The Worst Place to Stash Your Valuables

by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

Think you’ve found the perfect hiding spot for your cash or jewelry? Think again. From the freezer to the sock drawer, burglars know all the “secret” places homeowners use to stash their valuables. Before you tuck away your treasures in plain sight, learn which hiding places offer false security — and where your valuables will truly be safe.

Front Door

We’ve all heard the advice about keeping a spare key “just in case,” but hiding one near your front door is practically an open invitation. The doormat, flowerpot, mailbox, or fake rock –these are the first places a burglar will check. If you need to keep an extra key, leave it with a trusted neighbor instead.

Entryway

Your entry table may be the perfect place for dropping your car keys, wallet, or spare cash when you walk in, but it’s also the first stop for an intruder. Those items are quick to grab and easy to carry. A thief could be in and out of your home in under a minute with your keys, ID, and bank cards in hand.

Bedrooms

Burglars make a beeline for the master bedroom because they know that’s where people store their most valuable items — cash, jewelry, and small electronics. They’ll check dresser drawers, armoires, sock drawers, and even the space under your mattress. Suitcases and storage boxes? Those are fair game, too. The very spots that are most convenient for you are the ones they will check.

Freezer

Think your freezer is foolproof? Think again. Many homeowners wrap cash or jewelry in plastic and tuck it behind the frozen vegetables. But this “clever” hiding place is common knowledge among burglars. If it’s easy for you to access, it’s easy for them to find.

Bathrooms

Your bathroom medicine cabinet may seem like a private place, but it’s often one of the first areas a thief will check — especially if they’re looking for prescription drugs to sell. Don’t keep cash or jewelry there either; it’s too easy to reach.

Cookie Jar

It might seem like a sweet spot to stash your grocery money, but thieves know this classic trick. The same goes for flour tins and coffee canisters. If it’s in plain sight in the kitchen, assume it’s on a burglar’s radar.

Home Office

Your office is a goldmine for identity thieves. Computers, passports, checkbooks, and tax forms can all be used to steal your identity or drain your accounts. Keep sensitive documents locked away and back up important files to a secure cloud account.

Portable Safes

A small safe can keep kids or guests out of your valuables, but it won’t stop a thief from carrying the whole thing out the door. Unless your safe is bolted to the floor or wall, it’s just another box waiting to be picked up and opened later.

Other Bad Spots

Anywhere damp, dirty, or difficult to monitor is also a poor choice. Inside toilet tanks, for example, may seem clever, but the moisture can ruin documents and cash.

Where to Hide Your Valuables Instead

The best hiding places are the ones that require effort to access or don’t make sense for a thief to bother with. Think inconvenient, hidden, or disguised. Here are some ideas.

Trash Can with a False Bottom

A cleverly designed trash can with a hidden compartment can be a surprisingly effective deterrent. Thieves are unlikely to rummage through garbage. Just make sure your valuables are sealed against moisture — and don’t accidentally toss them out on trash day!

Fake Wall Outlets

You can purchase wall outlets that look completely real but pull out to reveal a small hidden compartment. They’re perfect for storing cash, jewelry, or small documents. Just be sure the outlet isn’t connected to any wiring.

Hidden Household Items

Fake food cans or containers designed to mimic ordinary products — like shaving cream or soup — are a discreet way to hide valuables. You can even make your own by hollowing out real cans. Just be careful to make them look authentic, and don’t place them in high-traffic areas where someone might mistake them for the real thing.

Structural Hiding Spots

If you’re handy, consider creating built-in hiding spaces behind removable panels or trim. Hollowed-out wainscoting, door jambs, or floorboards can be excellent concealment spots. Pre-made versions are also available for purchase and can be installed without major renovations.

Books and VHS Cases

A hollowed-out book on a crowded bookshelf — or an old VHS tape in a dusty box — won’t draw a second glance. Just don’t use a book or a tape case you might mistakenly donate.

Storage Bins

Large, unlabeled bins can attract attention, so disguise your valuables among ordinary items. Label bins with dull titles like “Old School Projects,” “Holiday Décor,” or “Winter Clothes.” Even if burglars do open a few, they’re unlikely to dig deep through boxes of tinsel or kids’ art supplies.

Kids’ Bedrooms

While the master bedroom is a prime target, thieves usually skip children’s bedrooms. Consider stashing your valuables in a box on a high shelf in the closet. Further protect it with a misleading label.

Add an Extra Layer of Security

Even the best hiding spots can’t protect your valuables completely. Strengthen your security by:

• Installing a home security system with cameras and alarms to deter burglars.
• Using motion-sensor lighting around entry points to discourage nighttime intrusions.
• Keeping your valuables insured through your homeowner’s or renter’s policy so you’re financially protected even if the worst happens.

By avoiding the most obvious hiding places and thinking creatively about security, you can protect your valuables and your peace of mind.

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.

How much rent can you afford?

by California Casualty | Helpful Tips, Homeowners Insurance Info | 0 comments

You’ve found the dream apartment — great neighborhood, easy commute, maybe even a dishwasher (score!). But before you start packing boxes, there’s one big question to answer: Can you actually afford it? Figuring out how much rent fits your budget isn’t necessarily exciting, but it can save you from living on instant noodles by mid-month. Let’s break it down.

The Classic 30% Rule: A Starting Point, Not the Whole Story

You’ve probably heard of the 30% rule, the long-standing guideline that says you should spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on rent. For instance, if you make $60,000 a year, that’s $5,000 a month before taxes — so 30% would be $1,500 for rent.

Landlords often use a version of this when screening tenants. They look for applicants with an annual income that is at least three times the monthly rent. While this rule can be a useful benchmark, it’s a rough measure. It doesn’t consider student loans, credit card debt, childcare, or savings goals.

In short: the 30% rule is a place to start — but not where your math should end.

Build a Budget That Works for You

Instead of relying on outdated formulas, create a personalized budget that reflects your lifestyle and financial situation. Here’s how.

Step 1: Track Every Expense

To figure out how much you can realistically spend on rent, you first need to know where your money is going. Spend a month tracking your expenses — every dollar. Apps like YNAB (You Need a Budget), or Rocket Money can make this easier by automatically linking to your accounts and categorizing purchases.

Be sure to include:

• Utilities: Gas/electric, water, internet
• Groceries and dining out
• Transportation: Gas, parking, public transit, car payments, vehicle maintenance, and insurance
• Health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses
• Debt payments: Student loans, credit cards, personal loans
• Recurring expenses: Subscriptions, memberships, and automated payments
• Entertainment and streaming services
• Gifts, clothes, and home supplies
• Pet expenses

Step 2: Subtract Expenses from Income

Once you’ve totaled your monthly spending, subtract it from your take-home pay (after taxes). What’s left gives you a real idea of what you can afford for rent.

If that number feels tight, look for easy trims. Could you cut back on takeout or unused subscriptions? Maybe refinance student loans or car payments for lower rates. Don’t go overboard — budget changes that are too drastic rarely stick — but even small shifts can free up hundreds a month. Consider a roommate if that’s an option.

The 50/30/20 Rule: A Smarter Spending Framework

If you like structure but want more flexibility than the 30% rule, try the 50/30/20 budget. It divides your income into three simple categories:

• 50% for needs: Rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and other essentials
• 30% for wants: Dining out, clothing, hobbies, travel, and entertainment
• 20% for savings and debt: Emergency fund, retirement contributions, or extra payments toward loans

This framework gives you room to breathe while keeping savings front and center. And if your “needs” category (including rent) creeps higher than 50%, that’s your signal to re-evaluate what you can comfortably afford.

Plan for the Unexpected

Even the best budgets can be derailed by surprise expenses — car repairs, medical bills, or job changes. That’s why it’s smart to build an emergency fund.

Financial experts recommend setting aside enough to cover three to six months of expenses. That might sound like a lot, but you can start small. Even putting away $50–$100 a month adds up over time — and gives you peace of mind knowing you’re protected if something unexpected happens.

Beware of Rental Scams

In today’s tight housing market, scammers are getting more creative — and more convincing. If a listing feels off, trust your gut. Here are some red flags that could indicate a fake rental ad:

• The deal seems too good to be true (it probably is).
• There’s no physical address
• Communication happens only through email or text — no phone calls or in-person meetings.
• The “landlord” seems too eager to rent and skips background checks.
• You’re asked to wire money or send a deposit before seeing the property.
• There’s no lease or you’re told one isn’t necessary.
• The landlord claims to be “out of town” but will hold the unit for you once you send money.

Always visit the property in person, verify the owner’s identity, and never send payment until you’ve signed a legitimate lease.

Don’t Skip Renter’s Insurance

Once you’ve signed the lease and unpacked your boxes, there’s one more thing you’ll want to check off your list: renter’s insurance. Starting at around $10 a month, renter’s insurance is one of the most affordable ways to protect yourself financially. Your landlord’s insurance only covers the building — not your personal belongings.

Renter’s insurance typically includes:

1. Personal Property Coverage – Protects your belongings from theft, fire, or other covered losses.
2. Liability Coverage – Helps pay for damages or injuries if you’re found responsible.
3. Additional Living Expenses – Covers hotel or temporary housing costs if your apartment becomes uninhabitable.

Think of it as a safety net for the unexpected. And if you bundle your renter’s policy with an auto policy through California Casualty, you may qualify for premium discounts — a smart way to save even more each month.

Finding the perfect apartment should be exciting, not stressful. By taking the time to crunch the numbers, track your spending, and plan ahead, you can move into your new place with confidence (and still have money left over for furniture or Friday night pizza).

This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.