Furniture on rent for students in Delhi and NCR

Once students shift to Delhi to take admission colleges here, there are a lot of things to be taken care of. One of these, is arranging for a place to stay. It is difficult to manage your accommodation here. 

Well, if you get in hostel good for you. But there are high chances that you don’t get in a hostel due to limited numbers of seats in University’s hostel. Nevertheless, a large number of University’s crowd rent flats and it would not be difficult to guess that this business is thriving. However, often it happens that the land owners term their flats as ‘furnished’ and they offer their flats for extremely high rates. And it is really unlikely for a student to afford such expensive apartments. 

See, the only indicator of a ‘fully furnished’ flat is complete set of furniture. What you can do in this case is rent an unfurnished apartment, which will cost you almost 50 to 65 per cent less. Then you can rent furniture that suits your taste and fits right by your daily needs. 

Renting furniture saves you a lot of money. You don’t have to spend thousands of bucks on a well, ‘A fully furnished flat’ every month. The furnished flats have sofa sets, beds, chairs, etc. And that’s perfect for a family but for a student it’s really not required.  Be smart, pay for what you need and save.

One size fits all. You'll find every sort of crowd here and the most common thing among every student has is they all have different taste. Someone likes to have a full size bed, while some prefer just a mattress on the floor. A lot of people will need just a ground floor table to study and on other hand a few won't have it without a study table. That’s the kind of liberty you have when you opt for renting furniture. You choose what you like not what your land lord offers you.

If you think students at University keep themselves preoccupied with only studies all day long, I must say you’ve got the half picture only. They also actively participate in social issues, theaters, students’ politics and they love to be ahead in every game. That’s how they groom their overall intellect. And speaking of furniture, it wouldn’t hurt to flaunt off your flat with the latest trend. Renting provides you with that option. You can change the furniture whenever you want, unlike the ones that come with the furnished apartments. You're bound to use them until you shift or relocate.

Taking unnecessary stress for purchasing furniture, getting it home, maintaining it, packing unpacking it whilst you relocate is just unreasonable. Renting furniture spares you this apprehension.

There’s no point in debating whether to buy or rent furniture, the latter one is always going to end up with more perks, for it is highly cost efficient. Be smart about getting furniture.

Resource : https://furniturerentalnews.wordpress.com/2017/01/30/furniture-on-rent-for-students-in-delhi-and-ncr/

Family starting over after fire

Area tribute artists are banding together to help one of their own after a night-time fire ravaged the home of the Empey family in Princeton earlier this month.

Terry and Paula Empey and their adult daughter Jessica were asleep when a chimney fire got into the walls of their house and ended up destroying most of their belongings. Son Josh wasn't home that night.

"We lost about 90 per cent of the house," says Paula Empey, "and the rooms that weren't burned have black walls and water damage."

Terry Empey is a George Strait tribute artist who often performs with other tribute artists in the area.

Led by Brantford's Geph Mitchell, an Elvis tribute artist, the entertainers are hosting a Valentine-themed fundraiser to show a little love to the Empeys.

"Terry's been doing shows with me for several years and is one of those people who would do anything for you," says Mitchell. "He always helps when I do tribute shows."

The family had been renting the Princeton home for three years but had recently changed insurance companies. They agreed to move renter's insurance to the new company and say they had the unfinished paperwork for the insurance on a desk in the house when the fire occurred.

And, says Empey, to make matters even worse, her husband's grandfather, who was ailing, died just a few hours before the fire.

But the family is safe and, although two cockatiels were lost in the fire, the other Empey family pets - a chocolate lab, a chihuahua, and a mother cat and two kittens, were all rescued.

"We couldn't find one of the kittens but at the end of the day I felt like I had to go back to the house to try and find laundry soap and when I walked through what had been the living room to the laundry room, I heard a small meowing."

Empey found the kitten with ice on it's paws and tail but, she said, within an hour in the warmth of their temporary quarters, it was back to normal.

"We've been so overwhelmed with how people want to help us out," she said. Nearby neighbours "adopted" the family while they were still outside the burning house in their winter coats and pyjamas and offered the three Empeys shelter in a basement apartment.

"People have offered to give us things but our problem is we have no storage space," says Empey. "The landlord is rebuilding the house so any money that's raised will go toward getting some new furniture to replace what's lost. We saved the kitchen table, which is heavy wood, but we're going to have to start fresh, like we're in our teens again."

The fundraiser for the couple is set for Feb. 11, starting at 7 p.m. at the Army Navy Airforce Club, 645 Colborne St. Music begins at 8 p.m. and Mitchell is promising tribute artists doing numbers from Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline, Connie Francis and himself, as Elvis Presley.

"I've been getting calls from others who want to perform so it will be like an open mike for tribute artists, plus we'll have raffles, food and a 50/50 draw.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or by calling 519-750-5779 or 519-759-3503.

There will also be a fundraising dance held in Woodstock on Feb. 25 to support the family. That event is at the Unifor Hall starting at 8 p.m. and tickets are also $10.

SGamble@postmedia.com

@EXPSGamble
Resource :http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2017/01/29/family-starting-over-after-fire

Start The New Year Off Right: How To Reorganize Your Apartment/House

A new year brings along new resolutions and you have got to start right away in order to really start changing and forming new habits. So how can you start the New Year off right? By reorganizing your home!

Turn over a new leaf and get your home into fighting shape for the new school year and the spring semester!

Feng Shui

We have all heard of feng shui but what does it really mean? What does it really entail? How can you try it out or see if it works for you? What will it do for you?

According to HGTV, “Feng shui — which literally translates to “wind and water” — is the ancient Chinese art of placement. The goal is to enhance the flow of chi (life force or spiritual energy), and to create harmonious environments that support health, beckon wealth, and invite happiness.”

The placement of your belongings is supposed to be about finding equilibrium and achieving balance between the concepts of yin and yang. Whatever balance you might need in your life from money, career, health, you name it, you can try and attain via feng shui.

Vogue offers some feng shui tip for beginners that you can use to get started:

1. Clear the Clutter

2. Open the Door to Positive Energy

3. Pick Up a Plant

4. Take Command in Bed (By moving your bed’s location)

5. If it’s Broke, Fix It

6. Draw Outside the Lines

7. Leave the Water Running

8. Put Down the Seat

Fun Accessories

As college students, there usually is not a lot of money to spare. We scrimp, we scrounge, we work jobs while going to school, we take out student loans, we go into debt. We are on our way (if we are not already) to being self-sufficient and often every dollar counts. We tell ourselves we do not have the fund for fripperies. Home decoration? Who needs it! The furniture we buy is often used, hand me downs passed down from college student to college student as they graduate and move on. None of it matches and it has definitely seen better days. We get only the furniture that we feel we absolutely need. A bed and a sofa? Who needs both when you can get two rolled into one in the form of a futon?

But sometimes having a bare or even, dare I say it, shabbily, decorated apartment can be a real downer. We often do not realize how much our surroundings affect us. If your surroundings are drab, it can make you feel drab. Sometimes it is worth the time and money to help you feel better and make your home a place that you want to spend time in.

From reupholstering your furniture to putting art up on the walls, there are so many options for you to customize where you live. It is also possible to do all this and stay within a budget. You can make your own decorations, buy cheap furniture and re-paint it, scope out art and other goodies at local thrift and second-hand stores. There are a lot of possibilities for you to explore to make where you live feel less like a house and more like a home.

Storage

By now, you have probably been living in your current house or apartment for a couple of months. Even if you have not, you have at least unpacked. And one thing that is always in short supply in a home is a place to put things!

By now, you have been moved in long enough to know that you need more storage space. Not enough bookshelves for your books so you have to make piles on the floor? Not enough space in your bathroom cupboard so you have to leave items cluttered on your bathroom counter? Too much clothing to stuff into your chest of drawers and closet? Now is the time to rectify the situation.

Being in a cluttered environment and not having a place to put things can lead to stress. And, well, college is a stressful enough time without that added on top, right? Do what you can while you have the opportunity to fix what is going on in your house and fix all the clutter. Re-organize and see if you have things to get rid of to make what belongings you have fit their container.

After that, if you cannot make everything squeeze, splurge and get the furniture and storage containers that you need. Sometimes it is the little things that can help you make your semester and schooling more successful and just plain easier.

Resource :http://www.uloop.com/news/view.php/225062/Start-The-New-Year-Off-Right-How-To-Reorganize-Your-ApartmentHouse

AFFORDABLE, FIRST WORLD OFFICES FOR START-UPS, SMEs

 GOOD news for start-ups and Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) as they can now rent affordable and first world offices at an hourly, daily, monthly short and long term rate at the capital city.

 GOOD news for start-ups and Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) as they can now rent affordable and first world offices at an hourly, daily, monthly short and long term rate at the capital city.

The ingenious office solution, first of its kind, has been introduced by The Hive, a company that stems from Velekhaya Investments which won the 2008/2009 Entrepreneur of the Year Award (EYA). 

The Hive General Manager Gcinekile Motsa said this was in response to hurdles faced by most start-ups and SMEs, to have a decent and affordable working office.

“We are basically a start-up facility. We offer companies to come and start-up with us at a minimum fee,” she said during an interview at the company premises at The New Mall opposite Woolworths.

Motsa said they have three service offices or private offices which could be rented on a weekly or monthly basis. The offices only opened on Monday, but already there are a number of clients that have been hosted by the facility.

“You rent out an office at your own time length jurisdiction and lock it. It comes equipped with furniture, including desks, chairs and a telephone line. We also offer services such as receptionist, so your phone or messages if you are not around are handled by the receptionist,” she further stated.

pays

The general manager said the tenant only pays for telephone usage and copying and printing as side cost.

Adding, she said they also have co-working space or hot desking which is an open plan set up. Unlike a traditional office, co-working spaces consist of members who work for a range of different companies, ventures, and projects.

“This is a concept of working flexibly with other people, who likewise wish to share a workplace on a temporary basis and while doing so exchange ideas and experiences with others,” she said.

Motsa said the core-working space was more affordable because it is an open plan setting. She said this plan could be rented hourly, daily, weekly and monthly.

“For E60 an hour you can come in, we can help you set up, connect to the internet and work within our premises. If your hour elapses and you feel you still need to continue working, you can add another hour.

“But, if you take one hour for a day, you don’t have a reserved space. If you take it for a week that is when you can get your dedicated work station,” said Motsa.

 She said SME based solutions were critical for the economy.

“Job security in Swaziland is bad, so SMEs are basically what is going to boost our economy. We are here to say SMEs must come out and network at an affordable rate in a very decent place,” she said.

The company also leases a boardroom which is also charged hourly, daily, weekly and monthly.

“At our boardroom, we don’t charge businesses for food. They are flexible to bring their own food based on their affordability and they can use our utensils for free. But then, if you need catering we can discuss your preferences and then charge you based on that,” she said.

spacious

With regards to those renting space, the facility boasts a spacious kitchen for tenants. Part of the tenant’s package includes free access to the internet.

Motsa said two of their private offices were already booked and they were still working on other pending bookings.

“We are really looking at expanding to other towns. In time, we will be doing incubation, we are looking at partnering with a number of other organisations and look at how we can enhance our youngsters and build a culture of entrepreneurship. This can go a long way in as far as economic growth is concerned,” she said.

She said this was the easiest way to start up.

“We have eliminated the hustle for facilities and for setting up IT infrastructure,” said the general manager.

She said they would also assist start ups with trading licences as well as provide a consultant to assist them with account record to enhance their compliance to the Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA).



...It’s a perfect place - first tenants

MEANWHILE, two of the tenants who had already secured private offices at The Hive, Mdeni Zwane and Daniella Mastracci have commended the concept.

“This is a convenient and ready to go set up for start ups. You have a space, you have a receptionist and you have a phone and internet access. So it makes it easy to set up, you don’t have to do it for yourself, it’s already done for you. One of the advantages for this set up is that you have different individuals working for different companies. There is an opportunity to share concerns, it’s a collaborative space,” said Mastracci.

She is a marketing consultant and she develops marketing strategies for organisations across Africa. She works in Swaziland and East Africa including Uganda and Tanzania. She is also an independent consultant who runs an association for women in social enterprises across Africa.

She said her experience from using the office space was fantastic. “It’s great seeing everyone coming in and there is a lot of interest going forward,” she said.

Adding, Zwane said from a business point of view, the place was just awesome.

He said before he was based at Matsapha, but couldn’t let this opportunity pass the moment he learnt about it.

“When someone comes to speak with you in such a set up for business, there is no way you can be taken lightly,” he said with a smile of contentment.

Zwane said so far everything was good and the staff and management were very professional.



“If this idea can be implemented across the country, this can result to new businesses as most people who have the business mindset end up not implementing their ideas due to facility barriers. Also if you look at the traffic coming in, there are a lot of opportunities to get coaches, mentors and networks,” he said.

Resource : http://www.observer.org.sz/business/85648-affordable-first-world-offices-for-start-ups-smes.html

How to Change Utilities When Moving

Power and Water and TV, Oh My!

So you’ve picked out the perfect new home, started packing your belongings, and hired a reputable moving company. What’s left on your moving checklist? Moving your utilities!

Don’t forget – just like your boxes and furniture, you have to bring your services to your new home as well! Forgetting to transfer or cancel and set up power, water and other services could leave you with stress on your moving day, or worse, expensive past-due bills. It only takes a few phone calls and a little bit of organization to quickly and efficiently handle the transfer of utilities.
Get Organized

You’ll want to begin arranging for the cancellation and reconnection or transferal of utilities about two weeks in advance of your moving day. This gives you enough lead-time to schedule any in-person appointments that may be necessary. Start by making a checklist of the services that will need taking care of. Some common ones you may have to cancel or transfer include:

    Power
    Water
    Cable
    Internet
    Telephone
    Gas
    Home Security
    Waste Removal

Prepared with your list of utilities to move, your next step should be to check on options in your new home. If you’re moving into an apartment or condo complex, the leasing office should be able to provide you with a list of which utilities service the buildings. If your new home is a single family home, the previous owners, your new neighbors, or even your real estate agent may be able to give you advice.

One factor to remember: Some states have deregulated electricity and natural gas services. This means you may have a choice of multiple providers and service plans – some with significant monetary or environmental savings. Be sure to look into this before you sign up.

If you are only moving a short distance, it is likely you will be able to keep some of the same service providers. This makes things especially simple, as you will only need to transfer the utility to a new address – you will be able to keep the same account and should not have to pay any cancellation or start-up fees.
Calling providers

You will need to have your account information on hand when contacting utility companies, so gather your account number, password, and other personal information (home address, social security number) before you begin making calls.

You’ll want to ask each provider a few key questions:

    What are the charges for canceling or starting service?
    Will someone need to be present at the home when utilities are switched off or on?
    If you paid a deposit when starting service, how do you get that money back?
    How should you deal with leftover equipment? (cable box, Internet modem)

Also, be sure to give your new address for any final bills or notices, and while you’re in the process of transferring utilities, complete the necessary change of address forms with the postal service in case anything does get sent to your old home. You don’t want to miss out on important statements and subsequently be charged late fees.
Tips to save money and avoid stress

The process of switching your utilities to a new home isn’t complicated, but there are actually some ways to make it go even more smoothly – and save yourself some money in the process.

Here are our top tips:

    Arrange a final reading of the gas, electric and water meters to get the most accurate usage date for your last bill. Keep a copy of this reading and compare to your final bill. When you receive the final invoice from the utility, check to be sure it reflects both the final reading and your actual move-out date, to ensure you weren’t overcharged for any days of service post-move.
    If moving into an apartment, check if any of your utilities are provided or pre-established by the building; services such as trash collection and water sometimes are included in the cost of rent or homeowners association fee. Not doing so could mean setting up certain services unnecessarily, or even double paying.
    Moving is a good time to do a “gut-check” on the utilities you currently pay for. Is there anything you can cut out of your monthly expenses by opting out of a utility completely or settling for a lower package? For example, do you still need a home phone? Is cable television really the right option? Moving is the perfect time to reevaluate your needs, and perhaps choose not to install a cable package at your new place.
    Moving is also an ideal time to ask a utilities provider for a discount! Does the preferred provider in certain condo communities offer a deal for new residents? Are there any specials for new customers? Will they waive certain fees if you sign up for auto-bill-pay or paperless billing? Many providers have these offers available, but they are not always advertised.
    Save yourself a headache on moving day by timing your utility cancellations and start-ups just right. Essentials, like power and water, should be kept on at your old place until after the moving van pulls away, and pre-established at your new place by the time you arrive. No one wants to be finishing up packing in the dark, or unpacking with no air conditioning! The non-essentials, including television service, can wait a day or two for installation. No matter how much you love your TV, we recommend you don’t schedule installation on the day of your move-in – it would be such a hassle to be stuck waiting for and working around a service provider when you’re also managing a moving truck.
    Lastly, this tip won’t save you money, but if less moving stress is what you’re after, there may be concierge-style moving help in your area that deal with utility switches and other services for you. Some movers now offer this service, either for a fee or as a free incentive to their customers.

Frequently asked questions for utilities
Can I keep my same utilities and other services?

Maybe. It depends on whether you’re still in the same service area for your services. If you’re buying a house, your real estate agent can tell you the providers in your area. If you’re renting, your landlord can tell you. It’s just one of those things to do before moving, so be sure to put checking on utilities on your moving to do list.
Will I have to pay a deposit?

If you’re keeping your same providers, probably not. If you’re signing up for new service, you might – depending on your credit and other factors.
When should the timing be for moving utilities?

When moving to a new city or just across town, you should allow a small overlap. You don’t want to move out or move in without electricity or water. Internet and TV service is a luxury, and you might not be able to get either done beforehand if you’re moving a longer distance.
My real estate agent says energy at my new home is deregulated. What does that mean?

In parts of some states, electricity and/or natural gas service is deregulated, meaning you have your choice of energy providers. This allows you to shop for the energy deal you want in those areas.
Anything else I should do?

Double check to make sure your old utility has your new address, especially when moving to a new city. You don’t want that last bill to be hanging around ruining your credit because it didn’t get to you. And you might even be due a refund of your deposit.

Resource : https://www.goodcall.com/moving/changing-utilities/

Four simple home improvements to consider pre-sale

The housing market has reached an all-time high in many cities making it a great time for homeowners to consider selling. If you’re thinking of getting on the bandwagon, you’re surely looking to maximize your return. Have a look at these smart pre-sale renovation tips to boost your home’s value and attract the right potential buyers.

Change up the paint colors

One of the quickest and easiest ways to spruce up a room is to paint the walls. Avoid bright colors and stick to a neutral palette that is less distracting to potential buyers. Whites, off-whites, greys, and beiges are best and work with almost any furniture and décor. A fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective way to change the design of a room and helps potential buyers visualize what their own furniture will look like in the space.

Clear out clutter

A messy home is a deterrent to a potential buyer. Clean up and clear out everything that you don’t use daily. If necessary, rent a storage unit to temporarily hide all the things you want to keep. Consider donating what you no longer need or selling the items online. Remove personal items like photos and portraits, and décor items that may not appeal to the style preferences of potential buyers. The more neutral the space, the easier it is for buyers to envision themselves making it their own.

Upgrade the kitchen

We spend a lot of time in the kitchen so it’s important that it’s both functional and beautiful. Upgrading your kitchen including replacing leaky faucets, outdated cabinet hardware and old light fixtures with more modern styles will help increase your home’s worth. If you have the means, consider replacing appliances with energy-efficient models.

Add a bathroom

Adding an additional bathroom, especially if your home currently only has one, is a great way to realize an immediate rise in your home’s value. Look for underused space like closets or the area under the stairs to renovate. Whatever your renovation needs, the range of above-the-floor products available from Saniflo are water-efficient, cost-effective solutions for installing a full bath, half-bath or powder room. For example, the SANICOMPACT is a small, all-in-one toilet and pump unit that can be easily installed in one day without breaking the concrete and is ideal for a half bathroom. Or, consider the SANITOP, a quiet macerating pump system that’s ideal for installing a toilet and sink in small spaces.

Resource : http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/ur/story/1225864

Hope for the Future

Never grow up.

All of your childhood you hear it, yet all of your childhood is spent in ignorant anticipation of doing just that.

Reaching double digits on your 10th birthday, becoming a teenager, getting your driver’s license, being the “big bad high school senior,” going to college and one day having a job and a family and reaching the top-tier status of adult.

All of these lifetime achievements are exciting to think about as a kid, but then it all happens. Before you know it, you’re sitting in your dorm room, one year from graduating college, and you realize that all those events have long passed, and the next step is the culmination of your childhood daydreams: adulthood. All of a sudden, the day you simply could not wait for as a child is here, but it is not as spectacular as you had imagined. The dream now seems more like a nightmare.

You need to get a house and pay for it all by yourself. You need to eat and pay for it all by yourself. If a spouse and kids were part of your plan, you need to somehow find the love of your life if you haven’t already, marry them and get your family started. And speaking of family, remember the one back home that you grew up with your entire life and love so much? Well good luck ever seeing them again. Everything you have ever known comes crashing down, and you can’t help but think of that age-old advice you so foolishly ignored and ask, “Why did I ever grow up?”

Okay, that may be a little dramatic, but the idea of entering into a brand new time of your life can be daunting. I know I’ve spent many a night lying awake freaking out about leaving home, and my cat, forever. But I’ve recently made a step that has helped me calm down. This semester I am living off campus, and I am loving it. Sure, it’s only been a few weeks. Sure, I’m renting a place with my brother. Sure, I don’t have the stresses of a career and family. But that’s okay. This step, as small as it may seem, has already helped me realize that maybe it’s not so scary after all. Finding a nice, inexpensive place to live wasn’t that hard; paying rent and bills aren’t that scary; getting furniture wasn’t that expensive and grocery shopping was actually pretty fun (especially since I got to pick what I bought). Making the move out of a place that has been paid for, whether it’s my dad’s house or a dorm room, and into a place that is my responsibility to pay for and take care of has eliminated one of the mysteries that makes that jump into adulthood so intimidating. I know that renting an apartment in college is not what life is going to be like once I graduate, but if I can rent and furnish an apartment and go grocery shopping, then maybe I can do all of those other things too.

Next time you’re lying in bed hyperventilating because you aren’t ready to move on, just remember: you’ve made it this far and you’ve passed all those other milestones, what’s one more? Keep on forging ahead in life, and try to be excited about it, like when you were a kid who couldn’t wait to reach double digits.

Resource : http://thelink.harding.edu/the-bison/hope-future

14 Ways Retirees are Making Money

If you’re like many retirees, you could use a little extra money to get by, beyond your retirement savings and Social Security. Or maybe you’re just looking for ways to stay busy and to make a bit of extra cash in the process. Either way, these 14 options are a great way to earn some money while doing something you enjoy:

1. Dog walking. Walking dogs is a great way to stay fit, and many working individuals and families simply don’t have time to give their pets the exercise they need. Dog walkers can charge $15 to $25 an hour, per dog.

2. Selling crafts. Websites like Etsy.com have exploded the market for handmade goods of all sorts in the past few years. While it takes a lot of work to make a full-time living selling crafts, many retirees, stay-at-home moms and 9-to-5 workers turn their hobby into part-time income by selling crafts online. Whether you love to knit scarves, hand-quilt throws or throw pottery, there’s an online market for your craft.

3. Tutoring. Retired teachers aren’t the only ones with potential tutoring skills. If you’re good in math, reading or other basic skills, tutoring could be a lucrative option. Advertise your independent tutoring services through word-of-mouth or Craigslist, or join an online tutor-finding service like Wyzant. Another option is to sign up with a local non-profit that pays tutors for their services.

4. Antique selling. If you love shopping for antiques, collectibles or other unique finds, consider shopping for them and then reselling them. Cruise estate and garage sales to find great deals, which you can turn around and sell on eBay or Craigslist at a profit.

5. Handyman services. If you’re good with a wrench and know your way around crown molding, consider advertising your handyman services. Your state may require that you become licensed, especially for certain types of work, so check with your state’s contractor licensing board to get started.

6. Consulting. Engineers, scientists, management experts and others can all form careers as consultants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consultants in management make a median annual wage of $75,250, but you can also consult part-time for a high hourly fee. Turning your one-time profession into consulting jobs may be easier and more lucrative than you’d think.

7. Elder care. If you’re still healthy and mobile yourself, consider spending time with older folks who need help with everyday activities. Elder care can involve basics like running errands or giving a shut-in some regular company, or more involved activities like basic hygiene and nursing. Either way, this can be a fulfilling option.

8. Babysitting. On the other end of the spectrum, you could spend time caring for kids. As long as you’ve got the energy to keep up with little ones, you could offer all day or after school care for local children or even your own grandchildren. Just be sure to get and stay up to date on the latest nutrition and safety recommendations.

9. Renting extra space. Maybe you don’t really want to have a job, but have extra space in your home that you don’t need. Consider taking on a renter in your spare room or basement. If you’re traveling a lot during retirement, you could also rent your whole home out for short-term vacations.

10. Blogging. Starting a blog is a great way to share your passion with the world, while making some extra money. There are plenty of online resources to teach you how to start, run and monetize a blog on just about any topic that interests you.

11. Temp work. If you’d like to work sometimes and not others, consider signing up for temporary work. As employers seek to cut costs, many are hiring temporary workers to fill a myriad of roles. Temp jobs can let you experience lots of different types of work during retirement.

12. Gardening. If you love growing fruit and vegetables, consider selling your extra produce at farmer’s markets. Heirloom produce is in high demand right now. Another option is to grow perennials that need to be split each year. Each time you split your plants, you can sell the extras to aspiring gardeners.

13. Tour or museum guide. If you’re a local history buff or love the arts, consider finding opportunities to be a local tour guide or museum guide. You could even start your own local tour business, if your area is frequented by travelers.

14. Furniture updating. Upcycled furniture is all the rage today, but some people simply don’t have the time to spray paint and decoupage old pieces to give them new life. Retirees could upgrade old pieces of furniture and sell them online or locally, or offer their services for custom furniture upgrades.
Follow Rob Berger on Twitter: www.twitter.com/doughroller

Resource : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rob-berger/14-ways-retirees-are-maki_b_11496418.html

Rent-A-Center, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2016 Earnings Call and Webcast

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rent-A-Center, Inc. (NASDAQ/NGS:RCII) today announced it will host a conference call on Tuesday, February 14th, 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss fourth-quarter results slated for release following the market’s close on February 13th. Residents of the United States and Canada can listen to the call by dialing (800) 399-0012. International participants can access the call by dialing (404) 665-9632. Live audio of the conference call will also be available on the company’s investor relations website at http://investor.rentacenter.com. A replay will be available beginning February 14th at 11:30 a.m. ET.

A rent-to-own industry leader, Plano, Texas-based Rent-A-Center, Inc. is focused on improving the quality of life for its customers by providing them the opportunity to obtain ownership of high-quality, durable goods such as consumer electronics, appliances, computers, furniture and accessories, under flexible rental purchase agreements with no long-term obligation. The Company owns and operates approximately 2,600 stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico, and approximately 2,000 AcceptanceNOW kiosk locations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Rent-A-Center Franchising International (previously ColorTyme, Inc.), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a franchisor of approximately 230 rent-to-own stores operating under the trade name of “Rent-A-Center,” “ColorTyme,” or “RimTyme.”

Contacts

Rent-A-Center, Inc.
Maureen Short, 972-801-1899
Interim Chief Financial Officer
maureen.short@rentacenter.com

Resource : http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170123005946/en/Rent-A-Center-Announces-Fourth-Quarter-2016-Earnings-Call

Owning assets no longer sign of prosperity and businesses are making most of the rental economy, writes Kunal Doley

Online rental start-ups like FunStation and Eves24 are giving a renewed push to a market that was, till about a few years ago, confined only to products such as cars and electronic items.

 MUMBAI-BASED Kashyap Shah, a self-confessed Lego enthusiast, was once wandering in a toy store in the city to buy a set of the cult interlocking plastic construction kits when he realised that despite their global appeal and acceptability, Lego sets have become more and more expensive over time—today, a Lego set can sell for anywhere between R7,000 and R40,000 in India. After considerable research, the 31-year-old entrepreneur found out that there wasn’t one online toy library in the country that exclusively stocks Lego kits.

That was in 2014. A year later, Shah launched FunStation, a unique Lego-renting website that allows one to rent small and large Lego sets for a monthly membership fee and a fixed refundable deposit. “FunStation was born out of an idea to do something different related to children’s education and toys, and Lego is the best learning tool for kids,” says Shah, an engineer by education.

Currently, FunStation has close to 500 registered users. “It’s a new concept and people need time to understand it. But it’s slowly and gradually picking up. Till date, we have shipped over 400 Lego sets,” Shah adds.

Similar is the story of Eves24, a start-up offering unique jewellery solutions that enable women, among others, to rent out authentic gold and diamond jewellery against a security deposit. Sometime back, when Rahul Banka, its founder, was getting ready for a cousin’s wedding reception, he heard his aunt lamenting the fact that she would have to wear her emerald and pearl set once again, having worn it three weeks earlier for another wedding. “The desire of women to look their best is nothing but natural, especially at social events, festive occasions, weddings and parties,” says the Mumbai-based Banka, a chartered accountant by qualification. Thus was born the idea of providing a one-stop jewellery solution to Indian women—one that doesn’t cost much. Banka founded the website in July last year after quitting his job with Centrum Capital in 2013, where he was vice-president, investment banking. He also bootstrapped the venture.

Not just cars, electronics

Online rental start-ups like FunStation and Eves24 are giving a renewed push to a market that was, till about a few years ago, confined only to products such as cars and electronic items. Digitisation and the e-commerce boom have fuelled rental e-commerce and turned it into a mature market. The affordable availability of short-term utility, as well as luxury items, has helped in creating more acceptance for rented goods among Netizens.

In March this year, auto major Mahindra & Mahindra launched an online platform called Trringo, aiming to do for the tractor market what Ola and Uber have done in the car rental segment. The company has set up this venture as a start-up for farmers to rent tractors and equipment and in which it will invest upwards of R10 crore. “The drive to do this came from the fact that 80% of farmers in India are small and marginal, and for many, owning a tractor is a dream. So the question was how to reach out to these small farmers. That’s when we started uncovering the realities of informal renting practices in India,” says Arvind Kumar, CEO, Trringo.

Trringo works on a physical-digital model. Through the physical model, it has set up franchisee-owned rental centres, where tractors and a range of equipment are available. There is also the facility of training drivers on the correct usage of tractors and equipment. “As for the digital model, we have a call centre and an app-based order generation mechanism, making it convenient for the farmer to order from anywhere. A back-end system tracks orders, collects data, gives reporting and analytics on usage, and optimises utilisation of machinery,” explains Kumar.

Trringo’s current reach extends to Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat, where it has around 13 operational centres. “In Karnataka, we also have an MoU with the state government that allows franchisees 75% subsidy on purchase of equipment worth R50 lakh. We are in talks with the governments of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh too. We have served around 3,000 farmers so far and plan to reach 20,000 farmers by the end of the year with 165 hubs,” adds Kumar.

Why own when you can rent?

The idea is more about accessibility as opposed to ownership. “The majority of Gen-Y is not sure about where they are going to be in the next one year or so. When the future is not certain, it makes sense to rent rather than buy, as there is no commitment involved and you can return the products when you no longer need them,” says Harshwardhan Raikwar, co-founder and CEO of Guarented, an online marketplace for renting consumer durables based in Bengaluru.

“Today’s generation of consumers do not want to invest in assets, but like to invest in experiences. They are frequently shifting jobs and moving cities. So it becomes increasingly difficult for them to own and transfer assets. We are essentially trying to solve this problem by giving them a reliable and affordable option of renting the best-quality home appliances,” says Raikwar, who, along with former IIT-Kharagpur batchmates Abhimanyu Dikshit and Prateek Agarwal, launched Guarented in November last year after they found themselves in a soup when one of their flatmates had to leave the house, which they had furnished themselves. “This gave us the idea to build an ‘AirBnB’ for the stuff that makes a house a home,” he adds.

Ajith Mohan Karimpana, founder-CEO of Furlenco, an online furniture rental start-up based in Bengaluru, had a similar predicament. “I was working as the VP for Goldman Sachs in the US and while moving back to Bengaluru, I had to sell my furniture worth $5,000 for little over $300 on sale. That’s when I first experienced the perils of relocation—having to sell furniture,” says the former employee of Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.

“And to my dismay, I had to once again go through the harrowing experience of buying furniture from local vendors in Bengaluru. This is when it became clear to me that there is an opportunity to introduce a ‘rental furniture’ concept in India,” adds Karimpana. As a result, Rent Ur Duniya was born (later rebranded to Furlenco) in 2012.

As part of its services, Furlenco rents out premium furniture with matching furnishings and decor on a monthly subscription fee. The service also includes free doorstep delivery and installation, making it extremely convenient and hassle-free to furnish your home. It promises delivery within 72 hours of an order being placed with the flexibility to swap/return furniture annually based on need. The start-up has shipped $20 million worth of furniture till date to over 15,000 homes. Furlenco recently closed a large fund raise consisting of $15 million of equity led by Lightbox Ventures and Axis Capital, and $15 million of debt from banks, NBFCs, individuals and family offices for a total haul of $30 million.

As in e-commerce, fashion is a much sought after category in rentals as well. Sahyujyah Shrinivas, founder and CEO of online fashion rental platform LibeRent, says her start-up has been growing at 20% month-on-month since it launched in August 2014. “Our business model is simple: we source outfits, both western and ethnic, with accessories from designers and boutiques, among others, and rent them at just 10% of the retail price,” says Shrinivas, who is a metallurgical engineer by qualification.

Elaborating on her business model, Shrinivas says there is no deposit. The start-up delivers in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru. “In Bengaluru, we have same-day deliveries. We also custom-fit every outfit that goes to the customer to fit their measurements,” she says, adding, “Our USP is that we don’t have sizes like ‘small’, ‘medium’ or ‘large’. We have bust, waist and hip measurements. You just filter the options, using your bust measurement, and while booking, tell us your other two measurements. When we deliver, it will fit you perfectly. We also have an option of back-up dress, where you book two outfits, pay for the higher-priced one, try both at home, and wear the one you like.”

Another fashion rental platform, Stage3, is letting young millennials experience the glamour and style of superstars and celebrities. “Our customers can play dress-up with curated, authentic outfits from top designers that have been paired with accessories by our in-house styling team. Our mission is to make higher-end outfits accessible to our members and leverage technology to help them choose what would look best on them for different occasions,” says co-founder and CEO Sabena Puri, who started the platform with fashion designer Rina Dhaka and Sanchit Baweja in January this year.

As per Puri, Stage3 has grown 8x over the past 10 months and has raised a seed round from a core group of investors that include Nisha Kumar, the ex-CFO of Rent the Runway and AOL; Puneet Dalmia of the Dalmia Bharat Group (in his personal capacity); and Balaji Prabhakar, professor of computer science at Stanford University and chief scientist at Urban Engines.

Resource :http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/owning-assets-no-longer-sign-of-prosperity-and-businesses-are-making-most-of-the-rental-economy-writes-kunal-doley/477710/

Banket residents chase debt collectors

HUNDREDS of Banket residents reportedly ganged up last Friday and chased away debt collectors that had been unleashed on them by their local board.

By Nunurai Jena

The incidents occurred in Kuwadzana high-desnity suburb, when the debt collectors attempted to attach household property over unpaid council bills.

Following the skirmishes, the debt collectors reported the matter at Banket Police Station, which immediately deployed some officers to cordon off council offices.

Efforts to contact Banket administrator, Shelter Chapwati-Ngozo, were fruitless, as her office was guarded by police officers.


One of the residents, Canaan Tembo told NewsDay that they had resorted to resisting the debt collectors, as the local board had not engaged residents prior to unleashing them.

“Council should have engaged us first, not to raid us like they tried to do. We will continue to resist such moves for as long as they also do not listen to us and appreciate financial challenges we are facing,” he said.

Tembo said residents were protesting against paying for unrendered services.

Jane Banda, a widow, said council was demanding $47 monthly as rent-to-buy instalments for a house her parents were allocated in 1960.

Debt collectors had tried to attach Banda’s refrigerator before they were chased by the marauding crowd.

Banda, just like scores of other residents, has lived at the property for over three decades and argues it was high time council offered them the properties, as they have religiously paid their dues over the years before the economy turned for the worse.

Residents had been given a four-hour ultimatum on Friday to pay up or get their properties attached.

Resource : https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/01/16/banket-residents-chase-debt-collectors/

Newburyport spaces being filled with antiques, food, businesses

NEWBURYPORT — An antiques shop owner is doubling the size of his store based on the busy autumn season he enjoyed in Newburyport, and restaurateurs are eyeing prime space at Market Square that used to house Orange Leaf Yogurt.

Newburyport native Peter Mack is expanding Olde Newbury Antiques on Pleasant Street after fall sales were encouraging.

Mack is a 1994 graduate of Newburyport High School. After serving in the Marines and working in several businesses, including landscaping, he opened an antiques shop in Ipswich about five years ago.

“I couldn’t afford Newburyport at the time,” said Mack. “But the climate in Ipswich wasn’t good, and since I am from the city, I kept looking here.”

He opened the 10 Pleasant St. store in September, in a venue once occupied by Eclectics.

The store next to him, Pandora’s Box, became vacant in early November, and he made arrangements to merge spaces. Now he is revamping the other side of his space, where Pandora’s Box once operated.

Mack, who sells everything from $15 collectibles to $25,000 furniture pieces, said he was happy with his move here.

The store will double in size, and there is storage room downstairs for inventory.

Mack does much of the buying himself, and describes himself as a busy fellow as he buys inventory and expands.

“The rent is a lot more,” he said, “but I like the location and the community. It’s get big or go home, and I decided to expand.”

Meanwhile, the windows of the highly visible storefront that held Orange Leaf Yogurt until last fall are papered over and the space still empty.

At least one local restaurateur walked through the space, but no deal transpired, one municipal source said. Another restaurant could soon move into the site, a commercial broker has reported.

Austin Spinelli, a commercial real estate broker, said the space will be leased by a food business that offers sit-down and takeout choices. No other details were available.

In a development outside the downtown business area, a structure designed for use by small businesses is nearing completion. The eight-unit industrial condominium project is at 23 Hale St.

Developer is Craig Pessina, who heads Chart House Development.

“There is not a lot of inventory like this,” said Spinelli, “so there should be good demand.”
Resource :http://www.salemnews.com/news/business/newburyport-spaces-being-filled-with-antiques-food-businesses/article_0a1792e0-86a6-55d2-a298-bbf64f05d383.html

Selma wrestling team improvises after $10,000 in equipment is stolen during fundraising event

Selma wrestlers, coaches and parents are in shock after thousands of dollars worth of equipment was stolen during their biggest fundraiser of the year at Selma High School on Sunday.

Coach Robert Sepulveda said organizers arrived at Selma High School to open Day 2 of their ninth-annual New Year’s Bash fundraiser when they noticed their computers, cables, a printer and the Selma High School public address system were gone. The thieves struck sometime between 6 p.m. Saturday and 6 a.m. Sunday.

Estimated at about a $10,000 loss, Sepulveda said that didn’t stop the fundraiser, which hosts 730 kids from all over the state and is touted as the “toughest youth tournament in California.”

Personal computers from home and old equipment such as scoreboards were brought out for the last day of the tournament. Sepulveda said it’s a devastating loss for the program which already struggles to pay $1,800 a month to rent an old furniture building in downtown Selma to practice. The organization is fully self-funded. It paid Selma High School to use the gym for the fundraiser, said Sepulveda, which was “jam-packed” through the weekend.

Police came to take a report and are supposed to be back to conduct an investigation, said Sepulveda. The youth program trains and competes for 10 months of the year and also uses the equipment for valley leagues they belong to, like the Central Valley Youth Wrestling League.

Selma won the tournament Sunday, earning the highest score in the fundraiser’s history. Sepulveda, who grew up in Selma wrestling, has two children on the team. He said all the kids took the loss of their equipment especially hard.

“They were really upset,” he said. “They took that aggression out on the mat.”

Sepulveda said the group will prevail.

“There’s a reason we’re the No. 1 youth program in the nation,” he said. “We’ll get back on our feet like we always do.”

Resource : http://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article126787904.html

Faith guides refugee resettlement

On the drive back to Catholic Charities, Chris Kramer contemplated how he would find a three-bedroom home for a family of six refugees arriving in two days. He breathed deeply and prayed to the Lord for help.

His prayer was answered when he reached his desk and saw a voicemail message waiting. It was the landlord of a three-bedroom home who wanted to know if Kramer had a family in need. “Thank you, Lord,” he thought as he made arrangements with the landlord for the arriving refugee family.

“I’ve been in similar situations, said the same prayer four different times and without fail, the Lord has constantly provided what’s needed in the time frame of when it’s needed,” Kramer said.
Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement program has been blessed many times with volunteers and donors who made it possible for the small team to resettle 333 people – about 121 families – over 12 months. And the need for support increases each day as Catholic Charities is expecting to resettle more than 400 refugees this year.

Kramer just celebrated his first anniversary at Catholic Charities and the Fairfield native enjoys his work as a housing specialist. A Lee University graduate of intercultural studies, Kramer built a database of property management companies of all sizes who rent apartments and homes to refugees. Many of these landlords have worked with Catholic Charities for years.

“They are willing to take that leap of faith with us as we find first homes for families,” Kramer said. Refugee tenants are reliable and appreciative of having a place to call home.
Typically, Kramer learns of a family arriving four to five weeks in advance, which gives him time to find housing, organize volunteers, and move household items from the warehouse to the new home. The required furnishings and necessities are basic: one couch, a kitchen table with chairs, a bed and a blanket. In the past, new arrivals would have to spend up to $250 from their $1,000 living allowance to complete their homes. That’s a significant expense when the living allowance needs to stretch for 90 days –the expected time when Catholic Charities assists a refugee in landing his or her first job.

But through the generosity of the community at large, Kramer has a small warehouse of household items to also provide a coffee table or night stand, a mop or broom and even toiletries, cleaning supplies and artwork. A picture here or there makes a rental apartment or house feel like home. Donations of welcome baskets and gently used furniture enable refugees to use their allowance for groceries and utilities.

“Some donors hear a story about a refugee family on the news and ask themselves what do I have in excess? They’re moved by compassion as they recognize these families are a lot like their own families. They see it as their Christian duty to see others’ circumstances improve,” Kramer said.

Another way the community is making a difference is by volunteering during the bi-monthly warehouse days. Volunteers sort, organize and prepare items for moves. Twelve to 50 volunteers on Saturdays make Kramer’s job easier. He usually shares a story about one of the recently resettled refugee families so volunteers understand the impact of their work. Volunteers often share their experience with others which has resulted in more companies donating household items and more volunteers getting involved.
“I believe they’re divine connections,” Kramer said. “We couldn’t do this without the support of friends.”

Household items can be scheduled for drop off at Catholic Charities offices at 7162 Reading Road, Suite 600 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or at the Catholic Charities warehouse most first and third Saturdays of every month. Contact Kramer in advance at 513-672-3723 or ckramer@ccswoh.org to schedule and confirm item drop offs.

Large items such as couches and tables can be picked up as capacity allows. Catholic Charities is unable to accept large household items such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers or stoves.
To learn more about the warehouse days or how to donate items, visit www.ccswoh.org and click on “refugee resettlement.”
Resource : http://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/faith-guides-refugee-resettlement/38180

Ring in the New Year With Rental Furniture

Can you believe that it is already 2017? As we get older, the years really fly by don’t they? While I’m sure that you are still (hopefully) enjoying your holiday break, reality is going to hit you before you know it, and you want to make sure that you are ready for it.

The New Year might mean a new you in terms of where you are going to live for the next quarter/semester and all the stress that that comes with. To make one aspect of your new move simpler, why not rent your furniture instead of buying it? This is the year to try new things, so why not do something that will really benefit you in the long run, especially if you are only going to need the furniture for a short while?

This article will help give you an idea as to why rental furniture is the route to go this New Year!

Less Stress

When you go out to purchase furniture, you are in for a headache, and probably, a dent in your wallet. Furniture is expensive, even if you are looking into stuff at garage sales, so why go through all that trouble when you can just rent? Renting from a company means that you can easily select cute matching furniture online for all the spaces that you want to fill, compare with your roommates to make sure they like it as well, and then order it.

You end up saving money, especially if you are only going to need the furniture for a few months, and you don’t have to go to a billion stores to furnish your whole place. The furniture looks brand new and won’t have any wear and tear (it’s showroom worthy after all), making your place feel fresh and more like a home than just a place you are squatting in until you can go back to your parent’s house for the summer.

Less Hassle

A handful of people enjoy putting IKEA furniture together and moving heavy furniture up a bunch of stairs, but the majority of us don’t, so why not just skip that part? Renting furniture means that you don’t have to deal with moving anything in or out of your place since the rental companies can usually help you with those annoying bits. This is a really nice service, especially if you are moving somewhere far and your family can’t come help you.

You can sit back and relax while your furniture gets delivered to you and assembled how you want it, where you want it! I wish I had known about this before spending four hours trying to put a bed frame together that had the worst diagram in existence to “help” direct me. Having a service help you move the big annoying items gives you more time to focus on how you want to spruce up the place and decorate — AKA the fun part of moving.

Flexibility

When you buy furniture, you are going to be stuck with it when it’s time to move out. At that point you have two options: 1) sell the furniture to other students for a little bit of money, or 2) rent a storage unit until you know where you are moving next.

The problem with buying furniture is that you don’t know where you are going to be living five years from now, and your miss-matched college furniture is probably not going to match the look you want to go for, so why force yourself to be stuck with furniture you won’t need? Renting furniture for your college apartment means that you’ll be getting furniture for that designated space, allowing it all to flow and fit, and then you can get rid of it when you move so you aren’t stuck with anything.

The flexibility is key for this stage in our lives when we are constantly moving around depending on roommates and what we can afford, so go for the renting options that give you the most freedom to live your life how you need to.

Less awkwardness

You and your roommates are obviously going to have to split things in your place to make everything more affordable, but how exactly does that go down with furniture? If all four of you chip in to buy a dining room table, let’s say, who gets to keep it at the end? What happens if one of you damages it? Or what if someone doesn’t want to pay as much as the table costs?

Buying furniture together can get awkward, especially if you aren’t sure how long you’ll stay roommates, so this is where renting can really help you out. You can all split the cost, making it more affordable and fair, and the renting part takes away the awkwardness of what has to be done with the furniture when you are all ready to move out.

These are just a few reasons why you should consider renting furniture for the New Year instead of buying it. Happy renting!

Resource: http://www.uloop.com/news/view.php/224212/Ring-in-the-New-Year-With-Rental-Furniture-

Sadness as Norwich City Council decides to close Mile Cross Business Centre - but what next for the site?

Businesses are looking for new homes after City Hall bosses decided to close a business centre created on a former council depot But it remains unclear what the future holds for the site once businesses leave at the end of March, with Norwich City Council yet to reveal the options it is considering.

In 2011, the council announced it wanted to turn its former City Works depot, off Mile Cross Road, into the Mile Cross Business Centre.

About 30 small to medium sized and expanding businesses moved onto the 10.5-acre site, with the council offering short term leases for five years.

However, that period has come to an end and the council has given notice to tenants. Some of them have already moved while others are looking to continue elsewhere.

Carol McCafferty, from Martin’s Driver Training, which is based at Mile Cross Business Centre, said her business was in the process of finding a new home.

She said: “This place has been terrific for us. We were a fledgling business operating from home and renting space for driver training when we started.

“We came here and the space we’ve had has been perfect for what we needed. The council did always say they were not planning to refurbish it and that the leases would be short-term. Some of the businesses have gone already and we are in negotiations over a new location.”

Businesses which have been based at the centre include alcohol delivery service Unibooze, furniture store Zebra Finch and the Fully Pumped Gym. A Norwich City Council spokesman said: “Tenants’ leases were due to expire at the end of December, but we extended these to the end of the financial year to give them plenty of notice of our intention to empty the site.

“Buildings on the site are now generally in need of fairly substantial repairs.

“Money generated through rent alone will not be sufficient to continue with this approach, because necessary future repairs and maintenance would outstrip the rental income. As a result this has forced our hand to explore other options for the centre.

“Our next move is to carefully consider all the possible options so we are in a position to make an informed decision about the longer term future of the site.”

When asked what the future options for the site might be, the council said they could not yet reveal details because of commercial sensitivity.  

Resource:http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/politics/sadness_as_norwich_city_council_decides_to_close_mile_cross_business_centre_but_what_next_for_the_site_1_4845764