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The market is definitely in an on-again, off-again romance with bank drama.  Today was already shaping up to be an “on-again” day before the open as Pac West’s stock slid in pre-market trading.  Jamie Dimon is also on record saying commercial real estate could cause a few more banks to fold.  Markets aren’t too surprised by the risk of a few more bank failures, but it helps drive a bit of bond buying.  AM econ data helped further that agenda with inflation cooling and jobless claims hitting the highest levels since late 2021.  Despite those tailwinds, 10yr yields are already shying away from a range breakout.

In other news, we’re getting some questions this morning about the prospect of lower inflation numbers when July’s CPI comes out.  It’s safe to say that’s old news and has been priced into current rate levels since August 2022.  The prospect of lower annual inflation in the July data is not a prediction.  It is a certainty due to ‘base effects.’ 

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

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By Peter Anderson Leave a Comment – The content of this website often contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you buy through those links (at no cost to you!). Learn more about how we make money. Last edited April 28, 2009.

This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

Wealth can become the center of our life and take God’s place. We need to remember that anything we earn comes from God, and that if we want to be proud of something, we should be proud and boast of our salvation in Jesus Christ.

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Source: biblemoneymatters.com

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Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further

As we ring in the New Year, financial resolutions top our to-do lists, from saving more to finding a new, better-paying job and getting out of debt once and for all.

As you map out your next money move, take heed of some of these top market and economic predictions for added guidance.

Higher Borrowing Costs

Looking to open a new credit card or apply for a mortgage this year? It may be wise to act sooner than later.

With the broader economy improving since the financial crisis (e.g. the national unemployment rate is hovering at 5%, down from nearly 10% in 2009), economists, including Janet Yellen, chairwoman of the Federal Reserve, believe it’s time for a tightening of monetary policy (translation: boost interest rates to curb inflation.)

Fortune Magazine’s “Crystal Ball,” says we can expect a three-quarter-point increase by next Thanksgiving to 1.25%.

When the Fed raises the overnight bank-lending rate (aka the Fed Funds rate) that typically has a domino effect on interest rates for other mainly short-term financial products like credit cards and car loans.

What this means for us? If you’re in the market to borrow money, I recommend reviewing your credit ahead of any applications to see what improvements (if any) are necessary. The higher your credit score, the better chances you have of achieving the lowest interest rates on the market.

If you’re seeking to refinance or buy a home this year, also aim to lock in a rate as soon as possible. While an increase in the Fed Funds rate isn’t necessarily a precursor to higher mortgage rates, we’re already seeing an uptick on 30-year home loans to above 4%. And Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey shows that more than 50% of consumers think mortgage rates will continue to elevate over the next year.

Finally, for those of us with adjustable rate loans (e.g. some student loans and mortgages) we may want to pay off our debt more aggressively or refinance to a fixed-rate loan to put a lid on rising monthly payments down the road.

Less Sticker Shock in Housing

With home loan rates expected to track north, home values may see some cooling in 2017. That’s because when mortgage rates jump, demand for housing tends to slowdown, placing pressure on sale prices.

Not to mention, after riding a hot streak in recent years with prices across the country hitting near pre-recession levels, real estate experts at Zillow.com now predict a “normalizing” market with more moderate price growth of 3.6% across the country in 2017, compared to 4.8% last year.

Prepare for more affordability in areas that have experienced the steepest gains. In Los Angeles, for example, home prices have trended considerably higher in recent times (up 7.3% over the past year, alone). In 2017, though, the city can expect a tempering of home values to a growth of just 1.7%, according to real estate website Zillow.com.

As for rentals, after double-digit surges, rents in many large metro areas will also see slower growth in 2017, per Zillow. Rents across the country are expected to rise approximately 1.7 percent this year to about $1,429 per month, down from a 6% appreciation reported last year.

Partly to blame for the cool down in rent is a glut in inventory. Builders were very busy over the last few years, but the demand for new units in some hot neighborhoods like Brooklyn, N.Y. is failing short of supply.

As a result, some landlords at higher end luxury apartment buildings in that borough have been striking sweet deals with renters since last summer, The New York Times reports.  For example, at 7 DeKalb, a new high rise in Brooklyn, “the landlord is offering two months of free rent with a 14-month lease, and use of the building’s fitness center and other amenities for a year without charge.”

That’s a good reminder to prospective renters everywhere that it can never hurt to negotiate, especially this year!

Have a question for Farnoosh? You can submit your questions via Twitter @Farnoosh, Facebook or email at [email protected] (please note “Mint Blog” in the subject line).

Farnoosh Torabi is America’s leading personal finance authority hooked on helping Americans live their richest, happiest lives. From her early days reporting for Money Magazine to now hosting a primetime series on CNBC and writing monthly for O, The Oprah Magazine, she’s become our favorite go-to money expert and friend.

Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further

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Source: mint.intuit.com

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Preserving our planet one city at a time.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend in environmental sustainability and the need to address pollution in cities. Because of the growing awareness, many cities have made significant strides in this area, implementing measures to reduce pollution, promote clean energy, bring awareness around Earth Day and protect natural resources.

From innovative transportation solutions to community-based initiatives, these cities are leading the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the cleanest cities in the US, exploring their approaches to sustainability and the impact of their efforts on the environment and the community.

What defines a clean city?

Cities have been scored and ranked based on numerous, measurable factors. These factors include alternative fuel resources, recycling jobs and air pollution, registered alternative fuel vehicles and traditional fuel vehicles.

These factors were scaled, scored and ranked scored and ranked while controlling for differences in population and land area. Based on this ranking, we’ve compiled the top 10 cleanest cities worthy of analyzing.

Located just two hours outside of New Orleans, Lafayette is a smaller Louisiana city making a true difference for the environment. The city has about half a million alternative fuel vehicles registered, helping it secure this top 10 spot. The city’s “Cleanest City” initiative includes regular litter pickups, community beautification projects and environmental education programs for local schools.

Lafayette has also implemented policies to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices. The city has installed energy-efficient LED lighting in public areas and established a recycling program to reduce waste. Lafayette has also introduced a public transit system that utilizes hybrid buses, reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.

Top apartments in Lafayette:

Rapid City has launched several initiatives to promote cleanliness and sustainability in the city. One of the most significant efforts is the “Keep Rapid City Clean and Green” program. Through this program, the city has organized numerous community clean-up events, including litter pickups and recycling drives. Rapid City has also implemented a public education campaign to raise awareness about reducing waste. This initiative has also helped contribute to the city’s level of recycling jobs available.

Rapid City has also implemented policies to reduce pollution and promote sustainable living. For example, the city has established a bike-sharing program to encourage more people to use sustainable transportation options. Rapid City has also introduced a public transit system that utilizes hybrid buses, reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.

Top apartments in Rapid City:

One of the most significant efforts Duluth is making is the “Clean and Green Duluth” program, which encourages residents to take an active role in keeping the city clean. Through this program, the city has organized community clean-up events and litter pickups and has implemented a “zero waste” program at many public events. The zero-waste program has contributed to the city’s low pollution score along with its energy-efficiency initiatives.

Duluth has installed energy-efficient LED lighting in public areas and has introduced a public transit system that utilizes hybrid buses. In addition to these green initiatives, the “Bag it Duluth” initiative aims to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags by promoting the use of reusable bags through monetary rewards with partnering businesses.

Top apartments in Duluth:

Located 63 miles outside of Denver, Greeley is a green city securing our seventh spot. Greeley has implemented several initiatives to beautify their city. One of the most significant efforts is the “Greeley-Evans Transit” program, which provides public transportation services using hybrid buses. The use of hybrid buses reduces emissions and promotes sustainable transportation in the city.

Another notable initiative in Greeley is the “Clean Energy Plan,” which sets a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030. As an extension of renewable energy efforts, the city has installed energy-efficient lighting in public areas and has a bike-sharing program to encourage sustainable transportation.

Top apartments in Greely:

With a low pollution score and 1 recycling job per 1 resident, Cedar Rapids has earned the title of a clean city. The city has committed to using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce its carbon footprint. The city has installed several solar panels, including a large array at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.

Cedar Rapids has also launched several programs to help residents and businesses reduce their energy usages, such as the “Bright Ideas” program that offers free energy audits and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. Additionally, the city has implemented a “Green Building Policy” that requires all new city-owned buildings to meet certain environmental standards, such as LEED certification.

Top apartments in Cedar Rapids:

Laredo is taking proactive steps to become a more sustainable and environmentally friendly city, with a focus on recycling, energy efficiency and green spaces. This Texas metro has a network of parks, open spaces and natural areas that provide residents with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The city has also implemented a program to plant more trees in the community, further beautifying these spaces.

Laredo is showing commitment to improving energy efficiency in municipal buildings, as well as promoting energy efficiency in homes and businesses. The city has implemented a program to replace streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights.

Top apartments in Laredo:

Lincoln’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2040, along with other initiatives, has earned it the fourth spot on our list. The city has already installed several solar arrays and wind turbines to work towards this goal in addition to implementing several programs to help residents and businesses reduce their energy usage. One program called the “Green Challenge” program offers free energy audits and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades.

Lincoln is working to promote sustainable transportation options, such as walking, biking and public transit, which is reflected in the city’s low number of traditional fuel-registered cars. The city has implemented a bike share program and is expanding the network of bike lanes and trails. The city also has a public transit system that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), which is a cleaner-burning fuel than traditional gasoline.

Top apartments in Lincoln:

Known for its stunning scenery, Cheyenne is doing its part to protect these views and surrounding plains. Cheyenne has implemented several programs to help residents and businesses reduce their energy usage, such as the “Green Business Program” which offers energy audits for free and rewards for energy-efficient upgrades.

Through these initiatives, Cheyenne has a goal of achieving 100% renewable energy for its municipal operations by 2025, and the city has already installed several solar panels on city buildings. Water conservation is also top-of-mind, through the implemented programs to promote water conservation, including a program to install low-flow showerheads and toilets in homes and businesses.

Top apartments in Cheyenne:

Hot Springs takes the second spot with a low pollution score and ample recycling jobs along with other green-friendly initiatives. This Arkansas city has a comprehensive recycling program for residents, which includes the collection of paper, plastics, glass and other materials. The city also provides free recycling bins to residents and has a curbside recycling program.

Additionally, Hot Springs has implemented green building standards for new construction and renovations. The city provides resources and incentives for developers and homeowners to incorporate energy-efficient and sustainable features into their buildings.

Top apartments in Hot Springs:

Also known as the Quad Cities, Davenport-Moline-Rock Island has taken several steps to become a more environmentally sustainable region, earning our title as the cleanest city. The Quad Cities has several renewable energy projects, including a solar farm in Moline, Illinois, and a wind farm in Iowa. The region is also exploring additional opportunities for renewable energy development, setting a precedent for green initiatives.

The Quad Cities recycling program has diverted millions of pounds of materials from landfills. In 2019, the region’s recycling rate was approximately 43%, which is higher than the national average. With the highest number of recycling jobs on this list, at a whopping 530, the quad cities are clearly investing in the future of the area and of the earth as well.

Top apartments in Quad Cities:

Creating a better world for present and future generations

These cities are setting an example for the rest of the country to follow. Through their commitment to recycling, low levels of pollution and the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles amongst residents, these cities are taking significant steps towards reducing their environmental impact and creating a healthier and more sustainable future.

In sum, these metros demonstrate that clean, green living is not only possible but can also lead to greater economic prosperity, improved public health and a higher quality of life. As more communities adopt similar measures, we can work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. For more green-friendly apartment cities, search here.

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Source: rent.com

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For the past two plus years, I’ve been talking about our “new house” on this blog. Yes, I just said two YEARS. I’ve shared the architecture plans. I’ve shared endless design inspiration. I’ve shared a sneak peek now and again. But to say  my first gut renovation experience has been a far bigger undertaking than I could have imagined…is a gross understatement. This is the house that will never end.

I certainly didn’t think I’d be sitting here 26 months after this old Victorian officially became our home and still have unfinished projects and still be surrounded by moving boxes instead of furniture. Ideal scenario, it most definitely is not. Am I starting to pull my hair out? Yes. Am I still happy I took on this whole crazy project? Absolutely.

While I wish I could snap my fingers and have everything done now, I’m content in knowing that slow but steady will result in not just a house, but the home my family will grow into for years to come. To that end, I’m making very deliberate choices about what comes into the house. For example, the gorgeous Georgia Bench I selected from Kate Spade New York’s Home Collection. I want each piece to have strong style and a little something special that catches your eye. Upholstered in charcoal-y linen with a gorgeous brass cross bar and feet, this piece has given me a perfect little vignette in our dining room. A little layer of art and a prized family photo make me smile every time I walk past. Even if I only have one chic corner in the house thus far, that little sliver of design goodness helps me stay focused on the light that I know is at the end of this tunnel.

Since it is still going to be awhile before I can fully reveal the house, and it’s been a 26 month journey to get this far, I thought I’d run with the theme and share my top 26 Renovation Revelations to kick off the week.

1. In your architect you must trust. While I’ve wavered about a lot of design decision (cuz you have to make like 1,000) the floor plan designed by our genius architect from Porro Design is not one of them.

2. Know your materials. What is the difference between marble and quartz? How will oak vs walnut look and perform? What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile? These little choices will have a dramatic effect on both the performance and the cost of materials in your house.

3. Understand construction timelines. Did you know you need to have all your light fixtures selected long before construction is complete because they all have to be roughed in when the walls are open?! Can you tell I didn’t know that? I was frantically picking lighting long before I’d actually given myself time to thing about room design. Not ideal. This leads directly to point four.

4. Have a vision going in. Design decisions can be very tough to make on the fly when you’re dealing the thousands you have to make, often all at once.

5. The work is only as good as your subcontractors. You may love your architect or your general contractor but it everyone else who touches your house that will affect the details.

6. Measure twice and cut once.

7. Double check everything. Don’t assume the “experts” will get things right.

8. Order things much further in advance than you think you need to. Then you’re not left waiting around when things ship late.

9. Cabinets always take twice as long as they say they will.

10. Order extras of things like door or cabinet hardware in case what you select is discontinued.

11. Try to make at least one bold choice somewhere. You want to feel a little uncomfortable with your design!

12. But stick to timeless choices for things that are expensive or hard to change later. A dramatic light fixture can always be swapped. A backsplash you’ll tire of in a year or two cannot.

13. There are 5,000 versions of white paint – test at least 5-8 of them before you pick one. I picked Benjamin Moore White Wisp btw.

14. Open boxes when things arrive – they might not always contain what you thought you ordered.

15. Trades only like to work when they have everything on site (think tile, plumbing fixtures, appliances) so make sure you have everything at the right time.

16. Grout lines should be about 3/16″ thick.

17. Your chandelier should hang 34-36″ above your table.

18. Kitchen pendants should hang 32-34″ above your counter.

19. Scale matters. Scale matters perhaps most of all, so if you don’t know how to determine appropriate scale for things like light fixtures or tile, hire a designer who does. Trial and error will be more costly in the long run.

20. Test paint colors on site to see what they’re going to look like in your space.

21. Floors finished onsite can take as much as 3 weeks to complete(!)

22. Don’t be afraid of black paint (spoiler alert!).

23. Know that good home furnishings take a long time to make/arrive.

24. Live in a house before you decide how to decorate it.

25. Order big things you’ll want, like beds or sofas far in advance.

26. Let your personality and style shine through your furnishings – they can evolve with your changing needs.

While my journey with this house is far from over, and I’m quite certain I still have a lot more to learn, I’m excited that the end just might be in sight! I really can’t wait to share the final product with you.

This post is in partnership with Kate Spade New York. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations I’m excited about and that have kept Apartment 34’s doors open.

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Source: apartment34.com

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Sacramento is California’s capital, and as it’s situated between the Bay Area and the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s also known for being one of the prettiest cities in a beautiful state.

Sacramento residents love exploring the city’s arts and culture scene, its many great restaurants and, in true California fashion, rooting for their favorite sports teams (Go Kings!).

If you’re a sports-head who’s considering moving to Sacramento, there are a number of neighborhoods you may want to consider. Check out this breakdown of the best Sacramento neighborhoods for sports fans:

Natomas

Natomas is a neighborhood in Northwest Sacramento, and it’s where you’ll find Sleep Train Arena, the venue of Sacramento’s NBA team, the Sacramento Kings. Also worth noting, the Kings aren’t the only entertainment you’ll find at Sleep Train Arena—the venue is known for hosting some amazing concerts and other shows as well.

West Sacramento

Raley Field, home of the Sacramento River Cats, is located in West Sacramento. The River Cats are Sacramento’s Triple-A baseball team and a recent affiliate of the MLB’s Giants, which call nearby San Francisco home.

Technically its own city, West Sacramento is separated from Sacramento by the Sacramento River that runs between the cities. West Sacramento was voted one of America’s “Most Livable” cities by the U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2014, and it’s a great community for kids and families.

Downtown

Sacramento’s downtown doesn’t have a sports stadium yet, but the city began construction on a new arena for the Sacramento Kings in August in the Downtown Plaza area. The arena is set to be completed by 2016, when the team will begin to play there instead of at their current home in Natomas.

If you’re looking for a non-arena spot to watch games, the Downtown Sacramento area also has a ton of sports bars. You’ll find sports games ranging from rugby to college basketball to NFL football in Downtown Sacramento, so it’s a great place to eat, drink, be merry and watch sports.

East Sacramento

The Sacramento Hornets of California State University, Sacramento, play at Hornet Stadium in the neighborhood locals call “East Sac.” The Sacramento State campus is located in East Sac, so college sports fans have the opportunity to see football, basketball and other college athletics in the area.

And for the people who like to pick up a football and play a couple of tackle games with friends every so often, East Sac is a great Sacramento neighborhood to live in. East Sac has a few nice parks where you and your family or friends can go for a pickup game every now and then. McKinley Park is a local favorite, with plenty of space to play and explore, along with tennis courts and a pool.

Davis

Davis is a city about 15 miles west of Sacramento, but Sacramento residents love going there to root for the University of California, Davis, Aggies. The City of Davis also has some great parks and recreation areas, and it’s a quick drive from West Sacramento.

Sacramento has several vibrant and exciting neighborhoods, so if you’re a sports fan, it’s a great place to live!

Apache is functioning normally

Deciding whether to refinance your mortgage means considering your personal situation, the prevailing interest rate environment — and something that really hits close to home: closing costs.

What are refinance closing costs?

You may pay as much as 2%-6% of your outstanding principal in mortgage refinance fees, known as closing costs, though the total can vary by state and lender. It’s not a massive single charge, but a pile of small costs that quickly add up.

If you decide to lock in a new, lower mortgage rate, switch loan products or tap equity by refinancing, here are the closing costs to watch out for.

Early repayment fees

If refinancing will result in an early repayment fee from your mortgage lender, you may want to reconsider. Prepayment penalties aren’t very common and are usually applicable only within the first three to five years of a mortgage.

FHA and VA loans, and other mortgages backed by a federal agency, generally cannot include a prepayment penalty. And in some states, they are illegal. But it’s one thing you want to be aware of before beginning the refinance application process.

Discount points

Points are interest payments based on the total amount of your mortgage. You can prepay points to lower your mortgage loan’s long-term interest rate — these are called discount points. In other words, you pay now instead of later.

If you plan on staying in a home for a long time, paying for discount points to lower your mortgage rate may work to your advantage. Remember, when you buy points, it alters the break-even period for your refinance, so be sure to do the math.

Lenders can also charge points on a mortgage refinance simply to make more profit — without reducing the mortgage’s interest rate. If you see points on your Loan Estimate and didn’t buy discount points, you’ve got room to negotiate those fees.

Origination fees

The mounds of paperwork you’ll face when closing on your mortgage refinance come at a price. Lenders often charge origination fees to cover the cost of processing your loan and obtaining a credit report.

These origination fees, sometimes referred to as an administration fee, application fee, underwriting fee or document preparation fee, can increase your closing costs even further. The good news is that all origination fees are open to negotiation, so don’t be afraid to discuss them with your lender.

Appraisal and inspection fees

There is due diligence performed by the lender to ensure that your home is properly valued. You guessed it — you’ll pay for that, too.

Among the refinance closing costs, you may see a home appraisal fee, often between $300 and $500. If you bought your home recently and already have an appraisal on file, sometimes this service can be waived. However, if you suspect your home has gained value, you may want to have your home reappraised.

The mortgage lender may also require a termite and pest inspection, as well as a general review of the home’s condition by a property inspector or engineer. The charges for these services can be several hundred dollars as well.

Mortgage and title insurance fees

While you will already have homeowner’s insurance due to your existing mortgage, the refinance lender will likely confirm the coverage, protecting itself in the event the house is damaged or destroyed.

Mortgage loans backed by government agencies, such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) require the payment of mortgage insurance — once again for the benefit of the lender.

If you have a conventional mortgage but put less than 20% down, you will be required to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI) to protect the lender in the event of a default. The fees for lender’s insurance vary by the entity involved and ranges from 0.55% to 2.25%.

And there is one more protection policy involved when refinancing a mortgage: title insurance. Courthouse records are searched to determine if you have valid ownership of the house and land and to ascertain if there are any liens against the property.

Title insurance covers the cost of any errors made in such investigations in order to protect the mortgage lender — and optionally the owner. Costs vary by loan value, down payment, property location and provider.

You may also be required to pay for a survey of the property and improvements, unless one has been recently completed. This costs about $500.

A final tip on refinance closing costs

From each lender you apply to, you’ll receive a Loan Estimate so that you can easily do a side-by-side comparison of mortgage costs. Once you choose a lender, you’ll also receive a Closing Disclosure three days before finalizing your loan, detailing all of the charges that will be assessed at signing. That way there can be no surprises at the closing table.

Source: nerdwallet.com

Apache is functioning normally

Last night, Kris and I had dinner with Craig and Lisa. Craig is an architect. Lisa is a technical writer who has spent the past few years as a stay-at-home mother. (Lisa contributed two GRS guest posts last year: How to find great deals on eBay and Career advice for the college graduate.)

Now that their children are a little older, Lisa has the itch to return to the workplace, to find some non-motherly pursuit to fulfill her. (She’s a great mom, by the way, but she does have other aspirations.) She’s now in her second term at a local university, studying to obtain a degree in graphic arts. She’s taking just one evening class per term, but she loves it. This is something she’s wanted to do for a long time, and she’s juggled her life to make it happen.

After Lisa finished telling us about her classes — art history and Photoshop — I mentioned that I’d been thinking about going back to school, too. “One thing about making my living as a writer,” I said, “is that it allows me freedom of hours. I can work when I want. I’m not sure I’m ready to take on another responsibility, but if I wanted to, I feel like I could pursue any degree I wanted: finance, computers, history.”

We talked about how different it is to go back to school as an adult. The four of us all attended the same small college (Willamette University) during the late eighties and early nineties, and we’ve each had some post-college education. Craig went to architecture school. Kris obtained a masters in teaching, and then took some additional science courses. A decade ago, I spent about a year studying computer programming. And now Lisa is pursuing art. College is much different as an adult than it is just after high school.

“I remember having non-trads in class and thinking they were strange,” Lisa said. “They seemed like they were from another world.”

“Yeah,” said Kris. “I always felt like they were out of touch, like they didn’t have any reference point for my life.”

“Right,” said Lisa. “But now I look at the students in my class and I realize it’s they who don’t have a reference point for my life. Now I realize that the non-traditional students did know what it was like to be young, but it’s impossible to know what it’s like to be older until you’ve lived it. I’m sure I just seem like a housewife to a lot of my classmates — they don’t understand everything that’s led to where I am now.”

“I never understood why non-trads actually went to college,” I said. “I looked down on them. But I was an idiot. Now when I see somebody our age going back to school, I think it’s awesome. I realize how difficult it is to do that, the sacrifices a person has to make for career, for family, for leisure. If you decide to go back to school as an adult, it’s a huge commitment.”

“I always wonder how they can afford it,” Craig said, and we laughed. It’s true that the financial commitment can be daunting. When you’ve been in the workplace for ten or twenty years, you have a greater appreciation for what it means to spend $5,000 or $10,000 or $20,000 on an education.

I’ve thought a lot about our conversation this morning. I realize that what I admire so much about non-traditional students is that they set goals and they pursue them. When most young adults go to college, they don’t have a clear conception of what they’re doing, what the alternatives are, and what sort of career they’d like to pursue. But when a 37-year-old mother goes back to school, she has an aim in mind. She has a purpose. Her goals keep her focused.

It’s this focus that I admire in Lisa’s return to college. Lisa’s situation reminds me of Donna Freedman, one of my editors at MSN’s Smart Spending blog. Donna is making a similar transition. She’s surviving (and thriving) on $12,000 a year while returning to school as a “mature student”. She writes:

How am I doing? Better than I ever have, thanks, despite grammar nightmares caused by the Spanish subjunctive in adverbial clauses of interdependence. I never knew life could be this busy, this overscheduled — or this rewarding.

[…] I already have everything I need and some of what I want. Some people call that “voluntary simplicity.” I think of it as living mindfully, i.e. deciding what’s really important and working toward it. For me that means finishing the degree, saving for a home and helping the people I love.

In other words, Donna has focus. She has goals, and these goals keep her happy.

I love to watch people pursue self-improvement, which is exactly what Lisa and Donna are doing. Perhaps it’s because I spent so long — fifteen years! — without goals of my own, but now when I see other people striving toward a destination, I cannot help but cheer them on.

Source: getrichslowly.org