges, but it also comes with immense rewards.

By knowing all the tips and tricks to traveling with kids, having the right gear with you, mapping out a game plan and having the right attitude and realistic expectations, you can have a memorable vacation every member of the family enjoys.

You may not get to do everything you want or sometimes feel like it’s more of a hassle than a vacation. However, if you’re willing to be flexible and appreciate when things go according to plan — even if the end result isn’t quite what you had hoped for — you’ll find yourself eager to book your next family trip before you have the bags unpacked and put away.

Related reading:

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 16, 2023 by Brett Tams

Approximately 60% of commissioned mortgage professionals claim to be living paycheck to paycheck because of delays in payment in the midst of lower origination volume, a survey from payroll technology company Everee found.

A 84.4% share of respondents, who held a variety of roles besides loan officers, felt getting paid faster would enable them to manage their personal finances more effectively.

“When you look at wage growth compared to inflation, real earnings have been down for the past 26 straight months, and that has its impact on employees,” said Ron Ross, president of Everee, in an interview.

Ross added the findings that 60% are living paycheck to paycheck was a surprise, but noted that mortgage industry workers are not immune to the pressure others are feeling, where nearly three out of four are dealing with a personal financial crunch between pay periods.

Bill Corbet, partner and managing director lending strategy at BlackFin Group, agreed with this sentiment.

“This is certainly exasperated by the lag between their sale and closing, which triggers the standard (delayed) pay cycles,” Corbet said in a statement. “Faster pay cycles clearly help the loan officer but the customer may also benefit in that the LO is not pushing to close just to meet a cut-off date for getting paid.”

Because home sales transactions are taking longer, mortgage workers on commission are getting paid at a less frequent pace.

“So once that deal closes, they want their commission within a day versus having to wait another two weeks, sometimes even upwards of 45-plus days,” added Dana Gagnon, Everee’s chief marketing officer. “It’s not really acceptable anymore.”

And while the Federal Open Market Committee did not hike rates at its June meeting, it left the door open for future upward movement, creating more uncertainty for the housing market, Ross said.

“So if you’re a mortgage professional, you’re having to start to think, is this going to get worse, should I be thinking about staying in the profession and if I’m going to stay in the profession, what would it take me to stick around?” Ross said. “We’re seeing them appreciate more predictability and quicker payments when they’re owed that money.”

While more than half responded that they were not planning on leaving the mortgage industry in the next 12 months, 32% answered the question in the affirmative and 15% said they didn’t know.

For those considering dropping out of the business, 56% stated the uncertainty of the market affects their decision on whether to stay or go.

The fundamental problem is that the mortgage industry still has too many loan officers chasing fewer opportunities, said Jim Cameron, senior partner at Stratmor Group, in an interview.

“Our data over the years has shown that the bottom quintile of loan officers have a turnover of roughly 100%,” Cameron said. “So basically, the bottom dwellers rotate out every year.”

But with volume dropping by half year-over-year, more of that group is likely to consider a change, and that is shown in the response to the stay or go question, he said.

The declining number of transactions has resulted in a 48% decline in commissions, Stratmor’s data found.

Over eight in 10 of respondents to the Everee survey, 82%, claimed they would remain at their current lender long-term if they were paid commissions within 24 hours. However, more than 60% stated they had to wait at least two weeks to get paid, with 22.3% claiming it took a month and 11.5% reported it was even longer.

However, loan officer compensation in particular has long been a hot button topic in the mortgage industry, with a panel at last October’s Mortgage Bankers Association annual convention warning against having overly creative arrangements for pay.

On the other hand, with all the turmoil, especially with mass layoffs and company closures, employees have been suing to recoup allegedly unpaid wages.

In choosing a place to work, the commission rate was No. 1 among the factors respondents were asked to rate, which was no surprise given their desire for predictability and the size of their earnings, said Gagnon.

The next two were having flexible working hours and offering flexible work locations.

“Like with the rest of the American workforce, there’s that push to return to office and mortgage professionals are in that same boat,” Gagnon said. However, “they still want the flexibility that they were afforded during the pandemic.”

Fourth was company leadership, followed by speed of commission payments, the consistency of business and company culture.

In the bottom two positions on the list were health and retirement benefits.

Everee surveyed 314 mortgage workers compensated on a commission basis during May. Managers made up 35% of the sample, with 27% being LOs, 18% loan processors, 8% underwriters and 12% holding some other role. Just over half of the respondents have been in the mortgage business for five years or longer.

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 16, 2023 by Brett Tams

Do you want to make money driving for Instacart? This Instacart Shopper Review will show you how it works and how much money you can make delivering groceries.

Instacart is a popular website for people looking to earn extra money as shoppers and grocery deliverers. Acting as a middleman between customers and stores, Instacart allows you to turn your free time into a chance to make some extra money.

As an Instacart shopper, you can enjoy the flexibility of choosing when and where you want to work, making it an attractive option for those with busy schedules or seeking gig work opportunities.

Before deciding if you want to become an Instacart shopper, there are some things to think about. And, you may have some questions too.

In this Instacart Shopper Review, we’ll dive into an in-depth review of what it’s like to be an Instacart shopper, from shopper requirements and the sign-up process to tips for increasing your earnings and efficiency.

This information will help you make an informed decision about whether becoming an Instacart shopper is the right side hustle for you.

You can click here to sign up to be an Instacart Shopper.

Key takeaways:

It is easy to get started as an Instacart shopper.
The flexibility of being an Instacart shopper provides an opportunity to make extra money. You can choose your hours and there is no minimum you have to work.
Maximizing earnings and efficiency is essential for success as an Instacart shopper so that you can make the most money per hour.
There is no compensation for car maintenance or gas expenses. You are driving your own vehicle.

Instacart Shopper Review

What is Instacart?

Instacart is a grocery delivery service that allows you to view, select, and purchase products from a variety of stores online or through their Apple and Android apps. As a user, you can place an order for groceries, and an Instacart Shopper will fulfill your order and deliver it to your doorstep.

I have used Instacart many, many times in the last couple of years. The service has made my life so much easier, because sometimes I simply don’t have time to run to the grocery store or I may simply not have a car (such as when traveling).

Instacart is available in the United States and Canada.

Related content:

What is an Instacart shopper?

As an Instacart shopper, your main responsibilities include shopping for and delivering groceries to customers from stores like CVS, Publix, and Kroger. The amount of money you can earn depends on factors like order size, tips, and the distance traveled for deliveries.

To become a Instacart Full-Service Shopper, you’ll have to meet basic requirements such as:

Be 18 or older
Have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle
Own a smartphone with the Instacart Shopper app installed
Be able to lift heavy items (up to 40 lbs.)

You can click here to sign up to be an Instacart Shopper.

How does Instacart make money with grocery delivery?

Instacart makes money in a few different ways. They charge customers a delivery fee and a service fee for each order placed.

Usually, the prices of items on Instacart are higher than in-store prices. So, customers are paying a higher price when shopping on Instacart than if they just went to the store themselves.

Additionally, Instcart has partnerships with retailers that offer their services on the platform. So, they charge these companies a fee as well.

How much do Instacart shoppers make?

The amount of money that you can make as an Instacart shopper can widely vary depending on several factors such as location, order volume, tips, and your efficiency of shopping and driving.

Shoppers typically make around $11 to $20 per hour. Keep in mind that as an independent contractor, you may have additional expenses such as gas and vehicle maintenance to account for when calculating your earnings.

Where do Instacart shoppers shop?

There are many different stores that you may shop at as an Instacart shopper. These stores may include major grocery retailers, as well as specialty shops, depending on your area.

Stores where you might shop at through Instacart include Walmart, Walgreens, Aldi, Kroger, Publix, Petco, and more.

Instacart Shopper Requirements and Sign Up

Background Check

To become an Instacart shopper, you first need to pass a background check. The background check for Instacart means that you will need to give them some personal information and consenting to a check before being allowed to be a shopper.

This is so that they can protect Instacart customers, as you will be personally going to people’s homes.

Car and Insurance Requirements

To deliver groceries for Instacart, you will need to have a reliable car and meet any insurance requirements. This is because you will be delivering groceries, of course.

This also means that you will want to maintain your vehicle and make sure that it is in good working condition. After all, you do need to drive and deliver groceries, so you do not want your car breaking down on you.

Also, don’t forget to factor in the expenses that go along with driving, such as gas and regular maintenance, as part of what you are actually earning from Instacart. These expenses can add up quickly.

Cell phone and the Instacart App

To shop for Instacart, you will need a phone so that you can accept orders and see what you are supposed to be shopping for.

You will need a smartphone with either Android or iOS to access the Shopper app (iPhone 5 or Android 4.4 or newer).

You’ll also want to make sure that your phone meets the minimum requirements and has reliable cell service, as the Instacart app is what you need so that you can receive orders, choose your work hours, and more.

Instacart does not provide you a phone, you would be using your own phone.

How To Sign Up As An Instacart Shopper

To become an Instacart Driver/Shopper, you will need to:

Sign up for Instacart here: Go to the Instacart website or download the Shopper app to begin the registration process. You will have to answer some easy questions and confirm your cell phone number.
Submit application: Complete the form with relevant information and submit it for review. A local Instacart team will review your application, and if approved, you’ll receive an email with more instructions.
Onboarding process: Depending on your chosen role, you may be required to attend an in-person onboarding session where you’ll learn about Instacart’s policies and procedures. These are typically around 90 minutes long.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to start accepting orders and making money as an Instacart shopper.

Earnings and Payments

Pay Structure and Hourly Rate

As an Instacart shopper, your pay varies depending on the type of order and the size of the grocery batch. The company guarantees at least $7 to $10 for each full-service batch, where you pick, load, and deliver the order of groceries. On average, Instacart shoppers can earn between $11 and $20 per hour.

However, the actual hourly rate may fluctuate based on factors such as location and demand.

You can earn more by shopping when it is busiest. This is usually on the weekends and on holidays.

Tipping and Bonuses

In addition to the base pay, you can also earn tips from customers. Instacart allows customers to tip their shoppers, so providing excellent service can result in more generous gratuities.

There are also opportunities to earn additional bonuses through referral programs, promotional periods, and peak hours.

Keep in mind that while tips and bonuses can boost your overall earnings, they may not always be consistent or guaranteed.

Direct Deposit and Debit Card

Instacart shoppers receive payment via direct deposit or the optional Instant Cashout feature, which transfers earnings to a debit card for a $0.50 fee.

You receive payments weekly between Wednesday and Friday for services you provided the week before (from Monday to Sunday).

Shopping and Delivery Process

Grocery Shopping

Once you receive an order through Instacart, you will go to the designated store and find the items on the customer’s shopping list.

This means that you will be personally picking out the fruits and vegetables (please make sure to pick out good ones that are fresh), checking expiration dates on items, and more.

You will be personally going through the store and putting things into a shopping cart or basket.

Also, while shopping for a customer, you may also have to make replacements in case a requested product is not available (this does happen!). If there are any changes, then you will want to contact the customer through the app and confirm any substitutions with them.

Picking Up and Delivering Orders

After completing the in-store shopping, you will need to deliver the groceries to the customer’s doorstep.

Sometimes, the customer does have specific delivery instructions, such as placing the items at the doorstep or handing them over personally.

Pros and Cons of Being an Instacart Shopper

Advantages of being an Instacart shopper

As an Instacart shopper, there are several positives of this side hustle. This may include:

Flexible hours: You can choose when you want to work and decide on your own schedule.
No minimum hours required: You can work as little hours as you want. It’s all up to you.
Quick payment: Instacart pays its shoppers weekly or they also have an instant cash out feature.

Disadvantages of being an Instacart shopper

While there are benefits to being an Instacart shopper, it’s important to consider the negatives such as:

Driver expenses: As an Instacart shopper, you will have expenses such as gas, vehicle maintenance, and insurance. So, if you are making $20 an hour, you will want to make sure that you are still making money after all of the car expenses that you will have.
May need additional insurance: Depending on your car insurance, you may need additional coverage to work as an Instacart shopper.
Orders aren’t guaranteed: Just because you’re signed in and available to work doesn’t guarantee that you’ll receive orders.
Hidden costs: Using your personal vehicle can lead to additional costs, including depreciation and potential repairs. Keep this in mind when calculating your overall earnings from Instacart.

As you can see, there are many pros and cons of becoming an Instacart shopper. Some of these may not mean much to you, whereas others may make or break this side hustle gig for you.

You will want to determine if it is something you want to do as everyone’s situation is different.

Instacart Shopper Alternatives

If you are interested in becoming an Instacart shopper, then there are a few other side hustles that you may be interested in as well.

Some alternatives to Instacart include:

Shipt: This company also allows you to work as a personal shopper and offers flexible hours. Stores on Shipt include Costo, CVS, Harris Teeter, Sephora, Target, Winn Dixie, and more.
UberEats: If you are looking for something where you would not be personally shopping for groceries, then you may be interested in UberEats. With UberEats, you can deliver restaurant meals, groceries, and drinks.
Postmates: Another food delivery service, Postmates gives you the flexibility to deliver not only restaurant meals but also groceries and retail items.
DoorDash: This website focuses on restaurant meal deliveries. So, you would not be shopping for any groceries, just picking up and delivering meals.

As you can see, there are many alternatives to Instacart.

Tips for Increasing Your Earnings and Efficiency

Instacart Shopping Strategies

When working as an Instacart shopper, it’s important to choose batches/orders carefully. This will help to increase the amount you are earning and to make sure that you are picking the most profitable orders.

One factor worth considering is the distance to deliver the order- picking closer orders will save you time and fuel expenses. Another factor is the number of items in the batch. Larger orders may take more time but can result in higher earnings. Also, it’s important to be in an area with high demand to find more batches and have less competition.

Additionally, you should:

Familiarize yourself with the store layout to reduce shopping time.
Group items by category or aisles to complete batches more efficiently.

Time Management

As an Instacart shopper, you have the flexibility to create your own schedule. That means you can choose the most convenient time for you to work.

However, you’ll make more money if you work during peak hours. Typically, the busiest times tend to be weekends and early evenings when people finish work.

Consider the following tips to improve your time management:

Organize your day by taking into account peak hours and the time required to complete each batch.
Choose deliveries that are close together.
Save time by shopping at stores that you frequently visit, so that you know where items are located.

By applying these shopping strategies and time management practices, you can take advantage of the flexibility Instacart offers while maximizing your earnings and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Instacart shopper pay for the food upfront?

As an Instacart shopper, you will be given an Instacart payment card to pay for the groceries. You do not pay for anything out of your own pocket. The amount on the Instacart card is usually similar to the amount on the order that you are shopping for.

How much can I earn as an Instacart shopper?

Pay is based on a combination of factors such as the number of items, weight, and distance. Instacart guarantees a minimum of $5 for delivery-only batches and $7 for shop and deliver batches.

Average pay is typically between $11-$20 per hour.

How do Instacart Shoppers earn money?

Instacart shoppers earn money through a combination of base pay, tips from customers, and potential bonuses or incentives.

The earnings depend on factors like order size, distance, and the number of batches completed.

As you can see, there are many different things that go into your page for this side gig.

Are there any vehicle requirements to become an Instacart Shopper?

Instacart allows shoppers to use a car or a bicycle for deliveries. Car shoppers must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable vehicle.

Bicycles must meet certain requirements for carrying groceries.

What are the pros and cons of working for Instacart?

Pros:

Easy to get started as an Instacart shopper
Flexible schedule and you can choose your own shifts
Opportunity to earn tips
Exercise while working (walking and lifting groceries)

Cons:

Variable income
Wear and tear on your vehicle
Responsibility for gas and other driving expenses

What are common Instacart shoppers complaints? What is the downside of Instacart?

Some common complaints from Instacart shoppers include:

Inconsistent earnings
Difficulty in getting desired working hours or batches
No compensation for vehicle maintenance or gas expenses

What benefits are offered from Instacart?

Instacart shoppers, being independent contractors, do not receive traditional employee benefits like health insurance, paid vacations, or retirement plans.

However, they can benefit from flexible schedules, potential for tips, and control over how much they want to work each day and each week.

Does Instacart pay for gas?

No, Instacart does not cover gas expenses or any other vehicle-related costs for shoppers. These expenses are the responsibility of the Instacart shopper.

Can I choose my working hours as an Instacart Shopper?

Yes, one of the advantages of being an Instacart Shopper is the flexibility to choose your own working hours. You can log in to the app and accept or decline orders based on your availability.

How to make $500 a week with Instacart?

To make $500 a week with Instacart, you may need to strategize by working during peak hours, increasing your speed and efficiency, and delivering to higher-income areas for better tips.

It will require dedication, effective time management, and continued efforts to maintain good customer ratings.

What’s an in-store shopper?

Occasionally, Instacart hires for in-store shoppers. This is a position where you would be shopping for groceries, but not delivering them. The downside of this is that you will not get tips.

Is it better to do Instacart or DoorDash?

Instacart and DoorDash are a little different.

With Instacart, you are shopping for and delivering groceries.

With DoorDash, you are primarily delivering meals from restaurants.

So, the amount of time you spend on each order will be a little different, as is the skillset, and earnings.

Is it better to do Instacart or UberEats?

Similar with DoorDash, choosing between Instacart and UberEats will depend on what you want to do.

While Instacart focuses on groceries, UberEats specializes in restaurant food delivery. Consider pay rates, potential tips, the type of work, and your local market demand when making a decision.

Can I work for other delivery platforms while being an Instacart Shopper?

Yes, you can work for Instacart and other delivery platforms all at the same time. But, you will want to make sure to stay organized.

Is it worth it being a shopper for Instacart?

This is a personal question, as everyone is different. Some people love being an Instacart shopper, whereas for others, it’s not a good fit for them.

The ability to have flexible hours and earning potential can be attractive, but you still need to think about the car costs you will have as you will have to drive in your own vehicle.

Analyze your needs and research other Instacart shopper reviews to determine if it’s a good fit for you.

Instacart Shopper Review Summary

As an Instacart shopper, you can make extra money by delivering groceries.

With flexible work hours and typical average pay around $11 to $20 an hour, Instacart can be a good source of income for you.

Actual earnings can vary due to things such as tips, the number of orders, and the distance traveled for deliveries.

A positive of working as an Instacart shopper is the ability to make your own schedule. You can choose how many hours you want to work each day and each week, and there is no minimum amount of hours that you must work.

But, there are negatives to Instacart as well. As an Instacart shopper, there may be extra costs that you may not have thought of, such as gas and vehicle maintenance costs, and you might need to purchase extra insurance to cover your activities on the platform. These extra car costs can add up quickly if you are not careful.

Navigating the gig economy can be tricky, but Instacart may be a good way to make extra money for your situation.

You can click here to sign up to be an Instacart Shopper.

Are you interested in becoming an Instacart Shopper? What other questions would you like me to answer in this Instacart Shopper Review?

Apache is functioning normally

June 16, 2023 by Brett Tams

You may have seen the videos on TikTok promising something that sounds too good to be true: Free cash from the state of California to help you buy your first home. The good news is, that program actually exists! The bad news is, it’s already out of money.

The California Housing Finance Agency launched the California Dream for All Shared Appreciation loan program two weeks ago, offering qualified first-time buyers up to 20% of the purchase price of a house or condominium. The help was available only to households whose earnings were below CalHFA’s income limit, which is $180,000 in Los Angeles County and $235,000 in Orange County.

State lawmakers had set aside $500 million for the program as part of the 2022-23 budget. But a looming fiscal shortfall led Gov. Gavin Newsom to propose a 40% cut, so when CalHFA launched the program late last month, it was allocated only $300 million and expected to assist about 2,300 home buyers.

On Friday, the CalHFA website announced that all the funds “have been reserved.” If you’re not already in the pipeline for a loan, you’re out of luck — at least for now.

More funds will be available to the program at some point, said Kathy Phillips, CalHFA’s director of communications. “However, we cannot predict whether that will be in the coming months with an additional allocation [from the state budget], or in the coming years as repayments of these original loans come back to be recycled to help additional households,” Phillips said.

She emphasized, “The program was designed to recycle [money for loans]; however, that will not begin until these loans are repaid.”

To be alerted when the program starts up again, sign up for CalHFA updates on the agency’s website.

How it works

The program was unusual in terms of both its structure and the type of loan issued.

The loan, which can be used for a down payment and closing costs, is structured as a second mortgage, which means it isn’t repaid month by month. Nor does it accrue interest the way an ordinary loan does. Instead, when the mortgage is refinanced or the house is sold again, the borrower pays back the original amount of the loan plus 20% of the increase in the home’s value.

If the home is ultimately sold for the same amount it was purchased for or less, the buyer won’t need to pay the additional 20%.

With this type of loan, the effective interest rate is equal to the average annual increase in the home’s value. That’s been about 5% in California over the long term, but the increase varies widely on a year-to-year basis, according to the CalHFA.

“For example, in 2008, real estate values plunged by 35%,” the agency stated. “Conversely, real estate values spiked nearly 40% between 2020 and 2021.”

There is a cap on the amount of the appreciation owed. No matter how much the home increases in value, the borrower will need to pay at most 2.5 times the original loan amount.

To receive a loan, borrowers must complete a home buyer education and counseling course (there are options for online and in-person classes on the CalHFA site) and a free online course specifically for shared appreciation loans.

The other unusual feature is that the program is designed to replenish itself. The loans are “revolving,” which means that when a borrower repays the loan, the money can be loaned again to a new borrower.

CalHFA doesn’t make the loans directly; instead, they are made through private lenders authorized by the state.

Jon Healey, senior editor for the Utility Journalism Team, contributed to this report.

About The Times Utility Journalism Team

This article is from The Times’ Utility Journalism Team. Our mission is to be essential to the lives of Southern Californians by publishing information that solves problems, answers questions and helps with decision making. We serve audiences in and around Los Angeles — including current Times subscribers and diverse communities that haven’t historically had their needs met by our coverage.

How can we be useful to you and your community? Email utility (at) latimes.com or one of our journalists: Matt Ballinger, Jon Healey, Ada Tseng, Jessica Roy and Karen Garcia.

Source: latimes.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 16, 2023 by Brett Tams

Mortgage Q&A: “How to pay the mortgage with a credit card.”

First things first; banks and mortgage lenders don’t accept credit cards as a form of payment when attempting to repay your home loan. Options for paying are typically limited to ACH or check.

However, back during the housing boom aka meltdown there were various third-party services that allowed homeowners to make their mortgage payments with a credit card.

Paying the mortgage with a credit card topics:

– Why pay the mortgage with a credit card?
– Using Plastiq to pay the mortgage
– Using Tio to pay the mortgage (no longer an option)
– Using American Express Serve to pay the mortgage
– Warnings and drawbacks to paying the mortgage with a credit card

These services charged fees for the convenience, and looking back, they were probably only offered because people couldn’t keep up with their mortgage payments, and eventually their credit card payments either.

Chances are these same people had to execute a balance transfer shortly after…

Unsurprisingly, these services seemed to disappear as quickly as they surfaced, but there are still options to pay the mortgage with a credit card each month free of charge, even if mortgage lenders won’t let you do it directly.

Reasons to Pay the Mortgage with a Credit Card

To meet a minimum spending requirement and earn bonus credit card points
To increase everyday spending and earn cash back, points, etc.
To defer payments for a period of time to give yourself some breathing room
This last one isn’t a good idea!

The difference today is that this method/idea is more about earning credit card points (or cash back) for paying your mortgage, and not so much about simply paying it.

Let me preface this by saying it makes no sense to pay your mortgage with a credit card if you can’t afford to pay it otherwise.

The only purpose of this method is to earn bonus points and/or cash back as you would on other purchases made with a rewards credit card.

Using Plastiq to Pay the Mortgage with a Credit Card

Plastiq allows mortgage payments via credit card
But only with a MasterCard or Discover card
They no longer accept Visa or American Express cards
You must also pay a transaction fee of 2.5% or less

There are some companies that allow you to pay rent or the mortgage with a credit card in exchange for a small transaction fee.

By small fee, I mean something in the range of 2-3%. Recently, a company called Plastiq had a special where they charged just 1.75% ($17.50 per $1,000 in payment). They normally charge 2.5%.

Unfortunately, most credit cards don’t earn cash back or points at levels this high unless it’s in a bonus category. And these companies often aren’t in any bonus category whatsoever.

The one exception is the old AT&T Access More credit card, which earns 3X per dollar on all online purchases. That seems to include services like Plastiq. This allows you to come out ahead.

Even if you can’t come out ahead dollar for dollar, it might be worth it for some people looking to meet a minimum spending requirement to earn an opening bonus, or just to buy some time on that monthly payment (not recommended).

For example, if you need to spend $5,000 in the first three months to earn a signup bonus, paying the mortgage can probably put a big dent in that requirement. And it’s only $125 in fees if you use Plastiq for the entire amount. If the reward points eclipse the cost, you win.

Some other cash back credit cards do earn 2%+ on all spending, either initially as a bonus or all the time, so it’s possible to come out slightly ahead or just slightly behind. Aside from making money doing this, some folks are happy just to earn lots of credit card points and miles by charging the pricey mortgage.

Important note: Plastiq currently only accepts MasterCard and Discover. They recently stopped allowing mortgage payments to be paid with a Visa card and American Express cards. That means you’re limited to the other two major issuers, which still isn’t bad.

Apparently Visa told Plastiq they had to comply with a new directive that banned mortgage payments via Visa credit cards. They’re basically closing a loophole because otherwise Visa would just allow it themselves and you wouldn’t need to use a third-party payment service.

It’s unclear if the others will follow, but it’s always a risk. For some reason, the ability to pay the mortgage with a credit card never seems to stick long-term, and perhaps for good reason.

If you do use Plastiq to pay the mortgage, you’ll need to enter the business name as it appears on your mortgage statement, along with the mailing address they list for mailed payments.

Assuming they have an electronic option (ACH) available in their system, payment will be sent electronically. If not, they’ll send a paper check on your behalf. If that’s the case, be sure to give it a week or two to arrive.

In terms of limits, the only payment limits are those associated with the credit card you use for payment. So if your card has a $5,000 credit limit, you won’t be able to send a mortgage payment for any more than that. This means even those with a jumbo mortgage will likely be able to use this service, assuming they have decent credit limits.

I’ve yet to use Plastiq, but I may in the future if I need to meet a spending requirement quickly to earn a signup bonus. I’ve heard of people successfully paying a Wells Fargo mortgage and a Chase mortgage with this service.

Use Tio to Pay the Mortgage with Discover, MasterCard, or Visa

Tio used to allow homeowners to make mortgage payments with any credit card
Other than American Express
With virtually every bank, lender, or loan servicer for a variable fee
But then they got bought out by PayPal and were promptly shut down

There’s a similar service called Tio (formerly ChargeSmart) now owned by PayPal that lets you pay a mortgage with a credit card in a matter of seconds. You don’t even need to sign up.

All you have to do is select a mortgage company from the handy list on their website (pictured above), then enter your loan number and payment amount.

From there, simply click on the credit card icons and enter your credit card information. It will then display the fee, which tends to range between 2.5% and 3%.

Interestingly, they seem to charge varying fees based on payment amount and based on the mortgage company you select. It appears to be more expensive for smaller payments, such as 3% for $1,000 payments, and a bit cheaper as your payments rise.

If you’re okay with everything, you simply hit “pay this bill” and Tio will deliver your payment within 2-3 business days they say.

The upside is that Tio is super fast, the downside is it can be more expensive than Plastiq, and they don’t accept American Express for mortgage payments. However, they seem to still accept Visa cards.

At first glance, I like Tio more than Plastiq, at least when it comes to paying the mortgage, because they have tons of mortgage companies already listed and ready to go. I don’t like the idea of manually entering the wrong company or address when sending a very important payment.

Plus, they list tons of major mortgage companies like Chase, Citi, Ditech, Nationstar, Ocwen, PNC, Quicken, Wells Fargo, and many more.

Update: Tio has also suspended service while its parent company PayPal investigates some so-called security vulnerabilities. So this method may or may not be available in the future once they sort it out.

You Might Be Able to Pay Your Mortgage with American Express Serve

American Express Serve used to work like a charm
Homeowners could load the prepaid card account with a rewards credit card
Then use the bill pay service to make monthly mortgage payments
But most customers’ accounts were shut down

Perhaps the easiest method that used to work involved American Express Serve, which is referred to as a reloadable prepaid account.

In reality, it basically works like an online bank account in that you can transfer/load money to it and then pay everyday bills or make purchases with the associated prepaid card.

Let’s focus on that paying bills part. Your mortgage is a bill and it must be paid each month until maturity, just like other recurring bills.

But loan servicers don’t give homeowners the option to pay with a credit card (for good reason!) unlike most other bills.

The Serve method entails loading the account with a credit card or gift cards (like pin-enabled gift cards), and then using the funds to pay your mortgage via their bill pay service. I suppose you can use a debit card as well if it earns rewards.

The purpose of this is to get credit card rewards on that large amount of money spent, so if the credit/debit card doesn’t earn rewards, there’s no point in doing this.

Of course, most folks would buy Visa gift cards using a different travel rewards card, hotel credit card, or airline credit cards to hit the minimum spending requirement and earn lots of miles.

Then they would turn around pay off their credit card in full each month to avoid any interest or fees to offset the benefit of doing it to begin with.

A couple warnings/issues with this method:

– You need to make sure your credit card issuer doesn’t charge fees to load Serve (American Express warns of this possibility on the website
– They can be treated as cash advances
– The max you can load with a credit or debit card each month is $1,000 ($200 per day)
– The limit increases to $1,500 a month ($500 daily) if you get Serve with Softcard
– You actually need to pay off the credit card charges to avoid interest/fees
– Your credit score can go down if you keep racking up large balances, even if they’re paid off
– You could get on the bad side of credit card companies and miss out on future rewards
– If you have bad credit none of these methods will probably work very well

As noted above, you can load your Serve account with a credit card, but even American Express warns that you could be charged fees by your card issuer for doing so.

I’ve used a Chase credit card and there was no fee or issue. It just showed up as a standard purchase.

But to avoid any mishaps, testing with a small amount or asking your credit card issuer to lower your cash advance limit to zero (or as low as possible) might be a good idea before giving it a whirl.

Once the necessary funds are in the Serve account, you’ll be able to see your available balance. Assuming it’s sufficient to cover your full mortgage payment, you simply select “Pay Bills” from the dropdown menu then add a payee.

While certain payees are already in Serve’s system, you’ll likely need to add your loan servicer manually, including their address and your loan number.

It should be the address where you would send a paper check because Serve is basically cutting a physical check on your behalf. It’s essentially a bill pay service. This is exactly why it works.

You’re not actually paying your mortgage with a credit card – rather, you’re funding an account with a credit card then sending those funds to your servicer via check, a much more accepted form of payment.

Once you save the payee information, you can make your mortgage payment via Serve each month. There’s even a memo section where you can write your loan number and any other details to ensure the payment is processed properly.

Note that payments can take several business days to process, so it’s not as quick as making a payment online. Fortunately, mortgage due dates are fairly flexible. But you’ll want to give yourself a cushion to avoid paying late if anything goes wrong.

Update: Serve doesn’t work for many people anymore, so take note that the above method properly won’t be an option going forward. In fact, they went as far as to just close a lot of people’s accounts.

The Downside to These (or Any) Methods

The first thing you have to look at it is the associated fee for using a credit card
You also have to make sure you aren’t charged cash advance fees for doing it
Also consider the work involved if employing a creative method
And the potential to accidentally miss a mortgage payment along the way
It may also complicate a future refinance if payment history is shown via credit card
In the end it might not be worth it

While it’s kind of cool to pay your mortgage with a credit card, it does require some work, as noted above. And if you have a jumbo mortgage payment, these methods may not work very well if your credit limits are low.

You certainly won’t want to send partial payments and find out that your loan servicer paid down your principal or simply returned your check.

It can also get murky if you use different methods to pay the mortgage, and then decide to apply for a refinance because mortgage rates went down. If the new lender asks for mortgage payment history and sees some of the payments made via credit card, they may question your solvency. Even if you do explain yourself, they probably won’t be thrilled about it.

At the end of the day, you’ll have to ask yourself how much you’ll really “earn” by using a credit card once factoring in your time (opportunity cost) going to the store to buy gift cards, not to mention the transaction fees and credit card annual fees.

If your monthly mortgage payment is $1,000 a month, it equates to just 12,000 points or miles annually, which is worth maybe $120 or slightly more if redeemed for travel or something more lucrative.

Those earnings could be used to pay down your mortgage a little bit faster if you put it toward the principal balance. In that sense, it could be worth it as the points would go a lot further via saved interest and faster home equity accrual over time.

Just be careful not to miss a payment or make life harder in the process. Plenty can go wrong here, and at the end of the day, you might be better off just using your bank account to pay the mortgage. Or simply keeping an eye on mortgage rates and refinancing to a lower rate to save potentially hundreds a month.

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 16, 2023 by Brett Tams

Mortgage Q&A: “How to pay the mortgage with a credit card.”

First things first; banks and mortgage lenders don’t accept credit cards as a form of payment when attempting to repay your home loan. Options for paying are typically limited to ACH or check.

However, back during the housing boom aka meltdown there were various third-party services that allowed homeowners to make their mortgage payments with a credit card.

Paying the mortgage with a credit card topics:

– Why pay the mortgage with a credit card?
– Using Plastiq to pay the mortgage
– Using Tio to pay the mortgage (no longer an option)
– Using American Express Serve to pay the mortgage
– Warnings and drawbacks to paying the mortgage with a credit card

These services charged fees for the convenience, and looking back, they were probably only offered because people couldn’t keep up with their mortgage payments, and eventually their credit card payments either.

Chances are these same people had to execute a balance transfer shortly after…

Unsurprisingly, these services seemed to disappear as quickly as they surfaced, but there are still options to pay the mortgage with a credit card each month free of charge, even if mortgage lenders won’t let you do it directly.

Reasons to Pay the Mortgage with a Credit Card

To meet a minimum spending requirement and earn bonus credit card points
To increase everyday spending and earn cash back, points, etc.
To defer payments for a period of time to give yourself some breathing room
This last one isn’t a good idea!

The difference today is that this method/idea is more about earning credit card points (or cash back) for paying your mortgage, and not so much about simply paying it.

Let me preface this by saying it makes no sense to pay your mortgage with a credit card if you can’t afford to pay it otherwise.

The only purpose of this method is to earn bonus points and/or cash back as you would on other purchases made with a rewards credit card.

Using Plastiq to Pay the Mortgage with a Credit Card

Plastiq allows mortgage payments via credit card
But only with a MasterCard or Discover card
They no longer accept Visa or American Express cards
You must also pay a transaction fee of 2.5% or less