Having medical supplies in your apartment just makes good sense. A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies, according to the Mayo Clinic . Especially when an urgent need for an adhesive bandage or ice pack happens.
Why not be prepared and tailor a first aid kit to meet your everyday needs? A homemade first aid kit for minor emergencies lets you pick and choose all the must-haves. It doesn’t need to cost a slew of bucks either. Start your medicinal scavenger hunt at your local dollar store, where you’ll likely be surprised by the inventory.
The first step, determine your budget. Spend between $10 and $20 and have plenty of handy essentials right at your fingertips. Your first aid kit can be easily stored neatly in a pantry, or beneath the sink in your kitchen or bathroom.
We’ve organized a list of basics to help you get your homemade first aid kit ready for use.
1. Pain relievers
Generic-brand pain relievers come in many formats such as gel, lotion and patches. Use pain relievers for headaches and to reduce swelling. Find them for less at discount stores.
You can also look for brand name pain relievers at your favorite big-box retailer, drug store or pharmacy. If you have a rewards card at your drug store, you can also look for two-for-one deals on the pain relievers that work best for you.
2. Reusable ice packs
Reusable ice packs, which you can store in the freezer, are musts for your first aid kit. They should be your go-to to reduce swelling from bumps and twists.
If you need an ice pack immediately but don’t have one that’s cold, make an investment and buy instant cold packs. They’re easy to use: Snap the seal inside or squeeze the pack and they get cold in an instant! Just be sure to look for ones that are non-toxic.
3. Protective gloves
Be cautious about cleanliness. Try to keep a wound that requires attention clean of germs by picking up non-latex gloves. Look for deals. Sometimes, they come in multi-packs.
4. Minor wound dressing
Think of what you might need to dress minor wounds from accidental falls or burns from cooking. The list could include:
Gauze pads
Elastic wraps
Assorted band-aids
Cute band-aids for littles
Adhesive tape
Bandage strips and “butterfly” bandages in assorted sizes
Antibiotic ointments
Antiseptic cleansers
5. Hydrogen peroxide
You can shop for hydrogen peroxide at the dollar store of choice. You can also save there on musts like hand sanitizer and non-latex gloves for whoever is administering the first aid.
6. Applicators
Be sure to have items you use every day, including cotton balls and swabs. They’ll serve double-duty in the bathroom for everything from ear cleaning to makeup removal.
7. Tweezers
Look for tweezers for splinter removal in the health and beauty section. Get small scissors for cutting bandages or gauze to the right length, too.
8. Thermometer
To know for sure if someone is running a fever, you should pick up a thermometer and add it to the kit’s mix. Some digital varieties even come with disposable plastic sleeves. These are great if you have more than one child whose temperature must be taken.
9. First aid box or case
Check the automotive and household aisles and you might score a small, sectioned case with a snap-lock to store everything in.
10. First aid manual
It’s also helpful to include a first aid manual in your kit as a guide for treating minor injuries and wounds. Look for one with instructions on performing CPR and diagrams of how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, in the event of choking.
Need more stuff?
For more extensive homemade first aid kits, you’ll probably have to stray outside the bounds of the dollar store. Head to your local pharmacy or supermarket to pick up extra items.
Now that you’ve created a first aid kit for your apartment, you’re a pro! Create a second first aid kit to keep in your car. You never know when it could come in handy.
The post 10 Essentials for a Homemade First Aid Kit appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
An independent living community is a grouping of homes designed specifically to encourage independence and community among senior adults. The ideal resident of an independent living community is someone who does not need any live-in assistance and wishes to share a community with others in the same age bracket.
Can you rent in an independent living community?
Renting in an independent living community is certainly an option. While many homes in these communities will be owned by the residents, some will have owners looking to rent it out. Additionally, some independent living communities are made up entirely of rental units.
Why or why not rent in an independent living community?
An independent living community isn’t right for every senior adult looking to rent, but it is a good option for many. Here are some of the positives and negatives of renting a home in an independent living community.
Pros of renting in an independent living community
Plenty of socialization opportunity
All-inclusive living â no need for maintenance or landscaping
Safety is a primary concern of management
Cons of living in an independent living community
Costs more than other rental units
May be guidelines concerning visitors
Potential for stress related to leaving long-time home
What does a home in an independent living community look like?
Homes in independent living communities can take on many forms. Some homes resemble suburban, detached homes in a shared neighborhood. Other homes in independent living communities look like standard apartments and are grouped together in a single building â like the apartments seen in the photo above at the Crossing at Waters Edge 55+ Independent Living Community Apartments in Moorhead, MN.
On the inside, homes in independent living communities are usually optimized for senior adults. This means features like wheelchair accessibility, extra-loud or visual doorbells, and handrails in the bathroom are usually included.
Additional resources
How to Select a Senior Friendly Apartment
7 Senior Living Technology Pieces Your Parents Need for Their Home
The 10 Best Cities for Seniors in the U.S.
What Seniors Should Look for While Apartment Hunting
Apartment Safety and Convenience Items for Senior Living
The post What is an Independent Living Community? appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
Even if your new rental unit ticked off most of your must-have boxes â great location, lots of light, budget-friendly â you might be disappointed about one thing: There’s no dishwasher in the apartment.
Not to worry! Here are some tips, tricks and shortcuts that take the drudgery out of washing dishes â and you may even end up enjoying the task.
1. Plan meals that use fewer dishes
Instead of dirtying piles of cooking utensils, try incorporating some one-pot meals into the rotation. Slow cookers, instant-pots, woks and sheet pans will all minimize the amount of mess.
When baking, measure your dry ingredients first and then reuse the same measuring cups and spoons for wet ingredients.
You can also line your pans with aluminum foil before roasting vegetables or baking lasagna to cut down on washing time afterward.
Also, read a recipe through before you start cooking to see how many dishes you will need. By thinking ahead, you’ll have less to wash when you’re done eating.
2. Clean up as you cook
As you prepare your meal, get in the habit of tossing food scraps into the compost bin or garbage can. Plan to wash what you use as you’re cooking or place dirty dishes into the sink as you go.
Before you start chopping any ingredients, fill the sink with warm soapy water and soak your dirty dishes so food doesn’t become dry and caked on. Wash your prep tools as your food cooks.
3. Get the right tools for the job
Toss that stinky kitchen dishcloth and pick up a few smart gadgets that will almost make you forget you don’t have a dishwasher in your apartment.
A dishwashing brush can handle even the crustiest food remnants, plus it dries completely â no more damp, germ-infested sponges lying around.
If you prefer a sponge, get a washable microfiber one that you can toss into the washing machine.
Silicone scrubbing gloves protect your hands, plus they provide some scrubbing power.
Using a blade brush is a safer way to clean sharp knives.
A food scraper or dish squeegee makes dishwashing easier and keeps your sudsy water cleaner.
4. Protect your drain
The last thing you need when you have no dishwasher in your apartment is a clogged kitchen sink.
Never pour oil or grease down the drain because they can coat the pipes and cause a blockage. Use a sink strainer to catch food particles and empty it regularly while you’re cleaning up.
5. Be efficient by learning how to clean stubborn dishes
For about $10, you can upgrade your kitchen faucet with a swivel tap aerator, which helps get into the nooks and crannies for more effective dishwashing.
Wash items from least to most dirty: Glasses and silverware first, then plates and bowls. Save the largest, dirtiest things for last. Some dishes, like glassware or anything oily need extra-hot water to get clean, while others do better with cold.
For example, dairy and starch rinse off easily under cold water, which prevents the residue from getting sticky. For scorched pots and pans, head to your laundry room to grab a dryer sheet: Soaking it with the pan in warm soapy water for an hour will remove caked-on grime.
6. Use the right kind and amount of dish soap
If you don’t like wearing latex gloves to protect your hands, use a natural dish soap that will be gentler on your skin. For very greasy dishes, you might need a more advanced dish cleaner.
Don’t use too much soap, because it can leave a sticky residue on your dishes â one or two tablespoons per load is all you need.
Pouring your soap into a touchless foaming soap dispenser controls how much you use, saving you money.
7. Purchase space-saving drying racks
Why double the amount of work to hand-dry all your dishes when you can let them air-dry instead?
Since small apartment kitchens usually lack counter space, ditch the bulky dish-drying rack in favor of a more streamlined solution, such as hanging a wire shelf over the sink, or using a roll-up drying rack that stores away when not in use. Or, use a silicone dish-drying mat â it’s better than a fabric one because it prevents mold growth.
8. Treat yourself to a few luxuries
Just because there’s no dishwasher in your apartment doesn’t mean you should dread cooking great meals for yourself or your loved ones. One thing that makes the task easier is creating the right mood for the job.
Pick up some great-smelling dish soap and soft linen kitchen towels, which dry faster than cotton and are naturally anti-microbial. Set up a waterproof Bluetooth speaker or wear wireless headphones so you can listen to your favorite tunes or podcast or light a few aromatherapy candles to make washing dishes more enjoyable.
9. Invest in a countertop dishwasher
Speaking of treating yourself: Sometimes, especially if you have a family to feed three times a day, hand-washing everything is just not realistic. Apartment dwellers have another option: A countertop dishwasher.
These appliances â ranging in size from 16 to 22 inches wide â sit on your counter, hook up to the faucet and wash up to six place settings at once. These dishwashers cost about $400.
Adapt to having no dishwasher in your apartment
While living in an apartment with no dishwasher can seem challenging at first, the transition to a wash-as-you-go lifestyle is easier when you plan ahead, use the right tools and shift your mindset.
The post 9 Ways to Survive With No Dishwasher in Your Apartment appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
Canceling a Capital One card is simple, but you may want to consider upgrading your card or transferring its credit limit instead
Capital One offers plenty of credit card options, from secured cards to travel cards to ones that pay you cash back on purchases. As one of the largest card issuers in the U.S., it’s possible you have at least one Capital One card in your wallet.
But what happens if that card no longer fits your needs or spending habits?
You could leave it open, but that may involve paying an annual fee for a card you no longer use. The other option is closing your Capital One credit card account.
Before you do that, it helps to know how closing an account works and what it could mean for your credit scores.
Should you close your Capital One account?
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There are different reasons for wanting to close a Capital One account. For instance, you might consider it if you:
Don’t use the card for purchases that often
Want to avoid paying an annual fee
Are interested in earning a different type of rewards
Want a card with a lower APR
If you’re not using the card at all but it has an annual fee, then you may not be getting much in exchange for what you’re paying. And the same goes if you’re earning cash back when what you really need are travel miles.
Looking at your spending habits and rewards redemptions for that particular card over the past year can give you an idea of how useful it really is to you.
Other options: upgrade or downgrade your card
Before closing a Capital One account altogether, consider whether switching to a different card isn’t the better option.
For example, say you have the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*, which comes with a $95 annual fee. If you’re not using the card as often, you could ask to be downgraded to the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. You’ll earn a slightly lower rewards rate on dining, entertainment and other purchases. But you won’t have to contend with the annual fee.
On the other hand, upgrading your card to earn better rewards could make sense, even if it means paying an annual fee. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, for example, earns unlimited 1.25 miles on every purchase. But you could get unlimited 2 miles per dollar on purchases by upgrading to the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and paying a $95 annual fee.
See related: How much are Capital One miles worth?
Before closing your Capital One account
If you’ve decided closing your account is the right move, check your balance first. If you have a balance, you may want to pay that off in full before you close the account. This way, you don’t have any monthly payments to worry about once the account has been shut down.
Besides that, there are a couple of other steps to take before closing a Capital One account.
Consider asking to transfer credit limit to another card
At one time, you could ask Capital One to transfer credit limits from one card to another when closing accounts. Transferring credit limits is no longer possible, however.
But there is something else you can do if you have multiple cards with Capital One. If you know for certain that you’re going to close one account, you could ask for a credit limit increase on another account.
You might consider this if you’re concerned about how closing a Capital One account might impact your credit scores.
Plot effect on your credit score
Closing any credit card account has the potential to hurt your credit score.
Part of your score is based on credit utilization, which means the amount of available credit you’re using at any given time. When you close a credit card account, that reduces your total credit limit.
If you have balances on the card you closed or any other cards, that can increase your credit utilization. The end result can mean losing credit score points.
So again, you may consider requesting a credit limit increase on a different Capital One card to balance out the loss of available credit caused by closing an account. You could also open a brand-new credit card account, though any inquiries for credit can also ding your score by a few points.
How to close a Capital One account
Closing a Capital One account is simple. If you’ve weighed the alternatives, such as upgrading or downgrading cards, and you’ve considered the credit score impacts, you’re likely ready to take the next step.
You have three options for closing your Capital One account.
Online
To close your Capital One account online, you’ll first need to log in from a desktop or laptop computer. You’ll see all of your Capital One accounts listed. Select “View Account” for the card you want to close.
Next, you’ll be taken to the main account screen. Here, you’ll see a menu option that says “I Want To…”. If you click on that, you’ll see a pop-up menu that includes multiple options for managing your account. From here, you’ll choose “Close Account.”
Capital One will ask you why you want to close the account. You can check the box that fits and then verify your contact information, including your name, address and phone number. Once you’ve reviewed all of your details you can continue with closing your account. Altogether, this process can be completed in less than two minutes.
Over the phone
If you’d rather close a Capital One account over the phone or you don’t have access to a computer to log in to your account, you can call (800) 227-4825. You’ll need to verify your identity and the account number for the card you want to close. The customer service representative may also ask your reason for wanting to close the account.
Closing your Capital One account by phone can take a little longer. That’s because the representative may try to convince you to keep the card open by offering incentives or perks or steer you toward another Capital One card instead.
By mail
If you’d rather close your account by mail, send a letter with your account number, personal information and details of your request to this address:
Capital One
Attn: General Correspondence
P.O. Box 30285
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0287
*All information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer. Capital One Savor Credit Card is no longer available through CreditCards.com.
Hopefully, you’ll never be put in this situation, but it’s important to have domestic violence awareness as a renter.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, âon average, more than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in the United States will experience rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner.” The coronavirus pandemic only worsened those statistics: CNN reported that incidents of domestic violence in the U.S. increased by 8.1 percent after lockdown orders were in place.
Such high numbers mean that there is a likelihood that someone you know directly or someone you live near might be a victim of domestic violence. How do you deal with this type of situation, if it’s a neighbor in your apartment building?
Here are some ways to educate yourself about the signs of domestic violence and improve your domestic violence awareness.
What are signs a neighbor is experiencing abuse?
The signs of domestic violence may come in the form of mental or physical abuse. You might hear one person threaten another with injury or you might hear someone humiliating their partner. But the cycle of abuse sometimes is quieter, more subtle. Domestic violence often is a private form of control by one person over another.
Here are some of the warning signs of an abuser as determined by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence:
Extreme jealousy
Possessiveness
Unpredictability
Bad temper
Verbal abuse
Extremely controlling behavior
Demeaning the victim either privately or publicly
Embarrassment or humiliation of the victim in front of others
Of course, not everyone with a bad temper is an abuser. Depending on how friendly you are with your neighbors, you will likely not see many of the more intimate forms of partner abuse. These include sabotaging someone’s birth control method or forcing sex on an unwilling partner.
If you hear verbal abuse and other aggressive sounds (yelling and screaming, plates breaking, doors slamming) through the walls or you see controlling or stressful interactions on the patio â take note.
Should I call the police?
According to the NDV Hotline, if you hear suspicious noises that you believe might be an abusive situation, speak with the survivor as soon as possible.
âMake sure to approach them in a safe, private space, listen to them carefully and believe what they have to say,” reads the NDVH website. If you were to call the police, the victim might experience blame and face terrible consequences.
Say something like this: âPlease forgive me for intruding into your life, but I’m hearing it through the walls. I’m worried for your safety. Here’s a number you can call.”
Do call the police if you believe your neighbor’s life or your own is in danger.
NDV suggests doing the following:
Give the victim NDV’s number, (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or that of a local crisis hotline.
Take notes so that if the victim presses charges you can make a statement.
Support the victim as best you can. Let them know that they are not the cause of the abuse.
Am I in danger if I call the police?
First, if you believe that someone is being harmed, you should absolutely call the police. That said, you can tell the police that you are requesting a âwellness check.”
In many municipalities, there are separate domestic violence units â you can request a transfer to speak to someone in that unit. You can also make an anonymous call to 911.
If the police arrive on the scene, they will not tell the abuser who called them.
Should I tell the leasing office?
You can make your landlord aware of what you’re hearing or seeing, but it’s a secondhand account. Unless the landlord or property manager witnesses something firsthand it is difficult for them to get involved.
However, if you make your landlord aware of possible domestic violence, at least they can monitor the situation. Keep in mind that many property managers do not live on the premises â so it is tricky for them sometimes to know what is going on at all times.
Can an abuser be evicted?
As much as you’d like this to happen, it’s not your place to initiate an eviction. It’s up to the victim to contact the landlord or property manager. The victim must then provide proof of domestic violence. This often comes in the form of a restraining order, evidence of criminal charges or a letter from a âqualified third party” like a law enforcement officer.
Every state has its own rules regarding how a landlord must respond to instances of domestic abuse. The landlord can let a tenant who is in an abusive situation break their lease without penalty, for example.
As a concerned neighbor, if the noise from next door encroaches on your âright to quiet enjoyment,” you might be able to push for eviction.
Keep in mind that it can take anywhere from two weeks to three or more months for an eviction.
How do I cope with the situation?
Living close to a domestic violence situation is extremely stressful. Verbal and physical disputes can happen at any hour of the day and many tend to occur during evenings, often into early morning hours.
You may find yourself on a work call hoping your colleagues don’t hear the neighbors screaming at each other on your end of the line or you may find yourself awake at 3 a.m. by a fight that eventually ends in a 911 call.
Getting rest could start becoming difficult, and you can also begin to feel like you’re walking on eggshells â basically, you’re living with the ups and downs and unpredictability of abuse by living too close to it.
It’s important to maintain your own self-care.
Understand that you are not responsible for your neighbor’s choices to stay in or leave the abusive situation. Seek professional help if you’re having trouble disengaging.
You might feel better by being proactive. Join (or start) a Neighborhood Watch group. You will get to know your neighbors, and more people will be aware of what’s happening in the complex.
Jog, take walks, do yoga, meditate â whatever you can do for yourself to help you cope. You don’t want the situation to overwhelm you. If you are friendly with the victim, you want to have a healthy headspace to support them.
If whatever is happening at your neighbor’s is too stressful, you may choose to break your lease and move.
Be supportive
It’s difficult to end the cycle of domestic violence, but one step on the way to healing is to ask for help. Victims need to reach out to people that they trust, friends, neighbors, clergy or therapists.
If you suspect that a nearby tenant is having trouble, do what you can to make yourself available and supportive. Keep in mind how important it is for you to remain healthy and strong so that you can stay helpful.
The post Domestic Violence Awareness for Renters: What to Do About an Abusive Neighbor appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
Plugging a car into a socket to charge it instead of filling it up with gas once was something of a sci-fi fantasy. Now, electric vehicles â or EVs â are becoming more and more popular. From Nissan to BMW to Tesla, you’ll see all major car manufacturers are creating fully electric vehicles.
If you’re jumping on the trend and are considering purchasing or already own an EV, that’s great. However, you’ll want to consider how and where to charge it if you’re an apartment dweller.
Whether your apartment has electric car charging don’t worry! Here are some ways to fully charge your car at your apartment with â or without â EV charging on site.
Apartment electric car charging
It is slightly more difficult to own an electric car if your apartment doesn’t offer EV charging, but it’s not impossible. With a bit of creative thinking, you can give your car a jolt of energy and be off cruising in no time.
Find a supercharging station located near you
When your apartment doesn’t have an option for electric car charging, you’ll need to find car charging stations in your area. To do this, download apps like PlugShare or OpenChargeMap where you can type in your location and find supercharging stations near you. This is a great option because you’re likely to find several EV charging stations near your apartment. You can plug in your car to charge while you’re grocery shopping, running errands or at the gym.
Charge at your office
If you still commute to an office and aren’t solely work-from-home, you can charge your car at your office building. A lot of companies are installing EV charging stations for their employees, so you can drive to work, charge during the 9-to-5 and leave work with a fully charged car.
Run a heavy-duty extension cord from your apartment to your car
If you’re lacking apartment electric car charging options, you can create a makeshift charging station by purchasing a heavy-duty extension cord and snaking it from your apartment to the car itself. This isn’t an ideal option because you may not have enough voltage for a full charge. However, if you’re in a pinch this can work.
Look for apartments with EV charging
If you currently lease or own an electric vehicle and you’re looking for a new place to rent, it’s smart to search for an apartment with EV charging stations already included. This will save you time and energy as you can simply plug your car in to charge at your dedicated parking spot.
When searching for apartments with specific amenities, you can use a search finder tool to narrow your search and find the perfect place for you. Put in the features you’re looking for â like two bedrooms, on-site gym, swimming pool and apartment electric car charging â and you’ll get a list of available rentals tailored to your needs.
Why not include the exact features you’re looking for so you can charge your car while at home?
Ask your landlord to install an EV charging station
The green movement and electric vehicle trend are here to stay.
Over time, landlords will start installing apartment EV charging stations on their properties. While some have already started doing this, as the tenant, you can also push for this and ask your landlord to consider installing an apartment electric car charging station. There are companies like ChargePoint that will work with property owners to install EV charging stations on site.
It may seem like a big ask to get your landlord to install an EV charging station, but it benefits both the tenant and the landlord in the long run. First, you’ll be a satisfied tenant. And second, it’ll make the property more appealing to future renters.
Types of EV charging
Just like there are different types of gas to purchase (regular, premium, diesel), there are different types of charges for EVs.
Level 1 charging: This is the basic level of charging and can use a standard 120V household option. If you’re using a heavy-duty extension cord from your apartment to your car, you’re going to get a level 1 charge. Typically, this will get you around 4 to 5 miles of range per hour. If you’re driving here and there but mostly stay at home, this is a sufficient charge.
Level 2 charging: With level 2 charging, you’ll get more mileage, typically 12 to 20 miles of range per hour. This type of charging requires 240 volts.
DC fast charging: This is high-voltage charging, typically 800+ volts, and allows your EV to rapidly charge. This is a great option but you won’t find this at your typical apartment complex in most cases.
Understanding the different types of charging options can help you decide how and when to charge your electric car at your apartment.
Go green at your apartment
As electric vehicles increase in popularity, you’ll start to see more and more rental complexes offer apartment electric car charging stations as an amenity. Until it becomes common practice though, you can still go green, drive an EV and rent an apartment with EV charging options.
The post How to Charge an Electric Car at Your Apartment appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
Living styles can vary greatly from one person to the next, especially when it comes to cleaning and tidiness. Many times it is beneficial to discuss these traits before moving in with a roommate â if you’re a self-described âneat freak,” you might find it easier if your cohabitant is on the more organized side of things as well. That’s not to say that clean and messy roommates can’t successfully live together.
Maybe your roommate is just messy, a sentimental collector or a little bit of a packrat. If this is the case, there are plenty of ways to work through your differences and find a way to live peacefully together. But when is your roommate’s mess potentially the sign of hoarding?
Messy and disorganized
If you’re noticing more mess than usual or if it seems like your roommate is struggling to keep up with normal housework, it might be a sign that something else is going on in their life that is causing stress or taking all of their attention.
Stress and other bigger issues going on outside your home can often disrupt normal patterns, with cleaning and organization falling to the bottom of the priority list.
If personal items are stacking up on tables and counters, more than a day of dirty dishes are piling up in the sink or you notice some extra loads of unwashed laundry from your roommate, you probably don’t have anything to worry about.
The mess (and maybe a slight smell) might be a nuisance, but try to check in with your roommate to see if anything has changed recently that might be causing them to neglect their housework.
If they are apologetic or willing to cooperate with your requests, you’re good to go.
When it becomes hoarding
There are a few red flags that are cause for concern â especially if you notice multiple signs or extreme conditions.
Overwhelming smells or visible mold, mildew or pests
Rooms or common areas become difficult to navigate
Unnecessary items rapidly accumulating in outdoor or garage areas
Denying access to certain rooms or areas
Vehicle full of personal belongings and other items
Unwilling to cooperate with cleanup requests or giving constant justifications for the mess
Noticing any one of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean your roommate is struggling with hoarding, but they are usually good indications that the problem is heading in that direction.
Knowing some of the warning signs can help you come up with an action plan before the situation gets out of control.
How to handle hoarding
If you do suspect your roommate is struggling with hoarding tendencies, it’s important not to make quick judgments.
Someone unorganized, messy or has trouble letting go of extra personal belongings may get overwhelmed or stressed about something going on in their lives, but individuals struggling with hoarding might be dealing with a bigger mental health issue, finding it difficult to make changes or set limits without help.
A little empathy and patience can go a long way in getting cooperation from a messy roommate.
Try to find out the root cause of the problem and see if you can offer your roommate any support. Let them know that the clutter is beginning to affect you. See if you can agree on a cleaning schedule and set other expectations that you can both agree to.
Find a starting point that focuses on immediate items related to your health and safety including issues like addressing any mold or mildew. Focus on common areas since that is a shared space between the two of you. Suggest beginning with less daunting tasks like removing and emptying all garbage or organizing entryways and walkways.
If your roommate is seriously struggling with hoarding, don’t be afraid to ask for outside help. Your landlord is a good place to start. They may have suggestions or even be able to point out cleanliness clauses written into your lease agreement.
The post Clutter vs. Hoarding: When to Worry About Your Roommate appeared first on Apartment Living Tips – Apartment Tips from ApartmentGuide.com.
Credit union cards might not get as much attention as popular cards from big issuers, like Chase or American Express. That doesn’t mean they’re not worth looking into. A card from a credit union can be not only an excellent option for those with lower credit scores, but also a finishing touch to a card enthusiast’s strategy.
I got a credit union card last month with good credit and some of the best credit cards already in my wallet. Now, it has potential to become one of the most valuable cards I have because of how well it matches my spending.
Read on to learn about credit union credit cards and their pros and cons and to see if this type of card could be a good choice for you.
Credit union card pros
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The list of pros regarding credit union credit cards is long – see if any or all are appealing to you.
The fees and interest rates tend to be lower
Credit unions are member-owned nonprofit organizations, and the entire system works slightly differently from banks. Because of that, you may get lower interest rates as well as lower fees.
Annual fees, foreign transaction fees and late fees are also lower at a credit union versus a traditional bank. In fact, although 45% of traditional bank credit cards come with annual fees, only 10% of credit union credit cards do.
You may get great value from the card
It’s a misconception that only banks with large resources can offer generous credit card rewards and that credit unions can’t compete.
Of course, a credit union card isn’t likely to offer you premium benefits like airport lounge access or hundreds of dollars in statement credits. Still, if you like to earn cash back as much as I do, you may be surprised how much value credit union cards can provide.
Take the Affinity Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card that I have. I came across it while shopping for a credit card that would reward me for spending in bookstores (since being a bookworm can be an expensive hobby). What I got was more than just a great card for bookstores – it was the perfect finishing touch to my credit card strategy.
The Affinity Cash Rewards earns 5% back at bookstores, including Amazon.com (on up to $3,500 per month in purchases made at Amazon). Except for books, I do virtually all my shopping on Amazon. Imagine how excited I was when I got this card. This is an outrageously generous cash back rate, there’s no annual fee and no Prime membership is required.
Last year, I spent $2,168 on Amazon (I’m excluding grocery orders since I use the American Express® Gold Card for that). I also spend about $2,000 on books annually. If my spending stays the same, I’ll have earned over $200 in cash back with the Affinity Cash Rewards by my first-year card anniversary just in these two categories. But besides rewarding you for Amazon and book shopping, the card also offers 2% back at supermarkets, restaurants, gas stations and for eligible streaming and ride-sharing services, as well as 1% back on everything else. These cash back rates can put some popular rewards cards from major banks to shame.
Customer service will likely be excellent
One of the biggest advantages of credit unions is their focus on customers’ experiences.
This means you will typically receive excellent customer service and much more flexibility in terms of payments, because credit unions aim to support their customers and help them maintain financial stability.
Credit unions are local institutions that try to connect with a community, those who work for certain companies or have some specific mutual connection. As such, they focus on building trust and a brand within a community.
This, too, often translates to better, local customer service.
I was pleasantly surprised when I got my union credit card and received a call from the union’s customer service. It was a representative who had emailed me earlier letting me know she would be my point of contact in case of any questions. When she called, she asked me how my experience with the card was and whether I needed any help setting things up.
I have cards from some major issuers known for their great customer service, yet none of them were able to offer me this level of attention or a designated person I could contact.
You might find it easier to get credit
It’s usually easier for members to get credit at a credit union if their credit isn’t perfect.
This allows consumers with less-than-perfect credit an opportunity to get a quality credit card product even when more well-known cards might not be available to them.
Additionally, credit unions are more flexible with small businesses and their unique needs, such as gas cards for employees or multiple users on an account.
You may get a second chance if you get denied
Consumers with lower credit scores or even an average credit history can find it difficult to get a credit card from a bank. But if a credit union declines your application for a credit card, you can ask it to reconsider the decision.
Sometimes credit unions will grant your request and require you to enroll in financial education classes to make sure you learn to use it responsibly.
See related: How credit scores affect interest rates
Credit union cons
Most financial products come with some downsides, and credit union credit cards are no exception. Here are some things to consider before you apply for a card from a credit union.
Your other accounts are used as collateral
Perhaps one of the biggest downsides of using a credit union for a card is sometimes they may use a cross-collateralization system, which ties all your credit union accounts together.
For instance, if you have multiple loans at the same credit union and for some reason you can’t make a payment on one of them, it automatically gets secured by the other loans you have. Say someone put up a used car as collateral for a personal loan and they default on a credit card payment – that car could be repossessed to satisfy the credit card debt.
Luckily, that’s not always the case. It’s possible to get a credit union card without securing it with any collateral. Make sure to research various options and pay attention to terms to avoid getting a card on conditions you’re not comfortable with.
You must meet specific membership criteria
To get a credit card from a credit union, a customer must meet membership criteria. This can be a restriction on location, employment or a variety of membership eligibility requirements. For example, I was once rejected by a credit union in Dallas when refinancing my car loan because the union only serves U.S. citizens – no permanent residents (rude).
When you apply for a credit card at a bank, you usually don’t need more than the legal requirements, and your application depends only on your credit history and income.
On the other hand, many credit unions provide an option to become a member by paying a small fee if you don’t meet the membership criteria.
The application process may be lengthy
In my experience, getting approved by a credit union can be a bit stressful. I’ve dealt with this process three times – twice when trying to refinance my car loan and once when applying for a credit card – and each time has been a pain.
What takes five minutes when you’re applying for a card from a major issuer can take days and even weeks with a credit union. You can be asked to send your paystubs to prove your income and your utility bills to prove you live where you say you live, among other things. This slows things down considerably.
Customer service may not be available 24/7
Although a credit union may provide outstanding customer service, it might not be available 24/7.
For example, if you’re traveling and have a problem with your card, you might not be able to get in touch with the credit union’s customer service department right away.
See related: How long does it take to get a credit card?
Decision time
While there are advantages to credit union credit cards, there are some downsides, too.
Membership can be exclusive, you’re not guaranteed card approval just because you’re a member, and the application process can be stressful.
On the upside, because credit unions don’t offer credit cards for a profit, members indirectly benefit from those credit cards – when credit unions make money, they can offer better interest rates, reduced fees and even valuable rewards.
Otherwise, credit union credit cards are just like big-bank credit cards.
You can use them for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances, and you must make at least the minimum monthly payment to keep your account in good standing.
In addition, most credit unions report your account history to Experian, TransUnion and Equifax, which is an extra incentive for making your payments on time as it can help you build credit.
A property management company is a loose term used to define a company that does â exactly what you might guess they do â manage properties.
Beyond that, a property management company handles much of what an individual landlord may traditionally take care of including collecting rent, tenant maintenance requests, vetting applicants and other similar responsibilities.
Does every rental have a property management company?
Not every rental unit is managed by a property management company. Many detached homes and even apartment communities are managed by the individual or company that actually owns the property.
If you don’t already know this information, you can find out whether an apartment is owned by a property management company or by an individual proprietor by simply asking your landlord or leasing agents.
What makes a property management company different than a landlord?
Property management companies are quite different than landlords. Let’s take a look at some of the major differences.
What a landlord does
Both own the building and manage the rental unit(s)
Typically involved in general rental operations
Oftentimes, directly accessible by tenants
What a property manager does
Paid by the property owner to manage rental operations
May be located in an off-site office in the same city as the rental or some other city entirely
May never interact with tenants
Should you rent from a property management company?
There are certainly pros and cons to renting an apartment from a property management company as opposed to an individual landlord. Having a personal relationship with your landlord can be mutually beneficial, but property management companies are often able to provide higher-end service.
In most cases, you should make a decision based on which unit you prefer instead of who owns it. However, if you find yourself needing to make a critical choice between renting from a landlord or a property management company, be sure to ask as many questions as you can and not commit before you’re fully convinced the unit is right for you.
Additional resources
What is a Property Manager?
What is a Landlord?
What’s the Difference Between a Property Management Company and a Landlord?
5 Things Landlords Look For When Picking Tenants
What Property Managers Look for in a Resident
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