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Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Lemonade.com

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Nearly everyone needs some kind of property insurance. If you rent your home or apartment, renter’s insurance can help you cover the cost for replacing items that are damaged or destroyed by a covered event, like an electrical fire. People who own their home need homeowner’s insurance. This goes a step further, covering both damaged items and structural repair costs. Finding good and affordable coverage can be a daunting task. However, Lemonade.com, a property insurer, aims to simplify the process while keeping your costs low.

What is Lemonade.com?

Lemonade.com is a property and casualty insurance company. It embraces technology to help keep the company’s overhead costs low, and it passes those savings onto the customers. Additionally, Lemonade believes in transparency.

All of their customers pay a simple flat fee for the service, which means Lemonade has no incentive for denying or delaying any claims. With traditional insurers, unpaid claims lead to bigger profits. Since Lemonade only takes in a flat fee to cover its costs, denying claims doesn’t create a financial benefit.

If there is any leftover money after covering all of the valid claims, Lemonade doesn’t keep it. Instead, through its Giveback program, the extra cash is donated to various charitable causes. Customers even get a say in where this money goes based on the virtual group they join.

Lemonade.com Coverage Options

In order to get a policy with Lemonade, you have to either use the company’s Android or iOS app, or head to its website. By issuing claims digitally, Lemonade can keep operational costs low, allowing policyholders to get more affordable coverage.

With Lemonade, you get two primary coverage choices. The company offers both renter’s and homeowner’s insurance, so you need to select the option that aligns with your living situation.

Renter’s insurance can cost as little as $5 a month while homeowner’s starts at $25 a month. Your exact premium will depend on a range of factors, including anything from the amount of stuff you own if you have any high-value items (jewelry, computers, etc.), your credit history, the size of your deductible, and your number of recent claims. For homeowner’s insurance, the property’s details also come into play.

Lemonade considers other risks as well. For example, if your area is susceptible to severe weather, that may lead to a higher premium. Additionally, if you have home security devices, your premium might be lower.

Once you create your policy, you can pay your premium with a credit or debit card. If at any point you no longer need the coverage, you can easily cancel the policy.

With any policy, you also get additional coverage when your items are outside of your home. For example, if your laptop is stolen while you are at a coffee shop, you are covered for that loss. Further, if your dog bites someone, you have might coverage for that too.

Filing Claims with Lemonade.com

While no one ever hopes to file a claim, it is nice to know that Lemonade’s process is incredibly easy. Use the smartphone app and tap the Claim button. Then, follow the simple process to submit your claim. It usually only takes a few minutes as long as you can provide sufficient information about the loss or damage.

During the process, you do need to submit a short video. In that clip, you describe what happened in your own words, making it easier for Lemonade to get a realistic picture of the situation.

If you have receipts to show the value of their items, you can submit those too. But, that isn’t a requirement; it can just help speed up your claim.

Once you submit those details, you give Lemonade bank account information for a wire transfer. Once approved, Lemonade sends the payment (minus your deductible) straight to your bank account.

In most cases, the approval process is almost instant. However, there may be situations where Lemonade needs to take a closer look, so it can take longer if a manual assessment is necessary.

Where Lemonade.com is Available

Lemonade.com doesn’t offer coverage in every state yet, though they are continuously expanding the company’s service area. As of June 2019, renter’s, condo, and homeowner’s insurance are available in:

  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington DC
  • Wisconsin

Rhode Island residents have access to renter’s and condo insurance, while Arkansas and New Mexico residents can sign up for renter’s insurance. However, Lemonade continues to expand, so other states and options could be forthcoming.

Is Lemonade Always Cheaper?

While Lemonade aims to offer the best price possible, that doesn’t mean they will be the cheapest in every scenario. The company’s policies do tend to cost less, but each insurer uses different pricing models, so not everyone will find a deal with Lemonade.

However, since getting a no-obligation quote is free, you can also go through the process and see if Lemonade is right for you. If so, then you can sign up and have coverage in just minutes. If not, you can keep looking elsewhere until you find the right insurer for your needs.

Do you use Lemonade.com? Are you interested in trying Lemonade the next time you need insurance? Tell us about your experience or share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Free Fathers Day Meals: Here’s Where Dads Eat Free

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Sunday, June 16, 2019, is Father’s Day. This year, Father’s Day spending is predicted to reach a new high, coming in around $16 billion; that’s a 70 percent increase over 2009’s spending level, showing just how much families want to celebrate the dads in their lives. In order to help families make the holiday truly special (and draw in customers), some restaurants offer free Fathers Day meals where dads eat free on this very special day.

Where to Get Free Fathers Day Meals This Weekend

If you are wondering where you or the dads in your life should head for a bite this Sunday, here are some of the places where dad eat free this year.

Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar

At Arooga’s Grille House & Sports Bar, dads can eat free all day on Father’s Day. Dads do have to purchase a beverage to qualify for the free meal. Additionally, not all locations participate, and certain wings and daily food specials aren’t on the free meal list, so you might want to call ahead to make sure you can get what you want.

Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

On Father’s Day, with the purchase of a meal, dads can get another meal Beef ‘O’Brady’s for absolutely nothing.

Burger 21

With the purchase of a kid’s meal, dads can get a burger (up to a $9.99 value) for free at Burger 21 on Father’s Day.

Firehouse Subs

With the purchase of a menu-priced medium or large sub, chips, and a drink, dads can get another medium sub for free on Father’s Day.

Medieval Times

With promo code DAD19, dad can do more than just eat free at Medieval Times; he can also enjoy an amazing show. His ticket is free with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket, and the deal is available until June 16.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

While dads don’t technically eat free at Ruth’s Chris Steak House on Father’s Day, they do get a $25 dining card that they can use on a future meal.

TCBY

At participating locations, dads can get a free 6-ounce frozen yogurt on Father’s Day at TCBY.

Texas Steakhouse & Saloon

If you want to treat your dad, head to Texas Steakhouse & Saloon and buy him a meal on Father’s Day. If you do, he’ll get a voucher for a free entrée that he can use on a future visit, essentially letting him eat for free twice.

Wienerschnitzel

On Father’s Day, dads can get an Old Fashioned Sundae for free at participating Wienerschnitzel locations.

Ultimately, all of the restaurants above are giving dads a chance to eat free, either on Father’s Day or on a future visit. If dads are smart, they can probably plan an entire day of no-cost meals, turning Father’s Day into a memorable event filled with amazing food and the people they care about the most.

Other Options

But, if the options above don’t sound appealing, there are also a slew of restaurants with other Father’s Day specials, including:

  • Capital Grille
  • Chevy’s Fresh Mex
  • Claim Jumper Restaurant & Saloon
  • El Torito
  • Famous Dave’s
  • Fleming’s
  • International Smoke
  • Joe’s Crab Shack
  • Macaroni Grill
  • McCormick & Schmick’s
  • Morton’s Steak House
  • The Melting Pot
  • The Pam

Whether you are looking for a brunch or a lavish multi-course meal, the restaurants above can have your Father’s Day covered. There are a ton of special deals available this year, so consider contacting your favorite location and seeing if they are giving dads something extra this Father’s Day.

Do you know of any other restaurants that are offering free meals to dads on Father’s Day? Tell us about them in the comments below.

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Don’t Miss Out on These Father’s Day Deals for 2019

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Father’s Day is on June 16 in 2019; this upcoming Sunday. This year, spending is expected to hit an all-time high, coming in at the $16 billion mark. That reflects a 70 percent spending increase since 2009, with shoppers between the ages of 35 and 44 spurring a significant amount of the growth. Luckily, the rising spending rates catch the attention of retailers and lead to valuable Father’s Day deals.

Father’s Day Deals 2019

In order to get a piece of the spending pie, many offer Father’s Day deals to catch the attention of shoppers. Here are some of the best discounts and sales to treat dad for Father’s Day 2019.

23andMe

This year, the 23andMe Health + Ancestry kit is 25 percent off until the day after Father’s Day. Plus, you can even get gift wrapping for free, which saves you a little bit more.

Academy Sports + Outdoor

With everything from BOGO deals on graphic tees to deep discounts on grills, Academy Sports + Outdoors has awesome specials on items any dad will love.

Ace Hardware

This year, Ace Hardware has tons of deal as part of the Father’s Day sale. Liberty Gun Safes are 15 percent off, and a variety of tool kits and chests are available with deep discounts.

Ancestry DNA

In celebration of Father’s Day, Ancestry DNA is offering its most popular DNA test for just $59, a 40 percent savings.

Amazon

Amazon’s Father’s Day Gift Shop is brimming with deals on gifts for dad. You’ll find savings in a variety of departments, including clothing, watches, electronics, gaming, outdoor gear, small home appliances, tools, and more.

Barnes and Noble

At Barnes and Noble, you can find select best sellers at 30 percent off. Many other titles are also discounted, coming in at 20 percent off.

Bass Pro Shops

Through June 16, certain outdoor gear and supplies are on sale for 50 percent off at Bass Pro Shop. Some of the featured items include coolers, grills, hiking boots, travel bags, trail cameras, and fishing equipment.

Beer of the Month Club

In celebration of Father’s Day, you can save up to $30 with the available discount codes. FD10 gets you $10 off a 4-shipment order, while FD15 lands you a $15 discount on a 6-shipment order. If you are open to the 12-shipment order, use FD30 to get $30 off. Plus, as long as you get at least three shipments, you’ll score a free bottle opener too.

Best Buy

Best Buy has select 65” and up 4K smart TVs on sale for up to $500 this year. Plus, certain movies and video games are available at a discount, along with a wide range of electronics items.

Cabela’s

If you head to Cabela’s before Father’s Day, you can find discounts as big as 50 percent off. There are at least a handful of sale items in nearly every department, making it easy to find the ideal gift at a great price.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Dick’s Sporting Goods has a massive sale on great gifts for dad. Whether your father likes golfing, camping, bicycling, or hiking, you can find discounts as high as 50 percent.

Fitbit

With promo code DADSDAY2, you can score $50 off of select Fitbit products. Plus, you’ll also get two-day shipping for free, making it an ideal option for last-minute shoppers.

Gourmet Gift Baskets

At Gourmet Gift Baskets, you can get 15 percent off of your order as long as you purchase by June 16. Just make sure to use promo code DAD15.

Guitar Center

Through June 16, you can find select guitars (electric and acoustic), amps, pedals, and accessories available for up to 30 percent off at Guitar Center.

Home Depot

Through June 19, you can get 25 percent off select massage chairs and game tables. If you buy the $99 Ryobi battery kit by July 16, you can get certain power tools for free. Plus, many other power tools and tool sets are available at a discount at Home Depot.

Lowe’s

Certain tools and tool sets are 40 percent off at Lowe’s this year, including some by leading manufacturers like Bosch, Craftsman, and Kobalt. You’ll also find savings on a range of popular Father’s Day gifts, like grills, smokers, and power equipment.

Omaha Steaks

If you want to give your dad the gift of steak, Omaha Steaks has you covered. This year, there are deep discounts on various Father’s Day packages, allowing you to save up to 61 percent on the usual cost of the meats and sides.

Target

At Target, select clothing, outdoor games, tech gadgets, and more are all on sale for Father’s Day.

Walmart

As part of Walmart’s Father’s Day Sale, you’ll find reduced provides on great gifts for dads. Footballs, watches, grills, smart home technology, and wireless speakers are just some of the items you can get your hands on for a discount.

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Use These Steps to Save Money on Moving Expenses

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While moving to a new home can be exciting, it is often surprisingly expensive. Luckily, there are a few simple and creative options that can help you reduce the cost. If you want to save on moving expenses, here’s how.

How to Save on Moving Expenses

The financial stress of relocating is typically compounded by the work involved in coordinating a move, so finding a way to save on the cost can help you remain calm during what can be a challenging time.

Get Rid of Excess Stuff

The more items you need to move, the more it costs. By getting rid of things you no longer need, you can bring your moving bill down.

Since everything needs to be packed for a move, examine each item before you pop it into a box to see if it is worth taking. Anything that you don’t need should be sold, donated, trashed, or given away. That way, you can lessen the size of the load and reduce your moving price tag.

Find Free Supplies

When you move, you usually need a lot of boxes. However, buying boxes can cost a lot. Instead of purchasing them, consider hunting some down for free. You can save boxes from deliveries, talk with friends or family to see if they have some, or even speak with area retailers and ask for boxes. Just make sure that any you use are in good shape. Old boxes may tear or bend, making them less than ideal.

For packing breakables, also look to items you may have on hand. Weekly sales flyers you receive in the mail can be great options. Similarly, using towels or clothing that you want to pack to pad breakables can be a cost-effective approach.

Consider the Mail

Most households focus on loading a truck for a move. However, in some cases, mailing at least a portion of your stuff might be more cost-effective, especially if you don’t need it immediately.

The U.S. Postal Service offers a Media Mail service for books, computer media, and certain other educational materials. The rate is far below typical package mailing costs and may be worth exploring. Just keep in mind that what can be in a Media Mail package is highly restricted, so you can only include items that meet the requirements. However, if you plan to use a moving company and the weight of your shipment affects the price, it is worth checking this service out.

There may be other instances where mailing is cheaper too, so check out what all of the major companies offer and see if it can help you save.

Compare Costs and Negotiate

If you are renting a truck or hiring a moving company, always comparison shop. Rates can vary greatly from one company to the next. Plus, once you know the various available rates, you can use that information in the negotiating process. Many moving companies are open to negotiating, though your chance for success may depend on demand and the availability of services on your preferred moving date.

Choose the Right Time

As with nearly any other sector, the moving industry experiences predictable fluctuation in demand. For example, summer is typically moving season. Similarly, weekends experience higher rates of demand than weekdays, and the start and end of the month are more popular moving dates.

If you are open to moving during the middle of the week, you may be able to get a moving company or rental truck at a lower cost. Similarly, if you can move during the off-season or in the middle of the month, you may be able to score a deal.

Reach Out to Friends and Family

If you aren’t moving far and know friends or family members with trucks, SUVs, or vans, asking for their help might help you keep the cost down. In many cases, you can possibly get their assistance for the cost of a meal and some gas.

However, this approach can have drawbacks. Since these people don’t work for a moving company, they might not be as punctual or hardworking. However, if they are reliable and in good shape, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Just don’t be insulted if they decline. Most people hate the moving process and, of course, they may be genuinely busy during that time, so don’t take a “no” personally.

Maximize the Movers

Many moving companies charge by the hour or factor time into their quote. As a result, if you can shorten the amount of time they need to spend on your move, you can reduce the cost.

For example, instead of having the company pack your boxes, do it yourself. Disassemble large furniture items in advance. Stay out of the movers’ way while they are working.

If the moving company is only taking some of your stuff and you’re handling the rest, get all of those items in a central location, preferably by the door. If you can take your stuff to the curb before they arrive, then that can expedite the process further.

Ultimately, all of the steps above can help you save money on your next move. Consider using some or all of them to make your move as affordable as possible.

Do you have any tips that can help people save on their next move? Have you ever been surprised about the costs of moving? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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7 Free Online Courses to Improve Your Financial Literacy

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Managing your personal finances and understanding the concepts is critical if you want to maintain your financial well-being, so holes in your knowledge can come with serious consequences. Luckily, there are plenty of free online courses that can help you improve your financial literacy. Here are seven free online courses that everyone should consider taking.

1. Personal Finance 101: Everything You Need to Know – Udemy

If you want to get a grip on the basics, this course is ideal. It covers basic concepts in key areas like debt management, credit building, planning for retirement, understanding credit cards, and more. The class even teaches participants how to file tax returns.

This online course has three hours of video and 52 downloadable resources. When you sign up, you get lifetime access to the materials. Plus, it is mobile-friendly, so you can even squeeze in a lesson while on the go.

2. Personal & Family Financial Planning – Coursera

A University of Florida creation, this online course is approximately 13 hours long, covering critical topics about financial planning. Everything from budgeting to taxes is reviewed in the class, and you have access to videos, reading materials, and even quizzes to help make sure you absorb the information.

The class is highly accessible, and the information is easy for beginners to digest. If you want to build a strong financial literacy foundation, this option is worth checking out.

3. Finance for Everyone: Smart Tools for Decision-Making – edX

A course from the University of Michigan, this class focuses on how to make sound financial decisions during your daily life. The class takes about six weeks to complete (five to six hours each week) and only requires an understanding of basic math and high school-level algebra.

Some of the information focuses on key life decisions, like whether you should rent or buy a home, how to evaluate buying a car and dealing with student loans. It also dives into other more advanced areas, like investing in stocks and bonds and resource allocation, ensuring you can make wise decisions over the long-term.

4. Financial Literacy – ALISON

This six- to 10-hour course concentrates on the basics of personal finance. From budgeting and saving to debt management and retirement planning, this class aims to improve your overall financial literacy to ensure you can manage your today and plan for tomorrow.

The class also covers a few additional topics, like insurance options, wages, and taxes. Each main point is its own module, making the content highly digestible and each learning session short enough to fit into nearly any schedule.

5. Personal Finance – iTunes

For those who want to be able to learn while on the go, this course from Missouri State University features seven sections, each one covering a primary topic.

Unlike some other options, goal setting is the first subject in this course. This allows you to determine where you would like to be in the future and use that information to shape your choices along the way. However, it also delves into critical areas like budgeting, credit, and investing, ensuring you get a well-rounded understanding.

The class doesn’t make any assumptions about a person’s knowledge level, making it ideal for genuine beginners. However, those with a basic understanding of personal finance can also benefit, and you can always choose to focus just on the lessons that cover your knowledge gaps.

6. Introduction to Managing Your Personal Finance Debts – ALISON

If your primary financial literacy goal is to learn more about debt management and elimination, this course is for you. It takes approximately one hour and helps you learn how to prioritize payoffs and take control of any debts that are causing you stress.

The goal of the class is to help you plot a path for becoming debt-free. It presents multiple methods for reaching that objective, allowing you to determine which option is right for you while still guiding you to a better financial future.

7. Investment Vehicles, Insurance, and Retirement – Khanacademy

Another more focused course, this class focuses on investing, insurance, and retirement. It discusses how mutual funds work, who the various forms of IRAs differ from each other, 401(k)s, hedge funds, life insurance, and more.

While the information is valuable for anyone, the course doesn’t aim at true personal finance beginners. Instead, it is best for those who have basics like budgeting and debt management down and want to secure their financial future through smart planning and choices.

Ultimately, all of the free online financial literacy courses above are worth checking out. Since they won’t cost you a dime, there is no risk in signing up and seeing if what they have to offer can help you get your financial life on track.

Do you know of other free online courses on financial literacy that are worth exploring? Have you tried any of the courses listed above? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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3 Cities You Should Consider Moving to for Cheaper Housing

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Where you chose to live can play a big role in your financial well-being. For most households, housing is one of the largest line items on their budget. By choosing to live in a metro area known for lower housing costs, you can spend less of your income in this area. As a result, paying down debt, managing expenses, and planning for the future may be easier to handle. If you are open to relocating to save on housing, here are three cities with cheaper housing that should be on your list of potential destinations.

1. Huntsville, Alabama

Considered one of the most affordable metro areas in the entire country, the median household in Huntsville spends only 19.3 percent of their income on housing costs. The 2018 median home price and median monthly rent costs are $167,300 and $779, respectively, making this critical budget area easier to handle.

Plus, unemployment in Huntsville is just 2.9 percent (as of April 2019), which is lower than the national average. Couple that with a higher average annual salary ($53,600 compared to the national average of just under $47,000), and the area can be an excellent choice for relocating.

When it comes to other everyday costs – like groceries and transportation – Huntsville sits close to the national average. As a result, the lowering housing costs aren’t offset by higher prices in other areas, making the city incredibly affordable.

2. Fort Wayne, Indiana

Another metro area where living expenses come in at under 20 percent of the median household’s budget, Fort Wayne is a great option for those looking to save on housing. The median home price is below $150,000, and the median monthly rent is just $714.

Fort Wayne also has lower than average unemployment rates, coming in at just 2.6 percent compared to the national average of 3.6 percent (as of April 2019). The average annual salary is slightly under the national average, coming in at $43,590.

However, the overall cost of living is far below the national average, so even a slight decline in your income doesn’t necessarily mean you are losing out financially, depending on where you move from. Since you can save on utilities, groceries, gasoline, health care, and transportation along with housing, don’t let the lower income levels scare you away from this city.

3. Des Moines, Iowa

Households in Des Moines spend approximately 20.11 percent of their income on living costs. The median monthly rent, sitting at $857, is higher than other cities on this list, though it is still quite affordable for many professionals. The median home price is just shy of $179,000, making it competitive for a metro area.

Des Moines also has an unemployment rate far below the national average, coming in at just 2.2 percent (as of April 2019). With an average annual salary of $50,600, notably above the national average, and a lower overall cost of living, the city is incredibly affordable.

Living in downtown Des Moines is often your best bet if you want to save on housing. Once you head into the suburbs, including Ankeny and Urbandale, housing prices do go up.

These Cities Are Worth Checking Out

If you are open to relocating to help you find cheaper housing, all three of the cities above are worth checking out. Couple the lower costs of living with low unemployment and solid salaries, and each of these metro areas is a budget-friendly option for those tired of paying higher prices in other major cities across the country.

Plus, as a bonus, all of the cities above have lower than average daily commute times, coming in near the 20-minute mark. If you’d rather spend less time on the road and more time at home, these metro areas can be a way to do just that.

How expensive is housing in your area? Do you feel like it’s a good deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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