Cutting back on processed food is not hard to do, but it does require preparing and cooking the majority of your meals. The benefit of eliminating processed food from your diet is that it would be good for your overall health.
However, I understand for many people that’s not practical. Still, one should at least make an effort to eat less processed food by trying to follow these simple lifestyle changes below.
Eat Less Canned Foods
One way to cut back on processed food is to limit eating canned food. Canned foods are loaded with artificial preservatives, sodium, salt, sugar, and most canned food are lined with a chemical building block called Bisphenol A (BPA), which has come under intense scrutiny in recent years because it mimics human hormones and it is categorized as an endocrine disruptor.
As an alternative, increase your intake of foods that are fresh and natural like fruits and vegetables, and try shopping for your food...Read More!
Saturday
How to Bring Up Your GPA
Having trouble maintaing your GPA in college? Here are a few tips on how to bring up your GPA where worrying about getting poor grades or failing out of school will become a thing of the past.
For example, if you like to write and are good at it, choose classes with topics of interest where you only write papers. Likewise, if you are great at math and love it, take a few math classes that are appropriate for your level.
To add, make sure to pay special attention to class attendance and lateness on the syllabus. Some professors will mark students as absent after being 15-20 minutes late to class or drop a whole letter grade after missing 3 classes.
Here is where attendance and class participation really kicks in to help you!
To add, if you are having trouble understanding the class material, this is an excellent time to visit your professor during office hours and ask questions about the day's lesson. Your professor will be more than happy to assist you because ideally, they want to give all their students A's!
More Tips
Step 1
When selecting classes for a college semester, make sure to take the necessary classes you need for your major. Then for your electives, choose some fun classes that you will enjoy, sound fairly easy, and know for certain you can get an A without much difficulty like martial arts, dance classes, beginning photography, or intro to theater.Just be mindful of the number of units for each class because you don't want to make the mistake of being short credit units in order to qualify for part-time or full-time student status (i.e. don't take too many 1.00 unit classes).
Step 2
Another way how to bring up your GPA in college is to choose a minor where you can take classes focusing on your strong points. For example, if you like to write and are good at it, choose classes with topics of interest where you only write papers. Likewise, if you are great at math and love it, take a few math classes that are appropriate for your level.
Although helpful, minors don't have to correlate with your major. Instead, choose a field of study that interests you and are confident that you can do well in.
Step 3
If you got an A in a class taught by a professor from a previous semester, take another class with that same professor, but within the same subject matter. Professors tend to favor past A students!Step 4
Whenever you get a class syllabus, read over the criteria for how you can get an A in the class. If it's not listed, ask the professor how one can get an A. To add, make sure to pay special attention to class attendance and lateness on the syllabus. Some professors will mark students as absent after being 15-20 minutes late to class or drop a whole letter grade after missing 3 classes.
Also, ask if there are any pop quizzes in the class. Some professors won't count quizzes towards your grade, but just in case, you'll want to be prepared for any surprises. If pop quizzes do count and are hurting your grade, ask if there's any extra credit that can be turned in to bring up your grade.
Step 5
Participate, participate, participate and go to class!!! Professors quickly know the slackers from the hard workers and they know who is doing the coarse material and who is not.Step 6
Always turn assignments in on time. Many professors will drop a letter grade for each day a paper or assignment is turned in late. If you have a bad habit of not completing your assignments by the due dates, this will definitely hurt your chances of bringing up your GPA and receiving A's.To add, don't miss exams unless properly excused by the professor. If you do miss an exam without a valid excuse, your professor may not let you make it up. If this happens, you will receive an F for the exam and will have no chance of getting an A in the class.
Step 7
Try your best to get an A- or an A on all your assignments, papers, and exams. If you get a few a B's here and there, you can still get an A. Here is where attendance and class participation really kicks in to help you!
Also, after about 1-2 papers or exams, check in with your professor to see how you are doing in the class. This will give you an idea if you are on track for getting an A or a lower grade.
Step 8
Get to know your college professor and be sure the professor knows your first name. If it's one of those classes with a huge lecture hall, make it a point to say "hello" to your professor during each class.To add, if you are having trouble understanding the class material, this is an excellent time to visit your professor during office hours and ask questions about the day's lesson. Your professor will be more than happy to assist you because ideally, they want to give all their students A's!
More Tips
· Treat home assignments and exams seriously and mark due dates on your calendar
· If you slip up on a test, get the right answers to questions you got wrong. They will most likely pop up on the final.
· If you are not good at test taking, after each class study the day's notes for 20-30 minutes.
· When studying for exams, re-write your notes over and over again so it can be committed to memory. Study groups are also great for testing each other.
· Never take more classes than you can handle if you are trying to bring up your GPA.
· Pay special attention to grading points for papers and exams, especially final exams.
· If you get a bad grade on a paper or a test, immediately ask the professor how you can do better the next time and get help (i.e. a tutor)
· DON'T EVER CHEAT! Cheating and getting caught could get you kicked out of class and maybe even college. At the very least, your professor won't grant you any special favors when it comes time for handing out final grades.
Sunday
How To Find an Apartment to Rent
Don't let looking for an apartment stress you out. Follow these simple tips below and you will find an apartment in no time!
Ask Family and Friends
Your family and friends can be a great resource to use to help you find an apartment to rent. They may live in a building that has several vacancies or they may have seen signs for a house to rent in their neighborhood. If you want to get the word out quicker that you are looking for an apartment...
(read more!)
Ask Family and Friends
Your family and friends can be a great resource to use to help you find an apartment to rent. They may live in a building that has several vacancies or they may have seen signs for a house to rent in their neighborhood. If you want to get the word out quicker that you are looking for an apartment...
(read more!)
Wednesday
How to Prevent Iron Supplement Side Effects like Constipation
If you have a deficiency in iron and your doctor advises you to take iron pills, you may notice that one of the side effects to iron supplements is constipation. If you are experiencing this problem and looking for a cure, these instructions below should help.
Step 1
If you are taking iron pills and are suffering from constipation, you might want to try buying chelated iron supplements. Chelated iron supplements are much easier for your body to absorb and gentler on your stomach to help...
(read more!)
Step 1
If you are taking iron pills and are suffering from constipation, you might want to try buying chelated iron supplements. Chelated iron supplements are much easier for your body to absorb and gentler on your stomach to help...
(read more!)
How to Get a Life
If you want to get a life, you have to make it happen for yourself. It's not all that difficult to do, but it does require some action on your part. If you are looking for ways on how you can make your life more fun and exciting, follow these tips!
Step 1
One of the first things to do in order to get a life is to take action and do something interesting instead of the same old, boring routine. Therefore, get reacquainted with your friends and start doing activities together that are fun. There are a number of fun things to do with your friends like...
(read more!)
Step 1
One of the first things to do in order to get a life is to take action and do something interesting instead of the same old, boring routine. Therefore, get reacquainted with your friends and start doing activities together that are fun. There are a number of fun things to do with your friends like...
(read more!)
Thursday
Wednesday
How to Prevent Debit Card Fraud
Cash is King
Anybody can be sitting in an office writing down your PIN number and easily making you a victim of identity theft.
If you must use a debit card to make purchases or to get cash from an ATM machine, cover your hand as you input your PIN number. However remember, thieves know how to capture your debit card information.
To be on the safe side, select "Credit" when making purchases, see your bank teller to get cash, or use your 2nd debit card!
*Not all credit cards will have the capability to monitor your charges online like with a online banking. If you are in this situation, make sure to go over your monthly statements for your credit card with a fine tooth comb.
If you see charges on your card that your didn't make, report credit card fraud immediately by calling customer service.
One of the best ways to prevent debit card fraud is to use cash when you make purchases. Of course in this day in age it's not always safe to carry wads of cash in your wallet or pocket, but it's equally not as safe to use your debit card for every transaction you make.
Despite what banks advertise on TV, it's very easy for a criminal to get a hold of your debit card and PIN number and commit bank identity theft. To prevent this from happening, carry small amounts of cash, preferably no more than $50, if you know or plan on making purchases when you are out and about.
Despite what banks advertise on TV, it's very easy for a criminal to get a hold of your debit card and PIN number and commit bank identity theft. To prevent this from happening, carry small amounts of cash, preferably no more than $50, if you know or plan on making purchases when you are out and about.
Carry Checks
Yes believe it or not, people still use checks when they shop. If you plan on making purchases over $50, use checks instead of carrying large amounts of cash with you. You don't necessarily need to carry your entire checkbook, but 2-3 checks in your wallet will do.
Although debit cards are more convenient and popular to use, if want to protect yourself from banking fraud, but are
Although debit cards are more convenient and popular to use, if want to protect yourself from banking fraud, but are
uncomfortable with the idea of walking around with a lot of cash, use checks.
Have a 2nd Debit Card Through a 2nd Checking Account
If it's simpler and more convenient for you to use a debit card instead of carrying cash or checks, then get a 2nd debit card through a 2nd checking account for your everyday purchases.
Believe me, there is nothing worse than having your entire mortgage or rent money stolen from your bank account due to debit card fraud.
It happened to me and it was a nightmare!
With your 2nd debit card, be sure to keep the money you use for your rent, mortgage, student loans, insurances, and monthly bills separate from the money you use for shopping, gas, restaurants, the movies and grocery store.
If you like, you can get a 2nd debit card and checking account through another bank. Otherwise, if you have two checking accounts with the same bank, make sure your 2nd debit card DOES NOT look like your primary or 1st debit card.
Get a different design for your 2nd debit card so you can easily recognize it from your 1st debit card. Also, be sure to keep less than $100 in your 2nd checking account and check your bank accounts on a regular basis.
That way if your 2nd debit card gets compromised and you become a victim of debit card fraud, the thieves will only get away with a little bit of your money.
Believe me, there is nothing worse than having your entire mortgage or rent money stolen from your bank account due to debit card fraud.
It happened to me and it was a nightmare!
With your 2nd debit card, be sure to keep the money you use for your rent, mortgage, student loans, insurances, and monthly bills separate from the money you use for shopping, gas, restaurants, the movies and grocery store.
If you like, you can get a 2nd debit card and checking account through another bank. Otherwise, if you have two checking accounts with the same bank, make sure your 2nd debit card DOES NOT look like your primary or 1st debit card.
Get a different design for your 2nd debit card so you can easily recognize it from your 1st debit card. Also, be sure to keep less than $100 in your 2nd checking account and check your bank accounts on a regular basis.
That way if your 2nd debit card gets compromised and you become a victim of debit card fraud, the thieves will only get away with a little bit of your money.
Don't or Minimize Using your Debit Card at ATM Machines
This includes the ATM machines at your bank. That's how my sister had money stolen from her. Just because you use your ATM card at your bank doesn't automatically protect you from bank card fraud.
Credit card thieves know all the tricks to get your debit card and PIN number so they can rob you. If you need cash, take the extra time to go inside your bank and see the teller.
Trust me, waiting 15-20 minutes on line is much less of a hassle than waiting a week for your bank to refund your money as a result of debit card fraud.
Credit card thieves know all the tricks to get your debit card and PIN number so they can rob you. If you need cash, take the extra time to go inside your bank and see the teller.
Trust me, waiting 15-20 minutes on line is much less of a hassle than waiting a week for your bank to refund your money as a result of debit card fraud.
Never Use Your Debit PIN Number
Using your PIN number is the absolute worst thing you can do if you are trying to prevent debit card theft.
Just because you frequently shop at your local grocery store or gas station doesn't mean the employees there won't steal from you. Business employees can make a second copy of your receipt or program the card machine to capture your card information.
That includes your PIN number.
The next time you make a purchase and openly punch in your PIN number, take look above you at the cash register. See that hidden camera?
Just because you frequently shop at your local grocery store or gas station doesn't mean the employees there won't steal from you. Business employees can make a second copy of your receipt or program the card machine to capture your card information.
That includes your PIN number.
The next time you make a purchase and openly punch in your PIN number, take look above you at the cash register. See that hidden camera?
Anybody can be sitting in an office writing down your PIN number and easily making you a victim of identity theft.
If you must use a debit card to make purchases or to get cash from an ATM machine, cover your hand as you input your PIN number. However remember, thieves know how to capture your debit card information.
To be on the safe side, select "Credit" when making purchases, see your bank teller to get cash, or use your 2nd debit card!
Online Purchases
Does the bulk of credit card fraud or debit card fraud happen online?
Of course it does.
However, that shouldn't stop you from the convenience of shopping from home. Therefore, use your 2nd debit card and make sure you limit the amount of cash that's in your 2nd checking account.
You can also make online purchases using PayPal or Google Checkout, but just keep in mind that not all online stores will have these checkout options.
Lastly, when making purchases online, always be sure that the website has a security seal like VeriSign that will safeguard you from identity theft.
Of course it does.
However, that shouldn't stop you from the convenience of shopping from home. Therefore, use your 2nd debit card and make sure you limit the amount of cash that's in your 2nd checking account.
You can also make online purchases using PayPal or Google Checkout, but just keep in mind that not all online stores will have these checkout options.
Lastly, when making purchases online, always be sure that the website has a security seal like VeriSign that will safeguard you from identity theft.
More Tips
*If you get a 2nd debit card through a second checking account, make sure your two debit checking accounts are not linked together. You don't want to give thieves any opportunity to gain access to all your money and make you a victim of debit card fraud.
*Get into the habit of checking your debit card account on a regular basis. The longer it takes you to discover that you have been a victim of banking fraud, the harder it will be to claim identity theft to your bank.
*If you see that your debit card account has been compromised, call your bank immediately and report the incident. Be sure to say and to use the words "identity theft" to your bank representative.
*If you see that your debit card account has been compromised, call your bank immediately and report the incident. Be sure to say and to use the words "identity theft" to your bank representative.
*Not all credit cards will have the capability to monitor your charges online like with a online banking. If you are in this situation, make sure to go over your monthly statements for your credit card with a fine tooth comb.
If you see charges on your card that your didn't make, report credit card fraud immediately by calling customer service.
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
Wednesday
Easy Dinner Recipe!
How To Make Chicken Pasta Salad For One
If you and your roommate like to cook meals together, great! However, most likely you don't and you end up having to make your own meals by yourself. For a simple and quick dinner recipe, try this chicken pasta salad meal! It's good, it's easy and you can whip it up in under 30 minutes!
Things You'll Need:
*2-3 pieces of chicken tenderloin breasts (or 1 medium size chicken breast)
*2-3 cups of chopped Green Leaf lettuce (Romaine or Red Leaf lettuce are fine too)
*1/3 cup of frozen peas
*1/3 cup of frozen corn
*1/4 cup of diced tomatoes
*1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion
*1-2 tablespoons of sliced green olives
*3-4 tablespoons of Canola oil (or other cooking oil)
*salt
*pepper
*parsley flakes
*oregano flakes
*basil flakes
*1/2 packet of Sazon Goya seasoning
*chicken seasoning
*3 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
*Goya Adobo all purpose seasoning (or any other of all purpose seasoning)
*grated parmesan cheese
*frying pan
*2 quart size pot (or bigger to boil pasta)
*1 quart size pot
*medium to large salad bowl
Step 1
In salad bowl add chopped lettuce, tomatoes, olives and onion. Then sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, parsley and basil flakes over salad.
Step 2
In 2 quart size pot, boil pasta according to cooking directions.
Step 3
In another quart size pot boil water. Add the frozen peas and corn to boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes. Drain and add to salad bowl.
Step 4
Pre-season the chicken tenderloins with Sazon, Adobe, pepper, oregano, parsley and basil flakes on both sides (be sure not to over season the chicken with Sazon, but just enough to cover it). Place frying pan over medium/low heat on stove and add Canola oil. Add chicken tenderloins to pan and let cook until lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, chop chicken breasts into small to medium pieces.
Step 5
Drain cooked pasta. Return pasta back to empty pot. Season the pasta with salt, pepper, oregano, parsley and basil flakes according to taste. If too bland, lightly sprinkle some Sazon over pasta. Mix quickly as to not make one spot of the pasta "red orange". Add chicken and mix.
Step 6
Take pasta and chicken mixture and add to salad bowl. Pour olive oil over salad and mix all together.
Step 7
Serve your chicken pasta salad dish on a plate and garnish with grated parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!!
P.S. If you haven't noticed by now, this recipe is just chicken, pasta and salad all mixed together. Sounds weird, but all my friends and roommates love it!
If you and your roommate like to cook meals together, great! However, most likely you don't and you end up having to make your own meals by yourself. For a simple and quick dinner recipe, try this chicken pasta salad meal! It's good, it's easy and you can whip it up in under 30 minutes!
Things You'll Need:
*2-3 pieces of chicken tenderloin breasts (or 1 medium size chicken breast)
*2-3 cups of chopped Green Leaf lettuce (Romaine or Red Leaf lettuce are fine too)
*1/3 cup of frozen peas
*1/3 cup of frozen corn
*1/4 cup of diced tomatoes
*1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped onion
*1-2 tablespoons of sliced green olives
*3-4 tablespoons of Canola oil (or other cooking oil)
*salt
*pepper
*parsley flakes
*oregano flakes
*basil flakes
*1/2 packet of Sazon Goya seasoning
*chicken seasoning
*3 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
*Goya Adobo all purpose seasoning (or any other of all purpose seasoning)
*grated parmesan cheese
*frying pan
*2 quart size pot (or bigger to boil pasta)
*1 quart size pot
*medium to large salad bowl
Step 1
In salad bowl add chopped lettuce, tomatoes, olives and onion. Then sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, parsley and basil flakes over salad.
Step 2
In 2 quart size pot, boil pasta according to cooking directions.
Step 3
In another quart size pot boil water. Add the frozen peas and corn to boiling water and cook for 3-5 minutes. Drain and add to salad bowl.
Step 4
Pre-season the chicken tenderloins with Sazon, Adobe, pepper, oregano, parsley and basil flakes on both sides (be sure not to over season the chicken with Sazon, but just enough to cover it). Place frying pan over medium/low heat on stove and add Canola oil. Add chicken tenderloins to pan and let cook until lightly browned (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, chop chicken breasts into small to medium pieces.
Step 5
Drain cooked pasta. Return pasta back to empty pot. Season the pasta with salt, pepper, oregano, parsley and basil flakes according to taste. If too bland, lightly sprinkle some Sazon over pasta. Mix quickly as to not make one spot of the pasta "red orange". Add chicken and mix.
Step 6
Take pasta and chicken mixture and add to salad bowl. Pour olive oil over salad and mix all together.
Step 7
Serve your chicken pasta salad dish on a plate and garnish with grated parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!!
P.S. If you haven't noticed by now, this recipe is just chicken, pasta and salad all mixed together. Sounds weird, but all my friends and roommates love it!
Thursday
Monday
How to Draw Up A Roommate Agreement
If you just got a new roommate or currently have a roommate, it's a good idea to have some type of roommate agreement to follow some basic rules in your household. These rules can range everywhere from household chores to financial arrangements-you decide.
Either way, some type of roommate agreement is beneficial and can lead to less confrontations once some basic ground rules are established.
Either way, some type of roommate agreement is beneficial and can lead to less confrontations once some basic ground rules are established.
Roommate Agreement Terms
If at all possible, it's a nice idea if you and your roommate can work up a roommate agreement together. Topics such as rent terms, breaking the lease, living space, cleaning, guests and more can all be included within your agreement.
You can have this agreement written down on paper where all parties sign to it or it can be verbal. The key for a roommate agreement to successfully work is to make sure the agreement is respected, followed and enforced by all roommates.
Personally, I think topics involving the daily living aspect with roommates are the most important part of a roommate agreement and it should be clearly outlined and defined.
You can have this agreement written down on paper where all parties sign to it or it can be verbal. The key for a roommate agreement to successfully work is to make sure the agreement is respected, followed and enforced by all roommates.
Personally, I think topics involving the daily living aspect with roommates are the most important part of a roommate agreement and it should be clearly outlined and defined.
Rent terms and financial obligations are a given and you would be a fool NOT to discuss these terms when living with a complete stranger or even your best friend.
Some of the biggest problems I've encountered with roommates wasn't over money, which basically is what the "rent terms and financial obligations" are all about, but over household chores, guests, noise, living space, personal items and food if you could believe that.
This is the basic everyday "living" part that sometimes can lead to more confrontations than arguments over money.
"Living With Roommates"
To make everyday living with roommates easier, discuss these topics up front and openly to avoid shouting matches with your roommate:
Household Chores
Guess what? Household Chores
"Your mama doesn't live here!"
Divide chores and see to it that all parties do their part. Sounds silly, but do you always want to be the one to take out the garbage every night or have to come home to a sink full of soiled dishes?
You and your roommate are adults and as adults, you should be mature and responsible enough to clean up after yourself.
Guests
A guest here and there is usually not a problem, but what if your roommate has a significant other?
Are you comfortable with their significant other always spending the night at your place, especially if they eat up all the food and make a mess? What if your roommate moves their significant other in without telling you?
Are you guys going to split the rent three ways or are you going to make them move? Make sure the topic of boyfriends and girlfriends are discussed thoroughly and completely. I've seen one too many fights on this topic where one roommate usually ends up breaking the the lease and moving out.
Noise
Do you or your roommate have a tendency to play music really loud? It may not be a problem during the day, but what if your roommate does this at 2am?
A simple agreement like turning down the stereo at 10pm or 11pm is more than fair and courteous.
Personal Items
Hey, did your roommate say you can borrow that jacket? Sometimes people you meet can appear so sweet and friendly, but as soon as you touch their thing, they can become real nasty.
Before borrowing anything from your roommate or your roommate borrowing anything from you, make sure it's ok.
This includes borrowing CDs, DVDs, the computer, clothes, jewelry, heck even a pen (especially if it's removed off the computer desk). ASK, ASK, ASK!
Living Space
Most of the space in your apartment will be shared, but sometimes you may find a situation where you or your roommate will get very particular about personal space.
For instance, some people are very sensitive about people going into their bedroom. I've even seen people lock their bedroom when they leave the house because they are that serious about privacy and their space.
In general you shouldn't be going into anyone's bedroom and vice versa. Just to make sure you don't snap at your roommate or you don't get snapped at, discuss topics about privacy and space to see where the boundaries should be drawn.
Food
In my household, one of the roommate agreements is to split the grocery bill three ways because we don't want to get into the habit where one person screams "That juice is mine!" or "Who ate all my yogurt?"
However, some people wish to have food only for themselves and don't like or want to share, especially if they paid for it. Sounds unimportant, but discuss whether or not you and your roommate will do grocery shopping together or separately.
If it is separate, designate shelves in the refrigerator for you and for your roommate. If there comes a time when you would like to eat something your roommate bought, ask first.
However, don't be surprised if they say no. If you know your roommate is petty and selfish to actually say no, offer to replace the item the next day.
Conflicts
They're unavoidable if you have roommates.
To help resolve some of the smaller issues that arise, sit down with your roommate and have a house meeting to reinforce some of the rules. Household meetings should always be apart of your roommate agreement because it's a great way for you and your roommate to solve problems together.
The silent treatment act just won't work if there is a problem and it will only cause tension in your household.
Therefore, as with any type of relationship, living with roommates is a give and take situation that requires compromise. If a problem aries that can't be resolved easily and maturely get a mediator to help, but whatever you do, don't let problems linger.
Roommate agreements are great and do work if everyone does their part. They don't have to be overly complicated or technical, just thorough enough so all parties understand the rules.
T.Bo
Best Friends Don't Always Make For Perfect Roommates
Searching for apartments to rent? Need a roommate to split the rent with? If you need a roommate and have a best friend, you might think your bff will make the perfect roommate for you. And why not? You two have the same style in clothing, the same taste in music, love the same kind of movies and plain simply, you two get along great together. However, when it comes down to renting an apartment, your relationship as best friends will switch over to a new kind or relationship: roommates.
A relationship with a roommate is much different than a relationship with a bff because with a roommate, responsibilities regarding a leased apartment are shared. If you get an apartment with your bff you both will be responsible for things like rent, water bill, gas bill, electric, cable, internet and phone bill, along with your own personal finances like your cell phone, car note, car insurance, health insurance, student loans, food and all the other miscellaneous items that pop up everyday. To spell it out clearly for you, sharing an apartment will boil down to one thing-MONEY!
Ask yourself is your bff responsible? Are they decent with handling money and can pay their financial obligations on time? Do they have a steady job? If you don't honestly answer these questions to yourself and decide to have your bff as a roommate, be prepared for the relationship to go sour if an incident occurs over money. I went through it twice myself and I seen it happen to several friends of mine. It's unfortunate, but money has been the cause for many marriages, business partnerships and friendships to break up. Sure there is a list of other reasons why you and your bff could stop being friends if you become roommates, but with that said, if living with your bff doesn't work out, keep in mind you guys may end up becoming enemies.
Tips To Make Having Your BFF As Your Roommate Work
1. Before moving in with your bff, first find out what I mentioned above. Do they have a steady job? Can your bff easily afford their share of the rent plus other expenses? It's a good idea to break down living expenses on paper so you and your bff can see in black and white how much it will cost to share an apartment together.
2. Sit down with your bff and explore issues that could lead to a confrontation. How would you two resolve those issues? Be sure to ask questions like "What would happen if one month I don't have money for the rent" or "Would you be upset if my boyfriend/girlfriend sleeps over a few times a week"? Learning how to solve problems together as roommates will lead to less fights and arguments.
3. You and your bff obviously come from different home lives. Are you a neat freak and your bff is a total slob whose mom always clean up after them? If so, a roommate agreement may be helpful to outline some rules of your new home. Rules like the garbage must be taken out every night, no dishes in the sink, common areas like the bathroom and living must always stay clean can make a world of difference and lead to less confrontation down the road.
4. When it comes to bills like the internet, gas and electric, it may be a good idea to have both your names on the billing statements. That way if a bill becomes deliqueent, it will affect your credit report equally. Hey, it's only fair.
5. As roommates, don't assume you can just waltz into your bff's room and borrow clothing or jewelry whenever you want. Always ask to borrow something even if you know your bff will say yes. Privacy and being respectful of your roommate's things is key to smooth roommate living.
6. Are you two going to split the food bill together? You'd be surprised how fights start because your roommate ate your yogurt or you ate all of their ice cream. I personally think it's good idea to shop for food together. However, feel free to buy items you want solely for yourself, but just don't hide food from your roommate. It's not cool and it's petty. If you buy something you want for yourself, tell your roommate in a polite manner not to touch it. Vice versa, if you see something in the fridge that wasn't bought together, but you want to eat it, ask your roommate if you can have some.
7. Love to have guests over? If you often like to have friends over late at night, be courteous towards your roommate's schedule. Check in to see if your roommate has to work early the next morning or has finals to take the next day.
8. Does your bff have a boyfriend/girlfriend that will be sleeping over all the time? Will you be comfortable with that? Ask this up front before it becomes a problem. Also, if your roommate's significant other will be eating up the food you bought together, "the new 3rd roommate" has to chip in money towards the food bill. A sandwich here and there is no big deal, but if every time you turn around and your roommate's significant other is always in the fridge, it is a big deal. Food costs money honey. Just the same, if your roommate's significant other makes a mess around the house, they have to clean up after themselves.
9. Another thing about significant others-be careful about always having them around your bff or be careful being around your bff's significant other. I'm not trying to start something here, I'm just saying I've seen affairs happen as well because roommates get too comfy with having their significant other around the apartment. The last thing you want is to come home and see your man/girl sleeping with your bff/roommate or being accused of sleeping with your bff/roommate's man/girl. Not cool! If that's the case, have your boyfriend/girlfriend as your roommate. Otherwise, don't leave your man/girl home alone with your bff or be home alone too often with your bff's man/girl!
10. As with clothes, don't assume you can use or borrow your roommate's electronics. If you need to get on your roommate's computer for example, ask, ask, ask! People store private information on their computer from account numbers to journals. I had a friend once who accidental read his bff/roommate's email only to find that his bff was talking trash about him to another friend of theirs. If you don't want to go through that kind of experience, my advice is to always ask first.
11. This is one of the main reason why bffs stop being friends-one roommate unexpectedly decides to break the lease and move out, while leaving the other roommate stuck with the apartment and expenses. If you don't really know or understand much about leases, you better learn. Some landlords will be more aggressive than others about going after people who break their lease.
Yes, I understand it's impossible to predict the future, but when you move in with your bff the two of you should agree not to break the lease and move out until the lease is up. If you and your roommate can't guarantee that you guys won't break the lease, move into an apartment where they have short term leases like 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Take my word for it, break the lease without warning your bff/roommate and I promise you guys won't be friends anymore. I've seen friends sue each other for back rent because of broken leases!
Having your best friend as your roommate can work, but problems happen because best friends sometimes take advantage of each other because they are best friends. If you value your relationship with your bff and have been friends for years, I honestly don't reccommend having your bff as a roommate. Sign up for a roommate listing instead. Sorry, but within a year of living with each other as roommates, I've seen too many relationships between best friends end, mainly because money. Best friends don't always make for perfect roommates! Take it from me-I lost 2 best friends this way.
T. Bo
Roommates Help Pay The Rent!
In times like these when the economy is slow, having a roommate to help pay the rent definitely helps. In big cities like New York, Los Angeles and Miami, rent for a 1 bedroom apartment can easily go for $2000 a month. Wow that's a lot! Sure you can find a 1 bedroom apartment for $1,200, $1,300 or $1,400 per month, but that's still a lot of money to be shelling out for something you don't own. Here in Los Angeles where I live, I'm paying $1,320 per month for my rent and honestly I cannot afford that by myself as a freelancer. Therefore, I need to have roommates (yup-I have two). Of course I wish I could live by myself and not deal with two female roommates, but let me tell you, when the rent is due at the end of the month along with the water bill, the electric bill, the gas bill and everything else I have to pay for in my life, I am HAPPY to split my $1,320 rent 3 ways.
Case Study
I have a friend who recently moved into a much smaller apartment because he could no longer afford to pay his rent. He had a very nice 1 bedroom apartment out in Hollywood, but the rent was going up to over $1,300 a month. He didn't have roommates like me, but was considering one because he works as a freelancer as well. Due to his busy schedule however, he didn't have a lot of time to meet with individual people to see who he would like to move in with. So eventually he ended up moving into a studio apartment.
At his new place he has no garage parking like he had with his old apartment, most of his furniture is now in storage where he is paying $100 a month and the neighborhood where he now lives in is well...so-so (his last neighborhood was really nice). But hey, my friend was able to cut his rent almost in half and he's happy.
So Where Do You Fall In?
Maybe you too can move into a studio apartment if you find you are paying too much for rent. If you have good credit, a steady work history and a chuck of cash saved up, maybe you can try buying some property. However, if you have been reading the papers lately, many homeowners are going through foreclosure because mortgages are spinning out of control too. As a matter of fact, a good number of those homeowners are moving their families into apartments and I'm sure the living space is much smaller than what they are accustomed to.
If you are finding yourself struggling with the rent, try considering getting or moving in with a roommate. Just the same, if you live in a big house and have an extra room, why not have that room for rent? Not glamourous I know, but it's only temporary and you can save some extra money each month.
Imagine if you are paying $1,200 a month for an apartment. Could saving half of that ($600) every month for a year in some way help you out? You could pay down your car note, credit cards bills, student loans and more! If you are lucky to find a cheap studio apartment where you can live by yourself, then go for it. However, if you are not in the position to move and you have a large living space or an extra room to rent, get a roommate.
The Upside
Having a roommate is really not all that bad and can actually be an advantage both financially and socially. Yes I understand you will feel like you are giving up on what you cherish the most- your privacy-but you will soon adjust to the situation. The key is to find the perfect roommate for you and yes, it is possible. One of y current roommates is the best roommate I've had to date (the other one is my twin sister so she doesn't count). I searched long and hard to find the perfect female roommate for me and you know what, it was well worth it. Do I sometimes have problems with my roommates and get into arguments? Of course I do, but we work through our problems like mature adults and then everything is peachy again.
Piece of cake!
If your rent is becoming too expensive for you to manage, look into moving into a smaller, more affordable apartment or try to find a roommate through a roommate listing. Having a roommate is not all that bad, especially if it helps you to save up some money. Let's face it-times are hard and the rent isn't getting any cheaper. So until you can afford that penthouse on your own, get a roommate, save up some money and be happy (because saving extra money always makes people happy :)!
Cheers!
T. Bo
Wednesday
Roommates And Leases
Now that you found a roommate, the next step for you to do is to put your roommate on the lease. Obviously not everyone will want to do this, but it's advised that you do. However, the decision will ultimately lie up to you. Just keep in mind that if you don't add your roommate to your lease, you could face consequences if caught with someone else living in your apartment.
Leases
An apartment lease is a legally binding contract between a tenant and a landlord that outlines the terms and conditions of the contract as well as the responsibilities of both parties. A lease will include information like the occupants of an apartment, lease term, rent amount, late fees, pets, etc.
Once your roommate is added to the lease, they will have the legal right to live in your apartment regardless whether or not you lived there for 1 year or 5 years by yourself. At the same time, they are equally responsible for the terms and conditions outlined in the lease. With that said, if you or your roommate break the lease or violate any of the rules within the lease, you both could be subjected to monetary penalties, an eviction, a lawsuit or all three by your landlord.
Importance Of Selecting The Right Roommate
I've said it before and I will say it again: make sure you select a roommate you like and are compatible with because there is nothing worst than living with somebody you hate (this includes evaluating whether or not it's a good a idea to live with your best friend). I should know because I had my fair share of roommate nightmares. If you wake up one day and decide you don't want to live with your roommate anymore, it will be very difficult for you to get rid of them because they are on the lease. So with that in mind, before moving anyone into your apartment, make darn sure you are comfortable living with that person for at least a year (or for however long your lease term is).
Roommate Disagreements
There will be times when you and your roommate will have disagreements where the two of you will not get along, that's inevitable. Small disagreements can usually be discussed and resolved fairly easily. However, if a disagreement arises where a resolution can't be met that leads you to believe you can no longer live with that person, you have a challenging road ahead of you. Remember, your roommate has a right to live in your apartment if they are on the lease. If the problem persists and you can't bare to live with your roommate anymore, try asking your roommate to move out. Here's the kicker...what do you do if they refuse to move? If something like this happens, I advise you go immediately to your landlord to discuss your options.
Whether you live in a private duplex or a 200-unit apartment building, no two leases will be the same. Therefore, you never know what your landlord can do for you. Your landlord may be able to place you in another apartment where you won't be charged any additional fees or penalties or they might have a community mediator that's experienced in handling roommate disputes. That's the good news. On the other hand, if you find your landlord is unable to help and you absolutely can't resolve the dispute with your roommate on your own, you have several options:
1. Tough it out and continue to live with your roommate until the lease is up
2. Break your lease and YOU move out
3. Seek a mediator
4. Seek a lawyer if the situation is really serious
5. Go to small claims court if suing for money (i.e. back rent, damages to property or personal belongings etc.)
Breaking Your Lease
To be honest, I never broken a lease before and therefore I don't know much about it. I came close when I had a situation with an ex-roommate from hell, where I never signed my name to the new lease with his signature on it. Yes I know it's hypocritical to say add your roommate to the lease when technically I never added mine. In all honesty I was going to, but because of my heavy work load due to my school schedule, I never got around to doing it. Luckily for me, after living with my roommate for a few months, I realized the arrangement was not going to work out.
Now, my landlord was constantly calling me to come down to the management office to sign the new lease agreement. I was just deliberately avoiding my landlord because I knew signing the new lease would give my roommate every right to be in my apartment. Still, I'd figured since my roommate was already living in my apartment and had already signed his name to the lease, I wouldn't be able to legally evict him anyway.
Concerned and fed up with my roommate (he had stopped paying me rent), I finally went to my landlord to talk about my troubles and see if I had any options. To my surprise, because I didn't sign my name to the new lease, the apartment was still legally mine under the old one. If I wanted to evict my roommate I could. So guess what...I did (I wanted a female roommate anyway)! True, not exactly an example of breaking a lease, but here's one that is. Read on...
A few years ago my sister had a two bedroom apartment with an ex-best friend of ours when one day the ex-friend just upped and moved out of the apartment leaving my sister to flip the bill. Because my sister was a student at the time and could not afford the rent by herself, she immediately went to her landlord for help. The landlord didn't fault my sister for the broken lease and was nice enough to move her into a one bedroom apartment she could afford at no extra cost (i.e. transfer fees). The landlord instead went after the ex-friend for breaking her end of the lease.
If your lease is broken due to no fault of your own, chances are your landlord may only take action against the party that broke the lease. However, if you decide to break your lease, that's a whole different story. I'm not saying all landlords will necessarily take action against you, but I am saying be prepared just in case they do (i.e. back rent). Some of my friends who have broken leases say it's no big deal. According to them, the only problem you may ever face is when you go rent out another apartment. The landlord may ask you to pay an extra month's rent for the security deposit or add a co-signer to the rental agreement due to your negative rental history.
Well that's it!
Like I said, at the end of the day it will be solely up to you whether or not to add your roommate to your lease. With that said, I wish you and your new roommate happy times ahead. Remember, if you ever run into any problems where you want your roommate to move without being penalized for breaking the lease, go to your landlord for help!
T. Bo
Saturday
How to Find a Roommate Fast!
Still continuing your search for a roommate, but with no luck? If people are looking at your apartment, but decline to accept your offer to move in, try offering an incentive or two!
Lower Rent
Using incentives to find a roommate is simple and effective. It just takes a little compromise, negotiation and creativity on your part to make an offer attractive. The easiest incentive to offer that's the most attractive is to offer lower rent. Nothing crazy...just $25, $50 a $100 or so. If you can afford to lower the rent by just a little, what would it hurt?
Paid Utilities
Offering to pay for all the utilities is also a big one. However, do your the math. If paying for the utilities come out to be higher than lowering the rent by $100, go with the lower rent!
(Read More!)
Lower Rent
Using incentives to find a roommate is simple and effective. It just takes a little compromise, negotiation and creativity on your part to make an offer attractive. The easiest incentive to offer that's the most attractive is to offer lower rent. Nothing crazy...just $25, $50 a $100 or so. If you can afford to lower the rent by just a little, what would it hurt?
Paid Utilities
Offering to pay for all the utilities is also a big one. However, do your the math. If paying for the utilities come out to be higher than lowering the rent by $100, go with the lower rent!
(Read More!)
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