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Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.

What Out Of Network Medical Services Mean to Your Financial Health

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Healthcare costs can add up quickly. However, if you’re using out-of-network medical services. The damage to your financial health could be significant. If you are wondering what kind of impacts out-of-network providers can have on your budget. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is an Out-of-Network Medical Provider?

An out-of-network provider is a healthcare facility or medical professional that isn’t affiliated with your health insurance coverage. They aren’t part of your insurer’s medical care network.

Medical networks are groups of doctors, hospitals, and facilities that have a contract with your insurance provider. That contract outlines various details about care. Particularly when it comes to the rates they can charge insured patients.

It’s important to note that out-of-network medical professionals can work for in-network facilities. When that happens, any facility-related charges are bound by the contract. However, services provided by the medical professional are not.

How Using Out-of-Network Medical Providers Costs You Money

When patients use out-of-network medical providers. They end up paying different rates for services than if they used an in-network provider. The out-of-network provider isn’t bound by a contract with your insurer. Thus, allowing them to set their own prices for services.

Insurers may also set separate coverage rates for using in-network and out-of-network doctors. For example, the percentage of the charge that the insurer will cover, copay amounts, and other details may be different. The rates are less favorable if you use out-of-network providers.

In some cases, insurers may not cover any of the costs associated with out-of-network care. When this happens, the patient is responsible for the full bill regardless of whether the insurer handles some of the expense if an in-network provider was used.

Cumulatively, this means that out-of-network medical services cost patients more money. Providers may charge higher prices, and the insurer may cover less of the cost. Anything not handled by your insurance company is your financial responsibility, so you’ll end up with a higher bill by not staying in-network.

How Out-of-Network Medical Services Harm Your Financial Health

Often, healthcare insurance and medical bills are quite costly, even when you use in-network providers. However, if you go out of network, the out-of-pocket costs are even higher. That can put a significant strain on your budget, making it hard to cover your living expenses while you repay the debt.

In the worst-case scenario, the higher costs might actually be unaffordable. If that happens, you may fall behind in repaying your medical bills, causing the account to go into delinquency or leading the provider to send the account to collections. At times, it may become so burdensome that bankruptcy seems like the best option, a choice that can have long-lasting effects on your credit report and score.

Can you think of other ways that out-of-network medical services impact your financial health? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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This Is NOT The Time to Purchase a New Home

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When mortgage interest rates are low, many people assume that makes it a great time to buy a new house. While lower interest rates are certainly a positive, other factors lean in the other direction, often outweighing any benefit a person may get from snagging a favorable interest rate. If you are wondering why now is not the time to purchase a house, here’s what you need to know.

Skyrocketing Home Prices

One of the most significant factors regarding why now isn’t a great time to buy a house involves home prices. The average home value in the United States is $298,933 (as of August 2021), representing a year-over-year increase of 16.7 percent. Plus, the prices in some cities rose much faster, and many are continuing their skyward trajectory.

While the rising prices may make it seem like buying sooner rather than later is a wise way to stay as far ahead of the curve as possible, that may not be true. It isn’t clear whether these growth rates will continue. Ultimately, there is a chance that once the current buying spree calms, the market will correct, bring home prices back down a bit.

Low Inventory Numbers

In many parts of the country, the inventory of homes is near record lows. Partially, this is because of the wide-scale buying activity spurred by the pandemic and reduced interest rates. However, some of it is also related to the time of year. Often, summer is a major buying season, putting additional stress on an already tight market.

When all of those factors come together, buyers simply don’t have as many options available. As a result, you may feel like you have little choice but to settle for a property that doesn’t meet all of your needs because that’s what is on the market.

With a purchase as significant as a home, settling isn’t necessarily smart. You may discover quickly that what the home lacks is actually problematic, leaving you dissatisfied with the house.

No Leverage to Purchase a New Home

When inventory is low, and prices are moving up, buyers lose a lot of leverage. Sellers don’t necessarily need to negotiate, as they know that they have a good chance of finding a different buyer who is willing to pay more or ask them for less.

For example, even if a home inspection reveals an issue, getting the seller to reduce their price or pay for the repair may be challenging. If the seller believes another buyer would go forward with the purchase at their preferred price anyway, they might refuse, leaving you in a tough position.

Today, it’s far more common for a home purchase to go through with a price above the initial asking. Additionally, fewer contingencies is a tactic some buyers use to make them more attractive to sellers. If you’re looking to purchase a home in a “hot” area, you need to decide if you’re willing to go to similar lengths. If not, waiting may be your best bet.

Rushing the Decision

Rising home prices and low inventories mean buyers have to act quickly. Otherwise, another prospective buyer might snatch up the property before you have a chance to make an offer. This creates a sense of urgency, one that may cloud a buyer’s judgment.

The issue with this scenario is that rushing could lead to poor decisions. You may extend an offer because you’re afraid you’ll miss out on a house, not because you feel strongly about having it.

Plus, the current state of the market adds an extra level of pressure to the situation. Often, buying a home is stressful when conditions favor buyers, let alone when it’s a seller’s market. The additional pressure could also lead to rushed decisions, increasing the odds you’ll overlook a problem or make another kind of misstep.

Are There Any Reasons to Purchase a Home Now?

A home purchase is a big decision, one that’s highly personal. For some people, buying now is going to be a necessity. If that’s the case, then make sure you understand the local market and what it means to go forward with a purchase in the current climate.

However, if you have the ability to wait, doing so could be smart. Market conditions are favoring sellers now, but that may not be the case long-term. You want to make sure that you factor that into your decision-making process. That way, you can make the choice that’s best for you.

Are there any other reasons that lead you to believe that now is not the time to purchase a house? Do you disagree with the points above and think that buying now is a good idea? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Hurricane Season-Here’s What Your Insurance Won’t Cover for Hurricanes

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Homeowners Insurance Won't Cover for Hurricanes

 

Hurricane season is currently well underway. While most people don’t want to think about a hurricane hitting their home.  If you live in certain areas of the country, the possibility certainly exists. That’s why having the right kind of insurance coverage is so critical. Without it, you may not have the proper level of protection if your house ends up in the path of a hurricane. If you are wondering what your homeowners insurance won’t cover for hurricanes. Here’s a breakdown based on insurance type.

What Typical Homeowners Insurance Won’t Cover For Hurricanes

While homeowners insurance can be fairly comprehensive, it does have limits. Certain types of damage are often excluded if you have a traditional homeowners insurance policy.

In many cases, hurricanes aren’t explicitly listed as non-covered events. However, the kinds of damage hurricanes often cause normally are listed as excluded.

For example, water damage caused by storm surges and floods isn’t covered by the vast majority of traditional policies. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, some forms of wind damage might also be excluded. In both of those cases, you may need supplemental policies for flood and wind damage to secure the proper coverage.

Additionally, sewer backups related to a hurricane aren’t usually covered events. In fact, you may have to have both flood insurance and sewer backup coverage to ensure you have all of the protection you need.

Finally, if you incur expenses during an evacuation, such as costs associated with temporary lodging, that isn’t covered by most traditional homeowners insurance policies. However, if you come back to find that your house is now unlivable. You may have some coverage that can offset any temporary housing costs.

Dealing with Hurricane Deductibles

It’s important to note that if you do have a policy that covers hurricane-related damage.  You may be subject to a hurricane deductible. A hurricane deductible is similar to a typical one. Since it outlines the amount you are responsible for paying to address the resulting damage.

However, hurricane deductibles are higher than your typical deductible. Additionally, they only apply under specific circumstances. Usually, a triggering event has to occur. For example, if a hurricane warning is issued by the National Weather Service, that may enable insurers to require hurricane deductibles.

Whether you may be subject to a hurricane deductible depends on where you live. They are only a factor if you reside in one of the areas that allow them. Currently, those locations include:

  • Alabama
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Mississippi
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington, DC

Additionally, the amount of a hurricane deductible can vary. Typically, it’s based both on state law and the value of your covered property. It could be as little as 1 percent of your home’s value. On the other hand, it could be as high as 10 percent. This depends on applicable laws and what’s in your policy.

Addressing Supplemental Coverage

As mentioned above, certain kinds of hurricane-related damage aren’t usually covered by basic homeowners insurance policies. However, if you have the right supplemental policies or riders. You may have all of the coverage you need.

If you want reasonably comprehensive coverage for all kinds of damage a hurricane can cause. You may need the following extra policies:

  • Flood Insurance
  • Wind Insurance
  • Sewer Backup Insurance

Typically, by adding those three kinds of coverage, you can address most hurricane-related damage. However, as with all insurance policies. You’ll need to review the details to confirm what is and isn’t covered. Even those policies or riders can have exclusions. So you want to read through the policy carefully to make sure you have everything you need.

What Typical Renters Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Renters have a different kind of insurance coverage than homeowners. With a renters insurance policy, there’s never any coverage for the building’s physical structure. That’s because the renter doesn’t own the building.

However, like homeowners insurance policies, renters insurance coverage does have limitations. In most cases, damage caused by floods created by hurricanes isn’t a part of a typical renters insurance policy. Instead, the renter would need a separate flood insurance policy or a rider that addresses that type of water-related damage.

If you have a basic renters policy. Adding flood insurance or an appropriate rider may be enough. However, you’ll want to review the policy details to confirm.

Additionally, it’s important to note that renters aren’t typically subject to hurricane deductibles. As a result, if you owe a deductible. It’s typically the standard one in the policy.

What Vehicle Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Both homeowners and renters insurance policies don’t extend coverage to your vehicle. Regardless of whether the damage is related to a hurricane. As a result, you need a separate auto policy.

Unlike homeowners and renters insurance, comprehensive vehicle policies do provide hurricane-related coverage. With comprehensive coverage, damage that isn’t related to a collision is covered. Which includes damage caused by severe weather.

However, if you only have liability coverage on your vehicle. Damage related to a hurricane isn’t a part of it. In that case, you would have to handle any related expenses yourself.

Can you think of anything your homeowners insurance won’t cover for hurricanes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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What Does it Mean to Recast Your Mortgage?

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When homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their monthly mortgage payments, most focus on refinancing. However, there is an alternative that can yield similar results without many of the hassles: mortgage recasting. When you recast your mortgage, you can secure a lower monthly payment, as well as save on interest and avoid fees associated with refinancing. If you’re wondering if mortgage recasting is right for you, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Mortgage Recasting?

Mortgage recasting is a process where the borrower pays a large lump sum to their mortgage lender, dramatically reducing the principal. In exchange for the substantial payment, the lender then reamortizes the loan based on the new, lower balance, creating a reduced monthly payment.

When you recast your mortgage, no other details of the loan change. You maintain the same interest rate, and the term length stays intact. Only the principal balance and monthly payments change.

Why Would You Recast Your Mortgage Instead of Refinancing?

Borrowers can potentially experience a few benefits if they opt to recast their mortgage instead of refinancing. First, it gives you the ability to keep your interest rate.

When you recast your mortgage, the interest rate is unchanged. With a refinance, the rate is based on your current credit score and market conditions. If you wouldn’t qualify for a rate lower than what you have on your loan now, then recasting lets you keep your existing rate.

Second, a mortgage recast doesn’t require a credit check. You’re staying with the original lender and maintaining the same general loan terms, so checking your credit isn’t necessary. If you refinance, a credit check is required, even if you use the lender that has your current mortgage.

Third, the cost of a mortgage recast is usually far lower. While you may see a small fee for the recast – usually in the $250 to $500 range – it’s far below what you’ll pay to close on your refinance loan. On average, the closing costs associated with a refinance are near $5,000, and that may not be the only fee you encounter.

Which Mortgage Loans Are Eligible for Recasting?

Only certain kinds of mortgages are eligible for recasting. First, you need to have a loan with a lender that has a reamortization program. Not all lenders do, so it isn’t an option available to everyone.

Second, you need the right mortgage type. Often, you’ll need a conventional loan to qualify. If you have an FHA, VA, or USDA loan, the lender may not have the ability to complete a recast.

Finally, your loan has to be in good standing. Typically, a lender won’t reamortize a mortgage if you’re behind on payments. Additionally, it may not be an option if your loan is currently in forbearance.

How to Recast Your Mortgage

If you want to recast your mortgage, you’ll need to complete several steps. Here is an overview of the typical process.

  1. Contact Your Lender

Before you do anything else, contact your lender to ask about their mortgage recast process and requirements. Every loan provider may have different qualifications – such as a minimum lump sum payment – as well as unique steps you’ll need to take.

By speaking with your lender first, you can ensure you can qualify for the reamortization. Plus, you’ll be able to get information about the process, including any required forms, how to make a principal payment, processing times, fees, and similar details.

  1. Send the Lump Sum Payment

Once you have spoken with your lender, you can arrange to send the lump sum to pay down the principal. Often, it takes a couple of business days to process, so keep an eye on your balance to see when it posts.

  1. Move Forward with the Recast

After making the principal-reducing payment, you’ll need to finalize the recast. In some cases, this means contacting your lender again to request the reamortization of the loan. You may also need to handle the fee for the service at this time.

However, even your lender initiated the review based on your previous discussion, it’s still wise to reach out again. That way, you can confirm everything is moving forward.

  1. Continue with Your Old Monthly Payment

Recasting your mortgage doesn’t happen instantaneously. Instead, it isn’t uncommon for it to take 45 to 60 days before a new payment is assigned. Until that time, continue with your old monthly payment. That way, your loan remains in good standing.

  1. Review Your New Monthly Payment

After the processing time passes, you should see a new monthly payment on your mortgage. Make sure to review the amount. That way, you can update your budget accordingly.

Alternatives to Sending a Lump Sum Payment

While sending a lump sum principal payment is often the fastest way to qualify for a mortgage recast, it isn’t always your only option. Some lenders will allow you to reamortize if you send enough principal-reducing extra payments over time.

For example, if your assigned monthly payment is $1,500, but you’ve been sending $1,750 instead, that extra $250 is a principal-reducing payment. Similarly, if you use biweekly payments, you technically make 13 payments per year instead of 12. As a result, if your monthly payment was $1,500, you’d make $1,500 in principal-reducing extra payments each year.

Many people send their tax refunds, work bonuses, or similar lump sums to their mortgage as extra principal-reducing payments. If you fall in that group, those funds also count.

Essentially, any money you send to your mortgage specifically to reduce the principal can help you qualify for a recast. Once you’ve sent in enough – based on your lender’s requirements – the lender may be willing to reamortize without an additional lump sum principal-reducing payment.

This approach can be ideal for anyone who wants the option to recast but doesn’t have access to a large lump sum today. However, it does mean staying with your current monthly payment until you’ve reached a point of qualifying, so it won’t help if you need to reduce your monthly payment quickly.

Have you recast your mortgage? Do you think it was the right decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Is It a Good Idea to Be a Salaried Employee?

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When it comes to compensation at your job, there are usually two possible options. You are either hourly or salaried. In many cases, the company dictates which applies to your position. Meaning, you don’t necessarily get to pick what you receive for a specific role. However, by knowing the differences, benefits, and drawbacks, you can figure out if one approach meets your needs better than another. Then, you can use that during a job search. Thus, focusing on positions that provide what you’re after. If you’re wondering whether it is a good idea to be a salaried employee, here’s what you need to know.

Salaried vs. Hourly: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between salaried and hourly jobs is how you’re paid. In a salaried position, you’re paid a set amount each pay period, such as every week, two weeks, or month. The number of hours you actually work doesn’t necessarily factor into the equation, barring certain exceptions.

For example, you may be required to work a certain minimum number of hours each workday or workweek if you want to keep your pay for that period at its usual level. Otherwise, you might have to use paid leave if you’re going to be absent or fall below the requirement.

With hourly work, you’re paid based on the exact number of hours you work. Your pay rate is listed as “per hour,” so the number of hours you work impacts your paycheck each pay period. You may be given a schedule in advance, but your job may not be dependent on working a minimum number of hours on a weekly or per-pay-period basis.

The Benefits of Being a Salaried Employee

As a salaried employee, you get a level of financial security. You know how much you’re earning, and the amount tends to be reasonably consistent.

Additionally, salaried employees usually receive additional benefits, like medical and retirement. Paid leave is more common here as well.

Finally, salaried positions tend to be more career-oriented. You might have more chances to learn, grow, and develop, which could make it easier to advance into higher-paying roles.

The Drawbacks of Being a Salaried Employee

The biggest downside is that salaried employees aren’t always eligible for overtime. If you work more than 40 hours per week, you don’t get additional money in your check.

Additionally, since there isn’t overtime pay, there can be additional pressure to work long hours to accomplish certain objectives. While this isn’t always the case, when it happens, it can make the environment more stressful.

Is It a Good Idea to Be a Salaried Employee?

Whether becoming a salaried employee is a good idea for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you’d rather have a set paycheck, access to benefits, and more opportunities for growth, that may make not earning overtime worthwhile.

However, if you’d rather be compensated for every hour you work or experience less pressure to stay at your job beyond your scheduled time, salaried jobs might not be a great fit. Hourly might give you the flexibility you’re after, allowing you to clock out at the end of the day with less stress.

Do you think it’s a good idea to be a salaried employee? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Summer Housing Expenses You Shouldn’t Ignore

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While summer is usually a time for fun, neglecting your home maintenance needs isn’t a good idea. Many summer housing expenses are crucial for keeping your property in good repair and making sure all critical systems are running efficiently. If you want to make sure you tackle everything this year, here are some summer housing expenses you shouldn’t ignore.

Air Conditioner Service

During the summer, your air conditioner gets a workout. If you didn’t have your air conditioner serviced within the last year, you need to handle it now.

Without proper maintenance, your air conditioner may have a shorter life. Plus, it could be more prone to a breakdown, something that could make living comfortably difficult if it happens during a hot spell.

If the technician spots an issue, they can take care of the repair proactively. In many cases, this can actually save you money. When a part fails, there is always a chance the incident will damage other components. By fixing the part before that happens, you may be able to avoid other damage that would otherwise require a repair, too.

Additionally, a well-maintained air conditioner is more efficient. By getting your service handled, you may be able to save on your electric bills during the hottest time of year. This may even offset the cost of your service, depending on how much more efficiently your air conditioner might operate after it is fixed up.

Replace (or Clean) Your HVAC Filters

Another important step for making sure your air conditioner is going to work properly is to replace or clean the HVAC filter. Not only will it improve your air conditioner’s efficiency, but it can also help you keep the air in your house clean, healthy, and allergen-free.

Whether you need to replace or clean your filter may depend on the type you have and its condition. Some filters are designed so that they can be washed instead of replaced. However, others are essentially disposable, making replacement the only option.

Clean Your Ceiling Fan (and Check Its Direction)

Ceiling fans can be excellent for keeping your home cooler. However, as they operate, they can end up coated in dust.

Take a few minutes to clean your ceiling fan blades. Then, before you turn it back on, make sure the blades are spinning in the proper direction. Ceiling fans usually have a switch that lets you control the direction of the spin. One of the directions is better for cooling while one helps you stay warmer in the winter.

If your fan isn’t going in the correct direction, look for a simple switch on the unit. Usually, all you need to do is flick it into the other position, and it will start rotating in the cooling direction when you turn it back on again.

Exterior Paint Repair

Over time, your exterior paint can crack and chip. Since your paint is effectively a seal that protects the underlying materials, the damage needs to be addressed. Otherwise, water can work its way through the cracks or under chipped areas, increasing your chances of having rot or other issues.

Summer is the perfect time to address your exterior paint. Warmer temperatures lead to faster drying times, which works in your favor. Just make sure that there isn’t any rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours. That way, the paint can cure properly, restoring your barrier.

Concrete Repair

Just like cracked paint, cracks in your concrete paths or driveways let water seep into areas, potentially leading to damage. During the colder months, water in the gaps can freeze, making cracks worse.

Often, summer is a great time for concrete repair. Like paint, the warmer temperatures help the concrete dry quicker.

Once the repair is made, you still don’t want to walk or drive on the fresh concrete for at least 48 hours. However, it can take up to 30 days to reach full strength, though warmer, dry weather may speed that up a bit.

Reseal Fencing and Decking

If you have wood fencing or decking, summer is a great time to reseal them. Wood can be damaged by water and sun exposure, causing the material to degrade. Not only will resealing restore the protective barrier, but it will also dry more quickly due to the warmer temperatures.

Like paint, you do want to choose a day when you aren’t expecting rain within the next few days. That way, it can fully set before it’s exposed to water.

Gutter and Downspout Cleaning

In some parts of the country, summer storms can be incredibly dramatic. If you want to make sure your gutters and downspouts can swiftly move water away from your home, then cleaning them regularly is a must-do.

Typically, you would want to clean the gutters and downspouts in the spring and fall. However, if you haven’t tackled it yet this year, doing it now is a smart move.

Pest Control Treatments

As the temperature rises, insects and other pests are often more active. If you want to keep them from harming your home, then having a summer pest control treatment is often a must.

Work with a professional company such as Aptive Pest Control whose personnel can not only apply treatments but also inspect your house for issues that may allow pests to make their home on your property. They can help you identify potential repairs to keep pests out and away, and some may even be able to handle those fixes for you.

Re-Caulk Windows and Doors

The caulk around your windows and doors breaks down over time. When that happens, the seal isn’t as effective, allowing the hot outside area to make its way inside.

If you want to keep your electricity bills in check and avoid overtaxing your air conditioner, take the time to inspect the caulk around your windows and doors. If you see any spots where it isn’t in good shape, re-caulk them. Usually, that only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference when you’re trying to stay cool.

Can you think of any other summer housing expenses people shouldn’t ignore? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Do This If You’re Priced Out of The Housing Market

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priced out of the housing market

Many people would love to buy a house, only to be stymied by the prices in their LA local housing market. In many parts of the country, home values are moving up quickly, making it harder for prospective buyers to find a suitable property that they can afford. Luckily, even if you’re priced out of the housing market, that doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your dream of home ownership. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some things you can do.

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5 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Condo

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It’s normal to be excited when you’re getting ready to buy a condo. The thing is, you don’t want to let your excitement blind you along the way. If you overlook certain critical points, you may end up with issues that are hard to come. Some aspects of condo living may increase your costs or lead to frustration, potentially so much so that you regret your purchase. If you want to make sure you’re happy with your new condo. Here are five things you need to know before buying a condo.

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Are People Still Selling Books on Amazon

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Whether you’ve simply decided to get rid of excess books on your shelves or are looking at selling some books to bring in extra cash. Figuring out where to list your items can be tricky. While Amazon has long been a great place for books, thanks to alternatives like Kindle versions. You may be wondering, “Are people still selling books on Amazon?” If that’s the case, here’s what you need to know.

Are People Still Selling Books on Amazon?

In short, yes, people are still selling books on Amazon. Some people using the platform are actually are full-time booksellers, while others do it on occasion for a bit of side cash.

Now, it’s important to note that the Amazon Book Trade-In program is no longer available. This means you can’t sell books to Amazon directly. Instead, you would need to become a third-party seller, using the site as a platform for marketing the books you want to sell.

How to Sell Books on Amazon

If you want to sell books on Amazon, the first thing you need to do is register as an Amazon seller. The process is incredibly straightforward, and most people can get their accounts launched in short order.

Generally, you’ll need to decide whether you’ll be an individual seller or a professional seller. As a basic rule of thumb, if you’re selling less than 40 products per month, you’ll be in the former category. With more than 40 products, you’d go in the latter group.

You’ll also need to figure out how you want to handle fulfillment. Generally speaking, you have two options. You can either sign up for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) program or for the Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) option. Each approach has pros and cons, so it’s best to do a little research to pick the right one for you.

Once you have that worked out, you’ll be able to get an idea of what it will cost you to sell items on Amazon. Each program has its own fee structure, though they are usually pretty simple to understand since you know the type of products you’ll be selling.

With those decisions made, you can create listings. If you’re selling a book that’s already for sale on Amazon, this is incredibly easy. You can use the main listing page as a starting point, filling in details about your selling price, the book’s condition, and other important pieces of information.

The FBM Approach to Selling Books on Amazon

If you’re using the FBM approach, once you’re done, your copy appears on that page within about 30 minutes. If you’re using FBA, you’ll get instructions to send your book to Amazon, and the listing will appear once it’s processed by a fulfillment center, which usually takes up to two weeks, though it can be longer during peak seasons.

At that point, you simply wait for your book to sell. If it’s FBM, you’ll mail it out when a person purchases it. If your FBA, Amazon will handle that part for you. When all is said and done, you’ll have money in your seller account that’ll get disbursed based on Amazon’s set schedule, which usually happens once every one to two weeks.

Have you recently sold any books on Amazon? If so, do you think it’s a smart way to make some money? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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How Much Does It Cost to Drive Across Country?

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For many people, a cross-country road trip sounds like the perfect vacation. The issue is, figuring out how much it costs to drive across the country can be surprisingly challenging. As a result, you may not be sure how much to budget for driving-related costs. Luckily, it is actually possible to work it out. If you’re wondering, “How much does it cost to drive across the country?” here’s what you need to factor into the equation.

Route

Traveling cross-country doesn’t necessarily mean you have to take a specific route. Where you start and where you end is up to you, as well as the roads you decide to travel along the way. That means you may end up driving a different number of miles than another person planning a trip across the country simply because your route plans varied.

If you want to estimate your travel costs, you need to outline your route first. This lets you get a solid idea of the number of miles you’ll cover and can help you figure out if there are any route-related expenses you need to contend with. For example, tolls can add up fast, so you’ll want to make sure you either factor in the cost or choose routes that let you avoid them.

Fuel Costs

Once you know how many miles you’ll be driving, you can use your vehicle’s miles-per-gallon metrics to figure out how many tanks of fuel it will take for you to complete the trip. However, you don’t want to count on that figure. After all, you may want to sightsee – causing you to take small detours – or you could end up idling in traffic, which does burn fuel.

Precisely how much extra you want to factor in can vary. However, planning for an additional two fuel tanks isn’t a bad idea.

After that, if you’re going to estimate your fuel costs, you’ll need to do some research. Gas prices vary all across the country, so you can’t rely on your local prices to accurately reflect how much you need to budget. Often, using an app like GasBuddy can help, especially if you want to find low-cost stations along your route. Just make sure to round up a tad, as prices do frequently fluctuate, ensuring you have a suitable buffer.

Accommodations

When you’re driving cross-country, you probably aren’t going to do it all in one go. Instead, you’ll usually need to make some stops, allowing you to get some much-needed sleep each night.

When you’re planning for accommodations, you first need to decide how far you want to drive every day. This helps you identify cities near the appropriate points on your route, giving you places to check out for accommodations.

Additionally, you need to decide on the type of accommodations you’d like. Hotels and motels are classic choices, but you may want to explore Airbnb properties, campgrounds, or other options that may be available. Consider what you’ll need when you stop for the night and use that to help you decide where to stay.

Meals

Cross-country trips take time, so you’re going to do a lot of eating on the road. However, you do have control over how you approach meals, drinks, and snacks.

For example, you could opt for restaurants the entire way. If so, you may need to estimate spending $10 to $20+ per person per stop, depending on the types of establishments you prefer.

However, you can also go in a different direction. If you have a well-made cooler, you could head to grocery stores for food instead. Essentially, you’d pack daily picnic-style breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, allowing you to avoid the higher costs of dining out.

With the grocery store approach, a bit of meal planning can help you estimate your costs. Just keep in mind that food prices do vary nationally, so you may want to check out local store websites near your stops to get estimates.

Ultimately, by looking at the points above, you can set a budget for your drive across the country. Just make sure that you factor in some extra cash for miscellaneous or unexpected expenses, giving you a safety buffer that can ensure your trip is a success even if something you don’t anticipate happens.

Have you ever driven across the country and, if so, where you aware of how much it cost to drive across country? Do you have any tips that can help someone save while driving across the country? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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