Money

Biggest Reasons Why Cash Isn’t Going Anywhere, Anytime Soon

In this digital age, where you can pay for almost anything with just a tap on your phone, it’s easy to think that cash might be on its way out. But let’s be real, cash isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. There are some solid reasons why folding money and jingling coins are sticking around, and understanding them might make you appreciate the green in your wallet a little more. Here are the biggest reasons why cash isn’t going anywhere soon.

The Universality of Cash

Cash doesn’t care about your tech-savvy level or whether you have a bank account. It’s the great equalizer in the financial realm, accessible to anyone and everyone, from bustling city centers to remote rural areas. This universal nature ensures that everyone has access to the economy regardless of economic status or geographical location. It’s a reminder that cash unites in a world where technology divides. For millions around the globe without access to banking or the internet, cash is not just an option; it’s the only option.

Preference for Cash in Small Transactions

Cash is the go-to for many when it comes to buying a cup of coffee or a quick snack. It’s straightforward, with no hidden fees or minimum charges often accompanying card transactions. People prefer cash for these everyday purchases because it’s fast and fuss-free. There’s a certain charm in paying with the exact change and avoiding the hassle of swiping or tapping a card for something that costs less than a fancy latte. Plus, it’s a silent protest against the small yet annoying transaction fees that add up over time.

Security from Cyber Threats

In an age where data breaches are more common than we’d like to admit, cash offers a shield against cyber threats. Paying with cash means your transaction remains your business without the risk of personal data being compromised. There’s a comforting simplicity in knowing that a cash transaction leaves no digital footprint, offering a level of security and peace of mind that’s hard to beat. It’s the old-school firewall against modern cyber woes. For those cautious about digital security, cash isn’t just money; it’s a privacy measure.

The Untraceability of Cash

Cash transactions are the ninjas of the financial world—silent, swift, and invisible. They allow you to make purchases without leaving a trace, perfect for surprise gifts or personal treats. This level of privacy is a rare commodity in an increasingly surveilled digital landscape. For those who value their financial anonymity, cash is king. Whether avoiding nosy questions about spending habits or simply enjoying the freedom of untracked purchases, cash offers a liberating sense of autonomy.

Cash’s Wide Acceptance

No matter where you go, cash talks. It’s the universal language of commerce, accepted in every corner store, market, and service provider. This wide acceptance means you’re never caught off guard or left scrambling because a store needs to take your card or mobile payment. It’s the ultimate backup plan, ensuring you’re always prepared, regardless of the technological preferences of the merchant. Cash’s universal appeal is reassuring in a world where payment methods can be as varied as the goods and services we consume.

The Finality of Payment with Cash

There’s something inherently satisfying about completing a transaction with cash. It’s immediate, with no pending charges or waiting for transactions to clear. This finality gives a clear sense of completion and certainty lacking in digital transactions. When you hand over cash, the deal is done, the goods are yours, and there’s no looking back. Cash is the preferred choice for those who appreciate simplicity and immediacy in their transactions.

Cash Helps Control Spending

Cash is magical because it makes you think twice before parting with it. When you see your money physically diminishing, it’s a tangible reminder of your spending. This visibility helps keep spending in check, making it easier to stick to a budget. The physical act of handing over cash can feel more significant than swiping a card, leading to more mindful spending decisions. An all-cash diet can be a surprisingly effective strategy for anyone trying to reign in their expenses.

How to Sell a Home Without a Realtor

In today’s market, some homeowners are opting to sell a home without a realtor. Since listing agents usually take 3% commission, choosing to do it on your own can save you a lot of money. If you decide to sell without a listing agent, it is what realtors call ‘for sale by owner,’ or ‘FSBO’ for short. Thanks to numerous listing platforms, it is now easier than ever to get a good price without using a realtor to sell your home. Here’s what you need to know if you will be acting as your own agent.

1. Prepare It for Potential Buyers

Before you allow anyone into your home, you should take some time to de-clutter and remove personal elements. Take those family photos and personal items out of view so buyers can see themselves in the space. This is also a great time to get rid of items you don’t use or need anymore.

Once you have organized your belongings, it is time to scrub the house from top to bottom and make necessary repairs. You may also want to ask for a second opinion from someone with real estate experience. And don’t forget the exterior curb appeal. The more inviting your home is, the better your chances for a quick sale.

2. Do Your Research

Once your home is ready for the market, look at the listing prices of homes in your neighborhood. A quick comparison will give you an idea of a realistic asking price. Look for homes with similar finished square footage, number of bed and baths, and lot size. If you are still uncertain what your home is worth, this handy tool can help you. The HPI calculator from the Federal Housing Finance Agency can give you a better estimate to get the most out of your home.

3. Post Your Listing

The next step is to compile all the information you will need to create your listing. Include quantitative data that is pertinent to buyers. Be sure to list the year your home was built, finished and total square footage, lot size, number of bed and baths, and relative details that make it more appealing to buyers.

In addition to the home data, take photos of every room and exterior areas. You want to emphasize natural light and sweeping views of the spaces. For the best results, use editing software for higher quality pictures. Finally, add an enticing description to grab potential buyers’ attention. Once you have gathered all the data, you are ready to post your listing.

4. Advertise Everywhere

The best way to sell a home without a realtor is to get the word out. There are dozens of ways to reach homebuyers, especially in the age of the internet. Multiple listing services (MLS) offer an extensive database that connects brokers, homebuyers, and sellers. It is an easy and cost-effective way to get widespread exposure. You should also consider other real estate sites such as FSBO.com, Zillow, and Trulia where you can post listings for little to no cost.

Another option is to use local classifieds like Craigslist and Nextdoor which receive tons of internet traffic. For a more personal touch, you can create a virtual walk through with YouTube, or host a dedicated website. Don’t forget to advertise locally in papers and around your neighborhood. Never underestimate the power of social media, mass emails, and flyers to create a buzz and get people interested in your home.

5. Host an Open House

Once your home hits the market, an open house is an excellent way to attract a large number of people and competition. Before you set the date, visit other open houses and take notes of what people respond to. Then, create a sales sheet for homebuyers to take with them and review later.

Try to schedule it on weekends when more people are available. The late morning or early afternoon are usually the best times to hold an open house. Make sure both you and your home look their best. You want to make a good impression and be the perfect host to help you sell a home without a realtor.

6. Show Your Home

While you are selling your home, you must be ready for walk-throughs. Agents will contact you and usually ask that you are out of the house so as not to make potential buyers uncomfortable. You will usually have enough time to ensure you can have your home spotless for their visit. It is also a good idea to prepare spare keys in a lockbox with a basic multi-code lock for agents. Attention to details makes walk-throughs less disruptive and problematic.

7. Field and Negotiate Offers

It is also a good idea to brush up on negotiation strategies and skills. Since you are not using a realtor to sell your home, it will be up to you to handle all offers. However, you are not obliged to respond to insincere or extremely low offers. If time allows, be patient and wait for the right homebuyer to come along.

8. Hire a Professional to Close the Deal

After you have accepted an offer, the final steps require signatures and paperwork. At the very least, you will need an escrow agent to facilitate the process. Real estate laws vary between states, but your agent may be a real estate attorney or title company representative. Your agent will be the main point of contact during the closing process.

Although it is an escrow’s agent job to ensure you are in compliance, you can do your own research. It does not hurt to know the local and state laws governing real estate transactions. If you are still having doubts, consider hiring fee only broker to make sure paperwork is in order. They are significantly cheaper than using a realtor and help prevent anything from jeopardizing or delaying the deal.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home will be one of the largest and most complex financial transactions in your life. If you choose to sell a home without a realtor, you will save a lot of money. However, you will also be giving up many conveniences and sacrificing a lot of your time. Make sure you understand the complexities of selling your home and that you are up for the challenge.  It may be a huge commitment, but your dedication could be rewarded with huge payouts.

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Considering Starting a Garden to Save Money? Here Are 5 Tips to Help!

Starting a home garden can help you save money and get closer to nature. Even a few basic homegrown herbs and vegetables can positively impact your budget and overall health. While there’s no way to go around certain upfront costs, there are steps you can take to maximize savings from your garden after the initial setup. Here are five tips to help you save money on your home garden.

1. Sow Seeds Instead of Seedlings

While seedlings save you time, seeds save you money. You just need to be organized and plan ahead because it takes time for seeds to germinate and grow to a point where you can transplant them. However, you can harvest more plants from a packet of seeds compared to a punnet of seedlings. Although seed packet prices vary, most edible flowers, sprouting seeds, microgreens, herbs, and vegetable varieties go for two to four dollars on average. For some varieties, you can get hundreds of seeds in a packet, enough to last a lifetime or to swap or sell.

2. Choose the Right Spot for Your Garden

Regardless of where you decide to put your garden or the plants you intend to grow, there are two fundamental requirements your chosen spot must fulfill for the best success: light and water. Vegetables, like other plants, rely on the sun to initiate photosynthesis. Vegetables that grow fast generally require at least six to eight hours each day in direct sunlight without obstruction from fences, shrubs, or trees. According to Arbor Day, areas under a tree’s shade can be 20 to 45 degrees cooler. That’s why planting sun-loving vegetables in shady areas won’t yield much.

If your garden receives partial shade, plant herbs, and vegetables that can withstand those conditions. These include thyme, parsley, cilantro, chives, spinach, chard, kale, and lettuce. If your chosen spot gets at least four hours of sunlight a day, consider root vegetables such as beets, radishes, and carrots. If you have a sunny patio, container gardening is a better fit. This approach allows you to place sun-loving herbs and vegetables like rosemary, dill, basil, beans, cucumbers, and tomatoes, where they’ll thrive.

3. Mulch Your Garden

Mulching your garden can work wonders for your budget. It conserves water and prevents weeds from sprouting, so there’s less weeding and no need for herbicides. To protect your established trees and shrubs from the effects of weather, surround them with a layer of two to three inches of brown compost, birch chips, wood shavings, or dried leaves.

4. Attend Plant Swaps

Plant swaps are events where plant enthusiasts come together to trade specimens. Attending these events allows one to swap a plant you don’t want for one you love for free. You can also find free plants by logging on to your town or neighborhood online forum for local gardeners.

5. Pick Plants with Multiple Functions

If you’re working with a small space, make cautious plant selections. Grow plants that serve at least two purposes, which means you’ll need fewer plants. For instance, blooming herbs such as chives, basil, and mint taste great. When they bloom, they attract helpful insects like hoverflies, ladybirds, and bees that feed on pollen and nectar. In turn, these insects provide crucial ecosystem services, such as pollinating food crops and managing pests such as aphids.

You don’t need lean beef to get your recommended daily amounts of 10 key vitamins and nutrients, including B vitamins, riboflavin, selenium, niacin, zinc, magnesium, and iron. You can get your nutrients from your garden! You should also consider planting oilseed rape, cotton, soybeans, and maize, which make up 99% of global crops worldwide. Get started on your vegetable garden today and it won’t be long until you start reaping the benefits.