Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville offers a mix of Southern charm, outdoor adventures, and a dynamic cultural scene. With its exciting downtown, complete with a stunning waterfall park right in the heart of the city, Greenville offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. From biking on the Swamp Rabbit Trail to exploring the arts at the Greenville County Museum of Art, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. This has many people wondering, “Should I move to Greenville?” Join us as we explore the pros and cons of living in Greenville to help you deicide if this enchanting city is the right place for you. Let’s go.
Greenville at a Glance
Walk Score: 43 | Bike Score: 39 | Transit Score: 19
Median Sale Price: $435,000 | Average Rent for 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,300
Greenville neighborhoods | Houses for rent in Greenville | Apartments for rent in Greenville | Homes for sale in Greenville
Pro: Thriving downtown area
Greenville’s downtown is a hub of activity, characterized by vibrant streetscapes, diverse culinary scene, and cultural attractions. Main Street in downtown Greenville is lined with charming boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, providing residents with endless opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Additionally, the Peace Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of live performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and dance performances. The bustling downtown area also hosts community events and festivals throughout the year, further enhancing the appeal of Greenville’s urban core.
Con: Hot and humid summers
Summers in Greenville can be oppressively hot and humid. Temperatures often soar, making outdoor activities less enjoyable during these months. Additionally, the high humidity levels can lead to an increase in mold and mildew, which requires homeowners to take extra care in maintaining their properties. The combination of heat and humidity can make air conditioning a necessity rather than a luxury for some residents, especially for those not accustomed to such conditions.
Pro: Access to outdoor activities
The city’s location offers easy access to outdoor activities. The nearby Blue Ridge Mountains provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping. Meanwhile, lakes and rivers in the area offer boating, fishing, and water sports. Additionally, locals have access to Falls Park on the Reedy – a natural oasis in the heart of the city. The park features the stunning Liberty Bridge, which offers views of the waterfalls. It’s a perfect spot for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities. The park’s beauty and accessibility make it a cherished spot among residents.
Con: High pollen count
Spring in Greenville brings a high pollen count, which can affect those with allergies. The abundance of trees and green spaces, while beautiful, can make this season uncomfortable for sufferers. It’s a significant consideration for people moving to the area or those spending a lot of time outdoors.
Pro: Exciting culinary scene
Greenville’s culinary scene is diverse and thriving, with an emphasis on farm-to-table dining. Restaurants offer a variety of cuisines, from traditional Southern to international flavors. Local favorites include Soby’s New South Cuisine, which serves Southern-inspired dishes, and the food trucks at Gather GVL, an outdoor food court. The annual Euphoria festival further showcases the city’s food culture, drawing chefs and foodies from across the country.
Con: Limited public transportation options
With a Transit Score of 19, many locals find Greenville’s public transportation system limited. The bus service has restricted routes and schedules which can be inconvenient and challenging for those without a car. This limitation affects daily commutes and accessibility to certain parts of the city, highlighting a need for improved transportation options.
Pro: Affordable cost of living
One of the standout advantages is Greenville’s cost of living, which is approximately 9% lower than the national average. This affordability is evident across various expenses, including housing, groceries, utilities, and healthcare. The overall lower cost of living in Greenville means that residents can enjoy a higher quality of life without the financial stress often associated with larger metropolitan areas. This financial advantage allows for more disposable income to be spent on other things like leisure activities, savings, or investments.
Con: Limited nightlife options
While Greenville offers a variety of dining and cultural options, its nightlife scene is relatively subdued compared to larger cities. There are a few bars and clubs, but the city lacks a vibrant late-night culture. This can be a drawback for those looking for an active nightlife.
Pro: Flourishing arts scene
The city boasts a lively arts scene. Art galleries and studios dot the West Greenville area, showcasing local talent. Greenville’s commitment to the arts is evident in its public sculptures and murals, enriching the city’s cultural landscape. Art enthusiasts also appreciate the Greenville County Museum of Art, which features an impressive collection of American art, particularly Southern art. Additionally, the city supports local artists with numerous galleries and events like First Fridays, where art galleries open their doors to the public.
Con: Noise pollution
As the city grows, so does the level of noise pollution. Downtown areas and neighborhoods near major roads can be particularly noisy. This can affect the quality of life for some residents, especially those seeking a quieter living environment.
Greenville is known for its strong sense of community, with events that cater to all interests. The Fall for Greenville festival is a popular event featuring local food, music, and entertainment. Other notable events include Artisphere, an arts and culture festival, and the weekly TD Saturday Market, which offers fresh produce and local goods.
Jenna is a Midwest native who enjoys writing about home improvement projects and local insights. When she’s not working, you can find her cooking, crocheting, or backpacking with her fiancé.
Do you want to find ways to get free Walmart gift cards? Yes, you can get free Walmart gift cards and make some extra money for this popular store. Walmart gift cards are a convenient way to handle your shopping budget, give gifts, or treat yourself. You might be surprised to learn that there are…
Do you want to find ways to get free Walmart gift cards?
Yes, you can get free Walmart gift cards and make some extra money for this popular store.
Walmart gift cards are a convenient way to handle your shopping budget, give gifts, or treat yourself. You might be surprised to learn that there are ways to get these gift cards without paying for them. By joining rewards programs, taking surveys, or using trade-in services, you can earn points that can be redeemed for free gift cards to Walmart.
Before you think this isn’t real, let me tell you – I’ve earned over 110 free gift cards myself. It feels great to use a free gift card to get something I want.
How To Get Free Walmart Gift Cards
Here is a quick list of places to get free Walmart gift cards to get started with:
Below is more information on each method to get free Walmart gift cards.
This is a screenshot I took a couple of years ago of the free gift cards that I’ve earned from Swagbucks as proof. As you can see, it says I’ve earned 109 gift cards over the years! I mainly redeem for free Walmart gift cards, but you can do Starbucks just as easily too.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a great website to start with if you want to earn free gift cards to places like Walmart.
On Swagbucks, you can earn points (called “SB”) by doing tasks like answering surveys, playing games (like Candy Crush!), downloading apps, searching something on their search engine, and watching videos. Just sign up, fill out your profile, and start earning points to redeem for a free Walmart eGift Card code.
I’ve been using Swagbucks for years, and during that time, I’ve earned over 110 free gift cards myself. Earning points is easy, and the website is very user-friendly.
You can redeem your points for anywhere from a free $5 Walmart gift card to $500 at a time on Swagbucks.
Sign up for Swagbucks here and receive a $10 bonus.
2. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is an app for your phone (which I personally use at least once a week!) where you earn points by scanning receipts from grocery stores (any grocery store!). You can use these points to redeem Walmart gift cards.
You get points for every receipt no matter what, but you can earn more points if you buy specific items that they feature in their app. These include points for General Mills products (such as cereal), points for Tostitos chips, points for dog treats, and more.
Personally, I don’t really keep track of what I can earn extra points with – I just shop like I normally do and scan each and every receipt.
Fetch Rewards is one of my favorite ways to earn free gift cards as I don’t have to do much to get points. I just shop how I normally do, scan my receipt with my phone (I am literally just taking a picture of my receipt), and then I get points. You get points for every single grocery receipt too.
Sign up for Fetch Rewards here.
3. Sign up for the Walmart Rewards program
Walmart Cash is a rewards program for Walmart customers. You earn Walmart Cash by claiming offers on Walmart.com or in the Walmart app. Then, you can use your Walmart Cash for future purchases in-store or online.
Here’s an example of how it works:
If you want to use Walmart Cash in store:
Step 1 – Open your Walmart app and log in.
Step 2 – At the register, use the app to scan the QR code displayed there.
Step 3 – Choose “Use Walmart Cash” to turn your balance into a Walmart eGift Card and use it to reduce your bill.
It’s easy to use, but surprisingly, many people do not know about this rewards program.
4. Upside
Upside is an app that will help you get cash back for your fuel purchases (yes, from when you go to the gas station!). With Upside, you can get around $150 per year in estimated cash back.
Plus, the first time you use the app, you can get a higher amount of cash back in order to get you used to the platform. For my first time using this app, I was able to get $0.74 back per gallon. I bought 12.62 gallons, which means I saved $9.33 all by just using this app for the first time.
Not all gas stations are included in the Upside app, but you can earn rewards by choosing from the listed stations within the app. There are several gas stations that qualify near me, so I’m sure there are some that you go to as well.
This app does require you to select the gas station in the Upside app before you actually pump the fuel into your car, so this is an important step.
Then, you earn rewards that can be redeemed for free Walmart gift cards.
You can sign up for Upside here.
5. American Consumer Opinion
American Consumer Opinion is a company that pays people to share their opinions through surveys.
It’s free to join American Consumer Opinion, and surveys usually pay around $1 to $5 each. Once you reach a certain amount, you can redeem your earnings for free Walmart gift cards (or other rewards like PayPal cash).
Click here to join American Consumer Opinion.
6. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a popular website where you can earn free Walmart gift cards by taking surveys online in your spare time. Answering three surveys a day on Survey Junkie can get you about $40 worth of Walmart gift cards each month.
Please click here to sign up for Survey Junkie.
7. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys lets you earn points by answering questions in surveys. You can use these points to get free Walmart gift cards. Surveys take 5 to 15 minutes and pay between $0.50 and $5.00 each.
Click here to join Branded Surveys.
8. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel is a website where you earn points by doing tasks like surveys and watching videos. You can use these points to get free Walmart gift cards.
I logged in last week and I had enough points for around $150 in free gift cards. I redeemed them all at once, and it is definitely some nice extra spending money!
Click here to sign up for PrizeRebel.
9. PayPal Honey
PayPal Honey is a free browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes and promo codes when you shop online. By using it, you earn points that can be redeemed for extra money.
Here’s how it works:
Shop online as you normally would.
At checkout, Honey will find and apply the best coupon codes for you.
Sign up for PayPal Honey by clicking here.
10. Ibotta
Ibotta is an app that gives you cash back for shopping, such as at grocery stores. After you shop, simply upload your receipts to earn cash back that you can use for free Walmart gift cards.
Here’s a quick summary of how you use Ibotta:
Download the Ibotta app.
Check to see what the available offers are before you go to the grocery store (such as Honey Nut Cheerios or oranges).
Take a picture of your grocery receipt using your phone with the Ibotta app.
Some of the offers I see when in the app, so that you can get a better idea, include:
$1.00 cash back for buying General Mills cereal (such as Honey Nut Cheerios)
$0.50 cash back for buying mandarin oranges
$1.00 cash back for buying Starbucks Cold Brew
$5.00 cash back for buying Colgate toothbrushes
And so much more.
You need at least $20 in earnings for a free Walmart gift card. You can also redeem your points for many other gift cards, as well as PayPal cash or even a deposit straight to your bank account.
You may be wondering how Fetch Rewards and Ibotta differ. They are very similar and I use both. For me, I use Fetch Rewards and Ibotta at the same time for the same receipts. It’s a way to get even more points for doing something very similar.
You can join Ibotta here.
11. Rakuten
Rakuten lets you earn cash back on purchases from over 3,500 stores, such as Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Sephora, Old Navy, Chewy, Nike, and more.
When you buy something, you get a percentage of your purchase back in cash. You can receive your earnings through check or PayPal once a quarter.
While Rakuten doesn’t directly provide free Walmart gift cards, you can use the cash you earn from Rakuten for shopping at other stores like Walmart.
You can sign up for Rakuten for free here.
12. Find Walmart gift card giveaways
If you’re looking to get free Walmart gift cards, entering sweepstakes and giveaways can be a fun way to give it a shot.
To earn free Walmart gift cards through giveaways, you can:
Follow brands on social media like Instagram. Many companies host giveaways where you can win gift cards. Keep an eye out for their posts or stories announcing these giveaways.
Search hashtags like #freewalmart, #giveaway, #giveawayalert, #contest, and #freebie on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to find Walmart gift card giveaways.
Subscribe to online sweepstakes websites that list current giveaways to find opportunities to win Walmart gift cards.
Now, of course, entering giveaways isn’t a guaranteed way to get free Walmart gift card codes, but it doesn’t take a lot of time. I have personally entered giveaways through all of these methods (I used to spend probably an hour a week entering giveaways, haha!), and I have actually won quite a few things from free gift cards to cash, household goods, and more.
13. Prime Opinion
Prime Opinion is a survey website where you can earn money by sharing your opinions from home. They have many, many available surveys to complete, so there is a good chance that you can earn enough for regular free Walmart gift cards.
You need $5 in your account to redeem your points for Walmart gift codes on Prime Opinion.
Please click here to join Prime Opinion and get up to a $5 free bonus.
14. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a rewards site where you earn points by answering online surveys, playing games, signing up for their shopping offers, and more. Then, you can use your points to get free Walmart gift cards.
You can join InboxDollars and get a free $5 sign-up bonus.
15. Walmart’s trade-in program
Walmart’s trade-in program is for you if you have electronics that you no longer need. You simply go to the Walmart trade-in website and select the type of device you have from options like phones, tablets, game consoles, and more.
Then, just answer some questions about your item’s condition and specifications.
After that, you will see an offer for your item. If you agree with the offer, then you’ll get a Walmart eGift Card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to get free Walmart gift cards.
How can I get a Walmart gift card without paying?
You can get free Walmart gift cards without paying by answering surveys, trading in your old electronics, joining the Walmart rewards program, and getting cash back at places like the gas station.
How do I know if a Walmart gift card promotion is real?
To verify if a Walmart gift card promotion is legitimate, you can always check the official Walmart website, contact their customer service directly, or search on the FTC’s website to see if anything pops up.
If it’s an app that you are wanting to sign up for, you can look for their reviews, such as on Trustpilot to see what real people like you and me think about the app. There are scams out there, so you will want to stay safe and prevent fraud from happening to you. If something sounds too good to be true, then it may be best to just skip it!
Can you really get a Walmart gift card worth $100 or more for free?
Yes, there are ways to get a free $100 Walmart gift card. Many of the sites and apps above can allow you to earn enough points to get free Walmart gift card codes. For me, I actually just redeemed $150 in free digital gift card codes at once, so I know that it is a real thing. I like to save my points up so that I have a large amount in gift cards to redeem at once, and then I can put it toward a larger purchase.
Can I use Walmart gift cards at Sam’s Club?
Yes, Walmart eGift Cards can be used at Walmart.com and in Walmart stores. Sam’s Club members can also use them in-store or at Samsclub.com.
Best Ways To Get Free Walmart Gift Cards
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get free Walmart gift cards.
There are many ways to earn free Walmart gift cards, as discussed above. From answering online surveys to uploading photos of your grocery receipts and using cash back sites, you can save money at Walmart by earning and using Walmart gift cards.
Plus, the gift cards can be used at both local Walmart stores and online, so you can get what you need and when you need it.
Walmart has low prices, but now you can save even more money.
Today’s average mortgage rates on May. 15, 2024, compared with one week ago. We use rate data collected by Bankrate as reported by lenders across the US.
Mortgage refinance rates change every day. Experts recommend shopping around to make sure you’re getting the lowest rate. By entering your information below, you can get a custom quote from one of CNET’s partner lenders.
About these rates: Like CNET, Bankrate is owned by Red Ventures. This tool features partner rates from lenders that you can use when comparing multiple mortgage rates.
Current refinance rate trends
A vast majority of US homeowners already have mortgages with a rate below 6%. Because mortgage refinance rates have been averaging above 6.5% over the past several months, households are choosing to hold on to their existing mortgages instead of swapping them out with a new home loan.
If rates fell to 6%, at least a third of borrowers who took out mortgages in 2023 could reduce their rate by a full percentage point through a refinance, according to BlackKnight.
Refinancing in today’s market could make sense if you have a rate above 8%, said Logan Mohtashami, lead analyst at HousingWire. “However, with all refinancing options, it’s a personal financial choice because of the cost that goes with the loan process,” he said.
Where will refinance rates end up in 2024?
Mortgage rates have been sky-high over the last two years, largely as a result of the Federal Reserve’s aggressive attempt to tame inflation by spiking interest rates. Experts say that decelerating inflation and the Fed’s projected interest rate cuts should help stabilize mortgage interest rates by the end of 2024. But the timing of Fed cuts will depend on incoming economic data and the response of the market.
For homeowners looking to refinance, remember that you can’t time the economy: Interest rates fluctuate on an hourly, daily and weekly basis, and are influenced by an array of factors. Your best move is to keep an eye on day-to-day rate changes and have a game plan on how to capitalize on a big enough percentage drop, said Matt Graham of Mortgage News Daily.
What to know about refinancing
When you refinance your mortgage, you take out another home loan that pays off your initial mortgage. With a traditional refinance, your new home loan will have a different term and/or interest rate. With a cash-out refinance, you’ll tap into your equity with a new loan that’s bigger than your existing mortgage balance, allowing you to pocket the difference in cash.
Refinancing can be a great financial move if you score a low rate or can pay off your home loan in less time, but consider whether it’s the right choice for you. Reducing your interest rate by 1% or more is an incentive to refinance, allowing you to cut your monthly payment significantly.
Choosing the right refinance type and term
The rates advertised online often require specific conditions for eligibility. Your personal interest rate will be influenced by market conditions as well as your specific credit history, financial profile and application. Having a high credit score, a low credit utilization ratio and a history of consistent and on-time payments will generally help you get the best interest rates.
30-year fixed-rate refinance
The average 30-year fixed refinance rate right now is 7.22%, a decrease of 9 basis points compared to one week ago. (A basis point is equivalent to 0.01%.) A 30-year fixed refinance will typically have lower monthly payments than a 15-year or 10-year refinance, but it will take you longer to pay off and typically cost you more in interest over the long term.
15-year fixed-rate refinance
The average 15-year fixed refinance rate right now is 6.80%, a decrease of 3 basis points from what we saw the previous week. Though a 15-year fixed refinance will most likely raise your monthly payment compared to a 30-year loan, you’ll save more money over time because you’re paying off your loan quicker. Also, 15-year refinance rates are typically lower than 30-year refinance rates, which will help you save more in the long run.
10-year fixed-rate refinance
The average 10-year fixed refinance rate right now is 6.80%, a decrease of 7 basis points compared to one week ago. A 10-year refinance typically has the lowest interest rate but the highest monthly payment of all refinance terms. A 10-year refinance can help you pay off your house much quicker and save on interest, but make sure you can afford the steeper monthly payment.
To get the best refinance rates, make your application as strong as possible by getting your finances in order, using credit responsibly and monitoring your credit regularly. And don’t forget to speak with multiple lenders and shop around.
Reasons you might refinance your home
Homeowners usually refinance to save money, but there are other reasons to do so. Here are the most common reasons homeowners refinance:
To get a lower interest rate: If you can secure a rate that’s at least 1% lower than the one on your current mortgage, it could make sense to refinance.
To switch the type of mortgage: If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage and want greater security, you could refinance to a fixed-rate mortgage.
To eliminate mortgage insurance: If you have an FHA loan that requires mortgage insurance, you can refinance to a conventional loan once you have 20% equity.
To change the length of a loan term: Refinancing to a longer loan term could lower your monthly payment. Refinancing to a shorter term will save you interest in the long run.
To tap into your equity through a cash-out refinance: If you replace your mortgage with a larger loan, you can receive the difference in cash to cover a large expense.
To take someone off the mortgage: In case of divorce, you can apply for a new home loan in just your name and use the funds to pay off your existing mortgage.
If you trust us with anything, let it be the fact that a simple bouquet (fresh or faux) has the ability to brighten any room. This acrylic vase will perfectly accentuate your florals and is the coolest addition to any desk or shelf.
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2
this squiggly tray
BIGPIPI Ceramic Jewelry Tray Dish
If your desk is littered with earrings, hair ties, and any other miscellaneous items (relatable), then this tray = the answer to all your problems. It also comes in other bold colorways like red and metallic silver.
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3
this vase duo
puthiac White Ceramic Vase
Now 21% Off
A circular vase is an unfailing decor piece, and these two are super cool (and super affordable). Your fave stems or feathers will look v cute sitting in these.
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4
this sleek lamp
ONEWISH Touch Bedside Table Lamp
Some added light is always a good idea, and this touch-activated lamp is the perf way to incorporate some extra brightness into your space—no switches or buttons needed!
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5
this candlestick holder trio
Vixdonos Pink Candlestick Holders
Eclectic candlesticks are all the rage, and your dining room/dinner parties/overall vibe would be extra fab with these glass ones displaying your fav candles. Plus, they basically come in every colorway imaginable.
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6
this elegant tray
Hanobe Decorative Serving Tray
Now 23% Off
All your new decor is gonna need a place to sit, so how about this circular tray? IMO, it would be the ideal finishing touch for your vases, candles, and whatever else your heart desires.
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7
this asymmetrical mirror
TRAHOME Wall Mirror
Why settle for a plain ole mirror when you can see your beautiful reflection in this funky one?!
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8
this throw blanket
CozeCube Checkered Blanket
Calling all maximalists! Anything checkered is a furnishing go-to, and I love this throw blanket for all the cozy vibes.
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9
this mosaic vase
COVEGE Pink Vase
Okay, is this not the prettiest vase you’ve ever laid eyes on?! It literally embodies all the ~spring has sprung~ vibes, and the mosaic tiles are to die for.
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10
this cloud-like comforter
Lush Decor Reyna Ruffle Comforter Set
Your bed def deserves an upgrade, and this ruffled blanket set would add a lil feminine flare to any bedroom. Because who wouldn’t wanna fall asleep in a fluffy white cloud every night!?
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11
these rounded shelves
VASAGLE Corner Shelf Wall Mount
Unsure what to do with your empty corner? This meandering shelf unit would look amazing filled with all your fave candles, pictures, and such.
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12
this pink lamp
Simple Designs Shades of Pink Ceramic Lamp
Now 25% Off
If you feel like your room is lacking something, it just might be this anything-but-basic lamp.
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13
this wooden table
Bamworld Rattan Side Table
Need some extra space for your food, drinks, and even a magazine or two!? This side table combines a sleek glass design with rattan for a modern twist on the wooden aesthetic.
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14
these adorable bowls
Batitie Colorful Ceramic Bowls
Because who wouldn’t want to eat snacks or salads out of these precious floral bowls?!
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15
these beaded coasters
Folkulture Boho Coasters
If you’re the type of person who constantly needs a bev in hand (same here) then these cute beaded coasters are a must-have for your surfaces.
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16
these colorful glasses
Bella Vino Colored Wine Glasses
Now 38% Off
Need a wine glass upgrade? The answer is always yes. These oversized ones would look so good housing your fave wines or spritzes.
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17
this bougie bar cart
PAUKIN Gold Bar Cart
This isn’t just your basic bar cart. It boasts racks for your glasses, a sleek marble design, and the round shelf even has a 360-rotating design for easy access to your bottles and such. Say no more.
Like your grandma’s needlepoints, but make them super funny and *slightly* offensive.
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19
these floating shelves
Kazai Wall Shelves
Give your walls a major leg up with these wood shelves. Plus, they can hold up to 22 pounds of stuff!
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20
these wool coasters
Woolygon Square Felt Ball Coasters
These funky coasters are exactly what your coffee table/bar cart/glass of wine needs. Plus, they come in a bunch of different colorways, so you’re sure to find one that matches your ~aesthetic~.
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers all the best things you can add to your cart. She loves writing about everything from fashion to politics, and you can definitely find her listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on loop while doing so. She’s also probably in bed either reading or endlessly scrolling through TikTok (most likely the latter). Feel free to follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Fannie Mae says home prices could drop as inventory builds and if borrowing rates stay higher for longer. (iStock)
There’s no relief in sight for high borrowing costs as interest rate cuts are pushed further into the distance. Still, a surge in housing inventory could give buyers more options, Fannie Mae said in a report.
Mortgage rates have ticked above 7% in recent weeks and that, combined with high home prices, has rendered housing unaffordable for many. Fannie Mae is still forecasting for mortgage rates to decrease later this year to 6.6%, but borrowing costs will only drop meaningfully once the Fed dials back interest rates. That won’t come until the central bank is confident that inflation will reach a 2% target rate.
The inflation data registered this year has been higher than the Fed expected. The latest reading of the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, excluding food and energy prices—a key metric the Federal Reserve tracks to measure inflation—increased by 3.7% after rising to 2% in the fourth quarter, raising concerns that inflation may be headed in the wrong direction. Fannie Mae has readjusted its expectations on inflation and now expects the Consumer Price Index to end 2024 at a 3.1% annual rate, compared to the previously projected 2.5%.
“While we still expect economic growth and inflation to moderate going forward – and, thus, for mortgage rates to drift downward – interest rates existing in a ‘higher for longer’ state seems to be an increasingly real possibility in the eyes of market participants, as well as some homebuyers and sellers,” Fannie Mae Vice President, Economic and Strategic Research Hamilton Fout said. “While we’ve recently seen evidence that some potential home sellers are becoming more acclimated to the higher mortgage rate environment and putting their homes on the market, the recent move upward in rates is yet another headwind to the recovery of home sales, and it intensifies long-standing affordability challenges for consumers.”
The silver lining for the housing market is that supply is expected to build as home sales lag, which “should help gradually thaw housing inventory and contribute to decelerating home price growth,” Fannie Mae said.
Homebuyers can find the best mortgage rate by shopping around and comparing your options. You can visit an online marketplace like Credible to compare rates, choose your loan term and get preapproved with multiple lenders at once.
SOCIAL SECURITY: COLA INCREASING BUT MEDICARE COSTS RISING TOO IN 2024
Home prices forecasted to keep rising
Fannie Mae has readjusted its home price projection and forecasts upwards, but there are signs that gains are slowing. Home prices are forecasted to increase 4.8% annually in 2024 and 1.5% in 2025.
Home prices are now 6.4% above their level this time last year, up from the 6% increase registered in January, according to the latest S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller national home price index report. Across the nation, home prices increased 0.6% month-over-month after dipping the previous month. This annual and monthly growth in home prices comes as homebuyers struggle with affordability issues caused by high mortgage rates and a lack of housing supply.
“Home price growth pivoted in February, as the impact of the January 2023 Home Price Index bottom finally faded,” CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp said in a statement. “As a result, the U.S. should begin to see slowing annual home price gains moving forward.”
If you’re looking to become a homeowner, you could still find the best mortgage rates by shopping around. Visit Credible to compare your options without affecting your credit score.
MILLENNIALS ARE DESPERATE TO BUY A HOME, MOST WILLING TO PAY A MORTGAGE RATE ABOVE 7%: SURVEY
Here’s how much homebuyers need to earn
Homebuyers need to earn more today to afford a home. Based on the current interest rate of 7.22% over a 30-year mortgage, buyers today would need to earn an annual income of roughly $120,000, plus a 10% down payment, to afford a home, according to the Clever Real Estate report. However, the average American household earns about $45,000 less than that, and most first-time buyers can’t afford a 10% down payment.
Based on the median annual salary and a 10% down payment, most first-time buyers can afford a home priced at about $207,529 — 38% less than the current median-priced home. Increasing the down payment to 20% lowers the salary threshold to $98,202, but saving that amount could take years, the Clever report said.
Moreover, higher mortgage rates and home prices mean that 20% of Americans spend roughly 30% of their paychecks on monthly home loan payments, and 10% spend more than half of their pay, according to a recent NewHomesMates.com survey. Homeownership is considered affordable if households spend at most 28% of their monthly income on housing costs. The survey said those ready to take the plunge have had to sink a larger portion of their paychecks into mortgage payments and make significant cuts to everyday spending.
If you’re considering becoming a homeowner, it could help to shop around to find the best mortgage rate. Visit Credible to compare options from different lenders and choose the one with the best rate for you.
THIS IS THE #1 CITY FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS, AND OTHER HOT US HOUSING MARKETS
Have a finance-related question, but don’t know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at [email protected] and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.
PIERCETON – The Pierceton Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting for Kelly Jo’s, 105 N. First St., Pierceton, on Thursday. Kelly Jo Jost, who owns Kelly Jo’s with husband David, said Kelly Jo’s started about two years ago. The business started at The Shops at the Sanctuary in Columbia City. The business moved to the Pierceton location in August. Kelly Jo’s offers home furnishings, bath items, rugs, candles and home decor. Kelly Jo said she’s always loved flipping furniture, so it’s been a passion of hers and owning her own business has always been a dream of hers. David said Kelly Jo has been in retail her whole life and got into consignment work out of the house and that led to everything else. Kelly Jo said she couldn’t do it without God, David, her children and her friends. David said they used to come to Pierceton a lot to do shopping and fell in love with Beyond The Barn, which was housed in the store Kelly Jo’s is now at. The owner sold the business and it was at the same time David was retiring and “it just worked out.” David said the couple have fallen in love with Pierceton, the people and the businesses, “it’s just a good vibe.” They hope to integrate into the community and be a positive part of it. Hours of business are Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Do you want to learn how to get free PayPal money? Yes, there are actually many ways to get cash straight in your own PayPal account. Receiving PayPal cash for the extra income you make is great because PayPal cash can be used for almost all online shopping. If you want to increase your budget…
Do you want to learn how to get free PayPal money?
Yes, there are actually many ways to get cash straight in your own PayPal account.
Receiving PayPal cash for the extra income you make is great because PayPal cash can be used for almost all online shopping.
If you want to increase your budget without working extra hours, earning free PayPal money could be the solution. Many legitimate platforms offer tasks like surveys, watching videos, or trying new apps in exchange for cash directly deposited into your PayPal account.
I have personally used many of the apps below on a regular basis and have earned a lot of free PayPal money over the years.
Recommended reading: How To Get $20 PayPal Now
How To Get Free PayPal Money
Here are some places where you can start earning free PayPal money:
Below is more detailed information about each method for getting free PayPal cash in your PayPal account.
Here’s a screenshot of how you can redeem your points for free PayPal money on Swagbucks.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a well-known rewards website that gives you PayPal cash as a reward. It has been downloaded over 5 million times and has paid out over $500 million in rewards.
On Swagbucks, you can earn points called “SB” by answering surveys, getting cash back when you shop through their platform, and watching short videos.
With the points you earn on Swagbucks, you can put money directly into your PayPal account. You can redeem your points starting at $5 (this is 500 points) all the way up to $250 (25,000 points).
I began using Swagbucks about 10 years ago, and since then, I’ve earned over 110 free gift cards for myself, including a lot of PayPal cash. I don’t spend a lot of time on it – just every now and then.
Sign up for Swagbucks here and get up to a free $10 bonus.
2. User Interviews
User Interviews is a company that pays for online studies. These are more in depth than paid online surveys, and you can earn around $50 to $100 per hour or more for sharing your opinions and feedback.
They launch over 2,000 studies monthly, and they have paid over 85,000 people in the last year.
These are typically completed over the phone or in a video call where an interviewer is asking you questions.
The average study pays over $60. When you participate in User Interviews, you can receive payments in various forms such as cash, a check, PayPal, Amazon gift cards, Visa gift cards, and more.
You can click here to sign up for User Interviews.
Recommended reading: User Interviews Review – Make $50 To $100 An Hour Sharing Your Opinion
3. KashKick
KashKick is a rewards platform where you can get rewards for doing things like answering questions and playing games online. You can then turn these rewards into free PayPal money.
They have games like Monopoly GO, Yahtzee, Bingo Blitz, Scrabble Go, and others where you can earn $100 or more per game.
You need just $10 to cash out.
Sign up for KashKick here.
4. Ibotta
Ibotta is an app that gives you money back when you buy groceries. Just upload your receipts after you shop to earn cash that you can use as free PayPal cash.
Here’s how Ibotta works:
Browse offers – Check the Ibotta app to see what cash back offers are available before you go shopping (like for granola bars or toothpaste).
Shop in store – Go to the store and make your purchases.
Upload your receipt – Take a picture of your grocery receipt using the Ibotta app on your phone to earn cash back.
Some examples of the cash back you might be able to earn include: $0.50 cash back for buying body wash, $3.00 cash back for buying laundry detergent, and $1.00 cash back for buying cereal.
You need $20.00 to cash out to PayPal in the Ibotta app.
You can join Ibotta here.
5. Upside
Upside is an app that gives you cash back when you buy gas at certain gas stations. You can earn about $150 per year in cash back. Not all gas stations nearby are part of the app, but many are, so you’ll likely find some that qualify near you.
When you use the app for the first time, you can get a higher cash back amount to help you get familiar with it. In my first experience with the app, I received $0.74 back per gallon. I bought 12.62 gallons of gas and saved $9.33 just by using the app for the first time. It’s super easy and was a no-brainer to use.
Getting cash back on your gas is nice, especially with how expensive gas is these days!
To complete a PayPal cash-out on Upside, you need just $1.00 in your account.
You can sign up for Upside here.
6. Sell your old phones on Decluttr
Decluttr is a website where you can sell your old phones, CDs, DVDs, books, video game consoles, and more. It’s one of the most popular places to buy and sell electronics and tech items because they pay well and quickly.
Here’s how Decluttr works:
Open the Decluttr app and get a free valuation for the items you want to sell. It takes just a few moments to see what your item is worth.
Tell them the make, model, and condition of what you are selling. If you’re selling DVDs, CDs, or games, then you just enter your barcode or take a picture of the barcode with the Decluttr cell phone app.
If you’re satisfied with the offer for your item from Decluttr, just find a box that will keep it safe during shipping. Pack the item in the box, and Decluttr will provide a free shipping label. Simply print out the label and tape it to your box to send it off.
Finally, once Decluttr receives and checks your item, you’ll get paid the next day through direct deposit to your bank account or PayPal.
You can check out Decluttr here.
7. American Consumer Opinion
American Consumer Opinion is a site where you can take online surveys and earn points.
Their surveys pay around $1 to $5 each and once you earn enough points, you can redeem them for free PayPal money.
You need at least 1,000 points before you can withdraw and get free PayPal cash.
Click here to join American Consumer Opinion.
8. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a paid online survey site where you can earn free PayPal cash for answering paid online surveys.
You can earn around $40 in free PayPal cash each month by completing around three short surveys each day.
You can redeem your points for free PayPal money starting at just $5 or 500 points.
Please click here to sign up for Survey Junkie.
9. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys rewards you with points for answering survey questions. Surveys typically take 5 to 15 minutes and pay between $0.50 and $5.00 each. You can redeem these points for free PayPal cash.
You might have noticed there are several survey sites listed here. Companies pay you to answer questions because they want to improve their products and advertising. By understanding more about you, they can make better decisions. The best part is that these surveys are simple to answer, and you can join as many survey sites as you like.
You can click here to join Branded Surveys for free.
10. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel is a website where you earn points by taking surveys, watching videos, and referring new members. You can redeem these points for free PayPal cash.
Just a few days ago I logged in to PrizeRebel, and I realized that I had enough points for around $150 in free PayPal cash. I redeemed them all at once, and now I have some nice extra spending money!
On PrizeRebel, you can get free $5 PayPal cash for 500 points. You can also choose any custom amount to redeem as well in PayPal cash.
Click here to sign up for PrizeRebel.
11. PayPal Honey
PayPal Honey is a free browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes for you when you shop online. By using it, you earn points that you can redeem for extra money.
You can redeem your points for cash, gift cards, or free PayPal shopping credits.
Sign up for PayPal Honey by clicking here.
12. Rakuten
Rakuten lets you earn cash back on your everyday purchases from over 3,500 stores like Target, Walmart, Lululemon, Macy’s, Lowe’s, and Best Buy. When you make a purchase, you get a percentage of your spending back in cash.
When you shop through Rakuten, you get cash back as a percentage of what you spend. For example, if a store offers 5% cash back and you spend $200 there, you’d earn $10.00 in rewards in your Rakuten account.
You can receive your earnings via a check or PayPal once every quarter.
I have received over $1,000 in PayPal cash from Rakuten over the years. It’s a no-brainer if you want to easily save money when shopping online.
You can sign up for a free account on Rakuten here.
13. Find free PayPal money giveaways
If you’re looking to earn free PayPal money, entering sweepstakes and giveaways can be a fun way to try your luck. Companies host giveaways to attract new followers and keep existing followers and customers excited about their brand.
You can find free PayPal money giveaways by searching and/or following related hashtags on social media, such as #freepaypalmoney, #giveaway, #giveawayalert, and #freebie.
You can also follow online sweepstakes websites that list current giveaways.
Entering giveaways doesn’t guarantee free PayPal cash since they’re contests, but it’s quick and easy. I used to spend about an hour a week entering giveaways and have won gift cards and cash prizes.
14. Honeygain
The Honeygain app pays you up to $30 a month to share your internet connection with companies that use it as a tower.
You’re paid based on the amount of traffic that goes through your connection, earning $1 for every 10 GB of traffic.
Please click here to sign up for the Honeygain app.
Here’s a screenshot of how you can redeem your points for free PayPal money on Prime Opinion.
15. Prime Opinion
If you want to learn how to get free money on PayPal, then Prime Opinion makes that possible with easy minimum threshold payout amounts to reach. You can get free PayPal cash starting at just 500 points, which is $5.
Prime Opinion is a survey website where you can earn money by sharing your opinions from home. They have lots of surveys available, and when I logged in recently, I had almost 50 surveys that I could take right away.
Please click here to join Prime Opinion and get up to a $5 free bonus.
16. Five Surveys
Five Surveys is a market research company that pays you to complete surveys. You just need to complete five surveys and then you can earn $5.
I signed up for Five Surveys myself to test it out for you. One thing I really like about Five Surveys is the number of available surveys. On the first day, there were 42 surveys I could start with, and more are being added all the time.
To withdraw from your Five Surveys account, just choose your preferred method. Options include PayPal cash, bank transfer, Venmo, and gift cards.
Please click here to sign up for Five Surveys.
17. Dosh
Dosh is a quick and simple app that automatically gives you cash back when you shop at certain stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, AT&T, American Eagle, and over 10,000 other companies.
Just link your debit or credit card (or even your Venmo or bank account) to the app, and everything else is handled for you. When you shop and pay with your linked card, you’ll automatically receive cash back into your Dosh account, which you can then transfer to your bank or PayPal account.
Once you accumulate $15 in your Dosh account (this is the minimum payout threshold), you can transfer it to your bank, PayPal, or Venmo. Alternatively, you can choose to donate your cash back to charity.
Recommended reading: 14 Best Apps To Scan Receipts for Money
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to get free PayPal money.
How do I get money from PayPal for free?
You can earn free money on PayPal by completing online surveys, watching videos, selling your old stuff, and getting cash back when shopping online.
How do gamers receive PayPal funds by playing online games?
Apps like KashKick will pay you in points to play their online games. The points that you earn can then be redeemed for free PayPal funds straight in your personal PayPal account. YouTubers can also get paid to play online games and stream what they are doing.
What methods are available to secure a quick $10 on PayPal?
You can quickly earn $10 on PayPal by completing tasks such as taking surveys, reading emails, or shopping online through websites like Rakuten. These sites allow you to cash out once you reach a minimum amount. You can also become a freelancer on Fiverr and get paid in PayPal cash for hard or simple tasks. This wouldn’t be free money because you would have to work for it, but it is another option.
How do I check my PayPal balance?
To check your PayPal balance, you will have to log in to your PayPal account. Right after you log in, your PayPal balance will be listed for you to easily see.
Can you get PayPal money right away?
Some platforms may pay instant payouts to your PayPal account, while others may have a processing time or a minimum threshold before you can cash out. Always check the payout terms of the website or app you’re using to understand how and when you can access your earnings. Sometimes, it may take a couple of days before it lands in your personal PayPal account.
If you really need money right away, then another option may be to ask someone that you know for help or to ask for donations.
Best Ways To Get Free PayPal Money
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get free money on PayPal.
Getting free PayPal money is great because it is just like extra cash. You can pay for your online purchases with it at almost all stores, and PayPal also has the PayPal Debit Card (so, this is kind of like getting a free PayPal gift card), so that you can buy things in-store too. Or you can also transfer it to your bank account and withdraw it just like cash.
Now, there are PayPal cash scams out there, so I do recommend that you be careful. If you are ever suspicious, do as much research as you can.
I have personally used many of the sites above and have earned well over $1,000 in free PayPal money over the years for doing things just in my spare time.
Online and mobile banking are now woven into many people’s daily lives. With just a few clicks or taps, you can check your balances, pay bills, and make other financial transactions from virtually anywhere, at any time.
Banks are not only convenient, they also implement numerous security measures to help safeguard your accounts. With hackers finding increasingly sophisticated ways to try to access your information, however, it’s also important to be aware of steps you can take on your own to keep your financial and personal details out of the hands of cyber thieves and hackers. Here’s what you need to know.
Tips on Securing Your Bank Account from Hackers
These days cyber thieves are getting increasingly savvy, even setting up fake bank websites and banking apps designed to steal your personal information — and, in turn, the contents of your checking or savings account.
There are a few simple things you can do, however, to help secure your accounts. What follows are six easy strategies that can help you stay ahead of scammers and hackers and protect your hard-earned cash. 💡 Quick Tip: Are you paying pointless bank fees? Open a checking account with no account fees and avoid monthly charges (and likely earn a higher rate, too).
Choose Trustworthy Financial Apps
Whether it’s your bank’s mobile app or any other type of financial app (like a budgeting app), be sure to only download verified apps from a trusted platform, like the App Store for iPhone or iOS users or the Google Play Store for Android users. Fraudulent activity can often occur through fake apps or those downloaded from unofficial sources.
Before downloading a third-party money management app, it’s also a good idea to look up online reviews of the providers from reliable sources, research the app’s security policies, and look for any past data breaches.
Recommended: 50/30/20 Budget Rule: What It Is and Tips On Using It
Choose Strong and Unique Passwords
It’s wise to choose a unique password for every bank account, and avoid repeating any ones you use for other online accounts, even non-financial ones. That way, if a fraudster is able to uncover your Facebook password, they won’t be able to access your savings account.
To create a secure password, try to combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. You generally want to avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdates, kids’ names, or sequential numbers. To keep the login information for all of your accounts organized, you might want to use a physical or online password manager.
Use Multi-Factor ID
Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to enable two- or multi-factor authentication. This adds another layer of security by requiring one or more forms of verification in addition to a password, such as a pin sent to your mobile device via email or SMS. If hackers are able to access your bank account login credentials, it would be difficult for them to log in without your second verification.
You may also want to take advantage of biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, if offered by your bank. Biometrics protect your account by using unique physical characteristics to verify your identity, making it harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access.
Recommended: Avoiding Mobile Deposit Scams, Fakes, and Hacks
Set Up Account Alerts
You can typically set up banking alerts via email, text, or your bank’s app to monitor unusual activity, such as large withdrawals, a profile/password update, new linked external account, or an unusual login attempt. This allows you to identify suspicious activity quickly and report any unusual or unauthorized transactions to your bank right away. You can then work with the bank to swiftly resolve the issue. 💡 Quick Tip: Help your money earn more money! Opening a bank account online often gets you higher-than-average rates.
Watch Out for Phishing Attempts
Phishing scams are ever more prevalent and sophisticated. These scams trick you into providing your personal and banking information that can then be used for fraudulent activity.
For example, you could receive an email, supposedly from your bank, saying there’s been a problem with your account and sharing a link where you are asked to login and update your information. The website you are led to could look just like your bank’s website. If you input your details, hackers will have access to your login information. A few ways to avoid online bank scams:
• If you get a communication that says it’s from your bank and asks you to click a link, don’t. Log into your banking website or app, and check messages there to see what’s going on. Or call your bank to ask if the message is legitimate.
• Hover over the email sender’s address. You may be surprised to see the message is coming from a different identity than the one it’s pretending to be. If that’s the case, don’t click on anything; mark the email as spam.
• Never download attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware designed to steal your login credentials.
Recommended: Are Online Savings Accounts Safe?
Be Wary When Using Public Wifi
The public wifi at your favorite coffee shop or local library can help you stay connected when you’re out and about, but you can’t count on it to be entirely secure. While it’s generally fine to use public wifi for browsing the web, it’s best to avoid using it for any activities that require login information, such as signing in to your bank account. The open connection could potentially give cyber thieves a chance to grab your username and password as they move between you and your bank’s website.
To make public wifi more secure, consider putting a virtual private network (VPN) app on your device. A VPN encrypts your data as it passes to and from your device and acts as a protective pathway so that your data is not visible as it passes through a network.
Recommended: What Do You Need to Open a Bank Account?
The Takeaway
Online banking is generally safe and convenient, but it’s also important to take precautions to minimize the risk of getting hacked or scammed. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of your bank account being compromised. These include using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, only downloading apps from reputable platforms, never clicking on links in communications that are (supposedly) from your bank, and never logging into your bank account using public wifi.
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 SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall. Enjoy up to 4.60% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings.
FAQ
Can hackers steal money from a bank account?
Hackers may be able to steal money from a bank account if they gain access to your account credentials. They might be able to do this by using deceptive emails and websites to trick you into revealing your bank details or exploiting vulnerabilities in a bank’s security systems to access sensitive data.
Fortunately, banks implement numerous security measures to safeguard your accounts. You can also help keep your accounts safe by using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor identification, and being wise to phishing scams.
Who pays if your bank account is hacked?
If your bank account is hacked and unauthorized transactions occur, the bank will likely reimburse the stolen funds, provided you report the incident quickly.
As soon as you see something suspicious, you’ll want to call the number on the back of your bank card and go through the fraud department’s recovery process.
Am I protected if my bank account is hacked?
Yes, you are usually protected if your bank account is hacked, as long as you let the bank know about the fraudulent transaction in a timely manner.
Generally, if you report an unauthorized bank transaction within 48 hours, your liability will be limited to no more than $50. However, if you wait months to report an incident, you might have difficulty recovering any of your lost funds.
Can someone hack your bank account with a routing number and an account number?
Having access to your routing number and account number can potentially lead to some negative outcomes, such as fraudulent payments, the creation of checks for your account, and possibly online shopping with retailers that only require bank account information.
However, a routing number and account number is typically not sufficient on its own for hackers to gain direct access to your bank account. Most banks employ multiple layers of security measures, including authentication protocols and monitoring systems, to prevent unauthorized access to customer accounts.
Photo credit: iStock/insjoy
SoFi members with direct deposit activity can earn 4.60% 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 4.60% 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 4.60% 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 10/24/2023. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
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.
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.
Our account fee policy is subject to change at any time. 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.
GRAND FORKS – Customers who wander into Flippin’ Happy Home Decor & More, located in the former location of Picks on South Washington, are often a little surprised to see all the vivid colors, said Keera Sullivan, who owns and operates the store with her husband Duane Sullivan.
They may be expecting the sort of merchandise they’re used to seeing at Picks.
Picks, which closed in December, offered merchandise that leaned toward neutral colors, such as black, white and cream, and more subdued colors – more “farm-house-y” in style, Keera said.
But Flippin’ Happy Home Decor & More offers a menagerie of products that in no way shies away from intense, bright colors. They show up in all kinds of items, including restored or repurposed furniture, hand-painted greeting cards, paintings and other artwork, pottery, candles, embroidered jean jackets, photographs, soap, stuffed animals and toys, jewelry and, of course, all manner of home decor.
In recent weeks, Keera Sullivan has noticed that customers come into the store and “they’ve realized it changed – but they’re not disappointed,” she said. “They say, this is really fun.”
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That’s exactly what she is aiming for.
“We try to make it more of a fun experience for customers,” she said.
Color is certainly a distinguishing factor in the store’s merchandise.
For example, Sullivan, who specializes in refurbishing vintage furniture, is working on a hot pink – “and I mean, really hot pink” – hutch, she said. It will be trimmed with gold accents. She plans to install a chandelier to further enhance the one-of-a-kind piece.
And the Sullivans have found that these bright-colored items appeal to customers of all ages, they said.
Since January, in the first few store openings, “we’ve had nothing but good feedback,” Keera Sullivan said. “People comment on how clean it is, how bright it is, and the variety (of merchandise).”
‘Good business decision’
The popular Picks store sold vintage, houseware, repurposed and home decor items – kind of a cross between thrift store and estate sale, the owner Kelley Palmiscno told the Herald last year.
For the Flippin’ Happy Home Decor & More store, the move – after three years at 418 N. Washington – to 1224 S. Washington in late January has been a good business decision, Keera Sullivan said.
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“Picks closing created a void in the community,” she said. “A lot of people enjoyed shopping there.” Some of the Picks vendors have joined the Sullivans’ business.
The South Washington location offered the couple about three times more space and a tried-and-true spot where customers were accustomed to finding locally-sourced, vintage and repurposed items.
“It’s a big popular space, and a busier location,” Keera Sullivan said. “Since moving, we almost tripled our sales in the first couple of months.”
In addition, she said, “Local shopping has been on the rise,” she said. “A lot of people want to support local makers.”
During the last weekend in February, the nice weather “sparked a fire in people,” Duane Sullivan said, with his wife adding, “There were so many people here, I was overwhelmed.”
The store, which features hand-made, upcycled, repurposed products, “is pretty special,” she said. “I think we’re only going to go up from here. Each week has been better than the last.”
The store is open on an intermittent basis – Wednesdays to Sundays – two or three times a month. This month, the dates are March 6-10 and 20-24. For more information, go to
www.flippinhappyhomedecor.com
or call (612) 581-2279.
Vendors like family
The Sullivans know their vendors well; they started out in December 2020 with eight vendors at their North Washington location and have grown to about 30, Keera Sullivan said.
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As part of their contract, the vendors work at the store, meeting customers, explaining their process and products, and handling sales, she said. “We like to have that face-to-face contact” between artist and customer.
“We like to put that personalization behind it,” Sullivan said, noting that customers seem to enjoy interacting with and getting to know vendors.
“People will ask, do you ever paint furniture in red? Or, do you do this in blue?” she said. “So vendors find out what customers want and what else they could be making.”
She and her husband share information about the artist and the products, if the vendor does not happen to be in the store.
One vendor, Chrissie Fisher of Grand Forks, makes crocheted stuffed animals.
“She puts so much detail” in each of her items, Sullivan said. “And, she makes sure her creations are kid-safe. … (One of my daughters) likes to eat eyes off them – and, with these, she can’t.”
The store contracts with vendors who wish to have a designated booth in the store, and with general vendors whose products are intermingled with others in a different space. The store receives a commission on each item sold. The booths are all full, but the Sullivans are always looking for vendors whose products do not duplicate items already in the store.
“We’re always looking for new and creative talent,” Sullivan said.
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But the creative people who are connected with Flippin’ Happy Home Decor & More are not just business associates, said Kristen Peterson, of Grand Forks, one of the first vendors to join the store.
“Keera has done something remarkable with this business, in bringing together the artists and vendors and also growing it to the point where it (became) necessary to move to another location to support its growth.”
Speaking for vendors, Peterson said, “She has given us a place to sell our artwork and crafts and merchandise. She also created a team that has grown to be a family. …
“We have gotten to know each other’s children and spouses,” she said. “There is a very supportive nature about the women who are vendors … If one is sick or having health problems, we try to rally and send our support or provide ears to listen.
“If someone needs advice on a project or is looking for materials or help, we are there to offer whatever is needed.”
Along with another vendor who has also been with the business since the beginning, Peterson said, “For us, it feels like a home.”
Peterson also emphasized how important it is to have a place for vendors to show and sell their products.
“There is only one major craft show in the area per year,” she said. “And I know that I, as an artist, have struggled to find venues and galleries in Grand Forks that are willing to show my work. I have a great relationship with Artwise Gallery here in town, but otherwise, it has not been easy. Keera has brought us together and given us a place where we can show our work and be ourselves. That really means a lot to us.”
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And from Sullivan’s perspective, she said, “we are pretty proud of these vendors. We actually couldn’t do this without (them). It’s really a team effort.”
By late spring, homebuying season is in full swing. And right when all the good listings start popping up, so does summer wanderlust — especially if you were cooped up all winter.
House hunting can be exhausting, especially in today’s competitive market. So if you need a vacation, are you throwing away your shot at success?
Karen Wilder, a real estate agent with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty in Charlestown, Rhode Island, doesn’t think so.
“Sometimes, it can be the best thing for your search for you to just take a little time off,” she says.
If you want to travel and house-hunt at the same time, you have to plan ahead and consider your short- and long-term goals. Here’s how to balance the homebuying process with a much-needed summer getaway.
Weigh your priorities
First, gut-check your travel plans against FOMO: the fear of missing out. In a hot market, home shoppers need to act fast when a great house gets listed. Maybe you have a truly can’t-miss trip — say, your bestie’s destination wedding or a major work conference. But if you have the option to schedule your travel later, it might be worth it to wait.
To help you decide, consider how you’d feel if “the” house came along while you were out of town. Would you regret not being there for an in-person walkthrough? Would you rather be on the beach than on the phone with your buyer’s agent?
“Everybody needs to consider their own comfort level with shopping remotely — their own sort of FOMO when it comes to going away and unplugging,” Wilder says.
The homebuying process is less familiar for first-time home buyers, who might prefer to handle things in person. In her experience, Wilder notes that seasoned real estate buyers or investors are often more comfortable with overseeing a transaction from a distance.
Find a proxy
Krystal Stearns, branch manager at Valor Home Loans in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is one of those seasoned pros. She has purchased six properties across three states without seeing any of them in person first. Digital tools like virtual walk-throughs and listing videos can help, but nothing beats a boots-on-the-ground perspective, she says.
Before you travel, ask an experienced buyer’s agent, trusted friend or family member to attend walk-throughs or open houses on your behalf. When Stearns bought her Florida vacation home sight unseen, she knew she could trust her buyer’s agent to give candid feedback on the place.
“You really need someone who is going to be honest with you, that’s going to look out for you and your family and understand your goals,” she says.
If any must-see listings arise while you’re away, your proxy can walk through the house with you in real time on a video call. They might notice things the listing photos can’t fully capture, from a breathtaking view to a troublesome odor.
“You cannot scratch and sniff online,” Wilder says.
Stay plugged in
Unless you can accommodate a complete pause on your homebuying journey, it’s wise to remain somewhat connected during your travels.
“It might not be the time to climb Mount Everest or, you know, go somewhere completely off the grid,” Wilder says.
Heading on a cruise or long flight? Buy the Wi-Fi. Going camping? Bring a portable power bank to charge your devices (and make sure its battery is full before you leave). Share your travel plans with your buyer’s agent and mortgage team so they know the best way to reach you and how quickly you’re able to respond.
If you’re under contract, your homebuying squad can explain which time-sensitive requests to expect and who will be sending them. For example, if your loan is in underwriting, you might have to submit recent bank statements or pay stubs. Following a home inspection, you’ll want to review the inspection report and negotiate any requests for repairs.
“A closing is, you know, three to four weeks,” Stearns says. “A lot happens in that time period.”
Before you reply to any urgent-sounding emails, check the sender’s address to make sure the request is legit. If something looks off, it could be a mortgage closing scam. Identity criminals can send convincing lookalike emails that attempt to steal your money or personal information.
Watch your spending
A home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, so now isn’t the time to drain your savings. Before you leave, make a travel budget and stick to it. That’ll save you the stress (or regret) of wondering if you can afford something while you’re in vacation mode.
After mortgage preapproval, lenders keep a close watch on your finances. While you’re traveling, avoid making any unexpected large purchases or opening new lines of credit (like signing up for that airline credit card offer after too many tiny bottles of wine on the plane). Doing so could affect your credit score or debt-to-income ratio, potentially putting your loan approval at risk.
Ultimately, buying a house while enjoying summer travel is possible if you plan ahead and remain reachable by phone or email. It all depends on how you prefer to spend your time.
“Life is short, so live your life as much as you possibly can,” Stearns says. “Don’t let a vacation stop you from buying a house, and don’t let buying a house stop you from going on vacation. Just know it’s going to be a little bit of extra work.”