Clean

Apache is functioning normally

The stars have aligned for you to read this article.

There’s no denying that the stars above can significantly influence our preferences and styles, especially in the world of decor. Your zodiac sign offers valuable insights into your unique tastes, making it worthy of understanding. Whether you’re a fiery Aries seeking bold hues or a dreamy Pisces leaning towards serene shades, let the stars be your guide to turn your bedroom into an aligned area that helps fulfill your astrological destiny. Start your transformation journey with these bedroom color ideas.

Curating your celestial vibe through color

The history of the zodiac is wide and vast. However, what has remained through its evolution is the integral part it plays in many cultures. It’s viewed as a captivating lens through individuals’ personalities, relationships and destinies based on the stars’ placement on their birthdays.

It’s important to understand that the zodiac signs are connected with four elements: air, fire, water and earth. These elemental associations play a crucial role in shaping the unique traits and overall vibe of each sign, making it easier to associate colors with concepts. We frequently refer to their corresponding element as a key factor influencing their nature. Zodiac signs also have symbols which you’ll see in parathesis next to each sign.

Bedroom color ideas to try, by zodiac sign

Note: Make sure to clear painting your walls with your landlord first before diving into decorating.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned astrologer, uncovering your zodiac sign is the first step to gaining insights into your personality. If you’re unaware of your sign, look for your birthday below to determine your zodiac sign and paired bedroom color.

Aries (Ram): March 21–April 19: Scarlet red

As a fire sign, Aries are celebrated for their spark and bold personality. Embracing the principles of color theory, the vibrant hue of scarlet red, which symbolizes motivation and ambition, is perfect for Aries. This color captures the dynamic nature of this sign and is sure to further ignite the preexisting fire of an Aries.

Taurus (Bull): April 20–May 20: Olive green

Nature inspires Taurus, an earth element sign, and brings them comfort. Because of this appreciation for comfort and nature, a calming olive green shade is the perfect addition to their bedroom. This particular hue of green promotes relaxation and harmony, which are the exact emotions Taureans need to feel in their space.

Gemini (Twins): May 21–June 21: Yellow or Millennial pink

The symbol of a Gemini is twins, which makes it fitting to pick a color duo or at least give two options for their representative bedroom. Yellow, a color believed to bring luck to the lively Geminis, perfectly complements their curious and witty nature. The vibrant hues of Millennial pink capture the essence of their vivacious character, making their bedroom come to life.

Cancer (Crab): June 22–July 22: Sky blue

Cancer is a water sign, and sky blue reflects the calming and healing properties of water. This color creates a connection to the natural element of water, enhancing the sense of emotional flow and fluidity in the room. This soothing color also calms and regulates highly emotional and sensitive individuals, such as Cancers.

Leo (Lion): July 23–August 22: Sienna orange

Ever so confident Leos deserve a bedroom color that reflects the boldness they exude. Sienna orange is a bold and attention-grabbing color, just like Leo’s natural ability to be the center of attention. It reflects their confidence and self-assuredness.

Virgo (Virgin): August 23–September 22: Sage green

Virgos are known for their practicality and appreciation for minimalism. Sage green is almost neutral, with its green-gray tones, that create a soothing and understated backdrop, allowing them to focus on other essential elements in the room without overwhelming their senses. Arguably the most organized and meticulous sign, this muted green contributes to a visually clean atmosphere as well.

Libra (Scales): September 23–October 23: Pastel wallpaper

Libras have an eye for beauty and aesthetics, so you have more room to play with Libran bedroom color ideas. Pastel wallpaper offers a wide range of visually pleasing colors, such as soft pinks, blues, greens and lavenders, which appeal to their refined taste. This creates a bedroom space that aligns with their appreciation for elegance and artistic sensibilities.

Source: flooringinc.com

Scorpio (Scorpion): October 24–November 21: Vermillion red

Scorpios are known for their passionate and intense nature. Vermillion red, being a deep and vibrant shade of red, reflects their fiery and powerful personality. Red is an energizing color, and vermillion red could provide Scorpios with an extra boost of energy.

Sagittarius (Archer): November 22–December 21: Indigo

Sagittarians, famously associated with adventure and risk-taking, are known for their explorative nature. This dark shade of purple evokes a sense of mystery and intrigue, creating an environment that encourages their curious spirit. Creating a space that is equally inspiring and calming is important for them.

Capricorn (Goat): December 22–January 19: Cream

A grounded earth sign, Capricorns are notoriously hard workers. Hard work leads to stress, making a calming, clean-looking place for this sign to unwind imperative. Cream is a calming color that promotes relaxation and tranquility, making it the ideal hue for this practical and disciplined sign.

Aquarius (Water Bearer): January 20–February 18: Seafoam green

Contrary to “aqua” being in their name, Aquarius is a sign ruled by air. They’re best known for their imaginative and creative nature with an emphasis on strong mental focus and unapologetic pursuit of whatever quirky hobby catches their attention. Seafoam green pairs well with this sign because it evokes a dreamy and ethereal ambiance, which can inspire and further advance their creative thinking.

Pisces (Fish): February 19–March 20: Very Peri

Pisces, as a water sign, associates with the element of water. Periwinkle’s blue tones align well with this element, symbolizing flow, adaptability and emotional depth. The gentle and nurturing vibe of periwinkle can support their emotions while encouraging relaxation and destressing.

Your celestial chamber awaits

Your bedroom should be a reflection of your true self, a space that resonates with your soul and brings you comfort and joy. The beauty of embracing zodiac signs lies in the opportunity to connect with something greater than oneself and to incorporate elements that make you feel the most like you.

While these bedroom color ideas are great options, individual preferences vary, as zodiac signs cover a wide range of personality traits. Let the stars inspire you to find your most authentic self through apartment decor today!

Wesley is a Charlotte-based writer with a degree in Mass Communication from the University of South Carolina. Her background includes 6 years in non-profit communication and 4 years in editorial writing. She’s passionate about traveling, volunteering, cooking and drinking her morning iced coffee. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with family or exploring Charlotte with her friends.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

If you spend countless hours scrubbing away at stubborn countertop stains, grappling with hidden dirt in hard-to-reach corners and struggling with how to clean your microwave, it’s time to take a step back and discover some time-saving, cost-effective solutions that will simplify your cleaning routine. We’ve gathered 10 expert kitchen-cleaning hacks that are often underestimated, yet hold the potential to revolutionize your kitchen cleanliness.

10 need-to-know cleaning hacks

Say goodbye to wasted time and money, and say hello to a pristine kitchen with these game-changing tips.

1. Cut the grease with dish soap

It’s never recommended to pour grease directly down the sink drain. However, even when disposing of grease properly, it’s tricky to fully prevent any grease from going down the drain. A simple solution is squirting dish soap down the drain and pouring hot water down the drain immediately after to cut through the grease. By doing this weekly, you’ll prevent odor and buildup.

2. Shine stainless steel with olive oil

Olive oil is something most at-home chefs always have on hand. Bring back the brilliance of stainless steel appliances and kitchen utensils by applying a few drops of olive oil to a microfiber cloth to buff them. This natural hack will leave your pots and pans looking brand new.

3. DIY all-purpose cleaner

There’s really no need to spend money on cleaning products from the store when you can craft your own. Creating a mixture of water, vinegar and a few drops of essential oil serves as a safe and effective all-purpose cleaner, that is non-toxic, smells great and leaves your kitchen sparkling.

4. Revive wooden utensils

Wood utensils are aesthetically pleasing in kitchens and are popular due to their fit in the modern farmhouse kitchen decor style. These wooden utensils, while sleek looking, are tricky to clean. To sanitize these cooking tools, scrub them with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to bring them back to life.

5. Zap microwave stains with lemon zest

Unleash the power of lemon to clean your microwave by placing a bowl of water with a few slices of lemon inside and microwave it on high for a few minutes. The steam will loosen any dirt, making it easy to wipe away.

Pro tip: Once you’re done with the lemon, put it down your drain and run the garbage disposal to fill the kitchen with a fresh, lemon scent while eliminating any potential odor build-up materials.

6. Clean dish rags without water

While this may sound weird, wetting a sponge or dish rag and zapping it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes will kill bacteria and germs. However, if your rag or sponge is caked with food and dirt, we recommend just replacing it.

7. Cutting corners to clean counters

Those older sponges come in handy for this hack. By cutting a small section off one corner of the sponge, you create a flat edge that can fit into narrow spaces and reach those challenging corners that a regular sponge might struggle to clean.

8. Utilize the power of baking soda

Baking soda is another natural and versatile cleaning product.

  • Sink cleaner: Sprinkle baking soda in your sink, then rub it with a soft cloth soaked in vinegar. After you rinse with water, you’ll be left with a sparkling clean sink.
  • Stained plastic containers: Certain food leftovers can cause plastic containers to change colors and stain. To revive your Tupperware, apply a paste of baking soda and water to the stained plastic and let it sit for a few hours before rinsing to remove discoloration.
  • Refrigerator refresh: Keep an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator to absorb unwanted smells.

9. Clean the germs off your cutting board

While serving as essential cooking tools, cutting boards also double as fantastic and personalized decoration pieces. To clean these boards, spray hydrogen peroxide on your cutting board and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing to disinfect it.

10. Keep a bowl of soapy water by the sink

The longer a soiled fork remains unwashed, the more challenging it becomes to clean due to the hardening and stubbornness of food residues. However, you can make the cleaning process swift and effortless by soaking your dirty utensils.

Pro tip: Avoid soaking wooden spoons or knives with wooden handles to prevent damage.

When in doubt, clean it out

By incorporating these 10 expert kitchen-cleaning hacks into your routine, you can bid farewell to unnecessary headaches. Using natural remedies and adopting smarter solutions make for a practical and cost-effective approach to achieving a spotless culinary corner. Find your dream apartment kitchen today!

Source: apartmentguide.com

Apache is functioning normally

Lenders shaving costs don’t have to antagonize their top performers. Instead, a new expert perspective suggests an efficient, low-impact cut to companies’ consumer-direct teams.

That channel’s focus on total marketing cost per unit over basis point compensation makes it a ripe target for cuts, wrote Garth Graham, a senior partner at Stratmor Group. Reductions there would allow lenders to preserve their top loan officers typically responsible for the bulk of production.

“Their business is down so much in this environment that any changes they make would almost go unnoticed but have a huge impact on their business when the market comes back,” wrote Graham. 

The market for consumer-direct loan officers is weak, and they likely won’t depart for another firm, Graham added. The analysis comes ahead of many lenders’ second quarter earnings reports, which aren’t likely to report significant gains amid a continued lack of mortgage demand. Many companies shed excess capacity last year, but are still reckoning with ultra-high production costs. 

Lenders reported a 68 basis point loss per loan originated in the first quarter this year, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. That amounts to an average net loss of $1,972 per origination, with combined commissions, compensation and expenses reaching $13,171 per loan. 

Research by the MBA and Stratmor puts sales expenses at 55% of a fully-loaded production cost, followed by 22% in fulfillment obligations. Loan officers today get $3,194 per loan, according to Stratmor. 

The firm also found 83% of production coming from the top 40% of loan officers, in addition to competitive recruiting efforts. The nation’s top originators last year didn’t cross the $1 billion threshold, but still put up big numbers despite the market’s slowdown. 

“Lenders have two ways to deal with this: fire the bottom 60%, or change the compensation model so that lower-performing loan officers will get paid less and perhaps push themselves out of the business,” wrote Graham.

Experts late last year warned lenders not to get too creative around loan officer compensation despite the lack of regulation in almost a decade. Regulators took note this year as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in March sought comments around policies affecting originator pay.

In lieu of relying solely on compensation based on a loan amount, lenders can make several changes, from paying less for refinances, bonuses for excellent pull-throughs and clean underwriting submissions or bonuses for loan milestones, the firm suggested. 

The assessment comes at a time when overall nonbank mortgage jobs are rebounding from the tens of thousands of layoffs last year. Companies hesitant to let go of lower-performing loan officers can also change their compensation plan only for new, less experienced loan officers, Graham said. 

“Introducing at least some elements of unit-based compensation may be a catalyst to change the culture of the company,” he wrote.

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

Apache is functioning normally

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!

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

Suze Orman set off quite a stir a few months ago in a New York Times interview. Although some folks were all atwitter to find out she was gay, what really had people in the personal finance world talking was the fact that the most successful personal finance writer in the country had the bulk of her $25 million portfolio in conservative municipal bonds, with only about $1 million invested in the stock market.

My buddy Chuck Jaffe, a MarketWatch columnist and not exactly a Suze fan, had a particularly good time that little factoid. Chuck has often criticized Suze’s advice as too conservative, and her lack of personal exposure to the stock market confirmed his suspicions that she was out of touch with the needs of everyday people. “In short,” he thundered, “the person being trusted as everyone’s financial adviser has a portfolio that few people could live with.”

I think Suze should be allowed to invest any way she wants to, but the whole kerfluffle points up an irony of personal finance columnizing: the more successful we pundits are, the less our lives resemble those of the majority of our readers.

I was thinking about that when J.D. asked if I’d be willing to write a little exposé for his site on how well I follow my own advice.

“I always wonder just how personal finance gurus lead their lives,” J.D. wrote in an email. “Do they really follow the advice they give? Are they frugal? Do they put their money in index funds? Do they drive older cars? I think this is a question many people have. I also think it’s one reason they read Get Rich Slowly: I quite clearly do follow my own advice, or try to.”

So do I — mostly. At J.D.’s request, I’m pulling back the curtain a bit to show you where I walk my talk, and where I’m full of (well-meaning) hot air.

In case you’re not familiar with my work: I’m the most-read personal finance columnist on the Web. I write a twice-weekly column for MSN Money and a nationally syndicated newspaper column. I’m also the author of three books about finance:

You can find out more about me, if you want, at asklizweston.com. But in answer to J.D.’s questions:

Am I frugal? Congenitally. Most of the time.

I grew up in a middle-class family with a dad who worked as an electric journeyman at the local power plant and a stay-at-home mom who had the Depression-era baby’s classic aversion to debt. We had a garden, we canned, we rinsed and reused baggies. My mom went back to work to help pay my college tuition, while I worked two to four part-time jobs each semester to make ends meet. I graduated without student loan or credit card debt.

I’ve never been much of a shopper, and was taught to pay credit card balances in full every month. (I have carried credit card debt a couple of times in my life — for cash flow reasons, not because we couldn’t pay the whole bill.) Since my early 20s, when I started working as a daily newspaper reporter, I’ve saved 15% to 20% — and sometimes more — of my income. Most of it goes into retirement funds and the majority of those are invested in stock mutual funds.

But a lot of the things I used to do to save money I now do mostly to save the environment: things like turning off lights, using a programmable thermostat, walking or biking instead of driving the car.

And now that I travel a lot, I’ve developed an appreciation for luxuries that would have been unthinkable in my salad days: things like membership to an airline lounge and occasionally paying for a first-class ticket, when I can’t qualify for an upgrade with frequent flyer miles. Flying coach these days reminds me way too much of riding the Greyhound bus during college, and I’m lucky enough to be able to afford an alternative.

Do I put my money in index funds? Yes. Mostly.

I’m a confirmed believer that people who think they’re going to beat the market probably are deluding themselves. I know I would be; I’m way too busy to monitor individual stocks or actively-managed mutual funds.

But a recent review of our portfolio showed that while most of our money is in broad-market index funds, we’re still hanging on to a few actively-managed funds I bought before I’d become firmly convinced of the futilely of trying to predict market-beaters. Like the cobbler’s children with no shoes, my portfolio’s overdue for a clean-up and rebalancing. Thanks, J.D., for goading me into it.

Do I drive an older car? Oh, boy. Do I.

I’m the proud driver of a 1993 SUV with—ta-da—250,000 miles on it. I inherited it from my husband, who upgraded to a later-model Volvo. (The man actually cares what he drives, unlike me.) I’d eventually like to replace it with a more fuel-efficient car, but at this point I drive so few miles that it doesn’t make sense to replace it. Besides that, I’m oddly curious to see how long the old beast will hold out.

I’ve also learned a lot about money over the years by making mistakes. I bought “retirement property” when I was in my 20s (anybody want 14 acres in Alaska, 80 miles from the nearest road?). After years of railing about the insanity of the dot-com boom, I sunk $2,000 into a tech fund in — get this — March 2000, about a week before the bubble started to burst. And the last time we bought a house, I forgot (yes, forgot) about closing costs, and had to sell off some investments at the last minute to cover closing costs. (Fortunately, the stock market cooperated with me for once — you’re not supposed to keep short-term money, like down payments and closing costs, in stock or stock mutual fund investments lest they take a dive right when you need the money.)

But yeah, overall I’ve followed my own advice. I’ve avoided toxic debt including credit card debt; put a pile away for retirement; and invested a ton of money over the years in fun and experiences. I’ve traveled around the world, earned my pilot’s license, threw some great parties, took two sabbaticals to care for my dying mother, and am in the process of raising a wonderful daughter (who may turn out to be our more expensive experience yet, but is soooo worth it). I firmly believe that managing money well helps you live life well, and that’s the message I hope to communicate to readers — regardless of where they happen to be on the road to financial health.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

My short life as a daytrader
In my second year of college, I decided to take out $10,000 in student loans and become a daytrader. I could earn far more than the low 4% rate the loans came with, and I planned to finance my education with the winnings.

Sounds like a great idea, right?

There I was, hanging out in the school library, taking up two or three monitors with stock tickers running across the screen and Excel spreadsheets tracking my trades. A copy of Barron’s would be spread out beside me, and the Wall Street Journal wasn’t far away.

So how did it go? Well, there were a couple of problems.

  1. Real-time trading was hard to do in 1997. Back then, the internet was up and running well, and Datek Online had just launched, but real-time trading was still restricted to people with a lot faster connections than my school library had.
  2. Apparently, the school library was not designed for my exclusive use. For some reason, the library staff grew weary of my hanging out in the library all day, taking up three computers. I tried to play it cool when they asked me about it — “Oh, is there a problem?”— but in the end I was put on library restriction: I could use only one computer at a time, and if others were waiting to do academic work, the stock trading would have to stop. Not wanting to pay for a better computer and connection at home, I finally gave it up.

Fast-forward ten years, and I haven’t done any stock trading since then, but I’ve managed to choose unusual paths most of that time:

  • I lived in West Africa for four years, working as a volunteer for a charity without taking any salary.
  • I’ve worked as an entrepreneur for most of my adult life — ten years and counting without the dreaded “real job”.
  • After spending so much time overseas, I’ve found that I really enjoy traveling to places most North Americans never go to, so I recently set a goal of traveling to every country in the world before my 35th birthday in 2013

Each of these experiences has taught me a lot about personal finance, and in a few important ways, my belief in unconventional living has carried over to how I handle money. I’ve made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I’ve also done a few things right.

With that in mind, I’ve written a two-part summary to explain more about how I handle my finances. While I don’t expect that anyone will adopt my own system in full, I do hope that this summary may help others who see the world similar to the way that I do. My thanks to J.D. for providing a forum for this summary here at Get Rich Slowly.

Back to basics
First of all, I’d like to think that most of what the GRS site advocates — and what GRS readers consistently practice — represents a great start to a nonconformist approach to personal finance. Sadly, the majority of North Americans are woefully under-informed about financial matters and do not set savings goals.

Simply by planning and taking deliberate action with your finances, you are already in a league of your own.

Further, as different as I may be, I am an advocate of most of the basic financial advice presented here on GRS and in other like-minded publications. Some financial advice is fairly generic, but there really are some good principles that are true for everyone.

For example, I believe in:

I think of these things as The Basics. Simply following The Basics will put most of us far above the curve.

Also, I am generally skeptical about retirement as it’s commonly defined (more on that later), but I am even more skeptical about Social Security. If you’re under 50 years old, I don’t recommend you count on Social Security for anything. Consider those payments you make each month as a parent or grandparent tax.

Where I diverge from the conventional wisdom is over the issues of debt, focused spending, home ownership, traditional employment, retirement, and charitable giving.

Here are a few of my principles — and please, feel free to take them or leave them for yourself as you see fit. I don’t make judgments about the choices of others; I only think it’s reasonable that each of us should carefully consider our own motivations and priorities. As J.D. says, “Do what works for you.”

#1 — There is no such thing as “good debt.”
Finance books and magazines often talk about “good debt,” in the sense that a long-term mortgage is considered a good thing to have. Depending on your perspective, a car loan or education loans may also be “good.”

Well, this is probably the only thing in the world I am conservative and old-fashioned about, but I happen to believe that all debt is something to worry about. While watching many friends accumulate huge levels of debt buying cars and houses, I have lived my entire adult life debt-free.

This has occasionally meant going without something or not buying an expensive car (I don’t own any car at all now), but the real secret is that choosing to live debt-free is no sacrifice at all. Even though I work as an entrepreneur and have never had a stable income, I also don’t have to worry about falling behind on mortgage payments or watching credit card finance charges rise every month.

#2 — Student loans? No thanks!
Aside from the short experience of daytrading with my undergraduate loan money (I actually came out a little ahead, but I wouldn’t recommend trying that), I’ve financed the rest of my education without debt as well.

Two years ago I came to Seattle and began an expensive graduate program, and since that time I have met a lot of students who have gone into debt to finance their undergraduate and graduate education. It’s fair to say that some of them are happy with this choice, and there are certain professions (such as medicine) where it is very difficult to get an education without taking on serious debt.

However, it is also fair to say that I know a lot of people who have truly regretted taking on so much debt to go to school, especially if they enrolled in a program that does not lead to a high-paying job after graduation.

I’m simply not comfortable borrowing large sums of money. I was able to pay for my University of Washington Master’s Degree on my own. But now that I’m writing during the day instead of building businesses, I really can’t afford to continue paying for my education. Earlier this year I was accepted to a competitive Ph.D. program on the east coast, but the offer didn’t come with financial support, so I had to make a tough decision.

I could have started the program by taking loans or using long-term savings, hoping that more financial support would come along later. To be honest, I briefly considered taking the loans. But in the end I made the right choice, at least for me: I’m not going. I don’t value it that much.

#3 — A house is a liability, not an asset
I am currently living in one of the most expensive housing markets in North America (Seattle, Washington), and I have no interest in buying a home here. I am quite happy that my landlords are responsible for maintenance, and that I pay no homeowners’ dues or property taxes. (Yes, I realize that some of those costs are factored in the price of rent, but I think we still come out ahead.)

In the long-term, you do have to live somewhere, and if you’re staying put for the next 30 years and want a home of your own, ownership can make sense. But for many of the rest of us, renting is becoming less of a stigma now that people have begun to realize that taking out huge mortgages isn’t usually a good idea.

Invest in yourself
My wife Jolie and I made a decision several years ago that guides most of our spending choices. We try not to spend money on “stuff” — physical items that all of us end up accumulating over time — and instead focus our spending on life experiences that we value.

Jolie is an artist, so we invest a lot in her art education and supplies. For me, world travel is my highest personal expense category. On a train ride from Hungary to the Czech Republic a few years back, I worked out the cost of visiting 100 countries. I had already been to a lot of countries, and I figured that to get to the remaining 60 or so and stay for a few days in each would cost roughly $30,000, or the cost of a large SUV.

I prefer to use public transport and don’t own a car in Seattle, so I thought, wow, that’s cheap. I could have a large vehicle and complain to everyone about the cost of fuel, or I could have the world. For me, it was an easy choice.

Some people would say that world travel is a frivolous luxury, and not something that should be such a prominent item in a graduate student’s budget. I’ll try to consider that point the next time I’m flying off to Hong Kong or Johannesburg.

Because travel is so important to me, my working budget includes funds for at least one Round-the-World trip each year. I realize that I don’t need this trip in the same way that I need to buy groceries, but I do need it in the sense that it is one of my highest priorities, and I would rather eliminate other expenses before cutting into it.

A lot of GRS readers may not be as interested in travel as I am, but that’s OK — it’s more important to find your own “life experience” priorities. What do you get excited about? What are you truly passionate about? I believe these items should be your spending priorities, right after groceries, savings, and investing in others — the next area in this short guide to unconventional personal finance.

Invest in others
For many affluent people, charitable giving is an afterthought. It’s something we do once in a while to feel better, or at the end of the year for a tax write-off.

I have a problem with that mindset. Done well, charitable giving is essentially an investment in those less fortunate than us. I don’t view investing in others as a luxury or an afterthought; I consider it as essential as taking care of our own savings.

Money doesn’t solve all the problems of the world, and it’s important to give to the right causes. For example, because far more people give to short-term relief than to long-term development, the money spent on disaster relief is often highly inefficient and poorly used.

But when you create a strategy for your investment in others, you can have a positive impact on far more people, and the quality of that impact will be greatly optimized.

If you’re not sure where to start and are looking for good causes to increase your own giving, consider the following organizations. I personally know the people who run each of these groups and give them my highest recommendations:

  • Kiva.org — This great organization has the objective of democratizing microlending by matching small donors (like you and me) with promising entrepreneurs in the developing world who need small loans to improve their businesses.
  • CharityIs — My friend Scott Harrison started this project to bypass government foreign aid (most of which does not go to the poorest people in poor countries) and directly provide access to clean water and sanitation throughout Africa and Asia.
  • Care — One of the larger, more traditional charities, Care has managed to keep administrative expenses down even as they have expanded to projects in 71 countries

What I’m Doing
Right now I’m beginning a writing career while my wife works as an artist, so we have definitely had to cut back on both giving and savings, but I still try to pay attention to the overall percentages. I also believe that if you don’t “miss” the money you give — if there is no real sense of sacrifice — you’re not really being challenged by the giving.

Therefore, I have a stated goal of investing at least 15% of our income every year in charitable giving. I feel a little strange about writing that here for 50,000 people to read, because this is something that is very personal, and I have previously shared the number with only a few people.

To those who say that it’s hard to give to others when you don’t have much money yourself, part of me wants to sympathize, but another part remembers that we chose to adopt this principle when we were living on about $12,000 a year. In the end, all I can say is that every year we have given more money away, and we have rarely lacked for anything.

To be continued…
By getting the basics under control, rejecting conventional beliefs about debt, choosing to spend freely on life experiences instead of “stuff,” and creating a giving plan to invest in others, I’ve built a personal finance system that is aligned with my values.

There are just a few important parts left, including where the income comes from. I’ll discuss that in the next update, which will be published at Get Rich Slowly next week. In that article, I’ll discuss alternative forms of work, the financial independence goal, and a few mistakes I’ve made on my nonconformist finance journey.

Thanks for reading this far! I welcome feedback, questions, or disagreements in the comments below.

Source: getrichslowly.org

Apache is functioning normally

Hedging, Productivity, POS, Audit and Tax Products; Non-Agency News; STRATMOR on Sales Costs; GDP Solid

<meta name="smartbanner:author" content="We now have a native iPhone
and Android app.
Download the NEW APP”>


This website requires Javascrip to run properly.

Hedging, Productivity, POS, Audit and Tax Products; Non-Agency News; STRATMOR on Sales Costs; GDP Solid

By:
Rob Chrisman

Thu, Jul 27 2023, 10:54 AM

“I’m trying to organize a hide and seek tournament, but good players are really hard to find.” Good LOs (trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent… do I have that right?) can be hard to find. Compensation figures in there somewhere, and in this continued era of cost-cutting remember that HUD sent out a note years ago about mortgage loan officers being W-2. (Press your “Control/Ctrl” key and “F” simultaneously. Then type in W-2. There are nine mentions.) The CFPB, in its examinations, looks at LO comp. One can always ask the CFPB questions through this site, but more weight is put on LO compensation requirements under the Truth in Lending Act (Reg. Z) which addresses total loan originator compensation. It states that total income is either wages and tips reported on a W-2 or reportable income on a 1099. See 12 CFR Part 1026 (pg. 11352). One can also see the Final rule: Loan Originator Compensation Requirements under the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z) (consumerfinance.gov), pgs. 262-63, 274, and 517. (Today’s podcast can be found here and sponsored by ReadyPrice, offering the industry’s most powerful universal delivery portal that gives brokers the edge they need. Shop, lock and deliver with multiple lenders, all in one place, for free! Hear an interview with ReadyPrice’s Rick Soukoulis on how to win broker business and the overall direction of the wholesale channel.)

Lender and Broker Products, Services, and Software

Create a seamless specialty servicing journey with LoanSync™! When your servicing portfolio is your bread and butter, creating a communication journey that provides all parties with the same loan information is important. This is especially critical when loans become delinquent, and timing is of the essence to obtain swift resolution. With LoanSync™, your distressed loans boarded with LoanCare® are assigned to Velocity Servicing™ as needed with no fee or borrower disruption, while simultaneously creating a fully transparent loan journey. Your organization will gain immediate traction with a customized solution and real-time scalability. Alleviate the need for loan transfers, expand your program expertise with custom client waterfalls that are consistent with monitoring requirements, and gain access to a network pipeline of pre-resolution buyouts, all while leveraging LoanCare® technology. Click to learn more or call today at 646-361-6808 to partner with Velocity Servicing™, a LoanCare® division, for your specialty servicing needs.

“While it may be hard to imagine given the temperature outside, fall is right around the corner, which means it’s time to engage your 2023 audit and tax firm. In a year when every dollar counts, you need a cost-effective provider without sacrificing quality. You need CWDL. Our audit and tax teams are comprised of professionals with deep mortgage experience, so we understand your business and get right to work. Not only does that mean an efficient, smooth process from start to finish, but it also means your key stakeholders will have full confidence in the final product. And as a nimble firm without layers of management, our partners are actively involved in all aspects of your engagement, and you’ll be assigned the same management team every year. Don’t wait to make a transformative change for your business. Reach out to Kasey English or 619.302.0010 or learn more here.”

Sales and Productivity Tools

What if your Point-of-Sale wasn’t a “system” at all? What if it was a thoughtfully designed borrower experience that seamlessly integrated into Encompass® by ICE Mortgage Technology™? No new systems to learn, no frustrating borrower experiences, no expensive price tags. LiteSpeed by LenderLogix is the POS your loan officers have been asking for.

Own Up is the nation’s only mortgage concierge marketplace enabling mortgage companies, banks, credit unions and brokers to access exclusive, high intent and highly qualified borrowers. A recipient of numerous accolades, including Fintech Breakthrough’s “Best Digital Mortgage Platform,” Own Up is currently onboarding select lenders to further its national expansion. Own Up seamlessly integrates into all major lender CRMs, lead management systems and pricing engines. Lenders interested in acquiring qualified leads with industry-leading conversion should reach out to [email protected] to learn more.

STRATMOR on Sales Costs and Compensation

According to data from the PGR: MBA and STRATMOR Peer Group Roundtables program, the average fully loaded cost to originate a loan through the Retail channel for all peer groups was $13,131 in 2022. Where does the money go? Fulfillment (processing, underwriting, closing and other direct costs to manufacture the loan) costs the average lender about 22%. Sales account for 55% of the expense. Given that it is unlikely that the percentage will change materially, in STRATMOR Group’s July Insights Report, Senior Partner Garth Graham analyzes where we’ve been and where we are with sales compensation, and he offers ideas on how lenders might tame the beast of sales costs. Don’t miss Graham’s article, “Sales Compensation: Do You Get What You Pay For?” in the new STRATMOR Insights Report.

Non-Agency News

Non-Agency loans, which include non-QM, DSCR, jumbo, ITIN programs, have never quite garnered more than 5-10 percent of overall industry volume, but nonetheless are valuable tools for LOs trying to hold onto every valuable client. Let’s take a look at who’s doing what.

With a Champions Funding ITIN loan for business purposes, investors can easily access credit, regardless of immigration status, using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of a SSN, creditworthy borrowers can reach their goals. Reach even more potential borrowers, check out the Champion Funding ITIN for Real Estate Investors.

Champions Funding announced the new Non-Delegated Correspondent Lending Channel is now available for ITIN Loan Products (Consumer and Business Purpose). Access to new tools, marketing resources, and opportunities to utilize the operational services of Champions. Visit the updated website for all Correspondent Resources, including guidelines and the Seller’s guide.

Expand your lending options with the Plaza Home Mortgage® Jumbo Elite loan program, a new addition to its overall suite of Jumbo loan programs, open doors to more possibilities for your borrowers. Jumbo Elite Program highlights include loan amounts to $2.5 million, FICOs from 680, High Balance Loan amounts eligible, Asset Depletion allowed. LTV to 85%, 20, 25 & 30 Year Fixed, Purchase, Rate/Term, Cash-out, primary, second home or investment property SFR, Condo, Co-op, PUD, 2-4 units. Additional details can be found in the Jumbo Elite Program Guidelines and Jumbo Elite Price Adjustments documents.

Loan Stream Mortgage 40-year term loan is fully amortized for its fixed term loan program, two options available. 40 Year Fully Amortized Loan (480 months) or 40 Year Interest Only (first 10 years IO followed by 30-year fixed). Available programs: Full Doc, Alternative Doc (Bank Statement, 1099, Asset Utilization, VOE), DSCR. Purchase, Refi and Cash out available.

Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions’ DSCR loan product is designed exclusively for real estate investors seeking to enhance their property’s cash flow.

Traditional lenders may be hesitant to provide financing for cannabis-related borrowers due to the industry’s legal and regulatory issues. Non-QM is the way to secure financing for those borrowers with irregular income streams &/or other factors that make it difficult. LoanWyse

offers Multiple Doc Options: Full Doc (12 or 24 Months), 1 Year W2, 12 or 24 Bank Statements, 1099 Only and Asset Utilization, qualify for a Mortgage with Cannabis-Related Income.

Carrington Wholesale not only offers flexible bank statement income documentation options for self-employed borrowers but can also use Profit and Loss (P&L) statements*. Self-employed borrowers may submit P&L statements covering 12 or 24 months. Must be self-employed for at least 2 years. Multiple businesses are permitted. FICO scores 620+.

Carrington Correspondent offers the highest LTV in the industry on DSCR loans. How high? Up to 85%. With that kind of leverage, investors will be enjoying their positive cash flow and appreciation in no time.

40-year fixed-rate (Full Doc and Bank Statement) Non-QM loans may give your clients more financial flexibility with the rising cost of homes and today’s higher interest rates. Carrington Wholesale offers four Non-QM Programs with 40-Year Loan Option. The Carrington Prime Advantage FICO 660+, The Carrington Flexible Advantage Plus FICO 620+, The Carrington Flexible Advantage FICO 550+ and The Carrington Investor Advantage (DSCR) FICO 620+.

A&D Mortgage has just announced a significant improvement in pricing on its Non-QM second mortgages, offering a 1-point pricing improvement on these loans, helping its customers secure the funding they need at a more affordable rate. With this new pricing structure, A&D Mortgage is confident that its Non-QM second mortgages will stand out in the market and provide a competitive advantage for borrowers.

Capital Markets

We love long walks on the beach, sunset views, and all things secondary marketing. Know where you can find all three? In Dana Point during the California MBA’s Western Secondary event. If you’re attending, don’t miss what’s sure to be a highly acclaimed session featuring Optimal Blue thought leader Jim Glennon on Aug. 22. This session, titled “Capital Markets in the New World,” will offer commentary on key drivers in the capital markets space given the changing market conditions, with a focus on how the current landscape differs from the last three years. After this informative session, you can tie this insight back to your business goals by scheduling a personalized meeting with Optimal Blue’s team of experts.

Are you wondering how the Fed decision will affect rates and the mortgage market? Register for Agile’s webinar, MBS Pooling Overview, Market Dynamics, & Best Practices, on August 9th at 11AM PT to find out. In this webinar, Phil Kukafka of Towne Mortgage, Ryan Ferderer of Multi-Bank Securities, and Andrew Rhodes of MCT will give an overview of MBS pooling and discuss the current market. Panelists will also share strategies for efficiently pooling and selling mortgage-backed securities as well as the process for MBS pooling using Agile’s technology. Register now for more information on key market dynamics with traders on the front lines of the MBS market.

Bonds and rates? As expected in the U.S., the Federal Open Market Committee (unanimously) raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a new range of 5.25 percent to 5.50 percent yesterday. This hike marks the 11th rate hike since the Fed began hiking in March 2022 and brings the fed funds rate level to the highest it has been in 22 years. Many think that the Fed is likely to skip a rate hike at its next decision in September, meaning the following decision on November 1st will probably be the next time the committee seriously considers raising rates again in its fight to return inflation to the proclaimed 2.0 percent target, which we are still a long way from. By November, the pace of core inflation slowing will be clearer, but policymakers do not see inflation returning to target until 2025.

The Fed thinks policy is finally restrictive but will need to remain restrictive for some time until macroeconomic growth slows on the whole. Chair Powell, in his post-decision press conference, repeated that the full effects of tightening have yet to be felt, but also revealed that the FOMC is no longer forecasting a recession, which explains why policymakers believe inflation won’t hit their 2 percent target until 2025. The only surprise was when Powell said the Fed could decide to cut rates without taking their foot off the brakes (e.g., through the discount rate, reserve requirements, and open market operations). Pricing in Fed Funds futures is now implying a nearly 40 percent probability that the Fed will hike rates by an additional 25 basis points in November, up from roughly 25 percent a week ago.

We also learned yesterday that new home sales fell 2.5 percent month-over-month in June to 697k, below expectations of 727k, but up 23.8 percent on a year-over-year basis. The median sales price fell 4 percent on a YOY basis to $415,400. New home sales activity, which is measured on signed contracts, was hurt overall by rising mortgage rates, and the pace of overall housing market activity remains quite slow. Housing affordability challenges continue, though mortgage rates should trend down once the FOMC clearly signals that they have reached the peak fed funds rate range for this cycle.

Today bought the latest monetary policy decision from the ECB (a 25-basis points hike), which took the main refinancing operation rate to 4.25 percent. ECB President Lagarde’s had a press conference, similar to Powell’s yesterday. Returning to U.S. news, we’ve had the first look at Q2 GDP (2.4 percent: soft landing?), as well as durable goods orders (+4.7 percent), and weekly jobless claims (221k, still falling, 1.690 million continuing claims). Expectations were for GDP to increase 2.5 percent versus 2.0 percent previously with the core PCE deflator increasing 3.9 percent compared with 4.9 percent in Q1.

Later this morning brings the Pending Home Sales Index for June, Kansas City Fed manufacturing for July, a Treasury auction of $35 billion in 7-year notes, and Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Markets Survey. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices worse a few ticks (32nds) from Wednesday afternoon, the 10-year yielding 3.89 after closing yesterday at 3.85 percent, and the 2-year 4.87 after this plethora of news.

LO Employment

More than a business; it’s a movement. Join the team of Kind Ambassadors shaking up the retail mortgage market and expanding across the nation! Kind Lending is actively seeking Retail Branch Managers and Mortgage Loan Officers to join the movement. If you or your team are looking to serve your clients with white glove customer service and a full suite of competitive loan products (and putting the “fun” in funding while doing it), join the #KindMovement alongside CEO/Founder Glenn Stearns and the team of seasoned industry veterans, poised to grow your impact in the field. Contact Orlando Gutierrez, SVP of National Retail Sales today.

“PrimeLending proudly presents 1Day AdvantEDGE, our revolutionary 24-hour mortgage credit approval process, providing a significant edge in today’s competitive market. Customers simply complete an online application and submit the required documents, and our automated underwriting system, D1CEdge, takes care of the rest. Within 24 hours, customers receive a credit approval letter and enjoy a $250 lender credit at closing! This is just one example of how PrimeLending responds to market demands and helps our LOs succeed. Are you equipped to dominate your market? Discover how PrimeLending leverages technology to give LOs a real advantage. Contact Nic Hartke today to learn more. With 1Day AdvantEDGE, we empower you to excel and achieve success in your local market. Join PrimeLending and experience the future of mortgage lending.”

 Download our mobile app to get alerts for Rob Chrisman’s Commentary.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

Apache is functioning normally

In the midst of our fast-paced and hectic lives, finding a tranquil escape within the confines of our own homes has become more important than ever. That’s where a zen space-a carefully curated sanctuary that allows you to unwind, find inner peace and reconnect with your true self-comes in handy. Whether you seek solace from the demands of work or crave a quiet corner to recharge, curating a personalised zen space in your home becomes an invaluable refuge.

“What is the good of your stars and trees, your sunrise and the wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives?”

With these wise words by renowned novelist, EM Forster in mind, here are five powerful ways to curate your zen space and create an oasis of mindfulness and relaxation that resonates deeply with you.

Also read: Skin Care Routine: Expert Explains Why Turmeric, Gram Flour And Curd Should Be Your Go-To Trio

Follow Minimalist Design

Start by embracing the beauty of simplicity and adopting a minimalist design for your zen space. Remove all unnecessary items and opt for clean lines and uncluttered surfaces. Choose furniture and decor pieces that have a simple and understated elegance. A clutter-free environment helps organise your mind and encourages a sense of calmness and focus.

Use Eco-friendly Decor Accessories

Infuse your zen space with a touch of nature by adding eco-friendly decor accessories. Choose sustainable materials such as bamboo, jute, or reclaimed wood for furniture and flooring. Opt for organic textiles like cotton or linen for cushions and curtains. You can create an environment that is in harmony with nature when you choose eco-friendly decor items, promoting a sense of peace and mindfulness.

Use A Lighter Colour Palette

Colours play a significant role in setting the mood of a space. For your Corner, opt for a lighter colour palette that creates an airy and serene ambience. Soft pastel shades like light blues, pale greens, and gentle yellows promote relaxation and calmness. Avoid bold and vibrant colours that can be visually stimulating and instead opt for soft, soothing hues that contribute to a peaceful atmosphere.

Spruce Up Your Space With Plants And Flowers

Plants can remarkably lift our moods. You can bring the beauty of nature indoors by having plants and flowers in your space. Indoor plants add a touch of greenery, purify the air, and create a sense of vitality. At first, choose low-maintenance plants such as peace lilies, snake plants, or succulents requiring minimal care. Gradually, add fresh flowers that infuse your space with their natural fragrance, invigorating your mind and fostering creativity and rejuvenation.

Usher In Plenty Of Natural Light In Your Space 

Natural light has a profound impact on our well-being. When curating your space, prioritise access to natural light. Position your furniture and decor in a way that allows sunlight to flow into the room. Avoid heavy curtains or blinds that block natural light and instead opt for sheer or light-coloured window treatments. Natural light not only brightens your space but also boosts mood and enhances a sense of oneness with nature.

Your space is your sanctuary, a refuge from the chaos and noise that often permeate our lives. It’s not about the size or grandeur of the space but rather the intention and care you put into curating it. Whether it’s a dedicated room, a cozy corner, a balcony, or a serene spot by the window in your home, what truly matters is creating a space that aligns with your deepest aspirations and provides you with a sense of calm and peace.

Source: zeenews.india.com

Apache is functioning normally

This holiday season you want your bar heavily stocked and constantly equipped for unexpected house guests – we all have those friends who just show up at your doorstep, ready for a good time! Don’t worry about having the house clean or appetizers prepped because let’s be real, all that really matters is your ability to whip up a festive and fun drink. Since we’ve already got you hooked up with great cocktail recipes, it’s time to beautify your bar cart and make it holiday-ready!

What is my fail-proof styling secret? A few ok, a lot! of gold accessories!

get your shop on: pillow // bottle opener // coasters // floor lamp // ice bucket // stool // glass // table // jigger // straws // shaker // tray 

Gold just makes everything shine a little brighter, no? I can’t help but continually want to add more hits of gold to the loft. I’m currently banking my wish list on my “Golden Glam” eBay Collection. I’ve been stocking it with way too many gold pieces for one bar to handle so feel free to shop away and take some off of my hands. While you’re there, you can also follow my “Let’s Throw a Party” collection full of favors and fun things to make your entertaining season merrier!

Because believe me, you’ll want to throw a few more fabulous fetes than you had originally planned this season! Guests won’t even notice the dishes in the sink because with a bar that looks this good, no one will ever even make it into the kitchen.

If you’re in the mood to make some extra cash this holiday season who isn’t!?, share my eBay collections for a chance to win a {crazy!] $25,000 eBay Shopping Spree! See official rules here.

My eBay Collections were curated as part of my collaboration with eBay #followitfindit and Style Coalition. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open! 

%%youtubomatic_0_0%%

Source: apartment34.com