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5 Things You Need to Do Now to Get a High Paying Job

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Many people want to secure a high-paying job to ensure they can easily make ends meet, but figuring out how to land one isn’t always simple. Fortunately, there are steps anyone can take to put them on the path toward a more lucrative position. Here are five things you need to do now to get a high-paying job.

1. Establish Your Expertise

In many cases, high-paid professionals are known for being subject-matter experts in their niche. As a result, spending the time to establish your expertise and cement your reputation as highly knowledgeable in your field works in your favor. It can position you as a go-to person for specific tasks or when particular types of information are required, which makes you a more valuable addition to any company’s workforce.

Overall, establishing your expertise isn’t as challenging as it seems. First, you need to excel in any related roles you currently hold, particularly when tasks align with the niche. Heading online and creating content that showcases your knowledge or establishes you as a thought leader can also work well. Similarly, engaging in forums to share your expertise as a means of helping others solve problems can work wonders.

2. Spend Time Networking

Forging professional relationships is a classic recommendation when you need access to job opportunities for a good reason. Many openings aren’t publicly advertised, meaning they’re only accessible if you have a direct connection through someone you know. Plus, by building these relationships, you may be able to secure referrals, which can elevate your position as a candidate.

Networking also has other benefits. For example, you may be able to find a mentor who can help you navigate your chosen field. Your network can also serve as a support system in some cases, providing guidance when you face unexpected difficulties.

3. Acquire the Right Skills

When it comes to career success, skill-building is critical. However, if you want to work toward a high-paying job, you need to make sure that you’re acquiring the right capabilities. While foundational skills are a must, it’s also wise to hone capabilities that relate to skill gaps in your industry. If demand for a particular skill is high, but the supply of professionals with the ability is low, it makes you a far more desirable candidate.

Along with acquiring abilities that relate to current skill gaps, try to identify the skill gaps that will exist in the near future that could prove lucrative. For example, capabilities that align with emerging technologies that have significant potential in your field can work well, as it allows you to bring something to the table that lets companies leverage these new advancements.

4. Develop Leadership Capabilities

Many high-paying jobs involve shifting into management roles. As a result, spending time developing your leadership skills can be an excellent way to increase your access to more lucrative opportunities.

Several approaches can work well for honing your leadership skills. Formal courses are an option, as well as volunteering to head up projects or any other work-related opportunity that lets you step up as a leader.

5. Take Smart Risks

In many cases, taking smart risks can make it easier to access higher-paying positions in less time. For example, when exploring new job opportunities, don’t be afraid of trying for roles that are just a bit outside of your comfort zone. In many cases, if you bring most of what the hiring manager wants to find to the table, you could still be a contender, even if you aren’t a 100 percent match. While it means you’ll face a learning curve if hired, it’s a risk that can pay off if you’re suitably dedicated to learning once you secure the role.

Another smart risk is taking a prominent role in a high-visibility project. If you meet or exceed expectations while doing so, you can elevate your reputation. Plus, it can put you on management’s radar, and that can open doors that may otherwise be closed. As a result, it could put a high-paying job within reach faster, making it worth the effort.

Do you have any other tips that can help someone get a high-paying job as quickly as possible? Have you tried any of the strategies above and want to tell others about your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Should I Leave An Inheritance To My Children?

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Pros and Cons of an Inheritance

Many parents like the idea of leaving their children an inheritance, but they may wonder whether doing so is a good idea. Here’s a look at whether leaving an inheritance is required, the pros and cons of an inheritance, as well as whether leaving an inheritance to children is potentially a good move.

Do You Have to Leave an Inheritance to Your Children?

Legally, parents aren’t required to leave their children an inheritance. For parents with only adult children, the focus should undeniably be on living comfortably, not leaving money behind for their kids. That way, parents get to enjoy their lives and ensure their needs are met.

For parents with minor children, many would like to make sure that their kids’ needs are covered at least until they reach adulthood (or potentially longer if a child has a disability). That ensures any remaining parent isn’t overburdened by being the sole income source for the family and can decrease the odds that the children will need to adopt a lower standard of living as they grow up.

However, an inheritance of any type is entirely optional. If you consider it a priority, then you can certainly set up your financial life to make one happen. However, if doing so would cause you undue financial hardship, or you don’t think doing it is necessary – regardless of whether it’s potentially affordable – not giving them an inheritance is something you can do.

Pros and Cons of an Inheritance

Pro: Financially Provide for Your Children

Generally, the biggest reason to provide an inheritance to your children is to give them some financial security. This could be particularly important for families with young kids, school-age children, or even college-age young adults who aren’t yet old enough to handle all of the monetary side of life alone. Similarly, if a child has a disability that highly limits their ability to earn an income, an inheritance could provide financial security.

Con: Stymying Financial Independence

In some cases, a sizeable inheritance may stymy some children as they journey toward handling their own financial lives. For example, it could cause a failure to launch, leading a kid to move toward adulthood without any plan for managing their long-term monetary needs. Depending on how long the inheritance lasts, the child could then find themselves ill-equipped to take care of themselves once the money runs out.

Whether this is an issue that may or may not be a concern depends on the children’s ages, their general demeanor, the size of the inheritance, and other factors. However, it’s worth factoring in when deciding whether leaving an inheritance is wise.

Pro: Demonstrating Your Love

Many people consider the ability to leave an inheritance as a demonstration of their love and caring for their children. In this situation, the benefit is primarily emotional for the parent leaving the inheritance. Essentially, it makes them feel like they’re able to care for their children after they pass away, and that can provide some peace of mind.

Children may also deem an inheritance as a demonstration of their parent’s love for them. It’s seen as a sign that a parent cared enough to not just take care of them as they grew up but also provide support after the parent’s passing.

Con: Supporting Undesirable Behavior

Most inheritances are received as windfalls, and for children with certain undesirable habits, that could be problematic. For example, a child with a gambling, drug, shopping, or other kind of addiction that leads to potentially high amounts of spending may use the inheritance to support their habit.

At times, children may simply handle the inheritance irresponsibly, even if they don’t have an addiction. This isn’t unlikely in essentially all cases, but the chance is particularly high if a kid isn’t overly financially literate or otherwise doesn’t have a tendency toward responsible financial decisions. In those situations, the kid may overestimate how far the inheritance would go, causing them to spend it much more rapidly than a parent may expect.

Pro: Assisting with Challenging Goals

There are situations where an inheritance isn’t necessary to ensure the financial security of one’s children, but it could serve as a path toward achieving a more challenging goal. For example, it could allow a child to earn a new degree or more professional credentials that would otherwise be out of reach. Similarly, it could make homeownership or starting a business a possibility.

Con: Limiting Your Spending

In order to leave an inheritance, a parent has to spend less than they’ve managed to save. As a result, it could mean living on a restrictive budget when it isn’t technically necessary, as the parent technically has the funds available to live more comfortably.

Essentially, it can mean a parent is sacrificing their quality of life in hopes of providing their children with something better. While some parents may be okay with that choice, others may find it oppressive or that the decision causes them to have to struggle. In the latter cases, that could cause a parent to resent their children for a decision the parent made, which is never ideal.

Should You Leave an Inheritance to Your Children?

Ultimately, whether you leave your children an inheritance is a personal decision. As mentioned above, an inheritance does help your kids handle their financial burdens, which can be beneficial. Plus, many consider an inheritance a sign of your love for your children, and it’s a demonstration that your finances were in order enough to leave something behind for your family.

However, there are times when leaving an inheritance could be problematic. As a result, choosing not to provide one is an option. Just make sure that, no matter which approach you use, you have a formal estate plan outlining your wishes clearly. That way, your assets go where you want.

Do you think that leaving an inheritance to your children is a good idea? Can you think of any other pros and cons of an inheritance parents may want to consider? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Use The Qapital App to Maximize Your Savings

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Qapital Review

Saving money seems like it’s an incredibly straightforward thing to do, but it isn’t always easy to hit your goals. Fortunately, with the Qapital app, maximizing your savings gets far easier. The app allows you to automate your savings to a whole new level, and you can turn a wide variety of actions into savings triggers. If you’re wondering whether Qapital is right for you, check out this Qapital review so you can decide for yourself.

What Is Qapital, and How Does Qapital Work?

Qapital is a budgeting and saving app that focuses on harnessing automation to simplify setting money aside. Users can set up a wide array of savings goals within the Qapital app. Then, they can fund those goals by setting up rules that trigger savings activity.

Goals can be of any size and set up for any purpose. Users can also have several goals at the same time, each with their own set of triggers.

For the app to work, users have to link a checking account to their Qapital account. There’s also the option to connect a PayPal account or credit card, though those aren’t required. After linking the checking account, users can set up rules that direct their savings activity.

Where the saved money is held can vary. All users have access to an included bank account that can store funds, and it does generate a modest amount of interest. However, users with higher-level service tiers can also put the saved money into an investment account, allowing them to invest in ETFs instead, which can mean more growth potential.

It’s critical to note that while a Qapital account is associated with a separate banking account – which is FDIC-insured – Qapital isn’t the one managing the bank account. Instead, those services are provided by its partner bank. Additionally, brokerage services through the app are overseen by a partner institution, not Qapital directly.

What Are Qapital Savings Rules?

Qapital uses rules to help users automate their savings. Essentially, the rules are instructions, and each rule functions as a trigger, allowing savings activity to happen automatically when specific actions occur.

There are several rule types available. One of the most popular is a Round-up Rule, where the app automatically rounds up the amount of a purchase to the nearest $1, $2, $3, $4, or $5. The default round-up rule is $2, but users do have the option to change it when setting up the trigger.

Another straightforward option is the Set & Forget Rule. With that, users can designate a specific dollar amount to go toward a savings goal at a particular time. For example, a user could have $50 transferred to their Qapital account every week.

However, there are many other rules available, allowing users to transfer money to their savings account based on a wide variety of triggers. The IFTTT rule provides users with a lot of flexibility, as it’s possible to associate a savings trigger with a variety of unique actions. For example, you can have it send money to savings every time you use a social media app, which isn’t something you can do through nearly any other savings app.

There’s even a Freelancer rule that helps self-employed or gig workers ensure they’re setting enough money aside for quarterly taxes, as well as a Guilty Pleasure rule that makes sure that indulging also leads to savings activity.

How Much Does Qapital Cost?

The Qapital app does come with a 30-day free trial, but after that, users have to pay a monthly fee. The lowest cost option is a Basic account for $3 per month. It allows for unlimited savings goals, rules to automate savings, and other core features. For $6 per month, users at the Complete account level can access additional functionality, including the ability to invest using the app.

The Premier level gives a user access to every available feature. Plus, they get a first look at new capabilities coming to the app. It costs $12 per month.

What Are the Drawbacks of Qapital?

One of the most notable drawbacks of Qapital is the price, as getting access to the more advanced features does cost more than most people looking to build their savings would hope. Additionally, a downside is that Qapital doesn’t allow you to connect more than one checking account.

Users who don’t typically have a lot of money in the linked checking account also need to be vigilant. If a rule triggers money to come out of checking and into savings, it can accidentally lead to an overdraft if the checking account doesn’t have the funds available to support the action.

When it comes to the available investments, Qapital doesn’t provide as many options as a more traditional investment app. Users can only access ETFs, and the ones in their portfolio are predetermined based on the risk profile they create through Qapital. Users don’t get to pick and choose their investments, and they can’t sell individual ones or buy specific ones. Instead, it’s all based on the automatically selected portfolio mix, which some may find less than ideal.

Finally, if you need help from customer service, Qapital’s contact options are a bit limited. There’s no way to reach anyone over the phone. Instead, you only have access to an in-app messenger or email-based support.

Qapital Review Conclusion: Is Qapital Right for You?

Ultimately, Qapital is excellent when it comes to offering a wide variety of ways to automate your savings. The number of available rules outdoes what you’ll find almost anywhere else, allowing you to create a personalized set of triggers that help you reach your savings goals.

Just be aware that the monthly fee can get high, and be mindful of potential overdrafts if the balance of your checking account typically gets low during the month. Additionally, understand that investing through Qapital is one of the areas where your control is somewhat limited.

If you’re comfortable with that and any other potential drawbacks, then Qapital could be a great choice. If not, then you may want to look elsewhere.

Are there any points not in this Qapital review you’d like to add? Have you used Qapital and want to tell others about your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How Inflation is Changing Our Lives and Not for the Better

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Back in 2021, inflation hit its highest point in 40 years, with prices rising by about 7 percent in December when compared to the previous year. Experts project that inflation will ease in 2023, but that doesn’t mean the impact won’t remain well beyond when the rates recede. Instead, they’ll affect the lives of many, mainly for the worst. If you’re wondering how inflation is changing lives, and not for the better, here’s what you need to know.

How Inflation is Changing Lives

Inflation typically pushes prices up, including on everyday goods and household staples. While some inflation over time usually isn’t avoidable, extreme increases create substantial financial hardships for many people, particularly lower-income households. Inflation to this degree dramatically reduces buying power and, if you’re already struggling with a tight budget, it may seem like your ability to make ends meets evaporates overnight.

Even middle-income households can feel the pinch. Often, rapid inflation isn’t coupled with corresponding wage growth. As purchasing power falls, households that were once reasonably comfortable can end up on the brink.

Retirees Are Burdened As Well

Retirees are similarly burdened. Since many older Americans live on fixed incomes, falling buying power can be catastrophic, especially if it happens quickly.

In all of those cases, quality of life diminishes. Households have to make tough choices. For example, they may have to decide between buying gas to get to work or getting a critical prescription medication. They might end up debating between buying food and covering an electric bill.

While those examples may seem extreme, they can reflect reality for a surprising number of Americans. Additionally, even if inflation rates fall, prices will remain high if inflation is part of the equation at all. While there may be some balancing, some product may keep their bigger price tags for a while, particularly if companies are trying to recoup lost profits that they experienced due to inflation.

Other Sectors That Are Impacted

There are other sectors that also see the impact of inflation. With rapidly rising home prices, first-time buyers may have a difficult time competing in the market. They may be forced to delay homeownership or might take on loans that stretch their budget too thin.

If borrowers have variable rates on loans or credit cards, the interest they pay may be heading upward. When inflation is running rampant, variable rates usually increase, resulting in larger financing charges.

Ultimately, inflation has a significant impact on most people. And, in most cases, it isn’t for the better.

Should You Worry About Inflation?

Generally speaking, worrying about inflation isn’t going to reap any dividends. However, being aware of its presence and potential impact is wise. By knowing when inflation is having an effect, you can make decisions before your budget is stretched too thin. Thus, giving you the ability to better weather the storm. Additionally, you can look for income-boosting opportunities. This could include a side gig or part-time job, allowing you to increase your earnings to compensate for lower buying power.

Ultimately, inflation won’t remain this high forever. As supply chain issues resolve, wages shift, and other changes occur, the situation usually calms notably, even if it doesn’t go away completely. Ideally, you simply want to adapt as much as possible, ensuring you can preserve your buying power until inflation becomes less of an issue.

Have you or your household been personally impacted by inflation? How did it affect your budget and financial wellbeing? Have you found a way to limit its effect on your finances that you’d like to share? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Penny Pinchers’ Paradise: The Crème de la Crème of Budget Planners

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best budget planners

When you need to create a budget, having a roadmap to follow makes the process easier. With a budget planner, you essentially ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Plus, some may contain sections or tips that can help you achieve goals that didn’t seem possible previously, and many have fun elements to make the process engaging. If you’re looking for an excellent solution that will help you get your financial life on track, here’s a look at some of the best budget planners around.

Clever Fox Budget Planner

The Clever Fox Budget Planner is an excellent option for anyone new to budgeting, as well as experienced budgeters looking for a straightforward solution. It includes a spot for a monthly budget, expense trackers, monthly budget reviews, savings tracking, debt tracking, and income tracking. Plus, there are places for notes, goal setting, personal financial aspirations, and much more.

There is also a built-in pocket for loose notes or bills. There’s an illustrated user guide to help you get started and three built-in bookmarks to ensure you can get to different sections quickly. Another fun part is that this planner comes in a wide array of colors, so you can choose a hue that brings a smile to your face, making your budgeting activities feel more enjoyable.

Stress Less, Spend Less Budget Planner

The Stress Less, Spend Less Budget Planner doesn’t just provide expense tracking and planning tools; it also focuses on broader financial wellness. It offers ample structure and plenty of space to get organized, as well as mindfulness exercises designed to reduce financial anxiety. You’ll also find financial literacy tips, making this ideal for anyone who has limited experience with money management.

Along with being excellent for creating a budget, this planner has sections to track savings goals. There’s a handy holiday budget section to plan spending related to occasions like Christmas. Plus, there are areas where you can write notes related to reflection topics, which can help you learn more about your money mindset.

GoGirl Budget Planner & Monthly Bill Organizer

With the GoGirl Budget Planner & Monthly Bill Organizer, you get a financial planning book with built-in pockets to hold statements, bills, and notes. It’s a spiralbound book, too, which helps it lay flat when you’re writing. It’s also available in an array of colors, and you’ll find a variety of helpful sections inside, giving you plenty of tools to make achieving your financial goals easier.

Along with budget areas, there are monthly review and spending analysis sections to help you see if you’re on target. Every month has a calendar for simplified tracking, and there are spots to list upcoming expenses that you need to plan for in advance. You also have areas for savings and debt tracking, and there’s a spot for an annual summary that can help you use how far you’ve come.

Clever Fox Budget Planner Pro

Another fantastic option from Clever Fox is the Clever Fox Budget Planner Pro. This one stands apart because it incorporates a cash envelope system, allowing anyone using that technique to get started with greater ease. Plus, it includes all of the features you’d expect, such as expense, debt, and savings trackers, along with monthly budgets, goal setting, income tracking, budget reviews, and more.

This option also comes in a decent variety of colors, allowing you to choose one that catches your eye. You also get three bookmarks built-in, making it easy to get to the sections you’re using regularly. For convenience, there’s also a user guide, ensuring you get started on the right foot.

Do you know of any other options that should be on a list of the best budget planners available? Have you tried any of the budget planners above and want to tell others about your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Don’t Let This Happen To You: 4 Hotel Booking Site Scams

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hotel booking site scam

When you’re preparing for an upcoming vacation or planning your business travel, booking accommodations is typically part of the equation. For many people, that means heading online to make reservations. But if you’re not cautious, you could find yourself a victim of a hotel booking site scam that costs you money, steals your identity, and leaves you with nowhere to stay when you arrive at your destination. If you want to make sure your accommodations are legit and keep your financial life secure, here are four hotel booking site scams you should know about (and how to avoid them).

1. Fake Booking Websites

One of the most widely used hotel booking site scams involves malicious actors creating fake hotel reservation websites. In some cases, they’re designed to resemble a specific hotel chain’s site. In others, the scam websites look like popular aggregators, either with their own branding or copying a legitimate site’s branding.

How difficult these fake booking websites are to spot varies. However, there are typically some clues. First, if the connection isn’t secure – such as by not having https in the URL – you shouldn’t move forward. Additionally, look for spelling errors, grammar issues, and typos, as those are more common in scam sites. Blurry logos can also indicate that a website isn’t legit, as well as a URL that’s close to – but not an exact match for – a widely-known brand’s site.

Also, when you’re searching for websites that can book you a hotel room, don’t assume that the first listing in the results is safe. Scammers may pay to get ads for their fake hotel booking sites placed near the top of the results, so a high position isn’t a guarantee of safety.

It’s also wise to take a look at the required payment types. Some websites may only use unconventional options – such as cryptocurrency or wire transfers – instead of typical credit card payments. While they may try to justify the payment options stating that they help the site offer good deals, these types of payment are difficult – if not impossible – to recover, which is why scammers prefer them over many conventional methods.

2. Fake Hotel or Room Listings

Some legitimate booking sites that allow people to list their properties to secure traveler bookings can contain fake hotel or room listings. For example, websites like Airbnb and Vrbo are potential targets for scammers. Malicious actors may create fake listings that seem legitimate, offering up solid descriptions and high-quality images, but the properties don’t exist. While sites like Airbnb and Vrbo do work diligently to remove fake listings, they may not catch them all before an unsuspecting person books the room.

One step you can take to reduce the odds of booking a fake listing is to use the internet and Google the property’s address. Many scammers use bogus addresses in the listings, such as an address that isn’t actually in use or one associated with another property. If you research the address and get street-view images other than what you’re expecting based on the listing, it’s better to book something else.

You can also do a reverse image search on any photos within the listing. That lets you see if the pictures are published elsewhere and associated with another property or if they were potentially acquired from a stock image website.

3. Bait and Switch

When a hotel booking site leads you to believe you’re reserving a specific type of accommodation only to stick you into a different kind of room that’s of lesser quality upon arrival, you could be a victim of a bait-and-switch. Essentially, an appealing option was advertised – the bait – and that information led to your decision to make a reservation. However, once you get to the hotel, you’re given a subpar alternative – the switch.

Technically, the issue only qualifies as a bait-and-switch legally if there was no original intention to give you the nicer advertised room. However, even if the issue isn’t due to intentional deception, it leads to challenges. The problem is that when you’re dealing with hotel bookings, you may not have many options for immediate recourse.

Canceling your reservation – even if it leads to a full refund – potentially isn’t plausible if similar accommodations aren’t available elsewhere. A price reduction to offset the change may ensure you have a place to stay, but it might not be the type of experience you expected, which can diminish your overall travel experience.

Avoiding actual bait-and-switch scams is possible with a bit of research. Sticking with reputable hotels with high ratings and no negative reviews that mention subpar accommodations upon arrival can help.

Issues with room changes due to overbooking are harder to avoid. Overbooking isn’t uncommon, as hotels usually book enough stays to offset last-minute cancelations or no-shows. It can also happen by mistake, such as a booking website not receiving refreshed data fast enough to prevent another reservation from going through even though the hotel is full. In some cases, reviews may indicate whether overbooking issues are common at a particular hotel, but that’s not a guaranteed way to avoid this situation, as it can happen only on rare occasions or due to an unexpected booking error.

4. Hidden Fees

Hidden fees can make a good deal on a hotel feel like a scam. Some hotel sites will advertise incredibly low room rates but not as clearly disclose the additional fees guests have to pay as part of the reservation.

Resort fees tacked on to a room’s price are a prime example, though you may encounter other hidden fees, too. If they aren’t disclosed at the time of booking, the practice is broadly considered deceptive and dishonest, even if it stays on the right side of the law.

Generally, the only way to ensure you don’t accidentally commit to a higher price than the advertised one for the room is to read the fine print. Additionally, you can contact the hotel directly and ask about any fees that aren’t part of the advertised room rate. By doing so, you can at least find out whether there are extra costs you may face, giving you the power to decide whether you want to continue with the booking or not.

Do you know of any other hotel booking site scams people should be aware of before planning their travel? Have you ever been a victim of a hotel booking site scam and want to tell others about your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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7 Weird Things You Can Sell Online

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Most people know that the internet can be a wild and crazy place. Since it’s so accessible and diverse, it also creates opportunities for sellers who want to make a profit off of something unconventional, unexpected, or outright bizarre. Selling weird stuff online is often big business. Here’s a look at seven weird things you can sell online and why people are buying.

1. Foot Pictures

Many people are generally aware that foot pictures are sold online, and some may even joke about using them as a way to earn extra cash. In reality, this marketplace is vast, and some people can make a surprisingly solid living by selling pictures of their feet online.

Primarily, these sales go to members of the foot fetish community. Within the body part fetish community, foot fetishists are the most common outside of the more sexual body parts.

The foot fetish community also has varying interests when it comes to what they like to see in foot photographs. Some may prefer more elegant options, while others actually enjoy foot pictures where the feet are noticeably dirty. A portion prefers well-manicured feet with smooth soles and painted toenails. Others favor a more everyday, natural look.

While the bulk of the community seems to prefer images of women’s feet, there are also foot fetishists interested in pictures of men’s feet. As a result, anyone with good-looking feet could potentially make money online by selling pictures.

2. Breastmilk

Some people may be surprised to learn that selling breastmilk isn’t technically illegal. However, it’s an unregulated marketplace, and it isn’t a product that people can sell just anywhere. As a result, sellers have to turn to marketplaces that allow those kinds of sales.

There are two primary reasons why people are willing to buy breastmilk. First, parents with a newborn who are either unable to provide breastmilk themselves or have low supplies may decide to purchase breastmilk for their infant. The main driver is that research shows that breastfeeding newborns provides benefits that aren’t necessarily achieved with formula or similar alternatives. As a result, they decide to buy breastmilk to ensure their infant gets what’s recommended.

Second, breastmilk does have a fetish community associated with it. Precisely what a fetishist may do with the breastmilk can vary. Consumption by an adult may come with this territory, though that isn’t universally the case.

3. Long Hair

For anyone with long hair who’s considering making a change and cutting it short, you may be able to turn your long locks into cash. Several marketplaces will purchase hair to make wigs. Others buyers might use the hair to create something else, such as art, dolls, and more.

Generally, this isn’t something a seller can do often, as the time required to grow their hair long enough to make it sellable is significant. Additionally, there may be rules about the condition of the hair. For example, sites generally offer more for “virgin” hair – which usually means hair that’s never been dyed or subjected to chemical processes like chemical hair straightening or bleaching – as it’s typically more resilient.

Usually, these online marketplaces work one of two ways. Some sites essentially serve as the buyer, allowing sellers to describe their hair and receive a quick quote. Others let people place ads to sell their hair, giving you the ability to potentially set your own price or receive a better offer than the alternative provides.

4. Used, Unwashed Socks and Undergarments

While the idea of selling used, unwashed socks and undergarments seems odd to most, there’s actually a reasonably thriving market. Mainly, members of specific fetish communities are interested in these items, and the price they’re willing to pay often goes far beyond the cost of the attire and shipping.

The market also isn’t inherently limited to used socks and undergarments. Some fetishists may be interested in well-worn shoes. Others may enjoy unwashed workout shirts, shorts, or pants.

The exact condition a buyer wants in a used, unwashed clothing item can vary. As a result, some people selling in this marketplace focus more on creating custom orders. That allows them to wear the item until it meets the buyer’s exact preferences before shipping it to them. How these arrangements work may also vary, as some custom sellers will require an initial deposit – essentially covering the cost of the item and some compensation for their time – and take the rest of the payment once the item is ready to ship.

5. Company Online

Often referred to as sugar babies, some younger adults make money online by sharing some of their time with someone in a social context. Usually, the payer – known as the sugar daddy or sugar mommy – is wealthy and has the desire to spoil someone they find worthy and attractive. As a result, the compensation may take the form of cash, gifts, and more.

While many sugar-style relationships do have in-person components, with the sugar daddy or sugar mommy taking the sugar baby out on dates, on vacations, and to similar destinations, that isn’t always part of the arrangement. Often, the sugar baby has a significant amount of say when it comes to setting boundaries, and some prefer to keep the relationships physically distanced.

6. Toilet Paper Rolls, Paper Towel Rolls, Wine Corks, and More

Toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, wine corks, and similar items sell online because they’re popular for a variety of crafts. As a result, essentially anyone can gather theirs up and create a listing on online marketplaces like eBay to try and find a buyer.

Since these items are generally low-cost, they don’t sell for any incredibly high amount, even in large quantities. However, since these are items you’d typically throw away if you have the space to store them and the time to manage a listing, it could let you make money instead of sending these off for recycling or to a landfill.

Generally, you’ll be more successful if you can create a reasonably sized lot. For example, selling 50 toilet paper rolls may be easier than selling ten.

7. Oversized Pine Cones

Another item that’s popular with crafters is pine cones. Demand is particularly high when the winter holidays are coming up, as pine cones are widely used for wreaths and similar seasonable décor.

Generally, you’ll have more success if the pine cone is in excellent condition and fresh. Plus, they need to be larger than you typically find – typically coffee cup-sized or bigger – and pretty uniform in appearance.

When it comes to selling them, you have two choices. For large – but not massive – pine cones, you may have more success if you can sell multiple pine cones in a bundle. If the pine cone is gigantic, coming in closer to the size of a wine bottle, then you may be able to sell it as a single.

Do you know of any other weird things you can sell online for some fast cash? Have you tried selling weird stuff online and want to tell others about your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Negative Equity: The Trade-In Dilemma for Car Owners

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trading in a car with negative equity

Trading in a car with negative equity is challenging for any vehicle owner. Negative equity essentially means that you owe more on your car loan than the vehicle is worth, which makes the financial side of trading it in difficult. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. Here’s what you need to know about dealing with negative equity when trading in a car.

How Does Negative Equity on Cars Happen

Negative equity happens when a vehicle’s value drops below the amount remaining on the car loan. This is most common when a person buys a new vehicle without a down payment. While depreciation rates can vary, during the first year of ownership, many new cars lose around 20 percent of their value. Making the scheduled payments on a car loan don’t reduce the remaining balance by that same amount. As a result, negative equity occurs.

However, new vehicles bought with a loan and down payment, as well as used cars purchased with a loan, can also end up with negative equity. Shifts in the vehicle market can accelerate depreciation. Additionally, declines in a car’s condition can cause it to lose value faster than if it’s well-maintained.

Why Trade-In a Car with Negative Equity

Generally speaking, trading in a car with negative equity isn’t the wisest financial decision, as it comes with a variety of challenges that aren’t always the easiest to navigate. However, it could become a necessity for several reasons.

If your vehicle payments aren’t manageable, trading in the car could allow you to get something more affordable. Then, you may have an easier time balancing your budget moving forward, making it potentially worth any financial downsides related to the trade-in.

You might consider trading in a vehicle with negative equity if the car itself no longer serves your needs, too. For example, if you have a two-door car and then you have a baby, transitioning to a four-door vehicle could be a must for practicality.

At times, trading in a vehicle with negative equity may also make sense if the costs of maintaining it are becoming unmanageable. If you’re likely to spend far more in repairs and maintenance than you would if you could transition to another car, even the financial drawbacks of trading in a car that’s underwater could cause it to be a smart move when you consider the bigger picture.

How to Trade in a Car with Negative Equity

Check Several Dealerships

If your goal is to trade in your vehicle and there are several dealerships in your area that sell cars you’re considering buying, make sure to speak with them all. Dealerships may make different offers on your trade-in, so you may find that choosing one over another works in your favor.

For example, if you have a car with a loan balance of $11,000, one dealer may state it has a trade-in value of $9,000, while another would give you $10,000. By choosing the dealership with the higher offer, you’re essentially reducing the amount of negative equity you need to address.

Just make sure that any savings from the reduction of negative equity aren’t outweighed by a higher purchase price on the new car. Often, this is simple if both dealerships have vehicles that are the same make and model, have identical features, and the cars are in similar condition. If not, then you may need to do some research to see if you’re getting the right price on the vehicle you’re planning to purchase or if what you’d pay would eliminate any benefit from the reduction in negative equity.

Roll the Negative Equity into Your New Loan

In some cases, a car dealer will allow you to roll the negative equity from your existing car loan into your new vehicle loan. With this option, you don’t have to worry about addressing the negative equity before completing the trade-in, making it more convenient than some alternatives.

However, if you go down this path, you’re at a much greater risk of having negative equity on your new vehicle. Depending on the terms of the new loan, you also may pay more in interest and fees.

If this is a route you’re considering, make sure you focus on finding a low-cost vehicle that will meet your long-term needs. You may be better off choosing a used car over a brand-new one, as those usually experience less depreciation during the first year. In turn, you can return to positive equity faster.

Choosing a shorter contract term may also help. Interest rates are usually lower when the loan term is shorter. Plus, a higher percentage of your monthly payment goes toward the principal. Again, this helps you achieve positive equity in less time.

Finally, make sure to shop around for financing options that will allow you to roll the negative equity into your new loan. You may be able to get a better interest rate by exploring lenders outside of what the dealer offers, so it’s worth checking.

Pay Off the Negative Equity

For vehicle owners with some cash savings available, you may have the option of paying off the negative equity during the trade-in process. Working with a dealer allows you to find out what the dealership is willing to pay for the car. Then, you’ll know exactly how much you need to pay to your lender to break even.

With this option, it’s helpful if you can send the required payment to eliminate the negative equity to your current lender. By doing so, you eliminate some of the hoops you may otherwise have to jump through to complete the trade-in process. Just make sure any offer made by the dealer is good long enough for the payment to fully process. That way, you don’t risk the vehicle getting reassessed by the dealership and ending up with a lower offer.

Delay Trading the Car In

If the financial drawbacks of trading in a car with negative equity are too much to bear, then waiting until you achieve positive equity could be your best choice. At that point, the trade-in could pay off the loan, allowing you to eradicate the connected debt. Then, you can move forward with a clean financial slate.

How you approach this can vary. Continuing to make regular payments can allow you to cross the tipping point, but this is the slower of the two options. Alternatively, you can make extra principal payments to reduce the loan balance faster. Just make sure that your loan doesn’t come with a prepayment penalty if you go that route, as that may offset any of the financial gains related to tackling the balance faster.

An Alternative to Trading In: Try a Private Sale

Usually, the trade-in value of a vehicle is less than its fair market value through a private sale. As a result, instead of trading in a car with negative equity, you could see if you can get a suitable price from a private buyer.

This approach is a bit tricky, as you’ll need to involve your lender in the process. Otherwise, you won’t have a way to satisfy the loan and transfer the title to the new owner, functionally making it impossible to complete the sale correctly. However, it’s potentially worth considering if the current loan balance aligns with what a private buyer may pay.

Do you have any tips that can help people who are trading in a car with negative equity? Have you ever faced a negative equity problem with a trade-in and want to tell others what it was like? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Is It Time to Sell All of The Stocks In My Portfolio?

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when to sell stocks at a loss

Back in mid-June 2022, the S&P 500 entered bear market territory, and the Federal Reserve increased rates by the largest margin since the mid-1990s. Together, this made investors nervous. Along with worrying about an economic downturn, some fear a full-blown recession may be just around the corner. As a result, they’re re-evaluating their portfolios and wondering if now is the time to sell stocks at a loss. If you’re trying to decide what’s best. Here’s what you need to consider.

How Market Downturns Alter the Picture

Market downturns are intimidating. This particularly true to two kinds of investors. For those nearing or in retirement, declining stock values are worrisome as they may soon impact the investor’s quality of life. The value of their portfolio serves as a source of retirement income. Thus, causing declines to have a potentially immediate impact on their short- and long-term financial well-being.

Another type of investor that often gets worried about market downturns is those that are newer to investing. For those who weren’t involved in the markets during the last major recession – such as the market crash of 2008.  There may be more fear about what lies ahead. That could make selling seem like an attractive option. Since it could prevent future financial losses.

However, what’s important to remember is that wide stock declines aren’t typically permanent. Additionally, those who maintain their portfolios and those who continue to invest can often come out ahead in the long run. This is only if they stick with it. That’s good news for buy-and-hold investors. These are investors who don’t need to tap the funds within the next few years. For them there’s a decent chance their portfolio value will recover.

But that doesn’t mean it’s never wise to sell stocks at a loss; it’s simply that making broad decisions about an entire portfolio isn’t the best idea. Investors should always look at the potential value of any particular holding to determine whether it makes sense for their goals, allowing them to make strategic choices regardless of market conditions.

When Selling Stocks at a Loss Makes Sense

There are a handful of situations where selling a stock at a loss does make sense. The primary one is when the company’s outlook has significantly changed. Now, all businesses experience some degree of ups and downs, so slight shifts in value aren’t necessarily enough to justify a sale. However, if the company’s future prospects are fundamentally altered by a particular event, it’s possible it is no longer a wise investment, and selling at a loss could be a good move.

Another reason to sell stocks at a loss involves taxes. By selling stocks at a loss, you can potentially offset any income or capital gains generated by stronger investments. The strategy is known as tax-loss harvesting, and it’s worth considering if a particular stock lost value and it no longer makes sense for your portfolio at large.

Selling stocks at a loss because you genuinely need the cash may also make sense. Along with the potential tax benefits, it may allow you to cover a cost without having to worry about incurring debt. While it’s usually better to use an emergency fund first, if that’s fully tapped and you still need cash, this might be better than selling stocks with additional growth potential.

Finally, if you need to rebalance your portfolio, selling losing stocks is usually better than liquidating strong performers or those with ample potential. It allows you to accomplish the goal while improving your overall financial picture. Plus, you could get some tax benefits, which is a bonus.

When Selling Stocks at a Loss Isn’t Wise

Usually, the main time when selling stocks at a loss isn’t smart is if the downturn is likely temporary. For companies that are stable and have the potential to grow and thrive, the odds are good that the stock price will recover. In fact, downturns could be the right time to actually purchase more stocks, as you may get them at a bargain price, giving you stronger gains when there’s a recovery.

If the stock value fell, but it comes with a solid dividend, then selling might not be the wisest choice either. That’s mainly true if the company is reasonably healthy and was simply overvalued at the time of purchase. In this case, the dividends may offset that loss, making the buy-and-hold approach a better fit in this situation. Just make sure that the value isn’t likely to decline dramatically long-term, barring normal market fluctuations or broad downturns that aren’t reflective of the company’s health.

Finally, never sell a stock if emotions are all that’s driving that choice. Investment decisions should always be based on logic, research, financial goals, and similar factors. Usually, rash choices will work against you. So, if you’re motivated by emotion, take a step back, look at the situation objectively, and then decide what’s best.

Do you have any other tips that can help someone figure out when to sell stocks at a loss? Do you think selling stocks now is a wise move, or are people better off waiting until the market stabilizes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Navigating the Aftermath: Dealing with a Rental Car Accident

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rental car accident

When you rent a car during a vacation or business trip, getting in an accident isn’t usually something you’re worried about. But if it happens, knowing how to navigate the aftermath is a must. All accidents are potentially complex to work through, but the situation is trickier when you’re dealing with a rental vehicle. Fortunately, by knowing the steps you need to take, it’s far simpler. Here’s what you need to know to deal with a rental car accident.

Assess Everyone for Injuries

Immediately after an accident, the first step you need to take is to make sure that everyone is okay. Check yourself for any potential injuries, then find out if any passengers in your vehicle or people in the other involved cars or around the scene are hurt. If anyone has serious injuries that require medical treatment, call 911.

If everyone is in suitable condition and the involved vehicles are still drivable, move the cars to the side of the road. For cars that aren’t drivable, contact law enforcement. Additionally, if there is a fire or risk of an explosion, clear the area and call 911.

It’s critical to note that you always have the option of calling law enforcement after an accident, even if all of the involved vehicles are safe enough to operate. Often, doing so is wise even if the accident is relatively minor, as having a formal police report can simplify the insurance claims process and other steps you may need to take later.

Gather Contact and Insurance Information

Once everyone is safe, you need to exchange contact information with all involved parties, as well as any witnesses. Share your name, address, phone number, and email address, and request the same information from other vehicle operators or people involved in the accident. Also, you’ll need to provide your driver’s license number, license plate, insurance company name, and insurance policy number, gathering those details from other involved drivers and vehicles, too.

If law enforcement arrives at the accident, be ready to share your contact, insurance, and vehicle information with them, as well. They may also request a statement about what occurred.

Avoid Admitting Fault

When you engage with other parties at the scene, avoid admitting fault. Don’t apologize for what occurred, as saying, “I’m sorry,” could be viewed as an admission of guilt, regardless of why you said it. Similarly, don’t discuss any driving errors you may or may not have made.

It’s usually also best to avoid stating that you’re driving a rental car. While that may seem irrelevant to you, others may try to leverage that fact, so it’s better to keep it out of the conversation, aside from during discussions with law enforcement.

Additionally, don’t sign any statement that outlines fault or includes a promise to pay for any damages. Similarly, avoid signing anything even if the other person is offering to pay for damage to your rental car, cover your deductible, or anything else.

Take Photos and Notes

During the aftermath of a rental car accident, things can get hectic. Take the time to collect as much detailed information as you need. Write down the make, model, year, and color of all involved vehicles, and note which person was driving which car. Mention any notable features of the vehicles, as well as what you remember about how the accident happened. If other people discuss the accident, try to write down what they state or claim, as well.

You also want to record the exact location of the accident, including the street names, driving directions, and used lanes. If it’s helpful, draw a sketch.

In some cases, making video recordings of the scene and discussions with other involved people is wise. Generally, video is allowed if all parties are in a public space. Whether you can later use audio may depend on consent laws in your area, so it’s wise to record a person giving consent if they’re willing to do so.

Call Your Insurance Company

Even if you opted for additional coverage through the rental car company, it’s wise to immediately inform your insurance company of the accident. They may be able to assist with certain filings, coordinate with law enforcement and the rental car company, and offer guidance about how to navigate the situation. Plus, it gives you a chance to get additional details about your deductible or coverage in case you need a refresher.

Contact the Rental Car Company

After speaking with your insurance company, call the rental car agency. Usually, you’ll find an accident reporting or emergency line in your rental agreement, though it may also be in other documentation found in the car, and it’s usually available online.

Let the rental car company know that you’ve spoken to law enforcement and provide any other details they request. Just make sure you avoid admitting fault during these conversations, as it’s better to leave the determination of responsibility to those investigating the accident.

Call Your Credit Card Company

If you used a credit card to pay for the rental car, you may have some coverage through that company as well. Contact the lender, let them know about the accident, and ask about rental car coverage. Find out if there is anything you need to file to use that benefit and follow their process to get the ball rolling.

Wait for the Investigations to Complete

Generally, once you’ve taken the steps above, various investigations into the accident begin. The goal of these actions is to determine liability, as that will ultimately decide which person is responsible for the accident and which policies or coverage apply to the situation.

Once the investigations wrap up, you can coordinate with your car insurance company, the rental car company, and your credit card company to move forward. Precisely how that unfolds may vary depending on whether you were deemed at fault and the exact coverage or policies that apply to the situation.

Do you have any tips that can help others deal with a rental car accident? Have you ever experienced an accident while driving a rental car and want to tell others about your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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