All you need to enjoy your morning coffee on your balcony is a café table and a chair. Choose one that folds up easily so you can store it inside if necessary.

Bring in Greenery

Pack your balcony with planters filled with plants to create the feel of that backyard you’ve always wanted.

Opt for Floor Pillows

There’s no need to invest in outdoor furniture. Get some colorful and comfortable floor pillows that can do double duty inside.

Add an Outdoor Rug

Amp up the look of your balcony with a patterned rug or runner. Be sure to choose one that will stand up to the elements.

Use Your Wall Space

Hang planters or weather-resistant art to help your balcony feel like an extension of your apartment.

Light It Up

Give yourself plenty of light for late-night hangouts…go for string lights or outdoor lanterns.

Opt for Folding Furniture

If you’re short on space, try installing furniture that can be tucked or folded away when not in use.

Give Yourself Some Privacy

If your balcony is right up against your neighbor’s, add tall plants like bamboo
to create a natural wall.
~Source: architecturaldigest.com
 

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Drive for Uber or Lyft.

If you’re strapped for cash but want to work on your own schedule, you might want to consider becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft. You can drive as much (or as little) as you want and set your own schedule. Of course, the amount of money you make depends on your location and how often you cart people around. So if you have a free Saturday every now and then, you might want to spend it as a glorified taxi driver exploring your city and getting paid for it.

Become a food delivery driver.

With social distancing guidelines, a lot of restaurants have limited seating. So what’s that mean? More take out! Become a hero by delivering food to front porches in your city. Driving for Uber Eats, Grubhub or Postmates is a great way to make extra money in your free time just by delivering food to hungry clients.

Join a focus group.

If you like sharing your opinion, why not get paid for it? Check to see if there’s a local focus group in your area or online. You could earn cash just for doing taste tests or trying out different products. Just make sure you fit the demographic they’re looking for before applying.

Deliver groceries.

If you love the thrill of shopping but don’t want to spend your own money, this might interest you. With Shipt, you get paid to shop and deliver groceries to clients through an on-demand service. According to the company, their shoppers make up to $22 an hour!

Take up babysitting.

It’s one of the easiest ways to make extra money! All you have to do is babysit for just a couple nights a week. Most parents are always eager to have a date night, but sometimes, finding a sitter they trust can be tricky. Let people know you’d be happy to watch their children in your spare time (they need to pay you, of course). And if it’s a little awkward for you to spread the news by word of mouth, you can always sign up for a service like Sittercity or Care.com to help you land some babysitting jobs.

Start pet sitting.

Are you an animal lover at heart? How about making some extra money just by taking a dog for a walk or boarding a cat for the weekend? You can advertise your own pet-sitting business on social media, put up signs throughout your neighborhood, or use a website like Rover.They let you set your schedule and adjust your fees as you want. If you do use Rover, keep in mind that they take a cut of what you make.

Sell unwanted stuff.

Sift through your hall closet, attic and garage for everything you don’t use anymore. What can you live without? Of course, you can always sell items on tried-and-true sites like eBay and Craigslist. But don’t forget about apps like OfferUp, VarageSale, Poshmark, thredUP and Facebook Marketplace that make it even easier to make extra money by selling secondhand stuff.

Rent your belongings.

The popular renting company Fat Llama (we know) lets you rent out nearly any of your belongings! Some of the most in-demand items are camera equipment, projectors, lighting and audio equipment. So if you’re a photographer, videographer or just a tech-gadget-lover, you might make a good amount. But remember, you can rent out nearly anything—even your lawn mower. . .or tractor. . .or scooter. Who knew? ~Source: ramseysolutions.com

The post How to Make Extra Money appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

1. Use e-file and direct deposit to avoid delays. Taxpayers should electronically file and choose direct deposit as soon as they have everything they need to file an accurate return. The software helps individuals avoid mistakes by doing the math, and guides you through each section of their tax return using a question-and-answer format.
2. Collect all documents before preparing a tax return. Make sure stimulus payment and advance Child Tax Credit information is accurate. In addition to collecting W-2s, Form 1099s and other income-related statements, it is important that people have their advance Child Tax Credit and Economic Impact Payment information on hand when filing.
3. Avoid lengthy phone delays. Use online resources before calling the IRS. Phone demand on IRS assistance lines remains at record highs. The IRS urges people to use IRS.gov to get answers to tax questions, check a refund status or pay taxes. These online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day.
4. Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processed? For those waiting on their 2020 tax return to be processed, make sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) on the 2021 tax return. For those who used a Non-Filer tool in 2021 to register for an advance Child Tax Credit or third Economic Impact Payment in 2021, they should enter $1 as their prior year AGI. Everyone else should enter their prior year’s AGI from last year’s return. If using the same tax preparation software as last year, this field will auto-populate.
5. Free resources are available to help taxpayers file. There are many options for free help, including many resources on IRS.gov. For those looking to avoid the delays with a paper tax return, IRS Free File is an option. With Free File, leading tax software providers make their online products available for free as part of a 20-year partnership with the Internal Revenue Service. This year, there are eight products in English and two in Spanish. IRS Free File is available to any person or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. Qualified taxpayers can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

The post Tax Return Preparation appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

1. Personal Contacts

Many jobs are never advertised. People get them by talking to friends, and others who know of an opening. The people you know may be some of the most effective resources for your search.

2. Employers

Directly contacting employers is one of the most successful means of job hunting. Web sites and business directories can tell you how to apply for a position or whom to contact.

3. Internet Resources

The internet includes many job hunting sites with job listings. To find good prospects, begin with an Internet search using keywords related to the job you want.

4. State Employment Service Offices

State employment services help job seekers to find jobs and help employers to find qualified workers at no cost to either. To find an office nearest you, go online to State Workforce Agencies.

5. Federal Government

Information on obtaining a position with the Federal Government is available through USAJOBS, the Federal Government's official employment information system. This resource for locating and applying for job opportunities can be accessed through the internet at www.usajobs.gov.

6. Community Agencies

Many nonprofit organizations, including religious institutions and vocational rehabilitation agencies, offer counseling, career development, and job placement services. Generally targeted are particular groups such as; women, youths, minorities, or older workers.

The post Job Search Tips appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

Organize Your Pup's Toys

Designate a specific box, bin, or area of the apartment to store your dog's toys, balls, and other items. Avoid tennis balls and other small toys that may cause choking. This is especially important if you plan on leaving your dog home alone.

Keep Food and Snacks Sealed

To avoid unwanted infestations, seal your dog's food and treats properly. Store your dog's treats in plastic containers with sealed lids … this keeps your pup's food safe and healthy, and saves you money in the long run.

Potty Train Your Pooch

You will need to train them on how, when, and where to use the bathroom. Depending on the age and where you got your dog, they may already be trained. Your dog may go to the door and bark or scratch, while others may grab their leash and bring it to you. If you have a puppy, you may need to teach these things using plenty of patience, practice, and treats. Creating a routine helps too.

Keep Barking to a Minimum

This isn't always easy. After all, barking is one way that dogs communicate. There are a few ways to minimize the amount your dog barks. When it comes time to play, don't get your dog too riled up or excited which may cause them to bark loudly. Training your dog not to bark using treats, and command words like "quiet", and other methods also work well.

Decorate Your Dog Apartment Carefully

Even the most well-trained dogs make mistakes and have accidents. Your pup might accidentally go on the carpet, jump on the couch, or chew your favorite shoe. Decorate your apartment as a dog owner. Don't invest in expensive furniture for the rooms your dog likes best. Keep valuable items and clothing on high shelves or in closed closets. Purchase inexpensive rugs that can easily be replaced.

Hide Your Trash Can

Dogs are notorious for going through the trash. Help your pooch avoid temptation by storing your trash can somewhere safe and secure. The most common spot is underneath the kitchen sink. If you don't have space beneath your sink, try a nearby closet or pantry. When all else fails, purchase a trash can with a tightly-fitted lid. Secure your bathroom and bedroom trash cans as well. Whenever possible, take the garbage out before leaving your dog home alone.

Establish Rules About Furniture

Some pet owners love for their dog to snuggle up beside them on the couch or in bed. Others have a strict "no dogs on the furniture" policy. Whichever describes you, choose a side and stick with it! There are pros and cons to allowing your pup on the furniture. Whatever you decide, be consistent … dogs are easily confused when one minute it's okay to pounce on you and the next minute they're being scolded for it.

Balancing Dog Ownership and Apartment Living

Apartment living with a dog is all about mutual respect – respecting your neighbors and guests and your pup's needs. If you have a roommate, make sure they're comfortable with the living situation as well.

Source: daroapartments.com

The post Living with a Pet appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

Portable space heaters are responsible for an average of 1,700 house
fires a year, resulting in 80 deaths and 160 injuries, according to the
Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you rely on a portable heater
during Florida's cooler months, it's important to make space heater
safety a priority. Following are tips for safe space heater operation.

• Place the heater on a hard, level, and nonflammable surface.
• Establish a 3-foot kid-and-pet-free zone around the heater, and
never put a space heater in a child's room.
• Keep the space heater at least 3 feet away from combustible
materials, such as furniture, bedding, and curtains.
• Turn it off when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Unplug the heater when it's not in use by pulling the plug straight
from the outlet-don't use the heater if the cord is frayed or worn.
• Don't plug another electrical device or an extension cord into the
same outlet as a heater-that can cause overheating.
• A smart sensor that automatically shuts off a heater when it
overheats is a must. You'll also want a tip-over switch that does the
same if the heater is knocked over.
• Most space heaters come with a cord that's 6-feet long. To prevent
overheating, never use an extension cord or a power strip with an
electric heater.

~Source: consumerreports.org

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Buy for Next Christmas
Seasonal items like holiday kitchenware and decorations will have the deepest discounts. If you ran out of gift wrap or cards this year, stock up for next year when these items go on sale for 75% off. Buy discounted solid colored wrap to use on other gifts throughout the year. Holiday fabric for tablecloths and next year's craft projects is also a good deal. 

Buy Gifts Year Round 
Shop after Christmas sales for gifts to give to your loved ones on their birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Make a note on the New Year's calendar that you already have a gift for their birthday. Don't buy what you don't need, even if it's on sale- if you don't need another set of lights, don't buy them. Pass on items that are still over-priced or not useful. Buying what you don't need is never frugal. 

Grocery Stores 
Shop for items such as colored plastic wrap, baggies or anything with festive prints. Stock up on kids' cereals, cookies, or snacks that have holiday packaging. 
Your children won't know the difference!

Your Local Thrift Stores 
Thrift stores see an influx of goods this time of year, due to people wanting to claim their tax deductions before the year is over. Stores see a surplus of donations and a slow-down of shoppers … the perfect time to shop! 

Before You Buy … 
Examine sales items carefully. After being handled by many Christmas shoppers, some items may show their wear … make sure they are not damaged. This is especially important if irregulars are mixed in with the clearance sales. 

The post Post-Holiday Bargains appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

Use the KonMari Method

The KonMari Method is Marie Kondo's minimalism-inspired approach to tackling your stuff category-by-category rather than room-by-room.

There are six basic rules to get started:
1. Commit yourself to tidying up.
2. Imagine your ideal lifestyle.
3. Finish discarding first.
4. Tidy by category, not location.
5. Follow the right order.
6. Ask yourself if it sparks joy.

And five categories to tackle:
1. Clothes
2. Books
3. Papers
4. Miscellaneous Items
5. Sentimental Items

While many people associate her method with tidying, it's really about discarding items that lack value. To determine what makes the cut, Kondo has you start by removing everything out of your closets and drawers (category one), all the books off your shelves (category two), all the paperwork out of your desk and bins (you get the idea). Once you have a big pile, you're to go itemby- item and consider if it sparks joy. While Kondo admits that this can feel awkward or unnatural at first, she assures readers and viewers that you'll get better at recognizing what sparks joy as you go. Once you've tossed items in every category, you should have a much smaller set of remaining items that you can return to various closets, drawers, shelves, and boxes. Note that you're to finish one category before moving onto the next one. The intention of the KonMari method is to end up with a clutter-free home that is better able to bring more joy and prosperity to your life. While tidying, she encourages you to visualize the life you want to live – to be less stressed, for example – and what you need to get there. Anything that won't help on that journey isn't deserving of your space or you, she says. ~ Source: goodhousekeeping. com

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Make a list… and check it twice. Creating a list will help to avoid last minute purchases for forgotten family members. When you make the list, try to jot down some favorites as well as sizes. This will save quite a bit of time when picking out items to purchase

Set a budget and stick to it. Be reasonable, allocating different amounts based on the amount you want to spend on each person. Try to also leave a cushion for last minute purchases for holiday parties at work, or for co-workers who give you unexpected gifts

Save. After setting your budget, save the money to cover the cost of presents. Saving ahead of time will leave you with money readily available for purchases, keeping you from the hassle of incurring debt on charge cards.

Credit is a no-no. Take only cash with you when you go shopping to avoid impulse purchases. If you feel uncomfortable carrying large amounts of cash and feel you can use your charge card and remain within your established spending budget for gifts, another option would be to put all of your purchases on one card and pay the bill in one lump sum with the money you have saved.

Shop around. During the holiday season, it is extremely important to check sales ads. Comparison shopping is the only way to ensure you are getting the best price for your purchase.  Also, surf the web and find the best price (and save a lot of time surfing) by using price comparison websites like PriceGrabber.com, the Amazon app, Price.com and others. Be sure to check more than one since some sites only list certain stores.

Be creative. Think of gifts that come from the heart. Homemade gifts and gift certificates for services that require nothing more than your time are both inexpensive and unique. When you really think about it, you can come up with a variety of ways to put a smile on your family's faces!

The post Tips For A Debt Free Holiday Season appeared first on Concord Management Blog.

-Get a Gas Card
 

There are two different types of gas cards, and both can help you to save money at the pump. The first one is a chain gas station card that is designed to be used specifically at one chain of gas stations. These often give you a few cents per gallon off of the price you pay. This is an immediate reward that you can enjoy, but you need to be sure to pay the gas card off in full each month to avoid being hit with costly interest charges. The other type of gas card that you can use is a typical Visa or Mastercard that allows you to earn points on gas purchases, and these can be redeemed for cash back or other perks.

-Make a Cash Payment
 

While some gas stations give discounts if you use their credit card to make a purchase, others give a discount if you make a cash payment. This can save you a few cents per gallon. You simply have to plan ahead so that you have cash on hand to make your purchase, and you can enjoy the savings at the pump.

-Choose Gas Stations Away From Busy Thoroughfares
 

If you have paid attention to the price of gas per gallon at different service stations, you may have noticed that the price can vary by 15 or 20 cents or more in some cases depending on which gas station you visit. You may be aware that some gas stations away from the Interstate and other major highways have a lower price per gallon on a regular basis. While paying cash may save you a few cents per gallon, choosing the right gas station to visit can save you considerably more.

-Avoid Idling Your Engine
 

If you are like many people, you may find yourself sitting in your car from time to time. For example, you may sit in the car waiting for your kids in the after school pick-up line. Rather than idle your car, simply turn it off to conserve gas. This will help you to get more miles out of a tank of gas so that you can fill up less frequently.

-Adjust Your Driving Habits
 

Another point to consider is how you drive. Do you accelerate aggressively? Do you alternate between the gas and the brake frequently rather than coasting periodically? Do you drive with the windows down? These are all behaviors that can decrease fuel efficiency and that can increase the number of trips you make to the gas station.

Regardless of whether fuel costs are currently on the higher or lower end, nobody wants to pay more than the need to on gas. These tips can help you to avoid paying a small fortune at the pump and can help you to get the most out of each tank.

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