Quiet luxury interior.
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With Change Lending losing the special license, it is no longer included in an online roster from the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund, the Treasury unit that administers the program. Also, Change Lending would now have to provide employment verification records, banking activity details, and other documentation that lenders typically require that the CDFI … [Read more…]
Quiet luxury, also known as “stealth wealth,” is one of the latest trends taking fashion by storm. Now it’s entering the home space.
The minimalist aesthetic can be summed up by the phrase “money talks, wealth whispers.” Quiet luxury replaces ostentatious displays with subtle high-end staples, eschewing gaudy accents and logo prints typically associated with the upper class.
Gwyneth Paltrow channeled quiet luxury in her court case earlier this year over her skiing accident, while the conniving cast of characters on “Succession” dressed in understated, yet expensive basics by brands like Ralph Lauren, Max Mara and Loro Piana.
The versatility of quiet luxury makes it easily translatable into interior design. Here, WWD explains how to bring the trend to your home.
Rather than going for bold shades, focus on neutral tones of taupe or beige, balancing them with lighter shades like white and cream. Darker hues including navy, olive green, brown, gray and black are also synonymous with quiet luxury.
Quiet luxury interior.
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Embracing comfort is a key aspect of quiet luxury. Cozy fabrics such as linen, velvet and shearling can be incorporated in upholstery, curtains and bedding. Adding some knit blankets to your sleep and living spaces will also get the job done.
For solid surfaces, lean into stone and wood finishes. Textures such as marble, travertine, oak and timber can modernize any space while simultaneously referencing classic aspects of design.
Nothing says quiet luxury like quality investment pieces. Rather than giving into current trends, seek out furnishings that will stand the test of time. Crisp, clean lines are a focal point of this aesthetic, so leave behind any standout accents — read: gold leaf and baroque moulding.
Quiet luxury interior.
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Quiet luxury decor, much like the rest of the aesthetic, relies on simplicity. Pick out simple, abstract prints to cover your wall or accent pillows with minimalistic patterns. To up the comfort factor, opt for soft lighting.
Retailers like Restoration Hardware, CB2 and West Elm have plenty of furniture and decor options in line with the quiet luxury trend. If you want to get the quiet luxury look on a budget, home lines at Zara and H&M offer simple, yet sophisticated decor options at affordable prices.
Vintage pieces are also a great way to channel quiet luxury. Search for midcentury modern and postmodern styles to achieve a sleek look.
Source: wwd.com
When someone heads off to college, they are often setting up a whole new household. They want and need items that help them get their new lifestyle up and running. If you are buying gifts for a student, you can help them achieve that by giving them items that are convenient, practical, and a little bit fun.
That’s where this list can come in handy. It identifies some of the most useful, in-demand gifts you could give a recent high-school grad or current college student. Plus there are clever ideas that may well elicit an “I love it!” from the recipient, such as a subscription to a favorite streaming service.
Read on for smart, inspiring ideas for presents for the students in your life.
College students need to be prepared for any situation on campus, whether that’s a winter storm, a job interview, or a trip to the school’s gym to workout. Clothing and accessories are college gifts that are likely to be appreciated. They’re practical, of course, and can help the recipient save money on clothes.
A good-quality and versatile backpack is a college staple. Your college student may want a waterproof bag with plenty of compartments with room for books, a laptop, and other personal items. The backpack should also be comfortable to carry around throughout the day and durable enough to last for several semesters.
An office-ready tote or messenger bag can be great for internships or interviews. Plus, it can be used beyond college.
Whether they’re playing on a college team, a regular at the gym, or just like the style and comfort, activewear can be a useful gift for most college students. There are many different styles and brands at various price points.
For college students who may use the school’s gym facilities or participate in a sport, a gym bag is essential. Make sure to get an appropriate size bag depending on how much they need to carry.
This may not be as important if they’re attending school in a warm location, but students need warm winter clothing when they’re walking back and forth between classes. Your college student may need warm winter boots for the snow, a heavy coat, thick socks, a hat, and gloves. And those can be pricey, so they make a great gift.
💡 Quick Tip: Don’t think too hard about your money. Automate your budgeting, saving, and spending with SoFi’s seamless and secure online banking app.
The last thing a college student wants is a wet bag while they’re carrying their textbooks and laptop. A waterproof backpack and an umbrella should help protect expensive gear and a raincoat and boots should keep your college student dry between classes.
One popular gift for college students is a hoodie or sweatshirt with the school’s team logo. This can typically be found through the college’s website or they may sell them on campus as well.
This type of gear can be especially fun for students to wear when getting involved in on-campus activities and showing their school spirit.
The dorm will be home for the next couple of semesters so it’s important to be comfortable. Loungewear can be found online or in stores and come in a variety of styles and prices.
A professional outfit is a must for the college student going on interviews or for any formal gathering. If you don’t feel comfortable picking out an office-ready outfit, there are subscription services available with styles based on the information filled out by the recipient, or a gift card to a specific store may work as well.
Another great idea for a present for a college student: a gift card to a specific store.
Recommended: What Is College Like?
There are too many dorm room college essentials to list. The little things go a long way and can help make college life more comfortable and enjoyable.
Most colleges only supply a mattress, so students must bring their own sheets, blankets, and pillows. Colleges typically have dorm beds with a twin XL mattress, but it should be confirmed with the school before buying bedding. Make sure to buy an extra set of sheets so that they always have a clean set.
Whether your college student has a dorm room kitchen or will mostly be eating in the dining hall, basic kitchenware is a necessity for a quick meal or a late-night snack. Basic kitchenware includes utensils, knives, plates and bowls, cups, and food storage containers.
Dorms typically don’t provide a washer and dryer in the dorm room so students will need to bring their laundry to the communal laundry room.
Getting up on time for classes can sometimes be a struggle so your college student may need a little help. A digital alarm clock should do the trick even for the heaviest of sleepers.
Aside from the comfort and luxury that bathrobes may bring, they’re a necessity for college. A bathrobe will give a little bit of extra security when your college student goes to take a shower.
Dorm rooms are usually small, so your student will want to maximize every inch they have. There are tons of great storage solutions from under-bed bags and bins, over-the-door storage racks, and hanging strips or hooks.
Desk supplies are a must-have and make great gifts for college students. Consider desktop organizers, pens and pencils, a lamp, and also a comfortable desk chair.
A lap desk can make a convenient gift for college students to make studying around campus more comfortable. They’re portable and perfect for taking notes or setting a laptop.
It’s easy to spend a lot of money on streaming services, and college students are typically on a tight budget. Get a gift card for one or a couple of streaming services to gift your college student.
If your student has expensive or important items, it’s important they’re kept in a safe location. A small personal safe to protect valuables can give your college student some peace of mind when living with roommates. Plus, if they work a cash job and want to save the money for tuition, they will have a safe place to stash it.
Board games or card games are perfect for a relaxing night with roommates and friends.
College cuisine doesn’t have to be instant ramen or dining hall meals. You might help your student get set up to cook meals for themselves, which can be a way to save money on food, given how pricey takeout can get. Before purchasing any kitchen appliances, contact a residential assistant to double-check if they are allowed in dorm rooms at the student’s school.
It’s a simple gift but a leak-proof insulated water bottle will keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for hours.
A microwave for a college dorm needs to be compact as college students aren’t working with much space. It should be big enough to fit a full-sized plate but small enough to fit on a narrow counter.
A mini-fridge is good for keeping drinks cool or storing a few snacks.
Multi-cookers, like the InstantPot, are simple machines but can take dorm room dishes to the next level. With a multi-cooker, college students can free up space and replace multiple kitchen appliances: rice cooker, frypan, pressure cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, and steamer. Worth noting again, before buying any kitchen appliances — confirm they are allowed in the dorm rooms at your student’s school.
It may be nice to get a coffee from the local coffee shop every morning, but the cost can add up. College students on a budget can save some cash by using a coffee maker instead.
Recommended: earn money at home (or at their dorm room), whether selling things online or perhaps tele-tutoring in a subject they love.
A portable charger ensures your college student can study, take notes, and work on assignments without worrying about their battery dying. Portable chargers come in a variety of forms with a range of features.
Dorm rooms and other areas around campus sometimes don’t make the best environment for studying. Noise-canceling headphones give your college-bound student a distraction from the surrounding noise.
You can never have too many power outlets. Your college student’s dorm room may not have enough outlets for their needs.
College students may need a reliable USB flash drive to use when going to the library to work on a project, when a printer isn’t working, or when moving large files. Flash drives come in a range of storage capacities and prices.
It may not be a must-have, but a portable bluetooth speaker is a fun gift for college students. There are even waterproof models for a little extra protection.
Still, stumped when it comes to finding gifts for college students? Cash or gift cards go a long way and it allows your college student to purchase exactly what they want or need. A gift card can be used for their favorite restaurant or store or some cash can go towards college books, saving for college tuition, or anything else they may need.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
Better banking is here with up to 4.50% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio
SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Direct Deposit means a deposit to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, do not constitute Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate.
SoFi members with Qualifying Deposits can earn 4.50% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Qualifying Deposits means one or more deposits that, in the aggregate, are equal to or greater than $5,000 to an account holder’s SoFi Checking and Savings account (“Qualifying Deposits”) during a 30-day Evaluation Period (as defined below). Qualifying Deposits only include those deposits from the following eligible sources: (i) ACH transfers, (ii) inbound wire transfers, (iii) peer-to-peer transfers (i.e., external transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc. and internal peer-to-peer transfers from a SoFi account belonging to another account holder), (iv) check deposits, (v) instant funding to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, (vi) push payments to your SoFi Bank Debit Card, and (vii) cash deposits. Qualifying Deposits do not include: (i) transfers between an account holder’s Checking account, Savings account, and/or Vaults; (ii) interest payments; (iii) bonuses issued by SoFi Bank or its affiliates; or (iv) credits, reversals, and refunds from SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi Bank”) or from a merchant.
SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder’s Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits throughout each 30-Day Evaluation Period to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the “30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Upon receiving a Direct Deposit or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits to your account, you will begin earning 4.50% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% on checking balances on or before the following calendar day. You will continue to earn these APYs for (i) the remainder of the current 30-Day Evaluation Period and through the end of the subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period and (ii) any following 30-day Evaluation Periods during which SoFi Bank determines you to have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits without interruption.
SoFi Bank reserves the right to grant a grace period to account holders following a change in Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits activity before adjusting rates. If SoFi Bank grants you a grace period, the dates for such grace period will be reflected on the APY Details page of your account. If SoFi Bank determines that you did not have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits during the current 30-day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, then you will begin earning the rates earned by account holders without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits until you have Direct Deposit activity or $5,000 in Qualifying Deposits in a subsequent 30-Day Evaluation Period. For the avoidance of doubt, an account holder with both Direct Deposit activity and Qualifying Deposits will earn the rates earned by account holders with Direct Deposit.
Members without either Direct Deposit activity or Qualifying Deposits, as determined by SoFi Bank, during a 30-Day Evaluation Period and, if applicable, the grace period, will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances.
Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 8/9/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet..
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
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Source: sofi.com
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Given the abundance of alternatives accessible today, finding the ideal rental property can be a difficult endeavor. Making the best decision necessitates a thorough evaluation of your needs, tastes, and budget, whether you’re looking for a charming condo in the center of the city or a large suburban property. We have gathered professional information to help you choose the greatest home that completely meets your particular requirements, so you can move through this procedure with ease.
Before beginning your search, take some time to list your priorities. Make a list of the “must-have” features, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, if pets are permitted, and whether parking is available. A fitness center, pool, or in-unit laundry are a few other amenities to take into account. If you are clear on what you need, your search will be more effective and you won’t waste time on houses that don’t meet your demands. Additionally, keep in mind how crucial it is to place an emphasis on the neighborhood’s safety and security, especially if you have a family or live alone. To feel safe in your new home, research the crime statistics and general neighborhood safety.
A realistic budget is another critical step in locating the ideal residence for your requirements. Consider all of your expenses, including not only the monthly rent but also those for utilities, parking, and any security deposits. Experts recommend that your total housing expenses not exceed 30% of your monthly pay. You’ll be able to concentrate on homes that are within your price range and save needless financial pressure by creating a budget. Although sticking to a budget is essential, keep in mind that you shouldn’t give up too many of your must-have features. A location that meets the majority of your needs and provides comfort for the duration of your visit is worth the extra money.
The location is one of the most important elements to think about. Your everyday life and overall contentment with your new house can be greatly impacted by the neighborhood. Consider factors like proximity to a place of job or education, ease of access to public transportation, and local amenities like grocery stores, parks, and recreation facilities. If you’re looking for great apartments for rent in Charlotte NC, be sure to explore neighborhoods that align with your lifestyle and offer the amenities you desire. A seamless transition into your new rental will be facilitated by selecting a location that suits your needs and improves your daily living experience.
Start doing extensive research on properties with your preferences and budget in mind. To view listings in your selected area, use online rental platforms, real estate websites, and local classifieds. Utilize search filters to reduce the possibilities available to you depending on your interests. It’s also a good idea to check reviews and comments left by previous tenants to get a better understanding of how the property is managed and how it’s generally maintained. Don’t be afraid to visit the neighborhood at different times of the day to get a sense of the atmosphere, traffic, and noise levels. You can make intelligent decisions and ensure that you don’t overlook any potential warning flags by doing a comprehensive study.
It’s critical to thoroughly assess the lease terms and conditions of the houses you’re interested in as you reduce your options. Pay special attention to the lease’s term, any potential renewal conditions, and, if applicable, the rules governing pet fees and security deposits. Look out for any limiting language that can affect how you live, such as restrictions on decorating or subletting. Ask the landlord or property manager for clarification if there is anything you are unsure of. You can ensure a straightforward experience and find a place that feels like home by being completely informed about the lease agreement to assist you avoid any surprises or disputes in the future.
It can be difficult to navigate the market, especially if you don’t know much about local real estate. Seeking professional help in such circumstances can be really beneficial. You can obtain individualized advice from real estate brokers or rental companies based on your requirements and spending limit. By providing you with pertinent and appropriate homes, their experience can help you save time and effort. They may also help you with the application and lease processes, making the whole procedure easy and hassle-free. In order for your agent to adapt their search and uncover the greatest possibilities that meet your criteria, keep in mind to explicitly convey your expectations to them.
Selecting the ideal rental property for your requirements demands a calculated strategy and a clear understanding of your preferences. You’ll be well on your way to discovering the perfect place that meets your needs if you heed this professional guidance. Happy home searching!
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. Rental providers will not refuse to rent a rental unit to a person because the person will provide the rental payment, in whole or in part, through a voucher for rental housing assistance provided by the District or federal government.
Source: blog.apartminty.com
The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) corporate logo is pictured outside the bank’s headquarters in Sydney, Australia, August 9, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Reed/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights
SYDNEY, July 13 (Reuters) – The CEOs of Australia’s two biggest banks said on Thursday a tight labour market was keeping late home loan repayments below historic levels even after a year of rising interest rates, but warned that living costs would squeeze the economy through 2023.
The updates from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA.AX) and Westpac (WBC.AX) gave a sense that the A$2 trillion ($1.4 trillion) mortgage market, a bedrock of the world’s thirteenth largest economy, may avoid a downturn that economists feared when the central bank began raising rates in May last year.
In two days of parliamentary hearings that bank CEOs must attend periodically, the lenders and rivals National Australia Bank (NAB.AX) and ANZ Group (ANZ.AX) gave near-identical takes: that 400 basis points of rate increases had barely changed on-time loan repayments but households would face more financial stress.
Economists had warned the expiry of one million fixed-rate mortgages to roll into higher variable rates from 2023 would leave people unable to make payments, a scenario referred to as a “mortgage cliff”. But halfway into that transition, all four banks reported little impact, citing record-low 3.5% unemployment.
“We’re bulking up the teams that take the calls from customers when they need the help (but) we haven’t seen the increase,” said Peter King, CEO of number two bank Westpac.
“The vast majority of people are in good shape but I don’t think it will stay like that for the rest of the year. Employment is probably the critical issue.”
Westpac had switched A$40 billion of mortgages from fixed to variable “and at this point (we’re) not seeing a lot of stress coming out”, King said.
Matt Comyn, CEO of CBA, which has a quarter of Australian home loans, said the bank’s forecast of unemployment above 4% by the end of 2023 “may end up being too pessimistic”.
“The resilience has probably surprised us,” he told the inquiry.
But across-the-board cost price increases – including groceries, power and fuel, as well as mortgages – would put more pressure on household finances, he said. CBA research found that younger borrowers and renters, who have faced hefty rent increases, were cutting back on discretionary spending the most of any demographic.
“You will continue to see more pressure on households over the next six months,” he said.
($1 = 1.4678 Australian dollars)
Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman, Robert Birsel
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Source: reuters.com
It’s a common (and frustrating) experience to have to pay a fee when you access your cash at an out-of-network ATM.
Currently, this kind of transaction will cost you $4.66 on average. When you are just trying to get $20 to buy an old book at a flea market or to buy some street food, that can be a lot!
To better understand ATM fees and avoid paying them, read on. You’ll learn typical costs and smart ways to dodge those extra charges and keep more of your hard-earned cash.
Bank account holders typically pay no fees for using in-network ATMs, whether you’re dipping your card or doing a cardless withdrawal. However, these machines may not always be conveniently located.
Indeed, more than half of ATMs today are owned and serviced by independent operators and their affiliates — not banks. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you could end up paying a fee to your bank, as well as a fee to the ATM operator.
So how much are ATM fees? Here are some typical charges for using an ATM:
This fee can be charged by your bank for using a non-branded or non-partner ATM. It’s kind of like going to a doctor that’s not on your insurance plan — you might be able to do it, but it could be more expensive.
On average, this charge accounts for about $1.52 of the total fee, according to Bankrate. The fee can apply to any type of transaction performed at an ATM, including withdrawals, transfers, and even balance inquiries. Typically, you won’t be told about such fees at any time during your ATM transaction.
This one comes from the ATM owner, and is often labeled as a “convenience charge.” The average U.S. surcharge currently runs $3.14. However, surcharges can vary by state and venue, and you may encounter higher amounts in places where ATMs are in greater demand.
If you’re at an entertainment venue or theme park in a popular tourist destination, for instance, you could pay considerably more.
When using an ATM that isn’t part of your bank’s network of machines, the machine usually notifies you about a fee charged by the bank or company that operates the ATM.
Traveling overseas can come with even more watch-outs, such as foreign transaction fees on both purchases and ATM withdrawals.
When using an ATM in a foreign country, you can incur a fee of around 1% to 3% of the transaction amount. Some financial institutions, however, have no foreign transaction fees, and can be worth looking at if you frequently travel overseas.
As mentioned above, ATM fees can take a bite out of your money. Here are specifics on how much ATMs charge, as of the end of 2022:
• The average out-of-network fee that a bank charges its customers is $1.52.
• The average surcharge by the ATM’s owner/operator when you use an out-of-network terminal is $3.14.
• The total average out-of-network fee is the sum of these two numbers, or $4.66 per transaction.
💡 Quick Tip: Typically, checking accounts don’t earn interest. However, some accounts do, and online banks are more likely than brick-and-mortar banks to offer you the best rates.
If having to pay money to access your money grinds your gears, there’s some good news — it is possible to avoid ATM fees or at least encounter them less frequently.
Here are some strategies:
Finding out where your financial institution’s in-network ATMs are located in your area, or where you are traveling to, can save you money and hassle. These may be ATMs branded with the institution’s name and logo, or in a network of partner ATMs, such as Allpoint or Star. You can research this on your bank’s website or app.
Fees are typically charged per transaction, so one way to avoid charges is to withdraw more cash than you need whenever you go to the ATM, and then keep it in a safe place. This can yield significant savings when you are traveling overseas, where surcharges can be significantly higher than domestic ATM fees. You may want to keep in mind, however, that there are usually some ATM withdrawal limits.
Many retailers and convenience stores offer cash back when you make a purchase using your debit card. This can be a convenient way to get cash without paying an ATM fee. It can be a good idea, however, to make sure that neither the retailer, nor your bank charges a cash-back fee.
Not all banks charge out-of-network ATM fees. If you’re getting hit with fees, especially double fees, you may want to consider switching to an institution that has a larger ATM network, doesn’t charge ATM fees, and/or refunds ATM fees charged by machine providers.
Online vs. traditional banks often have generous policies regarding ATM fees. They typically don’t have their own ATM networks, but will partner with large networks and may refund some fees charged by out-of-network ATM providers.
With a peer-to-peer (P2P) payment app, like Venmo, or a similar service offered by your financial institution, you can easily pay your friends without cash with just a few taps on your phone -– and avoid a trip to the ATM entirely. And mobile payment can be safe, instead of carrying cash.
💡 Quick Tip: The myth about online accounts is that it’s hard to access your cash. Not so! When you open the right online checking account, you’ll have ATM access at thousands of locations.
One way to avoid ATM fees is to bank with a financial institution that has a robust network of cash machines, like SoFi.
Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.
Better banking is here with up to 4.50% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
There are a few ways to avoid ATM fees: You could bank at a financial institution with a large network of cash machines; you could use a P2P app; you could get cash back at the register; or you might take out more cash in advance, among other strategies.
Whether ATM fees are worth it will depend on the circumstances. If you need cash badly, you might not mind paying a few dollars. But often, people don’t want to spend money to access their money.
ATMs may be more expensive at airports. For instance, not all banks or ATM networks are represented at airports. You may have a hard time finding yours and therefore have to use an out-of-network cash machine. In addition, some popular locations, from airports to theme parks to casinos, have been known to have higher than usual fees.
SoFi® Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. ©2023 SoFi Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
The SoFi Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
SoFi members with direct deposit can earn up to 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum direct deposit amount required to qualify for the 4.50% APY for savings. Members without direct deposit will earn up to 1.20% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 8/2/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
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Source: sofi.com
Few industries require as much curbside appeal as real estate: it is a buyer’s market and competition is undeniably fierce. However, when it comes to establishing a memorable and appealing brand for your business, too many realtors fall back on cliched logos using sloping roofs and square windows, suspended in abstract space or agglomerated onto one another in physically baffling clusters. Or worse, they skip the logo altogether and go with tried-and-true photo on a business card approach.
Instead of taking the generic route, just follow some of these tips to create a unique and effective real estate logo.
Tip 1: Don’t just go with your favorite – or the most common – colors
Just because you personally love the color pink, you shouldn’t necessarily gravitate there when designing a real estate logo. Nor should the fact that blue or green are fairly safe and common hues among realtor logos drive your choice. Instead, the most important element of choosing the colors for a real estate logo is ensuring they communicate the values and attributes that are most important to your brand. According to a recent analysis of real estate logos created on 99designs, realtors broadly identify their desired brand personalities as being luxurious, mature, modern and serious. This largely explains the prevalence of blue, black, and generally quite subdued branding in the industry.
Warm colors like yellow and orange rank relatively low in terms of popularity in the real estate industry, but they are a strong option for accenting given their associations with friendliness, comfort and happiness. After all, every prospective tenant or buyer is looking for a happy home, so it makes sense to capitalize on the emotional connection created by these colors.
Tip 2: Focus on a sense of place
It’s not just about what property you’re selling, but where you’re selling. Consider what’s unique about the area you cover, whether it’s a neighborhood, a city skyline, or iconic architecture. Now imagine someone moving here from the other side of the country, or even the world. Don’t you want a logo that highlights what makes your properties special?
Tip 3: Consider creating a wordmark.
One way to help clients remember you(or your company’s) name is to turn the name into the logo itself. This is called a “wordmark.”
What’s great about a striking wordmark is that it helps people remember the name even when they’re not holding your business card. If a former client has a friend or family member who’s looking to buy a new property, they’re that much more likely to recommend you over someone else if they can remember your name. In terms of style, a wordmark keeps things simple and classic, but also personal.
Tip 4: Don’t be afraid of the abstract.
Sometimes the nature of your agency is ineffable. Or perhaps it’s always changing; that’s not too unusual in real estate. An abstract realtor logo allows you to be different and keep your brand identity consistent in an ever evolving market. But it doesn’t have to be totally abstract. It only takes a few lines to imply the shape of a skyscraper or a house, while still retaining the dynamism of an abstract business card.
Pamela Webber is Chief Operating Officer at 99designs, the global creative platform that makes it easy for designers and clients to work together to create designs they love. Earlier in her career, she served in various corporate strategy and marketing positions with eBay and its subsidiary, PayPal, Inc., True&Co, and other fast growing companies in the consumer Internet space. A resident of San Francisco, Pam received her BA from the University of Pennsylvania and MBA from Harvard Business School.
Source: realtybiznews.com