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Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

Memo to cruise fans: It may finally be time to get an AARP membership — if you don’t have one already.

Holland America on Monday announced a major new partnership with AARP that will result in members of the association getting up to $200 in onboard credit when they book a cruise.

Given that a membership in AARP costs just $16 per year ($12 for the first year if you sign up for automatic renewal), this is quite the deal.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

By our math, you can make up to 16 times your money this year by investing $12 in such an initial AARP membership if you’re planning to book a Holland America cruise that gets the full $200 credit.

The onboard credit, it should be noted, will range from $50 to $200 per cabin, depending on the type of cabin you book and the length of the voyage (more details below). Even if you just get a $50 credit on a sailing using the card, it’s still a return of four times your initial card cost.

Here’s the kicker: The onboard credit is “combinable,” to use the cruise world lingo, with other special offers and fares. That means you can still get the credit even if you’re already getting an onboard credit through another booking promotion. That isn’t always the case.

“What makes it unique is that it’s combinable with everything else that we have,” Kacy Cole, Holland America’s chief marketing officer, told TPG before the announcement. “Whatever is our current best published rate or offer, even our Have It All package, you can combine the two so that you get … the extra benefit of being an AARP member.”

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Holland America cruise

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Holland America’s Have It All package is a premium package that includes several items that normally come with an extra charge, such as specialty dining and a beverage package, at a discounted rate.

In talking over the new AARP partnership with TPG, Cole noted that Holland America has been doing a lot of research to better understand its current customers and possible future customers. As part of that effort, it has found that it is “over-indexed for AARP.” In other words, AARP members are a sweet spot when it comes to the sort of people who already are and might soon be booking a Holland America cruise.

“We want to meet our guests where they are,” she said of the impetus to partner with AARP.

Cole said the data shows that around 7 million of AARP’s 38 million members are planning to take a cruise in the next year — an enormous number. She added that 1 in 3 adults over 50 who plan to visit Alaska in the coming year are AARP members.

Holland America has one of the biggest cruise operations in Alaska, and it’s a big part of Holland America’s business.

A ‘double dip’ opportunity for savings

The new onboard credit offer presents an interesting opportunity for AARP members to “double dip” for savings when booking a Holland America cruise.

That’s because AARP already offers its members the opportunity to buy gift cards for Holland America sailings at a discounted rate through its AARP Rewards program.

AARP members can currently buy $100 and $500 gift cards to pay for Holland America cruises for just $90 and $450, respectively — a 10% savings.

Related: The 4 types of Holland America ships, explained

We see no fine print in the offer that would forbid an AARP member from paying for a Holland America cruise with AARP gift cards — resulting in a 10% savings on the cruise — and also taking advantage of the onboard credit offer of up to $200.

Savvy cruisers know that AARP members can also receive up to $100 in onboard credit on select cruises when booking through the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia. Alas, this is one of the handful of promotions not combinable with the new onboard credit offer for AARP members who book a Holland America cruise.

So, you can’t “triple dip” by taking advantage of the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia credit, too.

The AARP cruise credit fine print

As is generally the case with onboard credits, the new AARP credit for Holland America cruises can be used for a wide range of onboard spending, including shore excursions, spa services, beverages, specialty dining and gift shop purchases.

AARP members can get the onboard credit when booking a Holland America cruise no matter how they book the trip, including:

Directly with Holland America
Through a travel agent

The credit will be in the amount of:

$50 per cabin when booking an inside or ocean-view cabin on a five- to nine-night sailing
$100 per cabin when booking a balcony cabin or suite on a five- to nine-night sailing
$100 per cabin when booking an inside or ocean-view cabin on a sailing of 10 nights or longer
$200 per cabin when booking a balcony cabin or suite on a sailing of 10 nights or longer

The onboard credit offer is available for nearly all Holland America voyages. Exceptions are for the line’s super-long Grand Voyages, segments of such Grand Voyages and voyages of fewer than five days. Holland America offers very few of the latter.

Related: Don’t miss these Holland America loyalty perks

Additionally, as noted above, the offer is combinable with many other offers, including Holland America’s Have It All premium packages.

Other fine print:

A Holland America Mariner Society loyalty program number is required to make the booking.
The onboard credit is available on more than one booking in a year.

How to become an AARP member

While AARP is an organization dedicated to people over the age of 50, there is no official minimum age to join. Anyone of any age can sign up for an AARP card to take advantage of the Holland America partnership and other travel offers.

When it comes to AARP benefits, the only ones not available for those under 50 are those related to products that are age-restricted by vendors, such as certain insurance products.

You can quickly and easily sign up for an AARP card by visiting this AARP membership page.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Source: thepointsguy.com

Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

The Offer

Direct link to offer

Citi is offering 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 within three months on the AAdvantage Executive card.

Card Details

$595 annual fee
$175 authorized user fee for the first three authorized users and a $175 fee for each authorized user thereafter
Annual credits:
- Up to $120 back on eligible Avis® or Budget car rentals every calendar year.
  Up to $120 back on eligible Grubhub purchases (up to $10 statement credit on each monthly billing statement).
  Up to $120 in Lyft credits ($10 credit each month after taking three eligible rides)
Admiral club access (includes authorized users)
Card earns at the following rates:
- 4X AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases. After spending $150,000 in a calendar year, cardmembers can earn a total of 5X AAdvantage miles on eligible American Airlines purchases for the remainder of the calendar year.
- 10X AAdvantage miles on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars and eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels.
- 1X on all other purchases
Loyalty point bonuses:
- Loyalty point bonuses:
  - A 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year.
  - An additional 10,000 Loyalty Point bonus after reaching 90,000 Loyalty Points in the same status qualification year
No foreign purchase fees
Enhanced Airport Experience
First Checked Bag Free
$100 Credit For Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
48 month rule does apply

Our Verdict

Citi recently made some major changes to this card including the annual fee increase and authorized fee increased along with some additional credits. I don’t think this card is worth holding long term, but if you can use the benefits and miles then this is a good bonus on this card and I don’t see it going higher in the future. We will add it to the best credit card bonuses.

Source: doctorofcredit.com

Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

When it comes to helping kids learn about finances and long term savings, there are so many different ways it can be approached. But, one of the best ways I have found to help my kids out in the future is with different savings vehicles. This is especially true of UGMA & UTMA accounts.

These accounts make saving for the future extremely easy, plus they can help your kids learn about investing and the stock market, which is a huge bonus in my book!

What’s Ahead:

What are UGMA & UTMA accounts?

Both UGMA’s (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) and UTMA’s (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) are custodial accounts. These accounts will be managed by whoever set them up for the minor child until they reach the age of 18 (or sometimes until the age of 25, depending upon the specific rules of the account you choose).

These accounts can be made up of:

Stocks.
Bonds.
Mutual funds.
Cash.
Insurance policies.

Once the money is deposited into these accounts it cannot be withdrawn until the child is of age and chooses to withdraw it. However, a big perk is that it can be withdrawn for anything without any penalties. This is different from a lot of other types of custodial accounts.

Both accounts essentially perform the same function but have a very slight difference between them. While a UGMA account can be made up of all of the previously mentioned types of investments, UTMA accounts can have a bit more included.

UTMA accounts can also house any form of property. Therefore, if you, as the asset manager, want to put your car or house in there for your child, you can. But not all states recognize UTMA accounts, so check with your state first to make sure the option is valid there.

Why are UGMA & UTMA accounts a good savings vehicle for your kids?

Both of these accounts can grow exponentially over time, which makes them great savings vehicles for your kids, especially since the interest they earn will be based on the average market return for the stock market, as opposed to much lower basic savings account rates. And these rates usually average between 6% – 7%, which is a lot higher than even high-yield savings accounts.

Ultimately, these accounts can help your kids learn a valuable lesson about how much more their money is worth in the future than it is today. Saving can be difficult for kids, so these accounts can help with that since they won’t be able to withdraw anything until they are at least 18.

This way, they can continue to watch the account grow without potentially diminishing how much they are saving. Plus, it gives friends and family members another way to give your kids gifts as opposed to just buying more stuff they don’t need.

The hope is that by the time they are adults, they will have spent enough time watching the account grow that they will realize how long it took to get there and not touch it. At least, that is what I’m hoping for my kids, especially my natural spenders!

What should you know before opening a UGMA or UTMA account?

If you are thinking about opening one of these accounts for your child, it’s important to remember that you will be the custodian of the account until they turn 18 and can manage it themselves. So, this will require a little bit of time and work on your end, depending on how much money they end up putting into the account regularly.

Since these types of accounts are set up as trust accounts for your kids, it makes them safe in times of crisis. Meaning that you, as the parents, nor other family members can touch these accounts. Only the children once they turn 18 can withdraw money from the accounts, which makes them one of the safest savings vehicle options for kids.

This also means that it helps your kids get through the financially tumultuous teenage years intact since they can’t touch this money either.

However, these accounts will be taxed with standard capital gains taxes for any annual unearned income over $2,200. This is definitely something to keep in mind. Usually, the recipient (the child) is the one taxed though. So, they will be taxed based on their tax threshold, which is usually much lower than any adult would be taxed.

Where can you open UGMA & UTMA accounts?

Luckily, there are quite a few good options for opening UGMA & UTMA accounts. If you already have investment accounts somewhere, I would suggest starting with these first. Having all of the investment accounts in one area just reduces your overall headache when it comes to managing them. And as someone who has five kids, each with their own accounts on top of our accounts, I simply need one platform to help minimize my time spent on this.

However, if you don’t have investment accounts yet, or if the company you are working with doesn’t offer UGMA or UTMA accounts, then here are a couple of great choices to take a look at.

TD Ameritrade

TD Ameritrade UGMA and UTMA accounts have a few more investing options than other options. They have a much wider range of investments to invest in, but the fee is usually $6.95 per trade.

However, their investment platform is one of the most robust on the market, with educational tools the can help beginners learn the basics of investing. So, if you prefer things that are a little more technologically advanced and want to trade like a Wall Street trader, then this might be the best platform for you.

**E*TRADE**

E*TRADE offers custodial UGMA and UTMA accounts on their fully online platform. As the oldest online brokerage, they have been around long enough to work out a lot of the bugs with digital trading.

Their higher trade fee of $6.95 ranks right up there with TD Ameritrade though, so it’s not the lowest feed custodial account on the market. But, they do give you over 4400 no-transaction-fee mutual funds to choose from, which helps offset the cost. They also have a lot of useful tools and research at your fingertips to help you and your child make informed choices.

Who should open these types of accounts?

If your child is okay with putting the money they get as gifts, chore money, money from selling their toys, etc. into this account, then this might be a great fit. If so, you then have the opportunity to explain how compounding works to get them excited about the future prospects of growth.

If you want to help your child learn about investing and save for their future at the same time, then these accounts are right up your alley.

UGMA and UTMA accounts are also great for anyone who is okay with managing investment accounts themselves, or are at least willing to learn. Ultimately, this can be a great family financial bonding experience.

What other types of accounts can you open for your kids?

There are a ton of different types of accounts you can open for your kids while they are still minors. The biggest question is which one(s) will serve them the best? Followed by which one(s) will be the easiest to open? Because, ultimately, that is a big determining factor with opening accounts for kids.

Savings accounts

Savings accounts are the easiest type of account to open for a minor. As a kid, this was the only account my brothers and I had as a savings vehicle. This was sad because the savings rates on these are less than minimal. However, if you open a high-yield savings account for them, their return will be a bit higher, depending on the market.

Luckily, opening a savings account for your kids is fairly easy and straightforward. Usually, they will just require you to fill out a simple form with both your personal information and that of your child’s. Then you will need to make a small deposit to activate the account and you’re all set to go. This is a great first account to begin getting your kids excited about finances.

Checking accounts

Getting a checking account set up for your minor child is a bit more difficult of a process. This is due to the fact that a lot of banks don’t have a tolerance for setting up minor accounts for children under the age of 13.

Therefore, if you have a child under the age of 13, I’ve found the smaller local banks to be more amenable here. I actually had to go to my local business bank to get my children’s checking accounts set up for all of our kids under 13, since my other bank wouldn’t do it. Luckily, it was a really easy process to complete since I already had accounts with them. I just had to sign a couple of forms stating that it was a joint account and I could be responsible if they overdrew the account.

But, if you have a teen, then your chances of opening a checking account for them exponentially increase. In fact, there are some great companies, such as Current, that are focusing specifically on teen checking accounts. And with companies like Current, you get to manage your teen’s account and help them learn the ins and outs of fiscal responsibility.

Retirement accounts

For most kids, it will be a bit more difficult to open a retirement account for them since they probably aren’t working. However, if they are working at all, even if it’s just for your business, then opening a custodial Roth IRA is a great retirement account to consider.

This is actually how my kids got started with investing. Since all five of my kids work for me with one of my businesses, and I pay them for their work through the business, they have earned income. Which is the requirement for a child to have a custodial Roth IRA account.

These accounts are awesome because they won’t have to pay taxes on anything they contribute when they go to withdraw it, only what they have earned on their contributions. And it teaches them how to invest in the stock market, as well as how volatile it can be.

College accounts

If you want to reap the rewards of helping your kids save for college and watch the money grow tax-free, then a 529 account is what you probably want. These accounts are offered in every state and you can purchase one that isn’t in your state if you like the way it is structured better. There are also no limits as to how much you can contribute, so the money could potentially grow much faster in these types of accounts. The caveat to 529 accounts is that the money must be used for educational purposes.

Summary

Helping your kids get a great financial head start in their adult life is much easier with UGMA and UTMA accounts. Since they aren’t discussed as frequently as some of the other more widely known savings vehicles though, they often get overlooked. There is no time like the present to take a look into these awesome accounts for your kids’ future. And maybe teach them a little something about investing along the way!

Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

Here’s a bit of a quandary.

While 2015 might be a good time to sell your home, fewer say they’re interested in buying, according to the latest monthly edition of the National Housing Survey from Fannie Mae.

The government-sponsored enterprise noted that just 60% of respondents said they would buy a home if they were to move, a new all-time low for the survey.

That number was down five percentage points from February and well below the 68% share seen a year earlier.

At the same time, a new survey high of 46% respondents believe it is a good time to sell a home, which begs the question, who’s right?

For the record, 66% said it was a good time to buy in March, down from 67% a month earlier and 69% a year ago.

So it still seems there are enough individuals willing to buy, even if the numbers are trending lower. And because inventory remains super limited, it shouldn’t matter much if not everyone is taking the bait.

In the report, Fannie Mae senior vice president and chief economist Doug Duncan said, “Consumers are being patient prior to entering the housing market,” emphasizing how critical income growth is.

Put simply, prospective buyers aren’t making more money than they were last year or the year before, but asking prices are a lot higher than they once were. And they only seem to be rising.

That should give plenty of people pause, though as I mentioned, with so few homes on the market, you only really need a small proportion of those folks to pull the trigger.

You Can Break Even on a Home Purchase in Less than Two Years

In a related report, Zillow noted that would-be homeowners in most markets could break even on a home purchase in less than two years.

Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Stan Humphries argued that if renters actually did the math, they’d realize this and we’d have millions more buyers in the market.

However, he did stress that “buying a home is a huge commitment,” which is a personal decision and not for everyone.

Still, those breakeven horizons are pretty short in some places. Among the top 35 metros nationwide, the Dallas-Ft. Worth leads the nation with an insanely short 1.2-year breakeven period.

Right behind it were Indianapolis and Detroit, with breakeven periods of just 1.3 years.

Zillow determines the breakeven period by factoring in all costs associated with buying versus renting, including down payments, closing costs, mortgage rates, insurance, taxes, and even maintenance and renovation costs.

They also incorporate home equity growth via appreciating home prices for home buyers and income earned by renters via interest-bearing accounts.

Of course, savings rates are terrible at the moment and a renter could possibly do a lot better investing than buy a home and still come out ahead.

Overall, the breakeven horizon fell to 1.9 years nationwide in the fourth quarter of 2014, down slightly from two years flat a year earlier.

However, it has risen dramatically in some places, so you really need to pay attention to your local real estate market.

For example, the breakeven period was 1.5 years in Los Angeles during the fourth quarter of 2013, but surged to 5.1 years just 12 months later.

It now has the longest breakeven period in the nation, followed by Washington D.C. (4.2 years) and San Diego (3.8 years).

Breakeven Horizons by Metro

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

You’ve likely heard of Fort Lauderdale as a top spring break destination, but the town has loads of things to keep vacationers busy almost any time of year. Known as “the Venice of America” due to its inland waterways, you can explore Fort Lauderdale by water taxi or kayak, as well as take in its beautiful parks, shop on Las Olas Boulevard, and (of course) hit the many amazing beaches nearby.

Learn more about the top 10 best things to do in Fort Lauderdale here, as well as tips to make your getaway go as smoothly as possible. Once you’ve got your itinerary and travel plans wrangled, you’ll be set to enjoy the sun and the fun.

Best Times to Go to Fort Lauderdale

The best time to go to Fort Lauderdale is in the spring, between March and May. Average temperatures are in the 80s, and it is not too humid or rainy. The fall and winter (from early November onward) is also a good time to go to Fort Lauderdale, as it can be less crowded but still enjoy good weather, also in the 80s.

The winter holidays are a great time to escape cold weather and visit this Florida hotspot. You may not be able to go swimming in the ocean due to chilly water temperatures, but otherwise you can probably have a great time.

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Bad Times to Go to Fort Lauderdale

Summer in Fort Lauderdale can be hot, humid, and rainy. Average temperatures are in the 90s. June is the rainiest month, so summer travel may be the worst time to go to Fort Lauderdale.

Although spring is a wonderful time to go to Fort Lauderdale, try to avoid school spring break time, which is usually mid March through early April. It can be more crowded and expensive due to all of the families and students who are traveling.

Average Cost of a Fort Lauderdale Vacation

Fort Lauderdale is a relatively affordable vacation spot. Hotels in Central Beach, near the ocean, will cost you around $250 to $400 on a typical weekend in April. If you are wondering how to save money on hotels, try staying in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, which is still a central location and hotels cost $180 to $300 on the same weekend. The average hotel cost is around $192 per night.

On average, one week for a couple costs about $2,549; for one person, that would be $1,275 for a week-long stay. Of course, you should factor in other costs when budgeting for your trip, like car rentals, rideshares, food, entertainment, plane tickets and/or gas.

When budgeting for a trip, you should also think about where to keep travel funds. Ideally, you can sock away money in an interest-bearing account, like a savings account that earns an above-average rate of return. Typically, this means an online bank vs. a traditional one.

If you are thinking about booking a trip to Fort Lauderdale but are worried that you may have unforeseen circumstances and have to cancel your trip, you can look into travel insurance. If you pay for your trip with certain credit cards, they may provide travel insurance. You should understand how credit card travel insurance works when deciding whether to purchase private travel insurance or use your credit card protections.

10 Fun Must-Dos in Fort Lauderdale

Florida is mostly known for beaches, but there are plenty of other things to do in Fort Lauderdale. This list of the top 10 must-dos in Fort Lauderdale was curated from frequent travelers’ and residents’ recommendations, as well as online review sites. Included is a mix of favorite destinations, free activities, and some off-the-beaten-path ones. The list includes things that you can do with a family, by yourself, with a partner, and with a group of friends.

One important note: If you are going on a Fort Lauderdale vacation trip, you may want to look into renting a car. Many of the attractions on this list require a car to get to. If you don’t want to rent a car, you could also take rideshares or limit your activities to ones within walking distance of your hotel.

That said, here are the top 10 fun things to do while visiting Fort Lauderdale.

1. Head to Fort Lauderdale Beach

What is a trip to Fort Lauderdale without a beach? Fort Lauderdale Beach is a typical Florida beach to enjoy at no charge, making it one of the best free things to do in Fort Lauderdale. With four miles of palm-tree lined beaches, this coastline is an iconic destination.

Yes, Fort Lauderdale Beach has some typical partiers, but it is also very family-friendly. Bringing your own towel, chairs, food and beach toys can be how families afford to travel to beach destinations.

2. Eat Well

While you’re at the beach, you’re likely to get hungry. Fortunately, there are great restaurants nearby, serving everything from great grilled cheese or Cuban sandwiches (try the popular Padrino’s Cuban) to fresh fish, caught just a few dozen yards away (say, at Sea Watch on the Ocean). Or just beat the 3 pm slump with some coffee; the Alchemist’s patio is a top spot.

3. Shop Las Olas Boulevard

Las Olas Boulevard is a well-known street in Fort Lauderdale with many restaurants, shops, art galleries, and museums. Many of the shops are upscale with recognizable designer names, so prices may be high (swipe or tap with your plastic to pay, though, and you could earn some hefty credit card rewards).

Traveling on a budget? Window-shop while enjoying that warm Fort Lauderdale weather.

4. Visit Historic Stranahan House Museum

The Historic Stranahan House Museum, Fort Lauderdale’s oldest surviving home, is located off Las Olas Boulevard. A founding farmer, Frank Stranahan, built Stranahan House in 1901. It’s a wood-frame vernacular building with wide porches in front that take in incredible view of the New River. The structure has served as everything from a home to a town hall to a post office in its 100+-year history. Today, visitors can visit the museum by taking a guided tour, which are offered at 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm, with the exception of major holidays, and cost $12. Advance booking recommended. stranahanhouse.org/

Recommended: Where to Find Book Now, Pay Later Travel

5. Stroll Through Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens is a botanical garden and Everglades wildlife refuge located 17 miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale. As the name indicated, yes, you can see those unusually colored flamingos, as well as freely roaming peacocks, plus sea otters, panthers, and alligators. There are lush gardens, too. Run by a nonprofit organization, Flamingo Gardens is open every day between 9:30 am and 5 pm, and costs $21.95 for adults and $15.95 for children. There is a free tram tour through the park that runs between 11 am and 4 pm. flamingogardens.org/

6. Immerse Yourself in Butterfly World

If you would rather see butterflies than flamingos, Butterfly World may be an attraction to visit; it’s definitely a fun thing to do in Fort Lauderdale. Here’s why: It’s home to more than 20,000 live butterflies and more than 50 species. It’s a magical experience to see them up-close and in such great numbers.

Butterfly World is located in Coconut Creek, about 15 miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale. Ticket prices are $32.50 for adults and $22.50 for children. It is open 7 days a week, typically from 9 am to 5 pm, and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Sunday. Hours are subject to change due to weather, so check before visiting. butterflyworld.com/

7. Be Amazed at the Museum of Discovery and Science

Keep your brain engaged in between beach visits. The Museum of Discovery and Science has a variety of fascinating exhibits, like ones that give you a deep dive into dinosaurs, space, gravity, ecology, and food. Located in the City View neighborhood, the museum is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm except Thanksgiving day and some local holidays. Tickets cost $24 to $27. mods.org/exhibits/

8. Hop on a Water Taxi

Fort Lauderdale is known for its waterways that weave through the verdant Florida landscape. The Water Taxi lets you see the city from the water, while learning about its history during the narrated ride. You can hop on and off at 11 stops on the Water Taxi. Tickets range from $15 to $35, and it operates 7 days a week between 10 am and 10 pm. watertaxi.com/

9. Spend Time at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Ready to hike, kayak, or just take in the view? Head to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, located between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The park has coastal dune lakes, where you can canoe or kayak, plus a top-notch coastal trail that will have you trekking through a native maritime tropical hardwood hammock ecosystem.

Incidentally, if you are traveling with pets, there’s a dog beach at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Canine Beach is a 100-yard stretch of coastline where you and your doggo can frolic.

The Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is open every day from 8 am to sunset, and costs $6 per vehicle for up to eight people, or $4 for a single-occupant vehicle. floridastateparks.org/HughTaylorBirch

10. Live Large at Gulfstream Park

If you’re looking for a break from the beach and craving entertainment, try Gulfstream Park, another of the 10 best things to do in Fort Lauderdale. The Park features a thoroughbred horse racetrack, which can be a total thrill. Plus there’s dining, outdoor shopping, a casino, a bowling alley, and an entertainment venue. Horse races are held every Wednesday to Sunday from December through September. There are special events throughout the year, like the annual Florida Derby in March or April. And here’s a plus: There’s no admission fee to the racetrack, making it one of the fun free things to do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. gulfstreampark.com/

The Takeaway

Florida is a popular destination for some of the best weather and beaches in America, and Fort Lauderdale has all that and more. It can be a great place to vacation for its natural beauty and sun, but it also offers terrific museums, dining, shopping, and other attractions. Whether you have a full week or a long weekend, this Southern Florida destination can make for a memorable getaway.

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FAQ

What is Fort Lauderdale best known for?

Fort Lauderdale is best known for its beaches, arts, and shopping. Along with beautiful beaches, Fort Lauderdale has canals and a historic riverfront to explore as well.

What is the famous strip in Fort Lauderdale?

Las Olas Boulevard is located in Fort Lauderdale and has shopping, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and more. For those who like shopping or window-shopping at designer boutiques, Las Olas Boulevard is a top destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale a walking town?

Some areas of Fort Lauderdale are walkable, like Las Olas Boulevard. However, if you want to explore multiple areas or attractions of Fort Lauderdale, you will likely need a car to cover the distances involved.

Photo credit: iStock/Cassanas

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Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

As you might expect, most of my personal investments are safely tucked away in index funds, those mutual funds designed to track the performance of a particular stock market index. This is a smart way for the average investor to achieve solid growth over the long-term.

However, I continue to hold about 5% of my investment capital in reserve as “mad money”. While the rest of my investments are conservative, I use this money to purchase whatever investment strikes my fancy.

I don’t do a good job.

In 2006 I gained about 20% with my mad money. Last year I lost about 33%. I’ve lost even more this year. I’m just not educated enough to pick and choose individual stocks. I buy and sell at the wrong times. Obviously, this is further anecdotal evidence in support of index funds. Undaunted, I recently made a trip to the library to borrow a book about individual investing, John Wasik’s The Kitchen-Table Investor: Low-Risk, Low-Maintenance Wealth-Building Strategies for Working Families.

At first, the book made me wary. In the preface, Wasik writes:

My low-risk, long-term strategy makes it possible for any investor to share in the great wealth Wall Street is producing — by investing as little as $25 a month…By following a handful of rules, real wealth is certainly attainable even if you don’t have the the money to invest. I’ll not only show you how to invest small sums of money but help you find the money to invest automatically on a regular basis.

Real wealth is attainable even without money to invest? What? Despite this bold claim, this book is not a get-rich-quick screed. Wasik offers sound personal finance advice. In fact, his philosophy often echoes classics like Your Money or Your Life: “In saving money, we are preserving our own natural resources, that is, our life energy.”

Wasik’s approach to low-maintenance investing follows eight steps. Here are my comments on each:

Find money to invest. Wasik preaches the virtues of compound interest: “If you can save at least 10% of your annual income — no matter how much you make — you will have [prosperity].” But how do you find the money to save? Avoid advertising, Wasik says, especially television advertising. Avoid credit card debt. Buy a sensible home and a sensible car. Spend less than you earn.
Join an investment club. Wasik is a huge fan of investment clubs. These groups provide amateur investors with an opportunity to pool their money to make larger purchases. They also teach members to research stocks and to track their portfolios. The book contains a lot of good information on running an effective investment club.
Find a place to park your money. You need someplace to stash your money while you’re saving to make your stock purchases. Wasik recommends money market funds. Nowadays, parking the money in a high-yield savings account probably makes the most sense. (Many of these are money market funds, anyhow.)
Fund your company plans. “Welcome to the golden age of retirement vehicles,” Wasik says. He provides an overview of various pension plans, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, traditional IRAs, and Roth IRAs. “Fund your plans for maximum growth,” he recommends.
Buy stocks for growth. Wasik offers his five fundamental rules of stock-picking:
1. Find quality companies that are growing earnings consistently from 10% to 15% per year.
2. Sales and earnings per share should be increasing in lockstep with earnings. Look for companies with at least five years of earnings.
3. Buy a stock for the long term.
4. Keep your costs low and your commitment high. Reinvest all dividends.
5. Automatically purchase shares on a regular basis to reduce market risk.
He offers tips on screening companies, and explains how to read an annual report.
Buy mutual funds. What if you don’t want to pick individual stocks? What if you’re not interested in gambling whether you can beat the market? Create a portfolio comprising four essential mutual funds: one that tracks the Wilshire 5000 index, an international fund, a value fund, and a “wild card” fund. The latter can be any aggressive fund that focuses on one sector of the economy.
Be patient. Don’t panic. “Investing is a matter of rational faith,” says Wasik. Buy and hold. Don’t pay attention to the financial report. Don’t check your stock prices every day. Don’t try to second guess the market. Be patient, rebalancing your portfolio every year. Accept the risk and sleep at night.
Become an automatic investor. Wasik loses his way in the final chapter. This ought to have read like David Bach’s The Automatic Millionaire. Instead, it’s a list of ways to save money through frugality. That’s fine, but it has nothing to do with automatic investing.

The Kitchen-Table Investor is not a bad book — in fact, I think it would be quite useful for many Get Rich Slowly readers — it’s just not everything I had hoped. Still, bits and pieces are quite good. I like that Wasik provides examples from his own life. He’s not afraid to share the mistakes he’s made in order to illustrate a point.

Though some of the book’s advice is dated, and there’s more delivery than payoff, The Kitchen-Table Investor is worth reading if you’re interested in a more active approach to self-directed investing. If you want to try picking your own stocks, then consider borrowing this book from your local library. It’ll give you a solid introduction to the basics.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

This is a guest post from Dong, who writes about personal economy at Ask Dong.

Who can forget their first time? I certainly can’t. I was 22 and fresh out of school. The NASDAQ was around 4000, and young turks like myself were getting jobs that we had no business holding. The times were good. Even if I couldn’t work for a dot-com, there was no reason for me not to invest in them. The world was my oyster.

I opened my first real brokerage account with only one in thing in mind — I wanted the cheapest trades possible. At the time, Datek offered the best price at $9.99 a trade. This wasn’t my first account, but it was my first account as an adult.

Important Factors

While my choice of Datek back in 1999 wasn’t a bad one, I realize in hindsight that I didn’t go about choosing a broker in a particularly systematic manner. Today, the options are more numerous, and the services provided more comprehensive, but there are still the same factors to keep in mind, including:

Cost: Trading costs, account maintenance costs.
Mutual fund selection: Number and variety of no-load mutual funds.
Investor research: Access to different analyst reports, robust graphing options.
Customer service: Are service representatives easily reachable and well-informed? Does it cost extra to talk to someone?
User interface: Easy to use?Easy to navigate?
Customer reports: Profits and losses are easy to discern. Reports are up to date.

How one weighs each of these factors is a matter of personal preference and need. In my view, there are basically four types of investors. I’ve listed them below and ranked in order the factors to consider, from most important to least important.

Completely Clueless Investors

A clueless individual isn’t an investor per se, but rather someone who needs access to a lot of educational resources. Even if someone decides to be a relatively basic investor, and invest only in index funds, that someone should understand the decision to do so. I think it’s great to follow a tried-and-true method of investing like using index funds exclusively. But to do so without any education is still foolish.

Important factors for new investors are: customer service, user interface, cost, investor research, mutual fund selection, customer reports.

Passive Index Fund Investors

This type of investor doesn’t need much out his brokerage company — mainly free access to cheap index funds. Because someone who subscribes to the Bogle way of thought is all about reducing costs, index mutual fund trades must be free, but other trading costs might be irrelevant. Some of these investors may employ the use of ETFs (exchange-traded funds), and therefore would want low-cost stock trades. Other than investments made on a regular periodic schedule, which would likely be done via a free mutual fund, the overall level of trading on such an account should be minimal.

Index fund investors would rank the factors like this: mutual fund selection, customer service, cost, user interface, customer reports, investor research.

Value Investors

Value investors buy individuals stocks and mutuals funds, but are not active traders. They buy and hold, but not forever. Fundamental research is important, but fancy graphs and technical indicators are not. Reporting is important but trends are measured in quarters and years, not days. Trading costs are important but not as important as they would be for an active trader.

For value investors, the factors in choosing a brokerage are: cost, mutual fund selection, investor research, customer reports, user interface, customer service.

Active Traders

Active traders don’t hold positions for extended periods. What’s important to them is the ability to trade different products, and to do so cheaply. A good and easy-to-use interface is important. Also, reporting features, especially ones that measure daily performance, are important.

Active traders consider the following important: cost, user interface, investor research, customer reports, customer service, mutual fund selection.

Know Thyself

Like anything else, it’s important to know thyself. Know what kind of investor you are and what kind of investor you might become. Opening a brokerage account isn’t unlike investing; read what the experts have to say and still do your own research.

The options today are more numerous and varied than they were for me in 1999. Some brokerages, like Zecco, offer “free” trades for most small investors. Others, such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo, offer free trades for customers who do substantial business with the bank. However, as I’ve learned, trading costs aren’t everything — knowing what you want and need is.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

Moving into a new apartment is exciting but also expensive. There are a lot of costs and fees associated with renting an apartment. Some, like monthly rent and the security deposit, are immediately obvious and expected. But, you’ll also encounter unexpected costs or hidden fees during this process, like move-in costs or needing new furniture.

All the costs involved can stack up quickly, ballooning well past just the cost of the rent. So, how much do you actually need to save toward renting an apartment before moving in? You want to save enough money to cover all costs involved in renting an apartment, as well as standard, day-to-day living expenses. Here are all the costs you need to budget and save for before renting an apartment and how much you should save.

Why do you need to save money before renting an apartment?

Rent money is just the tip of the iceberg regarding apartment costs. Here’s a list of all the upfront costs and expenses your apartment savings fund should include and cover:

First month’s rent and last month’s rent

When moving in, you’ll have to pay the first month’s rent. Many landlords or property managers may also require that you pay rent for the last month, as well, prior to moving in.

Security deposit

To rent an apartment, you’ll also need to put down a security deposit. Security deposits are usually the same amount as one month’s rent, but sometimes they’re less if you have good credit or a co-signer.

Many landlords also require a security deposit if you’re moving in with a pet, better known as a pet deposit.

Application fees

Most landlords charge an application fee for them to consider your rental application. These application fees are usually between $25 and $50 but can get as high as $100. You may also have to pay for a background check screening, which is generally in a similar price range.

Since you’ll likely submit several applications, you should set aside $100-$200 to cover these fees. While generally non-refundable, if they accept your application, sometimes, the application fee gets put toward your security deposit.

Utilities

While not necessary, it’s a good idea to also save for your first month’s worth of utilities. You’ll spend a lot of money all at once during the rental process, so you may as well plan ahead and budget for utilities.

The cost of utility bills like electricity, internet and water varies depending on factors like usage and time of year. But, you can make a rough estimate based on average utility costs.

The average monthly cost of electricity is $115, while the average water bill is $70. Internet usually costs $60 and trash and recycling is $15. Taken all together, that’s $260. So, you should save between $250-$300 for the first month of utilities.

Many apartment complexes include some or all utilities in the rental rates. But, it depends on the apartment complex. In some cases, you’ll need to pay monthly bills directly to the utility companies.

Appliances, furniture and apartment furnishings

If this is your first apartment or you’ve gotten rid of a lot of stuff before moving, you may need to budget for new furniture, décor and other necessities.

Many apartments come with appliances included, but not always. If you choose an apartment with a washer and dryer hook-up but no machine, you may need to set aside money for a washing machine.

How much you should save for these expenses depends on personal needs and preferences. You may only need several hundred dollars if you already have most of the things you need. But if you have a big list of things you buy, it could go up into the thousands.

Insurance and additional fees

Along with application fees, some apartment complexes will also charge apartment fees for things like move-in cleaning or parking fees. You’ll likely also have to get renter’s insurance.

Moving costs

Moving expenses and moving costs are especially important expenses to consider, as they range anywhere from $1,400 to $5,700. Even if you don’t opt for a professional moving company, you’ll still need to pay for a moving truck and moving supplies.

Miscellaneous costs

Now that you have the essentials down, it’s time to account for the assorted miscellaneous costs that pop up during the apartment rental process.

There are tons of little expenses and costs that go into getting an apartment. Moving into your first apartment or even just a new apartment, you’ll have to buy basic items like cleaning supplies and food. If you want cable or to use a specific internet provider, you may have to pay an installation fee.

Overall, there are a million tiny things that you’ll need around your apartment, as well, like a shower curtain or a doormat.

With so many other things to pay for, you also can’t forget regular monthly expenses like car payments as well.

How much do you need to save for your first apartment?

Now, the big question: How much money do I actually need to set aside for an apartment?

Based on the above categories, you should save an amount equal to at least 3-4 months’ rent. That will cover paying rent for the first month, security deposits and last month’s rent. But, how much should that be? The amount of money you should save toward your apartment depends on apartment prices, which, of course, are variable and subjective.

As an example, the national average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,701. That comes out to $5,103 for three months’ rent. You’ll need $6,144 to cover the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment of $2,048.

Remember, that’s just for monthly rent and deposits. You’ll need to set aside even more money for all other living expenses like utilities. Going back to the one-bedroom apartment example, add $260 to that $5,103. Tack on $100 for apartment and application fees and $168 for renter’s insurance. Let’s roughly say $500 for assorted costs like stocking the fridge and buying some new furniture. That comes out to a minimum savings of $6,131.

You should also save more money than you think you’ll need in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses.

How long does it take to save up money for an apartment?

How long it takes you to save up money for your apartment depends on your monthly income and pre-existing expenses.

If you’re a high earner in good financial standing with a high gross income, it may only take a few months to save enough. Even if you don’t make a ton of money, there are ways you can reach your savings goal faster.

How to start saving money for an apartment

Needing to save thousands of dollars for an apartment can seem like a daunting task, especially for young adults who don’t make a ton of money. But, these tips will help you save money toward getting that apartment.

Know what you can afford to pay in rent

Most importantly, don’t bite off more than you can chew when it comes to renting. You need to know how much rent you can afford to pay each month while having money left over for other essentials like food and utilities.

First, check your pay stubs to figure out how much you make each month. You should also know what other expenses you make on a monthly basis. Once you know what you earn, you can calculate your rent.

A good rule of thumb is to only spend 30 percent of your income on rent. Many landlords also require a rent-to-income ratio of one to three. In other words, you need to earn three times more than your rent.

For instance, if you’re paying $1,701 for a one-bedroom apartment, you need to bring in at least $5,670 monthly.

Set up a savings plan

To start reaching your savings goal, get organized. Based on your income and expenses, set up a savings plan that allows you to set aside a certain amount per month. The more you’re able to save each month, the faster you’ll reach your goal.

You can even check with a financial advisor to help you set up a plan and save.

Set up a separate bank account

Open a savings account specifically dedicated to your apartment fund. That way, you won’t spend it and it’s removed from your regular savings and spending.

Cut back on expenses

You can boost your savings and reach your goal faster by cutting back on non-essential expenses like streaming services or magazine subscriptions. If you’re paying for a subscription that you don’t use or need, that’s just wasting money that could go toward your apartment fund.

It’s hard to cut back on fun activities or services, but it’s just temporary. Once you’re settling into your new apartment, you can renew any expenses you took a break from during your savings period.

Shop smart

Along with cutting back on unnecessary spending, you can stretch your budget even more by becoming a thrifty, bargain-seeking shopper. The less you’re spending on things like food, the more you can put into your savings.

At grocery stores, buy generic brands to take advantage of lower prices. You can also buy things in bulk, like toilet paper, to save more. Using coupons or shopping sales are other handy ways to spend less and save more.

For bigger items like furniture, go to thrift stores or garage sales. This option may not work for everyone. Buying second-hand items sometimes means they’re not in the best shape, or it may take a while to find the exact item you’re looking for. But, with patience and persistence, you’ll find good, high-quality items at greatly reduced prices.

In this expensive rental market, you’ll have to save thousands of dollars for an apartment

With high rents and rising prices, it’s getting more and more expensive to rent an apartment. You’ll need to set aside and save thousands of dollars for even a one-bedroom apartment. But, the amount of savings you’ll need does depend on the cost of rent, so you can find more affordable apartments that require lower levels of savings.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal or financial advice as they may deem it necessary.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

As we make progress on the new Apartment 34 office, I find myself searching high and low for the perfect statement piece. Since we’re going for a very streamlined approach with our updated design, every choice has to be killer.

For the lighting, we’ve already set the bar pretty high – our hammered brass pendants over the desk were a pretty big hit! Don’t worry, they won’t be leaving the office- we’re planning on giving them a new job! But in the meantime, we have to find something equally, if not more amazing, to go over the new team desk. It’s going to be one of the first things you see when you walk in- talk about the pressure- so a lot of eye catching shapes, big arms and pops of gold are calling out to us!

get your shop on: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Any of these beauties would look amazing over our modern all white work station, but which one is your favorite? If you know of any other gorgeous chandies or pendants, please share.

Here’s our office moodboard one more time just in case you need to refresh your design wheels!

image 1 via Contemporist // 2 via Corinne Gilbert // 3 via Autoban

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Source: apartment34.com

Apache is functioning normally

July 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

Elliot Hoyte hosts our first 30 Under 30 Honoree interview of 2023 with Kelly Carlson. Kelly has seen massive success in Chicago’s competitive real estate markets since starting her career. On today’s podcast, she discusses her strategy for focusing on first-time home buyers and shares how she gets deals to the finish line. Kelly and Elliot also offer tips for new real estate agents and talk about the value of mentorship early in an agent’s career.

Listen to today’s show and learn:

Chicago’s 30 Under 30 honorees [2:17]
NAR’s 30 Under 30 [3:25]
Kelly Carlson’s application to NAR’s 30 Under 30 [4:01]
Giving back to the community [5:46]
From engineering to a career in real estate [7:47]
Chicago real estate markets [11:56]
Where Kelly got her first few deals [16:22]
Adding value to potential clients [20:10]
Working with first-time home buyers [22:52]
Setting expectations with buyer clients [26:10]
The Danish concept of hygge and how it applies to real estate [27:14]
The differences between neighborhoods in Chicago [29:30]
Covering different neighborhoods in a diverse market [31:45]
Kelly’s sales as a new real estate agent [32:33]
The value of a quality brokerage and mentorship [35:50]
Kelly’s advice for new real estate agents [42:00]
Where to find and follow Kelly Carlson [44:04]

Kelly Carlson

Creating a home is such an important aspect of life. Kelly thinks back to some of her favorite memories, and they all tie back to where she was living at the time – her childhood home on Prospect Avenue, her studio apartment in the Gold Coast, or moving in with her husband to their condo. Kelly’s passion for helping others to find their perfect home is what drives her to advocate for them during every step of the home buying and selling process.

Kelly brings a unique background to her residential clients. After graduating from the University of Illinois with an engineering degree, Kelly worked for a Big Four firm as an associate in a real estate and construction tax consulting group. She loved client services but realized she wanted to work more directly on the development side. In 2018, Kelly left to join a boutique consulting firm where she was a project manager responsible for design and construction projects for healthcare and large not-for-profit institutions. There, Kelly developed a strong understanding of the design and construction process. Her experience has taught her the importance of working hard, putting clients first, and always remembering the bigger picture.

Kelly is passionate about cultivating meaningful relationships and helping others, and it is something she strives for in her everyday encounters. Kelly joined Engel & Völkers Chicago because it is a community of professional advisors who share a similar mindset. The company culture is genuine and collaborative, not competitive or “salesy.” Moreover, she was offered an opportunity to be mentored by a top broker, an experience that has helped her jumpstart her career in residential sales.

Kelly loves that Engel & Völkers is a global brand. She studied abroad in Stockholm, Sweden, and Copenhagen, Denmark. It was there that she became enamored with the Scandinavian concept of Hygge, which embodies a feeling of contentment that comes from being around good company in a cozy setting, such as home! Kelly’s favorite place in the world (besides home) is South Africa – specifically, Babylonstoren. She even had the opportunity to visit their Engel & Völkers Shop in Cape Town during that trip!

From a young age, Kelly was drawn to the hustle and bustle of downtown, as well as the city’s beautiful architecture. She grew up in Clarendon Hills, a short train ride from the city. The time Kelly spent downtown as a child sparked her love for the built world, and real estate in particular. Since graduating from college, Kelly has lived in Lincoln Park, the Gold Coast, and now River North, a perfect location to take advantage of all that city living has to offer – art, music, dining, and world-class architecture. One of her favorite things to do is to turn on a podcast and explore the city on foot, marveling at the historic buildings.

When Kelly is not working, she is a member of the Associate’s Board for Sarah’s Circle, a local nonprofit with a mission of serving women who are experiencing homelessness or in need of a safe space. She also enjoys a good sweat, whether that’s running, cycling, or yoga. In fact, most of her client events take place at boutique fitness studios. On most weekends, Kelly can be found walking the Riverwalk at Montgomery Ward Park with her husband, Brian, their dog Pax, and a good cup of coffee.

Related Links and Resources:

It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email.

-Aaron Amuchastegui

Source: realestaterockstarsnetwork.com

A ‘double dip’ opportunity for savings

The AARP cruise credit fine print

How to become an AARP member

The Offer

Card Details

Our Verdict

What are UGMA & UTMA accounts?

Why are UGMA & UTMA accounts a good savings vehicle for your kids?

What should you know before opening a UGMA or UTMA account?

Where can you open UGMA & UTMA accounts?

TD Ameritrade

E*TRADE

Who should open these types of accounts?

What other types of accounts can you open for your kids?

Savings accounts

Checking accounts

Retirement accounts

College accounts

Summary

Read more:

You Can Break Even on a Home Purchase in Less than Two Years

Breakeven Horizons by Metro

Best Times to Go to Fort Lauderdale

Unlimited 2% cash back rewards*

Earn 3% cash back on up to $12,000 in purchases your first year when you set up direct deposit through SoFi.** After that, earn 2% unlimited cash back on everything.*

Bad Times to Go to Fort Lauderdale

Average Cost of a Fort Lauderdale Vacation

10 Fun Must-Dos in Fort Lauderdale

1. Head to Fort Lauderdale Beach

2. Eat Well

3. Shop Las Olas Boulevard

4. Visit Historic Stranahan House Museum

5. Stroll Through Flamingo Gardens

6. Immerse Yourself in Butterfly World

7. Be Amazed at the Museum of Discovery and Science

8. Hop on a Water Taxi

9. Spend Time at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

10. Live Large at Gulfstream Park

The Takeaway

FAQ

What is Fort Lauderdale best known for?

What is the famous strip in Fort Lauderdale?

Is Fort Lauderdale a walking town?

Important Factors

Completely Clueless Investors

Passive Index Fund Investors

Value Investors

Active Traders

Know Thyself

Why do you need to save money before renting an apartment?

First month’s rent and last month’s rent

Security deposit

Application fees

Utilities

Appliances, furniture and apartment furnishings

Insurance and additional fees

Moving costs

Miscellaneous costs

How much do you need to save for your first apartment?

How long does it take to save up money for an apartment?

How to start saving money for an apartment

Know what you can afford to pay in rent

Set up a savings plan

Set up a separate bank account

Cut back on expenses

Shop smart

In this expensive rental market, you’ll have to save thousands of dollars for an apartment

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional legal or financial advice as they may deem it necessary.

**E*TRADE**