Walmart’s Affordable Two-Story Tiny Home: The $5,497 Housing Solution

As housing costs continue to rise, more people are looking for affordable alternatives that don’t sacrifice comfort or functionality. Tiny homes are a booming trend, offering a compact and efficient living solution. Walmart is joining the movement with an exciting and budget-friendly offering—a two-story tiny home priced at just $5,497. This could be your ticket to owning a home without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer struggling to enter the housing market, someone seeking a minimalist lifestyle, or just looking for a cost-effective rental property, Walmart’s tiny home could be exactly what you need. Its simple yet versatile design makes it an excellent option for a variety of uses—from a guest house, Airbnb rental, or even a home office or studio space.

On the outside, the small house resembles a straightforward but functional garage shed.

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Tiny Living, Big Benefits

Tiny homes like Walmart’s Best Barns Geneva 12×16 Wood Shed Kit offer more than just a place to live—they’re a lifestyle choice. Embracing tiny living allows homeowners to minimize their carbon footprint, reduce energy consumption, and save money on utilities. For those tired of the burden of large homes and hefty mortgages, a tiny home provides a refreshing alternative.

This specific model is perfect for those who need extra space on their property, whether it’s a single-car garage, a place to store tools, or a cozy living space for guests. From the outside, it resembles a high-quality garage shed, but inside, it’s built to maximize space with a second-floor loft, adding valuable storage or an extra sleeping area.

What’s more, tiny homes are customizable. The Best Barns Geneva model comes pre-primed, so you can easily paint it in your preferred color, making it truly your own. And if you’re a fan of DIY projects, this tiny home provides a hands-on opportunity to enhance your skills, as assembly is required.

In fact, Walmart’s priciest tiny home currently stands at a whopping $29,990. So, if you’re looking for a more budget-conscious option, this $5,497 model offers fantastic value.

Related: Top 3 survey platforms to earn extra cash 2024!  

A Quick and Easy Purchase

One of the standout features of this tiny home is its ease of purchase and delivery. Walmart offers delivery in less than a week, meaning your tiny home could be on your property in just a few days. The current listed price is $5,947, slightly above the $5,497 price point, so be sure to check Walmart’s website for up-to-date pricing, availability, and potential promotions.

While the home is available online, availability may vary between in-store, online, and app purchases. Walmart is currently offering free shipping for this product, with a delivery date as early as Tuesday, October 29. However, stock availability is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check back regularly if the item is out of stock.

Who Should Consider Buying Walmart’s Tiny Home?

• First-time buyers: Entering the housing market can be tough, but Walmart’s tiny home offers an affordable alternative to skyrocketing home prices.
• Airbnb hosts: For those interested in generating rental income, a tiny home is a low-maintenance option that can serve as a cozy retreat for travelers.
• Homeowners needing extra space: Whether it’s for guests, storage, or a home office, this tiny home offers additional living space without the hassle of a major home renovation.
• DIY enthusiasts: If you love working with your hands, assembling this home could be an exciting project that adds value to your property.

Additional Considerations

While Walmart’s tiny home is an appealing choice, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind before purchasing. First, although the home is designed to be a cost-effective housing solution, it doesn’t come with flooring, so you’ll need to budget for this separately. Second, because it’s sold as a shed kit, you’ll need to be comfortable with a DIY assembly or hire a contractor to help put it together.

Moreover, while the home can handle wind speeds of up to 90 mph and snow loads of up to 45 lbs per square foot, it’s important to check local zoning laws and building codes to ensure the structure is compliant in your area. This will help avoid any legal complications and ensure that your tiny home is built to last.

Fast Delivery, Lasting Value

One of the best features? Walmart offers delivery in under a week—meaning your tiny home could arrive in just a few days. The current price is listed at $5,947 online, but it’s always a good idea to double-check Walmart’s website for the latest pricing and availability. While shipping is free at the moment, this is subject to change, so act fast if you’re ready to dive into tiny home living.

Ready to make a move? Visit Walmart’s website to see if this tiny home is in stock and to explore delivery options in your area.

Product Specifications:

Best Barns Geneva 12×16 Wood Shed Kit

The success of AHR Group is due to the “transparency of the whole business” while the financial sector has been “historically opaque”, which has given the international financial advice firm a “USP”.

This is what AHR Group managing director & co-founder William Burrows told Money Marketing when explaining how the firm first came about.

AHR Group was founded in 2020 following the merger of UAE-headquartered Arlo Wealth and Harrison Rowe, an international advisory business.

Founders Burrows, Tyla Phillips, Asad Sheikh and Daniel Waterman were at Harrison Rowe, while Daniel Dickinson and Marc Beattie were at Arlo Wealth.

Phillips is AHR Group executive director, Sheikh is AHR Group chief commercial officer, Waterman is AHR Group executive director and Dickinson is AHR Group CEO. Beattie is now Wealth Management Partners director, which is also based in the UAE.

AHR now has a significant presence in the UAE and offices in Mauritius, Malaysia, Cyprus, the UK and Australia.

Burrows recalled how in just eight weeks the two companies became one: “We realised Harrison Rowe was missing something that Arlo Wealth had and Arlo Wealth was missing something that Harrison Rowe had.”

Despite financial advice being very well established in the UK, “there are a number of nuances that change advice abroad”.

Burrows added that the perception of the international advice space has always been of concern in the UK as there have been international advisers “who have bent the rules”.

The main client base of AHR Group is British expats, with it being more likely when someone from the UK moves to another country, they will stay there, Burrows said.

He said that being an expat has a “huge impact on the advice given”. Once someone moves to another country, it usually means they have money saved in another jurisdiction, which adds another layer of “complexity” to the client.

For every five advisers AHR Group has, it also has a specialist working in a certain area.

In August and September this year, AHR Group received both International Professional Partner Firm (IPPF) recognition from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) chartered status.

AHR Group is the first and only international financial advice firm in the Middle East and Central South Asia regions to receive IPPF recognition from the CII.

AHR Dubai is the second firm in the Middle East to receive CISI recognition.

Burrows said “we are the only international firm that has both [CII &CISI] recognition”, which is “more meaningful” for British expats.

Also in July 2024, Titan Wealth announced it had bought AHR Group.

Burrows said this started with a conversation in early 2023.

He said: “We were happy to be bought by Titan as we believe in the objective of Titan, the firm is on a clear mission and wants to deliver better outcomes.”

The Titan acquisition “means we can fast track our business goals from 10-15 years to two or three”.

Upon completion of the acquisition, AHR will be rebranded as Titan Wealth International, which Burrows said will happen this side of the year (2024).

As Burrows added: “We want to evolve, and a name change and a rebrand is the way forward.”

MARTIN Lewis has issued an urgent warning to millions of households who are missing out on vital benefits to make a claim.

Every year, people lose out on an estimated £23 billion in benefits and support due to stigma or the assumption that they are not eligible.

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In the MoneySaving Expert newsletter Martin Lewis said: “Billions in benefits goes unclaimed each year – most by workers or pensioners who have paid into the system for yonks and are in need of help.

‘Even some with higher incomes are due – don’t assume ‘it’s not me’.”

The consumer champion has rounded up seven benefits that are massively underclaimed.

Here we explain whether you are eligible.

Universal Credit

Around 1.4 million people miss out on an average of up to £5,800 in Universal Credit each year.

The monthly benefit is a “catch-all” for those of working age who have low or no income and living and housing costs.

Households with incomes of up to £35,000 a year are the most likely to be missing out.

But if you have kids then high childcare costs and rent could mean you may still be eligible if your household income is up to £60,000 a year.

You can make a claim through the Government’s website or by calling the Universal Credit Helpline on 0800 328 5644.

Attendance Allowance

Up to 1.1 million pensioners are missing out on at least £3,778 a year in Attendance Allowance.

This benefit is not mean-tested and gives a fixed payout of £3,778 a year, or £5,644 a year to cover some of the cost of providing care to someone who needs it.

Those who needed help with day to day tasks such as washing or eating and have done so for more than six months could be missing out.

You can make a claim if you need this support during the day or at night.

If you have a condition such as Parkinson’s, dementia, terminal illness or blindness then you could be missing out.

You can apply for Attendance Allowance through the Government’s website or by post.

For help with your application, contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.

Council Tax Support

Up to 2.25 million people miss out on up to £1,500 a year in council tax support.

Each council runs its own scheme, so the amount you can get will depend on where you live.

In some regions it can cut your Council Tax bill by up to 100%.

If you qualify for means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit then you are often due a Council Tax reduction.

But these are not made automatically and you must apply, which is why so many people miss out.

To apply you will need to contact your local council.

You can find your local council here.

Carer’s allowance

Approximately 530,000 carers miss out on up to £4,250 each year.

Carer’s allowance is a specific payment for people who act as unpaid carers.

This can include a family member, spouse, child or even someone that you are not related to.

You are likely to be missing out if you care for someone who usually gets Attendance Allowance, a Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance.

You may also be eligible if you spend more than 35 hours a week helping with everyday tasks such as washing or cooking and earn less than £151 a week or have a low State Pension.

If you care for someone for less than 35 hours a week then you may be able to claim Carer’s Credit, which helps build National Insurance years to give you a greater State Pension.

You can also back-date it, which could boost the amount you receive even more.

To apply visit the Government website.

Pension Credit

The Government estimates that around 760,000 pensioner households are missing out on Pension Credit, which is worth £3,900 a year on average.

Pension credit tops up your income.

It is still worth claiming even if you are only due 50p a week as it opens the door for other support such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax Reduction and free TV licence.

It’s worth checking if you could claim it if you are aged over 66 and have a weekly income of below £235 (£350 if you are a couple and are both State Pension age).

You can apply through the Government’s website or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

Housing Benefit

Around 294,000 pensioners miss out on an average of £4,400 a year in help with their rent.

For those who are eligible and aged under 66 support for housing costs forms part of Universal Credit.

This is not the case with those of State Pension age.

Renters who are eligible for Pension Credit and are on a low income are likely to be missing out.

When you apply for Pension Credit you can usually make an application for Housing Benefit at the same time.

You can apply for Pension Credit online or contact the Pension Service to claim.

You can call the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234.

The Pension Service will then send details of your claim for Housing Benefit to your council.

If you already get Pension Credit you can apply through your local council.

Free School Meals

Approximately 470,000 families are missing out on free school meals, which are worth £490 a year.

Free school meals are served to eligible under-18s who are still in school or college.

Many people on Universal Credit with very low or no income are missing out as they do not realise they can only apply once they have received their first benefit payment.

Others lose out as they do not know they may need to re-register at the start of every year for each one of their children.

You can check if your child can get free school meals in England here.

To apply you will need to contact your local authority.

Can I get other support through my benefits?

Claiming benefits often opens the door to other discounts such as broadband social tariffs.

If you are successful in claiming any of these benefits then you should check if you are eligible.

If you are on a low income but do not qualify for benefits then help is still available.

You may still qualify for a water social tariff, so check with your supplier.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

Hidden Fees Alert: How Credit Card Companies Are Charging You Without Warning: Credit Card Fees Under Fire – How to Avoid the $1.99 Paper Statement Charge

Two major credit card companies are facing backlash for quietly imposing a $1.99 fee on consumers opting for paper statements. In a push to encourage customers to switch to digital statements, these companies are penalizing those who still prefer traditional paper billing. However, there are ways to avoid this fee—by opting into electronic statements or contacting your card issuer for potential exceptions.

The Shift to Digital Statements and the $1.99 Fee

Credit card issuers, including Synchrony Bank and Citibank, have introduced this fee for customers who choose paper statements instead of going digital. Synchrony Bank, which offers more than 100 co-branded and store-affiliated credit cards—such as Sam’s Club Credit Card, Lowe’s Store Card, and Amazon Store Card—is one of the key players imposing the charge. Citibank followed suit in late 2022, requiring customers to switch to paperless billing to access their accounts online or through the Citi Mobile App.

Despite the shift, legally, credit card companies must still offer paper statements, but customer consent is required for paperless billing. Many customers, like Alicia Galowitsch, find themselves facing additional costs. “It’s very tight for us,” she told NBC, explaining how these fees have impacted her household finances. “We had to start going to a food bank. It’s going to be $11.94 [in fees],” she shared, highlighting how small fees can quickly add up for families managing multiple accounts.

For some, paper statements are essential for organization, particularly when managing multiple credit card accounts. Ms. Galowitsch added, “If I’m not here, the payments are going to be late because [my husband] Mark’s not going to know what to do.” For people who rely on paper statements to stay organized, these new fees feel like an unfair burden.

Related: Should I use my credit card for big purchases?

Growing Consumer Frustration and Security Concerns

Beyond the financial strain, many customers are also concerned about the security risks associated with digital statements. Those who aren’t comfortable with online banking worry that going paperless could leave them vulnerable to fraud. In response, frustrated credit card holders have taken to forums like Reddit to voice their discontent.

One Reddit user shared, “I received a letter today about my PayPal Mastercard. Starting in April, they will impose a charge if you don’t opt for electronic statements.” The fee in this case is $2.50—slightly higher than Synchrony’s—but still a source of frustration. Another user mentioned they were closing their account entirely due to the fee.

This latest wave of fees follows recent changes by credit card giants Visa and American Express, which subtly reduced the value of rewards points. With Americans sitting on millions of credit card points for flights, hotels, and cash-back options, the impact of inflation has caused these points to lose value. Once worth roughly one cent per point, their purchasing power has dropped by 20% since 2018, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How to Avoid the Paper Statement Fee

If you’re being charged for paper statements, here’s how you can avoid paying unnecessary fees:

• Switch to electronic statements: Opting for digital billing is the simplest way to sidestep the fee.
• Request an exception: In some cases, particularly for elderly or disabled customers, credit card companies may waive the fee upon request.
• Track your statements online: Even if you prefer paper, familiarizing yourself with online banking can help you stay on top of your finances.

Signs Your Credit Has Been Compromised

Amid concerns about switching to online statements, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for signs that your credit may have been compromised. According to Michael Bruemmer, vice president of Experian Global Data Breach Resolution, these warning signs should not be ignored:

• Unrecognized charges on your credit card or bank account
• Unexpected credit checks appearing on your report
• Receiving unfamiliar bills
• A sudden drop in your credit score

“If you notice any of these, it could be a red flag that someone is using your identity,” Bruemmer warns. Early detection is key to minimizing potential damage to your credit.

Conclusion

As credit card companies push customers toward digital billing, it’s important to stay informed about fees and how they can impact your finances. Whether you’re holding onto paper statements for organization or security reasons, knowing how to avoid fees can save you money. Stay vigilant about your accounts, and keep an eye out for any signs of fraud to protect your financial health.

Good morning and welcome to your Morning Briefing for Wednesday 23 October 2024. To get this in your inbox every morning click here.

AHR Group’s transparency is its ‘USP’

The success of AHR Group is due to the “transparency of the whole business” whereas the financial sector has been “historically opaque” which has given the international financial advice firm a “USP”.

This is what AHR Group managing director & co-founder William Burrows told Money Marketing when explaining how the firm first came about.

AHR Group was founded in 2020 following the merger of UAE-headquartered Arlo Wealth and Harrison Rowe, an international advisory business.

Founders Burrows, Tyla Phillips, Asad Sheikh and Daniel Waterman were at Harrison Rowe whilst Daniel Dickinson and Marc Beattie were at Arlo Wealth.

‘Possibility’ the chancellor may create a new tax during the Budget

There is a “possibility” that chancellor Rachel Reeves may create a new tax during the Budget on 30th October.

This is what Barnett Waddingham self-invested pensions technical specialist James Jones-Tinsley told Money Marketing.

“There is a lot of precedent that this may happen,” and as Reeves is early into her career as chancellor she could be “experimental”.

Jones-Tinsley predicts that the new tax would be likely to target the ultra-wealthy who traditionally vote Conservative.

Still, a new tax brings with it, a lot of “unprecedented” changes as well as legal challenges as ultra wealthy people tend to have lawyers, Jones-Tinsley said.

In Conversation With… Jordan Sriharan: Navigating Turbulent Waters – A Market Outlook and Strategies for Financial Advisers

Join Kimberley Dondo and Jordan Sriharan, Fund Manager at Canada Life Asset Management, as they discuss the current market landscape and the impact of global trends on the UK.

In this episode, Jordan shares his revised outlook, outlines strategies for mitigating risk, and identifies potential opportunities for UK investors.

Tune in for valuable insights and actionable takeaways to help you navigate the turbulent waters and guide your clients through these challenging times.

Quote Of The Day

Lloyds is the first major UK bank to report third-quarter earnings, and it hasn’t disappointed. In tune with recent trends, impairment charges were better than expected and drove a good chunk of the pre-tax profit beat, as borrowers continue to stand firm

– Hargreaves Lansdown senior equity analyst Matt Britzman on Lloyds Q3 earnings with underlying profit coming in higher than expected

In Other News

Allfunds a B2B WealthTech platforms for the fund industry, which offers fully integrated solutions for both fund houses and distributors, has releases a trading update for the third-quarter period ended 30 September 2024.

Its total assets under administration (AuA) increased by 10% since December to €1,522bn, representing a 15% increase year-on-year.

Platform service AuA increased by 19% to €1,102bn year-on-year with “strong” net flows in the quarter (€23bn) continuing the positive evolution since Q1.

Total net revenues of €154m, representing a 16% increase year-on-year underpinned by significant growth in both net platform and subscription revenues.

Allfunds chief executive officer and founder Juan Alcaraz said: “Allfunds delivered another quarter of robust, diversified growth. We are proud to announce a new record milestone of €1.5trn in AuA, driving a 16% increase in revenues year-on-year. Our core platform business continues geared to an improving macro cycle. Our dedicated commitment to innovation and technology allows us to deliver a unique one-stop shop proposition, following the launch of our top-leading Alternatives solutions platform and expanding into our recently announced ETP platform.

“Our ongoing digital transformation efforts are central to this success, enhancing our platform’s capabilities and client experience, thereby establishing us as the premier Wealthtech partner for our clients. In this quarter, we are also pleased to announce the completion of our share buyback programme, further demonstrating our commitment to delivering value to our shareholders.”

Stocks drift, dollar and gold rise as traders weigh US rates, election (Reuters)

Donald Trump accuses UK Labour party of interference in White House race (Financial Times)

Local transport funding at risk as Reeves considers big budget cuts (Guardian)

Did You See?

Industry experts have urged the government to “keep up the momentum” after it gave an update on the Pensions Dashboard Programme yesterday (22 October).

Pensions minister Emma Reynolds announced that the MoneyHelper Pension Dashboard service will be made available before commercial dashboards.

Reynolds added that it is too early to confirm a launch date to the public.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) previously said the launch date will only be announced once it is assured most pension schemes have connected and the dashboards are working well.

The Pension Dashboards Programme (PDP) has been given the task of developing the Pension Dashboards ecosystem and organising for most schemes to connect to it.

Pension schemes must connect to the dashboard ecosystem by October 2026 at the latest, but have been urged to connect earlier, starting from April 2025.

The FCA is expected to publish the final rules of the governance framework for commercial dashboards before the end of the year.

Dan Cooper has the full story.