8 Tips to Help Cope With Unemployment

During this period of economic uncertainty, it is important to learn how to survive unemployment. Some important tips can help any jobless individual succeed during this difficult situation.

People have decided to rely on the help of family members, apply for state unemployment benefits, or even to use a car title loan to survive unemployment.

When you are jobless, every dollar is important. It is essential to budget your money in a wise manner and to make sure that you are not spending beyond your means. By following these simple tips, you will be able to combat the financial hardships that are associated with unemployment.

Find a roommate

If you are currently jobless, one of the easiest ways to save money is to find a roommate. Being able to split the cost of rent can be a huge relief.

Get healthy

Staying fit may be the last thing on your mind when you are simply struggling to make ends meet. However, if you are in good shape, you can save a significant amount of money on life insurance and individual health insurance plans. Routine exercise results in more energy and an increased mood. These qualities are essential during a difficult period in life.

Consolidate bills

For some people, the cost of internet service, cable, and phone are astronomical. Many providers offer discounts when you bundle these services. You will save money and benefit from the convenience of a single bill each month.

Utilize a prepaid cell phone

Monthly cell phone bills can be out of sight. The costs increase if you have a smartphone with internet capabilities. In order to reduce this expense, consider a prepaid plan. Some plans charge just $0.10 a minute. You can bypass the commitment of a long-term plan and pay-as-you-go.

Shop online

If you need new clothes or a new home appliance, make sure to consult the internet for the best deal. For example, if you need to buy a new suit for an upcoming interview, check the retailer’s website first. Almost every company offers online discounts or special promotions.

Limit credit card use

Many people fall into the trap of using a credit card as their preferred method of payment. However, in some cases, this practice can lead to spending more money than you actually have. It is wise to use cash whenever possible and avoid creating a large amount of credit card debt.

Be aware of your energy use

One of the quickest ways to save money is to make sure that you turn off the lights when you leave your house. You can also conserve energy by unplugging your cable box or other electronic devices.

Clip coupons

You can save a lot of money by taking the time to simply clip coupons. For example, your grocery bill can be reduced by 40 percent to 60 percent from you just consistently scouring the weekly ads.

These simple tips have the ability to save you a large amount of money in the long run, and when you are jobless, every little bit helps. There is no need to worry whether or not you will survive unemployment. You have the ability to not only survive, but thrive!

Searching for an Apartment

Looking for an apartment can be stressful, and depending on how competitive your target area is and what time of the year it is, you might have to make a quick decision on the fly.

Through all of this, it is important to ask the right questions in order to get the best apartment. If you don’t, then you might end up realizing it was a mistake only after you move in. Whether this is your first or one hundredth time doing this, check out this list of some of the most important questions to ask during an apartment showing.

If this is your first time living on your own, please use these tips on renting an apartment. You can never be over-prepared for something like this.

The Important Nitpicky Things

After you have seen the overall layout of the place, it is time to be pernickety about the little things. Sometimes the nitpicky things are of some of the most significant to you, and you might find that addressing the minute details first is better. After all, you can delve into the bigger, boring, big things afterwards.

Some little things to consider include:

• Is there cellphone reception?
• Are there enough outlets in the rooms?
• How old are appliances?
• Which direction do the windows face?
• Are there closets and storage spaces?

Laundry

Inquiring about laundry is essential when choosing an apartment. Although your washing habits are not the most fun topic to think about, your apartment laundry situation will determine your weekly routine.

Find out if there is:

• Laundry in the unit
• Laundry in the building
• A laundromat nearby, if there is no laundry in the building

Think about your laundry habits and how important it is to have a secure place to wash your clothes. If you hate the idea of laundromats, make sure there are machines in the unit or building.

Do not forget to find out if the machines are coin operated or not. The cost of washing clothes should factor into your monthly budget.

General Utilities

Are utilities included in the monthly rent, or are they separate? You might think you have a great deal when it comes to monthly rent, but after factoring in utilities that are not included in the rent, the extra money you thought you had will fly out the window.

Air Conditioning and Heat

Make sure to ask if the unit has heat or air conditioning at all, as many older buildings do not. Depending on where you live and what your habits are, this may or may not be an important element to your apartment hunt.

Many times air conditioning is not included in the rent, so when considering heat and air conditioning, think about the basic location and dimensions of the apartment. Heat rises and cold falls. This will affect utility

costs; a garden apartment will be much cooler and cost more to heat up, while a penthouse apartment will be much warmer and cost more to cool down. Also, ceiling height plays a factor in how hot and cold air disperses in the space and affects heating and air conditioning.

Also, ask what type of air conditioning and heat the building uses. Is it central air? Is there a little window air-conditioner? All of these details factor into the monthly cost of living and your overall comfort.

Water

Is water included in the utilities or not? This sounds nitpicky, but it is very important indeed to check the water pressure of the shower at the showing. As a girl with long hair, I know the frustrations of not being able to get the soap out of my tangles with a low-pressured spigot!

Building Owner

You should also find out who owns the building, who does the maintenance, and how reliable they are about keeping up with basic repairs. Does the unit have it a landlord/landlady? Is it part of a building management company? 

Sometimes, you can have more leeway with private landlords and landladies renting an apartment as a side
job than you can with a company that owns the whole building. Other times, you may prefer working with a building management company because they have repairmen who fix things quickly and regularly.

Lease Agreement

You should also ask about the terms of the lease agreement.

Almost all leases are one-year, but you will find one for two years occasionally. If you plan on staying there for a long time, getting a two-year lease might be helpful because if property value increases in that time, your rent won’t go up until the lease needs to be renewed. However, if you do not know what the future holds, a one-year lease is your best bet. You do not want to be penalized for terminating the lease early if you do not have to.

You should ask if the agreement allows you to sublease or not. Subleasing allows you to find another renter to take your place in the occasion that you wish to move out before your lease is up. This lets you move on without being penalized, and the landlord still gets the money they need from renters each month. Even if you
have no plans now to move out within a year, it is still an important element to consider.

Cost of Moving 

I have never heard of an apartment that does not require some money being put upfront to show you are serious about the move.

• Application Fee: When you apply for an apartment, expect an application fee of somewhere between $20-$50. This covers the cost of doing the credit check.
• First Month’s Rent: Most landlords and management companies require the first month’s rent up front when you apply or sign your lease. Make sure to inquire about their terms when it comes to handing over the first month’s rent with the application. Many application agreements are designed so that if you are accepted, the property owners automatically get the money even if you decide you do not want the apartment after all. Also, many property owners require a cashier’s check rather than a personal check.
• Security Deposit: Many property owners require tenants to turn in a security deposit beforehand to cover any damages that might occur during their stay. If there are no damages incurred, you will get your deposit back at the end of the year. Of course, if there are damages, you will lose your deposit.
• Move-in Fee: Many property owners prefer a “move-in fee” over a security deposit. Like a security deposit, you give some money up front to cover damages and clean up, but unlike a security deposit, you do not get it back. It is not just a way for them to make more money, it also is much easier to manage if the property owner has several other properties.

Credit Score and Rental History

The last things to consider are your credit score and rental history. The property owner is going to want to look into your background to make sure you will be a reliable tenant when it comes to rent and taking care of the property. He or she will factor in your credit history. Some even require a solid rental history as well and might even call your last landlord to ask how reliable you were in the past.

What do you do when this is your first apartment, and you do not have a rental history? Try to find an apartment where the property owner does not factor in rental history as a main factor. There are many options out there!

What do you do when you have a bad credit or rental history? There are a few different ways to get an apartment with bad credit, such as getting a roommate with a good history or having a co-signer. You just need to do a little research first.

Tips on Renting an Apartment with Bad Credit

Bad credit can really put a damper on your living plans, especially when it makes it extremely difficult for you to find an apartment.

There are ways to boost that credit score, like taking out auto title loans and paying them back on time and disputing errors on your record.

That is all well and good, but these things take time.

So, what do you do when you need to move right now?

Find an Apartment that does not Conduct Credit Checks

One of the best ways to get an apartment with bad credit is to find a landlord that does not check credit before accepting a resident.

Private landlords are more likely to do this than property management companies who rely almost entirely on the credit checks to determine residency.

Many landlords look for new residents through Craigslist, so that is a great place to start looking.

Also, make sure to network because sometimes the best way to find a great deal on an apartment is through word of mouth.

I have heard of several people who got their apartments at reasonable prices before it was put up on Craigslist because they moved into a friend’s apartment after they moved out of town.

Since that friend vouched for the new tenants, the landlord gave them a decent monthly rent expectation.

Point out your Good Rental History

A good rental history can really help if you have one.

Many apartment applications ask for the information of your previous landlord in order to verify how good of a tenant you were.

You can still persuade a new landlord to accept you if you explain what event drove your credit score down and prove you have a solid rental history despite that credit.

In the end, the landlord just wants to have the rent paid on time and not have to worry about damages or complaints from the neighbors.

Prove that you can provide this for him or her, and you can have an apartment!

Get a Co-Signer

If you have a friend or family member with good credit and they are willing to co-sign the lease and vouch for you, many landlords will accept this as assurance that you will pay rent on time.

Landlords feel much better renting to someone with bad credit if they have someone willing to put their own
credit on the line on their behalf.

However, if you do go this route, make sure to pay rent on time because relationships can be damaged if you do not!

Pay more Up Front

You also can get around the credit check requirement by paying more up front.

Most landlords require the first month’s rent when you sign the lease, but you can work out a deal to pay several months’ rent ahead of time in order to show you have the money to afford rent.

If you need some extra cash to help you pay more upfront, consider taking out a car title loan.

In fact, you can use a title loan to help get an apartment in more ways than one!

Top 5 Most Travel-Friendly Laptops

Portability is perhaps one of the most important aspects of a modem laptop. People, especially college students, want a laptop over a desktop because of the ability to compute on the go and the convenience of traveling anywhere with it.

It is wise to buy a laptop that is lightweight and easy to store. Consumers are searching for a computer that offers a multitude of convenient features and also qualifies as one of the most affordable laptops

While consumers are buying laptops cheaper these days, a more powerful and lighter computer comes at a significantly higher price.

Ultra-portable laptops are typically on the pricey side, but they are durable and a worthwhile investment.

1) Acer Aspire S7-391 - $830.00

The Acer Aspire S7-391 is a super thin and very sleek laptop. For such a tiny package, it offers excellent performance and a supremely strong casement. This choice will be able to withstand a variety of tests. In addition, it is scratch resistant and easy to clean, so you will not have to worry about damage during transport.

The display size is a generous 13.3 inches and has a sharp resolution, so text and graphics can be seen in pristine condition. This computer gives you the freedom to go anywhere with ease.

2) Vizio CT15-A4 - $900.00

The Vizio CT15-A4 is ultraportable due to its thin and light design. It has loads of style and offers solid performance. The minimalist appearance is streamlined and will travel well.

The laptop is made out of sleek aluminum and will prevent damage to the components during transit. With a 15.6-inch screen, this model is easy to haul, yet does not skimp on high-end features.

3) Apple MacBook Air 11-inch - $999.00

The Apple MacBook Air is one of the most ultraportable options on the market. Consumers are continually amazed at the thin and light design. The system is only 0.68 inches at its thickest point, so it will fit into any backpack or tote with ease.

The 11-inch screen makes the device compact and easy to haul around throughout the day. The MacBook Air has a phenomenal battery life, which is a great feature when you are on the go and unable to find a power source.

4) Sony VAIO Duo 13 $1399.99

The Sony VAIO Duo 13 features a touch screen display, but it also comes with a keyboard component. For an ultraportable model, the device features a fairly large 13.3-inch screen.

The laptop weighs only 2.9 pounds and measures 0.77 inches thick in tablet mode. It offers a full-sized keyboard and although the keys are a bit cramped, it gets the job done. For such a small machine, it has a long-lasting battery life – over eight hours.

5) HP Elitebook Folio 9470m -$2249.00

The HP Elitebook Folio 9470m is extremely thin and light. Buyers will be attracted to its sleek and speedy specs. The portability is on par with any Ultrabook and its 14-inch screen is respectable.

This model also features a built-in microphone and built-in webcam, so users can seamlessly connect with loved ones or business associates when they are away from home.

Best Laptops Under $500

In these uncertain economic times, it can be difficult to purchase an expensive laptop.

Some people are saving their pennies, limiting other purchases, or choosing to new credit options to purchase a new laptop.

Interesting options, especially if you have bad credit:

• Friends
• Family
• Cash Advance

If all those options fail, you can look into getting a car title loan

In any case, it is important to find a solution that does not break the bank, yet still offers an array of useful features.

With so many choices on the market, it can be difficult to know which way to turn. Fortunately, many manufacturers are trying to stay ahead of the game by offering quality computers at discount prices.

The following list outlines the most affordable laptops.

Each computer retails at a reasonable price and delivers proven results. Whether you are searching for a computer for school, work, or pleasure, you can find a reliable and budget-friendly option.

Samsung Chromebook Series 3 - $249.99 

The Samsung Chromebook Series 3 is a quality device with an unbeatable price. Its slim and lightweight design makes it perfect for transporting and computing on the go. Although it weighs only 2.5 pounds, the design is sturdy and will withstand the test of time.

The computer does not have superb processing power, but it is perfect for users who need word processing and web surfing capabilities. For instance, if you are sitting in a coffee shop or at the library, it is easy to pull out this Chromebook and get to work.

Acer C7 Chromebook - $279.99 

The Acer C7 Chromebook offers many notable features and is affordable for consumers on a tight budget. The 4GB of RAM helps the machine operate at a zippy pace. It also offers a swappable 6-cell battery that provides longer battery life. If you are on the road and the battery is dying, simply insert the additional battery.

The C7 Chromebook has a full selection of ports and a user-friendly keyboard. The extremely affordable price makes this laptop an appealing option for everybody.

Dell Inspiron 17-3721 - $450.00

The main draw of the Dell Inspiron 17-3721 is its 17.3-inch screen. This massive screen is ideal for working on multiple tasks at once and watching movies or TV shows. There are many convenient features such as a numeric keypad, textured lid, and palm rest. Buyers who perform a large amount of word processing will appreciate a comfortable place to rest their hands and wrists.

This device is perfect for the general PC user. It is easy to navigate and works well in a home or school setting. It has many connectors, including an Ethernet port and a DVD burner.

Lenovo G580 $479.00

The Lenovo G580 gives users plenty of bang for their buck. It has a solid performance record and a nice price. However, you may have to handle with care because the frame is prone to quickly attracting fingerprints and smudging. The keyboard features rounded keys that are easy to strike, and the touchpad is responsive and textured. The textured effect promotes accuracy and comfort.

The G580’s 15.6-inch display has a high resolution that makes it pleasing to view a variety of content. The display produces vibrant colors and crisp text, and the device also features a removable battery.

Acer Aspire V5-571-6891 - $499.99 

The Acer Aspire V5-571-6891 features Windows 8 and is an affordable, yet uncompromising choice. The 15.6-inch display is generous and is coupled with a full keyboard and multi-touch trackpad.

With 6GB of memory, this laptop is perfect for storing large amounts of pictures or video. It weighs a little over five pounds, so it is much more portable than its competitors. The operating system is not lightning fast, but it is perfectly suitable for daily tasks.

4 Multi-million Dollar Businesses that Started from Small Loans

They say great things come from small beginnings, and businesses are no exception.

Check out four examples of different million dollar enterprises that started from a very small loan. 

Starting a small business can be a lot of hard work, but sometimes a little hard work, faith, patience, and risk-taking can really pay off in the long-run.

Subway

This popular restaurant franchise started in 1965 when 17 year-old Fred Deluca borrowed $1,000 from his friend Pete to open up his sandwich store. (note: $1,000 in 1965 equates to about $7,000 today)

He got all the tools and appliances he needed by putting out ads for used ones in the local paper, and he almost went broke when he needed a new $550 sink installed. 

After another $1,000 loan and a lot of hard work, Deluca opened up more stores year after year until it grew into the world-wide franchise we know today. 

The Body Shop

In 1977, Anita Roddick started The Body Shop with a $6,800 loan from a bank (note: that equates to about $26,000 today). She got the idea from a small naturally made skincare shop in California, and she bought the rights to the name and launched her store in the UK. 

With the help of her daughters, she made natural and unique skincare products from her home and sold them at her shop.

Her customers appreciated that she encouraged them to reuse bottles and bring them back to be refilled to be economical and environmentally conscious. 

When she switched to the franchise model, her business exploded worldwide, and she became appointed as Dame Anita Roddick in 2003 by Queen Elizabeth II for her achievements in Britain. She sold the company to L’ Oreal in 2006.

Whole Foods

This famous health food store started when college dropout John Mackey and his girlfriend Rene Lawson Hardy borrowed $45,000 from family and friends to start SaferWay (a spoof on Safeway). 

Back then, they got evicted from their apartment after their landlord became frustrated when they started storing food at home. The couple then decided to just live in the store – using a hose to take showers.

After Saferway merged with Clarkesville Natural Foods Store, it became known as Whole Foods, but that wasn't the end of their struggles. 

Soon after the merger, a flood wiped out most of the inventory and destroyed much of the store, so friends and investors came to the rescue to help clean up the mess and get the company back up and running. 

After much strife and patience, it expanded to a multitude of states. Now, it is one of the most popular health food stores in the world. 

Domino's Pizza

After a rough childhood of living in orphanages and foster homes, Tom and James Monaghan got a $500 bank loan and bought DomiNicks pizza in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 1960. 

James sold his portion of the business back to his brother for a used Volkswagen Beetle shortly afterwards...perhaps one of the most regretful decisions of his life.

Tom renamed the business to Domino's Pizza and expanded it into a franchise. Originally, the dots on the Domino's logo were supposed to correspond to all the stores opened, but he abandoned the idea as the number of stores grew at such a rapid rate. 

The three dots currently on the logo represent how many stores the company had in 1969; Domino's is now the second largest pizza company in the U.S., second only to Pizza Hut.

Great Ways to Fund a Small Business

One of the most obvious ways to get extra money you do not have is taking out a bank loan.

However, there are ways to fund your small business without a bank loan!

Banks can provide loans based upon your income and credit, and it can be exactly what you need to afford rent, supplies, and employees to make your business really take off.

However, many people do not like the long approval process they have to go through to get one, and others simply cannot get a loan from a bank because their poor credit prevents them from qualifying at all.

What do you do when you have a brilliant business plan and cannot get a bank loan? You have many options!

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding websites like Crowdcube and Kickstarter give private individuals a chance to take charge and raise the money through their own marketing efforts.

This is perfect if you are one of those people who really likes to be in control of their finances and how their money is used to find their business. 

You also do not have to worry about causing rifts between family or friends over money, nor do you have to worry about interest rates on a loan.

Peer to Peer Loans

There are many sites online like Funding Circle or Zopa that allow people with a loan need to develop a personal relationship with private lenders online. 

The private lenders set the interest rate and terms for the loan, but they are often open to negotiations, especially if you develop a good relationship with them. Though some do check your credit, you can still get a loan with bad credit if you explain your situation and get lucky with a really sympathetic investor.

Community Development Programs

It is worth checking into your local community for help. Many have programs set in place to help young businesses flourish and can offer you loans or even grants to help your project move forward.

If you are in college, there may be college programs or contests to get money for your start-up. Two friends of mine won third place in their college business contest and won enough money to launch the company the following year!

Family and Friends

You may be lucky enough to have friends or family members who believe in your business dream and have some extra cash to burn. 

They can either loan you the money or give it to you freely as a gift. Because of their relationship with you, you might not have to worry about paying interest on the loan and have some flexibility as to when you pay it back.

Though, borrowing from people you know has disadvantages as well. 

Sometimes they might want a say in how you use the money, or a rift may occur in the relationship if the money isn't paid back on time.

Car Title Loan

You can fund a start-up business without a bank loan by getting a car title loan instead.

Car title lending is a type of asset-lending which allows you to use the title of your vehicle to secure a loan while still getting to drive the car as you pay back the loan. 

Auto title lenders base the amount they give out solely on car value – not credit. That way, you can get the money you need for your small business and even use the loan to build up good credit for the future!

The title lending industry is highly competitive, which is great because it keeps interest rates low and manageable. 

You can get three times as much money with a much lower interest rate through a car title loan than you can through a payday loan or pawn broker. Additionally, you can design a payment plan flexible to your business situation.