www.dailypenny360.com
Open in
urlscan Pro
69.160.38.164
Public Scan
URL:
http://www.dailypenny360.com/2022/
Submission: On December 10 via manual from SG — Scanned from DE
Submission: On December 10 via manual from SG — Scanned from DE
Form analysis
2 forms found in the DOMGET https://www.dailypenny360.com/
<form method="get" class="dt__search-form" action="https://www.dailypenny360.com/" aria-label="search again">
<label for="dt__search-form-1">
<span class="screen-reader-text">Search for:</span>
<input type="search" id="dt__search-form-1" class="dt__search-field" placeholder="search Here" value="" name="s">
</label>
<button type="submit" class="dt__search-submit search-submit"><i class="fa fa-search" aria-hidden="true"></i></button>
</form>
GET https://www.dailypenny360.com/
<form method="get" class="dt__search-form" action="https://www.dailypenny360.com/" aria-label="search again">
<label for="dt__search-form-1">
<span class="screen-reader-text">Search for:</span>
<input type="search" id="dt__search-form-1" class="dt__search-field" placeholder="search Here" value="" name="s">
</label>
<button type="submit" class="dt__search-submit search-submit"><i class="fa fa-search" aria-hidden="true"></i></button>
</form>
Text Content
Skip to content * Home * Privacy Policy * Search for: * Search for: * Home * Privacy Policy ARCHIVES 2022 Money worries making the holidays less merry? 5 tips from a financial therapist to rein in financial anxiety 3 gift ideas for every kid on your list 4 savvy holiday spending tips for a financially strong start to 2023 3 ways women are taking control of their finances to reenergize their future 5 crazy pet accidents of 2022 and how to safeguard your pet in the New Year Top Stories Advertisement: 3 gift ideas for every kid on your list Request Ad Skip Ad Pause Ad Resume Ad Pause Rotation 3 ways women are taking control of their finances to reenergize their future 4 savvy holiday spending tips for a financially strong start to 2023 Money worries making the holidays less merry? 5 tips from a financial therapist to rein in financial anxiety 5 crazy pet accidents of 2022 and how to safeguard your pet in the New Year 3 gift ideas for every kid on your list Top Stories Advertisement: 4 savvy holiday spending tips for a financially strong start to 2023 Request Ad Skip Ad Pause Ad Resume Ad Pause Rotation * Daily Penny 3 WAYS WOMEN ARE TAKING CONTROL OF THEIR FINANCES TO REENERGIZE THEIR FUTURE (BPT) – Facing an uncertain economy, rising inflation and a potential recession on the horizon, many are stressed about their own finances, and women are especially feeling financial pressure. According to a new study by Fidelity Investments, nearly half (47%) of women say their outlook on money and economic issues has worsened over the past year. With primary stressors including inflation (71%), the rising cost of essentials (65%), and not having enough saved for emergencies (58%), women are demanding more from their money and taking control of their finances to improve their immediate future, in three key areas: spending, saving and learning. 1. Continue evaluating spending One of the first places to look when evaluating short-term finances is your spending. Many women are already scaling back on spending to make their money stretch further. Fidelity’s study found 53% of women cut back on nonessential activities and entertainment, while 39% cut back on travel and vacation expenses in the past 12 months. There’s never a better time than the present to evaluate your budget, income, and goals to see what changes you can make to make the most of your financial priorities. One quick way to cut back on costs is to review streaming services, monthly subscriptions and memberships and pause the ones you didn’t use much this year or didn’t enjoy using. 2. Saving for a rainy day fund Because most women are concerned about not having enough saved for emergencies, it’s a great idea to start or add to an emergency fund. In fact, 30% of women are already planning to start or add to their emergency funds in the next 12 months. But it can be challenging to set aside money for emergencies, especially when money is already tight. When your budget doesn’t allow much wiggle room for emergency savings, you can focus on adding extra funds into an emergency fund. For example, take any money from cash gifts, cash back from credit cards or cashback services, and your tax refund and immediately deposit them into your emergency savings account. This will help you grow your fund while maintaining your current budget. 3. Boosting financial knowledge Financial education can be a powerful tool to help you get the most out of your money and women are eager to learn how they can make their money work harder for them. More than a quarter of women surveyed want to learn more about managing debt and credit, 25% want to learn how to create and stick to a budget and 24% want to learn about savings. Many women also want to change their financial habits and mindsets to get more out of their money, especially younger women. One in four Gen Z women are interested in learning how to improve their money mindset, such as learning how to overcome spending guilt, break bad habits or improve their overall relationship with money. Developing a strong financial foundation and practicing good financial hygiene are all ways to help make your money work harder for you. Even though women want to learn, there haven’t always been resources for women to learn about money. Women want financial basics, but they also want to learn about them in an open and honest environment, and they want to learn about the unique money challenges facing women. A learning community for women, by women Reinforcing their ongoing commitment to helping women achieve financial success, Fidelity created Women Talk Money, a community made for women, by women, to help normalize money talk in an honest and open environment. Through the community, Fidelity offers live events, workshops, newsletters and educational content on everything from financial basics like learning how to save and invest, to more in-depth concepts like the financial benefits of life insurance, to career guidance, such as negotiating a pay increase. Women Talk Money also covers women-specific topics like gender pay gaps and career breaks to help women navigate the unique financial challenges facing them. And the community recently launched on both Instagram and LinkedIn, to help reach more women and meet them where they are. To start demanding more from your money and controlling your financial future, visit Fidelity’s Women Talk Money hub. * admin * Dec, Fri, 2022 * Daily Penny 3 GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERY KID ON YOUR LIST (BPT) – Selecting the perfect gift can be a challenge, no matter who is on your list. However, when it comes to kids it can be particularly challenging to think of unique gift ideas year after year. With a record year of inflation, many are rethinking how they give gifts this holiday season and beyond. According to a recent Fidelity Investments® gifting study, 42% of parents say they will spend less on their children’s gifts this holiday season due to inflation and the current economic climate. While parents claim they’ll be spending less this year, they still anticipate each child receiving an average of $996 worth of gifts collectively from themselves, family and friends. The study breaks down gifting trends from over 1,000 parents across the U.S., and when asking what gifts they think their kids will want this year the top three responses include toys & games, electronics and apparel. While 35% of parents say they’ll be more likely to prioritize non-material gifts, here are three gift ideas that will never go out of style over the years: 1. Experiences Whether it’s tickets to see their favorite musical artist or band, a day trip to a museum or amusement park, or even a promise to simply pick the next family outing — gifting an experience that allows the opportunity to continue creating memories with kids will never go out of style. 2. Education With college costs increasing each year, saving for college is top of mind for parents now more than ever. According to Fidelity’s study, 84% of parents say they’d welcome contributions to their child’s college savings account in lieu of traditional holiday gifts, and with all the benefits of a tax-advantaged account like a 529 college savings, providing a lasting and meaningful gift like a contribution to a college fund has never been easier. 3. A Donation When asking about their money wishes for their children, 1 in 4 parents wish their children would embrace charitable giving and think about others before themselves. Another gift idea could be to make a donation to a charity on their behalf, asking them to pick a toy or two to donate before opening other gifts, or even donating time together as a family and volunteering at a local food pantry or soup kitchen. Whether you have a young child, a high school senior getting ready to leave the nest, or a niece or nephew, these gifts ideas will be a hit for any child at any age. For more information on college gifting visit Fidelity.com/collegegift. For the full study results visit: https://bit.ly/3PgUEP9. * admin * Dec, Thu, 2022 * Daily Penny 4 SAVVY HOLIDAY SPENDING TIPS FOR A FINANCIALLY STRONG START TO 2023 (BPT) – By Jason Gaughan, Head of Consumer Credit Card Products at Bank of America This year, shoppers are looking for ways to stretch their dollars throughout the holiday season so they can start 2023 on strong financial footing. In fact, nearly 1 in 2 Americans (45%) intend to spend less this holiday season than last year. And, for 68% of those with reduced budgets, they attribute their financial modesty to inflation and rising everyday prices. Despite the current economic environment, holiday shopping doesn’t need to be stressful — if you do it right, you can maximize your financial health as we head into the new year. Here are four ways to help you make the most of your spending this holiday season, and beyond: 1. Stick to your budget. Nearly two-thirds (60%) of consumers plan to follow a budget to combat financial stress around the holidays, but don’t let the word “budget” scare you if you haven’t already mapped one out — it’s never too late to start planning and tracking your spending. Begin by totaling up what you’ve already purchased and combine it with your remaining expenses. Consider all your anticipated costs and be as detailed as possible. For example, assign a dollar amount to each person you plan to buy gifts for and don’t forget to weigh other holiday expenses that may seem small but add up quickly — like shipping fees, wrapping paper and holiday decorations. From there, make sure the total fits within your overall budget. As you look at the numbers, determine what your priorities are. What can you comfortably spend on gifts, travel or holiday hosting without breaking the bank? Whether your holiday shopping is already underway or you’ve yet to get started, building a budget — and sticking to it — is key. 2. Get creative with gifting and make a plan. One of the easiest ways to end up with impulse purchases that don’t fit your budget is to wander aimlessly through stores or browse endlessly online. Think about what stores you’ll need to go to for the items on your list and develop a shopping plan so you’re less likely to purchase without purpose. Also, try to get creative with your gifting to help ease the financial burden. Consider going in on joint gifts or thinking beyond material items. Nearly half (48%) of people said they prioritize shared experiences, like a trip or concert, with family and friends over giving material items, and many others plan to make “do-it-yourself” (DIY) gifts or give a sentimental act of service. 3. Use a credit card that rewards you as you go. A cash back card that offers rewards on everyday purchases is a simple way to earn rewards while you spend all year long. From online shopping and traveling over the holidays to filling up your gas tank or taking on new home improvement projects in the new year, cash back cards can be a great tool to earn rewards that can help offset your spending. For example, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card allows you to earn 3% cash back in one of six categories of your choosing, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category, grocery store and wholesale club purchases each quarter), and 1% back on all other purchases. As your cash rewards grow, you can redeem your earnings as a statement credit or deposit directly into your Bank of America® checking or savings account to help offset the cost of your routine spending throughout the year. 4. Keep your 2023 goals in mind. It can be easy to get carried away with so many expenses piling up throughout the holiday season, but if you stick to your budget and keep your financial resolutions for the coming year in mind, it’ll help you stay on track. And when you take the time to plan ahead now, you’ll join the 80% of Americans who have already set financial goals for 2023, including 44% who have prioritized increasing their savings in the new year. In addition to some of the tips listed above, you can get a head start on your 2023 savings now by using a tool like Bank of America’s Keep the Change® savings program, which rounds up every purchase made on a Bank of America debit card to the nearest dollar and transfers the change to your savings account. No matter what your New Year’s financial resolutions are, keeping them in mind while you spend during the end of the year can help set your priorities straight and enable a stress-free start to 2023. * admin * Dec, Tue, 2022 * Daily Penny MONEY WORRIES MAKING THE HOLIDAYS LESS MERRY? 5 TIPS FROM A FINANCIAL THERAPIST TO REIN IN FINANCIAL ANXIETY (BPT) – It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and this season, consumers are prepared to spend extra on festive gatherings, gift-giving and spreading holiday cheer! However, the holiday hustle can also significantly strain financial and mental well-being, especially in today’s challenging economic environment. “Money can elicit so many types of emotions — from the delight we may feel when a loved one opens a gift we purchased, to the loneliness that may accompany an inability to travel to loved ones or partake in certain festivities,” says Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, Certified Financial Therapist (CFT-I) and Upwise contributor. “So, it’s important to recognize how those emotions might influence our spending and saving habits as well as our relationship with money overall.” For example, a fear of overspending can lead to excessive frugality and cause individuals to miss out on some of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday season. Meanwhile, others may chase feelings of joy by splurging on gifts, hosting elaborate events, and booking vacations — only to feel regret when a massive credit card bill arrives in the new year. The leading concern for almost half (46%) of working Americans when considering their top drivers of lower mental health is financial concerns, according to MetLife’s 2022 Employee Benefit Trends Refresh Study. This is even higher for working women (51%) and Gen Xers (52%). On the flip side, 85% who say they are financially well, report feeling mentally healthy. To keep the holiday season joyful and on budget, consider these expert tips directly from Bryan-Podvin: 1. Understand the emotional connection to money Emotions like guilt, anxiety and impulsivity majorly influence how we manage and confront monthly expenses. Getting to the root of your feelings about money now (e.g., anxious, avoidant, stressed) is key to understanding how you want to feel about money in the future (e.g., calm, relaxed, confident). One way to do this is by journaling your feelings about money regularly. Free tools can make this even easier. Upwise is one of the few financial wellness apps that assesses emotions tied to financial activity with its ‘money mood’ tool to help make managing finances more personalized, achievable and rewarding. 2. Make gifting intentional by planning for it Creating a “gift account” where you can allocate funds over time is an easy but extremely effective way to isolate and stick to a spending amount that fits your budget. To take this a step further, using Upwise’s “Spend Control” feature allows individuals to pick a category (e.g., retail/shopping) or even a specific merchant to track and set spending limits — alerting holiday shoppers to over-spending in real-time and helping them avoid falling too far into the red zone. 3. Eliminate redundant expenses with ease There are small decisions you can make in the present to get closer to reaching your long-term financial goals. Consider cutting out smaller, unnecessary costs such as monthly subscription services you don’t really use. If you need an extra push to get you started, try leveraging digital tools that allow you to consolidate subscriptions — some, like Upwise, even have fun and engaging challenges like the “Subscription Buster” to motivate you through the process. 4. Celebrate the “small wins” While it’s great to be ambitious and have lofty aspirations for your financial future, set yourself up for success by establishing reachable goals and celebrating each small win to help create a foundation for a more positive relationship with money. For example, if you struggle with spending too much on dining out or food delivery, try challenging yourself with Upwise’s “dining out challenge,” which will allow you to select from a list of cost-saving actions, commit to those and then track your progress. And when you do succeed at spending less? Pat yourself on the back, text a friend, or open up that kombucha to celebrate. 5. Reflect and recover If you go beyond your holiday budget, give yourself some compassion (it happens!) and then dig into what led you to overspend. Was it the excitement of seeing loved ones for the first time in years? Feeling you needed to spend the same on everyone? Once you determine why you overspent, you can create a plan for potential spending triggers in the future. Upwise is a product of MetLife Consumer Services, Inc. Upwise is available at no cost to all individuals and regardless of any MetLife relationship or product. Upwise is for educational purposes. Each individual is advised to consult with their own attorney, accountant, and financial professional regarding their specific circumstances. MetLife does not provide legal, tax, or investment recommendations or advice. * admin * Dec, Tue, 2022 * Daily Penny 5 CRAZY PET ACCIDENTS OF 2022 AND HOW TO SAFEGUARD YOUR PET IN THE NEW YEAR (BPT) – Pet parents understand the weight of responsibility to protect their furry friends, but unfortunately, accidents do sometimes happen. In the U.S., a pet receives medical care every 2.5 seconds, and 1 in 3 pets need emergency veterinary treatments every year, according to MetLife Pet Insurance. Even the most vigilant pet parents have to contend with pet emergencies. Check out some of the most astonishing pet accidents of 2022 — and some tips about how you can help avoid these as we enter 2023. * Digesting something dangerous: A 2-year-old Bichon mix ate a sugar-free apple cobbler made with xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs. At first, she seemed all right but began vomiting the next day and declined rapidly. When she arrived at the emergency hospital, her prognosis was very poor. However, after eight days of supportive care, she fully recovered and survived! * Common household concerns: A 9-month-old kitten hid in a large comforter unbeknownst to his pet parent, who had set it to dry on high heat. The kitten was stuck in the dryer for 10 minutes before they heard him yelping for help. They immediately rushed him to the emergency vet, and he was kept at the hospital overnight for observation. Luckily for the kitten, there did not appear to be any lasting damage from his eventful trip in the dryer, and he was discharged the next day. * Lingering liquids: A 2-month-old Shih Tzu puppy was caught by his owners licking some Children’s Motrin that spilled on the couch over nine hours earlier in the day. The puppy seemed fine at first, but then he started to vomit. The Pet Poison Hotline advised taking the pet to the emergency hospital. He was hospitalized and monitored for four days, but the puppy recovered and appeared to have no long-term damage from the incident. * Unfortunate falls: An 8-year-old Pit Bull jumped off a couch and suddenly became paralyzed in her hind end. Her pet parents rushed her to the vet, who diagnosed her with Intervertebral Disc Disease. After receiving surgery to fix her disc herniation, she recovered well and regained motor function. * Toys that become treacherous: A 7-month-old Standard Poodle was vomiting, lethargic and appeared uncomfortable for two days. A physical exam revealed he was dehydrated, and radiographs showed a foreign object trapped in his stomach. He was transferred to the surgical unit to remove the foreign object, which turned out to be a squeaker toy. He was kept overnight for observation before being sent home to recover with his family. All of these accidents — while they may seem somewhat crazy — could have happened to any pet owner, and the experience can result in an unexpected, costly bill from the vet. To help avoid having an incident like this in 2023, here are a few tips for pet parents from MetLife Pet Insurance: 1. Prioritize your pet’s health just as you would for a human family member. Pet parents think of their furry companion as part of their family, but it’s important to take action the same way, too. Avoid leaving harmful foods and liquids within your pets’ reach, and watch out for potential choking hazards in your home. This seems simple but can go a long way in protecting your pet for the long-term. 2. Stay active, even in the cold months. Going on frequent walks and encouraging your pet to move around is key to avoiding joint stiffening and can help prevent future mobility issues. This can feel like a challenge during the cold points of the year — for you and your pet — but there are always indoor activities you can play to engage your furry friend. 3. Invest in your pet’s well-being. When accidents happen to your four-legged family member, you’ll want to be covered. A pet insurance policy can help offset some of the costs associated with expensive veterinarian visits — in fact, based on MetLife internal claims data the pet parents who encountered the dangers above saved an average of $5,570 on the treatment and care of their pets! To learn more and protect your pets in the coming year, visit MetLifePetInsurance.com. * admin * Dec, Mon, 2022 * Daily Penny 5 TIPS FOR SAFE ONLINE SHOPPING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON (BPT) – Shopping online during the holidays can simplify gift-giving but also leaves you vulnerable to potential fraud. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, thousands of people become victims of holiday scams, robbing them of their personal information, money and holiday spirit. While you know that online scams happen, you may think it’s unlikely to happen to you. You’re not alone. According to a recent fraud research report, nearly half of those surveyed were confident they could recognize a scam. However, nearly 3 in 4 people typically responded to common terms and phrases fraudsters use in scam emails and texts. Make sure you’re shopping safely this holiday season by using the following online shopping security tips. 1. Pay securely online As you shop online, take a moment to look at the website’s URL to ensure that it begins with “https.” The “s” at the end confirms a secure connection. You can also look at the corner of the address bar for a padlock symbol, which shows there is a secure connection between your browser and the website’s server. For Visa card members, you can use click to pay with Visa for an extra layer of protection. This feature allows online shoppers to quickly, easily and safely finish their holiday purchases. You can rest easy knowing there are multiple layers of security that help protect you from payment fraud. 2. Pay securely in-app While using the same passwords for your shopping apps may be easier, it is not the safest way to shop this holiday season. If a data break occurs on just one of the apps you use, all your other accounts may also be compromised because they use the same password. Create a strong, unique password for each account that is hard to guess. Better yet, switch to fingerprint or facial recognition for account login and payments when possible. 3. Look out for phishing scams Be careful of unsolicited and suspicious emails, texts or phone calls. They may try to steal personal information like your account number, username and password. Phishing messages tend to use phrases like “act now,” “exclusive deal” and “free gift” to create a sense of urgency and reward, according to the fraud report. If you receive something that looks and sounds like a phishing scam, don’t click on any links unless you can verify they’ll take you where they say they will. 4. Update system and application software Has it been a while since you’ve updated your technologies’ software? If so, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to fraudsters while shopping for your friends and family. Before you begin your online holiday shopping, update the software on your computers, tablets and phones. Installing the latest software helps patch any known vulnerabilities that allow cybercriminals to access your important financial and identity information. 5. Turn on purchase alerts Purchase alerts are a simple but important security tool. By turning on this feature during your holiday shopping, you’ll receive near real-time notifications of transactions on your account. This can help you confirm legitimate purchases and alert you to potential fraud while you check the last few items off your shopping list. Using these five simple tips, you can shop safely while making the season jolly and bright for the ones you love. Make this holiday shopping season even safer with Visa. To learn more about how you can shop and pay for gifts safely, visit Visa.com/Security. * admin * Dec, Sun, 2022 * Daily Penny HOW TO STAY SAFE AND BE JOLLY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON (BPT) – While it’s the season for festivities and numerous joyous activities, a lot of mishaps can happen during the holidays, from baking snafus and turkey fires to decor disasters and pet problems. Fortunately, some smart preparation and mindful steps will help keep you and loved ones safe and jolly throughout the season. Prioritize cooking and baking safety Food is the center of many holiday celebrations, and it’s easy for holiday hosts to become overwhelmed while cooking and baking. In 2021, State Farm reported $142 million in total claim costs for grease fires and cooking-related fires. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, according to the National Fire Protection Association. No matter what you’re whipping up, don’t get distracted. Use clocks and alarms to your advantage and also ask for help so more than one person is watching foods and appliances when in use. Prevent turkey fryer fires Turkey is a mainstay of holiday celebrations and the centerpiece on many tables across the country as family and friends gather. Frying a turkey has become a popular method for cooking a bird, but no matter your culinary skill level, a lot can go wrong during the process. This year, State Farm has already paid out a total of $4 million for outdoor cooking fires and expects that number to rise as we approach the holiday season. Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey in oil, then turn it on. Always place fryers away from garages and trees and off decks. See here for more tips before frying. Mind the glow of candles It’s hard to resist the ambiance that candles create during the holiday season. However, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,400 home fires last year that were started by candles. These fires cause $291 million in direct property damage annually. It’s important to burn candles in short increments and in safe places, keeping them away from kids, pets and holiday decorations. What’s more, make sure your home and renters insurance is up to date so if something happens, you have the peace of mind that you’re financially protected. Protect your pets While family and friends flood your home for the holidays, the increased noise levels and new faces can cause anxiety for your pets. Discuss with guests how your pet prefers to be touched and separate your pet from crowds if a break is needed. Additionally, get pet medical insurance ahead of your gatherings as pets can become overwhelmed and aggressive, nipping, biting and scratching unexpectedly. Total cost of pet claims in 2021 was $161.7 million and the average cost per claim was $49,612, according to State Farm research. Protect yourself, your assets and your furry family member with Trupanion® pet insurance. Understand electrical fire risks Electrical distribution and lighting equipment was involved in nearly half (45%) of home tree fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Holiday decorations overall cause more than 770 house fires every year! To lower your risk and keep your family and home safe, make sure you don’t leave lights on trees or on other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. They could short and start a fire. Plus, if you’re planning to decorate outdoors, make sure that you use lights and decorations intended for outdoor use. Update auto insurance and drive safe Over the river and through the woods — many people take road trips during the holiday season to visit friends and family. If you’re hitting the road, make sure you check the weather before heading out and take any necessary precautions to stay safe if inclement weather is expected. Pack essentials in the car should you get stuck so you can stay safe. Always mind speed limits and be aware of other people on the road. Plus, make sure your auto insurance is up to date and you have access to the roadside call number for help should you need it. Be a good neighbor The holidays should be a joyous time to reconnect with loved ones. If you’re hosting for the holidays, respect noise levels in your community. Be courteous by shoveling the sidewalks for your neighbors. Lean on your trusted friends, neighbors, or a Neighborhood Watch member to watch your home if you’re leaving for the holidays. Visit the State Farm Newsroom to make sure you’re set up for a joyous, safe holiday season. * admin * Dec, Thu, 2022 * Daily Penny 5 MYTHS ABOUT VETERAN AFFAIRS LOANS (BPT) – More veterans are taking advantage of an important benefit for service members: A Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 1.4 million VA loans were taken out in 2021, a 15.6% increase from the previous year. However, there are still many veterans who are not using this important earned benefit for their service and sacrifice for the country. VA home loans allow veterans and active-duty service members to obtain home mortgages with more favorable terms than other loans on the market. A VA loan is a mortgage supported by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and serviced by authorized lenders, like loanDepot, one of the nation’s largest non-bank retail mortgage lenders. Why aren’t more veterans and active-duty service members using this benefit? Many are unaware of how to qualify for a VA loan or its benefits. Eligibility and benefits You may be eligible for a VA loan if you are an active duty servicemember with at least 90 days of continuous service, or if you are a veteran who served on active duty and was honorably discharged meeting minimum requirements based on your dates of service. National Guard and Reserve members who meet certain criteria are also eligible. While there are a number of VA loan options, typical benefits can include: * No down payment * Competitively low-interest rates * No private mortgage insurance * Limited closing costs * Funding fee waived for disabled veterans * Lower credit minimums “A VA home loan is one of the most powerful tools our nation’s veterans can use to purchase a home and build long-term wealth,” said Patton Gade, loanDepot branch manager and former U.S. Army officer. “Yet, it surprises me just how unknown and misunderstood these loans are among the people who have earned them. With all of the misconceptions out there, it’s important to work with a mortgage professional who specializes in VA loans, so you can better understand and unlock their full potential.” Even knowing about the advantages of VA loans and that you may be eligible, you may still be unsure about using this earned benefit because of popular misconceptions. 1. Myth: A VA loan can only be accessed once Many veterans are under the impression that you can only access a VA loan once. However, you can use and reuse the VA benefit again and again. There is no limit to how many times you can use the VA loan program as long as you remain eligible. 2. Myth: You can only have one VA loan at a time Sometimes you may have to finance multiple properties at once. Under certain conditions, with a VA loan, you may be able to finance multiple homes simultaneously, including your primary home, rental properties and vacation homes. 3. Myth: VA loans are less preferable to sellers because they have a lot of restrictions A VA loan may take a few days more to close versus a conventional loan, but that doesn’t necessarily make them more restrictive. VA loans have additional controls in place to protect the veteran and their family; e.g., appraisals have to be completed by a VA-approved appraiser, which may increase the processing time of the loan. 4. Myth: The appraisal process for VA loans is more stringent and difficult than a conventional loan The appraisal process is similar to a conventional loan. The VA approves and hires local appraisal professionals to ensure a smooth process. 5. Myth: VA loans take forever to close Working with a lender that specializes in VA loans and understands how they work can prevent issues that may slow the process. They can help to keep everything moving on time so you can get the home of your dreams with minimal delays. If you’re thinking of taking out a VA loan, be sure to work with a lender who has specific expertise with the product and working with the veteran community, so they are well prepared to help you. * admin * Nov, Wed, 2022 * Daily Penny 6 TIPS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR GIVING THIS SEASON (BPT) – It’s the season of giving, which means you can make an impact no matter your budget. When money is tight, donating to charities can easily fall to the bottom of your list. But you can reap the benefits of investing in others even when there’s little wiggle room in your own budget. Here are six ways to help you maximize your giving this season. Swap it out According to the 2022 Happy Money Giving Survey, more than 75% of people plan to donate the same or more money this year compared to last, which is very encouraging. If that’s you and you need help finding room in your budget for charities you’d like to support, try reviewing weekly expenses. Is there a recurring splurge or expense that no longer brings you joy and could be cut out once or twice a month? If so, this money could give you a much bigger happiness boost by putting it toward a favorite cause instead. Grow your gift The survey also found 62% of people have donated money in the past 12 months toward a charity or cause they care about. One way you can increase the amount you give is by taking the money you would otherwise donate to your favorite charity each month and place it into a high-yield savings account instead. Then the gift that you intended to give monthly can now grow into an even larger annual donation with no impact to your budget. Another way to increase your donation is to ask friends or family to match (or exceed!) your gift. Using events like your birthday or holidays is a great way to pool money to put toward your favorite causes. Plus, you can share it on your favorite social media platforms too. Some apps even let you use your birthday as a fundraiser! Regardless of how many followers you have, the ripple effect can have a big impact. Gift your talent If money is just not an option, that’s OK! The survey found 80% of people plan to volunteer the same or more time as last year. Your time and talents are priceless to many organizations. Do you have a specialty or niche that could provide a benefit to a local organization? Would you love to mentor a local teen? Or read to a group of wide-eyed toddlers? There are a lot of ways to turn your talents into gifts that many charities would receive with open arms. See if your donation can be doubled Explore ways your contribution can be easily doubled. You could see if a friend or family member would like to join you once a month to volunteer or if they’d be willing to match your financial donation. You can also ask your favorite charity or nonprofit if they have a matching campaign happening around the holidays and plan to donate during that time. Some companies also offer charitable donation matches to their employees. Plan ahead The Happy Money Survey found 28% of people say they set aside a specific amount of money from their paycheck to donate to causes they care about. Automatically setting aside money can make it easier to plan and budget for giving and make the impact to your own budget less noticeable. Reputable charities only Be sure that you’re wisely investing your time and money with a cause that is credible. Reputable charities and nonprofits will be transparent about their practices, their funding and their beliefs. Some resources to help with this are websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar, which provide nonprofit reviews and ratings to help consumers understand how they use donations. Download the 2022 Happy Money Giving Guide for more tips including how to give experiences, questions to think about before choosing a charity to donate to and information to develop your own giving strategy and maximize your impact this season. * admin * Nov, Mon, 2022 * Daily Penny COOKING TIPS, FUN RECIPES AND EASY WAYS TO GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON (BPT) – This year, why not focus on whatever makes your heart happy? That good feeling can be found by hosting dinner, spending time with friends or spreading joy by giving back in your community. No matter how you decide to celebrate the holidays, food remains at the center of most celebrations. The memory-making meal Food has the power to bring people together. The delectable smells alone can be reminders of holidays past. Maybe it’s Grandma’s pie recipe baking to perfection or your best friend’s special stuffing that’s the ideal pairing with turkey. Of course, nothing is more special than when you get to enjoy all these flavors with loved ones. With turkey taking center stage on the table throughout the holiday season, it is no surprise that 85% of people say their favorite part of the holidays is the food, followed by being with family (79%) and friends (37%), according to Shady Brook Farms® turkey research. With almost half of people planning to shop early and stock up for the holidays, there’s no better time to ensure everyone’s favorite part of the season is covered. However, if you’re one of the 65% that are planning on purchasing a frozen turkey, make sure you purchase it in time to allow it to thaw before cooking. Depending on the size, that can take up to 6 days. Your ultimate ‘Guide to Good’ Preparing the turkey is an important role. It’s no surprise that 44% of those celebrating are looking for help when it comes to preparation and cooking. Fortunately, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed this holiday season as Shady Brook Farms and Honeysuckle White are here to help. From perfecting holiday recipes to experimenting with new techniques and supporting local communities, their ‘Guide to Good’ initiative is focused on good actions, ingredients, taste and celebrations. Culinary tips In the guide, you’ll find helpful information on making a Traditional Turkey so it comes out perfectly at the exact time you’re planning to eat. If a new take on turkey is suited for your guests, try a Cranberry BBQ Glazed Whole Turkey recipe that puts a delicious twist on a classic meal. Of course, any turkey meal isn’t complete without gravy. Did you know that turkey giblets could be the key to the savoriest gravy ever? Even better, gravy is the perfect way to ensure you use all your turkey to make for less waste in the kitchen. Check out the Giblet Gravy recipe that is guaranteed to help you create the perfect topping to any holiday turkey. After your feast is finished and your stomach and heart are full, you’ll need to tackle the leftovers dilemma. If you’re part of the 38% of those looking for ideas for leftovers, consider Turkey Eggs Benedict or a Turkey, Spinach and Swiss Quiche. ‘Tis the season for spreading good by giving back Millions of children and families living in the United States face hunger and food insecurity every day, according to Feeding America, and 15% of people are not going to celebrate at all this holiday season simply due to cost-related obstacles. Understanding the critical need to help, Shady Brook Farms and Honeysuckle White are continuing their own give-back efforts this year partnering with retailers to provide a brighter holiday season with the donation of more than 20,000 turkeys to local community food banks and are encouraging consumers to do the same by offering easy ways to make an impact in their own communities. If you’re in the position to support those in need, you can learn more on how to support your community by visiting the ‘Guide to Good’ at ShadyBrookFarms.com or HoneysuckleWhite.com. * admin * Nov, Fri, 2022 POSTS NAVIGATION 1 2 … 10 4 savvy holiday spending tips for a financially strong start to 2023 3 ways women are taking control of their finances to reenergize their future 5 crazy pet accidents of 2022 and how to safeguard your pet in the New Year 3 gift ideas for every kid on your list Money worries making the holidays less merry? 5 tips from a financial therapist to rein in financial anxiety Top Stories Advertisement: 3 ways women are taking control of their finances to reenergize their future Request Ad Skip Ad Pause Ad Resume Ad Pause Rotation RECENT POSTS * 3 ways women are taking control of their finances to reenergize their future * 3 gift ideas for every kid on your list * 4 savvy holiday spending tips for a financially strong start to 2023 * Money worries making the holidays less merry? 5 tips from a financial therapist to rein in financial anxiety * 5 crazy pet accidents of 2022 and how to safeguard your pet in the New Year ARCHIVES * December 2022 * November 2022 * October 2022 * September 2022 * August 2022 * July 2022 * June 2022 5 crazy pet accidents of 2022 and how to safeguard your pet in the New Year 3 ways women are taking control of their finances to reenergize their future Money worries making the holidays less merry? 5 tips from a financial therapist to rein in financial anxiety 3 gift ideas for every kid on your list 4 savvy holiday spending tips for a financially strong start to 2023 Top Stories Advertisement: 3 ways women are taking control of their finances to reenergize their future Request Ad Skip Ad Pause Ad Resume Ad Pause Rotation Copyright © 2022 Daily Penny 360 | Powered by Desert Themes