Google, Apple, T-Mobile, and the U.S. government are each working hard to end robocalls as well as other types of phone-based spam. While we all wait for these calls to end, it helps to know what you can do to end these aggravating and sometimes dangerous phone calls.

What Is a Robocall?

Robocalls compromise public safety and privacy, subject vulnerable consumers to intrusive and harassing debt collection and telemarketing tactics, and undermine the federal Lifeline telecommunications program. They use up low-income individuals’ precious limited minutes too. If you get a phone call and a recorded message is on the other end instead of a live person, you are dealing with a robocall. If you are receiving robocalls attempting to sell you something, chances are the calls are not legal – and are most likely scams. Unless you give a company your written permission to place a robocall to you to sell you something, it is likely illegal. The company must be clear about their request to call you with robocalls and gain your permission. It cannot make you agree to receive these calls to get a service or product. Even if you do give the company permission, you can always change your mind down the road.

Is There a Difference Between Telemarketers and Robocalls?

Telemarketers make unsolicited phone calls to help them sell their products and services. Robocalls, however, automate calls using autodialers and recorded messages.

Methods on Stopping Robocalls

The FCC is dedicated to doing what they can to protect you from these types of automated calls and unwelcome messages. They are taking various steps to crack down on illegal calls, such as:
  1. Budgeting millions of dollars to take enforcement actions against robocallers.

  2. Making it mandatory that phone companies use caller ID to help decrease illegal spoofing.

  3. Empowering phone companies to block unwanted or illegal calls by default before the calls even reach individuals.

  4. Making consumer complaint information available to allow for better labeling and call blocking solutions.

  5. Enabling consumer options or tools for blocking calls from numbers that don’t appear on their contact list or another “white list.”
What you can do: The FCC has provided some simple steps you can take to help decrease robocalls:
  1. Do not answer calls from unknown or blocked numbers.

  2. Do not assume any incoming call that appears to be from a local number is, even if it looks like it is.

  3. Hang up on any calls where you hear a recording like, “Hello, can you hear me?”

  4. If you receive a call from someone that says they are from a certain company, hang up and place a call to that company yourself. You can find the company’s official number on their website.

  5. Do not answer questions that a simple “yes” can answer.

  6. Hang up on any call that requires you to press a number to connect with a representative. By pressing a number or interacting with voice prompts, you let spammers know your number is genuine. They then can turn around and target your number more often or sell it to another company.

Takeaway

Keep an eye out for common phone scams, such as those scam calls that impersonate the government. If you receive a call from someone asking you to pay with a gift card, wire money, or hand over personal information, it is a scam. Look into call-blocking services to get fewer illegal robocalls. The call-blocking solution you decide on depends on where you are receiving the robocalls, whether on your traditional landline, mobile phone, or home phone, using the internet (VoIP).

Stop the Robocalls!

View Resource Stop the Robocalls!
There is no doubt about it. COVID-19 is one of the worst economic disasters this country has faced. Fortunately, we are a resilient nation. We can bounce back from storms such as this. Many people will be helped along the way by the various entities offering housing relief options for struggling homeowners who may be failing to make ends meet due to COVID-19. Whether you are unemployed or underemployed due to COVID-19 or are one of the millions of small business owners that simply could not remain solvent, there are various housing relief options available. They just may prevent you from losing your home as a result of the pandemic raging on our shores.

What Are My Options?

You may not feel like you have a lot of options when it comes to saving your home in light of your current financial situation. Relief might seem a foreign concept. However, the federal government and various lenders are stepping in to provide assistance to families in this time of great need. While some are providing humanitarian assistance, others are more practical in nature. The housing crisis of 2007-2009 looms large in recent memories for large and small lenders alike. No one wants to go through unprecedented foreclosures. As a result, new options are available to help you stay in your home. Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, there are protection options available for you. Each of these options offers some pros and cons, but all offer options for homeowners to find relief from overdue payments.

Protections for Rental Housing Relief

For renters who have fallen upon hard times due to COVID-19, there are protections to prevent landlords from evicting you. This protection went into effect beginning March 27, 2020, through January 31, 2021. There is a possibility this gets extended in later legislation. Some states offer additional security beyond what the federal government provides. What you need to know about this protection is the following: Your rent payments are still due. The protections only exist to buy you time. If you are experiencing hardships, it is always wise to seek state and local assistance and make arrangements with your landlord. You do not want to get too far behind. The ultimate goal is to avoid eviction once the restrictions are lifted.

How Do I Qualify?

For most of these programs, you only need to have the right kind of loan and take action to get started. The best place to start is with a call to your mortgage lender or landlord (according to your circumstances). Understanding options available can help you make informed decisions about the future of your mortgage.

Takeaway

Even with protections in place to provide housing relief options for COVID-19 and the financial devastation in its wake, you are still ultimately responsible for paying your rent and mortgage. These protections offer only temporary relief. It is up to you to repay your mortgage as promptly as possible and/or make arrangements with your lender for long-term relief.

Housing Relief Options and COVID-19

View Resource Housing Relief Options and COVID-19
Cryptocurrency is one of those words that is slowly trickling into our everyday vocabulary. Thanks to massive media coverage, many people have heard of it, but few people understand what a cryptocurrency is and what it could mean for them. The Cryptocurrency Evolution Perhaps the most widely known cryptocurrency on the market today is Bitcoin, which boasts nearly 14 million bitcoins in circulation. You have probably heard of this particular cryptocurrency. What you may not know, is that the intention of Bitcoin founder, Satoshi Nakamoto, was not necessarily to create a new currency, but to create a decentralized digital cash system. Many attempts to do just that have failed over the last several decades, mostly because they all attempted to utilize a Trusted Third Party (TTP) approach. Ultimately, all of these previous attempts failed, primarily because of security holes in the TTP approach. It was not until Satoshi tried to create a peer-to-peer system for electronic cash that a digital method succeeded. What makes this system different than so many others that failed? One reason is it is currently decentralized. That means no central servers are involved, and there is no controlling authority. What is a Cryptocurrency? The transactions are recorded both publicly and chronologically on a digital ledger referred to as blockchain. Blockchain technology has many uses other than cryptocurrency, but it works exceptionally well for this purpose because all currency transfers are verified simultaneously at both ends of the transaction. Today, cryptocurrencies have moved beyond Bitcoin. While Bitcoin remains the most recognizable name in the industry, other names are making waves and Investopedia recommends keeping an eye on these cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin may be leading the pack, but it is not the only one in the race. Of course, there is always the one we have not heard of yet that is waiting in the wings. One thing seems clear; cryptocurrencies appear to be here to stay. Where Can I Buy and Sell Cryptocurrency? There are a few exchange applications that can be used to buy and sell cryptocurrency: Exchange applications will help you keep track of your exchanges for cryptocurrencies and will list the current market as well. What Sets Cryptocurrency Apart from Regular Money? Several things that set cryptocurrencies apart from traditional money. Understanding these critical differences between conventional currency and cryptocurrency may help you understand the demand for cryptocurrency and how they might benefit you. Government bodies do not create or issue cryptocurrencies. Computer programs use highly sophisticated algorithms to identify new ‘coins’ and release them for public use. The combined user base of each currency, using vast amounts of computing power, record transactions between users in a peer-to-peer blockchain. The methodology used to create cryptocurrency keeps supplies limited and removes political or centralized decision-making from supply considerations. Because there is a restricted supply of any individual cryptocurrency, the value of the currency will theoretically grow over time. Fewer coins will be required to pay for goods in the future because the growing supply of products or services will outpace the limited, or static amount of coins. That is a deflationary model rather than the inflationary model traditional currency creates. Because an increasing supply of money decreases its purchasing power over time, prices typically rise with conventional currencies. That is not the case with cryptocurrencies making them attractive investments to some people. How Can It be Used? Some of the benefits related to cryptocurrencies are the very things that set them apart from traditional money. One of the most significant benefits is the anticipated increase in the value of these currencies over time. However, this is still more theory than fact as these currencies have not been around long enough to establish this maxim as absolutely correct. There are some benefits cryptocurrency users can enjoy right away, however. They include things like: For now, cryptocurrency is used primarily as a type of investment, but there is no limit in sight for its use if it becomes more widely available, distributed, and accepted. What Does the Future Hold for Cryptocurrencies? The one thing that remains up in the air about cryptocurrencies and their future is government regulations. Throughout the world, governments currently seem divided about how to address the issue of cryptocurrencies and their legalities. When the use of cryptocurrencies become more commonplace, new laws and regulations are likely to appear. We do not know how these things will impact cryptocurrencies and their usefulness. The evolution of technology has created more than a few new industries, regulations, and now even the invention of a new currency. Cryptocurrency may very well become the currency of the future – and perhaps a new economy — one that is driven by technology and access to that technology rather than numbers in a bank account or on a credit report.

What is a Cryptocurrency?

View Resource What is a Cryptocurrency?
Online bill paying has moved to the mainstream. According to a October 2019 report by the Credit Union Times, 57% of all bills are now being paid online with 21% being paid via mobile applications. Not surprisingly, Millennials and Gen Xers are leading the way, paying 61% and 60% of their bills online, respectively, according to the same the study. That is not surprising: Online bill paying is convenient and environmentally friendly. It can also save consumers money. Here, then, are the basics of how online bill paying works, and why you should embrace it. Convenience Think about how much work it is to mail your mortgage payment each month. Think about your car payment or student loan bill too. You have to write a check, record the amount in your checkbook’s ledger, address an envelope, find a stamp and go to your local post office or the nearest mailbox to mail the payment. When you are paying many bills each month — as the average U.S. household is — this can add up to a lot of wasted time. When you pay your bills online, though, you just log onto your bank’s Web site, enter your username and password and pull up your account. You can then either manually send your payments to your credit card company, auto lender or mortgage company. Alternatively, you can set up automatic payments, where your bank sends your payments to your credits on the same day each month, with you doing nothing. To set up online bill paying, call your bank. Most financial institutions today offer this service. Moreover, the vast majority of them provide the service at no charge. Cost savings That leads to the next benefit of online bill paying: It can save you money over the long run. If your bank or credit union offers free online banking, it makes financial sense to sign up for the service. Consider these numbers from ClearPoint Credit Counseling: The company estimates that the average U.S. household pays 15 bills every month. If you factor in the cost of a stamp for all of those bills, it comes out to more than $70 a year. If you sign up for online bill paying, you will not have to pay for as many stamps. Also, those calculations do not factor in the costs of an envelope or the gasoline you spend driving to and from the post office. Now, $70 a year might not seem like much money, but it can add up. Why spend it if you do not have to? Environmental factors Do you care about the environment? Do you consider yourself a “green” person? Then online banking is for you, too. Think of how much paper you waste when paying bills the old-fashioned way. Your creditor sends you a paper bill. You use an envelope to send it back. You tear off a check from your checkbook to write in your payment. That is a lot of paperwork that merely disappears when it comes to online banking. Security Some consumers are hesitant to sign up for online bill paying because of security concerns. They do not want hackers to gain access to their accounts. That is a reasonable fear, and massive banking hacks have happened in the past. However, you can take simple steps to protect your accounts. First, choose a password for your accounts that will be difficult for others to crack. Make sure to include numbers, symbols, and letters in your password. Secondly, don’t fall for phishing scams. Your bank will never ask in an e-mail message for your password, ATM number or Social Security Number. Never give out personal information online or over the phone to someone claiming to be from your financial institution. If you receive such requests, the odds are good someone is trying to steal your personal information.

Introduction to Online Billpay

View Resource Introduction to Online Billpay
College is an exciting and rewarding time. However, along with the great experience comes a wave of new fees and expenses. One of those expenses is the costs of textbooks each semester – which can add up fast. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could save big money on your books? Fortunately, there are things you can do that will help you curb the costs of these educational necessities. Overview on the Costs of Textbooks Aside from tuition, room, and board, textbooks and supplies can be one of the larger expenses you will pay to attend college. According to the most recent survey data from College Board, the average full-time undergraduate will spend $1,240 on average for the 2020-2021 school year. Textbook pricing is also on the rise due to the coronavirus pandemic and the demand for digital books and books purchased online. Some savvy students will take advantage of substantial money-saving alternatives to buying new textbooks like those listed below. Tips for Saving Money Saving money is an important life skill and college is a great place to begin developing and refining this important ability. These are a few things you can do to cut your textbook costs in a meaningful way. Consider Renting Textbooks Many colleges and universities understand the overwhelming burden buying textbooks each semester can be and allow students the option to rent their textbooks instead of purchasing them new. That can save you a substantial amount of money when it comes to the costs of your books, but it also means you are responsible for taking good care of them. There are also some online services that offer this option too. Keep in mind, though, that renting is not always the cheapest option, so compare costs before signing on. Skip the College Bookstore University bookstores are in the business of making money. While it is true they will have every book you need – along with t-shirts, posters, banners, and university logo’d everything you might not need – they charge a premium for the convenience of the service they provide to students who often feel like a captive audience. Instead, skip the campus bookstore and look for off-campus solutions (or on-campus classified ads) instead. Buy Used Textbooks Used textbooks are often in great shape (some were probably never been opened by their previous owners) and can be substantially cheaper than pristine copies that are brand new. There are many places you can go to find used versions of popular college textbooks including websites, like Amazon, eBay, and AbeBooks. When comparing costs from one site to the next, pay attention to things like shipping costs and estimated shipping times. Books coming from China, for instance, might not arrive until the semester ends, while those that are eligible for Amazon Prime are guaranteed to arrive in two days and ship for free. Consider Using Older Editions Using older edition books is a bit of a risk, so it is wise to consult professors before making the decision. While most will applaud your decision to be frugal, some will have insights on which previous versions will better match the course requirements and will be able to advise you if core material is missing in older versions. Otherwise, you can save a significant amount of money by using older editions of textbooks. Visit the Library Some professors only require you to have a textbook to cover a specific aspect of the course, not the whole thing. Your college library might have several copies of the textbook on hand that you can use while at the library, or check out for an extended period. Since copies are probably limited, it would pay to be the ‘early bird’ at the library door once the required textbook list is made available for each class. Opt for Electronic Versions of the Books ETextbooks offer both a budget-friendly and environmentally-friendly solution for many students. You can carry all of the textbooks you need for the day on a single tablet device or your laptop computer. You can highlight and underline key passages, copy, and paste, and take notes on your electronic devices too. The price? As an example, Amazon offers the Eleventh Edition of Campbell Biology for $273 new. The cost to rent the eTextbook is $54.98 and the cost to buy it is $74.99 – both considerably less than buying the book new. The added benefit of eTextbooks is that you can download them instantly – no need to wait, or pay, for shipping. Consult Your Network Take your textbook needs to your social media network of friends and acquaintances. Ask for the specific versions of the books you need and ask if anyone has the books who is willing to part with them. Once you’ve gotten the lower rate on all your textbook needs and make it through the semester, put the books you’re never going to use again to work for you. Once again skip the kiosks on campus offering to buy them back and opt to sell them yourself on eBay, Amazon, or countless other venues where you can get a better return on your textbook investment.

Saving Money on College Textbooks

View Resource Saving Money on College Textbooks
Food delivery services have spiked as consumers look to time savings and convenience in meal planning. In more recent times, they have provided an alternative when their favorite restaurants announce dine-in closures. With the spread of COVID-19, you are likely spending way more time at home than you are used to. Fortunately, being home more does not necessarily mean you cannot indulge in your favorite restaurant food. The rise of food delivery service providers means that there is a wide array of food options that remain available straight to your front door. It also means if you have recently become a stay-at-home chef, you have easy access to all your favorite ingredients. What Food Delivery Services Are Available? As U.S. restaurants put their dine-in services on hold, ordering takeout and cooking at home has gained a lot of popularity. Some great food delivery services you should look into are:
  1. DoorDash
    This delivery service is still operating in most areas in the United States. It has a huge selection of food for you to have delivered. If you are looking for fast food straight to your door, DoorDash might be the way to go. Because of the coronavirus, DoorDash is offering the option of “no-contact deliveries” where you pay for your order online, and delivery drivers drop your delivery off on your doorstep.

  2. Grubhub
    Another popular delivery service choice you might want to take advantage of is Grubhub. It has made the announcement that it will delay business referral fees in the wake of the outbreak of the coronavirus, which will impact restaurants around the U.S. It costs $9.99 per month to use Grubhub, but the 10% cashback and unlimited free delivery is worth it.

  3. Uber Eats
    UberEats has a huge food selection as well, plus the company has stepped up through this recent pandemic as well. Notably, they are offering free meals to first responders and healthcare workers who are helping fight the virus, and they are waiving their delivery fees in some markets for some small businesses.

  4. Postmates
    There is also Postmates, which currently operates around the country in thousands of cities. Postmates goes one step further and delivers groceries and alcohol if you require it. It is safe to say if you have a Postmates working in your area, they could be your one-stop-shop choice for all food and beverage delivery. Because of the outbreak of the coronavirus, Postmates is providing no-contact delivery. They are also offering new customers a $10 credit.

  5. InstaCart
    InstaCart focuses on grocery stores for both pick up and delivery services. The application allows the customer to submit a grocery list order for the selected store which is then picked up by a personal shopper. The personal shopper communicates with you via the app in case an item is unavailable and needs to be swapped for. Due to the coronavirus, InstaCart has added convenient curbside pick up locations at the store in which you can have your groceries delivered directly into your vehicle.
What To Expect With Food Delivery Services You will want to take all benefits and drawbacks into consideration before you have food or groceries delivered to your door. You will also want to consider if time-saving resources and apps are worth the cost. Some pros and cons of delivery service use are: Food delivery apps like GrubHub, UberEats, and DoorDash usually charge up to 30% on your bill. Some include booking or processing fees that could run you anywhere from 5% to 9%. You should also tip your driver. Benefits For Having Food Delivered Here are some benefits of having your food delivered:
  1. Wide Variety
    You have a wide variety of menu options to choose from in various restaurants. The images of dishes and cuisine will show you what you can order. Also, since restaurants typically display calorie counts on their menu, you can manage your diet when you use food delivery services.
    Online food delivery services deliver you a broad range of cuisines, such as:

    • Chinese

    • Italian

    • Thai

    • Pizza

    • Burgers

    • And more
    These options assist you in trying new types of food and selecting from a variety of cuisine types.
  2. Simplicity
    Online food delivery services are transparent and straightforward. You decide:

    • Where you would like to order from

    • What you would like to order

    • How you plan on paying

    • When you would like the food delivered
    There is no need to rush out your door for last-minute shopping at the grocery store. There is no need to wait for your favorite dish — just order it, and it should be at your door within the hour. And, since delivery is often 24/7, there is no need to go to bed on an empty stomach. If you are hungry at 1 AM, you can find a delivery service open at that time and order something to eat. This includes holidays.
  3. You Will Save Time
    Another huge advantage of delivery service, particularly groceries, is you can carve out extra time for yourself because you do not need to run out to the store. Just place your order and wait for your doorbell to ring.
Online food delivery, especially lately, is reaching its peak. Individuals are engaging more and more with delivery service apps. And, more delivery companies like Instacart and Postmates are providing you with the choice of limited contact door service to adhere to the new safety and health guidelines.

Are Food Delivery Services Right for Me?

View Resource Are Food Delivery Services Right for Me?
Now more than ever, it is imperative that you be proactive about keeping your home energy efficient. If you do not keep an eye on this area, then you might be spending more money than you need be, as well as negatively impacting the environment with unnecessary energy use. Fortunately, most consumer research shows that even in the face of declining energy prices, most households have committed themselves to reducing their energy usage and footprint. Much of this focus is driven by an increased awareness of climate change and its impact on our environment. A Focus on the Future According to the Deloitte Resources 2020 Study, few, if any households plan to take advantage of declining energy prices by using more energy. Most are being driven by their environmental awareness to reduce energy consumption. The Deloitte study shows that 68% of residential consumers have a strong concern about climate change and that they want to reduce their own carbon footprint. The belief that human actions and carbon emissions are the driving factors behind climate change has stayed relatively steady at 73%. Many energy conscious consumers see the use of the renewable power as part of the solution. In fact, 44% of consumers view the use of solar power as one of the three most important ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The US has planned that 76% of its capacity will be towards using both wind and solar power, which shows a positive trend towards clean energy. Of course, one way to reduce carbon emissions is by using renewable energy. The other is to reduce energy usage. About eight in 10 households, according to the Deloitte 2019 study, have taken steps to reduce consumption over the last year. There are a few ways to reduce carbon emissions in your household. One way is by using renewable energy, such as wind and solar power. Another way is to reduce energy usage overall. Then there is the case for green energy which utilizes natural energy sources, but tends to come with a higher price tag. If you are not one of those, you might consider taking inventory of your home and looking for ways to lower your energy footprint even further. Energy Audit Step-by-Step If you are looking to save money on your home energy bills, it is important to perform a home energy audit. Step 1: Find air leaks. One of the biggest causes of energy wastage in your home is air leaks, and they are relatively easy to spot:
  1. Close all windows, fireplace flues, and exterior doors, leaving interior doors open.

  2. Turn on all exhaust fans that blow air outside, such as stove vents, bathroom fans, and clothes dryers.

  3. Light an incense stick, and hold it near common leak sites such as vents, attic hatches, window and door frames, and electrical outlets.
If the smoke from the incense stick wavers, you have a draft and need to seal it. Step 2: Check your ceiling insulation. The first thing you need to know regarding your ceiling insulation is the current recommendation for the amount of insulation for homes in your area, as well as how much insulation you already have. If you do not have enough insulation, you are likely to be losing energy and need to get on top of that. To check your wall insulation, you can rent an infrared thermometer from a tool rental company. Step 3: Check your windows. If your home has many windows, it could be losing heat. If your windows have stickers that say NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council), you will be easily able to check their energy efficiency, as it will be printed on the sticker. On the other hand, if you have no stickers on your windows, look at whether the window panes are single or double. Double panes are best as they trap heat more efficiently than single panes, so you might want to consider either fitting double paned windows or installing extra insulation to help retain heat during the winter months. Step 4: Find where you are hemorrhaging energy. If you have lots of electronic appliances in your home and keep them on standby, or even plugged in, they may be using excess power. For this reason, it is best practice to switch off and unplug all appliances when you are finished using them. Keeping Track Once you have completed the steps above, you should have a good idea of how energy efficient your home is, and be able to pinpoint areas that need improvement. Once you have made your improvements, keep a close eye on your energy bills to see where savings have been made. Through performing a home energy audit, you can save money, as well as help to save the planet.

Performing a Home Energy Audit

View Resource Performing a Home Energy Audit
Solar energy is one of the cleanest types of renewable energy, but the solar panels and equipment necessary for an implementation of a home solar system are very expensive. Systems installed in prime locations will eventually pay for themselves, but most homeowners do not have the cash upfront to get the system installed. There are several options you can turn to for financing a home solar project and getting your system up and running. Methods for Financing Solar Panels and Equipment Leasing solar equipment: Just as you can go out and lease a car, now there are many companies that allow you to lease equipment for a home solar project. The lease is either for a fixed monthly cost regardless of how much energy the panels produce or for a fixed cost per unit of electricity produced, known as a power purchase agreement. Either way, there is no money down, which is ideal for homeowners who are on a tight budget. The downside to leasing is that you never own the equipment, and the lease is typically for 20 years, which could complicate selling the house at a later date. Home equity borrowing or cash-out refinancing: You can take out a home equity loan for any purpose, provided you have good credit, steady income, and your mortgage balance and home equity borrowing don’t exceed 80% of your home value. Another option, which is especially attractive if your current mortgage has a higher rate than today’s market rates, is to use a cash-out refinance to get a new mortgage. The new mortgage needs to be of a sufficient amount to pay off your old mortgage and put cash in your hands to buy a solar system. The risk of both of these types of loans are that they use your home as collateral, and if you cannot pay, the lender could foreclose. The benefits often outweigh the risks, though, because it is a way to own a solar system at a low-interest rate while being able to deduct mortgage or home equity interest on your taxes. Solar power loans: Some companies that sell or lease solar panels are also starting to offer loans specifically to purchase the equipment. These companies have arrangements in place with banks or other lenders, who may have been reluctant to lend directly to individuals when solar technology was first available and was more expensive. Keeping the loan separate from your home equity can be a good safety net, so you do not put your home at risk. Interest rates on these loans can still be relatively low because the equipment can be collateral on the loan. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE): In some areas, you can borrow money from your state or local government to purchase a solar power system, and repay it through increased property tax bills for the next 10 to 20 years. The debt is secured by your property, but not your mortgage. If you sell your home, those increased taxes automatically transfer with the property to the new owner. Government Subsidies for Home Solar Projects In addition to the monthly costs, it is important to consider one-time perks that could help offset the cost of buying a home solar energy system. If you have several of these perks available to you and can take advantage of them, then buying may be a better option for you than leasing. Deciding if Solar is Right for You If you live in a location with high potential for solar power, installing solar panels through any of these methods will often save you money every month from the beginning of the installation. Plus, you will have the satisfaction of making solar power a larger part of the renewable energy picture in the United States.

Financing a Home Solar Project

View Resource Financing a Home Solar Project
Dealing with personal finances is a challenge in itself, never mind adding in the complication of roommates. Regardless of how great your relationship is with your roommate, conversations that involve money can become emotionally charged and uncomfortable. Unexpected things will happen… like an unexpected bill, damaged furniture, or broken appliance. So, it is essential to establish how finances with your roommate will be managed beforehand to preserve your relationship. Here you will find some roommate finance management advice.

How to Split Bills

Having to split bills with your roommate can be amicable and straightforward, or it can be somewhat uncomfortable. It depends on if you have reached an understanding and set up rules to deal with the expected and unexpected. To keep good terms between both of you, here are some tips on how to split bills.
  1. Have an Open and Transparent Conversation About the Expectations
    Before you move in together have a conversation about expenses. After all, you will be sharing more expenses than simply the rent and utilities. It is good to have a plan in place. You can start by asking some questions like:
    • Are you paid sporadically or on a regular schedule?

    • How often are you likely to be home?

    • Are you responsible with money?

    • What should be considered household expenses?

    • Should we set up an emergency fund?

  2. Create a System to Manage Household Finances
    There are various ways of going about dividing bills with your roommate. You could:
    • Put one person in charge of collecting the money from everybody else and paying the bills

    • Have each person be responsible for paying their portion of each bill

    • Contribute a predetermined amount and place it into a Shared Account, then use this money to pay the bills
  3. Decide On a Monthly Budget for Shared Expenses
    Sit down with your roommate and make up a list of all your shared expenses, including:
    • Mortgage or rent

    • Property taxes

    • HOA fees

    • Maintenance fees

    • Cable/Internet bill

    • Electricity bill

    • Water bill

    • Cleaning supplies

    • Streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, etc.

    • Shared groceries

    • Hygiene products

    • Other household expenses (i.e. lightbulbs, batteries, etc.)

Dealing with Groceries and Furniture

There will also be individual purchases you will want to consider — like pieces of furniture, the vacuum cleaner, small kitchen appliances, and more. Be sure you come up with an agreement with your roommate on splitting the costs for things like these. You could split the expense or have one roommate buy the item with the deal they get to keep it when you both move out. You might wish to talk about how you plan on splitting the grocery bill. Do you each contribute to pantry and fridge staples (i.e., eggs, bread, milk, canned goods, etc.) Or will you each be buying groceries and preparing your food separately?

Apps That Help

You can use a roommate bill-splitting app to help avoid financial conflicts. These types of apps make it simple to keep track of and divide expenses fairly. Some great apps include:

Takeaway

While managing finances is really about household bookkeeping, a lot of emotion can be tied around spending habits. To maintain peace and a healthy relationship with your roommate, you need to navigate the inevitable conflicts with care. Communicating with each other is necessary and vital for bringing an issue to light. Chances are either you or your roommate will at one time or another be totally oblivious to the fact the other is not happy about something. This is where good communication comes in and planning ahead.

Roommate Finance Management

View Resource Roommate Finance Management
A timeshare offers regular access and partial ownership to a condo, resort, or vacation property. Resort rooms and timeshare units are usually situated at popular travel destinations, like mountains, beaches, or theme parks. If you are in the market for a vacation property, you can use this guide to help you make an informed decision on the best timeshare option for you.

What Is a Timeshare?

Timeshares are vacation properties that allow you to share the costs with other people while still having your time at the property guaranteed. There are a few factors to consider when deciding to purchase a timeshare. These are the type of ownership (who will own the property and the way it will work to visit the timeshare), the type of contract, and its advantages and disadvantages.

Types of Timeshares

There are different types of timeshares. Some timeshares provide you with more flexibility; others are more cost-effective. And, then there are other less desirable options based on the contracts and the way they function. The different types include:

Advantages and Disadvantages of Timeshares

A timeshare purchase is often an impulsive and emotional decision. There are both advantages and disadvantages to timeshares you need to consider before you buy.

Advantages of Timeshares

Some advantages of timeshares are:

Disadvantages of Timeshares

Some disadvantages of timeshares are: Timeshares are often located close to a beach or a natural disaster-susceptible area, so you might be facing special assessment fees more frequently. For example, you might be expected to pay the repair bill for damage to your timeshare property from an unexpected hurricane. As with any type of major purchase, the decision to invest in a timeshare requires careful thought and consideration. It will involve large up-front fees and considerable recurring costs. So, you will want to be sure all your questions are answered and take your time with your decision.

What’s the Deal with Timeshares?

View Resource What’s the Deal with Timeshares?