5 Benefits of Using Your Cash For Holiday Shopping

The holiday season will soon be upon us all. While it is a happy time for almost everyone, it can also be a stressful time as well. One of the more stressful parts of the holiday season is all the shopping that needs to be done for family and friends. 

It's always a good idea to get a head start. However, while you're out shopping for Christmas gifts, you should consider doing one thing. Buy your gifts with cash. Doing so can give you some significant benefits over putting your gifts on credit.

You Pay More with Credit

Perhaps the number one reason why it's a better idea to buy Christmas gifts with cash is that you're paying more when you put a purchase on your credit card. Purchasing on credit isn't just putting off the payment of that purchase until later. Instead, you are also paying for the interest on that short term borrowing. 

Credit purchases can also result in fees in certain cases. Overall, paying with cash saves money. Alternatively, the overuse of credit can suffocate your finances from all the debt and interest accrued.

You Can Take Advantage of Cash Discounts

Something else you may not realize is that certain retailers give you a discount for paying in cash instead of putting a purchase on your credit card. This may seem odd, but it's true. This will be the case if that retailer uses a cash discount program.

This kind of program benefits both the retailer and the consumer. For the retailer, their credit card fees are moved onto the consumer by including those fees in part of the billing to the cardholder. This can help smaller businesses deal with the expense of such fees that may be too much to deal with otherwise. 

However, the consumer can avoid this fee and receive an additional discount of up to 3.99 percent by paying in cash. Investigate what stores have this kind of program so you can save on your Christmas gifts by paying in cash.

You Can Protect Your Privacy

Another very good reason to pay in cash is that doing so is a sure-fire way to protect your privacy. This will not be the case if you instead make purchases with a credit or debit card. Companies now track all of a person's purchases made with their cards. This information is stored so it can later be used for purposes like sending targeted advertisements based on past purchases to your e-mail.

While it is claimed this information can't be viewed by just anyone, that is probably not true since it's stored in a database plenty of people within the company have access to. Your data being breached by hacking is also a threat. One large scale hack resulted in over 100 million credit card accounts being breached. 

If you want to have more privacy and keep your gift buying and other purchases completely private, paying with cash is your best bet. The retailer won't be able to track the fact you made the purchases with cash, and that information will not be stored in a database.

You Won't Go Over Budget

Another reason to buy your Christmas gifts with cash is that doing so will prevent you from going over budget. It's very easy to spend more than you planned on when all you have to do to make a purchase is to swipe a card. Unless you are a math whiz, you are probably not going to be adding all those figures up in your head if you make purchases at multiple stores.

With cash, however, it's far easier to stay under budget. All you will have to do is take a certain amount of cash out of the bank. When the cash is gone, you will be forced to stop spending. Unlike with a credit card, you won't end up spending a dime more than you planned on.

You Won't Harm Your Credit

Racking up debt is a risky venture. One thing that can happen if you overspend and end up failing to make payments in time is your credit score could take a hit. While the credit reporting agencies won't reward you for using cash, they are unlikely to penalize you for doing so either.

Bad credit can have serious consequences for your future. You could be blocked from taking out loans like a mortgage. You may even be blocked from getting an apartment. Using cash for certain purchases, such as Christmas gifts, can help keep your spending under control so your credit isn't harmed.

These days, people tend to put all of their purchases on their credit cards. While credit is appropriate for certain things, it shouldn't be used for all your purchases. This is certainly true when it comes to holiday shopping. Paying for Christmas gifts with cash has certain benefits you should take advantage of. Doing so can save you money, prevent you from overspending, and even protect your credit.

4 Home Winterization Steps to Complete to Avoid Costly Damage

Heating a home is just one part of the process you might go through as winter approaches. Many people like to do some work to winterize houses against the cold. Using a few of these simple tips, you might be able to save energy, spend less on heating, and avoid costly repairs due to winter damage.

Stop Frozen Pipes

The pipes running throughout a house can freeze during very cold periods. In most cases, this will cause a rupture somewhere between the point of freezing and your faucet. Ice in the pipes will expand and build pressure inside the space. 

Contractors usually place pipes in areas that are already insulated if the home is in a colder climate. Houses in warmer areas may not have this protection, and it is possible the pipes will need it during some winters. You can place caulking or insulation around the basement area of the home, and pipe sleeves can help seal any gaps that you see around the tubes.

Check Your Boiler

A boiler is a major appliance that helps to keep you toasty during the cold season. It will heat the water that you might use to make sure you can stay warm when you need a quick shower. They typically form hot steam that goes to radiators throughout older homes as well. 

Any issue you might have with this appliance can rob you of hot water or general warmth in the home. You can work with a qualified expert in boiler repair and related services to give your appliances the inspections they might need before winter hits.

Use Weather Strips

Don't forget about the small spaces that surround the doors and windows in your home. Weatherstripping involves you covering joints in the doors or the casing surrounding your windows. 

These covers are designed to keep heat in and rain, snow, and other elements out of the house. In addition to purchasing and installing the strips, you may want to consider adding storm windows or doors to the home.

Inspect the Attic

There are several things you can do to weatherize your home on the floors you occupy. However, the primary source of heat loss in most houses in the attic. If you don't do a proper inspection of this area, the time and effort you spend elsewhere in the home might go to waste. 

Always do a sweep of the place to make sure it has enough insulation for maximum heat retention. You can take steps to correct any gaps before the cold comes. After that, it is a good idea to look at the roof and find any damage to repair.

Subfreezing temperatures can have disastrous effects on different parts of a home. If a house is not insulated properly, the issues that arise could be a major hit to your wallet. 

In addition to this problem, no one wants to be stuck without a decent, heated shelter for any length of time in the dead of winter. If you do winterize your windows, consider adding thermal curtains to the mix for even more heat retention.

4 Types of Neighborhoods That Will Set You Up for a Comfortable and Active Retirement

When looking for the perfect retirement neighborhood, you will probably keep in mind factors like location, convenience, size, and cost. Depending on your circumstances, you may be drawn to a specific type of housing. But if you are undecided, here are four popular neighborhoods that offer active lifestyle options for seniors and retirees.

Condos

Moving into a condo offers the privacy and freedom of being a homeowner. It also may require membership in a Homeowners Association (HOA) that provides support services like lawn care and outdoor building maintenance, such as windows, doors, and fencing. 

Amenities like tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a party room are also included with some condo developments. Residents can socialize with neighbors and enjoy physical activities to stay fit and healthy.

Resort Homes

Houses that are built in a resort area or nearby offer exciting neighborhood opportunities for fun activities. For example, golf course homes typically come with amazing views of the golf green and surrounding natural beauty. 

Retirees who enjoy golfing can join the club and play whenever they like when it is within easy walking or driving distance of their home. In addition to a beautiful location and proximity to the golf course, there are plenty of opportunities for socializing.

Mid-City High-Rise Units

Condos and apartments targeted for seniors specifically can often be found near or in the downtown areas. This type of neighborhood is great for shopping, dining out, and enjoying entertainment options like theatre, sports events, and art shows. 

Seniors who prefer an exciting lifestyle of going out with friends or experiencing new things will appreciate the vibrancy of an urban location in a secure neighborhood.

Senior Housing Complexes

A housing complex for seniors may have two or three residential levels. Independent living is for those who are healthy and can take care of themselves while enjoying the surrounding areas and quiet or exciting neighborhood ambiance. 

Assisted living is the second level that offers professional monitoring and oversight of individuals with a chronic illness, memory lapses, or a debilitating condition. Meals are usually provided in a common dining area with attractive surroundings and medical support if needed for medication, blood pressure checks, and other health checks. 

Full nursing care is the third level of housing or medical care for residents who are seriously ill or physically impaired in ways that interfere with their ability to meet their own daily needs. Residents can move from one level to another as needed. Social activities and neighborly interactions occur at all levels.

Whatever your retirement plans, start thinking about the type of neighborhood or community where you would like to live following retirement. Visit several neighborhoods to decide which will best meet your needs.

What to Do If You're Harrassed By a Collection Agency

Like it or not, the world revolves around money. You need strong finances to keep a roof over your head, put a down payment on a car, and get a good education. Sometimes, you can’t afford all of those things outright, so you take out a loan and pay it back over time. 

Financing any big purchase requires organization and timely payments. Even when you play everything the right way, you still may end up dealing with pesky debt collectors that won’t seem to leave you alone. If you are being harassed by a collection agency, there are some steps you can take to find peace.

As a borrower, you agreed to pay back hard money to your loan seller. That doesn’t mean you agreed to be harassed and bothered while you’re working on paying that amount back. Of course, if you have overdue or missed payments, catching up on those will be the easiest way to get debt collectors off your back. 

But if you feel you’re being harassed without reason, you have the power to confront these collectors, verify your records, and even seek legal representation if needed. Follow along for a few helpful tips to stop collection agencies from harassing you.

Keep and refer to your records.

Clarity is incredibly important when it comes to any amount of money or financial situations. Any time you sign a legally binding document like a loan agreement, you need to keep a record of that information. 

Having documents you can refer to and proof of monthly payments can stop a collector in their tracks because they can’t make an argument against you. When you buy a home, that is mortgage 101. 

As you search for mortgage loans, you are expected to do your research, take notes, and protect all documents involved in the mortgage process. This puts you in control of your finances and makes sure a lender can’t take advantage of you down the line.

Consult legal experts if necessary.

Most cases won’t come to this, but you can take legal advice if you feel a private money lender is harassing you without cause. Groups like Global Legal Law Firm, a San Diego based law firm, work hard to untangle complex litigation cases to guarantee that individuals, corporations, and commercial entities recover all of their assets. 

Consult an expert if you think you have been mistreated. They will have the expertise and intimidation factor to help force collectors to leave you alone.

Know your rights and stand your ground.

It’s easy to feel intimidated within the world of finance, especially dealing with brokers and loan collectors. Your biggest tool is information. Know your rights and do your research. If you are being mistreated, say so, and don’t give in. This tip may seem like one of the basics, but knowing your rights will keep you in control of the situation long term.

Next time, take your business elsewhere.

Taking out a loan rarely seems simple. With all the small details and fine print, it’s possible you made a minor mistake that opened the door for debt collector harassment. Next time, take your business elsewhere. Companies like hard money lenders Oregon offer hard money loans and create a simple, straight forward loan process. 

Especially if you need a private money loan to turn a quick profit in the case of real estate acquisition or fix and flip situations, you can count on hard money to be a reliable loan that won’t lead to complications down the line.

It’s OK to ask for verification and tell collectors to stop harassing you.

You may feel powerless when a debt collector knocks on your door, but you actually have all the power. Be clear and concise and refuse to back down. Ask for verification of your loan amount and interest rate. You’re also within your rights to directly tell collectors to stop harassing you. There is a process to officially do this, but it can save you a headache down the line.

Four Things to Consider When Choosing A Debt Collection Company

Every owner wants to keep the business inflow. There are times when you must collect payment for the products or services you render. It is true that not all customers are trustworthy and reliable. 

As a business owner, you likely have very little time on your hands as you have to deal with so many other activities. You may not have the time to write letters or make frequent phone calls to collect debts. 

The older the debt gets, the more difficult it is to manage. In case, if your demands for payment have been unsuccessful, hiring an international debt collection company can be extremely beneficial for your business.

Some business owners have an image in their mind about debt collectors – and for a good reason. In the past days, anyone could set up a debt collection company without being registered or regulated in any way. Today, there are some rules and regulations that govern debt collection companies. 

Hiring a debt collection company is one of the best ways for you that help to put the focus back on your work, while someone else manages the debt collection process. Here are a few things which you need to consider when hiring a debt collection company:

Check the company’s legitimacy:

The collection industry is enormous. There are many companies, big and small, working to collect thousands of dollars of debt each year. The strategy to resolve overdue bills can be adjusted depending on what kind of debts you have, such as medical debts, utility bills, etc., and the type of collector you are dealing with. 

Debt collection company works directly with your credit card lender and are typically going to be larger contingency collection companies. They send you collection notices and make calls in an attempt to collect. 

All of which is encouraged by the fact that they will get paid based on what they get you to pay. Different states and countries have different rules for debt collection companies. Always ensure the one you want to hire is licensed and adheres to the regulations of the 

Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Debt collection companies specialize in certain areas. For example, securing funds from large companies, and some do well working with small businesses or home businesses. So, find out what sort of international debt collection company most often deals with and what type of companies it serves.

Ask how many years of experience they have in the industry?

Trading is not directly related to success, but it can be a good sign of how much experience they have in collecting debts from difficult customers. Don't just believe in their word or what they claim to be. Take a look at their testimonials, social media profiles, and success stories to look at what other clients thought about them. 

Don't concentrate too much on size because a large company is not necessarily a better fit than a small, local one. It depends on your needs, the company's strengths, its reputation, and its track record.




Debt collection companies' experience in collecting unpaid debts increases your odds of collecting delinquent debts. Your main focus is on running your business, but a collection company's main focus is to collect debts. An experienced professional knows the best techniques to legally coerce debtors to pay, and collection companies post a much greater threat to debtors than you do.

How much they know about your industry?

Every industry is different from the other, with varying difficulties and intricacies when it comes to contracts and invoicing. All these variations can make a massive difference when it comes to successfully collecting a debt. 

A debt collection company knows your industry and its challenges can bring knowledge and results to rival a typical generalist. Also, those with experience in navigating the complex payment processes of large companies will be able to use this expertise to bring you the desired results.

How much they cost?

Once you found a reliable collection company that can work for your business, it's time to look into their costs. Also, it's worth noting that the way in which companies charge for their services can be different and you should choose those within your budget. 

A collection company cost usually associated with pre-collection fees and fairly small. And, a flat fee is generally offered early in the debt collection process. Another important thing to keep in mind is no matter what, once you have hired a debt collector, it's not guaranteed that you will receive the full and total amount you are owed. 

For this reason, it's suggested that you exhaust your other options before hiring one. Most companies will work on a contingency fee basis. For the most part, they only make money on successful accounts, so you can be sure they will try everything they can to get your debt back.

4 Reasons a New Roof is a Wise Investment

If you’re like most people, you’re not particularly concerned with the roof over your head—until it starts leaking. Placing pots on your floors to catch water is not fun, and water damage is quite costly. Don’t ignore your roof until an emergency occurs. The time to check your roof for damage, and even replace your roof is now.

Even if your roof hasn’t sprung a leak, you might be wondering why you would reach out to roofing contractors to replace your roof. Just because there aren’t any active leaks in your roof doesn’t mean there isn’t damage which can be compounded in the event of a storm or other natural disaster. 

Preventative actions are much more cost-effective than trying to recuperate from the unexpected. In this article, we will discuss four ways a new roof can save you money in the long term. Keep reading to learn more.

A Good Return on Your Investment

It’s important not to balk at hiring roofing contractors to replace your roof. In fact, your return on investment is approximately 70 percent. Therefore, replacing your roof is not as costly as you imagine. In addition, if you ever plan on selling your home, a new roof will help to increase your home’s overall value. 

As a result, you will profit from your wise investment. Moreover, a new and high-quality roof can have a lifespan of up to 30 years with continued maintenance. By then, you will have certainly realized the return on your investment.

Cut Down on Energy Costs

Invariably, energy costs skyrocket during the excruciatingly hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Thus, energy-efficient homes are on-trend right now. Again, if you are planning to sell your home, it helps to have marketable components such as a new, energy-saving roof. 

No one wants to pay an astronomical utility bill every month. Further, energy bills are not going to go down on their own. Not only will a new roof help to cut down on energy costs, but it will also enhance the temperature and comfort of your home.

Add to your curb appeal

Many homeowners view their houses as an investment. The objective is to invest in a good home, with a solid infrastructure, in the hopes it will rise in value. In fact, the easiest way to increase your net worth is by investing in the right home. 

As a result, a new roof can become a major boon to the curb appeal of your home. If this is a starter home or a flip, the roof can make a significant difference in the value of your home.

Create a safe environment

The longer you wait to replace a damaged roof, the more dangerous and unstable it becomes. For instance, it would be much more expensive to have to leave your home due to a damaged roof than to replace it before an emergency happens. 

If your roof were to cave in, imagine the damage it would cause to your furnishings and infrastructure. What if this happened during a storm? Water would start flooding your home causing countless issues and expenses whether or not you have insurance. A new roof offers a safe environment, and peace of mind during natural disasters.