How to save money on your housing costs with innovative solutions
and budget-friendly tips
GLOSSARY DEFINITIONS
Affordable Housing Definition
What Is Affordable Housing? Affordable housing is frequently defined as housing that is affordable based on the income of a household’s members. Housing experts in …
What Is Affordable Housing?
Affordable housing is frequently defined as housing that is affordable based on the income of a household's members. Housing experts in the United States say housing is affordable if people living in the same household spend no more than 30% of total gross income on housing.
The reason for the 30% income guideline is this theoretically should leave the household enough money left to pay for other essentials. The other 70% is available to spend on food, clothing, health care, transportation, education, and savings.
Basically, the rule means that after paying for housing costs people should have enough money to pay for all the other necessities that make life livable and enjoyable. (Oh, and let’s not forget taxes, which will also need to be deducted from gross income.)
6 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in San Diego
With a median monthly rent of $2,400 for a one-bedroom apartment, San Diego is one of the priciest rental markets in the United States. While … Read More
7 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in San Francisco
The world knows San Francisco as “Golden Gate City.” If you’re trying to rent a one-bedroom apartment at the city’s median rent of $2,995 per … Read More
10 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in Los Angeles
Home to Hollywood, great weather, the ocean, iconic theme parks, and almost 4 million people, Los Angeles remains one of the most desirable places to … Read More
7 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in Phoenix
Arizona’s capital city, Phoenix, has always attracted college students and retirees. Thanks to recent big tech investments in “The Valley of the Sun,” the land … Read More
Top 7 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in Sacramento
Sacramento is one of the more popular cities in California that is seeing a recent influx in the number of new residents. People from around … Read More
7 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in Tucson
As a sprawling metropolis of just over a million residents, Arizona’s second-biggest city, Tucson, has become an attractive destination for an increasingly diverse mix of … Read More
6 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in Miami
Miami, Florida has seen a massive rise of almost 60 percent more people moving there in 2022 compared to three years earlier. If you’re one … Read More
6 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in Tampa
Gorgeous tropical weather in a thriving bayfront city is attracting many people to Tampa, Florida. Tampa also has a strong economy and great entertainment, factors … Read More
7 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in Houston
Houston is one of the most popular cities in the United States right now. While the median rental price in the United States is $1,942 … Read More
7 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in Austin
Austin often ranks as one of the most desirable places to live both in Texas and in the United States. However, with an average monthly … Read More
7 Neighborhoods for Cheap Rent in Dallas
Dallas, Texas has become a destination for many families and young professionals. Generally considered to be one of America’s safest and most prosperous big cities, … Read More
Skoolie Living: On the Road with Author Jordan O’Donnell
Interest in skoolie living has skyrocketed! O’Donnell gives us a glimpse of life on the road promoting his new novel. Read More
When You Should (and Shouldn't) Pay Rent With a Credit Card
It’s tempting, but should you really? Beware of fees, interest charges, and credit score dangers. Read More
Why Housing Lotteries Turn to Facebook and Zoom During Pandemic
People are lining up to enter “virtual” housing lotteries. Is new technology the solution to affordable housing crisis? Read More
7 Tips for Saving Money on Homeowners Insurance
Smart tips to protect your home with affordable homeowners insurance. Save money and still get the coverage you need. Read More
7 Free Ways to Help You Save Money on Your Electric Bill
No reason to be “shocked” by your electric bill! These 7 tips will help you save money month after month. Read More
The big tech companies created plenty of good jobs. Are they now to blame for the housing shortages?
Businesses are always overjoyed to get new customers — the more the merrier. Why should the housing business be any different? Read More
Amazon's new headquarters includes a shelter for homeless families
Plus, Jeff Bezos pledges $2 billion toward homelessness and education. Read More
One of Humboldt County's (CA) top realtors talks to us about affordable housing, how to find a great realtor, and more!
Housing market predictions, public service power outages, and other factors affecting California’s real estate are some of the things we discuss in our interview with … Listen Now
Improving tenant-landlord relations! World peace to follow? New program at a California university tackles an age-old issue.
A new program hopes to improve student / landlord relations by helping them understand each other’s position. Read More
Minneapolis is changing the rules for housing. Will this help those looking for affordable housing?
Find out how housing choices in Minneapolis might change with new zoning regulations and changes to rental policies. Read More
Bernie Sanders’ $2.5 Trillion Affordable Housing Plan
It’s a lot of money, but who will pay for it and what will it achieve? Bernie reveals a few details… Read More
Just what we need: artificial delays in getting much-needed housing built
Housing made more UN-affordable by misuse of enivronmental regulations Read More
Can Home Sharing Help Ireland’s Affordable Housing Crisis? THE HomeShare Interview, Part 2
Director of Irish home share agency talks about getting her government’s attention and helping with the affordable housing crisis. Listen now! Listen Now
Don’t Let This Medicare Myth Wipe Out Your Retirement Nest Egg
What you don’t know about Medicare could cost you a small fortune. Learn how to protect your retirement dreams. Read More
Interview: Irish reality TV series about home sharing is coming soon!
Irish home share agency founder talks about consulting for new reality TV series about home sharing. Listen Now
7 Surprising Facts Anyone Entering a Housing Lottery Should Know
These housing lottery facts spotlight little-known secrets about this growing trend in housing. Millions have affordable new homes. Will you be next? Read More
Amazing! This 3D printed house was built in just 47 hours for only $10,000.
Our question and answer guide gives you all the details on this exciting affordable housing trend. Read More
Podshare: Little Privacy, Big Savings.
Housing in Los Angeles costs a fortune. Podshare lets you keep part of that fortune in your pocket! Read More
“Offbeat and Unique” Affordable Housing Solutions
In this episode, we discuss zombie properties, housing lotteries and “odd couple” sharing arrangements. Tune in now! Listen Now
How PACE Helps Seniors Save Money and Live Safely and Happily at Home
Discover the affordable housing alternative that lets seniors age in place and avoid expensive nursing homes. Read More
Find out why cohousing enthusiasts love their "intentional communities"!
Would you enjoy cohousing? If you agree that “Your neighborhood is too important to be left to chance,” you just might! Read More
Turn a school bus into a budget-friendly, tiny house? Lots of folks say “YES!”
Yearning to see the world, but low on funds? An affordable “skoolie” could help turn your travel dreams into a reality. Read More
Would You Live in a “Zombie Property?” These Might Tempt You…
With low prices and modern amenities, renovated “zombies” are becoming a favorite among bargain house hunters. Read More
How Zombie Foreclosures Haunt Homeowners
The number of zombie foreclosures reached an all-time high during the Great Recession. Could they make a comeback if the latest housing bubble pops? Read More
Free Rent in Dublin, Mansions in Vancouver, Homelessness in Seattle
What do these all have in common? We cover them all in our Affordable Housing Tips Radio Show, episode 103. Tune in now! Listen Now
Warning: Be Careful Which Home Sharing Agency You Choose
Not all home sharing agencies are alike. The customers of this San Francisco company found out the hard way. Read More
Coliving is a great idea -- but will you like it? Our big Q and A guide can help you decide.
Is coliving for you? Find out how Millennials and others are simplifying the move to the big city and making new friends along the way. Read More
Affordable Housing Lottery: 7 Tips for Winning Your New Home
Winning an affordable housing lottery is a daunting task. But these tips give you a leg up over the competition. Read More
Want to Win a Housing Lottery? Check out this Q&A Guide
You might be surprised how you could turn a housing lottery into a bargain-priced home. Read More
Homelessness in Seattle Caused by Drugs? Well, maybe not…
Homelessness in Seattle caused by drugs? Or is housing just too damned expensive? Read More
Rent Control in Oregon Signed into Law—Will Renters Benefit?
For some, rent control in Oregon seems like a good idea. But is it really? Will renters benefit and if so, for how long? Read More
Surprise! Mansions Now Among the Best Cheap Homes for Rent in Vancouver
Beer budget but champagne tastes? Not to worry — new tax laws mean some lucky folks can now afford to rent luxury homes! Read More
Could you live in a shipping container home? Check out this question & answer guide!
A shipping container home is made from what the shipping industry calls “intermodal steel building units” (ISBUs) or what most people refer to as shipping … Read More
Irish Home Share Reality Show Gives Young People Chance to Live Rent Free
Scoring a rent-free home could be a cause for celebration for young people participating in Ireland’s new TV show. There’s just one catch… Read More
Attention Students: 7 Ways a Senior Home Share Saves You Money
Are you a student? Do you have friends or family members who are students? A great way for students to save money on housing is … Read More
Home Sharing: An Affordable Housing Solution for All Ages
A great affordable housing option for some people is home sharing. Home sharing can reduce housing costs, help with the work involved in maintaining a … Read More
7 Hidden Costs of Building a Shipping Container Home
Don’t get caught off-guard by the cost of building your dream shipping container home. Check out these 7 hidden costs and prepare your budget in … Read More
Google, Shipping Containers and Government Shutdowns
In this episode, we discuss why Google is building 1,600 affordable housing units, how one hotel is using shipping containers for a portable guest experience … Listen Now
Big Bucks from Microsoft, California Sues One of Its Own
In this episode (#102) we talk about big bucks from Microsoft for affordable housing, then we move on to California’s new governor and his “carrot … Listen Now
News Roundup: Microsoft Antes Up a Half Billion Dollars for Affordable Housing
A lot has gone on in the world of affordable housing recently. First, we talk about Microsoft’s half a billion dollar investment. Then we report … Read More
News Roundup: Would You Live in a Home Built by Google?
In this news roundup, we discuss Google’s plans for affordable housing, surprising uses for shipping containers, the impact of the government shutdown on HUD housing, … Read More
The Number of ‘Super Commuters’ Explodes in America’s Housing-Starved Metros
From Reason: “A housing shortage in cities across the country is costing people more than just money. Unable to find affordable housing closer to the office, an … Read More
Golf Courses Emerge as a Fix for L.A.’s Affordable Housing Crisis
From Bloomberg CityLab: “The Rancho Park Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 71 municipal course in the affluent West L.A. neighborhood of Cheviot Hills, near Century City.” … … Read More
“Flyaway Homes” Builds Affordable Housing Fast and Cheap
From Spectrum News 1: “They once carried goods across the Pacific, but Kevin Hirai says a few walls, cabinets and plumbing transforms a shipping container into a home. ‘These … Read More
Remote work is reshaping San Francisco, as tech workers flee and rents fall
From Fox Business: “By giving their employees the freedom to work from anywhere, Bay Area tech companies appear to have touched off an exodus. ‘Why do we even … Read More
Hi, remote workers! We’ll pay you to work from Tulsa. You’re going to love it here.
From Tulsa Remote: “To be considered for the Tulsa Remote program, we ask that applicants meet all four eligibility requirements: You can move to Tulsa within 6 months. … Read More
You Can Own A Texas Tiny Home On The Water For Way Less Than A Regular House
From Narcity: “Have you ever wanted to pick up and leave your crowded city apartment for a life out in nature? I’m sure many of us have … Read More
San Francisco Residents Want To Leave
From moveBuddha: “90% of moving searches involving the San Francisco-Bay Area are people looking to leave. Over the past 6 weeks, we’ve seen an unprecedented number of … Read More
Backyard Cottages Could Be the Most Feasible Type of Housing To Build During COVID-19
From Reason: “Despite the best efforts of the California State Legislature to let homeowners convert a garage or tool shed into much-needed rental housing, many of the … Read More
10 Cheap US Cities With Gigabit Internet Remote Workers Will Love
From PC Mag: “How long have you been working from home? If it’s in a cramped, high-cost metro area like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, you … Read More
SF, Silicon Valley rents plunge amid downturn: ‘Never seen anything like it’
From San Francisco Chronicle: “The cost of renting an apartment in the Bay Area plummeted in May, as layoffs and the increased flexibility of working from home drove a … Read More
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