Gimme Shelter

Lifelong lessons come with a price. Going with traditions can sometimes cause discord in money matters. I tend to look at life and see the successes and failures of myself and others. I also see a compulsive behavior that has most of us repeating mistakes when it comes to money.




First thing I should clarify is that I, like many, hit rock bottom but swore never to return. I'm not rich, but I'm frugal and have to live within/below my means. That is the real secret. I've seen people living beyond their means and paycheck-to-paycheck.  I've also been there.


When it comes to shelter, I have rented most of my life I've also owned for awhile. I prefer renting


and have my reasons beyond these valid points. Home ownership is great and has great benefits, each person has to see what is right for them.


I made mistakes when I bought a house. It was a money pit that bled me to live beyond my means. I was a naïve and trusting person, which would normally be a red flag. Then it was the era of predatory lending. The house I bought wasn't exactly in a desirable neighborhood.


Renting is great because I have no maintenance, repairs, etc., bills that most home owners must deal with. Yet, lets not forget that home owners have their home as an asset to them because it has value.


We could go on forever as to the pros and cons of renting or ownership or even the rental property ownership. Whichever scenario you are capable of and makes or saves you money should be your goal.


If homeownership is your thing, do your homework. Will the neighborhood be the same in 30 years? Can you sell the house for a "get/got" profit in the future? Can you rent it FOR A PROFIT? If it's going to cost more to maintain and the neighborhood is going downhill, it might become a money pit.


The great thing about renting is that you can get up and move after the fulfillment of the lease agreement. You don't have to maintain the property. You don't have to clear the sidewalk of snow in the winter or mow the lawn in the summer. Something breaks down or there is a major problem. the landlord should be responsible if it is reported in timely manner.


Renter beware! Read your lease carefully before you sign! Landlords are trying to shift responsibilities in leases making the renter responsible for certain maintenance tasks.


After your first year, you have a right to move by giving just a 30 day notice to a landlord. Clean the apartment when moving because landlords keep your total security by nit picking.


Bottom line: Whether you own a home, rent a home, or are a landlord, when it comes to real estate, DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!!

Saving on Exercise

I have been an active member of gyms since 2006. I use them religiously so I get my money's worth. Currently my membership expired at my gym, meaning I am no longer under obligation and can change and save money. I am considering some options including investing in a home gym.




Should I drop my gym for a home gym? My membership is $35 a month. I know pretty much the exercises I routinely do. Even if I vary my routines, I pretty much use the same equipment. I priced equipment that would give me the same benefits and it comes out to a little over $400, and I can get a few extras. The pros to this are that the money I save will pay for the equipment in about a year.






There are more pros such as the hygiene issue and I don't have to shower in a bacteria cesspool that are at the gym. You don't have to wait to use the equipment. Sounds like a home gym is the way to go. Not so fast. I've had equipment at home that just gathered dust. Yes, it seems getting motivated is tough when your gym is there, but you don't use it. If you can beat these and other issues, then a home gym can save you a lot of money.






Having a gym membership motivates me to go workout without excuses. I'm paying for it and this will make me want to get my money's worth. For me the gym works. On the other hand, there are those who sign up for gym membership and never use them, but are committed by a contract and are paying for absolutely nothing. Make sure you will want to exercise before you sign a membership or buy equipment, otherwise it is a WASTE of money!





So what is my alternative, if I wish to use a gym to workout? Simple, find a gym that offers a better price. I am going to join a gym that will cost me only $10 a month. The savings speak for themselves!