In recent years, credit repair companies have gained considerable popularity. Many Americans are struggling with bad credit but aren’t sure how to repair their negative credit history.

As a result, they might look to a credit repair service like Lexington Law. This experienced firm is one of the biggest names in the credit repair industry, which means you’ve probably heard of it.

In your search for the best credit repair program, this review hopes to shed some light on one of the most reputable firms out there. We’ll also provide valuable background information on Lexington Law, how customers perceive the company, and an overview of how their credit repair process works.

Lexington Law review: Brief history and overview

The Lexington Law Firm began serving customers in 2004. Based in North Salt Lake, Utah, Lexington Law has another office in Tucson, Arizona. Today, it serves customers in 48 states (not including Oregon and North Carolina) and the District of Columbia.

In addition to credit repair services, Lexington Law also provides personal finance tools and identity protection services.

How does Lexington Law work?

As a credit repair firm, Lexington Law’s lawyers will work with credit bureaus on your behalf to challenge negative items on your credit report, which might include:

• Collections
• Late payments on credit card bills
• Bankruptcies
• Repossessions
• Dispute letters
• Charge-offs
• Foreclosures
• Judgments

Due to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, credit bureaus — like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — must include only accurate and verifiable information on consumer credit reports. If any items on your credit report fail to meet these criteria or stem from a scam, the bureaus must remove them.

Once the bureaus remove any inaccurate or misleading entries on your report, you should see your credit score improve.

Pros and cons of Lexington Law’s credit repair services

Pros

● Easy-to-use smartphone app: A customer-friendly, well-made app that gets outstanding ratings from customers.

● Free consultation: Offers a free consultation to new clients, which is valuable to users who want to better understand their financial and credit history.

● Transparent fees with no upfront charges: Lexington Law doesn’t charge customers an upfront fee unlike most companies in this field.

● Personalized services: Lexington Law assigns a paralegal to each case, allowing you to work with the same person throughout the entire credit repair process.

● Credit monitoring available: Lexington Law offers two plans that offer credit monitoring services.

Cons

● Relatively expensive: The cheapest plan is $89.95, which can be costly for some consumers.

● No money-back guarantee: Many credit repair companies offer clients a refund if results aren’t up to par (i.e. no removal of negative items). However, Lexington Law doesn’t.

● Not BBB accredited: Lexington Law has a relatively low Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of C.

● Unavailable in two states: Lexington Law doesn’t offer credit repair services in Oregon and North Carolina.

● Alleged legal violations: In 2019, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) accused Lexington Law of violating federal laws.

Lexington Law services

Lexington Law offers three packages at different price points and service offerings.

1. Concord Standard

This is the basic plan, which covers the essentials of credit repair. This includes credit repair and credit interventions. Their credit dispute process involves identifying errors on your credit report and requesting the credit bureaus to remove those items.

Under the Concord Standard Plan, Lexington Law will also help you overcome bureau challenges by sending out credit intervention letters on your behalf to lenders and collection agencies. These include goodwill letters and debt validation letters.

The monthly fee for Concord Standard is $89.95.

2. Concord Premier

The Concord Premier plan is useful for customers who need additional help with credit repair. This plan includes monthly analyses and ongoing credit monitoring. Aside from the basic credit repair services, Concord Premier will also include:

● ReportWatch

● Credit Score Analysis

● InquiryAssist

● TransUnion Alerts

The monthly fee for this plan is $109.95.

3. Premier Plus

In addition to basic credit repair services, monitoring, hard inquiry removal, and alerts, Premier Plus provides financial planning services. These include:

● FICO Score Tracker

● Identity Theft Protection Services

● Cease-and-Desist Letters

● Personal Finance Tools

Premier Plus will cost you $129.95 a month.

Is Lexington Law the best credit repair company?

With many years of experience helping consumers repair their credit, Lexington Law has established itself as one of the premier credit repair companies in the country. When you work with the firm, they will help you achieve good credit by conducting a credit repair review and facilitating creditor interventions on your behalf — providing a level of service you simply can’t deliver on your own in a time frame you can’t beat.

For more information on the easiest way to end up with better credit — including contact information, how to get a free credit report, and what a credit consultation is like — visit the Lexington Law website at lexingtonlaw.com.

A home is perhaps one of the largest investments you’ll ever make.

As a first-time home buyer, whether you’re excited or intimidated about the process, there are several factors you want to consider. After all, no one wants their biggest financial move to be a complete failure.

In your journey towards homeownership, take a look at these 10 things to consider when buying a house — whether its an older home, a starter home, or your forever home.

What to know before buying a house

1. Other people’s opinions and experiences

As you plan to buy your home, you’ll likely hear some thoughts and opinions from several different sources. Whether it’s your family members, friends, or colleagues, you’ll probably hear their “two cents” when it comes to homebuying decisions.

Even though it’s probably not feasible to listen to every single piece of advice, it can be a good idea to hear out the ones who have experience in the homebuying process — particularly a trustworthy realtor.

So, when it comes to deciding whose advice to listen to, turn to people who have worked in real estate before or those who have bought two or more homes. They’re likely to have extensive knowledge about all the important details of the homebuying process.

2. The size of your ideal home

When it comes to choosing the right home for you, find one with the exact space and floor plan you need. In other words, don’t buy a home with a ton of square footage when it’s not necessary. More space means more area to clean and maintain as well as higher utility bills.

To figure out how large your next home should be, look at your current space before you begin the house-hunting process.

For example, are you able to live comfortably with the current number of bedrooms you have? Or do you need more due to certain changes (e.g., a new baby or a work-from-home job)? How large is your kitchen? What about your closets? Do you have functional storage space?

Ask yourself these questions as you’re looking at new homes and attending open houses. Doing so can help you decide on a home with just the right amount of space for your unique needs ready for you when you move in.

3. Your loan approval terms

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Getting pre-approval from a mortgage lender doesn’t mean certain terms are set in stone. However, the terms of the loan can give you an idea about your potential mortgage payment, interest rate, principal, property taxes, and homeowners insurance costs. This will help you come up with a detailed budget for what your monthly payments will look like.

Not only that, but your loan approval numbers can also help you determine how much you possibly need for a down payment. If your down payment is 20% of the total purchase price of your home, you can avoid private mortgage insurance — something that can be particularly helpful in an era of high mortgage rates.

If you can’t find a home that’s within your loan pre-approval limit, or if you can’t afford to put down 20%, then it means you should keep looking because your price range is too high. Don’t forget, you’ll have to pay for closing costs, too, which can be prohibitively expensive.

This is why it’s so important to get pre-approved first before looking at a house. Pre-approval defines your search and helps you determine which properties are a good fit for you to look at. After all, no one wants to fall in love with their dream home only to find out it’s entirely out of their budget because they don’t qualify for a big enough home loan.

If you want to get the best deal possible, you need to have an excellent credit score. If yours isn’t where you’d like it to be, you may want to enlist the services of a credit repair agency.

4. What a home inspection includes

Another homebuying nightmare is purchasing a home that has major issues. This is why inspections are so vital during your home search. Home inspections can uncover a wide range of major problems, including:

● Pest infestations

● Roof damage

● Mold

● Rot

● Water damage

● Lead piping or paint

● Water damage

● Water heater damage

● HVAC issues

● Asbestos

● Improper insulation

● Foundation problems

● …and more

It’s important for homebuyers to be aware of these problems and understand what renovations and upgrades may be necessary before closing on a home.

In some cases, certain issues a home inspector finds might result in a completely different offer that requires the seller to pay for repair costs before closing.

5. The home’s neighborhood

If you’ve decided on a particular neighborhood for your dream home, consider taking a walk through there. Look at your surroundings to get a feel for the homes.

What are the home values in the area? What condition are the houses in? Are the yards well-kept? How’s the landscaping? What about the crime ratings and the school district?

If you don’t like what you’re seeing, or it just doesn’t feel right, chances are it’s a deal-breaker and buying a home in that neighborhood isn’t the best move.

6. The age of appliances

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Another important consideration for buying a home is the age of appliances and systems. From washers and dryers to refrigerators and stoves, the age of your appliances can play a huge part in their overall health, functionality, and lifespan.

So, as you look for your first home, get a bit more information about the age of major appliances. An appliance that’s been in operation for over 10 years could signal a replacement is right around the corner.

Not taking into account the age of a home’s appliances could set you up for heartbreaking, budget-busting replacement costs later on down the line.

7. The home’s location

A home with a long commute to work or school can cause an inconvenience. The same could be true of a house that’s not close to public transportation.

So, if commute is important to you, make sure you consider a home’s proximity to essential places. Look up directions or make the drive yourself to get a sense of traffic and potential routes.

8. The orientation of windows

An often-overlooked factor in buying a home is which way the windows face. The direction your home faces affects the amount of sunlight it gets as well as energy efficiency, heating and cooling costs, home maintenance, energy flow, and more.

While the orientation of windows might not be the most important issue, having them in optimal locations is definitely a nice-to-have.

9. Homeowners Association details

Before you buy a property, you need to determine whether the home you’re interested in is part of a homeowners association (HOA).

If it is, you first need to read through those requirements. Determine how much expenses are and what they cover to see whether it makes sense to you. Look at other rules of the HOA that might affect certain actions — like parking, landscaping requirements, or holiday decorations.

10. Whether there are current offers on the house

So, what are other things to do before buying a house — particularly in a competitive market?

One key action is to check if there are any existing offers. Your real estate agent should be able to help you. If your agent discovers other bids, it could mean you’ll have to make counteroffers. This could be especially true for popular homes on the market.

Enjoy the homebuying process!

Before submitting your offer on a home, make sure you’ve considered what’s included in this checklist.

And remember, take the time you need to find the right home for you and your family. Don’t rush the process.

Instead, have fun through every part of the journey. Looking back, you’ll be glad you did!

When it comes to replacing the windows in your home, the choices can quickly become overwhelming.

That’s a great thing. But there are a wide variety of styles, materials, glass options, grille styles, custom designs, as well as a plethora of colors and textures to choose from.

With all these options, it can be difficult to settle on the perfect window. To get the most out of your home window search, it helps to know what to look for and what questions to ask.

To help you select the best windows for your needs, here’s a convenient guide to window replacement.

Is it worth it to replace your windows?

Unless your home is a new construction with brand-new windows, it’s likely economical to replace windows that make your home uncomfortable, look outdated, and require a lot of repairs, maintenance, and energy.

Low-maintenance, durable, and energy-efficient replacement windows offer a variety of benefits and can add great value to your home. The benefits of new window installation include adding character to your home, increasing its value, and reducing your energy bills:

● Greater energy efficiency: Repairs won’t make your windows more energy efficient even if you can fix them for a short time. You can save money over time and reduce your impact on the environment by using less heating and cooling energy when you install energy-efficient windows in your home, such as those that are certified by Energy Star.

● Increased comfort: Swap out your old windows with energy-efficient replacement windows to reduce your energy bills and keep your home comfortable throughout the year. New replacement windows are better insulated than those made 10 years ago, and you can have fresh air flowing into your home anytime with easy-to-open screened replacement windows. Plus, many new windows come with a warranty, so you can rest comfortably knowing your investment is secure.

● Superior durability: Through the use of modern technology, various window manufacturers have been able to design windows that last for over 20 years with the right care. It’s a sound investment to upgrade your windows with new ones that will continue to pay dividends for decades to come.

● Lower maintenance: Replacement windows come in a variety of styles that are easy to clean from the inside. Replacement windows are very low maintenance so they remain in good working condition for a long time. Painting old wood windows every few years and maintaining them can cost a lot of money and time due to rain, snow, and ice damage. Also, old windows tend to break and are difficult to fix or replace due to their hardware.

● Increased home value: With replacement windows, your home becomes more attractive, more secure, quieter, and more energy-efficient, which increases its curb appeal to potential buyers. If you replace your windows, the increase in the value of your home will more than offset the cost.

● Improved appearance: Choosing the right windows for your home can refresh its appearance. Whether you are looking for single-hung windows, double-hung windows, or accent windows, you will be able to find them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and frame colors. You’ll also be able to choose between single-pane, double-pane, and triple-pane options. By doing so, you can ensure your new windows will fit the existing openings and give your home the look and comfort you’re going for.

How to budget for replacement windows

The cost of a new window depends on many factors. Window costs are affected by several factors, including brand name, quality, material, and size.

The average cost of replacing a window is between $375 and $800. Window costs can range from $375 for basic vinyl to $1,275 for higher-end wood windows.

A contractor or supplier’s estimate will allow you to determine a specific price. The average prices above, however, can still be used to draw up a rough budget.

No matter how well you budget, you might still find that you can’t afford to replace your windows. Here are some options to consider: credit cards and a home equity line of credit.

Credit cards with introductory zero interest rates can help you finance the cost of new windows for your home. Credit card financing is available at many large home improvement stores.

Use a credit card to pay for your window and make sure you can repay the full amount before the introductory period ends. If you don’t, you’ll be charged full interest on the original balance.

You can also borrow money from your bank using the equity you have built in your home. Typically, home equity lines of credit are large loans that can only be used for specific expenses, such as home improvements or medical bills.

It’s worth noting that you may be able to reduce costs if it a DIY project. But if you want to end up with a high-quality job, hire the experts, like the folks over at Andersen or Jeld-Wen.

Learn about the different types of windows

Head to Home Depot, and you’ll see that you can choose from a wide range of window styles that serve different functions in different rooms and locations of your home.

There are many styles available today, including double-hungs, casements, awnings, bows, bays, egress windows, lidings, skylights, pane windows, storm windows, fiberglass windows, awnings, picture windows, and a wide variety of custom shapes. There are also many window brands to consider, too.

Single-hung and double-hung windows

Most homes have single-hung or double-hung windows. In general, these styles are popular because of their low cost and convenience. Their name comes from the fact that they have two panes, one on top of the other. Most are equipped with a simple locking device and can be opened by lifting the bottom panel and frame in-home.

Additionally, double-hung windows have an adjustable top panel that slides forward and backward. The top panel can be removed in hot weather to provide better ventilation. A double- hung window is also much easier to clean, even if it has grids.

In cases where windows are located above ground level, this is a great solution that eliminates the need for expensive (and dangerous) window-washing services. Single-hung and double-hung windows only differ in this top panel.

Casement windows

Most casement windows swing in or out, as opposed to sliding up or down. There’s less effort involved in operating casement windows because they have a handle.

Casement windows with push-outs don’t use cranks, but they’re not common. Due to the fact that the entire window opens rather than just a section, casement windows provide excellent ventilation as well.

Another advantage of casement windows is their size. When it comes to making a statement, casement windows are one of the best options.

Sliding windows

Sliding windows have one or more panels that slide horizontally along an upper and lower track. You can easily open half the window to allow air to flow through. In contrast to the other quality windows, they aren’t as airtight.

Awning windows

Kitchens and bathrooms are perfect places to use awning windows, since they open at the bottom and hinge at the top. So, they’re the opposite of hopper windows (discussed in further detail below), which open from the top and hinge from the bottom, making them ideal for basements.

Picture windows

The best way to highlight a gorgeous exterior view is with picture windows. Although they don’t open, they can add a great deal of charm to your home. You can think of a picture window as a framed painting on your interior walls. The painting’s subject? Stunning unobstructed views.

Arch and radius windows

Arch and radius windows are extremely versatile. This type of window is characterized by a rounded, half-circle top and a square or rectangular bottom.

You can add soft curves to the design of your home with this type of window because it lets in plenty of natural light through pane glass. Traditional doors and windows also have horizontal and vertical lines that complement each other. You can make a statement by installing an arch radius window over an existing window.

Hopper windows

In the basement, the hopper window reigns supreme. Even though these windows are great in basements, they are also useful in garages and attics, as well as any room that requires light and ventilation.

In addition, it’s a smart choice for spaces that have limited window space because of its inward-opening feature.

Bow and bay windows

Bay windows contain three to five windows at angles of 25 to 45 degrees, while bow windows contain three, four, or five windows at angles of 10 to 15 degrees. Whether you create a reading nook or update an existing one, both window styles make a beautiful focal point for any home.

Whether you have a bow window or bay window, you can add end vents in either double-hung or casement styles. Before you move forward with a replacement project with these windows, be sure to understand installation costs.

Garden windows

A garden window is a mini bay window designed to house plants. The name comes from the fact that they protrude from the inside of your home like a tiny greenhouse. By keeping plants and herbs in the mini shelves, you get sunlight into your home while being able to see them from the outside.

Adding garden windows to a room can make it feel more spacious. In kitchens and living rooms, they can be installed using nail fins with side panels that offer ventilation to the plants.

Custom windows

Custom-built windows are another option if the above options don’t suit your needs. When you order custom-made windows, you have the option to choose the shape, size, and angle of the frame, and you can even ask for low-e glass.

If you want a truly unique look for your home, custom windows are a great choice. Custom windows are, however, generally more expensive than standard windows. Make sure you understand your window replacement costs if you go in this direction.

Get familiar with various frame materials

Choosing the right materials for a window frame can influence its thermal performance and also its thickness, weight, and durability. Standard window frame options include:

● Wood: Wood-framed windows are renowned for their aesthetic value. They’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Maintaining them properly can extend their life and reward energy-conscious homeowners with high R-values (a measure of thermal resistance).

● Wood clad: Wood-clad windows provide warmer interior appearances and superior weather resistance compared to traditional wood-framed windows.

● Aluminum: Unlike wood-framed windows, aluminum windows are strong, lightweight, and durable. Aluminum, however, is prone to condensation and mold, which can harm your health.

● Vinyl: Vinyl is a low-maintenance, long-lasting window material that resists moisture. Additionally, vinyl windows can be customized in an unlimited number of colors, making them less expensive than wood windows.

● Fiberglass composite: Fiberglass composite windows offer the fine appearance of wood but with less hassle. In high heat or freezing cold, they don’t warp, sag, or become brittle.

● Composite: A composite window combines plastic with organic materials to create a strong, energy-efficient window, making them popular new-construction windows. You can order custom colors if none of the stock colors appeal to you.

Best practices for buying replacement windows

Almost any large city has an abundance of window companies, which makes the replacement window industry highly competitive.

During the process of replacing your windows, salespeople may mislead you about the amount of money you can keep through energy savings. Unfortunately, not every company is completely honest with its estimates. So, doing your research and shopping around pays off. Here are a few tips to get you started:

● Get five or more estimates: Nobody enjoys getting estimates. But they’re really important when it comes to making sure you’re getting the best deal. As you search for replacement windows, be sure to get at least five quotes. A wider range of prices puts you in control. The good news is that getting an estimate for replacement windows is easy. It’s rare for companies to charge for estimates, and salespeople usually work around your schedule.

● Know your target: Never let a salesperson tell you which windows need replacing. Even honest salespeople may feel tempted to add a few more windows to the estimate.

● Find off-brand windows: Rather than just looking at expensive name brands, ask the salesperson to show you a wide variety of window manufacturers.

● Sit on the estimate: Be careful not to act on the estimate right away. Before committing, you may be able to negotiate a lower price. There’s a lot of room for negotiation in this industry.

● Consider inexpensive windows: Due to fierce competition among replacement window manufacturers, you can find cheap replacement windows that still meet your needs.

Replacement window construction

A window frame’s material will also have a significant impact on its efficiency. Frames made from vinyl with insulation and fiberglass perform better than those made from wood, wood-clad vinyl, and vinyl without insulation. Compared to any of the other materials, aluminum and steel perform the worst.

As you begin replacing your windows, you need to determine which of the three types of window replacements you’re going to do: sash-only, insert windows, and full-window replacements.

● Sash-only: New jamb and sash liners are included in sash-only replacement kits for improved operation and durability. Installation is easy, but they should only be used in windows that are in good shape otherwise.

● Insert windows: Often called retrofit windows or inserts, they are installed inside existing window frames. It’s only necessary to remove the window stops and old sashes. The existing moldings, both inside and outside, are not affected. It’s easier, less expensive, and less messy to install inserts if the old frames are in good shape, rot-free, and square. The sills are normally custom-made to match the exact dimensions of the openings and angles of your existing sills. One advantage of retrofit windows is they’re available with tilt-in cleaning.

● Full-window replacements: It’s typically necessary to remove all of the existing components of the window before replacing it with a new one, including the casings, frames, sashes, and exterior trim. An old window frame that has deteriorated, is out of square, or a new window style or size can be corrected using this method. In spite of the increased labor, cost, and disruption involved with a full-frame replacement, you can better insulate around the window frame, which is one of the most common places where energy leaks occur. You can spray closed-cell foam insulation between the studs and the window frame after removing the trim. You can also spray it between the studs and the window frame after removing the trim. As an added bonus, no glazing area is lost with full-frame replacements.

Window shopping: Which style and material is right for you?

As you can see, there are many types of windows and materials available on the market, each of which has a different purpose.

While you should consider many factors when choosing your ideal windows, the final selection ultimately depends on your taste, perspective, and understanding of your needs.

Voilà, you now have all the information you need on window replacements for your next home renovation project. Here’s to making the best decisions and adding more value and comfort to your property!

The expansion in remote and online working opportunities has made it easier than ever to generate extra income. Imagine what you would do with a few more hundreds or thousands of dollars every month!

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a side hustle that helps you pay your bills, boost your savings, and cover unexpected expenses?

Keep reading to learn about the top 15 ways to earn extra cash in your spare time without risking your full-time job.

1. Become an online blogger

Do you enjoy writing? Do you have a firm grasp of the English language? If so, you should consider trying your hand at being a blogger — a skill that is in high demand today.

While you can always opt to launch your own blog, you may find it easier to make money writing part-time for other companies. For example, you can go to sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Craigslist to find opportunities. Do a good job, and you can turn your side hustle into a small business with word-of-mouth referrals.

Word to the wise: Writing for the web is different than writing a college essay. If you need some help, consider taking an online course to learn the ins and outs of blogging.

2. Earn money through online surveys

Your opinion is valuable!

Numerous companies are willing to pay a significant amount of money to learn more about their target audience’s preferences and motivations. If you’re the type of person who loves sharing their opinion, this is one of the best part-time jobs there is.

Individual surveys may take between 10 to 30 minutes, and you can do as many as you wish in one sitting. If you sign up with different companies and complete your allotted tasks diligently, you can earn up to $10 per hour working on your own schedule.

Some of the legitimate survey sites include Branded Surveys, Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and Opinion Outpost. What’s interesting about this line of work is that you can fill out surveys when you have downtime at other jobs — whether you’re babysitting, petsitting, teaching English, searching for your next gig on Taskrabbit, or waiting to pick someone up for Lyft.

3. Get paid to watch viral videos

Watching viral videos is a great way to make extra money while getting worthwhile entertainment. It might not get you rich but this is among the lowest-effort side gigs you can try. Based on your commitment, the estimated monthly income is $225. But you might be able to earn even more.

If this sounds like a scam, it isn’t. If you’re interested in giving it a try, Inbox Dollars is one of the best companies to work with. It only takes a few minutes to create an account and start earning.

4. Earn through shopping and making deliveries

Did you know you can make money online by shopping for products and delivering them to their respective clients?

If you love shopping and helping others, Instacart might be an excellent place to start. This is a site where you shop for groceries in-person and deliver them.

The best part is that you can work for Instacart in your free time. Instacart pays you within one hour of delivery with an instant cash-out option. Not bad!

5. Get paid to deliver with Uber Eats

If you have a bike, car, or scooter, you can use it to make money right now!

Uber Eats gives you a chance to deliver food to different clients and get paid. All you need is to download their app and upload your documents.

Once approved, you will receive a notification that allows you to start working. When you drive for Uber, there isn’t any supervision, which means you’ll be your boss and you’ll get to keep all your tips.

6. Virtual tutoring

If you have subject matter expertise, you can make a side hassle. Virtual tutoring involves a one-on-one online interaction, and you can have as many students as your schedule allows.

The best places to find online tutoring jobs include VIPKid, Education First, and Chegg. Payments can be hourly or per session. Believe it or not, it’s possible to earn up to $1,000 per month with some commitment.

Not interested in working with kids? You might find success as a virtual assistant, essentially helping executives manage their days.

7. Storage space leasing

Do you have an attic, basement, shed, or underutilized garage? If you’re looking to monetize it, Neighbor.com should be your next destination.

This peer-to-peer (P2P) platform connects people in need of extra space with those that have it. Neighbor.com charges 50% of the total rate per storage unit, which is kind of pricey. Although you will earn less, it’s a great way to generate passive income by doing little or nothing at all.

8. Freelance writing

Multiple high school and college students, employees, and retirees earn extra money through freelance writing.

If you’re interested in being a freelance writer, you might want to check out sites like Textbroker, Upwork, and Steady Content. If your sights are set higher, you may want to check out sites like LinkedIn and look for work there, too.

Not the best writer in the world but still looking for a flexible work-at-home job? If you have the skills, search for graphic design freelance work instead.

9. Freelance editing and proofreading

Freelance editing and proofreading involve selling your grammatical skills. In this role, you only need to go through some written copy and ensure it’s polished before submitting them for publishing.

While you’re at it, you may want to try your hand at transcription. Truth be told, you can make good money being a freelance transcriptionist if you can transcribe things like doctor notes and meeting notes.

10. Shop online and get free gift cards

Recent studies show that around 92% of shoppers buy things from online stores.

However, not many people know that they can earn cash back rewards simply by shopping. For example, Mypoints allow you to earn points for every dollar spent online. You can redeem them for gift cards from more than 75 retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, Etsy, and eBay.  

11. Sell your unused diabetic strips

There are millions of Americans with diabetes today. Cash For Diabetics is a newly launched company willing to pay up to $30 for unused diabetic strips.

If you or someone you know is suffering from the disease, you can stop throwing out unused kits and resell them instead. It’s an easy way to make a couple of bucks while preventing waste.

12. Borrow up to $50,000 and invest in your goals

Taking personal loans could help you fund some important projects in your life upfront — like ditching your boring data entry job and starting your dream dog walking business instead, one that rivals Rover.

If you’re looking for a loan, visit AmOne, which is a legit marketplace for finding loan providers. The operator only requires you to provide a few details of the loans you need, and it intelligently connects you with the perfect lenders.

13. Earn $10 for investing in companies like Amazon, Tesla, and Apple

Regardless of what you might think, you don’t need a lot of money to start investing in companies like Apple, Tesla, Google, and Amazon thanks to Stash, which helps you buy fractional shares for as low as $5.

What’s more, Stash gives you $10 to invest when you make your first deposit of $5 into your portfolio. Head over to the company’s website to get started.

14. Become a user experience tester

All online companies need their websites and applications to run seamlessly. When something is wrong, they call user experience (UX) testers to get their feedback.

If you are web savvy and can easily identify dark patterns and areas where the user journey breaks, you can make money testing software. Reputable companies like TryMyUI and UserTesting will pay you via services like PayPal just for giving feedback.

15. Become an influencer

If you have a large social media following on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, you might consider becoming an influencer. Just reach out to your favorite brands and let them know that you wish to work for them. For sponsored content or affiliate marketing, you can check out Amazon Associates and ShareASale.

Don’t have that many followers? Don’t worry. You can always try your hand at being a social media manager in your spare time.

Which side hustle will you choose?

Since you’ve made it this far, you know how you can utilize your free time to earn extra cash. But keep in mind that the above list is by no means comprehensive. From dropshipping, starting a podcast, or being a bookkeeper to designing T-shirts, selling things on sites like Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace, or even renting space out on Airbnb, there’s no shortage of ways to make money.

Ultimately, there isn’t a template you can follow to achieve financial freedom. Everyone is different, and everyone has different skills and interests.

Start thinking outside the box and figure out ways to earn more money on the side. Take our word for it: You’ll be happy you did.

Buying your first home is likely one of the most exciting times of your life. But the process can be stressful and even discouraging when you have no one to guide you through your home buying journey.

In this first-time homebuyer’s guide, we’ll walk you through the basic steps of buying a home.

1. Improve your credit to secure a loan

If you’re trying to navigate how to buy your first home, your very first step should be to check your credit score before working with a lender. For most loan types, your credit score needs to be 620 or higher to buy a house. Of course, there are exceptions to this, like FHA loans from the Federal Housing Administration, an agency under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

If your credit score is lower than 620, however, you should probably work on improving it. To do that, you can:

● Pay off any credit card debt

● Keep credit utilization to 30% or lower

● Dispute any errors you see on your credit report

● Work with a credit counseling agency to improve your credit

Once you’ve raised your credit score enough to qualify for a loan, check with multiple banks to see their interest rates, the length of the mortgage, and how large of a loan you qualify for. Thanks to the internet, you can secure mortgage preapproval and compare mortgage rates online. Some mortgage lenders even have an online calculator to help you calculate:

● Total mortgage amount

● Monthly mortgage payment

● The highest mortgage amount you qualify for

● The highest monthly payment you qualify for

In order to increase the chances a transaction ultimately goes through, it’s important to get that mortgage prequalification letter, which indicates that you’re a serious buyer.

2. Set a budget

Based on your loan pre-approval terms and your income, determine how much house you can afford and what home price makes sense for your financial situation. Most lenders agree that your mortgage payment shouldn’t be more than 28% of your gross monthly income.

As we stated above, you can use a mortgage calculator to help you get a sense of your potential expenses and the home loan amount you can afford. Use one that accounts for other costs such as private mortgage insurance (PMI), property taxes, principal, homeowners insurance, and interest.

Don’t forget that there are all sorts of hidden costs in the homebuying process, which many borrowers overlook. For example, you’ll have to pay for a home inspection, and you’ll have to cover closing costs, too, which include things like title insurance, mortgage loan origination fees, home appraisal costs, and realtor fees, which the seller pays. You may also have to put additional funds into escrow at this point to cover taxes and insurance expenses.

3. Calculate your down payment

The amount of your down payment will depend on the type of loan you apply for and the total purchase price of your home.

For example, conventional loans usually require a down payment of 20% to avoid mortgage insurance. Other lenders, like VA loans and FHA loans, might require a lower amount. As an example, consider a home for $250,000. A down payment of 3.5% is $8,750. If you want to avoid mortgage insurance, however, you’ll have to fork over $50,000, or 20%.

Remember that the more you put down upfront, the less your monthly payments and interest will be (assuming you have a fixed-rate mortgage).

4. Choose an ideal neighborhood

In addition to the price range and affordability, the location of your real estate new home is a vital factor in homeownership. When it comes to location, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors, including:

● Crime rates

● Schools

● Public amenities (e.g., nearby stores, shops, restaurants, offices, and public transit)

● The potential for natural disasters

● The value of the homes in the area (e.g., a house in New York City costs more than a house in upstate New York)

5. Identify your dream home’s general style

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There are so many home styles to choose from, including colonials and midcentury modern homes. The type of style you choose will depend on your preferences and the size of your family. Choosing a general style can help you narrow down your search for the perfect home.

Keep in mind that certain single-family home styles tend to be more valuable than others, depending on the housing market.

6. Consider important home features

What are certain home features you just can’t live without? What key features will make you excited to come home every day? Keep the following features in mind to help with your house-hunting decision:

● The size of the lot

● The number of bedrooms

● The number of bathrooms

● The kitchen layout

● The age, style, and condition of appliances

● The size of the yard

● Smart home features

● Energy efficiency

● Detailed finishes

● Lighting

● Accessibility (e.g., wide doorways, ramps, walk-in tubs, and showers)

7. Figure out the ideal house size and layout

When it comes to buying a first house that’s the right size for your family, consider your wants and your needs. For example, you might want a larger home. But do you really need the extra space?

An ideal house size would have enough rooms per person to sleep individually. This should also include one room for guests and an office. For example, for two adults and one baby, four bedrooms should be suitable.

Anything larger could be difficult to clean and maintain, and could result in higher utility expenses.

8. Research the schools in your chosen area

If you have children or plan on having them, it’s important to think about the quality of schools in the area. To do this, check sites like Zillow for school rankings.

As you’re researching schools, you’ll likely come across both public and private options. If public schools aren’t great in the area, then you might consider private schools for your kids if you can afford it. Researching the quality of schools can help you determine whether the area is right for your family.

9. Factor in your commute

When it comes to buying your first home, the commute time matters. If you don’t want to spend countless hours stuck in traffic on your way to work, then you want a shorter commute.

However, if you find a perfect home that has all the features you want, you might be tempted to overlook a longer commute. But this isn’t a great idea, because you could end up regretting your decision down the road. Plus, a longer commute means higher travel costs, especially gas and car maintenance.

If you ultimately decide to buy a home that extends your commute, consider public transportation. This can help you save on vehicle expenses.

10. Find a real estate agent

Once you’ve settled on the important details that will determine the location and type of home you’re looking for, find a reputable real estate agent. A good real estate agent will take care of all the hard work involved in buying a home by:

• Guiding you through the homebuying process
• Handling price negotiations
• Researching homes for you
• Answering all your homebuying questions
• Showing you homes best suited to your needs
• Sharing information about any first-time homebuyer programs, loan programs and down payment assistance programs
• Telling you about what type of mortgage might be best for your situation
• …and more!

Buying a home for the first time can be scary at first. But when you understand the process and know which steps to take, the home purchase experience can go a lot more smoothly.

As you begin going to open houses and researching properties online, it’s important to know your eligibility for certain loans and assistance programs. Or, if your personal finance situation is rock solid, you may be best off securing a mortgage preapproval letter and begin working your way to the best mortgage you can secure — and, ideally, a smooth closing process.

Now that you’ve read this homebuyer guide, it’s time to continue your learning. If you have any questions during the process, get free advice from a real estate expert.