Advise & Conquer

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  • Where Do I Live? Apartments, Condos, & Co-Ops

    Where Do I Live? Apartments, Condos, & Co-Ops

    Usually condos, apartments, and co-ops are pretty similar in what they offer, but there are differences in how you pay and what you own.

    Apartments

    You only rent apartments, and do not actually own anything there. In an apartment you have essentially no upkeep because the complex owns everything and takes care of it. This gives you very little freedom to change the apartment, but gives you more freedom to move as soon as your lease is up.

    Condos

    If you buy a condo you are actually purchasing that small piece of property within the larger development.In condo developments you have to take care of your own property, which also means you have the most freedom to do with your unit as you please. The public spaces are taken care of by a condo owner’s association that you pay into.

    Co-Ops

    With a co-op, however, the building and your unit are owned by a corporation, and you buy shares that entitle you to live in a unit. In a co-op you have to take care of your unit, but the co-op board can review and major proposed changes. They also get to review whether or not you can buy in the first place, unlike in a condo, and can deny you for any reason.

  • Podcast Review: Side Hustle School

    Podcast Review: Side Hustle School

    Side Hustle School is an entrepreneurial podcast, but geared towards the common person, rather than the people trying to be overnight billionaires. Host Chris Guillebeau has made a name for himself as a business writer and making his own startups of many sizes. This roughly 10 minute podcast is released daily and discusses common people and their “side hustles.” Most of these people are just using these small businesses to supplement their full time jobs, some making a few hundred dollars a month, and others making thousands. The stories are really interesting, like someone selling crickets or reviewing fish tanks, and could help spark your creativity, or just entertain you.

  • The Wedding RSVP

    The Wedding RSVP

    Yes, you have to RSVP. Yes, you have stick to it. And do it in a timely fashion. The happy couple has a lot to plan during this time, and they need an accurate count of the guests. Each guest costs them a lot, so overbooking is rude and really hurts them. If you wait too long they may not be able to add new guests, or it may cost more. They care about you enough to invite you to their wedding, so give them the respect they deserve and RSVP.

  • Don’t forget the hotel concierge

    Don’t forget the hotel concierge

    The concierge services at hotels are great, but often underused. I like to talk to them every time I stay at a hotel for three main reasons:

    1. They give good recommendations for restaurants or things to do based on your preferences.
    2. If you already have a place in mind, they can tell you if it’s worth it.
    3. Restaurants commonly give hotels discount cards (or line jumping privileges) to give away to the guests.

    You may be worried about them getting kick-backs for recommending places, which may happen sometimes, but in my experience they just want you to enjoy their recommendations, so it looks good on the hotel.

  • Key Terms in Health Insurance

    Key Terms in Health Insurance

    Premium

    Amount you pay for coverage on a monthly basis

    Deductible

    Amount you must pay out of pocket before insurance will cover non-essential benefits

    Co-pay

    Fixed fee you pay when you receive service at a Dr. or pharmacy. Insurance company will then review your care and see if you owe more, in which case they’ll send you a bill.

    Co-insurance

    This is like a copay, but when you pay a percent of the cost, rather than a flat fee.