On this Memorial Day Weekend, we honor the men and women of
the United States who put everything on the line to protect our country and the
freedom we hold. In 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the VA loan
into law helping Veterans achieve the American dream. In 1970, under President
Nixon, the VA loan landscape changed with the Veterans Housing Act of 1970. There
was no longer a time limit on loan eligibility, and veterans now had the option
to refinance into another VA loan. Today, the VA loan has guaranteed more than
24 million homes across the United States.
VA Home Loan Military and Service Requirements:
With a VA loan, there are service requirements that need to be
met in order to qualify. These are based on the time period during which you
served, and the number of days active duty. For example, if you are currently
active duty, you would have had to of served 90 continuous days to meet the
requirements. For a further breakdown, those who served during:
WWII – a total of 90 days, or less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability
Post-WWII – 181 continuous days or less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability
Korean War – a total of 90 days, or less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability
Post-Korean War – 181 continuous days or less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability
Vietnam War – a total of 90 days, or less than 90 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability
Post-Vietnam War – 181 continuous days or less than 181 days if you were discharged for a service-connected disability
1980-1990 – 24 continuous month or 181 days that you were called into active duty
Gulf War – 24 continuous months or 90 days in active duty, at least 90 days if you were discharged for a hardship, a reduction in force, or convenience of the government or less than 90 days if you were discharged for service-connected disability
If you separated from service after September 7, 1980 – 24 continuous months, 181 days of active duty or less if discharged for hardship, a reduction in force, convenience of the government or a service-connected disability
On Memorial Day, we honor those who have given their lives for
our freedom. For those who have a spouse serving or who has served, you may be
able to qualify for a VA loan through a Certificate of Eligibility. However,
there are requirements that you will need to meet as well. Most, COE’s are
given to those surviving spouses of a Veteran or the spouse of a Veteran who is
missing in action (MIA) or being held as a prisoner of war (POW).
However, you meet these requirements, be sure to talk to your Total Mortgage Loan Officer about
your options to be able to receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
Credit Score Requirements for VA Home Loans:
VA loan credit score requirements are similar to USDA
credit score requirements. The Veterans Administration or the VA
doesn’t set a minimum credit score requirement, however, the lender is able to
set a benchmark. Typically, the benchmark for a VA loan is set at a 620 FICO
score. This does not mean that you will not be approved with a lower score.
Your credit score eligibility will be determined once a credit report and
analysis are complete. No matter your credit score, there is always room for
improvement.
VA Home Loan Down Payment Requirements:
Another advantage of a VA loan is the down payment, or lack
thereof. Once again, similar to USDA loans, VA loans don’t require a down
payment from borrowers. In fact, about 90% of VA loan holders borrow the loan
without a down payment placed on the loan, although when a down payment is
made, the VA Funding Fee decreases.
A VA Funding Fee on a first-time VA borrower is typically 2.3%
of the loan when no down payment is made. When a down payment of 5% is made by
the borrower, the fee drops to 1.65% of the loan. As the down payment amount
increases, the VA Funding Fee decreases.
The down payment on a VA loan does not have to come from your
accounts. It is acceptable for a down payment gift to be given on a VA loan. If
the down payment is a gift, a letter is required and needs to have the donor’s
information, relationship to the borrower, details about the gift, and legal
phrasing that states that the payment does not need to be repaid.
What are my options:
Depending on your credit score and where you would like to
live, you have more options available to you. Here are some of the most
noteworthy loan options:
VA Loans – Are serving and meet the requirements? Is your spouse a Veteran or MIA or POW?
Benefits:
No down payment requirement
No credit score requirement, lender may set one
USDA Loan – Are looking to live in a rural or suburban area?
Benefits:
No down payment requirement
No credit score requirement, lender may set one
FHA Loan – Are a first-time home buyer with a credit score that is in repair?
Benefits:
3.5% down payment minimum, PMI for the life of the
loan
Lower credit score requirements set by lenders
Conventional 97 Loan – Are you a first-time home buyer who has a good to excellent credit score?
Benefits:
3% down payment minimum, 20% down payment without
PMI on the loan
Summary:
Mortgages are
not a “one size fits all” financial decision. VA loans offer Veterans a great
option to achieve the American Dream with no down payment required and no
credit score requirement set by the VA. However, to find the best loan for you
and your financial situation, contact a Total Mortgage Loan Officer or visit
our
mortgage builder today!
Carter Wessman is originally from the charming town of Norfolk, Massachusetts. When he isn’t busy writing about mortgage related topics, you can find him playing table tennis, or jamming on his bass guitar.
From golf simulators to wide open spaces filled with weight-lifting machines, these are the ten best apartment gyms in San Antonio.
Whether you’re working to tack on some muscle, hoping to get your sweat on or looking to play some beach volleyball from the comfort of your home, there’s an apartment fitness center in San Antonio that’s perfectly fitted to your needs.
You just need to know where to look to find it.
Source: Rent. / Cypress at Stone Oak
Boasting two state-of-the-art fitness centers, two swimming pools and a yoga studio, the workout resources at Cypress at Stone Oak are second to none. With large windows, high ceilings and motivational messaging on the wall, the fitness centers at Cypress at Stone Oak feel more like an expensive gym than an apartment complex workout room.
These Stone Oak apartments also back up to a golf course and are only a stone’s throw away from Bracken Nature Preserve. Bracken is a great place for hiking and features a cave that sees a mass exodus of bats each night. A great option to switch up your workout and get some steps in while seeing something new.
Source: Rent. / Celeste at La Cantera
With designer lighting, top-tier equipment and plenty of space to clear your mind and get your heart rate up, it’s obvious the design team behind Celeste at La Cantera takes their workouts seriously, or at least new future residents would.
Boasting a long row of elliptical machines, treadmills and even a Stairmaster, in addition to all of the other traditional trappings you’d find at a membership-based gym, the fitness center at La Cantera is one of the best places to enjoy a workout in the University of Texas at San Antonio area.
Source: Rent. / The Mark at Huebner Oaks
How many apartments have an indoor golf simulator? Not many. With temperatures regularly soaring into the triple digits, having an indoor option to (virtually) hit the links is essential for dedicated golfers. While this unique feature isn’t all that’s provided in terms of fitness at The Mark at Huebner Oaks, it does help to set them apart.
The Mark at Huebner Oaks also has an expansive fitness center with high ceilings and natural light in addition to a dedicated stretching/yoga area. With flatscreens on the walls and oversized ceiling fans overhead, this Huntington Place complex sets the standard for communal workout areas.
Source: Rent. / The View at Crown Ridge
The View at Crown Ridge is a great complex for active people to call home. The slanted ceiling gives the fitness center here an airy vibe and the windows make it so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on the day while you work your core or get your cardio in.
These Cross Mountain apartments are situated right next to Crownridge Canyon Park, one of North San Antonio’s best-kept secrets. This outdoor recreation area features walking paths, scenic bridges and beautiful rivers. Sound like a good way to spend a Sunday getting your sweat on, right?
Source: Rent. / The Estraya Westover Hills Apartments
The Estraya Westover Hills Apartments complex has one huge fitness center. With 200 units to serve, The Estraya went big and embraced a resort-style feel from the brightly colored gym. They packed it to the gills with high-quality equipment and paired it with a dreamy pool with a waterfall feature and tanning ledge. Estraya is a great place to be active and then kick back in comfort.
This Oak Creek area complex boasts professional quality stationary bikes, enough ellipticals to ensure waiting is never an issue and free weights for days. Long story short, this fitness center has it all.
Source: Rent. / 1800 Broadway
1800 Broadway invites people looking in the Westfort area to enjoy the best of what loft living has to offer. And the best of loft living includes a well-equipped, elegantly designed gym. The fitness Center at 1800 Broadway makes the most of its smaller footprint with multiple multipurpose machines that can support full workout circuits in and of themselves.
The other reason this Westfort complex makes the list is because of its proximity to the North River Walk, just a few blocks away. This scenic walking path provides the best of both worlds by being the premier spot to take a stroll and stop (more than a few times) for some shopping or a coffee.
Source: Rent. / The Mosaic
Drawing design inspiration from all around the world, The Mosaic has an aesthetic entirely of its own. That same aesthetic transitions to the fitness area where you’ll find high ceilings with exposed duct work, a versatile selection of workout equipment and extra equipment for plyometrics if that’s your thing.
Tucked away north of Downtown in Tobin Hill, The Mosaic is a workout warrior’s paradise thanks to its mix of traditional machines and newer CrossFit-inspired materials, this gym has it all to help you reach your fitness goals.
Source: Rent. / The Ranch at West End
The Ranch at West End may not have the largest gym on the list but what it may lack in size, it makes up for in alternative workout options. The Ranch at West End has a full-size beach volleyball court and a midsize circular basketball court, perfect for a game of HORSE or two on two with your neighbors.
The actual fitness center is nothing to scoff at either. Equipped with kettlebells, a calisthenic area and muscle-boosting machines, this Westcreek complex has the complete setup for anyone hoping to have options for physical activity right outside their door.
Source: Rent. / Vineyard Springs
Vineyard Springs is known for its large floor plans and those spacious spots are now supported by a brand-new fitness center. The on-site fitness center features a mirrored wall, a rowing machine and a conveniently placed TV that can be seen from nearly every machine and station in the gym.
Beyond a new gym, there is also an on-site trainer, educated with the skills to make sure you meet your fitness goals. And outside the gym are two bespoke pools that may be the best spots in all of The Vineyard to cool off after a long workout.
Source: Rent. / Cielo
What’s better than an elliptical with a pool view? Cielo’s light-filled gym leverages its prime location to ensure that anyone dedicated enough to take a trip to the gym gets rewarded with a relaxing pool view while they work up a sweat.
Cielo also backs up to Ladybird Johnson Park. Ladybird Johnson Park features large open fields, an expansive skatepark and a playground, making this park the perfect spot for a full day of active fun with the entire family. This Oak Grove complex really is a great spot for active people of all ages to call home.
San Antonio is calling
If you’re looking for an apartment in San Antonio and have a passion for personal fitness, start your search with this list. These aren’t all the apartments in Alamo City, but they are the ones with the best gyms. Get out there and find the perfect place with the gym that was built for you.
Featured image source: Rent. / Celeste at La Cantera
Now before you go running for the hills, let me just preface that I too was VERY skeptical of this color at first. I mean, the name itself sure isn’t doing the color any favors…Burnt…Orange? Sounds downright repulsive.
BUT with that being said, I challenge you to set aside your judgement for just a moment and allow me to make a case for this under-appreciated color. Sure, in fairness, perhaps burnt orange will never be “the new black” but it’s certainly worthy of some serious attention.
See? Not bad, huh? It gives off a 60’s Mod-vibe without feeling too dated or retro. Plus, when it’s in flowy lightweight fabric form it looks ultra-elegant and contemporary. Even when incorporated as a statement color into decor, it offers a healthy dose of character and an inviting sense of warmth.
Are you convinced? What are your thoughts on the color?
Image 1 via Nanushka // 2 via JCrew // 3 via Dust Jacket Attic // 4 via The D Pages // 5 via Blueberry Modern // 6 via Nordic Design
Today we’ll check out “Blue Sky Financial,” whose goal is to save you time and money so you can get outside and enjoy those beautiful blue skies a little bit more.
The young company (formed in 2020) refers to itself as a discount mortgage brokerage, meaning they work with third-party lenders to find your loan a home.
Apparently they also offer low mortgage rates, which they say are possible thanks to “digital efficiencies” aka the latest technology and less overhead.
Let’s find out more about them.
Blue Sky Financial Fast Facts
An independent discount mortgage brokerage
Offers home purchase financing and mortgage refinances
Founded in 2020, headquartered in Boise, Idaho
Has three physical locations: Boise, Sun Valley, and West Palm Beach
Employ about two dozen loan officers nationwide
Currently licensed to do business in eight states
As mentioned, Blue Sky Financial is a mortgage brokerage, meaning they link up borrowers with a wholesale mortgage lender, which actually provides the financing.
While that means they need to turn to another company to get your loan to the finish line, it gives them the advantage of offering more loan programs because they’ve got multiple lending partners.
Like other mortgage lenders, they offer home purchase financing, along with mortgage refinances.
They have three physical offices, including locations in Boise and Sun Valley, Idaho, along with a branch in West Palm Beach, Florida.
At the moment, they’re only licensed in eight states nationwide, including California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, and Washington.
It’s unclear if they plan to expand to additional states soon, or focus on those specific states for the time being.
How to Apply for a Home Loan with Blue Sky Financial
They refer to their loan process as the “10 Minute Application”
It is a digital mortgage platform powered by Ellie Mae
You can apply online, upload income and asset documents, and eSign disclosures
Their online borrower portal allows you to keep track of loan progress and receive updates along the way
Blue Sky Financial is big on making it easy to apply for a home loan, and they’ve partnered with fintech company Ellie Mae (ICE) to make that possible.
They say they offer a better mortgage experience via their “10 Minute Application,” which sounds fast enough, even if Rocket Mortgage claims you can do it in just eight minutes.
Anyway, to get started you simply visit their website, then click on “Blue Skies Start Here.”
That will take you to the digital application page where you begin filling out personal and financial information online.
When prompted, you can link financial accounts and/or upload things like pay stubs and bank statements to verify your information.
You can also eSign important disclosures with the click of a button to breeze through what is often a painstaking process.
Once submitted, a loan officer and processor will discuss pricing and prep your file to submit to the underwriting department.
Those who are looking to get pre-qualified for a mortgage can follow the same instructions listed above.
If you want to work with someone specific, you can click on the loan officer bios on their website as well, then get in touch before you apply.
It may make more sense to get loan pricing with an actual loan officer first, then proceed to the application if you’re happy with what you hear.
All in all, it appears to be pretty easy to get started with Blue Sky Financial, and you can price a loan on your own via their website as well if you don’t want to speak to anyone.
Loan Programs Offered by Blue Sky Financial
Home purchase loans
Refinance loans: rate and term and cash out
Conforming loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
FHA loans
VA loans
Jumbo loans
Fixed-rate mortgages: 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, etc.
Adjustable-rate mortgages: 5/1 ARM, 7/1 ARM
While they don’t list individual loan programs on their website, my guess is they offer the full suite of offerings you’d expect to find with any big lender.
Because they’re a mortgage broker, they can send your loan to one of a variety of their partners depending on its attributes.
For example, they may have a certain partner that accepts jumbo loans, and another that’s a good fit for FHA loans or VA loans.
You can take out a home purchase loan or a refinance loan, including a rate and term refinance or a cash out refinance.
They lend on all common property types, including single-family homes, condos/townhomes, 1-4-unit investment properties, and more.
It’s unclear if they offer USDA loans or any specialty options like interest-only loans.
It would be nice if they provided more information on their website regarding available loan programs so we don’t have to guess.
Blue Sky Financial Mortgage Rates
One benefit to using Blue Sky Financial is the “Loan Pricer” found on their website.
It allows you to plug in your loan details to see today’s mortgage rates, without having to sign up or log in.
It will show you both an interest rate and price, which is the associated lender credit or points required for said rate.
You can play around to see different rates and prices across different scenarios if you’re simply shopping around, then get in touch with a loan officer to confirm pricing.
It’s a nice touch of transparency as not many lenders actually publicize their mortgage rates online.
Additionally, you may come across Blue Sky Financial’s mortgage rates on popular home loan comparison websites like Bankrate or Zillow.
So they do seem to lead with their pricing, which is a great sign if you’re shopping for the lowest rates out there.
That being said, they don’t mention anything about lender fees, so it’s not clear if they charge an application fee, loan origination fee, and so on.
Be sure to inquire about those fees as well when comparing different lenders.
Blue Sky Financial Reviews
On Zillow, Blue Sky Financial has a very respectable 4.83-star rating out of 5 from about 60 customer reviews.
Similarly, they’ve got a 4.8-star review at Bankrate from about 30 reviews, with most perfect 5-star reviews.
They’ve also got a 5.0-rating on Google from 21 reviews at last glance. While the sample sizes aren’t huge, they appear to be making customers happy thus far across all ratings sites.
Blue Sky Financial isn’t an accredited company with the Better Business Bureau, nor does it have a rating, perhaps because they’re pretty new.
In summary, while relatively young, they’re a well-liked company and seem to employ the latest technology while offering attractive mortgage rates.
That means they could be a good fit for existing homeowners looking to refinance, or even a prospective home buyer looking to make their first purchase.
Blue Sky Financial Pros and Cons
The Good
You can apply for a mortgage quickly and easily from any device
Their digital mortgage application is powered by Ellie Mae (ICE)
They let you see today’s mortgage rates via their loan pricer
I made my last credit card payment this week! That final payment ends more than ten years and $20,000 of credit card debt.
Getting out of credit card debt is a familiar story to readers of Get Rich Slowly. You wake up to that fact that your finances are a sinking ship, so you learn to track your spending, and that helps you figure out where your money goes. From there, you scale back your expenses and spending. You look for ways to boost your income. You start a debt snowball. Pretty soon, you’re paying off debt like it’s going out of style.
And then one day you make the last payment. What next?
Beyond credit card debt For me — and probably for a lot of people — that answer is simple: keep that debt snowball rolling. Many perpetual debtors have managed to pick up loans as well as credit cards. I’ve paid off my credit cards, but I still have a car loan, student loans and a family loan to repay.
Even though I’m still in debt, this is a milestone for me. It represents a huge emotional step, and freedom from high, variable interest rates. I’m delighted. Paying off that last credit card has loosened a lot of emotional energy. I’m making progress in areas of my life where I’d been stalled. I’m going running almost daily, cleaning my house and tending my garden. Kissing that credit card balance good-bye didn’t free up any time or money, but the weight it lifted has energized me.
“Keep the debt snowball going” seems so straightforward I almost expected this moment to pass by unnoticed, with simply a change of address to where I was sending my money each month.
In fact, it needed a little more deliberation. Which debt do I pay off now? How quickly? The standard approach is pay off the debt with the highest interest first, or the debt with the smallest balance. In my case, I put the student loans last because the interest on those is tax deductible.
Using the debt snowball spreadsheet available through this site, I’ve ordered my remaining debts in a custom priority that works for me. Applying the money I was using to pay off credit cards to extra payments on my loans will get me clear of debt in another two years. I have a confidence I never had before that I will do this. I’ll be facing a debt-free life.
Then what? This is the real “beyond debt” question. The answer is as simple and complicated as my questions about what to do next with my debt payments.
A debt-free future Roughly, following Dave Ramsey‘s roadmap for financial success, my debt-free future looks like this:
Build up an Emergency Fund. You should have the beginnings of an emergency fund already, wherever you are in your financial journey. Emergencies will always happen, and having a cushion to help you deal with them can get you off the hamster wheel of debt. Once those debts are paid, it’s time to bulk up the emergency fund. I have my starter emergency fund sitting in an ING account, but almost any high interest savings account will do. Ramsey suggests saving $1,000 before mercilessly attacking your debts. I’ve put by about $5,000 because I’m freelancing for most of my income these days. I want a bigger cushion since I have less job security. Ultimately, every household should have three to six months of living expenses in savings, available to help you weather any financial storm.
Save for Retirement. We all need retirement savings, and the sooner we begin saving for our retirements, the harder those dollars saved can work at building wealth for us. Depending on how long it’s taken you to get to this stage, you may have some catching up to do. Figuring out what to save for retirement is complex. There are plenty of good retirement calculators that will tell you how much to save given the particulars of your situation. It’s an important and confusing enough issue, though, that it’s probably also worth seeking the advice of a seasoned professional financial advisor.
Save for College. If you have kids, your next priority will be their educations. Saving for college is like saving for retirement: the sooner you do it, the more bang you’ll get from your saved bucks. Most parents won’t be able to save all the money they’ll need for their kids tuition. Try to save a third of the cost before they start, expect to pay a third out of pocket while they’re in school, and let your children pick up a third of the tab through their own work, scholarships or loans.
Save for Fun. Now comes the fun part. You’re an expert saver, and you’re financially secure. Save for that vacation you’ve always wanted to take. Save for the custom built road bike of your dreams. Save for a vacation home. This might be a long way off for those of us, like me, still swimming upstream against debt, but it’s the light at the end of the tunnel. On days when living on a tight budget feels like a burden, it’s nice to remember that way off on the horizon is not only freedom, but a whole lot of fun.
I’m speaking here of things I’ve read about but never lived. I’d love to hear from readers on this topic, since a lot of you are doing these steps, or have done them already. How has moving beyond debt changed your life? What do you do with the money that used to go to interest payments?
J.D.’s note: I gave up my coveted Monday spot in order to publish Sierra’s article today instead. Why? Because I think today’s discussion will be a natural lead-in to the post I was going to share. Tomorrow, I’ll reveal my answer to Sierra’s questions. I’ll share what I call “the rewards of frugality and thrift”, the reasons I’ve been scrimping and saving. I’ll show what I’ve been doing with my money since I became debt-free.
Inside: Do you have any ideas for things to do that are both fun and relaxing? This what do you do for fun guide has suggestions for answers. When asked by the interviewer, you will be prepared.
We all know the feeling. You’re at a networking event, or perhaps on a first date, and someone asks you the inevitable question:
What do you do for fun?
Your mind goes blank. You can’t think of anything interesting to say, so you mumble something about watching TV and call it a night.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
However, when you are interviewing for a new job, you need to nail the sometimes awkward question.
So, the next time this happens, try one of these 13 conversation-starting responses:
How do you answer what I do for fun?
Answering the question “What do you do for fun?” during an interview is important because it provides insight into your personality and whether you would fit in with the company culture.
To answer the question effectively, it’s important, to be honest and showcase your unique interests and passions.
One way to answer is by discussing a hobby that relates to the job or demonstrates valuable skills.
Another option is to talk about a hobby that showcases your personality or values.
You could discuss a recent experience or accomplishment that you’re proud of, showing your drive and dedication.
In any case, be sure to keep your answer professional and engaging, while highlighting what makes you stand out as a candidate.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
How to Answer “What do you do for Fun” in an Interview
“What do you do for fun?” is a question that can throw many job seekers into a loop during an interview.
It’s not always easy to answer, especially if your hobbies and interests aren’t the most “conventional” or if you don’t have any hobbies at all.
Step 1: Be Honest
It is crucial to be honest when answering the question “What do you do for fun?” in an interview because it shows that you are an honorable candidate.
Being truthful demonstrates integrity, and it is a quality that people value.
Moreover, honesty prevents you from being caught in a lie, which can harm your credibility and chances of getting the job.
It is also vital to keep your answer simple and relevant to the job you are interviewing for. For instance, if you are applying for a position at a sports company, mentioning your interest in sports can make you stand out. However, it is essential to be genuine and not makeup stories to impress the interviewer.
Step 2: Show your passion
When answering the question “What do you do for fun?” in an interview, it’s important to showcase your passion and enthusiasm for the activity.
For example, if you enjoy hiking, you could explain how the beauty of nature and the physical challenge of the activity inspire you.
Additionally, you can mention how this passion translates to your work ethic, such as by demonstrating your dedication and perseverance in achieving your goals.
By highlighting your genuine interests and tying them to your professional skills, you can show the hiring manager that you are a well-rounded and committed individual.
Step 3: Pick one or two things
When answering this question, start by considering your hobbies and interests, then narrow it down to one or two that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Explain why you enjoy these activities and how they’ve helped you develop skills that could be beneficial in the workplace.
Keep your answer concise and enthusiastic, with a friendly tone.
Step 4: Emphasize how this will help you in your job
When it comes to talking about hobbies during a job interview, it’s important to make a connection between your interests and the job you’re applying for. This can demonstrate how your hobbies can be an asset to the company and how they can help you succeed in the role.
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing job and you enjoy painting, you could talk about how your creative skills from painting can be applied to your work. Similarly, if you’re part of a sports team, you could discuss how the teamwork and collaboration skills you’ve developed can translate into being a better team player in the workplace.
It’s also worth mentioning how your hobbies help you decompress and recharge after work. For instance, if you’re applying for a high-stress job, you could talk about how reading helps you unwind and come back to work feeling refreshed.
When mentioning your hobbies, it’s important to be truthful and genuine. Don’t make up interests that you don’t actually have just to impress the interviewer. This can backfire and cost you the job offer.
Step 5: Use necessary details only
For those who love to talk, this tip is for you! Make sure to detail only what the other person may be interested or that will give you a heads up.
Avoid oversharing or rambling by speaking about all of your hobbies.
Avoid cliche responses and discuss specifics about what you like to do for fun with friends or family. Remember to keep your answer positive and to the point, supported with a few brief details.
Step 6: Find common ground
During a job interview, it’s important to find common ground when answering the question “What do you do for fun?” This will help you stand out in the interviewer’s memory and establish a connection with them.
Look for shared interests and use them to your advantage.
If you notice the interviewer wearing a brand of clothing you like or supporting a sports team you also support, mention it and use it as a launching point for your answer.
Be honest and specific about your interests, and showcase any skills or values that you have gained through them.
The 13 best ways to answer “What do you do for fun?”
We all know the feeling.
You’re sitting in an interview, and the interviewer asks you a question that feels like it’s designed to trip you up. For some people, this question is “What do you do for fun?”
Answering this question well can be the difference between nailing the interview and not getting the job.
Here are some ideas to help you answer this possibly awkward question.
1. Start with Hobbies & Interests
When discussing your hobbies, aim to share areas that you are truly interested in and passionate about. This can lead to follow-up interview questions and potentially create a great relationship with the interviewer.
When asked about your hobbies in an interview, it is important to be truthful and genuine about your interests and hobbies outside of work.
It may be helpful to prepare in advance by brainstorming two to three hobbies that you enjoy and can speak passionately about.
If you happen to spot something in the interviewer’s appearance that indicates a shared hobby, such as a Garmin sports watch indicating a love for running or cycling, it can be beneficial to mention your own interest in that activity.
However, even if you do not spot anything obvious, sharing multiple hobbies can improve your chances of connecting with hiring managers.
2. Relate Your Personal Activities to the Job
When it comes to discussing your hobbies and interests during a job interview, it’s important to establish a connection between what you like to do for fun and the job you’re applying for.
This can be done by identifying common skills or attributes that apply to both your hobby and the job. For instance, if you’re an artist applying for a marketing job, you can talk about how your creative skills from painting can help you perform well at work. Similarly, if you’re part of a sports team, you can discuss how the collaboration and teamwork involved in the sport can directly translate into helping you become a better team player at work.
In addition to highlighting the skills and attributes that apply to both your hobby and the job, you can also discuss how your hobby helps you decompress and maintain a work-life balance. If you’re applying for a high-stress job, for instance, you can talk about how a simple hobby like reading helps you unwind and recharge, allowing you to come back to work feeling refreshed.
3. Be a Storyteller – Not the Interviewer
When asked this question, the interviewer wants to get to know your personality and how you communicate with others.
This is an interpersonal skill that will you help you to land the job.
You want to tell an intriguing story, but not go into the details that the other person finds boring. You want to be engaging – that shows your potential employer or date how you will interact with others.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask open-ended questions yourself.
4. Make Sure to Qualify what makes you special
When answering the question “What makes you unique?” during a job interview, it is important to provide a well-rounded view of yourself.
The interviewer wants to know what unique skills you could bring to the team. It is essential to ensure that your answer is positive and to the point.
You should not try to mention all of your interests or list them off.
By highlighting unique activities or lesser-known facts about your interests, you can make yourself stand out in the interviewer’s eyes, and the hobby may become your identifier when the hiring manager is making their decision.
Sample Example Answers to “What do you do for fun”
Here are some examples you can give to the hiring manager or your date:
1. Cook delicious meals
2. Bake goodies for others
3. Spend Time With Friends and Family
4. Get Out in Nature and go hiking, cycling, rock climbing, paddleboarding or skiing.
5. Singing or acting
6. Read for Pleasure
7. Watch Movies or TV Shows
8. Listen to podcasts or watch documentaries
9. Make Art
10. Meditate
11. Take Photos
12. Play Board Games
13. Plant a Garden
14. Listen to Music
15. Volunteer
16. Fishing
What to Avoid in Your Answer
When an interviewer asks you, “What do you do for fun?” this is not an invitation to launch into a list of your hobbies.
It’s actually a behavioral interview question, which is meant to reveal something about your character.
So, make sure you don’t do these things.
1. Avoid Clichés Like “I Like to Keep Busy”
It’s important to avoid clichés like “I like to keep busy” when answering the question “What do you do for fun?” in an interview or social setting because they provide no real information about who you are.
This answer makes it seem like the job or starting a new relationship is not important.
Avoid common clichés like “hanging out with friends” or “spending time with family” as they are too broad and uninteresting.
Choose to share things that you actually do for fun, make a connection where you can, and keep it simple and honest.
2. Don’t Mention Things You Don’t Actually Enjoy Doing
Avoid mentioning activities that you do not actually enjoy doing, as this can come across as insincere and potentially cost you the job.
Additionally, do not avoid the question or give an incomplete answer. Instead, be honest and share 1 or 2 things that you actually do for fun.
If an activity you enjoy relates to the company, mentioning it can make a positive impression.
This is especially true when applying for low stress jobs without a degree.
3. Don’t Be Self-Deprecating
Self-deprecation may make the person answering seem insecure or lacking in confidence. Instead, focusing on positive and confident answers can make a better impression on the interviewer.
It’s important to avoid self-deprecating answers when asked about what you do for fun because they can come across as negative and uninteresting. For example, talking about hobbies or interests that you are passionate about and that showcase your strengths can be a great way to show your personality and skills.
For instance, you might say that you enjoy hiking and exploring new trails in your free time, which demonstrates a sense of adventure and a willingness to take on challenges.
4. Don’t Try to Impress with Your Hobbies
Making up stories or pretending to be interested in something that you’re not can backfire and harm your credibility, self-esteem, and sense of integrity.
Instead, focus on sharing what you actually enjoy doing and tie your hobbies to skills that would fit the job. Even if your hobbies seem mundane to you, they can be extremely interesting to others.
Plus, being authentic and real can help you connect with the other person and avoid any damage control later on.
5. Don’t Include Unrelated Skills
When it comes to talking about hobbies or skills during a job interview, it’s best to tie them to the job you’re applying for. While it’s acceptable to mention hobbies that are not directly related to the job, it’s best to avoid discussing skills that are completely unrelated.
Talking about unrelated skills may give the impression that you’re not truly interested in the job or that you lack the necessary skills for the position.
For example, if you’re applying for a software engineering position, it’s probably not a good idea to talk about your love of painting. While painting may be a great hobby, it doesn’t have much relevance to the job you’re applying for. Instead, you could talk about your interest in coding and how you enjoy working on personal coding projects in your spare time.
6. Don’t Write About Hobbies that Are Too Exotic
Activities that are considered extreme or dangerous can make you appear as a risk to the company, and hobbies that could bring your morals into question, such as partying or drinking or many other things I’m not going to mention in this blog can paint you in a negative light.
It’s important to remember that as an employee, you will be a representative of the company, and any negative view of you could reflect poorly on the company.
Instead, focus on the more interesting and relevant hobbies that showcase your skills and personality.
7. Don’t Use Excuses for Not Having a Hobby
It’s essential to avoid making excuses for not having a hobby when answering the question “What do you do for fun?” during an interview because it can come across as uninteresting or lacking in personality.
However, It’s better, to be honest and admit that you don’t have any particular hobbies than to make up stories that might not be true.
Think of things you would do if you had more time in your day.
Those are your hobbies regardless of how much time you have dedicated in the past days.
Example Answers
Here are some example answers to get you started.
Example 1
One hobby I enjoy doing in my free time is hiking as it is a great way for me to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. I find it to be a great way to exercise and explore nature.
I love the feeling of being surrounded by trees and fresh air, and the physical challenge of climbing hills and mountains. Once a month, I try to go hiking.
Example 2
One fun activity that I enjoy doing with a group of friends is playing board games. The sound of laughter and friendly banter fills the room as we gather around the table, each armed with our own game piece.
The competitive spirit is alive and well as we try to outwit each other and come out on top. But it’s not just about winning – it’s about spending time together, bonding over shared experiences, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether it’s a classic game like Monopoly or a newer favorite like Settlers of Catan, board games provide the perfect opportunity for socializing and having fun with friends.
Example 3
One of my favorite activities to do with friends and family is going on picnics.
I love the feeling of laying out a blanket on a grassy field, surrounded by nature and good company. The sound of laughter and conversations mixed with the rustling of leaves and birds chirping creates a peaceful atmosphere.
Sharing delicious snacks and refreshing drinks while enjoying the scenery and each other’s company brings me immense joy.
FAQ
Adding hobbies to a resume can be beneficial for several reasons. It can give the employer a glimpse into your personality and interests, and can also highlight skills that may be relevant to the job.
When choosing which hobbies to include, it’s important to consider the job you’re applying for and tailor your hobbies accordingly.
For example, if you’re applying for a job in the arts, including hobbies such as painting or sculpture could demonstrate your creative abilities.
Similarly, if you’re applying for a job in a physically demanding field, including hobbies such as hiking or weightlifting could highlight your physical fitness.
Other hobbies that could be relevant to many jobs include volunteering, learning a new language, or participating in team sports.
Overall, the key is to choose hobbies that showcase your skills and interests, while also being relevant to the job you’re applying for.
This is another common question during an interview as it is a sneaky way to see where the person wants to be or plans to be around for a long period of time.
Here is a sample answer:
In five years, I see myself as a successful professional who is making meaningful contributions to my field. I am someone who is respected by my colleagues and clients alike for my expertise and professionalism.
To achieve these goals, I plan to continue learning and growing in my career, taking on new challenges, and seeking out opportunities to develop my skills. I will also prioritize self-care and make time for the people and activities that bring me joy and fulfillment.
Now, What do you Like to do for Fun?
This guide is to help you during an interview, but something you use in other relationships as well.
Honesty is always the best policy.
With these fun ideas, you will be able to answer the interviewer’s questions with ease.
So, the next time someone asks you what you do for fun, you will be able to answer with confidence.
Find ideas for what should I do today.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
The 10-year yield (ticker: US10Y) describes what 10-year U.S. Treasury notes will pay over 10 years if bought today. Also known as T-notes, Treasury notes are a low-risk fixed-income investment that pays a set rate of interest every six months.
Considered one of the lowest-risk investments on the U.S. market, 10-year Treasurys are a “risk-free” benchmark against which other investments and debt are compared. (Three-month Treasury bills are another.)
While no investment is ever completely risk-free, Treasury notes come close if held to maturity. As a result, some investors and analysts look to demand for T-notes as one way to assess investor confidence in the economy.
Treasury notes are one of four main types of U.S. government debt securities. The others are Treasury bills, Treasury bonds and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS). They vary in their duration, interest payments and yields.
Competitive bid
When a bidder specifies the conditions of the Treasury (such as rate and yield) that they’re willing to accept.
Non-competitive bid
When a bidder agrees to accept whatever conditions, such as rate and yield, are established at the auction.
The face value of a Treasury note, or what you pay to loan the government money.
Treasury bill
The shortest-term U.S. debt security, Treasury bills mature in less than a year. They’re also known as a zero-coupon bond. T-bills do not pay interest like other Treasurys, and instead are sold at a discount. The difference between the face value of the T-bill and its discount rate is the “interest earned.”
Treasury bond
A long-term U.S. debt security maturing in 20 or 30 years.
Treasury note
A type of U.S. debt security maturing in 2, 3, 5, 7 or 10 years.
Market ticker for the 10-year Treasury yield.
The interest rate the U.S. government pays on its debt, or how much you can earn from investing in a Treasury note.
Price vs. yield
Treasury prices and yields tend to move in opposite directions, and are affected by supply and demand and the health of the economy. The purchase price or face value of a Treasury note is what you pay to buy it. The T-note’s yield is the interest rate you earn for loaning the government money.
Treasury notes are sold at auction through a bidding process. The Treasury first accepts any noncompetitive bids, or bids from investors who accept the current T-note rate and yield. Then, the Treasury accepts the highest competitive bid.
If demand for Treasury notes is high, they may sell for more than their face value. If demand is low, on the other hand, Treasurys can sell for less than their face value.
The Treasury may raise the yield of newly issued 10-year notes if the price of existing 10-year notes starts to fall on secondary bond markets (because of market forces like inflation). If there’s high inflation, for example, the potentially higher yield of newly issued 10-year notes will make them more attractive than previously issued T-notes.
This effect is also known as interest rate risk and is most relevant for investors trying to sell T-notes on a secondary market. If held for their full duration, Treasury notes still pay their coupon payments and principal in full. But if a T-note-holder were to sell early, they may have to discount the price.
Longer-term investments tend to offer higher yields to offset any potential price impact from interest rate or other risks.
Why is the 10-year Treasury yield important?
As one of the lowest-risk investments on the market, the 10-year Treasury and its yield are important for several reasons. First, the 10-year Treasury is a baseline against which the risk of other investments is assessed.
Treasury rates also affect interest rates for other types of consumer debt, like real estate and mortgage loans. Consumers often compare the return they could earn on Treasurys to certificates of deposit, money market accounts, corporate bonds and even mortgage-backed securities. So when yields for 10-year T-notes go up, so too do rates for real estate and mortgage debt.
Finally, supply and demand for Treasurys fluctuate with the economic climate. When markets or world events turn tumultuous, investors tend to flock to Treasurys in search of a safe haven. When times are good, though, investors tend to seek out other investments that can provide a more favorable return.
Are 10-year Treasury notes a good investment?
Whether 10-year Treasurys are a good investment for you depends on your investment goal. If your goal is to let your money grow slowly and conservatively over time, Treasury notes are considered a low-risk investment if held to maturity since they’re backed by the U.S. government.
One of the main risks with Treasury notes is what’s known as “opportunity cost”: You could forgo potential profits by investing in T-notes instead of a security with a higher potential return.
What is the 10-year treasury yield today?
Here is today’s 10-year Treasury note yield, alongside other Treasury securities for reference.
Rates are sourced from Google Finance and may be delayed. Data is solely for informational purposes, not for trading.
How do you buy 10-year Treasury notes?
Treasury notes can be bought in increments of $100 directly from the U.S. government via TreasuryDirect, or through a bank or broker. T-notes can also be purchased bundled together in the form of a Treasury exchange-traded fund.
Do you pay tax on T-notes?
Investors pay federal income taxes but no state or local taxes on T-notes and other Treasurys.
The Federal Reserve is pressing pause on its series of interest rate hikes designed to tame inflation – for now at least.
The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee announced Wednesday that it would leave the federal funds rate unchanged, forgoing what would have been an 11th consecutive rate hike. Those increases, which began in March 2022, have brought the federal funds rate from near zero to its current target range of 5-5.25%.
A financial advisor can help you protect your money from the effects of inflation. Find an advisor today.
The increases have been the central bank’s primary weapon in its fight against inflation, which crested at 9.1% in June 2022 but has since receded to 4%. Despite inflation’s recent downward trajectory, it remains well above the Fed’s long-term target of 2%. In fact, officials signaled they expect to see two more quarter-point increases.
What It Means for Retirees
While inflation’s downward trend feels encouraging, retirees and those on fixed incomes remain vulnerable as inflation is still double the Fed’s target range.
“It’s like saying, ‘He’s getting much better because he only robs four people a week and he used to rob 20 people a week.’ Inflation is a kind of robber which steals the value from retirees’ savings accounts and monthly pensions,” said Christopher Manske, founder and president of Manske Wealth Management in Houston.
“The fact that inflation is now stealing a bit less is still too much theft.”
Here are a few things retirees should be thinking about related to inflation and current interest rates:
Put Interest Rates in the Proper Context
High interest rates have made various savings vehicles, including certificates of deposit (CDs) and money market funds, more attractive. But Hao Dang, an accredited investment fiduciary at Consilio Wealth Advisors in Bellevue, Washington, says retirees should remember that the net return on their savings is barely outpacing inflation.
Yet, there is still a benefit to holding more cash at higher rates.
“Safe money can help them sleep better at night and help withstand any future sell-offs in the stock and bond markets,” he said. “If a retiree typically holds six months’ worth of expenses in cash, it could help to increase that to nine months to a year.”
And while a traditional portfolio of stocks and bonds benefits from diversification, savers can also stand to benefit from diversifying their cash position with an eye toward the future.
“Bonds are sensitive to rate hikes so if there are more rate increases down the line, there could be some losses in even the safest bonds,” Dang added.
“Enjoy higher rates while they can but start anticipating where to place cash for two to three years down the line.”
Good News for Pensions?
High interest rates not only mean better yields on bonds, they can also boost the investment returns of public pensions. In fact, a 2019 study conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston found that low interest rates often lead public pensions to assume more investment risk in an attempt to generate higher yields. This was especially true for funds that were underfunded or affiliated with states that had weaker public finances, the researchers found.
When Will the Fed Lower Rates?
If you’re expecting the Fed to lower interest rates this year, at least one heavyweight in the financial services industry says you may be setting yourself up for disappointment.
Vanguard economists say it’s far more likely that the Fed will either raise interest rates or leave them at their current target as opposed to cutting them this year. In fact, Vanguard’s model predicts that the Fed won’t start to lower rates until the middle of 2024.
“Our model suggests that it’s nearly three times as likely that the Fed will raise its target for the federal funds rate or keep it on hold this year than that it will cut rates,” Asawari Sathe, a Vanguard senior economist, said in a recent edition of Vanguard Perspective. “Our model’s output underscores our conviction that the Fed’s fight against inflation hasn’t yet reached an inflection point.”
As a result, if a saver is looking to open a new savings account or lock in a long-term CD, they’ll want to do so in the next six to 12 months, says Mark Hayes, a certified financial planner (CFP) and founder of Infinitive Wealth Advisory in Fishers, Indiana.
“Savers should consider taking action soon to lock in rates while borrowers might want to hold off,” he said.
Bottom Line
The Federal Reserve chose to leave interest rates untouched at the June meeting of the central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee. The pause comes after 10 consecutive interest rate hikes that brought the federal funds rate from near zero to its current target range of 5-5.25%. With more rate hikes potentially on the way, retirees may want to reevaluate their debt and even consider refinancing, as well as diversify their cash positions.
Retirement Planning Tips
A financial advisor can help you navigate the complexities of retirement planning. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Social Security and portfolio withdrawals are two vital components of a retirement income plan. But how much income do you expect to generate in retirement? SmartAsset’s retirement calculator can help you estimate how much money your portfolio
Patrick Villanova, CEPF®
Patrick Villanova is a writer for SmartAsset, covering a variety of personal finance topics, including retirement and investing. Before joining SmartAsset, Patrick worked as an editor at The Jersey Journal. His work has also appeared on NJ.com and in The Star-Ledger. Patrick is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, where he studied English and developed his love of writing. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, trying out new recipes in the kitchen and watching his beloved New York sports teams. A New Jersey native, he currently lives in Jersey City.
Whether you have school-aged kids or are planning to start a family, school rankings is probably high on your priority list when relocating. But not all cities or towns with great schools come with a hefty price tag.
Additionally, these towns with a lower cost of living and nationally-ranked schools have lots of activities to offer families. For example, Nashville has a great adventure science center, Pueblo, Colo. offers lots of family-friendly outdoor activities and Indianapolis is home to several professional sports teams.
The research for this infographic is based on a U.S. News study, as well as Census data. We found the top eight cities with a low cost of living using the U.S. Census. We found the top-ranked high schools through the U.S. News study, which looked at 22,000 public high schools in 49 states, as well as the District of Columbia.
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Homes are selling faster now than any time since spring 2018, a new Zillow analysis shows.
It means that potential buyers should be prepared to strike quickly, and sellers who have been on the fence through the onset of the coronavirus pandemic might now want to list.
Though many sellers have taken a wait-and-see approach through the pandemic, homes that have made it onto the market have been snatched up relatively quickly by eager buyers. In mid-June, the typical home sold in the U.S. had an offer accepted 22 days after it was listed for sale. That’s as fast as homes have sold since early June 2018, when they typically sold in 21 days. Even at the slowest point of the spring – in late May – that number only climbed to 31 days, just six days slower than late May last year.
The same limited-inventory dynamic – with sellers pulling back from the market more than buyers – has kept home prices relatively steady during the pandemic, though signs point to a modest decline in the coming months.
More homes are coming onto the market – new listings are up 14% month over month – showing sellers appear to be gaining confidence in that buyer demand. Many who listed their homes during the past few weeks were rewarded with a quick sale. Inventory remains incredibly tight and sales are happening quickly, so buyers should be prepared to move fast when they find a home they’re interested in.
“Buyers shopping today might expect to be welcomed by desperate sellers, but they’ll instead discover houses selling like hotcakes in the speediest market in recent memory,” said Zillow economist Jeff Tucker. “The market did slow down in April, but anyone shopping this summer needs to be prepared to keep up with the lightning-quick pace of sales today. The question is whether the tempo will slow after buyers finish playing catch-up from planned spring moves, or if this fast-paced market will stay hot thanks to continued low interest rates and buyers scrambling over record-low summer inventory.”
In 29 of the 35 largest U.S. metros, homes are typically seeing offers accepted faster than a year ago. Homes are selling the fastest – in only five days – in Columbus. Cincinnati (six days), Kansas City (six days), Seattle (seven days) and Indianapolis (seven days) are just behind. Pittsburgh has seen the most dramatic acceleration of late, with sellers typically accepting an offer 17 days sooner than at this time last year and 40 days sooner than a month ago.
The slowest market by some margin is New York, where homes are typically spending 70 days on the market before an offer is accepted, more than three weeks longer than at this time last year. Miami (55 days) and Atlanta (38 days) are the next slowest.
New York and Miami have typically been among the slowest-moving for-sale markets, so the recent slowdown may not be fully attributable to the pandemic. Still, the year-over-year slowdown of 23 days in New York is the biggest in the country, and the six-day slowdown in Miami is the third-biggest behind New York and Atlanta.
Mike Wheatley is the senior editor at Realty Biz News. Got a real estate related news article you wish to share, contact Mike at [email protected]