Reasons Renting Is Better Than Buying

A lifelong goal that many citizens strive to achieve is homeownership. While many people own their own homes in today's society, this wasn't always the case. Historically, families either needed to build their own homes or rent a home from someone else. While both renting and buying have their own sets of financial advantages, renting does appear to have an edge when the economy is poor. There are tremendous financial benefits to renting as opposed to buying a house of your own. Here is a look at 10 reasons why renters have the better financial deal over homeowners.

In Retirement, Snowbirds Leave Cold Weather Behind

The ideal retirement for many people involves not only saying goodbye to the daily grind and getting the freedom to spend their days as they please, but also the opportunity to live a nomadic lifestyle and to stay where the weather is nice all year long. In the summers, this means a northern or temperate climate. In the winter, it's time to head south or perhaps for the mountains. For an increasing number of people around the world, the dream of being a snowbird that migrates according to the seasons has become a reality. 

More Affordable Than Ever

There are a variety of ways to partake of the "snowbird" lifestyle, and the way you choose to follow the sunshine will determine how much it will cost. Starting at the top end of the expense scale, some snowbirds simply purchase a second home in their desired winter retreat location. This approach creates a substantial and ongoing set of expenses that may, depending on how lavish the property is and where it is located, even surpass the costs associated with a primary residence.

Beware These Disaster-Related Scams

Superstorm Sandy is the most recent large-scale natural disaster to hit the United States. Sandy caused an estimated $25 billion in damages and left 7.5 million customers without power in 15 states along the east coast. A disaster of this magnitude means two things: people need help and con artists will try to take advantage of victims' desperation. 

Here are some of the most common natural disaster scams and how to avoid being a victim.

Identity Theft

The Federal Emergency Management Agency reports that people pretending to be FEMA or other government officials are calling or going door-to-door asking for personal information. FEMA advises citizens not to give out their social security number, banking information or other forms of identification. Crooks use this type of data to perpetrate all manner of identity theft crimes. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will go to great lengths to protect your identity. FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will not ask for personal information until the victim first contacts them. Do not respond to unsolicited phone calls or visits. Make the contact yourself.