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I mentioned a month or so ago that I had decided to sell my home next year. Then I took a 3 week trip to Texas, followed quickly by a 1 week trip to Princess apartment. And phew, that made me re-think my idea of being transitory. The last few weeks of being home have me thinking again. (I know, a solid case of whiplash – me too!)

While I KNOW that keeping the house is the best idea financially. And there are lots of other reasons for me to stay put…the one that stands out after all my travel is my fenced yard and doggie door. It truly is the simple things that make life so sweet.

But on the other side, I am so lonely. I haven’t left the house in the week. And while I am a serious introvert, this constant aloneness is not good for my mental health. In fact, the only reason I’m out now, while I’m writing this is because I needed to come get my car serviced to drive back to Texas at the end of this week.

Asking the Expert

So while I am not rushing into any decisions. I am getting all the facts. Today a family friend who worked as a real estate agent for decades in this area is going to come by and take a look at my house. She’s retired from real estate now, but continues to manage rentals in the area. I’m hoping to learn for her what I should do to the house if I want to sell it and make the most, what would be good to do to the same end, and what to just leave for the potential buyer.

On the other side, I am considering renting out one or two of the rooms after the holidays. That would include a private bath too, well, hall bath, but I don’t ever use it. Or even possibly renting out the house in its entirety.

I just don’t know. When I mentioned it to my dad, his comment was, “would you rent it out furnished?” But honestly, the two extra rooms have no furniture in them. Well, my desk is in one of them. And I don’t think short term rentals (like AirBnB) are really a thing in this tiny town.

Options

I have options. And I want to make the best decision financially. AND for my mental health.

Having the retired real estate come over and take a look at the current state of things will give me a perspective that I just don’t have as I continue to noodle what I want to do. But I don’t plan on doing anything on a whim or until after the holidays. We shall see…

Hope

Hope is a creative, solutions-focused business manager helping clients grow their business and work more efficiently by leveraging expertise in project management, digital marketing, & tech solutions. She’s recently become an empty nester as her 5 foster/adoptive kids have spread their wings. She lives with her 3 dogs in a small town in NE Georgia and prefers the mountains to the beaches any day. She struggles with the travel bug and is doing her best to help each of her kids as their finish schooling and become independent (but it’s hard!) She has run her own consulting company for almost twenty years! Hope began sharing her journey with the BAD community in the Spring of 2015 and feels like she has finally in a place to really focus on making wise financial decisions.

How Can a Bail Bond Help Me?

by Semify

Bail bonds are an often misunderstood but vital aspect of the judicial system, offering a means for individuals to secure release from jail while awaiting trial. For those unfamiliar with the process, securing a bail bond can mean the difference between spending time behind bars and maintaining one’s daily life at home. This article explores how a bail bond can facilitate your release from jail, enable you to fight your case effectively, and ultimately save you money during the legal process.

Get Out of Jail

Being arrested can be a stressful and unexpected event, leaving many individuals uncertain about their immediate future. Bail bonds provide a practical solution, enabling you or your loved ones to return to daily life while awaiting trial. It’s noteworthy that, in 2021, the market size of the bail bond services industry was valued at $2.3 billion, reflecting a significant demand for these services across the United States.

When a bail amount is set by the court, posting the full amount can be financially burdensome. A bail bond agent steps in to cover this cost for a fraction of the set bail, effectively lending the money required for release. This service allows individuals to avoid the high upfront costs of posting bail directly, which can be untenably expensive for many.

The process of securing a bail bond is typically straightforward, often requiring just a percentage of the bail amount as a fee. This makes it accessible to individuals who may not have the full bail amount readily available. Additionally, obtaining a bond allows those accused to continue their everyday activities, providing an opportunity to manage personal and professional commitments despite legal circumstances.

Fight Your Case From Home

Once released on bail, individuals have the advantage of preparing their legal defense from the comfort of their own home. This is crucial, as being out of jail allows you to communicate more effectively with legal counsel and gather any necessary materials for your defense. Comparing past statistics, it’s interesting to note that in 1962, 11.5% of federal civil cases went to trial, while today, it’s estimated that only about 1% reach this stage in Federal courts.

Staying out of jail during the pre-trial process can contribute positively to the outcome of your case. It allows for better management of personal affairs and a more focused approach to developing a legal strategy without the constraints of detention. The ability to remain at home during such a critical time alleviates the psychological and emotional toll that extended jail time can cause.

Furthermore, fighting your case from home means maintaining employment, sustaining family relationships, and continuing to fulfill financial obligations. This enables individuals to preserve their livelihoods and avoid unnecessary economic strain. Maintaining these aspects is critical not only for personal stability but also for covering legal costs, which can be significant.

Spend Less Money

The decision to utilize a bail bond can result in substantial financial savings. Instead of paying the full bail amount, you only need to provide a percentage to the bail bondsman. This makes bail bonds an economically sensible option for families who might otherwise struggle to raise the necessary funds.

Financial stability is further bolstered by minimizing legal expenses. With over 1,050 federal laws involving some form of benefit or status, navigating these complexities can be costly without the right support. A bail bond helps mitigate this burden, enabling you to allocate resources more efficiently to essential legal services.

The reduction of immediate financial pressure means the limited money can be better spent on securing competent legal advice and potentially a stronger defense. Being out on bail also allows you to participate fully in your defense strategy, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Making informed financial choices in this context is indispensable for preserving peace of mind during challenging times.

Leveraging a bail bond offers several benefits that can significantly ease the burden of legal challenges. By securing your release, you gain the ability to manage your case effectively, maintain personal commitments, and allocate financial resources more prudently. For many, this option is not only a means of staying out of jail but also a strategic step towards a successful resolution of their legal matters.

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