Starting Out editor Erin Burt resurfaced a popular past column, Yes, You Can Live Rent Free, for her 2009 Grad Guide to the Real World. The options she offers are great for anyone looking to temporarily cut housing expenses.
One of the more clever ways to do this is by house-sitting, a pursuit that may give an edge to adults with more life experience.
Homeowners may own multiple properties or find themselves on extended leave due to a job or planned sabbitacal. They may find it valuable to have someone maintain their home (and sometimes land, too) in exchange for room and board instead of renting it out -- and becoming landlords who may have to pay a local management company to keep an eye on the property.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
There are Web sites that specialize in connecting house sitters with home owners:
HouseCarers.com: Expect to pay $45 for 12 months of access to listings.
Caretaker Gazette: Subscription charges are $30 for 12 months of online access. The print edition costs more.
SabbaticalHomes.com: The service is free for students and $15 for non-academics. However, this site also requests an additional contribution if you find a housing arrangement.
Find out more about house sitting and other rent-free options in Erin Burt's column, Yes, You Can Live Rent Free.
-
What to Expect From Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies in 2025With help from Donald Trump, the cryptocurrency industry is expanding rapidly. Here's what to expect from bitcoin in 2025.
-
What's the Key to a Happy Retirement for a Couple?Retired couples spend lots of time together. Without the distractions of work and raising kids, miscommunication can cause trouble. Here's a way to avoid that.
-
Five Ways to Save on Vacation Rental PropertiesTravel Use these strategies to pay less for an apartment, condo or house when you travel.
-
How to Avoid Annoying Hotel Fees: Per Person, Parking and MoreTravel Here's how to avoid extra charges and make sure you don't get stuck paying for amenities that you don't use.
-
How to Appeal an Unexpected Medical Billhealth insurance You may receive a bill because your insurance company denied a claim—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay it.
-
Amazon Prime Fees Are Rising. Here’s How to Cancel Your Amazon Prime MembershipAmazon Prime Amazon Prime will soon cost $139 a year, $180 for those who pay monthly. If you’re a subscriber, maybe it’s time to rethink your relationship. Here’s a step-by-step guide to canceling Prime.
-
How to Haggle for Almost AnythingSmart Buying Learning how to haggle is an invaluable skill. These strategies will help you negotiate a better price for just about any product or service.
-
Disability Insurance Can Provide COVID CoverageCoronavirus and Your Money If you are concerned about long-term complications from COVID-19, consider disability insurance coverage.
-
21 Things You Can't Return to Amazon — Either Online or In-StoreDid you know there are things you can't return to Amazon? Before tossing these items into your shopping cart, be sure to read Amazon's return policy first.
-
How to Avoid a Charity Scampersonal finance Scammers never quit, even when you're trying to be altruistic. But you can avoid getting duped if you do your homework.
