​Discover the pros and cons of long-term and short-term leases for renting a home as a digital nomad. Make an informed decision today!

​Short-Term Leases: Pros and Cons

Short-term leases offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages for renting a home as a digital nomad. Their flexibility is a major perk, allowing you to move frequently and explore diverse locations. This variety can enrich your experiences and offer a fresh perspective. Moreover, short-term leases require a minimal financial commitment, making them suitable for those on a tighter budget or uncertain plans.

However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks. Short-term leases often come with higher rental costs as landlords factor in the flexibility they offer. Availability can also be limited, particularly in popular destinations or peak seasons. Searching for new accommodations can be time-consuming and disrupt your work routine.

Additionally, the transient nature of short-term leases means you may have to adjust to different living environments more frequently. Despite these challenges, short-term leases are ideal for digital nomads prioritizing freedom and craving new adventures. Carefully weigh the pros and cons and align them with your personal preferences and goals to make an informed decision that suits your dynamic digital nomad lifestyle.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lease

When choosing a lease for renting a home as a digital nomad, several key factors come into play. Firstly, consider your budget and financial considerations, ensuring the rent is sustainable in your desired location. Next, evaluate your desired length of stay, as this will determine whether a long-term or short-term lease is more suitable. Flexibility requirements are crucial, as you may need the freedom to move frequently. Additionally, be aware of local laws and regulations governing leases in your chosen destination. Consider the amenities and services you require, such as reliable internet access.
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Lastly, if you require assistance with the physical move, experts from Affordable Reliable Moving Company California advise seeking advice from professional movers. They have the expertise and experience to handle the logistics of your move efficiently. Prioritize finding reliable movers who specialize in international or long-distance relocations. Research their reputation, read reviews, and compare quotes to ensure you get the best service within your budget. Communicate your specific needs to the movers, such as fragile equipment or time-sensitive deadlines. By entrusting the moving process to professionals, you can focus on other aspects of your digital nomad lifestyle, knowing that your belongings will be handled carefully and arrive safely at your new home.

Building good credit in college is one of the best financial moves students can make. Having good credit allows them to qualify for loans, rental applications, auto insurance, phone plans and can help them get a job.

Being responsible with credit is the best way to establish and improve a credit score. For college students without much credit history, there are small but important steps they can take to build up their score.

Obtaining a Student Credit Card
Some credit cards are marketed to students and others who don’t have much borrowing history. Federal laws restrict issuing credit cards to anyone under 21 unless the applicant has the independent ability to repay debt or has an adult co-signer who accepts joint liability for the account.

Student credit cards may have low credit limits, such as $1,000, but they are otherwise indistinguishable from other credit cards. They may even have features such as cash back, no annual fees and budget management tools.

Using Credit Cards Wisely
After getting a credit card, students can start using it slowly and for occasional, small purchases that can be paid for on time. This will help build credit history and help them stay out of debt.
Students shouldn’t let a new card sit in their wallet. They must use it or risk the bank closing it due to inactivity. Putting small, recurring charges on it, such as a Netflix account or other website subscription, is an easy way to maintain use at a low cost.

Students shouldn’t make any big purchases unless it’s an emergency. Having low debt levels on their credit card will allow them to have enough of a credit line available in an emergency, and will increase the credit utilization part of their credit score.

Building Credit With Student Loans
One of the last things college students want is to default on their student loans, as this affects credit.

​Borrowers should make at least the minimum payment each month and do it on time. They should borrow only what they need to go to school, instead of using the funds to buy a car or dine out. Once they graduate, they may want to consolidate their student loans to get a better interest rate.
On-time payments and paying off student loans will improve the credit score over time. If students run into problems making payments, they should contact their student loan provider and ask for forbearance. Federal student loans also offer Income-Driven Repayment plans that base payments on a borrower’s income.

The Federal Reserve increased short-term interest rates (known as the Federal Funds Rate) by 0.25% on February 1. This means the Fed Funds rate is currently 4.75%. The Prime Rate is based on the Fed Funds rate. The Prime Rate is set by large banks and is often used to determine the interest rates on lines of credit, credit cards, and business loans (see below). The formula for Prime is Fed Funds Rate + 3. This means the Prime rate is currently 7.75%. Here are four ways this could impact you:

1. MORTGAGE RATES: Mortgage rates on fixed-rate mortgages are generally not impacted by changes to the Federal Funds rate. Mortgage rates fluctuate based on the supply and demand for mortgage bonds in the bond market. The Fed has been the biggest buyer of mortgage bonds in recent years, which caused mortgage rates to go down to record levels. The Fed has since exited its bond-buying programs. That's why the average interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages doubled in the past year according to Freddie Mac's weekly survey of mortgage rates. As for adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), those rates may be impacted by the Fed rate hikes, depending on which index is being used on your ARM. Contact me for more information on this or to evaluate your current options.
   
2. HOME EQUITY LINES OF CREDIT (HELOCs): Interest rates on home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) change whenever the Fed changes rates. That's because HELOCs are based on the Prime Rate, which went up to 7.75%. HELOCs are typically quoted at Prime + a certain percentage. For example, if your HELOC is Prime + 1, your HELOC interest rate would be 8.75%. HELOC interest rates are likely to continue moving higher as the Fed continues to hike interest rates.
   
3. CREDIT CARDS: Interest rates on credit cards change whenever the Fed changes rates. That's because credit cards are based on the Prime Rate, which went up to 7.75%. Credit Cards are typically quoted at Prime + a certain percentage. For example, if your credit card is Prime + 10, your credit card interest rate would be 17.75%. Credit card interest rates are likely to continue moving higher as the Fed continues to hike interest rates.
   
4. BUSINESS LOANS & LINES OF CREDIT: Interest rates on business loans and lines of credit generally change whenever the Fed changes rates. That's because business loans and lines of credit are often based on the Prime Rate, which went up to 7.75%. Business loans and lines of credit are typically quoted at Prime + a certain percentage. For example, if your business line of credit is Prime + 3, your interest rate would be 10.75%. Business loan interest rates are likely to continue moving higher as the Fed continues to hike interest rates. 

It may seem like there’s always something going on as a homeowner, from silencing a squeaky hinge to unclogging a temperamental toilet. But many household problems can be easily fixed without calling a repair service.

​A can of WD-40, a toilet plunger and a bottle of vinegar are great basics to keep on hand for easing sticky fittings, clearing the toilet and making short work of common stains. Here are some simple fixes for common home problems that even the non-handy can handle:

Squeaky Floorboard
Banish that annoying squeak by sprinkling a little talcum powder over the noisy area and brushing it into the cracks.

Stained Tub 
Removed stubborn stains by combining equal amounts of cream of tartar and baking soda with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Rub the mixture into the stain with your fingers or a soft cloth. Let sit for a half hour, then rinse well with water.

Stuck Sliding Windows 
Loosen stuck windows by spraying a little silicon spray lubricant (found at hardware stores) onto a rag, then wiping along the tracks, whether metal, wood or plastic.
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Dry and Worn Cutting Board
Revive a worn board by warming a bottle of mineral oil (available at drugstores) in a bowl of hot water, then wiping the oil onto the surface with a soft cloth. Wipe off the excess four to six hours later.

Scuffed Linoleum 
Take care of scuff marks by rubbing the spot with white toothpaste and a dry cloth, or spraying WD-40 on a towel and rubbing lightly. Later, degrease the area with liquid dishwashing soap and water.

Poor Toilet Flush
Before you call a plumber, look for the water valve behind the toilet, on the wall or the floor. Turn it counter-clockwise as far as you can. Once it’s fully open, the tank will get its optimal water fill and power up your flush.

Torn Window Screen
If tiny tears are letting bugs in, apply clear nail polish to any tiny holes. For larger rips or tears, look for new and effective screen repair patches at the hardware store.

For $600 or so a year, plus a service fee of around $75 every time you ask for repair, a home warranty can be an inexpensive way to have peace of mind as a new homeowner.

Home warranties cover breakdowns in a home, from HVAC systems to appliances. A broken water heater can be repaired within hours, but if it can’t be fixed, a home warranty can pay for a new one to be installed.

For homeowners with an older house, they may want more things covered than a newer home would need—such as older appliances—and will likely pay more for it. If you just bought new appliances and have a manufacturer’s warranty for a year or more, you won’t need this coverage. You may be able to exclude new appliances from a home warranty to cut down on costs.

Things that can be covered by a home warranty include ductwork, electrical, plumbing, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, stoves, clothes washers and dryers, and water heaters.
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Things that are unlikely to be covered include expensive items such as septic tanks, wells, heating systems, pools, garage doors, windows and doors, sprinkler systems, pre-existing conditions, and walls. Coverage for such items may cost more. Roofs may also be exempt, though some home warranty companies sell plans to fix leaking roofs.

Consider Cost
A big factor in deciding if a home warranty is worth buying is cost. Basic coverage can start at about $300 and go up to $600 or more.

Some home warranties charge for a service call, such as $75 or so, while others allow unlimited service calls. Contractors are screened and sent out by the company.

To determine if a home warranty cost is worth it, start by learning how old your appliances and home systems are and if the original equipment manufacturer warranties still cover them. Find out what the expected lifespan of each item is to help you figure out if a home warranty is needed.

Some home warranty companies require annual maintenance on appliances and home systems to keep the warranties valid. Some may ask how long you’ve had them. Don’t expect the home warranty company to pay for the annual maintenance of your appliances or home systems.

Read the contract carefully to make sure that old appliances are covered in the home warranty. Some don’t cover old appliances, such as anything more than 10 years old.

Any home, whether old, new or somewhere in between, will have things break sooner or later. Appliances and home systems only last so long. For $50 a month or so, a home warranty can provide peace of mind when things eventually fail.

While world peace is a great idea, if you want to add a touch of calm to your life, begin with your bedroom. Your room isn’t merely the place to rest your head, it’s where you wake, and the vibe of your room can set the tone for the rest of your day. Below are five tips for bringing a peaceful vibe to your bedroom.

Choose calming colors. While red or orange may be your favorite fiery hue, when picking shades for your room, choose soothing, calm colors like light blue or a gentle gray.

Pick minimal patterns. Keep the fun, funky patterns for the living room throw pillows. Busy patterns can make us feel crowded and overwhelmed, so minimize zany patterns in your sleep space.

Clear the room of clutter. Create a sanctuary in your bedroom by keeping it clear of clutter, from laundry to oversized furniture. Spend a few minutes before bed each day storing any items you pulled out, close the closet doors, put the books back on the shelves and dive into bed with a clear head and space.

Bring in nature. Houseplants can boost mood and pump more oxygen into the room. Choose a few easy-to-care for plants, like a fern or a ficus, and place them where you can see them when you wake.
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Select the right lighting. While blackout shades can be great for blocking disruptive light, it can also negatively impact your sleep patterns by keeping your body from waking at its natural time. Find a set of blackout curtains that filter light but allow you to wake in the morning naturally.

The Internal Revenue Service has advised taxpayers that interest on a home equity loan used to build an addition to an existing home is typically deductible, while interest on the same loan used to pay personal living expenses, such as credit card debts, is not. Click here to view the announcement. Here are three examples from the announcement with updated dates:

ARE YOU USING THE FUNDS FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS?
In January 2023, a taxpayer takes out a $500,000 mortgage to purchase a main home with a fair market value of $800,000. In February 2023, the taxpayer takes out a $250,000 home equity loan to put an addition on the main home. Both loans are secured by the main home and the total does not exceed the cost of the home. Because the total amount of both loans does not exceed $750,000, all of the interest paid on the loans is deductible. However, if the taxpayer used the home equity loan proceeds for personal expenses, such as paying off student loans and credit cards, then the interest on the home equity loan would not be deductible.

IS THE LOAN ATTACHED TO THE RIGHT PROPERTY?
In January 2023, a taxpayer takes out a $500,000 mortgage to purchase a main home. The loan is secured by the main home. In February 2023, the taxpayer takes out a $250,000 loan to purchase a vacation home. The loan is secured by the vacation home. Because the total amount of both mortgages does not exceed $750,000, all of the interest paid on both mortgages is deductible. However, if the taxpayer took out a $250,000 home equity loan on the main home to purchase the vacation home, then the interest on the home equity loan would not be deductible.

ARE YOUR TOTAL BALANCES LESS THAN $750,000?
In January 2023, a taxpayer takes out a $500,000 mortgage to purchase a main home. The loan is secured by the main home. In February 2023, the taxpayer takes out a $500,000 loan to purchase a vacation home. The loan is secured by the vacation home. Because the total amount of both mortgages exceeds $750,000, not all of the interest paid on the mortgages is deductible. A percentage of the total interest paid is deductible.

Congratulations on your mortgage refinance or home purchase closing! Here is a general overview of some information that may be helpful to you and your CPA as you prepare your 2023 tax returns (the return you'll file by April 2024).

POINTS PAID ON A HOME PURCHASE IN 2023
Closing Disclosure Page 2, Section A - If the origination charges on Page 2, Section A of the Closing Disclosure include points paid to your mortgage company to reduce your interest rate, you can deduct those points in the year paid… even if they are paid by the seller. Other fees in this section (application, underwriting, processing, etc.) are NOT tax-deductible. Only bonafide points are deductible if they are expressed as a percentage of the loan amount and paid in exchange for a lower interest rate.

POINTS PAID ON A MORTGAGE REFINANCE IN 2023
Closing Disclosure Page 2, Section A - If the origination charges on Page 2, Section A of the Closing Disclosure include points paid to your mortgage company in exchange for a lower interest rate, you can deduct those points in the following manner:

• You can deduct over the life of the mortgage all points paid on the portion of the mortgage proceeds that were not used for home improvements (for example, if you refinance your mortgage to reduce your interest rate, but do not take any cash out for home improvements).
• You can deduct this year all points paid on the portion of the mortgage proceeds that were used for home improvements (if you received cash-out and are using that cash-out for home improvements). Remember, any points paid on the portion of the mortgage NOT used for home improvements must be spread out over the life of the loan. For example, assume you refinance an old $200,000 mortgage into a new $300,000 mortgage and walk away with $100,000 to be used for home improvements. In this case, 1/3 of your points are fully deductible this year and 2/3rds of your points are deductible over the life of the loan.
• As outlined above, other fees itemized in this section are NOT tax-deductible.

PROPERTY TAXES (ACTUAL AND PRO-RATED)
Closing Disclosure Page 2, Section F - Property taxes itemized in this section are generally tax-deductible in the year they are paid. However, property tax escrows in section G are NOT tax-deductible until they are actually paid by your mortgage company to the municipality (city, state, county). Keep in mind there's a cap of $10,000 in total state and local taxes (SALT) that you can deduct on your federal income tax returns.

PRE-PAID INTEREST
Closing Disclosure Page 2, Section F - Mortgage interest is calculated in arrears. This means that your monthly mortgage payment actually covers the month that just passed. For example, your February payment covers the interest for the month of January, your January payment covers the interest for the month of December, and so on. Oftentimes, when you refinance a mortgage or buy a new home, you “skip” a month’s worth of mortgage payments. That is why you sometimes pay "pre-paid interest" or “daily interest charges” in Section F of the Closing Disclosure. These daily interest charges cover the interest for the current month. If your mortgage interest is deductible, then the pre-paid interest that you pay in this section is also deductible (this will be included in the 1098 statement that you receive from your mortgage company).

PREVIOUS YEAR POINTS NOT YET DEDUCTED
You may be able to deduct the remaining portion of the original points paid on an old mortgage if you refinanced that old mortgage in 2023. For example, assume you paid points on a refinance transaction 3 years ago. You probably were not able to deduct all the points you paid in the year they were paid. Instead, you had to spread that deduction out over the 30-year life of your mortgage. So, assume you’ve deducted 3/30ths of those points so far, and you refinanced your mortgage again in 2023. You can now deduct the remaining 27/30ths of those old points that you have not yet deducted.

PRE-PAYMENT PENALTIES
A pre-payment penalty paid on an old loan would be deductible on your 2023 tax returns as long as the new loan was taken out from a different lender than the old loan.

OTHER CLOSING COSTS
Closing costs not mentioned above are not tax-deductible. However, they are added to your “tax basis” for purpose of calculating your capital gain when you sell the property. In other words, you may be able to reduce your capital gains tax (if applicable) when you sell the property in the future because your home purchase closing costs get added to your cost basis.

DISTINCTION BETWEEN A QUALIFIED RESIDENCE AND AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY
Everything mentioned above pertains to a mortgage transaction involving a primary home or vacation home that is elected as a “qualified residence” for tax purposes. If your transaction involved an investment property, see IRS Publication 527.​

​STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNTS FOR 2023 TAX RETURNS:

• $27,700 for married taxpayers filing a joint return.
• $13,850 for single taxpayers.

​Source: Momentifi