Framed by the majesty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and enriched with centuries-old culture, New Mexico is a true gem of the American Southwest.
If you’re searching for the best places to live in New Mexico, several stunning locations emerge from the backdrop of arid desert, mountain wilderness and eclectic urban hubs. Each city, town and village featured below is a unique, diverse and downright gorgeous place to call home.
This piece explores the best places to settle down in New Mexico, highlighting not only their aesthetic appeal but also the wealth of opportunities they offer residents. Ready to find your home in the heart of the Land of Enchantment? You’ve come to the right place.
Albuquerque possesses an enchanting blend of modernity, vibrancy and natural beauty that firmly cements its place among the best places to live in New Mexico. At its core, Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, prides itself on its robust diversity, which can be experienced through the city’s culinary scene, architecture and festivals. With cuisine that tantalizingly fuses Native American, Spanish and Mexican influences, every mealtime promises to be a gastronomic adventure. The city’s architecture mirrors its history, where Pueblo-style homes brush up against sleek modern developments, creating a landscape that is as much a testament to its past as it is a nod to its undeniably bright future.
The natural beauty of Albuquerque is truly unparalleled, offering residents a playground of outdoor adventures. The city is framed by the majestic Sandia Mountains and bisected by the tranquil Rio Grande, providing an array of outdoor activities from hiking, biking and skiing to fishing and so much more. Coupled with over 300 days of sunshine per year, the city’s climate is ideal for those seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle.
With regard to education and economic opportunities, Albuquerque offers a multitude of choices. It houses reputed institutions like the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. In the sphere of employment, Albuquerque’s economy thrives on a balanced blend of industries including healthcare, aerospace, military, tourism and technology, with an added emphasis on sustainability and green technology.
Albuquerque ensures that modernity doesn’t come at the expense of community and connection. The city’s residents are known for their welcoming, friendly nature, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home. The city’s neighborhoods are diverse and often tight-knit, providing a sense of community often absent in larger metropolises.
Ultimately, what sets Albuquerque apart as one of the best places to live in New Mexico is its ability to offer a high quality of life, balancing city amenities with a sense of community, diverse cultural experiences with modern living and a vibrant economy with incredible natural beauty.
As the oldest state capital in the United States, Santa Fe has long been one of the best places to live in New Mexico. Known as ‘The City Different,’ Santa Fe’s unique blend of cultures, history and natural beauty makes it a magnet for artists, retirees and anyone looking to forge a different path in the desert.
The multicultural makeup of Santa Fe is interwoven with an enchanting mix of Pueblo Native American, Spanish, Mexican and Anglo influences. This mosaic of cultures is reflected in the city’s architecture, particularly the adobe structures and the city’s famed cathedral, as well as in its art, music and food. The blend of cultures also extends to the people who call Santa Fe home, adding a rich, cosmopolitan feel to the city that’s often unexpected for a town of its size.
Santa Fe’s art scene is renowned and offers a breadth of artistic experiences hard to find elsewhere. The city is saturated with art, from the more than 200 galleries that line the streets of the art district, to the world-class museums like the Museum of International Folk Art. It’s no wonder Santa Fe has been named a UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art.
Living in Santa Fe is a lesson in history, with every street corner whispering stories from the past. The city’s history is visible in its present-day facade, with buildings and landmarks that have been preserved and cherished for centuries.
Moreover, Santa Fe is a city that puts a premium on wellness and healthy living. It’s home to a variety of spas, yoga studios and wellness retreats. The city’s clean air, natural beauty and a pervasive spirit of tranquility combine to make Santa Fe a popular destination for those in search of a more balanced lifestyle.
Whether one is drawn to Santa Fe for its artistic prowess, its layered history or its emphasis on wellness and community, one thing is for certain: Santa Fe stands as one of the very best places to live in New Mexico.
Las Cruces often lands on the list of the best places to live in the state—and for good reason. This scenic city, nestled in the heart of the Mesilla Valley and caressed by the Organ Mountains, offers more than just picturesque vistas; it’s a thriving hub that blends culture, history and modern living, earning its status as one of the best places to live in New Mexico.
In Las Cruces, there’s a deep appreciation for cultural history. Traces of the area’s rich heritage can be found in everything from the adobe architecture that decorates the landscape, to the local cuisine steeped in New Mexican and Mexican influences.
An underappreciated jewel in the academic world is the presence of New Mexico State University, a significant contributor to the city’s youthful atmosphere. The university brings a wealth of intellectual and cultural experiences to Las Cruces, from public lectures and performing arts to college sports. It also provides economic stability, making Las Cruces an attractive destination for academics, researchers and students from around the world.
Despite its small size, Las Cruces has made strides in offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, and retail options. The city’s burgeoning culinary scene brings with it a delightful mix of tastes and flavors, featuring everything from classic New Mexican dishes to international cuisines.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a ton of activities in Las Cruces. The city’s proximity to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument offers a healthy selection of recreational activities including hiking, camping and soaking up your surroundings in peace.
Despite its many assets, Las Cruces manages to maintain a relatively low cost of living compared to many other U.S. cities. The housing market is notably accessible, allowing more residents to own their homes and invest in their community. This financial accessibility, combined with its strong local culture, make Las Cruces one of the best places to live in New Mexico.
To experience the allure of the Southwest in all its glory, look no further than Rio Rancho. Often hailed as one of the best places to live in New Mexico, this city conjures a sense of belonging, as though it has been awaiting one’s arrival with a benevolent, sun-drenched patience.
The beating heart of Sandoval County, Rio Rancho is no typical desert town. It’s a medley of contemporary architecture punctuated with southwestern flair, capturing the spirit of New Mexico’s rich cultural heritage while adapting to modern living standards. Its rapidly growing economy is a testament to its entrepreneurial spirit, with companies, large and small, contributing to its ever-evolving landscape.
Intel Corporation, for example, plays a pivotal role, providing thousands of jobs to residents and fueling the tech boom in the city. But Rio Rancho isn’t just a corporate hotspot. It’s an ecosystem where small businesses thrive, drawn by the city’s supportive infrastructure, a true testament to the business-friendly climate that nourishes growth and innovation.
Life in Rio Rancho is a celebration of nature. The city is ensconced in a landscape that changes colors with the passing day, from the gold of dawn to the crimson of dusk, creating an everyday spectacle. Outdoor enthusiasts relish the multitude of parks and trails, while the nearby Sandia Mountains and Rio Grande are always nearby to offer an adventurous escape.
The city is also an educational haven. Rio Rancho Public Schools are known for their commitment to excellence, fostering an environment where children grow into curious, compassionate and creative adults. These institutions are more than just schools – they are crucibles that shape the leaders of tomorrow.
A city where cultures coalesce, where people seek to carve out their dreams and where nature seamlessly intertwines with urban living — Rio Rancho is more than a city. It’s a community that nurtures the essence of New Mexico, making it one of the best places to live, not just in the state, but arguably in the entire Southwest.
A gem nestled in the northern mountains of New Mexico, Los Alamos has consistently topped the charts as one of the best places to live in New Mexico for a multitude of compelling reasons.
Los Alamos’ uniqueness begins with its compelling history, which is deeply rooted in science and innovation. Home to the renowned Los Alamos National Laboratory, this town is a beacon for brilliant minds from all over the world. It’s a place where cutting-edge research is intertwined with everyday life, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
Despite its small size, Los Alamos is not lacking in cultural opportunities. From the Bradbury Science Museum, with its engaging exhibitions on the Manhattan Project and the role of Los Alamos in modern science, to the Los Alamos Historical Museum, there is always an ample selection of educational and entertainment options around every sunkissed corner.
Culturally, Los Alamos offers more than meets the eye. The local arts scene is thriving, with regular concerts, theatrical productions and art shows. The Los Alamos Concert Association brings in renowned performers from around the world, ensuring a rich calendar of events throughout the year.
Los Alamos has consistently high rankings in safety. Its crime rates are significantly below the national average, lending an overall feeling of security and peace to the community. The excellent public school system is another draw, offering high-quality education that consistently produces well-rounded students.
In summary, Los Alamos’ blend of intellectual vigor, natural beauty, safety and proximity to major cities solidifies its position as one of the best places to live in New Mexico. It is a town that offers more than just a place to live, but a place to thrive, grow and engage with both the world’s toughest questions and its most beautiful moments.
When it comes to the best places to live in New Mexico, the enchanting town of Taos consistently tops the list. Its rich collection of cultures, abundant natural beauty, thriving arts scene and focus on sustainability all contribute to its charm, making it an idyllic place to call home.
Taos brims with a rich history that can be traced back a thousand years. The native Taos Pueblo people, who’ve inhabited the region for over a millennium, infuse the town with deep-rooted traditions and stories that can still be experienced today. The Unesco World Heritage site of the Taos Pueblo stands as a symbol of the town’s enduring heritage, providing a unique, living link to the past.
Taos’ natural surroundings are nothing short of breathtaking. The town offers a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts, from skiing to hiking and whitewater rafting to mountain biking, the area provides plentiful options for those with an adventurous spirit.
A sense of community runs strong in Taos, fostered by local businesses, organic farmers and the bustling Taos Farmers Market. Sustainability is more than a buzzword in Taos, it’s a way of life. From eco-friendly homes, known as Earthships, to local initiatives aimed at preserving the town’s natural beauty, the commitment to sustainable living is palpable.
Despite its modest size, Taos embodies a dynamic blend of old and new, traditional and innovative, rugged and refined. It’s a place that demands a slower pace, where one can take the time to appreciate the beauty of a sunset or the simplicity of a well-crafted pottery piece. In a world that is often dominated by the hustle and bustle, Taos stands as a beacon of tranquility, authenticity, and rich cultural experience.
Nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, Farmington has quietly emerged as one of the best places to live in New Mexico. Offering a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, economic opportunity and community spirit, Farmington is much more than a mere dot on a map.
Farmington’s geographic position in the Four Corners region provides ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. With the San Juan River meandering through the city, it’s a paradise for fly fishing, boating and kayaking. The nearby Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness presents a surreally beautiful landscape of unique rock formations and fossil beds. It’s a hiker’s and photographer’s dream, one of many natural treasures that make Farmington truly unique.
A place’s true worth, however, is defined by more than just its physical attributes. It’s the spirit of the community that truly determines the quality of life. And in Farmington, this spirit is palpable. With a population diverse in age and background, the city incubates an atmosphere of inclusivity and camaraderie.
Farmington’s connection to the Navajo Nation contributes significantly to its allure. The rich display of Navajo culture is intertwined with the city’s identity, visible in its vibrant arts scene, local businesses and community events. This cultural heritage is a point of pride for Farmington and a source of continual inspiration and learning for its residents.
In terms of economic opportunity, Farmington holds its own. With a strong local economy built on the energy, healthcare and education sectors, the city provides a solid foundation for entrepreneurs and job-seekers alike. Its commitment to sustainable development, evident in the city’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy and invest in renewable energy, ensures a promising future.
In sum, Farmington embodies the essence of a well-rounded city. Its stunning natural environment, rich heritage, strong community spirit and economic opportunity all combine to create a place that truly deserves to be called home.
Make the move to New Mexico today
In the quest for the best places to live in New Mexico, the journey is as remarkable as the destination itself. Each location carries its own distinct personality. Be it the bustling urbanity of Albuquerque, the artistic allure of Santa Fe or the tranquil serenity of Los Alamos, each has a unique way of capturing one’s heart and imagination. New Mexico offers a truly enchanting experience that seamlessly blends the past, present and future. As one thing is certain, choosing to reside in the Land of Enchantment will indeed be a decision marked by discovery, diversity and delightful living. Find your future home in New Mexico today!
Real estate investment is serious business. You need a solid partner to help you manage your property portfolio and aid in making the hard decisions when it comes to development and investment strategies. Accessibility to quality real estate investment trusts can often be an issue, thanks to over-priced REIT platforms with excessive fee schedules. That’s why it’s such a breath of fresh air that Streitwise brings to the real estate investment sector.
What Streitwise Brings to Real Estate Investment
Co-founded by CEO Eliot Bencuya in 2017, SEC-regulated Streitwise has already made some major waves in the real estate investment sector. This Reg A real estate investment platform has delivered 10% annualized quarterly dividends to investors on its properties since inception as of 3/31/19, and they’ve done it by being more inclusive than other REIT platforms. In fact, the secret to stREITwise’s success has been in offering low fees and a simple-to-use online real estate platform that’s open and accessible to real estate investors of every type, from newbies to old pros alike.
All this success had led to some exciting growth for stREITwise in just a short time. The company has just announced a new acquisition to its investment portfolio, a $32 million mixed-use building in Carmel, Indiana, one of the most affluent suburbs of Indianapolis. The 140,000-square foot Allied Solutions Building, already around 87 percent leased, is thought to increase in value over time thanks to its location in the heart of downtown Carmel in the heart of a busy mixed-use development surrounded by restaurants, coffee shops, fast-casual dining, service-oriented retail, and the locally renowned Sun King distillery and food hall right next door.
Success Driven by a Strong Sponsor
stREITwise is driven by strong sponsorship in the form of Tryperion Partners. In operation since 2013, Tryperion has 40 years of combined founder experience with more than $5.4 billion in transactions. With a 33.1 percent IRR on realized investments over three funds as of 12/31/18, stREITwise’s sponsor has provided the framework for this REIT platform to continue to flourish and grow, offering investment opportunities to one and all.
Tryperion Partners has enabled stREITwise to not just offer minimum investments of just $1000 to interested investors but also to do so at a #1 rated lowest fee structure among real estate crowdfunding sites. These fees are just 3 percent initially and 2 percent ongoing, considerably lower than some other REITs, which can often be as high as 10 to 15 percent. Also, because of Typerion’s strong backing, stREITwise distributes its 10 percent annualized dividends to its investors net of fees, which means those fees are taken out beforehand.
Putting Affordability First
This affordability and accessibility have always been a priority when it comes to stREITwise. That’s why the platform doesn’t charge acquisition fees, disposition fees, or fees for financing or performance. Typerion’s strong sponsorship also allows stREITwise to steer clear of joint ventures with partners who would charge those fees. The Real Estate Crowdfund Review stood up and took notice, awarding the platform its 2019 Best Fees Award.
Real estate investment can be difficult and fraught with risk and accessibility issues, but stREITwise seeks to level the playing field for everyone involved. If this easy-to-use, highly-accessible platform continues to grow and exhibit favorable ROI in the future, making it a highly recommended choice for new investors.
Want to learn more? Please see our Offering information here!
Ben Shepardson is a Realty Biz News Contributing Writer and has a long track record of success in online marketing and web development. While pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, he worked doing enterprise-level SEO and started an online business offering web development services to small business customers.
Hiring movers and using a moving company to help with your move has all sorts of benefits, like saving time and logistics coordination. Using these types of services is as basic as just having someone help carry boxes or entrusting the entire moving process to your movers. But how much do movers cost? How much will you need to pay for specific types of services and what’s included?
This guide on how much movers cost and the overall cost of moving will help you know what to expect so you can budget and prepare accordingly and not be caught off-guard.
How much does it cost to hire a moving company?
How much do movers cost? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this key question. The cost of hiring movers and getting a company to help with your move depends on a variety of factors, from how far you’re moving to how much stuff you’re transporting.
To give you a ballpark figure, hiring a moving company ranges in price from $800 to $2,500. The national average cost of using movers is $1,400. But, moving company costs go up significantly if you’re moving cross country, ranging between $2,200 and $5,700.
Different companies, from local operators to major outfitters like United Van Lines, will also have different pricing structures and rates.
What does the cost of hiring movers include?
At its most basic, the cost covers labor (the movers) and the means of transport (the truck). You don’t need to go to an outside truck rental company, and you have at least one mover helping out. But, hiring movers can have all sorts of add-ons like packing materials.
What impacts the cost of hiring movers?
There are several factors that impact the cost of hiring a moving company and movers.
Time of year
The season and time of year that you move have a definite effect on how expensive your move will be. Peak moving season generally extends from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, meaning that the majority of people move during the summer months. In fact, roughly 70 percent of all local or long-distance moves happen during this timeframe. There are several reasons for this. For one, school is out and it’s easier to coordinate a move, especially long-distance moves when the kids aren’t in school. For another, the weather is nicer and the days are longer.
This also means that summer is a busy season for movers and costs are higher. If you plan your move in the off-seasons of fall, winter or spring, moving company prices are lower and you’ll save money.
Distance
The price to hire movers and use moving services also depends on distance and how far the movers have to travel, like moving to a different state. For a local move that’s within 100 miles of the original apartment, costs are generally lower. This is because there are fewer logistics and travel costs involved. A moving company can typically give you a quote over the phone instead of an in-person visit, and a short-distance move uses less gas and takes less time.
But, you can expect to pay much more for a long-distance move. Long-distance moving companies naturally charge more and have higher rates than local moving companies because of the travel fees associated with a long-distance move versus local moves.
For one thing, longer moves require more planning and are more complicated. The movers will typically have to come to your home and give you an in-person estimate. The more belongings you have, the bigger the truck required for the move. On a long-distance move, costs need to cover more necessities like gas, mileage, tolls and potential lodgings or essentials for the drivers and movers. You’re also paying for time. If the company charges an hourly rate, you’ll pay for all the hours the movers spend getting to the destination. For flat rates, they’ll be higher, as well, to account for the hours, miles and time invested.
Amount of goods
If you’re packing up a studio apartment and are mainly moving personal belongings, moving services cost less because they’re transporting fewer goods. But, if you’re packing up an entire three-bedroom apartment with furniture, appliances and more, it’ll take much more manpower and therefore cost more.
Number of movers
On top of paying by the hour, you’ll also pay per mover. For easy, local moves where you only need one or two movers, you’ll pay less. But, if you’re moving cross country with a three-bedroom apartment’s worth of stuff, it’ll likely require a bigger team and more experienced movers. In that case, you’re paying for the extra movers and their advanced expertise.
Size of truck
The larger the truck, the higher the cost. The size of the truck needed for your move also impacts the average cost. Smaller vehicles have better fuel efficiency and cost less due to their reduced capacity. But, bigger moves typically require larger box trucks or even semis to fit everything. Carrying bigger, heavier loads and being larger reduces the trucks’ fuel efficiency, requiring more frequent fill-ups at the gas station.
Specialty services and items
Moving fragile, unique items like grand pianos, extra vehicles or antique furniture drives the cost more since these objects require special care and attention.
Full-service moves
Full-service movers take care of pretty much everything for you during your move, from packing up your apartment to assembling furniture at your new place. But, that kind of personalized service comes at a much higher cost because it requires more hours, skills and personnel.
If you pay for labor-only movers and no additional services, you’ll keep costs down.
Packing supplies
Moving services that take care of everything for you also typically provide packing materials, but you rarely have control of the price. You can avoid these costs altogether by buying or using your own packing materials.
Accessibility or difficult locations
Movers charge a premium for more complicated moves. For example, if your new apartment is on the top floor of an older apartment building with no elevator, the movers will have to carry all the boxes and furniture up multiple flights or stairs. Typically, that can add a couple of hundred dollars to your bill.
Additional moving costs
On top of all these, you may have to pay for additional services like closing costs, using a storage unit or having the movers assemble furniture or unpack things for you.
How can I save money and reduce costs when hiring moving companies?
If you have a tight budget and need to keep costs down during the moving process, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your moving expenses.
Move on a weekday
Because of work, the majority of people plan their moves to happen on the weekend. Not only does this mean that movers have less availability, but also movers cost more on the weekends due to the increased demand.
You can usually find a better deal and more availability by moving during the week between Mondays and Thursdays.
Pack everything yourself
For an extra cost, a full-service moving company will pack all your belongings for you. But, the cost of having movers pack up your household for you can cost up to $1,000.
Avoid this charge by packing up your personal belongings ahead of the move. That way, you’re only paying for the labor of having movers load and unload boxes.
Find free packing supplies
Unless you have a ton of moving boxes and bubble wrap lying around, you’ll have to buy packing materials. Depending on how much stuff you need to pack, you may have to spend a decent amount of money on all the supplies you need.
Luckily, there are ways to find free packing materials. If you know you have a move coming up, you can start saving boxes you get in the mail in advance. People frequently get rid of unwanted packing materials on online marketplaces like Craigslist and Freecycle. Check with friends, family and acquaintances to see if they have boxes and other materials to spare. You can even request free boxes from USPS.
Don’t move at the beginning or end of the month
Since most apartment leases start or end at the beginning or end of the month, those are the busiest times for movers. By planning your move for the middle of the month, movers cost less and have more availability.
Is it cheaper to move by myself and not hire movers?
Generally speaking, yes, it’s cheaper to do a DIY move and not hire professional movers. For one thing, you don’t have to pay an entire crew of people to help you with the move. You’ll still need to pay for a moving truck, gas money, packing supplies and maybe some pizza and beer as a thank you to any friends or family members who helped out.
In some cases, you may not even need to rent a moving truck. If you don’t have a ton of stuff to move, you can usually make do with your own car and borrow a friend’s truck. But,as you get older and accumulate more belongings, you’ll likely need to get a bigger truck rental.
However, since you don’t have someone helping you with the planning and logistics of a move, you may encounter unexpected costs or expenses that you didn’t plan for or anticipate. You’ll also have the entire burden and stress of moving solely on you.
How much should I tip?
On top of the overall moving costs, it’s customary to tip the movers assigned to your move. It’s not required, but it’s good practice and generally expected as a final thank you for a job well done. It’s especially recommended to tip your movers more if the job was especially big or they had to handle fragile items. Fast, efficient service and your movers going above and beyond are also reasons to tip more. Cash is also best.
There’s no set amount since moving costs are different for each person and company. In general, you should tip between 5 and 10 percent of the total cost of the move. Another option is to tip by the hour. Anywhere from $6 to $12 per hour and per mover is a good current rate. The more movers you have and the more hours they work, the higher the tips are.
Your tip should also be big enough so all the movers, including the driver, are equally compensated. To make sure that everyone gets their share, you can pass out the tips to everyone while thanking them. Another way to thank your movers is by providing easy food like pizza and sandwiches and drinks.
The tip should also reflect the quality of the service. If lots of boxes arrived damaged, the movers got the moving date wrong or the moving truck arrived late, those are all causes for a reduced tip.
What are the benefits of hiring a moving company?
Even though using a moving company is expensive, there are many benefits to hiring movers to assist you with a big move.
Prevents injuries
From heavy boxes to giant pieces of furniture, the process of moving apartments is rife with opportunities to accidentally injure yourself or others. You could pick up a heavy box of books and hurt your back. Maneuvering heavy furniture opens the door to everything from accidentally dropping it on someone’s foot to hurting yourself rather than risking damaging the furniture. While there are certainly some items you can easily move by yourself, others it’s best to leave the pros.
Since movers do this for a living, they have more than enough experience handling heavy boxes or unwieldy furniture. Not only do they have the strength and dexterity, but they also operate as a team, working together as a well-coordinated, experienced unit to safely move items without injury or damage to themselves or the objects.
Finally, they also have the proper tools for the job. From moving dollies to hand trucks, having the right equipment reduces the risk of injury. So, why put yourself at risk of lifting that too-heavy box of books when you can call in the pros?
Saves time
Saving time is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a moving company.
Maybe you’re starting a new job on the other side of the country and need to get settled in by a certain date. Or, you’re trying to juggle a job, family and other responsibilities while planning a move at the same time. Whatever the reason, most of us already have significant other demands on our time aside from moving. Most people don’t have the benefit of hitting pause on all their other responsibilities while moving house. Moving takes a lot of time and can take anywhere from a few days to several months from start to finish. That’s where movers come in.
If you don’t have the time of day to plan and coordinate everything yourself, a moving company takes the stress of planning off your plate. Even if you do have the time, it’s nice to leave the process in the hands of professionals. By shifting the logistics of moving to your movers, you can focus on other things and not get overwhelmed.
Professional service and expertise
When your car breaks down, you take it to the mechanic. If your sink gets clogged, you call a plumber. We turn to professionals to solve all kinds of problems, so why wouldn’t you do the same for moving?
Professional moving companies are here to make the process of moving easy for you. They take care of all the heavy lifting (literally), offer quality customer service and take the burden off your shoulders. If something goes wrong or there’s an issue, they problem-solve and offer solutions. As moving experts, they know exactly how to get your belongings from Point A to Point B safely and efficiently. Everything from loading and unloading to planning out the logistics of the move, they can do for you, and you know you can trust them because they do this every day. You also know that your personal belongings are safe and are in good hands.
Hiring a moving company ensures you have an expert beside you to hold your hand, answer your questions and take care of everything for you during the move.
Reduces stress
No matter which way you slice it, moving is a stressful process. Maybe you have a short timeline and don’t have a ton of time to pack and plan. Even if you have months to plan a move, unexpected problems like delays can come up. When you hire movers, you don’t have to face and solve these problems alone, which cuts down on stress.
How much will my move cost?
Now that you know what factors impact the cost of hiring professional movers, you may wonder how much your move will cost you.
To calculate the cost of your move, you can use our moving cost calculator to get a free estimate and start creating your moving budget. As you’ve seen above, there are plenty of ways you can keep moving costs down, from packing your belongings yourself to being flexible with the season or time of the month that you move.
How much movers cost depends on the needs of your move
While some moving costs are in stone, you can take steps to reduce costs or find a moving operator that fits your budget.
The financial services industry has come a long way in recent years. It’s easier than ever for consumers to search for lenders and compare rates for the services they need.
Even Financial has had a hand in that. Founded in 2014 by Phillip Rosen, Even creates technology that helps financial companies better serve their customers.
Rosen serves as CEO of Even, now a top fintech provider with more than $50 million in capital raised. Some of the top companies in the world use Even’s technology, including SoFi and Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
What’s Ahead:
Why Even?
Whether you’re looking for a loan or investment opportunity, tracking down the best deal can be overwhelming. Comparison engines have simplified the process in so many industries, including consumer products and electronics.
The financial industry is the perfect market for a search, comparison, and recommendation engine. Even was founded with the belief that financial services are ideal for comparison shopping. Even provides the definitive search, comparison, and recommendation engine for financial services.
You won’t see Even’s work directly. Instead, they operate in the background on some of the most popular fintech sites.
Meet Even’s CEO – Phillip Rosen
Phillip Rosen has watched Even grow rapidly since founding the company in 2014. Initially, the company sought to transform finance by becoming the search, comparison, and recommendation engine for the sector.
Rosen’s background in data analytics makes him the perfect fit for a technology that powers comparison shopping. Prior to conceptualizing Even, Rosen co-founded Orchard Platform, an investment platform geared toward peer-to-peer and online lending. He also led the development team for Offerpop, a next-generation analytics platform.
Rosen serves as CEO for Even, which has now focused its efforts on further personalizing the results consumers get. Recently, he gave us some great financial tips and discussed Even’s goals.
Money Under 30’s interview with Phillip Rosen
We’d love to hear more in-depth about how and when Even began. Tell us more about how you got to where you are today.
We started Even when we saw a clear gap in the market for an easy way for consumers to search, compare, and get matched with financial services products. As a group of fintech and adtech veterans, we saw the expensive ineffectiveness in how financial institutions were reaching consumers and the lack of accessibility for those same consumers in their search.
Our first MVP was a personal loan API that programmatically matched consumers with pre-approved loan offers. Since then, we’ve built an extensive platform with over 400+ premium partners with a wide range of financial services such as loans, life insurance, credit cards, savings accounts, and mortgages. This was only possible due to our team building strong and collaborative partnerships with both our channel partners and financial institutions partners.
Every day is a continued effort to innovate, bringing the same level of programmatic decisioning to each financial services vertical—while continuing to make the ease of entry for channel partners lower and lower through turkey integration options.
What problem is Even trying to solve?
Our mission has always been to build the definitive search, comparison, and recommendation engine for financial services.
Prior to founding Even, the financial services industry was severely fragmented. Our channel partners had no easy way to provide financial services to their users beyond static ads or embarking on a lengthy process of growing and maintaining their own relationships with lenders (and the compliance and regulatory monitoring that requires).
Even has worked to unify the financial services industry, with use of the Even API and platform.
The Even API is facilitating a transformation in the financial services industry similar to what happened to the travel industry between the late nineties and early 2000s, when the software company ITA, that powers Google Flights, created a data-driven marketplace for airlines. In short, airlines provide data to Google Flights, which then works with content partners like Orbitz and Kayak to provide travelers with recommendations that fit within their budget and needs.
Through ITA, consumers had access to a programmatic marketplace and no longer had to rely on travel agents. Similarly, Even has created a data-driven, programmatic, turnkey marketplace for the financial services industry focused on connecting consumers to a variety of personal finance products. For our financial partners (such as SoFi or Marcus by Goldman Sachs), Even has proven to lower the cost of acquisition, improve monetization, decrease delinquency rates, and deliver transparency at scale—all while delivering programmatic compliance monitoring. For our channel partners—we’ve created easy to implement solutions to add financial products to their business and monetize.
We’re fascinated by your background in data analytics. How do you see data analytics transforming personal finance? How do you use data to benefit your partners and consumers?
One of the four values we uphold at Even is being empirical—more specifically, emphasizing testing, data, and iteration as an approach to making informed decisions.
From our utilization of first, second, and third-party data to generate personalized offers backed by machine learning, to the extensive dashboards we provide partners, to the level of testing we implement before launching a new feature—data is at the heart of all that we do at Even.
We work to consistently provide our partners a better understanding of their consumers and the market as a whole. Alternatively, that same data ensures that consumers are matched programmatically with products that will work best for their needs.
What advice would you give to a Millennial who is looking for a financial service of some sort? And if you were connecting with a Millennial who felt ‘stuck’ in indecision about which product works for their needs, what advice would you give?
The technology is now at your disposal to more easily find the financial services that best meet your needs—it’s similar and as easy as a Google search now, especially with the Even platform. Long gone are the days of your parents going from lender to lender applying for loans and taking a hit to their credit each time. Long gone are the days of meeting with life insurance agents to find the policy that works to best protect your family, only being shown rates from that agent’s carriers, and filling out piles of paperwork.
We’ve enabled our partners to provide consumers like yourself a fully functioning search engine, enabling you to get matched with the financial services offers that work best for you, backed by machine learning.
Content is your friend, as financial services are being de-mystified. Websites like Money Under 30 break down more complex financial information into easy-to-read content—making the answers to any questions you have only a Google-search away. Use your technological savviness to your advantage!
You’ve worked primarily with startups throughout your career. What do you like about working with startups versus a large corporation?
Startups enable a level of agility in development that ensures we’re able to consistently adapt according to the current condition of the market, as well as the needs of our partners. I prefer that agile nature, to ensure that the team I’m leading or working with can consistently deliver the solutions that work best in real-time, while further iterating on them as the need emerges.
As a startup founder, you’ve been praised for your ability to raise capital and acquire businesses. What advice would you have for someone interested in launching a startup or starting a small business?
Though I can’t speak on small businesses, in regards to startups—raising money is a means to an end, but it isn’t “the end”. It’s important to have a defined mission, along with a set of core pillars in how you envision your company will both advance and grow. Invest in your people, and enable them to feel empowered and fearless as they find solutions collaboratively as a team.
People are at the heart of every successful business, and investing in them will pay the biggest dividends. For every successful feature launch or extension into a new vertical we’ve had, there was a team of talented and hard-working people that made them successful.
Do you have an experience you can share with our readers – where you learned a ton from what happened?
I’ve recently been learning the importance of focus. No matter how many great ideas you have, the ability and importance of focus on one could make or break one’s success in accomplishing their goals and objectives.
During such a chaotic and unprecedented time, it’s easy to lose sight of the finish line by taking new paths and running towards emerging opportunities. Focus on the task at hand, and ensure you’re seeing it through to the completion of the objective you originally set, there will always be time to follow up on the other ideas that arose during the journey.
We create yearly and quarterly “OKRs”, or “objectives and key results” that we utilize as a goal-setting framework to define and track objectives and their outcomes. By creating them both company-wide and per-team, we ensure that everyone can focus on what needs to be done—no matter the ideas and distractions that may arise along the way.
A good example of this can be found in how we transitioned into a fully distributed workforce with the pandemic. We already had many distributed teammates through the world, so moving fully-remote was less of a hurdle—but an understanding company-wide regarding what our OKRs and discussing them at bi-weekly company meetings ensured that no matter where and when our teammates were working, they knew the overall goal and could work straight towards them, even as the market and our everyday lives changed.
Your team is growing fast. What have you done to ensure you build a team that works well together?
We have a People Team that works incredibly hard to ensure that we’re seeing the widest and most diverse pool of possible applicants for each position. Once hired, we have a variety of systems and platforms in place that work to ensure we have transparency in our communications, and resources that enable flexible and async onboarding such as an extensive wiki built on
Atlassian that is continuously used to document and memorialize our work and process, Lattice to enable mentorship and succinct 1:1 management and growth, and a company-wide continuing education program we call “Even School” that provides new employees the knowledge they need to jump right into the action and make a difference.
Where do you see financial services going in the coming years? How will technology continue to change how people find and use financial services products?
Every company will be a financial services company. As the market further unifies, and integration for companies (especially at an enterprise level) become easier and easier—everyone from large-internet retailers to workforce platforms will have the functionality to offer consumers a programmatic and easy to use marketplace of the financial products that make the most sense for them.
This will substantially benefit the consumer, no longer requiring them to search extensively for the financial products they need. Accessibility will increase, and consumers will be able to find the financial products they need, where and when they need them. It will also be easier than ever for consumers to accomplish securing those financial services, as technology simplifies their process exponentially.
An example of this can be found in how we’ve helped simplify the process of purchasing life insurance. Prior to the use of APIs, consumers had to speak to a life insurance agent who was only able to offer them the policies that they had on hand. We’ve modernized this approach, enabling the broadest end-to-end, multi-carrier, all-digital online life insurance flows in the industry.
A consumer can now interact with the Even platform on one of our channel partners’ website and secure personalized life insurance policy quotes for their specific health and financial needs, and finalize the process completely online—with some carriers on our network not even requiring a medical check (depending on several insurability factors).
The future of financial services will be streamlined, simplified, and will improve for all parties involved.
Who in your life has been the most instrumental in teaching you about money management?
Many people have provided me insights and teachings along the way, but working in the fintech space—you learn so much about the vast degree of financial products and services that exist beyond what is taught by one’s family or parents when you’re younger.
After years working in this space, and just being an adult in the financial world—nothing was a better teacher than experiencing all of it in my own life.
For example, after years of utilizing credit cards—you start realizing the value of utilizing credit cards that reward you for your specific spending habits, but someone else won’t be able to teach you what those spending habits are—you’ll have to notice them, and then pivot the cast of cards in your wallet to reward you for them.
What’s the best advice you’ve received (not necessarily money-related) that has shaped how you lead your life?
When it comes to management, always make sure that the wins go to your people, and the losses are socialized amongst the leadership.
For example, if a pitch doesn’t go according to plan, placing blame on the sales team that led the pitch doesn’t make much sense and it is unproductive—it’s more productive to just have a post-mortem across the leadership team to understand what went wrong overall, and what would have made your company more attractive. Alternatively, if a pitch goes well, that should undoubtedly be credited to the sales and marketing teams that made that pitch successful—and the leadership team should congratulate them accordingly.
What’s your top personal finance tip?
Buy crypto in 2012. No, but more seriously—as once said “compound interest is the most powerful force in the universe”. Use it to your advantage.
What is the financial book/website/podcast that has most influenced you?
I’ve found that Twitter, especially the FinTwit end of it, is an extremely valuable resource to not only understand the current condition of the market and industry but to also understand what consumers are facing so you can create solutions based on it.
With constant real-time updates coming from the most intelligent people in this industry, consistent and important journalism being shared, and consumers reacting to the markets and news in real-time—it’s an unending source of information.
What piece of wisdom would you give your 20-year-old self about managing money?
Have an IRA and put money into index funds each month.
Summary
Thanks to the work of Even, it’s easier than ever for consumers to find the perfect financial services to meet their needs. Phillip Rosen and his team are leading the platform into the next phase, as companies of all types seek recommendation and comparison engines. With a mind for data and a long history of working in tech, Rosen is the perfect leader to guide Even into the next era.
The United States is home to a large population of both elderly and disabled people, but only 5% of housing across the country is equipped with features that make them accessible to such individuals.
This was one of the takeaways this week from “Laying the Foundation: Housing Accessibility and Affordability for Older Adults and People with Disabilities,” a hearing held by the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging.
Over 60 million people — roughly 26% of the total U.S. population — have a disability. An additional 20% of the total population is at or over the age of 65, a figure that is increasingly trending upward and which will challenge the U.S. economy in the years ahead.
However, homes with accessibility features for older and disabled people only make up less than 5% of the nation’s housing supply, as reported by CNBC.
Despite a climate of intense political polarization, committee members on both sides of the aisle appeared to recognize the inadequacy of that fact in addressing the housing needs of American citizens, and vowed to work together in an effort to find legislative solutions.
While the opening statements from the committee chairman and ranking member, respectively, were rife with political finger-pointing over the issue, the actual content of the conversation between committee members and panelists indicated amenability between Democrats and Republicans to address these challenges legislatively.
“Sometimes we’re at odds in terms of what we should do, but there’s always practical legislation in the middle, and I’d hope that we can have those conversations that get us there,” said Sen. Mike Braun (R-Indiana), ranking member of the committee according to CNBC.
One piece of legislation discussed was the Visitable Inclusive Tax Credit for Accessible Living (VITAL) Act, introduced by committee chairman Sen. Robert Casey (D-Pennsylvania) earlier this year.
It would increase “the low-income housing tax credit to serve the housing needs of older people and people with disabilities,” the bill’s summary says. “Specifically, the bill increases state allocations of the credit and credit amounts for projects for assisting households with disabled individuals.”
Domonique Howell, a witness for the hearing and a disability housing advocate from Philadelphia, described her own challenges living as a disabled person and the difficulty she and her family have faced in finding an accessible place to live. When the elevator breaks in her current apartment complex, for instance, she and others have to stay in their homes until a repair is made which can sometimes take “weeks,” she said.
“[Pennsylvania and other states should] develop affordable accessible housing to match the needs of residents,” she said during the proceeding.
There’s more to banking than low monthly fees, high yield savings, and a large ATM network. More Americans today seek banks and credit unions that align with their values when it comes to sustainability and social responsibility.
The U.S. banking system tends to disregard lower income and rural communities, with traditional banks establishing multiple branches in the country’s largest and wealthiest cities. The most socially responsible banks, on the other hand, provide online banking, low monthly fees, and no minimum deposit requirements, making them accessible to lower income individuals and families. They may also support efforts to help lower income individuals qualify for personal loans, auto loans or mortgages at fair interest rates.
But that’s not all that comes with socially responsible banking. Socially responsible banks emphasize financial literacy for those in their local community. They might also consider their organization a green bank, committed to fighting climate change and avoiding projects that support fossil fuels.
10 Best Socially Responsible Banks and Credit Unions
The best socially responsible banking institutions combine sustainability, accessibility, transparency and ethics to help make the world a better place. Yet, you won’t sacrifice top-notch personal checking and savings or even high-quality business banking when you choose one of the financial institutions on our list. You can have the best of all worlds – and do what’s best for the world – by choosing a socially responsible bank or credit union.
1. Aspiration: Best for Online and Mobile Banking Services
Aspiration is not a bank. But it’s one of the best cash management accounts offered anywhere online, with no monthly fee and a host of money management features. The Aspiration Plus Spend Save account that offers 3% interest on savings.
Aspiration is a certified B-Corp that shows its commitment to socially responsible banking with a variety of programs. Aspiration will plant a tree each time you round up a debit card purchase to deposit the difference in your Save account. It pays 3% to 5% cash back on debit card purchases with companies that are members of the Conscience Coalition, a group of small businesses devoted to social responsibility and sustainability.
Aspiration offers two accounts: One asks members to “Pay-What-Is-Fair,” which means you can use the account for free if you choose. Aspiration Plus costs $7.99 monthly or $71.88 annually (save $24 when you pay upfront.) Save accounts in the Pay What Is Fair model earn 1% APY, while Aspiration Plus savings accounts earn 3% APY.
2. Amalgamated Bank: Best for Investment Planning
Amalgamated Bank has branch locations in the nation’s largest cities: Boston, New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. The bank offers personal checking and savings accounts with no monthly fees.
Amalgamated Bank offers four checking account tiers, including three interest bearing accounts. Two of the accounts have no minimum opening deposit. If you choose the interest earning Give-Back Checking account, you’ll earn a high APY of 0.90% – 0.95%, with an additional contribution of one-half of your interest earnings going to the charitable organization of your choice.
In addition to its choices in checking and savings accounts, Amalgamated Bank stands out when it comes to helping new retail investors choose ESG companies to invest in and plan for their future.
3. Spring Bank: Best for New Yorkers
Hailed as New York’s first B Corp bank, Spring Bank offers personal and business banking online and at branches in Harlem and the Bronx. The Green Checking account offers no monthly fee with direct deposit, paperless statements and no overdraft fees. If you need an account to write checks, you’ll want to choose the Basic Checking account.
Spring Bank deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, up to $250,000 per depositor, per account. But the bank works with the IntraFi Network to also insure multi-million dollar deposits across multiple reputable U.S. banks.
Spring Bank offers CDs with terms from 90 days up to five years with a minimum deposit of just $250 and interest rates ranging from1.50% APY up to 3.25% APY. The bank also has a high-yield Vacation/Club savings account for short-term savings.
Spring Bank ranks in the top 5% of all 3,000 B Corps across the world and earned awards for its Governance and Customer Service in 2022. The company strives to provide affordable financial products, enabling its customers to avoid what it calls “fringe” financial products like check-cashing services and payday loans.
The bank also supports small businesses in New York and beyond with business checking accounts, money market accounts, and business loans.
4. Beneficial State Bank: Best for West Coast Residents
With seven locations across California, Oregon, and Washington, Beneficial State Bank is the B Corp bank of choice for those on the West Coast. The bank’s majority owner is Beneficial State Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving the public interest.
Beneficial State Bank offers three checking accounts, all with a $50 minimum opening balance and a low monthly service charge. eChecking waives the monthly fee if you sign up for eStatements. Checking and Interest Checking products have low monthly service charges that are easy to waive if you meet certain criteria. The bank also has savings, money market, CD, and IRA accounts to help you meet your long-term and short-term savings goals.
With an emphasis on ethical, equitable banking, Beneficial State Bank is a green bank that does not support or lend fossil fuel companies. The bank shows where every percentage of your deposit goes and says that 75% of its lending occurs within its mission categories. The other 25% supports other categories, but never to projects or organizations that cause harm to the planet or the people on it.
Some of the bank’s top lending categories for businesses and consumers include environmental sustainability, affordable housing, auto loans with fair interest rates, and health and well-being. The bank is also a preferred lender for clean vehicle programs in the state of California.
5. City First Bank, A Subsidiary of Broadway Federal Bank: Best for Commercial and Nonprofit Banking
City First Bank is part of a family of companies devoted to socially responsible lending and personal and business banking in low to moderate income communities. City First Bank, based in Washington, D.C., is a black-led, minority depository institute (MDI), as well as a B Corp and a member of Global Alliance for Banking on Values.
City First Bank offers a variety of personal and business banking products, as well as accounts for nonprofit organizations. The personal checking account has no monthly fee if you meet any of four criteria:
One monthly direct deposit
10 debit card transactions
eStatement enrollment
Minimum monthly balance of $100
The bank also offers a personal savings account, CDs, money market accounts and savings accounts for minors.
6. Sunrise Banks: Best for Mortgages
Sunrise Banks offers a full range of personal banking products, including personal checking, savings accounts, credit cards, and a pre-paid Mastercard. But it is best known for its Pathway2Home affordable mortgage product, as well as other mortgages with down payments as low as 3%. The bank also writes VA loans with no down payment required.
By supporting affordable housing and helping Minnesota residents get into homes of their own and begin building generational wealth, Sunrise Banks shows its commitment to socially responsible banking. Like many of the socially responsible banks on this list, Sunrise Banks is a member of GBAV, a Community Development Financial Institution, and a B corporation.
7. Clean Energy Credit Union: Best for Clean Energy Loans
Most of the banks on our list support efforts to reduce climate change, do not help fund or support fossil fuel companies, and run their organization sustainably. Clean Energy Credit Union works to fund renewable energy through personal loans for electric bicycles, solar electric systems, geothermal heat pump systems, and green home improvements. Clean Energy Credit Union also offers auto loans for electric vehicles.
While the credit union specializes in funding renewable energy and other loans, it also offers options for personal checking and savings accounts. Checking accounts offer dividends from .01% APY to 3.56% APY with a minimum opening balance of just $25 and no monthly fees if you meet certain requirements, including having a Clean Energy loan.
Savings accounts include a bank account with a 0.15% APY and a minimum opening deposit of $100, certificates, and a money market account with dividends ranging from 0.95% up to 1.61% APY, with a minimum deposit of $2,500.
As part of its commitment to green living, the credit union offers bio-based, compostable debit cards that are eco-friendly. It is also one of the few banks or credit unions on our list that offers a Carbon Zero Teen Account online, which shows your teen the carbon offsets their deposits can fund.
8. National Cooperative Bank
National Cooperative Bank offers high yield CDs, and money market accounts, as well as checking and savings accounts and business products. The bank offers an interest earning checking account with a 0.90% APY and no minimum opening deposit. There is a $15 monthly fee if the balance falls below $500.
The money market account has a high 2.28% APY, with a minimum balance of $5,000 to avoid the $25 monthly fee. You will need just $100 to open the account. You can earn a 4.34% APY on with a 12-month CD with a $2,500 minimum opening deposit.
While the bank is committed to helping its customers earn money through high interest rates, it is equally committed to its duties as a socially responsible bank. The bank has donated $8 billion to support underserved communities nationwide, and provided loans and investments of $475 million to low and moderate income families, including mortgage loans.
9. Clearwater Credit Union: Best for Previously Unbanked Consumers
Clearwater Credit Union is a certified Community Development Financial Institution and a member GBAV. While most credit unions are devoted to serving their local communities, Clearwater takes it a step further by donating $1.6 million to 290 non-profit organizations in 2022. Employees donated more than 1,340 volunteer hours within their local communities, and the credit union awarded $20,000 in scholarships to students in the credit union’s home state of Montana.
Clearwater CU offers multiple choices in bank accounts, including a basic checking with no monthly fee, a premium checking that pays dividends, and a SmartSpend checking account with a low, $5 monthly fee for previously unbanked consumers.
The SmartSpend account can help lower income individuals and families avoid the fees that come with check cashing services or prepaid debit cards. It also gives them the opportunity to avoid overdraft fees while gaining the convenience of a deposit account, debit card, and access to mobile banking.
10. Carver Federal Savings Bank: Best for Small Business Banking
Many of the banks on our list devote time and money to sustainability, equality, and other social causes. But they don’t necessarily offer the highest interest rates available in online banking today. Carver Federal Savings Bank, however, is a Black-operated, socially responsible bank that also delivers high-yield savings of 4.00% APY.
But there is a catch. You’ll need a $5,000 minimum opening deposit. This might make the Carver savings account inaccessible to many in underserved communities seeking personal checking and savings accounts. However, for those on firm financial footing who want to support a socially responsible bank, Carver’s high yield savings is a solid choice.
Beyond the high yield savings, Carver is known for an array of checking and savings products for small business owners, including a money market account with 2.00% APY and a business interest checking account.
Start-up businesses or those with low-to-moderate balances might prefer the Carver Community Business Free Checking with no minimum balance, no monthly fee, and 200 free transactions per month. The bank focuses on Black- and Minority-owned businesses as well as women-owned businesses across New York City.
Carver is a designated CDFI and has reinvested 80% of every dollar deposited into NYC communities. It also donated $149 million in New Market Tax credit and more than $259 million in leveraged loans across the New York metro area.
How to Choose Socially Responsible or Sustainable Banks and Credit Unions
When you’re shopping around for a socially responsible bank, first consider what aspects of ethical banking are most important to you. Are you looking for a bank committed to serving low income communities, or one that puts a focus on renewable energy? Maybe sustainability is the most significant aspect to finding a socially responsible bank that aligns with your values.
Of course, you also want to think about all the other elements that you would consider for your personal banking needs. These include low fees, online banking capabilities and an intuitive mobile app, early availability of your direct deposits, and a high yield savings account.
Our list of the best socially responsible banks takes all these factors into consideration and showcases banks that back up their values with investments – in their communities and in the environment.
Organizations That Support Sustainability and Social Responsibility
The best socially responsible banks often showcase their commitment to ethical banking through certifications or membership in organizations that support and reflect their values. If a bank is a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, recognized as a community development financial institution (CDFI) or a Certified B corp, you know the bank has demonstrated its commitment to ethical banking.
Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a worldwide network of socially responsible banks committed to ESG values. GABV banks focus on three pillars:
Finance change
Do no harm
Sustainable products and services
To join the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), banks must show their commitment to sustainability, and have a balance sheet of at least $50 million. They must be a full service bank and show financial stability and stable governance. Many of the best socially responsible banks are members of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV).
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
A Community Development Financial Institution is a bank, cash management account, or credit union that is certified by the U.S. government. It’s a bank that has shown a commitment to providing banking services in low income communities and underserved communities across the U.S.
Unlike many other financial institutions, Community Development Financial Institutions focus on areas such as economic development, affordable housing and supporting small businesses in their local community.
Certified B Corp
A Certified B Corp is any organization or socially responsible financial institution that successfully balances purpose and profit. Organizations can apply for B Corp certification if they demonstrate transparency, social responsibility, and show high social and environmental sustainability standards. Banks and credit unions must pass rigorous certification standards to become recognized as a B Corp.
FAQs
Still have questions about the best socially responsible banks? Check out some commonly asked questions below.
Which banks are eco-friendly?
Many U.S. banks meet eco-friendly requirements in a variety of ways. Some, like Clean Energy Credit Union, refuse to support fossil fuel companies. Aspiration plants a tree whenever customers round up their debit card purchases to deposit into a savings account.
To find eco-friendly banks, you can look up their ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) ratings on their websites, in their financial statements, or on a website like Sustainalytics.
Remember, ESG ratings are derived from many factors, including a company’s diversity & inclusion practices, sustainability, charitable donations, and more. You may have to dig deeper to see which banks employ sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint.
How Can You Determine Which Banks Are Committed to Ethical Banking?
A search on a company website should help you find the best socially responsible banks committed to ethical banking. Check online to see if the bank helps underserved communities or the unbanked or underbanked population. Ethical banks may be recognized as a community development financial institution.
What is responsible banking?
Responsible banking or ethical banking typically focuses on three key areas:
Banking access and community development
Environmental impact and climate change
Holistic social responsibility
What is an ESG bank?
An ESG bank focuses on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and ethical governance.
Global real estate investment network iintoo has now acquired the assets of RealtyShares as part of a joint venture. The move increases iintoo’s portfolio from $1 billion to $2.5 billion in assets under management. The purchase catapults iintoo into a market leadership position, which will benefit investors via the company’s disruptive approach to crowd-sourcing real estate investments.
With average annual yields of 16.63%* on average, iintoo has proven its disruptive approach effective. The network of iintoo will reach a community of 200,000 registered investors, offering them the opportunity to access premium, highly vetted deals under the company’s expert management. Eran Roth, CEO of iintoo had this to say about the acquisition:
“This event is a watershed moment for iintoo, the industry and investors. The real estate business has historically been an exclusive club, lagging in technological innovation and accessibility for retail investors, but in the last five years, we have seen significant disruption led by forward-thinking startups. Our platform and approach have allowed individual investors to gain access to premium real estate investment opportunities while providing the industry’s first equity protection program.”
RealtyShares was the second largest online real estate investment platform in the United States before the company stopped taking deals in 2018. At that point, RealtyShares had $400 million in equity from its investors. So, order to oversee RealtyShares’ assets, iintoo has formed a joint venture with RREAF Holdings, LLC to take over management activities for the active investment portfolio.
The former and current investors in RealtyShares will now get access to iintoo’s platform and investment opportunities. Shoshana Winter, iintoo’s Managing Director in the U.S, offered this via the company’s press release:
“The iintoo model has transformed the way people think about and invest their money. Our vision is to take the success we have seen to date and continue to offer new and alternative asset classes to our expanded base of investors. We are confident that our innovative investment platform, our equity protection product** and our data-driven, curated approach to delivering premium investment opportunities will make us a leading brand that investors can depend on as they seek new ways to diversify their portfolios.”
Crowd-sourced funding opens new avenues for financing real estate for property owners and developers as well. The iintoo investment portfolio includes income-generating multifamily properties, commercial real estate, retail, and mixed-use properties, with a focus on projects in developing cities, as they have proven to perform well despite economic downturns. Acquiring RealtyShares pushes iintoo into a leading position in this market category, enabling the company to accelerate its global presence in the years ahead.
* The exit annual yield is equal to the ratio between the total profits from the equity investment (before tax) and the total raise (amount invested by iintoo’s equity investors in the project) divided by the investment term.
Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.
Underground houses, also known as earth-sheltered homes or subterranean dwellings, have gained considerable popularity in recent years due to their unique design, energy efficiency, and sustainability. These remarkable homes provide numerous benefits, from insulation against extreme weather conditions to reduced energy consumption.
In this Redfin article, we will delve into the fascinating world of underground houses, exploring their advantages, construction techniques, and environmental impact. Whether you’re considering land in New Mexico’s arid climate or Colorado’s chilly terrains, join us as we delve into the alluring world of underground living.
What is an underground house?
An underground house, also known as an earth-sheltered home or subterranean dwelling, is a residential structure built partially or entirely below ground level. It takes advantage of the earth’s natural insulation and stability to create a sustainable living space. These homes offer benefits such as energy efficiency, thermal insulation, protection against extreme weather events, and a unique blend with the natural surroundings.
Strategic design elements ensure sufficient natural light and ventilation, while proper construction techniques address structural stability and moisture management. Underground houses provide an innovative and environmentally conscious approach to modern living.
5 advantages of underground houses
1. Energy efficiency
Underground houses offer exceptional energy efficiency by tapping into the earth’s natural insulation, providing a thermally stable living environment year-round. The earth’s moderating effect reduces the need for excessive heating or cooling, resulting in significant energy savings and lower utility bills. This sustainable and eco-friendly approach enhances occupants’ comfort while aligning with the growing demand for environmentally conscious housing alternatives.
Underground homes are a compelling choice for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
2. Environmental sustainability
By utilizing the earth as a natural barrier, underground houses significantly minimize their carbon footprint. The reduced energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels contribute to a greener and more sustainable living environment. Additionally, these homes often incorporate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to further decrease their environmental impact.
3. Enhanced environmental protection
Underground houses offer increased environmental protection compared to traditional homes. Their unique construction provides excellent protection against severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires. The earth’s mass acts as a shield against high winds and flying debris, making underground houses a secure shelter option.
4. Noise reduction
The thick layer of earth surrounding underground houses provides excellent sound insulation, creating a peaceful and quiet living environment. This makes them ideal for individuals seeking tranquility away from bustling urban areas or noisy neighborhoods.
“Underground homes, also known as earth berm or earth sheltered homes, boast several advantages over traditional houses,” shares Burrow Bureau (Journal of Underground Homes). “They are eco-friendly, require less energy for heating and cooling, and contribute to lower environmental impact by reducing noise and light pollution. With affordable construction, they become a viable option, especially in high land price areas. For those seeking a non-traditional living experience, underground homes offer undeniable benefits.”
5. Integration of renewable energy sources
Underground houses offer ample opportunities for integrating renewable energy sources, further reducing their environmental impact. Geothermal heating, for example, harnesses the constant temperature of the earth to provide efficient and sustainable heating and cooling throughout the year. Wind power can also be harnessed in certain locations to generate clean energy, further offsetting the house’s electricity needs.
Underground houses for different regions
Arid and desert regions
In arid and desert regions like Phoenix, AZ, where scorching summers and limited water resources pose challenges, underground houses excel in their natural insulation properties. These homes remain cooler during hot days, providing relief from the intense heat. Additionally, underground houses can incorporate rainwater harvesting systems to mitigate water scarcity issues.
Cold and harsh climates
In colder regions such as Anchorage, AK, characterized by harsh winters, underground houses leverage the earth’s insulation to retain heat, reducing the reliance on conventional heating systems. These homes are strategically designed to withstand extreme cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, ensuring a warm and cozy living environment.
Coastal and hurricane-prone areas
For coastal areas like Miami, FL, that are prone to hurricanes require resilient housing solutions. Underground houses offer a high level of structural stability and protection against strong winds and flying debris. They serve as secure shelters during severe storms, enhancing the safety and peace of mind of their occupants.
Mountainous and hilly terrains
Mountainous and hilly terrains pose unique challenges for construction. Underground houses can be integrated into slopes, taking advantage of the natural landscape to provide stability and blend harmoniously with the surroundings. For example in Aspen, CO, these homes benefit from the earth’s thermal mass, maintaining comfortable temperatures even in high-altitude locations.
Flood-prone regions
In flood-prone regions like New Orleans, LA, where water damage is a significant concern, underground houses offer a reliable solution. Being partially or fully submerged underground, these homes are less vulnerable to flooding. Proper waterproofing and drainage systems are incorporated to mitigate any potential water infiltration issues.
Urban environments
Even in urban environments like Los Angeles, CA, where land space is limited, underground houses can be a viable option. Utilizing innovative construction techniques, such as cut and cover or subterranean methods, these homes can maximize available space while offering the benefits of energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
Each region presents unique challenges and advantages, influencing the design and construction of underground houses. By adapting to diverse climates and geographical conditions, these homes offer a sustainable and resilient living solution tailored to the specific needs of each location.
Construction techniques for underground houses
Construction techniques for underground houses vary, offering versatile options to suit different terrains and design preferences.
The Cut and Cover technique entails excavating a hole in the ground and constructing the house within it. The structure is then covered with a layer of earth, seamlessly blending it with the surroundings. This method is particularly suitable for flat or gently sloping terrains, creating a harmonious integration with the landscape.
The Earth Berm construction technique means a house is built into a hillside or embankment, leaving only one side exposed. This exposed side receives ample sunlight, while the other sides are covered with earth, providing natural insulation and stability. The earth berm method allows for strategic positioning to maximize solar exposure while blending the house with its natural surroundings.
The Subterranean technique involves building the house entirely below ground level. This method is often employed in areas with extreme weather conditions or when homeowners prioritize maximum privacy and minimal impact on the landscape. Subterranean houses are hidden beneath the earth’s surface, offering a unique and discreet living environment. Each construction technique presents its distinct advantages, contributing to the allure and innovation of underground living.
“Earth sheltered homes boast a remarkable ability to harmoniously integrate with the natural landscape,” notes Earth Homes Now. “Through thoughtful planning and skillful landscaping, these homes seamlessly blend in with their surroundings, creating a visually appealing and organic living space. The unique architectural style of underground houses stands out as a testament to innovation, all while showcasing a deep respect for and preservation of the land’s natural beauty. The result is a dwelling that not only captivates the eye but also embraces a sustainable and respectful approach to coexisting with the environment.”
Designing an underground house
Designing an underground house requires thoughtful planning and creative ingenuity to maximize the unique advantages of this architectural style. From harnessing natural resources to optimizing living spaces, every aspect of the design contributes to the overall sustainability and functionality of the underground dwelling.
Site selection and orientation
Choosing the right site is crucial for an underground house. South-facing slopes allow for strategic positioning to capture maximum sunlight, optimizing passive solar heating. Proper orientation ensures ample natural light and ventilation, creating a bright and airy living environment.
Integration with the landscape
Harmonious integration with the natural landscape is a hallmark of underground houses. The design should consider contouring the terrain and incorporating earth berms to minimize the visual impact on the surroundings. Thoughtful landscaping enhances the aesthetic appeal while providing additional insulation and water management.
Efficient space planning
Optimizing the use of space is essential in underground houses, where limited surface area requires efficient design solutions. Open floor plans, multi-functional spaces, and creative storage solutions make the most of the available square footage, promoting a comfortable and clutter-free living environment.
Future adaptability
Designing an underground house with future adaptability in mind ensures the dwelling can accommodate changing needs and technologies. Considerations for potential expansions, incorporation of new energy-efficient systems, and accessibility upgrades ensure the home remains relevant and functional for years to come.
Compliance with building codes
Underground houses must meet building codes and regulations specific to their location. Engaging with professionals familiar with underground construction and local building requirements ensures the design adheres to all safety and legal standards.
Environmental considerations for long-term durability
Natural light and ventilation
Although underground houses are partially or fully submerged, strategic design elements ensure an adequate influx of natural light and ventilation. Lightwells, skylights, and carefully placed windows allow sunlight to penetrate the interior, while ventilation systems maintain a fresh and healthy airflow.
“Earth-sheltered houses, contrary to common misconceptions, can be designed to be well-lit, with views and a sense of openness,” mentions Green Home Building. “By digging into a south-facing hillside or using earth berms around the house, windows can be strategically placed for solar heating, while the rest of the house is surrounded by earth. This design allows for a comfortable and pleasant living space, taking advantage of the earth’s natural insulation and stability.”
Water management
Effective water management is crucial for maintaining a dry and pleasant living environment in underground houses. Moisture-related concerns in subterranean dwellings necessitate the implementation of appropriate techniques to prevent water infiltration. Waterproofing, drainage systems, and thoughtful landscaping are key strategies employed to achieve this goal.
Waterproofing materials create a protective barrier, preventing water from seeping through walls, ceilings, and floors. Drainage systems efficiently redirect water away from the house, while thoughtful landscaping aids in water runoff and absorption, reducing the risk of erosion and water-related problems. These measures ensure the comfort, durability, and sustainability of underground homes.
Structural stability
In the realm of underground houses, ensuring structural stability is crucial to withstand the earth’s pressure and maintain a safe living environment.
Several elements contribute to achieving this stability, such as reinforced concrete walls that handle lateral pressures and pile foundations in challenging soil conditions. Proper engineering ensures the structure can withstand the surrounding earth’s weight, minimizing settling or damage risks. Retaining walls strategically retain and support surrounding soil, safeguarding the dwelling. Careful consideration of slope stability and geotechnical aspects further reinforces the underground house, ensuring its longevity and safety.
Potential challenges and drawbacks of underground houses
Underground houses offer unique advantages but also come with challenges. Prospective homeowners should consider factors such as limited natural light and ventilation, moisture management, higher construction costs, and potential accessibility concerns. Addressing these issues through thoughtful design and maintenance can create a comfortable and sustainable living space. Despite some drawbacks, with careful planning and proactive measures, underground houses offer a distinctive and innovative lifestyle that many find rewarding and eco-friendly.
A final note on underground houses
In conclusion, underground houses offer a sustainable and innovative living solution. Despite challenges like limited light and construction complexities, their benefits in energy efficiency and environmental impact make them a compelling option. Embracing advanced environmental considerations and seamless integration with the landscape enhances their appeal. Underground houses symbolize a responsible and eco-conscious approach to modern living, paving the way towards a greener future.
The United States Senate on Tuesday passed the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2023 via unanimous consent, and will now make its way to the House of Representatives for deliberation. In response, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) applauded the move.
The bill, introduced in January by a bipartisan coalition of five senators, would “require the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to process and complete all mortgage packages associated with residential and business mortgages on Indian land by certain deadlines,” according to the text of the bill.
One of the bill’s co-sponsors, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), released a joint statement with his fellow South Dakota senator John Thune (D).
“Affordable housing opportunities on tribal trust land can be hard to come by in South Dakota and across the nation due in part to the BIA’s challenging mortgage approval process, which can complicate lenders’ ability to provide financing to prospective homebuyers and participate in federal tribal housing programs,” said the senators.
The bill they explained, would “expedite this mortgage approval process, hold the BIA accountable, and encourage more lenders to provide mortgages across Indian Country. This would expand tribal members’ access to homeownership. We applaud the Senate’s passage of our bill, and we hope the House of Representatives considers it in short order.”
MBA Senior Vice President of Legislative and Political Affairs Bill Killmer also praised the passage of the bill, saying it will improve the pace and accessibility of mortgage financing on tribal lands.
“This important legislation will reduce or eliminate [BIA] processing delays, improving access to credit by encouraging more lenders to participate in trust land mortgage lending,” he said. “Addressing these processing delays and improving credit availability will go a long way in helping more Indigenous and Native families buy a home.”
MBA commended Sens. Thune and Rounds, as well as co-sponsors Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wy.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) “for reintroducing this bipartisan bill during this Congress and for their work in helping it pass by unanimous consent,” Killmer said. “We urge the House to vote on the bill as soon as possible so that it can be signed into law by President Joe Biden.”
The bill has yet to be delivered to the House of Representatives but is expected to be in short order.
Open a BMO Harris Premier™ Account online and get a $500 cash bonus when you have a total of at least $7,500 in qualifying direct deposits within the first 90 days of account opening. Expires 9/15. Conditions Apply.
If you’re nearing retirement or already there and aren’t particularly happy with your current bank, TD Bank 60 Plus Checking is built for you. It’s one of the few checking accounts specifically marketed to older Americans, with increasingly rare features like free paper checks, free paper statements, and discounts on TD loans (including for second homes).
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking isn’t appropriate if you live outside TD’s home region, which extends up and down the East Coast. Before opening an account, make sure you understand its other potential downsides as well.
What Is TD Bank 60 Plus Checking?
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking is a checking account built for users over age 60. It has a $10 monthly maintenance fee that’s waived with a balance of $250 or more. It also has a nominal yield on balances, though your balance has to be quite substantial for interest to pile up.
Other notable features of TD Bank 60 Plus Checking include free paper checks and statements, optional overdraft protection with no overdraft fees, and a 0.25% rate discount on eligible TD home loans and other credit products. This account has some high-tech features too, including contactless debit cards, rapid person-to-person transfers through Zelle, and a robust mobile app.
What Sets TD Bank 60 Plus Checking Apart?
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking has some features and capabilities worth noting at any age:
No opening or ongoing balance requirements. There’s no minimum balance to open or maintain this account. However, yoo need to maintain a $250 minimum daily balance to waive the maintenance fee.
Easy to waive the maintenance fee. The $10 monthly maintenance fee is relatively easy to waive, even if this isn’t your primary checking account. Just keep $250 in the account at all times.
Free paper checks and statements. This account comes with unlimited free paper checks and paper statements. Both are rare in the banking world these days, so this is a perk for users who prefer to keep checks on hand and physically handle their transaction records.
Rate discounts on eligible TD loans. Eligible TD personal and home equity loans qualify for 0.25% rate discounts as long as you keep this account open and in good standing.
Key Features of TD Bank 60 Plus Checking
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking has all the core features you’d expect from a traditional bank account, plus some add-ons that might pique your interest.
Account Fees & Requirements
This account has a $10 monthly maintenance fee. It’s waived as long as you maintain a daily balance of at least $250 in the account.
Account Yield
This account yields 0.01% APY on all balances. This rate hasn’t changed in years, even as savings account yields have skyrocketed, and as a result isn’t particularly notable.
ATM Access
TD Bank has several thousand ATMs up and down the East Coast. These machines charge no withdrawal fees, but there’s a $3 withdrawal fee (plus any third-party fees TD can’t control) for out-of-network withdrawals.
Paper Checks & Statements
This account comes with free paper checks and paper statements. There’s no limit to the number of free check reorders you can make, and you won’t pay a surcharge if you elect to receive paper statements instead of electronic ones.
Free Money Orders
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking waives customary fees on money orders picked up at TD Bank branch locations. This is a significant and rare perk if you routinely use money orders instead of personal checks for larger transactions.
Savings-Linked Overdraft Protection
If you have a TD Bank savings account, you can link it to your 60 Plus Checking account and pull from it to cover transactions that would normally result in negative balances. There’s no fee for this optional service.
If you don’t have a TD Bank savings account or don’t opt into free overdraft protection, the overdraft fee is $35 per occurrence (limit three per day).
Loan Discounts
You automatically receive a 0.25% interest rate discount on eligible TD loans with this account, including unsecured personal loans and home equity products. However, primary mortgages aren’t eligible.
Mobile Features
TD Bank has a mobile-responsive website and mobile apps for Android and iOS. Notable mobile features include:
Mobile check deposit
Digital bill payments
Person-to-person transfers through Zelle
Personalized account alerts
Credit and debit card controls, including one-touch card lock if your card is misplaced or stolen
Deposit Insurance
This account comes with FDIC insurance up to the current limit of $250,000. Should TD Bank fail, you’ll be reimbursed for account balances up to that amount.
Pros & Cons
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking is an above-average checking account designed specifically for older users. It has some noteworthy drawbacks though.
Pros
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking has some simple benefits that are in increasingly short supply elsewhere in the banking world.
Easy to waive the monthly maintenance fee. This account has a $10 monthly maintenance fee, but it’s waived with a $250 minimum daily balance. That’s no problem for most prospective account holders.
Free paper checks and statements. This account comes with free paper checks and statements. These simple perks are difficult to find in similar accounts.
Free money orders and bank checks. TD Bank charges no fees for money orders and bank checks drawn from a 60 Plus Checking account. Many other banks tack on small but annoying fees to these products.
Complimentary overdraft protection with a linked savings account. Link your TD Bank savings account and never again worry about overdrawing your account. There’s no fee for the privilege either.
Interest rate discounts on eligible TD Bank loans. Eligible TD Bank personal loans and home equity products qualify for a 0.25% interest rate discount, which can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars over the life of a longer-term loan.
Cons
Though there’s more to like than dislike here, 60 Plus Checking falls short on key measures of accessibility and return on investment.
Not available nationwide. TD Bank has branches and ATMs across much of the eastern United States, but it’s more or less absent elsewhere and doesn’t accept applications from states outside its home territory.
Poor yield. TD Bank plays up this account’s yield, but it’s not much to write home about: just 0.01% APY on all balances. That’s only slightly better than nothing.
Small ATM network. TD Bank only has a few thousand ATMs in its network. If you don’t live near a TD Bank branch, there’s probably no TD Bank ATM in your neighborhood either.
No account opening bonus. TD Bank 60 Plus Checking has no bonus offer for new account holders. That’s a drawback relative to two other popular TD Bank accounts that do have account opening promotions: Beyond Checking and Convenience Checking.
How TD Bank 60 Plus Checking Stacks Up
Before you apply for a 60 Plus Checking account, make sure it’s the right fit for you. You might find a superior alternative without going too far in TD Bank’s Beyond Checking account. See how the two compare.
60 Plus Checking
Beyond Checking
Minimum Deposit
$0
$0
Monthly Fee
$10
$25
Monthly Fee Waiver
$250 minimum balance
Multiple options, but more difficult
Free Checks
Yes
Yes
Paper Statements
Yes
Yes
Out-of-Network ATM Fees
Not waived
Waived with $2,500 balance
Overdraft Protection
Yes, via savings account
Yes, via savings account plus two non-savings fee reimbursements per year
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking and TD Bank Beyond Checking have a lot in common, but Beyond Checking is more generous overall. The main reason to stick with 60 Plus Checking is it’s much easier to waive the monthly maintenance fee with a qualifying balance.
Final Word
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking goes the extra mile to accommodate older users who appreciate little (but important) things like free paper checks, free money orders, and discounts on home equity loans. There’s nothing groundbreaking about it, but that’s fine: It covers a lot of bases and does what it promises.
That said, there are even better checking account options for discerning older customers. And you might not have to look far: TD Bank Beyond Checking has an even more generous lineup of perks, albeit with a harder-to-waive monthly maintenance fee.
The Verdict
Our rating
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking
TD Bank 60 Plus Checking is one of the few checking accounts designed specifically for older users. With low minimums, an easy-to-waive maintenance fee, and complimentary paper checks along with access to more than 1,000 TD Bank branches and several thousand ATMs, it’s flexible and easy to use. Just don’t put too much stock in the promise of interest — the rate is near zero.
Editorial Note:
The editorial content on this page is not provided by any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Brian Martucci writes about credit cards, banking, insurance, travel, and more. When he’s not investigating time- and money-saving strategies for Money Crashers readers, you can find him exploring his favorite trails or sampling a new cuisine. Reach him on Twitter @Brian_Martucci.