The real estate market is kind of strange at the moment.
Everyone expected mortgage rates to jump in 2019, but so far they’ve done the exact opposite.
At the same time, home price appreciation has slowed in much of the country, creating a situation where affordability is actually better than it was a year ago.
To make matters even weirder, negative equity is increasing again, a topic I haven’t discussed for many years.
Refi Candidates Up 75% From November
First those refis – amazingly, the number of homeowners who could both qualify for and benefit from a mortgage refinance rose almost 75% from the 10-year low seen in November 2018, per the latest Black Knight Mortgage Monitor for January 2019.
It also marked a 16% year-over-year increase and the highest number of eligible candidates since January 2018.
There are about 3.27 million homeowners today who could reduce their mortgage rate by at least 0.75%, which would obviously amount of some serious savings monthly and over the life of the loan.
However, the numbers are still down a hefty 30% from late 2017 when 30-year fixed mortgage rates stood below 4%.
Sadly, Black Knight believes the impact will be muted because some 85% of homeowners took out their mortgages more than seven years ago, meaning they’re not likely to refinance.
Still, roughly 250,000 homeowners who took out their mortgages just last year could stand to benefit greatly from a refi, especially those who received rates on the higher end of the spectrum due to bad timing and/or bad credit, etc.
Falling Home Prices?
Now let’s address home prices, which after some really solid years of growth, seem to be getting tested.
It could just be an affordability issue, as new home buyers simply don’t have the ability to purchase real estate at today’s relatively sky-high prices.
Certainly, it’s not for a lack of wanting to buy, nor is it an inventory issue – low supply continues to be a problem.
Despite a limited housing stock and still-low mortgage rates, annual home price appreciation slowed for the 10th straight month in December, per Black Knight.
It fell from a high of 6.8% YoY growth in February 2018 to just 4.6% at the end of 2018, and on a monthly basis in December, the average home price actually declined 0.3%.
The average home price has fallen a combined 0.82% over the past four months, marking a $2,440 loss.
And Black Knight economists expect the same trend in January based on early data collection.
Now the good news – because home price gains have moderated, and even fallen over the past several months, housing affordability has increased.
A prospective home buyer today needs just 22.2% of their median income to purchase the average-priced home with a 20% down payment on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.
That’s slightly lower than the post-recession high of 23.4% seen just a few months back, and well below the long-term average of 25% seen in the late 1990s and early pre-bubble 2000s.
Additionally, despite the recent slowdown, annual home price growth is still outpacing its 25-year average of 3.9%, so if anything, the real estate market is simply normalizing after some really hot (unsustainable) years.
Underwater Mortgages Are Back?
That brings us to the issue of negative equity, something I definitely haven’t mentioned on this blog in a long, long time.
It was a hot topic post-housing crisis when something like half of all borrowers with a mortgage owed more than their homes were worth.
That led to a new definition for “underwater” in the dictionary, the advent of underwater mortgage insurance, and the very popular and widely-used HARP refinance program.
Now Corelogic is telling us that the quarterly increase in negative equity during the fourth quarter of 2018 was the first in four years.
Between the third and fourth quarter of 2018, the total number of mortgaged homes in negative equity increased 1.6% to 2.2 million homes, representing 4.2% of all mortgaged properties.
It was the first quarterly increase since the fourth quarter of 2015, and led to some 35,000 properties falling into underwater positions.
Before we ring the alarm bells, if you consider the year-over-year basis, the number of mortgaged properties in negative equity actually fell by a significantly larger 14%, representing some 351,000 homeowners.
And the CoreLogic Home Price Index estimates a 4.5% increase in home prices from December 2018 to the end of 2019, which should lift another 350,000 homeowners above water.
Still hard to believe that millions remain underwater on their mortgages in light of the massive home price gains realized since the recovery got underway. Tells you how bad things got.
Negative equity peaked at a staggering 26% of mortgaged residential properties during the fourth quarter of 2009. It’s been nearly a decade since those very dismal times.
In yet another effort to push mortgage lending firmly into the 21st century, loanDepot has debuted its proprietary “mello smartloan” technology, an end-to-end digital mortgage loan intended to cut out the paperwork and lengthy turn times.
It should also make the process a lot more secure, with less sensitive information floating around the web via email from borrower to lender.
loanDepot claims it made history with this launch, so let’s learn more about it.
mello smartloan Can Generate a Real Loan Approval in Just 7 Minutes
loanDepot claims its new proprietary loan engine technology is really fast
With real loan approvals generated in as little as seven minutes
The process is less paperwork-intensive and more secure
It can reduce fraud, lower costs to both lender and borrower, and create a better overall customer experience
Aside from being a more secure lending platform, mello smartloan is built for speed, similar to many of the other new offerings we’ve seen lately in this space.
The mortgage loan process can be very lengthy as it often takes anywhere from 30-45 days to close a mortgage, something that just won’t do in today’s era of instant gratification.
Coincidentally, the company claims it can provide a customer with a full loan approval in as little as seven minutes, which happens to be a minute faster than Quicken’s Rocket Mortgage.
So if you’re short on time (or patience), this might be just the ticket for you. Of course, timing isn’t everything. We also have to consider pricing, which will stick with you for as long as 360 months if you go with a 30-year fixed.
While convenience is great, a lower mortgage rate is probably a lot better, even if you have to put in a little more time.
How mello smartloan Works
Income, asset, and employment information are imported digitally
This data is then “intelligently processed through proprietary loan engines”
At which point loan options are presented to the borrower if they are approved for financing
The closing and funding process (and potentially the appraisal) are also digital to greatly increase speed and increase security
It’s different from “traditional mortgages” in that each step of the process is digital, as opposed to paperwork-intensive.
With just about any mortgage, you’re required to send the lender financial information such as income, asset, and employment documentation.
This allows the underwriter (or automated underwriting system) to determine if you’re eligible for certain loan programs based on your ability to repay the loan.
Because mortgage lenders are committing hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, they’ve got to be pretty thorough.
It’s for this reason that obtaining a mortgage has been so painstakingly long. What companies like loanDepot are attempting to do is speed up the process while also making the underwriting more reliable.
Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, it’s no longer a dream, and will soon be a reality for all mortgage lenders.
What’s great is that these digital processes can actually reduce fraud and improve the customer experience, while also lowering lender costs, which sounds like the ultimate feat.
They can manage this because all that borrower information is now validated digitally.
Instead of sending over bank statements in PDF format, companies like loanDepot are granted access to your bank account information and can instantly import it into their loan decisioning engine.
That’s not only faster, but also more accurate, and it should be a lot more difficult to game the system.
The same digital process connects your income and employment, similar to how a credit report (and scores) are generated on the fly from the credit reporting agencies.
From there, the lender has all the key pieces of information it needs to generate an underwriting decision.
Instead of asking you how much you make, how much you’ve got in the bank, where you work, what you think your credit score is, they go straight to the source.
This allows their proprietary loan engines to almost instantly determine the loan options available to you that will provide the greatest potential cost- and/or time-savings.
Then one of the company’s 2,000+ loan officers can get involved and help guide the customer accordingly.
Time to Close a Mortgage Can Be Reduced by 75%
loanDepot projects that loan closings can be reduced by up to 75%
Which means some borrowers may be able to get a mortgage in as little as 8 days
However only about half of borrowers will be able to take advantage of mello smartloan
Because of issues like self-employment or other factors that prevent digital verification
Aside from making things a lot easier for the customer, something that will likely jibe well with today’s impatient consumer, turn times should also be drastically reduced.
loanDepot claims time to close can be condensed by as much as 75 percent, slashing the time it takes to get a mortgage to just eight days in some cases.
Of course, for that to happen the borrower will likely need to be of the vanilla variety, meaning everyday W2 employee (not self-employed) with nothing funky going on in their loan file.
Oh, and they’ll probably need to get an appraisal waiver to skip that lengthy step too, something that Freddie Mac has been working on since last year.
What might separate mello smartloan from the other digital mortgage offerings is that their paperless process exists from start to finish, including the closing and funding portion.
loanDepot projects that up to 55% of new applicants will be eligible for their digital home mortgage experience, with some left out thanks to things like being self-employed.
Additionally, these same customers may also enjoy favorable mortgage rate pricing due to lower overhead costs associated with the rollout of the technology.
Of course, loanDepot says it invested more than $80 million on the technology, so always take the time to shop around.
loanDepot, which has only been around since 2010, has funded over $165 billion in mortgages and currently ranks as the nation’s 5th largest retail mortgage lender and 2nd largest nonbank lender behind Quicken.
They’ve even been rumored to be a potential acquisition target for Amazon as a means to get into the lucrative mortgage space.
Well, 2019 is set to come to a close. It’s certainly been an interesting year (and decade), surely one to remember.
But now it’s time to look forward to what 2020 might bring with regard to the housing market, mortgages, and so on. Let’s dive in.
You can see my 2019 predictions here.
1. Mortgage rates will go down
As always, we tackle mortgage rates first. The forecasts have been wrong year after year lately, with most pundits calling for an end to the ultra-low rate era.
But over time, it has become apparent that this is simply the new normal for rates. They probably aren’t going back to 5-6% anytime soon.
Instead, expect 30-year fixed rates closer to 4%, as they have been for years now. In 2020, we might even see new all-time lows if the election, Brexit, or other geopolitical events really shake things up.
If you’re a home buyer or a refinancer, 2020 will be yet another favorable year in the financing department.
2. Home prices will go up (limited inventory, but not a seller’s market)
Now let’s talk home prices, which don’t have a clear correlation with mortgage rates. No, one doesn’t go up while the other goes down, despite many assuming that.
While we’ve already seen the really stellar years of appreciation since bottoming nearly a decade ago, the end of home price appreciation isn’t quite here yet.
In fact, 2020 should be another solid year in terms of home price growth, likely mirroring the 5-6% gains seen in 2019.
That means even more home equity for those who already own a home, and perhaps a little less sticker shock for those in the market to buy, with prices not all that different from the year prior.
If your wages have increased since then, it may not look all that bad, especially if low interest rates make your home loan financing that much more affordable.
I believe we’ll continue to see a healthy balancing of the housing market between buyers and sellers, though some markets nationwide will continue to be more competitive than others due to a serious lack of supply.
3. Builders will build more homes
Speaking of housing supply, expect home builders to really ramp up their building in 2020.
Fannie Mae is forecasting almost 1 million single-family starts next year, representing a near-10% increase from a year earlier.
That should begin to ease demand in areas that need it, though it may take more than a year or two for it to really show since these projects take time to be completed and marketed to buyers.
The question is will home builders get it right this time around, or overshoot the mark again?
4. Low down payment mortgages will dominate purchases
With regard to financing those new home purchases, I expect a lot of low-down payment mortgages to be involved.
I’m talking the 3% down offered by Fannie and Freddie, 3.5% from the FHA, along with zero down from the VA, USDA, and other individual lenders.
It seems low- and no-down is back en vogue, especially with competition a bit lower in today’s housing market.
Again, this could be an ominous sign we are returning to the dark days of the early 2000s. However, the underlying mortgages should still be a lot cleaner.
5. More quick refis from recent home buyers
I also expect the trend of buy-to-refi to continue in 2020. Many of those who refinanced in 2019 had just acquired their mortgage, but thanks to rate improvements, it was beneficial to refinance just months later.
This drove a lot of refinance volume in 2019, and probably will do the same next year.
As I said, we could see new all-time lows in mortgage rates, so recent buyers, along with not-so-recent buyers, may benefit from a rate and term refinance (or cash-out).
That’ll be great news for mortgage lenders who rely on refis to post big numbers, as the purchase market will likely be just marginally higher than in 2019.
It also means you can do better your second time around if you made some missteps on your first mortgage go-around.
6. More iBuying replacing traditional real estate agents
The disruptors have been around for some time now, and they continue to grow market share and take from the traditional channels.
This includes iBuyers, such as Offerpad, Opendoor, and Zillow Offers, who are gently pushing out real estate agents with their instant all-cash offers.
Unfortunately, these companies are keeping more for themselves in exchange for a little convenience. As I’ve said, homeownership requires constant work.
Part of that is putting in the time/effort to buy and sell a home thoughtfully. You can rush it if you want, but it’ll cost you. Potentially a lot.
7. Cash out refis will be big
While the number of cash out refinances has increased in recent years, the total dollar volume is still a drop in the bucket compared to the early 2000s.
Expect more homeowners to cash in on their home equity in 2020 as mortgage lenders look for new strategies to boost their own pipelines.
With more homeowners ageing in place or simply not moving because there’s nowhere to move, they may instead pull out cash to make much-needed renovations. Or simply to pay for other stuff.
Americans are sitting on a ton of equity, so it’s really a matter of when, not if. And they’ve been sitting on it for a while…
8. Faster digital mortgages will become the norm
Mortgages have been getting faster and faster in recent years thanks to advances in technology.
Nowadays, borrowers have the ability to seamlessly connect financial accounts to an application, forgo a home appraisal, or participate in an eClosing.
We’ve been hearing claims of mortgages in a week, a matter of days, or with the push of a button.
In 2020, I think we get closer to the elusive instant-mortgage, thanks to wider spread adoption of existing and new technologies.
Speed and convenience is becoming more of a selling point for mortgages, so look for a greater number of lenders to offer things like on-time guarantees.
Of course, getting it right (and for a good price) is more important than getting it done fast.
9. Mortgage broker share will rise
Not all mortgages can be streamlined. Some continue to take time, whether it’s because the borrower is self-employed, the property is unique, or some other unconventional scenario.
One group that excels when it comes to tricky or outside-the-box stuff are mortgage brokers. They’ve been actively gaining back market share since nearly going extinct after the Great Recession.
And 2020 will probably be another banner year for the group, thanks in part of better technology leveling the playing field, and a more diverse origination mix.
They’ve also got a new group doing a better job communicating the benefits of using a mortgage broker.
10. We’ll be one year closer to the next housing crisis
While I do see 2020 being another solid year for both real estate and mortgage, it might be time to start thinking about what’s next.
This housing rally has gone on for quite a while, and we’re certainly well into the late innings in terms of bust to recovery to expansion.
We’ve probably still got a few more good years, but that window is really beginning to narrow.
There’s a lot to start worrying about if we want to avoid making the same mistakes that felled us a decade ago.
My hope is we don’t overbuild and throw underwriting standards out the window again, damaging another generation that seems to finally be warming to the idea of homeownership.
The California State Senate passed a bill this week that would permit the construction of affordable housing units on land owned by faith-based institutions and nonprofit colleges, even if local zoning ordinances and laws would normally prevent construction.
The bill, introduced last December by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), is designed to reduce barriers faced by nonprofit organizations, churches, synagogues and mosques for constructing multifamily housing units on their properties.
“Tackling our housing crisis requires every tool available to us,” Sen. Wiener told the Davis Vanguard. “Many faith institutions are called to provide housing to those in need, as our severe housing crisis continues to inflict its most serious damage on the most marginalized. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Assembly to allow faith institutions to help with our housing crisis, opening up a huge amount of essential land exclusively for affordable housing.”
If signed into law, the bill would supersede local zoning rules for applicable institutions and would prevent opponents of the construction from using the environmental review process to slow the construction process through litigation.
In addition to zoning limitations, the state’s strict environmental review process has also been considered by the bill’s supporters as an impediment to construction, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“SB 4 will unlock an enormous, and I’m not exaggerating, an enormous amount of land for 100% affordable housing,” Wiener said late last year when announcing the proposal. He cited a 2020 study by the University of California, Berkeley’s Terner Center for Housing Innovation, which found that roughly 40,000 acres of land that are currently used by religious institutions have potential for housing development.
While a union dispute over pay language previously threatened to derail the bill, according to CalMatters, once the bill made it to the Senate floor, it passed overwhelmingly — with 33 in favor and two lawmakers voting against it. Five members did not record a vote.
The bill was delivered to the California State Assembly on Wednesday, where it was read in the chamber for the first time.
LGBT couples face unique questions when shopping for a house. It is important to be happy with the community you’re in and the legal protections you’re granted.
Here are a few things to consider as you’re going through the process of finding a home:
Research legal protections: Lambda Legal is a helpful resource for learning legal protections that, in particular, affect LGBT people. Look at issues like: marriage status, adoption rights, workplace protections, hospital visitation rights, and school anti-bullying laws to get a holistic image of your rights
Read reviews: Do an internet search for LGBT community centers and businesses. Overall, search for the indicated LGBT population in order to get a sense of how accepting the community might be.
Interview school administrators: Meet with an administrator at prospective schools to assess the LGBT acceptance and safety climate of a local school. Be sure to ask questions like,
● How often do you have anti-LGBT related incidents?
● What are you doing to promote acceptance of nontraditional families?
● If a student bullied my child because of his/her family background, how would you handle it?
Legally define ownership: If something happens to you, who would be next to inherit this new property? Meet with a local attorney and make sure your partner is legally protected to stay in the home you’re purchasing, even if he or she isn’t the buyer.
We hope that these tips help you to find a state and neighborhood that work well for you and your family. Once you’ve found a neighborhood that works for you, call a CENTURY 21® Agent who can help you find your home!
Are you searching for a new place to call home? Look no further than Rockford, IL. Nestled along the scenic Rock River, Rockford perfectly balances urban amenities and natural beauty. But is it truly a good place to live? In this Redfin article, we’ll explore the various pros and cons of living in Rockford, exploring its affordability, recreational opportunities, and more. So, whether you’re already looking at apartments for rent in Rockford or you’re still considering the big move, let’s dive in and discover if Rockford is a good fit for you.
Pros of living in Rockford, IL
1. Affordability
One of the most significant advantages of moving to Rockford is its affordability. The cost of living in Rockford is lower compared to many other cities in Illinois and the surrounding region. A house in Rockford costs an average of $135,000, lower than the cost in nearby Chicago ($339,450), well below the national average of $408,031. Groceries are also relatively cheap, costing 6% less than the national average, and lifestyle expenses like haircuts and movie tickets are 10% lower. With lower living costs, residents of Rockford have more disposable income to allocate toward savings, investments, or leisure activities.
2. Natural beauty
Rockford boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with abundant parks, gardens, and riverside trails. Residents can enjoy the serenity of Anderson Japanese Gardens, explore the Rock Cut State Park, or stroll along the Sinnissippi Riverwalk. The city’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its natural surroundings provides plenty of things to do if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.
3. Cultural offerings
Despite being a mid-sized city, Rockford has a thriving cultural scene. It is home to several museums, including the Burpee Museum of Natural History and the Rockford Art Museum, showcasing diverse exhibits and art collections. The Coronado Performing Arts Center hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and other live performances, offering a lively entertainment scene for residents to enjoy.
4. Strong community spirit
Rockford’s residents are known for their strong sense of community spirit. The city has numerous active community organizations, volunteer opportunities, and neighborhood events. From local festivals like the Rockford City Market to charitable initiatives, residents have countless opportunities to connect and make a positive impact.
Cons of living in Rockford, IL
1. Limited shopping options
One of the cons of living in Rockford, IL, is the limited shopping options compared to larger metropolitan areas. While Rockford does have a selection of shopping centers, including CherryVale Mall and various strip malls, the variety and range of retail establishments may not be as extensive as in bigger cities. Residents looking for high-end fashion, luxury brands, or niche specialty stores may need to travel to nearby cities for a more diverse shopping experience.
2. Harsh winters
As with many Midwestern cities, Rockford experiences long and cold winters. Sub-zero temperatures, snowstorms, and icy conditions can be challenging for those unaccustomed to harsh winter climates. However, the city offers various winter activities, such as ice skating and skiing, which can help residents embrace the season.
3. Limited job diversity
While Rockford has a thriving job market, it is worth noting that the economy relies heavily on a few key industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare. This reliance on specific sectors can make the job market less diverse, potentially limiting opportunities for individuals in particular fields. Those seeking employment in niche industries or specialized professions may find fewer options in Rockford.
4. High unemployment rate
Rockford, IL has been grappling with a persistently high unemployment rate, and this stands as a significant drawback for those considering living in the city. Currently, Rockford’s unemployment rate stands at 6.2%, surpassing the national average of 3.7%. The repercussions of a high unemployment rate can ripple throughout the community, impacting local businesses, social services, and overall economic vitality. .
Is Rockford a good place to live? The bottom line
In conclusion, the question of whether Rockford, IL is a good place to live requires a thoughtful consideration of its pros and cons. The city offers affordability, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and proximity to natural attractions, providing opportunities for an enriching and enjoyable lifestyle. However, it is important to be mindful of the harsh winters, limited job opportunities, and the challenges posed by the city’s high unemployment rate. Ultimately, the decision to live in Rockford will depend on personal preferences, priorities, and the ability to navigate the potential challenges associated with the city.
One of the things we can remember about the show is its ending—is it beautiful or tragic, maybe boring, or doesn’t make sense, or a cliff-hanger Today, we’re discussing 17 TV shows with some of the worst endings ever!
1. ALF
One person said, “Nobody will remember this, but the correct answer is ALF. It was supposed to be a cliffhanger, but the show got canceled, and they ended the series with ALF being captured and taken away to be dissected. GOOD NIGHT KIDS!”
Another person replied, “Eventually, they made a made-for-TV-movie about five years later to attempt a wrap-up called Project: Alf. It had virtually no one from the original series besides Alf’s voice, and as I remember it, was almost universally panned.”
One Redditor added, “I remember seeing the movie. It was horrible. I loved the series as a kid. Nothing beats Alf singing Old time rock ‘n’ roll with a cucumber.”
2. The X-Files
“Glad I searched for X-Files because this was going to be my comment. Honestly the last 3 seasons were… not great (outside of a single episode here and there, usually written by Vince Gilligan, of course). Talk about a show with highs and lows. It could be the best show on television, and the next week it could be the most senseless garbage you’ve ever seen,” one user commented.
“The point for me where I felt the most disappointed was the episode that ‘resolved’ the disappearance of Samantha. Not only was it a confusing mess but it opened up some pretty aggravating plot holes retroactively. HATED it,” another commenter added.
Another user said, “I remember someone suggesting the final episode should have been Chris Carter and a flipchart explaining how everything fits together.”
3. My Name Is Earl
One user commented, “My Name Is Earl ended on a cliffhanger which was canceled soon after S4. The only resolution given was on the first episode of Greg Garcia’s next project Raising Hope where a TV news broadcast in the background said a man in Camden County completed his list. NBC had a knack for making bonehead decisions.”
The second person replied, “Yup. They didn’t plan on it being the series finale, and their surprise cancellation lead to them scrabbling last minute to come up with an ending. That’s what they settled on.”
4. Heroes
One person stated, “Heroes. God the writer’s strike really had that show go wildly off the rails.”
Another commenter said, “Hiro constantly losing his powers every season because of lazy writing and he is too strong… I gave it another try last year couldn’t finish watching the last season again. Still no idea how it ended.”
One Redditor replied, “I still don’t understand how Heroes went from being so good to such utter trash… like how did it happen? They fumbled way before the writers strike. I’m still upset.”
5. Pretty Little Liars
“Pretty little liars, the creator never even knew how it would end. I hate that show because it was great for the first maybe 2 seasons then just terrible from then on,” one user shared.
“It was a bunch of mystery building and no resolution for any of those mysteries. It should just be referred to as blue balls the show,” another added.
“I couldn’t believe what I was watching. I thought it was leading up to some [crazy] masterpiece and instead we got a long-lost evil British twin and Mona’s dollhouse. I was pissed I’d invested all that time into the series and got that [disappointing] of an ending,” another Redditor said.
6. House of Cards
“Should have ended when he got the presidency. It was all weak after that—Frank had a goal in the first few seasons; it’s what drove him. Then he gets it, and his motivation is just…keeping what he has. Perfect end scene was when he did his signature knock on the president’s desk. Cut to black. End show,” one person stated.
“I don’t understand how this didn’t end with Season 4 and having Frank ultimately impeached and arrested after gaining the presidency. That would both complete his arc and fit the theme of house of cards with 4 seasons of 13 episodes each,” the second person replied.
7. Merlin
One person shared, “Merlin. What the hell was it all for!?!?! Arthur rejects magic and they’re back to square one.”
Another person replied, “Not to mention that suddenly it becomes modern day, and poor Merlin is still alive, just waiting around in the hopes that Arthur will come back. He’s had to slowly watch everyone and everything he loves slowly die over the decades centuries. It’s just completely miserable and pointless, Merlin doesn’t deserve that.”
Finally, the third added, “God it’s been over a decade and I’m still mad I’m so glad I’m not the only one. Like why did they even make season 5? They should have ended after four and let fanfic do the rest.”
8. Sherlock
“The whole reason I loved that show was the mystery being explained by cold hard logic and the powers of observation. The entire last season was basically Sherlock sister has mind control which takes effect within seconds. Total BS and I hate it. That was my favourite tv series of all time and I felt physically ill when they just murdered the whole season like that,” one person stated.
Another user replied, “I wanted to mention this too. I loved Sherlock at first but there’s so much wrong with it that, and the 4th season really made me look at it differently. It was already going downhill, but then it really took a nosedive. My mother was a fan as well and I just told her not to watch the last season by explaining it was so bad. Fans were sure there was a secret 4th episode that was going to make everything okay again. She got the message.”
“Same. I binged Sherlock hard. Got to his sister and I totally stopped watching it,” a third commenter added.
8. Jericho
One person stated, “Jericho. That show had so much potential and they just loosely wrapped it up leaving me very unfulfilled with no conclusion or closure.”
Another added, “Jericho really did have a lot of potential. The comic books wrapped it up but I still wish they had made more of the TV show.”
One Redditor replied, “It wasn’t the writers it was the network. They were given three more seasons to finish but then when more than half the season was done they pulled the rug and the writers had to write a conclusion. It wasn’t great but acceptable under circumstances. The writers wrote comic books after the show which further went through the story and it was actually a nice conclusion to the storyline.”
9. Xena: Warrior Princess
“Xena: Warrior Princess… 20 years later and I am still [angry],” one person shared.
“Ah, I had to scroll way too far for this, I was starting to think I was the only one who remembered it! I was a Xena fanatic when it was airing, and the ending gutted me. Deciding to introduce yet another character that was important to Xena in the past, in the finale? A whole village of innocent people dying, but it was blamed on her despite it being an accident, if I recall correctly? The sheer unnecessary amount of brutality, and leaving Gabs alone in the end? So cruel. When I rewatch the series, I skip the finale and pretend the show ends on Many Happy Returns or When Fates Collide,” one Redditor replied.
Another added, “I found my emotional support thread! They did us dirty in the 90’s with that ending. The reveal of Xena’s body and Gabrielle’s reaction full on TRAUMATIZED me.”
10. Star Trek Enterprise
One user shared, “Star Trek Enterprise. It was a fun prequel that looked at the start of the United federation of planets. The last episode was an insult. A main character was killed off and it was in a TNG holodeck! Bloody rubbish, I’m stil livid.”
The second person replied, “That’s what I came here to say. Absolutely terrible ending to a series that otherwise had a great last season. I’m almost convinced that they tried to create a bad last episode because how did anyone think that was a good idea?”
The third added, “Yeah ST Enterprise is criminally underrated, especially toward the end…except for that awful finale.”
11. The Last Man on Earth
“Last Man on Earth, the show got cancelled on a cliffhanger and we never saw an end to it,” one person shared.
“I needed some closure, closure, closure, closuuuuuuure,” replied another.
“They canceled it at the same time as Brooklyn 99. Everyone resurrected Brooklyn 99 and I was waiting for Last Man on Earth to get the same reaction but I felt like the only one who cared. I’ve never laughed at a show harder. Still sad,” one user shared.
12. Teen Titans
“The show ended on a gut punch episode that was far more mature than anything else on Cartoon Network before or since. Emotionally clever storytelling that let the audience down. It was heartbreaking that they chose to end that relationship that way. But they expected a 6th season. To tie off the ongoing rivalry with Slade/tie up every character’s arc. It was canceled on the penultimate season. It had set up all the pieces set up—had finally graduated to the next level of storytelling; ratings were high…..then bam. Canceled. Now we’re left with a downer ending of an episode. It’s fantastic—but clearly not designed to be the real end,” one person stated.
“No no, I agree. Sad ending that almost felt like a universe-death when beast boy went out the all white doors. Surreal, depressing, not the best way to end a serious but light-hearted show,” another added.
13. The 100
One person stated, “The 100. Stupidest ending ever.”
Another person replied, “I’m so glad other people have this opinion. I binged it a few months ago and genuinely enjoyed the series, but the last season made me wish I never started it and erase the series from my mind. They destroyed Bellamy’s character and then killed him off in the lamest way possible.”
One commenter added, “My gf started watching that show and I swear all I ever heard was ‘my people this’ and ‘my people that.’ If you had a drinking game every time they said ‘my people’ in that show you’d be dead before the first commercial break.”
14. The Man in the High Castle
One person stated, “I feel like that show lost a lot of its vision after Season 1. John Smith, Minister Tagomi, and Chief Inspector Kido basically just carried the show by sheer force of personality.”
Another user shared, “That ending [makes me angry] more than GoT, which Also [made me angry]!”
One Redditor commented, “I was too confused to even be mad about that ending. I feel like they were trying to be profound or something, but can’t figure out what the message was supposed to be. Everybody’s moving in now?”
15. Star vs the Forces of Evil
“The entire show was derailed to make the popular ship canon, and they didn’t even do it well. And let’s not get into how the characters decided the best way to stop a genocide in their kingdom was to create a far bigger genocide on a multiversal scale, stranding countless innocent people away from their homes and families, but that’s okay because Star gets to be with her new boyfriend. There’s so much more I can get at, but this is GOT level bad. This show could’ve gone down with the likes of Gravity Falls but they massively dropped the ball in the last season,” one person stated.
“Once they woke up Eclipsa’s husband and he was completely harmless I finally admitted to myself they had abandoned whatever plan was originally in place,” another added.
“Man, the first 2 seasons were a lot of fun. But then shipping took over and it all went downhill,” another commenter shared.
16. Game of Thrones
One person shared, “I didn’t mind Bran as a character until that moment. Then I wanted him to get crippled all over again.”
Another replied, “Dude came with his own throne.”
Then the third added, “‘Why do you think I came all this way.’ Basically implies that he orchestrated literally everything in the show to make himself king. Bran is one of the greatest villains in TV history.”
View the original Reddit thread here.
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When you’re young and adventurous, international travel is the dream. You jump at any opportunity to go abroad without a second thought, start packing your suitcase, and promise yourself you’ll work out the details later.
But traveling — especially post-pandemic traveling — requires a bit of planning if you want a safe, inexpensive, and (relatively) stress-free trip. ️
Whether you’re traveling with friends or going solo, staying for one week or six months, traveling is much easier when you plan ahead with money-saving tips. Here are our best ideas to make your next international trip easy on your mind and your wallet.
What’s Ahead:
1. Be flexible with your dates and destinations
If you have flexibility in terms of where and when you travel, you have a major advantage: the ability to plan your trip around whatever amazing deal you can find. Without limitations on where and when you can travel, you can search within a specific timeframe or geographical area and shop around for low airfare and accommodations.
If you’re totally set on a particularly expensive destination, try to plan your trip for the off-season. You can often save big by traveling during less popular times, even in expensive areas. Conversely, if you have a specific window of time for travel, shop around for a destination that offers a good bang for your buck for that time of year.
A little flexibility goes a long way when you want to save on international travel.
Read more: Affordable international travel destinations that won’t empty your wallet
2. Decide what’s important to you and prioritize your spending
Before you hop on a plane with cash burning a hole in your pocket, take some time to think about your spending plan while you’re away.
I don’t necessarily mean you have to budget — although if that’s your style, stick with it. What I do suggest is you think about how you want to spend your money while traveling — starting with what’s most important to you.
Do you want a direct flight, or is a layover okay?
Do you love museums, or is seeing one enough?
Do you want to stay in a specific neighborhood, or wherever’s affordable?
Are you a big foodie, or is your dining experience an afterthought?
For example, if food is your thing, plan to spend big at restaurants. You’ll probably have to cut back in other categories — like lodging, cultural attractions, or transportation — but that’s okay. Giving this some thought before your trip will help you prioritize your favorite things.
Read more: How to travel for cheap: 7 ways to see the world for less
3. Get travel insurance
If you’ve traveled at all since COVID-19 upended the world, you know how different it is. After months — even years — of lockdown, many of us are jumping at the chance to travel abroad again. But after enduring such a lull in travel, it’s even more disappointing when things don’t work out.
That’s why travel insurance is a lifesaver.
The last thing you want is to plan an epic trip and miss half of it due to a flight cancellation. So even though you might bristle at the added expense of travel insurance, work it into your budget and enjoy the priceless feeling of security should something go wrong.
Like credit cards and bank accounts, there are lots of options when it comes to travel insurance. Several popular credit cards provide travel insurance, so you might already be covered. If not, shop around for a policy that fits your needs and budget. Sites like SquareMouth.com, TravelInsurance.com, and InsureMyTrip.com can help.
Read more: Best credit cards for travel insurance
4. Save digital copies of important documents
You know that feeling when you misplace your phone? Your stomach kind of drops, and panic sets in. (And approximately 12 seconds later you find it on the kitchen table.)
Imagine that feeling — x100 — when you misplace your passport while traveling internationally.
I know — you’ll do your best to keep all your stuff secure and organized. But things happen, you misplace this, you forget that. You’re human, and you should have a backup plan.
Make digital copies of all your important documents before you leave. Store them in multiple places, and make sure they’re accessible to you while abroad. I suggest making copies of the following documents:
Passport
Travel insurance paperwork
Vaccination information
Visa
Driver’s license
Travel itinerary
Store photos on your phone, in your email, in the cloud, and give copies to a trustworthy person at home.
5. Learn language basics
If you’re traveling to a country that speaks another language, take some time to learn key phrases and words.
Learning a new language opens all kinds of doors when you travel. The better you can communicate with locals, the more you’ll get out of your trip. Plus, having some basic language skills means you can better navigate outside of the main touristy areas — potentially saving you money by staying, eating, and shopping in under-the-radar locales.
Learning language basics can also give you a better cultural understanding of wherever you’re traveling. Not to mention locals will appreciate your interest in their language and culture.
If you’re thinking there’s no way you’ll ever learn to speak another language, start small. You don’t have to be fluent to reap the rewards of language skills. Instead, think about some simple words and phrases you know you’ll need often.
There are tons of accessible, free ways to learn a new language these days. You can download an app like Duolingo or Memrise, join a language exchange, or even take a community college class.
6. Have some local cash before you land
There are a million and one things to plan when traveling abroad, and it’s easy to neglect to get local cash before departing. You might just plan to use your card and withdraw money when you get there — but you can’t always count on this strategy.
You never know when you’ll have trouble with a card, and you’ll definitely need money when you land — to feed yourself and get to your lodging, at a minimum. So take the extra step of getting some local currency before you even step foot on the plane. And be sure you have enough to get situated when you get there.
Oh, and don’t wait until you get to the airport to exchange your cash. If you go to your bank or credit union, you’ll pay a lot less in fees and pay lower exchange rates than you will at an airport kiosk.
7. Get a local SIM card for your phone
Roaming data and temporary data passes are expensive, and there are better — and cheaper — ways to use your phone abroad.
Of course, you can always connect to Wi-Fi. But if you want to be able to use your phone without a Wi-Fi connection — say, to find the nearest pub while walking the rural English countryside — you can avoid exorbitant roaming fees by buying a local SIM card instead.
After you land at your destination, go to a local telecom store and buy a SIM card. Look for a pay-as-you-go or temporary SIM, which you might see being marketed to travelers. Choose a popular telecom store with lots of locations — that way, if you have issues later on, it’s easier to find help.
All you have to do is replace your regular SIM card with the temporary one (unless your phone allows dual SIM cards — then you can have both in at once) and make sure your roaming data is turned off. Voila! You’ve got yourself a working phone.
8. Stay in a local neighborhood
Rather than paying an arm and a leg for a bland hotel in the main tourist zone, look for a rental in a local neighborhood when planning your accommodations abroad. Aside from getting a unique experience, there are lots of benefits to doing this:
You can often save money by staying even a short walk from the hot spots
You’ll experience more of the local culture and cuisine
You can meet the locals — whether it’s an Airbnb host, a barista down the block, or a neighbor
If you’re traveling somewhere for an extended period of time (and depending on your risk tolerance), you can wait to find your long-term accommodations until you get there. Find a place to stay for a week or two while you get a feel for the area and chat with the locals. You’ll have a much better idea of where you want to be — plus some insider tips — by getting situated first.
9. Book a walking tour
If you ask me, there’s no better way to explore a new city than on foot. You see more, you start to orient yourself, and you can stop in whatever shops, cafes, and museums you see along the way.
To start your trip off on the right foot (literally), book a walking tour as soon as you arrive. They’re a great way to immediately learn about the city and scope out the places you want to revisit. Plus, walking tours allow you to meet other travelers. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll likely meet other people interested in exploring with you.
They don’t cost much — in fact, a quick Google search usually turns up lots of free walking tours.
10. Use local currency when paying with a credit card
When you’re traveling abroad and paying with a credit card, you may be prompted to choose between local currency or U.S. dollars when checking out. You may not realize it, but you’ll likely pay more by selecting your home currency.
Even if your card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, there’s usually a fee associated with paying in your home currency. The only real benefit is seeing what you’re paying in terms of the currency you’re familiar with. But this convenience comes at a price — usually around 3% of the charge — which can really add up over time. If prompted, always choose the local currency when paying with a credit card.
11. Use public transit
One of the best ways to save money when traveling abroad is to use public transit. And I promise it’s not as scary as it seems!
The reality is, Ubers, Lyfts, and cabs will quickly eat away at your budget. While convenient, they’re not cheap. If you can, rely on public transit to get where you need to go.
Depending on where you’re traveling, public transit may include:
Trains
Buses
Subways
Trams
Ferries
The ins and outs of navigating public transit vary widely, but it’s not as intimidating as it looks. Taking public transit will give you a chance to practice a foreign language and give you more of a local’s perspective on the city.
Plus — and I can tell you from experience — you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment (and relief) after navigating a foreign city’s public transit system.
One more note: it’s not a bad idea to set aside an emergency stash of money for a cab. If you’re out late or, for whatever reason, don’t feel safe taking the bus or train home, a cab is always worth the peace of mind.
12. Make use of grocery stores
No, you don’t have to go full Julia Child while abroad, but grocery shopping and cooking in a new country is a worthwhile adventure in itself. Plus, shopping for snacks, groceries, and ingredients — and cooking meals yourself — can save you a fortune while traveling.
When I went to Iceland, my flights and rental car were relatively inexpensive. Meals out, however, were pricey. I ended up saving a lot of money by shopping for groceries and cooking at home. There were some… interesting meals, but I saved money I wanted to spend on other things — like museums and awesome lodging.
If your hotel room, rental, or hostel has a kitchen, you can cook simple meals at home. Have fun browsing the shelves at grocery stores, specialty shops, and farmer’s markets for fresh and exotic ingredients, and see what culinary masterpiece you can cook up.
If your lodging doesn’t include a kitchen, you can still stock up on snacks. You can easily piece together a cheap and delicious picnic with grab-and-go-items.
Read more: 9 ways to save money on food and drinks while traveling
13. Check out local meet-ups
No matter how far from home you are, you can find community at a variety of local meet-ups. A quick online search can help you find free local meet-ups in whatever city you’re in — no need to spend on every experience while traveling. Plus, if you’re traveling solo, you’re almost guaranteed to meet other solo people with similar interests as you.
Not sure where to start? Check out these ideas for inspiration:
Creative Mornings — a live gathering of creatives who want to inspire, connect with, and learn from one another.
FuckUp Nights — a series of events showcasing stories of professional failure, vulnerability, and empathy.
MeetUp.com — a platform to help you find groups, events, and activities wherever you are.
If you meet locals during your stay, ask them about local events and meetups. It goes without saying, but stick to gatherings that feel safe.
Summary
International travel isn’t out of reach — especially if you take the time to plan wisely. There are lots of great ways to save on flights, food, transportation, and accommodations, as long as you’re willing to do your research.
Remember to take care of yourself and be a responsible traveler, too. The more effort you put into planning a safe, responsible, and wallet-friendly trip, the more enjoyable it will be.
Let’s learn more about “Triumph Bank Home Loans,” a Tennessee-based community bank that is also one of the larger mortgage lenders in the nation.
At last glance, the company referred to itself as a top-15% lender in the country based on recent HMDA data, with more than a half billion in loan volume annually.
But despite growing larger over the years, their mission remains the same – to provide personalized service and help their customers triumph, whether they’re buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage.
They say their approach involves less bureaucracy and overhead, which gives them the ability to deliver great rates AND great service. Time to dig into the details.
Triumph Bank Home Loans Fast Facts
Community bank that offers home purchase loans and refinances
Founded in 2006, headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee
Lend in every state other than California and New York
A top-15% mortgage lender in the country based on HMDA data
Have served more than 13,000 families since 2013 (fund $600+ million annually)
As noted, Triumph Bank Home Loans is an FDIC-insured community bank, meaning aside from originating home loans, they also offer savings accounts and small business loans to their customers.
They also operate both a retail and consumer-direct channel for their home loan business, meaning you can apply online and work remotely with a loan originator.
Or visit one of their retail branches in the Memphis or Nashville area to do business in person if you prefer.
They do an almost equal mix of home purchase loans and refinance loans, meaning they could be a good choice for both prospective home buyers or existing owners looking for a better rate and/or cash out.
While they lend everywhere other than California and New York, they seem to do the most business in their home state of Tennessee, along with Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Colorado.
About 80% of the loans they originate are conventional, conforming backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, but they also offer jumbos and government-backed loans as well.
Since 2013, they’ve helped 13,000+ families get a home loan and are a top-15% mortgage lender nationally, funding more than half a billion in loan volume annually.
How to Apply with Triumph Bank Home Loans
You can either call them directly or fill out a free rate quote form on their website
When ready you can apply online via their streamlined digital mortgage process
Their operations team will process, underwrite, and fund your loan in-house
And a dedicated loan officer and support team will be with you every step of the way
Triumph Bank says it offers a simple and fast application process, which can be completed in the palm of your hand via smartphone or on a desktop computer.
They employ the latest cutting-edge technology, but retain the personal touch of a community bank, meaning you get white-glove service from an actual human team along the way.
To get started, you can call them directly, visit their website, or go to a physical branch if one is located near you.
Once at their website, you’ve got the option of requesting a rate quote or simply diving into the application.
I always recommend discussing pricing and products first with a loan officer to ensure they have what you’re looking for, and are competitively-priced.
Assuming they have what you need, you can complete much of the application process electronically, whether it’s eSigning disclosures or uploading documentation.
One plus to using them is the fact that their operations team will process, underwrite, and fund your loan in-house, as opposed to sending your paperwork elsewhere.
This should speed up the process and improve communication and overall efficiency, resulting in a better user experience.
Loan Programs Available at Triumph Bank Home Loans
Home purchase loans
Refinance loans: rate and term, cash out, and streamline
Home construction loans
Renovation loans
Conforming loans
Jumbo loans
FHA loans
VA loans
USDA loans
HELOCs
Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate options available
While you won’t find a product menu on their website, they appear to offer just about any type of home loan you could ask for.
This includes home purchase loans, mortgage refinances, and renovation loans, such as Fannie Mae HomeStyle or the FHA 203k loan program.
Additionally, you can get your hands on a conforming loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, a jumbo loan that exceeds county loan limits, or a government-backed loan, such as a VA or USDA loan.
Their retail bank offers home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and portfolio mortgages as well, which may or may not be available in all states via the consumer-direct channel.
They appear to lend on all major residential property types and occupancy types, such as a single-family home, condo/townhouse, or multi-unit investment property.
Both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage options are available, including 30-year and 15-year fixed programs, along with the 5/1 and 7/1 ARM.
Triumph Bank Home Loans Mortgage Rates
While they don’t post their daily mortgage rates online, Triumph Bank Home Loans does say it offers mortgage interest rates below the national average.
Specifically, their 30-year fixed rate for conventional loans was 0.29% lower than the average from the Ellie Mae Origination Insight Report over a 17-month period from 2019 to 2020.
You might also come across their mortgage rates on comparison websites like Bankrate, where they appear to be some of the lowest listed among the many other lenders there.
They seem to charge a $995 loan origination fee, though loans can be structured at no cost using a lender credit as well.
All in all, their mortgage rate pricing seems to be comparable to other online mortgage lenders, and thus cheaper than the big banks and name brand lenders out there.
Triumph Bank Home Loans Reviews
On Zillow, they have a commendable 4.81-star rating out of 5 from about 200 customer reviews, with quite a few mentioning that the interest rate and/or lender fees were lower than anticipated.
At Bankrate, Triumph has a 4.7-star rating from over 100 reviews and 93% of customers would recommend them to others.
Additionally, they’ve got a stellar 4.9-star rating on Google from more than 300 reviews, along with a perfect 5-star rating on Facebook from 50+ reviews.
Lastly, they are an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau (since 2006), and have an ‘A+’ rating based on customer complaint history, which appears to be complaint-free.
In summary, Triumph Bank Home Loans seems to excel in both home purchase lending and mortgage refinancing, so they could be a good fit for new buyers and existing owners.
They also appear to have a very wide range of mortgage options to fit all different loan scenarios, which is a plus if you’re in need of something more unique.
And because all aspects of the loan process are completed in-house, you should be able to close quickly and efficiently.
Triumph Bank Home Loans Pros and Cons
The Good
Offer a digital home loan application process
Can apply for a mortgage without human assistance
Say they offer mortgage rates below the national average
All loan processing, underwriting, and funding is completed in-house
Tons of different loan programs to choose from
Lots of excellent reviews from past customers across all ratings websites
Free mortgage calculators, first-time home buyer toolkit, and learning center on their website
The Maybe Not
Don’t lend in California or New York
Mortgage rates and lender fees aren’t listed on their website
Last Updated: May 27, 2023 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner – 38 Comments
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.
We’ve all seen them – 0% financing on certain items such as cars, electronics, appliances, jewelry, and more. The offers seem great and you may even be wondering what the catch is.
Well, I know what the catch is. Actually, there are many catches.
If you’re careful, a 0% financing offer can be a good deal. I’m not going to say that they are always bad because I know they aren’t.
I have taken part in several 0% financing offers. Some took place before I realized what the catches were (yes, I will admit that one time when I was younger I didn’t read the fine print, but thankfully I never had to experience any of the negatives), but now I’m much more careful about them due to the fact that I know there may be consequences.
Yes, some companies are great at sharing what the consequences may be, but I know that there are some companies that don’t make everything so obvious.
Below are some of the many things you should think about when it comes to 0% financing offers.
You may still have to pay interest.
The biggest catch of a 0% financing offer is that you may end up having to pay interest still. And, if you do, the amount may be significant.
If you don’t pay your monthly bill on time, you may have to start paying interest immediately, plus pay interest for all of the previous months or years as well. This is because you have basically voided the 0% financing contract and you will revert to their normal terms, which may be an interest rate of 25% or more.
This applies even if you are on your very last payment for the financing offer!
You may accidentally miss a payment.
Even if you just accidentally miss a payment (such as if you had a crazy month and forgot about a bill), then you may still have a problem. You may have great credit, a great savings rate, and more.
However, mistakes happen.
This mistake could cost you a great deal of money if you forget to make a payment on a loan that you are receiving a 0% interest rate on. So, even if you make all of the payments except for the very last one, you will be charged interest for the life of the loan, which may be thousands of dollars.
Related: How I Manage My Finances So I Can Save Time and Worry Less
You may spend more because you aren’t paying for the item upfront.
There’s a reason why retailers and companies often provide these great offers.
One of the main reasons is that by offering a monthly payment option, the average person is likely to spend more money at a company. Things can seem more affordable and attainable to the human mind when it’s broken up into a much smaller monthly payment.
Before you decide to sign up for a 0% financing offer, you should make sure that you can actually afford the payment and the whole cost. Remember, just because you think you can afford the monthly payment now, things may change in the future and you may be stuck paying for all of the interest charges as well.
Your credit may be damaged.
The last negative for 0% financing offers is that you may harm your credit. Your credit score may be damaged and you will be increasing your credit utilization rate.
If you plan on using your credit in the future for something big such as a new home, you may want to turn down the 0% financing offer because you may actually hurt your chance at a good interest rate on a mortgage.
Related: These 4 Mistakes May Be Holding You Back From A Good Credit Score
There are ways to take advantage of these offers.
Like I said above, I have taken advantage of several 0% financing offers. There are ways to be smart and make the purchase you are about to make worth it.
Here are my tips:
Mark the monthly payment date on your calendar. Whether you put it in your phone as a reminder or if you mark your kitchen calendar each month, this is a great idea so that you do not accidentally forget to make a payment.
Be careful about what you can actually afford. Just because whatever you are buying is on a monthly payment plan, it doesn’t mean that you should rack up tons of debt. Still be realistic about what you can afford.
Have you ever taken advantage of a 0% financing offer? Why or why not?