5 Tips for Nabbing Your Dream Home in a Tough Market

And, how to get a refund for a water leak. Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( April 16, 2024 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [X]( [Instagram ]( [Youtube]( [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] Introduction [] [Stepping Into Extra Cash]( If you are mulling over ways to get extra cash in your pockets — I have some great suggestions. Some jobs tap into your hobbies and others draw on your natural talents. I made thousands reselling my excess wardrobe. I now have more space and more money. Kiplinger personal finance writer Erin Bendig recommends [33 side hustles that could earn you additional income]( and get you closer to your financial goals. - Donna LeValley, personal finance writer [Is your money working hard enough?]( It should be! Learn how Betterment's automated investing and savings technology can make your money hustle, while you don't. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] TOP STORY [] [How to Get a Refund for a Water Leak]( [How to Get a Refund for a Water Leak]( (Getty Images) The worst leaks are invisible and therefore undetectable. A hidden leak will cause a spike in water consumption and your bill. If your municipality has a leak forgiveness program, it is possible to get a refund for the wasted water. Read on to [learn what steps you need to take to get a refund on your water bill](. [] SAVINGS ACCOUNTS [] [Types of Savings Accounts Explained]( [Types of Savings Accounts Explained]( (Getty Images) The first bank account I had was a Christmas club account. I made weekly deposits, watched the balance build and even earned some interest. The variety of savings accounts has grown in the last 20 years and the new offerings typically offer higher interest rates and don’t have brick-and-mortar storefronts. Take a moment to [acquaint yourself with the different types of savings accounts]( and how they might facilitate your savings goals. [Don't Bet Your Retirement on the Stock Market. Follow these 4 Tips]( If your retirement savings are in the stock market, you need to manage your risks. Here are four tips to consider in a plan for income: 1. Lifetime annuities 2. High dividend portfolio 3. Balanced portfolio for IRA withdrawals 4. Conservative estimate of market performance Go2Income plans average a starting income of 5.5% – following this advice. Get your number with a complimentary Go2Income plan today. [Order Your Plan]( ADVERTISEMENT [] BUYING A HOME [] [5 Tips for Nabbing Your Dream Home in a Tough Market]( [5 Tips for Nabbing Your Dream Home in a Tough Market]( (Getty Images) The housing market has been tough for sellers and buyers. Too high interest rates and low inventory have many people waiting on the sidelines because sellers don’t want to rebuy in a high-interest environment and some buyers don’t want to compromise. Dave Liniger, co-founder of RE/MAX, has some hope for buyers. He believes home buyers need a strategic approach and has [five insider tips to guide you through today's low-inventory market]( and get your dream home. [Have This Much Money? You May Want a Financial Advisor]( Money can't buy happiness, but research finds that if you have this much in household assets, hiring a financial advisor could help heighten your satisfaction levels. Just how much money do you need? [Learn More]( ADVERTISEMENT [] OTHER KIPLINGER ARTICLES WE THINK YOU'LL ENJOY [] [Retirees face significant tax bills due to fraud]( There are scams that steal the victim's retirement savings and then owe big tax bills. 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