Author: Jenny Smedra

Why Should You Book a Hotel Over an Airbnb?

Why You Should Book a Hotel Over an Airbnb

When Airbnb first entered the market, I was ecstatic to have a new accommodation option when I traveled. It provided a new, affordable alternative to budget hotels and youth hostels. And for many years, it became my go-to booking site. However, things have changed in recent years as more people have joined and taken advantage of the platform. Nowadays, it is no longer the cheapest or most convenient choice. Here are a few reasons why you should book a hotel over an Airbnb.

5 Reasons to Book a Hotel Over an Airbnb

Let me start by saying that I still use the site to book certain types of accommodations. Renting a private residence comes with many benefits, especially if you are traveling in a large group. But in most cases, I still prefer the convenience and amenities of staying at a hotel. If you are deciding where to stay during your next vacation, here are 5 reasons people choose to book a hotel over an Airbnb.

1. No Chores

I’m not sure about the rest of you, but the last thing I want to do on vacation is housework. While I strive to be a clean guest and always pick up after myself, I’m less than thrilled when I get a long list of chores that have to be done before checkout. And what’s worse, is that there is usually a cleaning fee on top of the to-do list. I am often left wondering what I’m paying for since I am usually the one doing the dishes, stripping the beds, throwing in a load of laundry, and taking out the trash.

However, you won’t get this when you stay at a hotel since all of these services are included in the nightly rate. It goes without saying that the property will provide clean towels and linens, spotless facilities, and cleaning services during your stay. Making a reservation at a hotel lifts the burden of chores and allows you to enjoy a break from daily responsibilities.

2. All the Amenities

Speaking of amenities, you will have access to many more of them at a hotel than in an Airbnb rental. Although I have stayed at many wonderful Airbnb properties that had toiletries, a kitchen, a fitness area, and a pool on-site, they hardly compare with what you find at a hotel. Of course, the amenities will vary between properties. But, you will be hard-pressed to find many rentals that also offer a concierge desk, spa treatments, room service, or restaurants on the premises.

You can certainly find accommodations with all these amenities through Airbnb Luxe. But, they usually come with a much higher price tag as well.

3. Easier Check-in Process

Even before you book a hotel, you know exactly where you will be staying and when you can check in. Unfortunately, Airbnb hosts usually don’t disclose these details until a few days before your arrival. There have been times people have straight-up lied about the location to get bookings. Furthermore, I have had several Airbnb stays where the hosts had very limited windows of time to meet and turn over the keys. This added unnecessary stress and a sense of urgency, especially when there were travel delays.

While some people have made it simpler with keyless entry codes, hotels usually offer a much easier check-in experience. Communication is more direct since you can find someone available at the front desk at any time of the day. And you can get a room on short notice, even if it’s the middle of the night.

Although hotels have standard check-in and check-out times, they can usually offer greater flexibility since they have more rooms in their inventory. Even if they are at capacity, they can at least hold your bags until your room is ready. This saves you the time and trouble of having to lug them around with you if you have to wait for someone to let you into your accommodations.

4. Less Chance of Mistakes or Cancellations

Airbnb has given regular people the opportunity to earn income from their private properties while also allowing travelers to experience their vacation destinations as one of the locals. However, mistakes can happen and plans can change. There have been several times when a property was double-booked or personal emergencies forced the host to cancel our reservations.

While we always got a full refund, it put us in the unfortunate situation of having to find new accommodations at the last minute. When this happens during a holiday, it leaves you with very few options, most of which are more expensive than what you had originally booked. In some instances, there were no other options available.

This is less likely to happen when you are staying at a well-known and established hotel. And even if it does happen during busy travel periods, the hotel will usually offer some type of compensation for your trouble.

5. Comparable Prices

When Airbnb first came onto the scene, travelers like myself were excited to have a more affordable option for accommodations. Many experts even thought it would disrupt the hospitality industry and cause hotels to adjust their rates. However, this has not been the case.

When you compare the final cost including taxes, guest services, and cleaning fees, the totals are about the same. And in some cities, Airbnb rentals are even more expensive than staying at a hotel.

If you are a frequent traveler, it is probably more cost-effective for you to stay at a hotel and join their loyalty program. They usually offer better discounts. And, you can earn points during your stay which can be used for free nights and upgrades to help you save even more.

To Airbnb or Not Airbnb…

With current conditions and inflation rates, it is more important than ever to save money where you can. While Airbnb does offer many benefits and more unique options for travelers, it isn’t always the most economic choice. Although there was a time when it was this budgeter’s best-kept secret, the industry has changed. More often than not, I have several good reasons to book a hotel over an Airbnb. So if your bottom line is the most important factor when booking your next vacation, do your research and explore all your money-saving options.

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7 Financial Secrets You Should Share with Your Spouse

7 Financial Secrets You Should Share with Your Spouse

Everyone has secrets. However, when you join your life and your finances with someone, there has to be absolute trust. That means that you will have to share certain things about your financial history that you may not be particularly proud of. But if you want to build a secure life together, then you have to be transparent. You don’t want a marriage built on lies. So if you are harboring any of these financial secrets, you should share them with your spouse.

7 Financial Secrets You Should Share with Your Spouse

A  2018 study in the Journal of Financial Therapy revealed that 27% of Americans kept financial secrets from their partner. However, counselors will tell you that this kind of secrecy and financial infidelity can have catastrophic consequences. Although it is a difficult topic to broach, sharing your burden can reduce your financial stress and help you grow closer as a couple. So if you are having doubts about telling your partner, here are 7 financial secrets you should share with your spouse to build an honest relationship.

1. The Full Extent of your Debt

One thing that I have seen personally seen blow-up relationships is secret debt. Usually, this happens when one partner isn’t aware of the extent of the other’s overspending and credit card debt.

If you have high balances on multiple credit cards, it can push your finances and relationship to the breaking point. But, hiding the truth won’t improve the situation. And, it will impact your spouse too if you have to declare bankruptcy. While it may be a difficult conversation, it will allow you to work together toward a solution.

2. Salary Increases and Financial Windfalls

Although it may not seem as bad as hiding your debt, hiding your financial gains is also a sign of financial infidelity. If you don’t want to share the good news with your spouse, then you need to take a careful look at your feelings and relationship. Are you worried they won’t be happy for you or will resent your success? Are you afraid it will give them a free license to go on a spending spree? Or, is there something else that makes you want to keep them in the dark? Whatever the case, if you can’t celebrate your wins, it’s a red flag in any relationship.

3. Secret Bank Accounts

Unless you are in a situation involving financial abuse, you should never keep secret bank accounts. I’m not saying that you have to join your accounts. But, you should be able to have an honest conversation about your assets. My husband and I still have separate accounts. However, we are aware of them and how much money is in each one.

When your spouse finds out that you are hiding money, it will inevitably lead to hard questions and accusations. But, you can avoid this situation altogether by being honest and upfront about your financial situation.

4. Taking a Second Mortgage

This secret is problematic for several reasons. Not only does it put your home at risk, but it also adds an additional monthly payment to your bills. And, it usually comes with higher interest rates. Taking a second mortgage without telling your spouse will have long-term repercussions on your financial plans. It requires more than a slight budget adjustment and affects both partners in the relationship.

5. Large Purchases

It’s also wise to discuss large purchases and loans with your spouse before signing anything. Having these conversations will ensure that you are on the same page. It’s a big decision that often requires financing or high-interest loans that will take years or decades to pay off. Those who continue to make large purchases without consulting their partner will find that it affects their budget and their partner’s ability to trust them.

6. Late Payments

Accidents happen, and sometimes bills don’t get paid on time. However, this isn’t a secret you can hide forever. You will continue to get late notices, penalties, or disruption of service the longer you delay.

But, you can avoid further debt by telling your partner right away. While most people won’t be thrilled, it’s better to know sooner rather than later. Otherwise, any late payments on bills with your spouse’s name will affect their credit score and financial future.

7. Your Spending Habits

While this behavior is at the root of several financial secrets, it deserves a special designation as one of the most important financial secrets you should share with your spouse. Lying about your spending habits can have devastating effects on your financial planning.

Some of the worst examples of financial infidelity that I have witnessed include:

    • hiding purchases and receipts
    • lying about how much you spend on things
    • spending money on family and friends without discussing it
    • accruing more debt without them knowing
    • wiping out their savings without their partner’s knowledge

Unfortunately, you will never have an accurate gauge of your finances if you are not truthful about your spending. Plus, most people find it impossible to trust someone who constantly lies and hides things. Not only does it undermine your relationship, but you are also putting your financial future at risk.

A Relationship Built on Trust

My mom taught me an important lesson that applies to nearly every aspect of my life, including my finances: if you have to hide it or lie about it, then you probably shouldn’t be doing it.

However, we are all human, and make mistakes. Everyone struggles, but hiding the problem only makes it worse. Instead, sharing your burden can reduce your financial stress and improve the bond you have with your partner. Although it can be terrifying to face your finances and confide your worst financial errors, it is an important step in creating a relationship built on trust. If you are not willing to take the first step and disclose these types of secrets, it will have severe impacts on your relationship and long-term financial plans.

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10 Signs You Should Rethink Buying a House

10 Signs That You Should Rethink Buying a House

Purchasing a home is one of the most important, and expensive, decisions you will ever make. So, it should be one that you carefully consider before placing any offers or putting money down on a house. If you skip inspections or rush into a decision, issues below the surface could quickly turn your dream home into a money pit. If you see any of these 10 signs before closing, you should probably rethink buying a house.

10 Signs You Should Rethink Buying a House

1. It’s a bad location.

If you live in a larger city like me, there are probably some very beautiful, older homes at great prices. However, they are in the usually in the older parts of the city that have high crime rates now. Although the home may be perfect in every other way, you can’t change the location. So, if it’s in a bad part of town or too far from work, school, stores, and restaurants, it may be better to keep looking for something more convenient that fits the bill.

2. There aren’t enough bedrooms.

Although you can expand closets and add storage space, it probably isn’t in your budget to add extra rooms to a home. If you choose to build additions, it can become very costly with the permits, contractors, and inflated cost of building materials. Therefore, you should rule out any homes that don’t have enough bedrooms.

Carefully consider how much space you will need for guests, a home office, and kids, especially if your family plans on growing. By limiting your search to houses with enough space, you can eliminate options that are too small instead of trying to condense your life into a house that doesn’t meet your needs.

3. Every room needs work.

If you have the skills to do some of your own renovations, it could save you a lot of money. And, it could get you into a home that would otherwise be above your budget.

However, if every room is a project, it may not be worth the time or effort. Depending on the extent of the work, repairs usually come with a hefty bill. Furthermore, it would mean living in a construction zone for several months, or longer. Fixer-uppers are a great opportunity for people who flip houses, but not for a family that needs something that is move-in ready.

4. It has problems with the foundation.

There is no way around this one; homes that have foundation issues will require a big-ticket fix. Each estimate and situation will vary, but it will likely cost thousands of additional dollars in repairs.

But for those who are willing to tackle the issue, it may leave room for negotiation. If you decide to proceed with an offer, make sure to leave room in your budget for the necessary repairs alongside the down payment and closing costs. And, it never hurts to leave a little extra in case there are further unpleasant surprises.

5. The doors are difficult to close.

Houses shift and settle as they age, so it’s normal to have an interior door that sticks or rubs. But, it shouldn’t be every door or become an obstacle when moving around your home.

When you have doors that won’t budge or don’t align properly in the frame, it could be a sign that the walls or floors are uneven. If it indicates that there are structural issues, then you may want to rethink buying a house and move on to the next listing.

6. The house smells.

There are several reasons why homes have odors. For example, if the previous owners were smokers, had pets, or experienced water damage, it would explain the source of strong odors. However, it also means you will have to remove the offending carpet, drywall, or subflooring.

The worst-case scenario is that the smell indicates a mold problem. Not only is this expensive to treat, but it can also be very damaging to your health.

7. It lacks curb appeal.

When you see a yard that is overgrown or landscaping in disrepair, it gives you a clear sense of how a property has been maintained. Although not true in every case, it usually means that in addition to all the updates and renovations to the interior of the house, you will have the added expense for the outside areas as well. Unless the interior is immaculate or you have an unlimited budget, it’s better to find a home that offers some curb appeal.

8. The owners won’t agree to an inspection.

Anytime someone doesn’t agree to an inspection before the sale, it’s a huge red flag. No matter what they tell you, it is standard procedure to have a professional assess the home and advise on any current or potential issues with the house.

So if they won’t let you see certain parts of the house or agree to an inspection, it’s a good sign they are hiding something. And if the owners aren’t forthcoming with the condition of the house, you never know what other details they may be withholding.

9. The house has had too many or too few owners.

When I’m looking at homes, I like to know the history of the house. If the current owner or realtor doesn’t know, you can check with your city government to find sales records and see how many owners it has had. This information can also give you some insights into the condition and upkeep of the property.

If it has changed hands several times, there is probably a good reason they wanted to get rid of it. But on the other side of the coin, if the same person has lived there for decades, it may not be up to current safety codes and require expensive updates. This is just one more reason why inspections are a crucial step in the buying process.

10. It seems too good to be true.

As the old adage goes, if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Dream homes don’t come at a discount.

It’s hard to find deals, especially under the current market conditions. So if a home is priced too low, there are other factors affecting the listing. Do your homework so you know what you are buying. And never skip the inspection. But if every option still breaks your budget, it may be wise to rethink buying a house and postpone your purchase until better opportunities come along.

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