LIVING WITH TIMESHARE REGRET? Try These Strategies to Offload Your Timeshare
Group, put it to U.S. News and World Report, “That’s a giant bucket of cold water on your head. The reality is that in most cases, [your timeshare is] worth nothing.” 2. Ask the ARDA’s Coalition for Responsible Exit for help. ARDA is a timeshare industry trade association, and this branch specializes in handling timeshare problems. According to EFE, “This program assists timeshare owners in finding a safe exit strategy with timeshare developers who have free or low-cost options.” Working with an official group like ARDA will help you avoid timeshare scams. Those are the best ways to get rid of your timeshare, but U.S. News and World Report claims you can also legally gift it, rent it, or resell it (likely at a loss), depending on where your timeshare is located. We don’t recommend more extreme options like refusing to pay your loan payments or maintenance fees in protest. These strategies can damage your credit and make it harder to get a home loan in the future. The best thing you can do is try one of the paths listed here. Good luck!
So, you own a timeshare: You’ve sat through the interminable 2-hour resort meeting, taken advantage of the free Jeep excursion or hefty restaurant gift they bribed you with, and sunk thousands of dollars into a slice of paradise you can use for one week per year. You’re not alone! According to the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), almost 10 million people own timeshares — and many of them probably regret it. If the shine of your purchase has worn off and you’re ready to offload your timeshare, Edelman Financial Engines (EFE) recommends using one of two different strategies. 1. Ask the resort you purchased from whether they’ll take back your timeshare. Policies on this vary from resort to resort, but some developers will let you either give up your timeshare without cost or pay them to take it back. (Yes, you have to pay them — again.) When you call, EFE recommends asking to speak to someone in the “deed-backs” or “surrenders” department.
Neither of these options is fun, but they’re effective ways of ending your timeshare commitment. As Brian Rogers, owner of the Timeshare Users
SUDOKU
FETA CHICKEN BURGERS Inspired by TasteOfHome.com MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INGREDIENTS
• 1 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp Greek seasoning • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber • 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise BURGERS: • 1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red pepper
• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground chicken • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese • 6 whole wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat broiler and mix chopped cucumber and mayonnaise. 2. For the burgers, mix the red pepper, garlic powder, Greek seasoning, and black pepper. Add chicken and cheese; mix lightly but thoroughly (the mixture will be sticky). Shape into 6 patties about 1/2-inch thick. 3. Broil burgers, remembering to cook both sides thoroughly. Serve on buns with cucumber sauce. If desired, top with lettuce and tomato. Enjoy!
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