On Thursday, attorneys for the former employees, Sprout’s affiliated company Recovco Mortgage Management and Michael Strauss, an industry veteran who founded the lender, requested that the court to continue its review of the settlement.
“The bankruptcy proceeding was commenced only against Sprout, so consistent with the approach adopted by some cases under similar circumstances as those presented here, the parties request that the automatic stay only applies to the action against Sprout, not Recovco or Strauss,” an attorney for the former employees wrote in court filings.
In addition, the parties requested that the judge allow the distribution of funds currently escrowed under the settlement reached before the involuntary bankruptcy petition. They claim that the escrowed funds are not the property of Sprout’s estate for bankruptcy.
According to the document, Sprout has “nearly fully complied with the terms of the class settlement agreement, but for the last $300,000 payment.”
The document states that Recovco and Strauss are not admitting any liability but believe that under the circumstances present, it is in the interest of all parties for the settlement process to continue.
Scott Simpson, one of the attorneys for the former employees at Menken Simpson & Rozger LLP, said he had no comment.
“Our clients still have no comment,” Marc Wenger, an attorney for the defendants Sprout, Recovco and Strauss at Jackson Lewis P.C., said.
Also due to the involuntary bankruptcy petition, Sprout’s attorneys moved to adjourn “without date” a pending motion and a hearing scheduled for August 3 on a lawsuit filed by Merchants Bank of Indiana.
Sprout’s lawyers mentioned in court filings Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, which gives debtor protection from creditors, among other things, from “the commencement or continuation of any judicial, administrative, or other action or proceeding” that was or could have been commenced before the bankruptcy court case.
Merchants Bank of Indiana claims in its lawsuit that it purchased a mortgage loan from Sprout, and the underlying borrowers subsequently tendered a full payoff of the mortgage loan to Sprout. Still, the company failed to remit it to Merchants as the parties’ written agreement required. The total value was $1.2 million.
A representative for Merchants said the company had no comment.
Long Island-based Sprout informed hundreds of workers and business partners it was closing its doors on July 6, 2022, when a sharp rise in rates saddled the company with loans it could not sell to investors in the secondary market at par.
Ex-employees alleged the company did not pay their last paychecks and severance package. The company also canceled health insurance coverage retroactively to May 1, resulting in several lawsuits against the lender. The lender is also the target of lawsuits from former business partners.
Strauss is reportedly trying to sell a property at 610 Park Avenue in New York for $19.9 million and has started a new mortgage company. But Strauss and his new company, Smart Rate Mortgage,appealed in April a decision from an Illinois regulator to suspend their licenses to operate in the state. Meanwhile, the licenses remain active.
Mauricio Umansky‘s residential brokerage The Agency is venturing into core services.
Through partnerships with Bubble Insurance Solutions and New American Funding, real estate agents at The Agency will have access to mortgage lending services and insurance services for their clients.
With Bubble Insurance Services, The Agency is launching its own affiliate insurance service, Agencia Insurance Solutions, which will serve new and past The Agency clients in California and Arizona. Through Agencia Insurance Solutions, agents will be able to offer clients access to flexible online home, auto and life insurance options.
The affiliation will provide The Agency’s agents with access to Bubble Insurance’s insurance coverage for their clients. The firm said the association aims to help homebuyers make more informed decisions by providing them with data-based insights into the risks associated with their home and neighborhood. These insights will be provided by Bubble Insurance’s patent-pending AI-based guidance system, HomePal, which uses data to match the most common environmental hazards for a property with the right policies and the right coverages for homeowners.
“Bubble’s AI-based shopping engine is specially crafted to integrate into home purchase and ownership flows to enable quick and smart insurance purchase,” Avi Gupta, the founder and CEO of Bubble Insurance, said in a statement. “Our one-stop insurance shop model is designed to give homeowners peace of mind and protect their investment, no matter what life throws their way.”
Through The Agency’s partnership with New American Funding, the mortgage lender will serve as The Agency’s preferred mortgage lender partner.
“We’re thrilled to officially announce our partnership with New American Funding,” Burke Smith, the executive vice president of affiliated businesses at The Agency, said in a statement. “Expanding our core real estate services with like-minded partners empowers our agents to provide their clients with best-in-class service and guidance throughout the entire transaction process.”
NAF offers numerous home financing options including conventional, jumbo, non-QM, as well as others. The Agency said that the partnership provides their agents with greater control over the transaction and enables them to offer better customer service to clients.
In 2023, The Agency ranked as the No. 18 brokerage in the country in the RealTrends 500 after reporting a total sales volume of $10.997 billion in 2022.
New American Funding ranked as the 31st largest mortgage lender in America for the first half of 2023, according to Inside Mortgage Finance data. The California-headquartered lender originated $4.69 billion in mortgage loans in the first half of the year.
Mauricio Umansky‘s residential brokerage The Agency is venturing into core services.
Through partnerships with Bubble Insurance Solutions and New American Funding, real estate agents at The Agency will have access to mortgage lending services and insurance services for their clients.
With Bubble Insurance Services, The Agency is launching its own affiliate insurance service, Agencia Insurance Solutions, which will serve new and past The Agency clients in California and Arizona. Through Agencia Insurance Solutions, agents will be able to offer clients access to flexible online home, auto and life insurance options.
The affiliation will provide The Agency’s agents with access to Bubble Insurance’s insurance coverage for their clients. The firm said the association aims to help homebuyers make more informed decisions by providing them with data-based insights into the risks associated with their home and neighborhood. These insights will be provided by Bubble Insurance’s patent-pending AI-based guidance system, HomePal, which uses data to match the most common environmental hazards for a property with the right policies and the right coverages for homeowners.
“Bubble’s AI-based shopping engine is specially crafted to integrate into home purchase and ownership flows to enable quick and smart insurance purchase,” Avi Gupta, the founder and CEO of Bubble Insurance, said in a statement. “Our one-stop insurance shop model is designed to give homeowners peace of mind and protect their investment, no matter what life throws their way.”
Through The Agency’s partnership with New American Funding, the mortgage lender will serve as The Agency’s preferred mortgage lender partner.
“We’re thrilled to officially announce our partnership with New American Funding,” Burke Smith, the executive vice president of affiliated businesses at The Agency, said in a statement. “Expanding our core real estate services with like-minded partners empowers our agents to provide their clients with best-in-class service and guidance throughout the entire transaction process.”
NAF offers numerous home financing options including conventional, jumbo, non-QM, as well as others. The Agency said that the partnership provides their agents with greater control over the transaction and enables them to offer better customer service to clients.
In 2023, The Agency ranked as the No. 18 brokerage in the country in the RealTrends 500 after reporting a total sales volume of $10.997 billion in 2022.
New American Funding ranked as the 31st largest mortgage lender in America for the first half of 2023, according to Inside Mortgage Finance data. The California-headquartered lender originated $4.69 billion in mortgage loans in the first half of the year.
Three years ago, I decided to get out of debt. I hit the books, reading one personal finance title after another, searching for answers. Two books — Your Money or Your Life and The Total Money Makeover — were perfect for my situation. They gave me the tools I needed to tackle my problems. Now I’ve found a third book that would have been useful at the start of my journey to financial freedom.
All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan, published in 2005, was written by the mother-daughter team of Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi. These women don’t get bogged down in the details of frugality and investing. They’re more interested in changing behavior, in fixing the big stuff. They offer a framework around which the reader can build lasting financial success.
A Balanced Budget
Though Warren and Tyagi would have you believe that their system is different from anything that’s ever been published, it’s not. It puts a different spin on things sometimes, but ultimately their advice is similar to that found in most other solid personal finance books. All Your Worth is about creating a budget.
So what is the secret to riches? Why do some people get ahead, while others constantly struggle? Our research led us to a very simple and incredibly powerful financial principle that you won’t hear anywhere else — balance…When your money is in balance, you always have enough to pay your bills, have some fun, and save for your dreams.
When the authors write about balance, they’re writing about budgets. In order to succeed financially, Warren and Tyagi believe you need keep three broad areas of your finances “in balance”. They say to:
Allocate 50% to Needs (which the authors call Must-Haves). Needs include housing, transportation, groceries, insurance, and clothes you really need.
Spend 30% on Wants. Wants include cable television, clothing beyond the basics, restaurant meals, concert tickets, comic books, knitting supplies, etc.
Set aside 20% for Savings, including debt repayment.
Warren and Tyagi want you to save a lot and have fun. To achieve this, they encourage you to reduce your Needs. In fact, this is the cornerstone of their advice.
Needs: Count the Dollars, Not the Pennies
Unlike many personal finance authors, Warren and Tyagi tend to be anti-frugality. They don’t believe that is pays to skimp on the things that bring you pleasure. They advocate saving money on the most expensive things so that you can still afford your morning coffee.
Here’s a little secret that other financial books won’t tell you: Savvy money managers don’t spend a lot of time looking for ways to save a few pennies. They charge right ahead to the big-ticket items, looking to make high-impact changes in the shortest period of time. They don’t sweat the small stuff. And neither will we.
Warren and Tyagi believe that most people get the big stuff wrong, and that if this can be corrected, then quick and drastic improvements can be made. They don’t think you should shop for generic toothpaste, rinse out your ziploc bags, or make your own laundry detergent — they think you should focus your attentions on getting the most favorable mortgage possible (on a house you can actually afford), ditch long-term contracts, and look for ways to save on other big-ticket items.
If you can get the big stuff right, if you can cut your costs on your Needs, then you should be able to reduce spending in this area to below 50% of your take-home pay. If you blow your budget here, though, it makes everything else more difficult. Suddenly you don’t have enough money to save or to purchase the things you want.
Wants: If You Can’t Afford Fun, You Can’t Afford Your Life
If you’re practicing balanced spending for your Needs, the All Your Worth plan allows you to spend 30% of your take-home pay on whatever you want. Do you want to eat out ever night? Do you want to buy comic books? Do you like to have a closet full of shoes? Have you been wanting to take a trip to Italy? Do you long for a deluxe widescreen high-def plasma television with 250 channels? Whatever you want, you can have, as long as you don’t spend more than 30% of your money on it.
Warren and Tyagi say that you shouldn’t worry about what you buy with your Wants money — you should worry about how you spend it. People get into trouble when they pursue their Wants without regard to the other aspects of a balanced financial life. To keep from danger, the authors suggest:
Set clear limits. Stick to your budget. Know how much you can afford to spend on your Wants and do not exceed this amount.
Use cash. Cash will prevent you from overspending, and will safeguard against problems with credit cards. One way to make this work is to withdraw your 30% Wants budget in cash at the start of every month. When the cash runs out, you’re done with your Wants.
Beware of emotional spending. I wrote about compulsive spending a couple weeks ago. Warren and Tyagi warn that this sort of behavior can throw things out of balance.
In many ways, allocating 30% to Wants is revolutionary. I’ve looked at a number of suggested budgets lately, and none of them allocates this much for fun. So long as you keep other aspects of the All Your Worth plan in balance, you really can have this much to spend as you please.
Savings: Build Your Dreams a Little at a Time
The final step in the All Your Worth plan is to save and invest 20% of the money you earn. Despite the authors’ claim that they couldn’t find any other good personal finance books, they seem to have cribbed this portion of their plan directly from Dave Ramsey. They recommend the following steps for your saving and investing budget:
Save a $1,000 emergency fund.
Repay your debt, starting with the debt that bothers you most.
Bolster your emergency fund to cover six months of Needs.
Begin saving and investing for wealth.
Once your debt is repaid and you have set aside money for emergencies, you should begin investing for your future. The authors divide the 20% Savings budget as follows:
Save for retirement by investing in index funds. (10%)
Pay down your mortgage (or save for a home). (5%)
Save for other goals, such as purchasing a car or taking a vacation. (5%)
I like this idea, and intend to use it myself, but with some modifications. For example, in 2008, Roth IRA contribution limits rise to $5,000. That’ll be more than 10% of my monthly take-home pay, so my retirement contribution percentage will be higher than the All Your Worth plan.
Conclusion
The book fleshes out each of these ideas in greater detail, and includes chapters on buying a home, relationships and money, and “financial CPR” — how to handle things when times get rough.
I like All Your Worth. Its advice is solid. It does a great job of looking at the Big Picture, allowing each reader to fill in the details. But the book does have some flaws:
I don’t like the repeated condemnation of frugality and thrift. I think they’re important.
The authors claim their advice is different from other personal finance books, but it’s not. Their advice is excellent but it is not new.
Warren and Tyagi sometimes make wild assumptions, such as a 12% annual stock market return.
These problems aren’t severe — just annoying.
If you’re struggling with debt and looking for a plan to get things right, then borrow this book from your public library. For those who complain that most financial advice — including that at Get Rich Slowly — is geared too much at the middle-class, and isn’t appropriate for those who earn less and who are struggling, All Your Worth may offer some answers.
Jeff Yeager calls himself the Ultimate Cheapskate. He’s serious about saving money. He’s the sort of guy who soft-boils his morning eggs by putting them in the dishwasher while it runs. In a package he sent me recently, he included his business card, which is simply a rubber stamp printed on a piece of a brown paper bag. His wife calls him the cheapest man in America, and he’s proud of it.
The road map to true riches Yeager has a new book called The Ultimate Cheapskate’s Road Map to True Riches, in which he preaches the virtues of frugality and the dangers of mass consumption. Before the first chapter, he offers a statement of purpose:
Living on less is a good thing to do. It’s the only financial advice that will work for almost everyone. It’s about a quality of life that you cannot buy, a sense of satisfaction you cannot fake, and an appreciation for others that gives life value. It’s also about helping save the planet and sharing with those in need. Living on less can be funny, but it’s no joke.
That short paragraph summarizes Yeager’s approach to personal finance. He may be cheap, but he has fun with it. In fact, this is the first personal finance book I’ve read that is truly funny. Andrew Tobias has moments of humor, but this book is funny throughout. (Some of Yeager’s humor is rated PG-13, though. If mild swearing and occasional orgasm references bother you, be warned.)
Six golden rules to ruling your gold Yeager believes that most Americans are caught in a vicious cycle: They earn money to spend money to buy what they want. They never have enough. The key, he says, is to “slay your enoughasauraus“, that nasty monster inside each of us that makes us want just a little more.
His first step is to practice a “fiscal fast”. Live for a week without spending money. Take notes on what it’s like to go seven days without spending: what were you tempted to buy and how did it make you feel? From there, you can move on to his “six golden rules for ruling your gold”:
Live within your means at thirty, and stay there. I’ve often wished that I had maintained the standard of living I had at 25. Instead, I got caught up in lifestyle inflation. If I’d had the willpower early, I could have a lot saved by now!
Never underestimate the power of not spending. In The Wealthy Barber, David Chilton notes that a penny saved is worth more than a penny earned. An after-tax penny is actually worth about a penny-and-a-half of income. It’s worth even more when you consider the returns you miss by not investing it.
Discretion is the better part of shopping. You know all those money hacks I share to trick yourself while shopping? Here’s where they come into play. Establish a 30-day waiting period before making big purchases. Always ask, “Is this a want or a need?” I like one of Yeager’s suggestions: Carry a “what the hell was I thinking?” list in your wallet or purse on which you’ve written all the stupid things you’ve purchased over the years. (Mine would be too big for my wallet!)
Do for yourself what you could have others do for you. Grow your own food. Change your own oil. Do your own home maintenance. By taking on a few chores you usually pay others to do, you can save money.
Anyone can negotiate anything. Daiko recently wrote that we should ask for a better financial future, requesting better deals when we deal with big companies. Bartering can save you money, too.
Pinch the dollars, and the pennies will pinch themselves. This is the message that Elizabeth Warren preaches: limit your spending on the big things (like your mortgage), and you won’t have to worry so much about saving money on groceries. It’s best to be frugal in all aspects of your life, but pay particular attention to the big stuff.
There’s a lot more to The Ultimate Cheapskate’s Road Map to True Riches. Yeager covers topics like:
Eating well for cheap. (Yeager tries to buy food that costs less than a dollar per pound.)
Buying a sensible home and then repaying the mortgage as soon as possible.
Commuting without a car.
Cheap entertainment. Yeager encourages readers to make the most of their hobbies.
Ultimately, the message of this book is that stuff will not make you happy. Happiness comes from knowing when you have enough. In his final chapter, Yeager stresses the importance of amassing a quality of life over a quantity of stuff. “Many choices you must make [involve] the trade-off between money and time,” he writes. “By being cheap…you’re valuing time and the things you can do with it more than money and the things you can buy with it.”
Conclusion This book was actually less about frugality and thrift than I expected. When I started reading, I thought there would be practical tips along the lines of The Tightwad Gazette and Your Money or Your Life. Yeager does share frugal ideas in sidebars scattered throughout the book’s 225 pages, but most of the information here is straight-up personal finance advice with an emphasis on pinching pennies. (That’s not a bad thing — it’s just not what I was expecting.)
I admire the way Yeager draws together a wide variety of sources. Too often, personal finance writers seem to live in a vacuum. You can read an entire Suze Orman book and never see a reference to work from anyone else. Yeager’s not afraid to recommend other reading, including some of my favorites: Stumbling on Happiness, The Not So Big House, and Your Money or Your Life. He draws on the ideas of Warren Buffet, Dave Ramsey, and Elizabeth Warren.
This is an excellent book for anyone just beginning to wrestle with personal finance. It’s especially good for those trying to escape the chains of consumerism. In a recent e-mail discussion Yeager told me, “I’m trying to reach a new audience, including folks who have never and probably will never pick up a typical PF book.” With its casual blend of humor and good advice, The Ultimate Cheapskate’s Road Map to True Riches has a solid chance to meet this goal.
Addendum: Trent at The Simple Dollar has posted his review of the book. He likes it, too!
Inside: Looking for some unique cash app card design ideas? Look no further! This guide has 100+ cool and unique ideas to help you create cards that reflect your personality and style.
The concept of Cash App card designs has emerged as a trendy and enjoyable way to personalize your monetary transactions.
Rather than limiting yourself to traditional designs, Cash App allows you to express your creativity, resulting in a card that reflects your individuality, interests, and style.
From inspiring quotes to your favorite emojis and collages, you have the option to turn your Cash App Visa debit card into a distinct and exciting asset.
This not only enhances the visual appeal of your card but also adds a touch of personality to your buying experience.
Whether you are getting a Cash Card for the first time or looking to redesign an existing one, this segment will offer you a plethora of unique design ideas to inspire your creativity.
Browse through our cash app card design ideas to help make your card stand out.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What is Cash App Card?
A Cash App Card is a free, customizable debit card linked directly to your Cash App account.
Let’s break this down:
It functions like your ordinary Visa debit card, capable of handling payments anywhere Visa is accepted.
Since it draws from your Cash App balance—not your bank account—you can use it for both online and in-store transactions.
Interesting perks include a unique design to suit your style.
Great for budgeting – like a cashless envelope system!
In essence, think of it as a flashy, convenient companion to your Cash App, ready to assist with purchases, whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee or buying a cool online gadget!
Is the personalized Cash App card free?
Your personalized Cash App card is mostly free unless you opt for special versions.
The basic white or black card comes without a charge on your first order.
So as long as you stick with the basic options, you’re in the clear.
Just remember, additional cards, regardless of color, will cost you $5 each. For example, if you get a black one first and then decide you want a white one too, you’d need to fork out $5 for it.
How to Customize your Cash App Card
Your card design is like your fashion statement. It says a lot about you.
So, you want to design your Cash App Card to fit exactly what you want.
To start designing your Cash App Card, first, you need to open your app — the infamous green home screen should be your first sight.
Incorporate emojis, letters, or symbols that express who you are.
Use the freehand drawing option – use a stylus or finger to sketch directly on your card! It might take a few attempts, but experimentation is part of the fun.
Remember, keep your design concise but personal, and above all – have fun!
60+ Cool and Unique Cash App Card Design Ideas
When designing your Cash Card, it’s crucial to choose a display that best represents you and easily catches your attention.
Even though images or photos can’t be added, creativity can still run wild.
From selecting initial base designs to illustrating personal interests and hobbies, every idea is an opportunity to bring your card to life.
1. Create Inspirational Quotes Cash App Cards
Choose a quote that’s both meaningful and motivating to you.
It could be a famous quote or your personal mantra. Or even one of these millionaire quotes.
Personally, this is my favorite idea because I love constant reminders of inspirational messages!
2. Choose an Affirmation You needed reminding of
Having personalized affirmations and messages on your Cash App card can turn a regular transaction into a moment of reflection and inspiration.
It is like leaving an encouraging note on your Cash App card.
Common affirmations or quotes such as “Believe in yourself” or something more personalized like “Be the change you want to see”, can provide a boost of motivation every time you use your card. Here are more money affirmations to choose from.
Remember, these design features should reflect your personality and resonate with you on a personal level.
This way, every time you use your Cash App card, it becomes more than just a transactional tool; it becomes a unique extension of you.
3. Cash App Card Design with Word Art
With Cash App’s Word Art design, you can express yourself like never before! Instead of settling for a standard design, this feature lets you craft an emblem that’s truly unique – as unique as you.
Word Art breathes life into your card and makes it a conversation starter.
Personalized wording which can include your signature, favorite quotes, or your brand’s name
Variety of fonts and colors to choose from
Word Art designs can be both sophisticated and playful, matching your vibe and setting your Cash App Card a league above the rest. It’s about expressing yourself, your way!
4. Cash App Card Design with Emojis
Indeed, adding emojis to your Cash App card is a ground-breaking design concept. Just like you would sign a text message.
It gives the card a fun, personal touch that mirrors your unique personality, interests, and style—everything traditional card designs lack.
The available variety of emojis provides ample creative liberty.
5. Cash App Card Design with Symbols
Using symbols on Cash App card designs gives you an opportunity to personalize and add a dash of creativity to your card.
The beauty of using symbols is their versatility, and how they let you express your creativity and personality without overwhelming the card design.
Creating a design you love will certainly make every cash transaction a little more enjoyable!
6. Cash App Card Design with Patterns and Designs
Using patterns and designs on a Cash App card can significantly reflect your personal style and preferences.
If the idea of a standard and mundane Cash App card doesn’t appeal to you, you can customize it using a variety of patterns and designs, making it more personalized and meaningful to you. Here are a few ideas on how you can go about it:
Choosing to use patterns and designs on your Cash App card is not only a creative way to express your individuality, but it also adds a unique, engaging element to the otherwise utilitarian nature of financial cards.
7. Cash App Card Design with Color and Style
When it comes to card designs, color and style aren’t just aesthetic choices; they define your personality.
Choose your favorite hue or pick limited-edition colors to reflect your unique taste.
Customizable designs: Be it minimalist, neon, grunge, or vintage – tailor the card to match your persona.
The multi-colored, geometric designs offer a blend of personality and style, gearing towards a modern payment solution.
8. Create Freehand Card Designs
Freehand designs give your Cash App Card a unique, personal touch, turning it into a mini portable art piece.
Free-hand drawings add an artistic flare, turning your card into a unique piece of art. Various styles, from portraits to favorite anime characters or even cherished family names, can be featured.
You can also embed empowering quotes or use the cool street-art style of graffiti to make an imaginative statement.
Remember, the fundamental goal is not just to create a card but also to design an extension of your personality. Using a stylus will make this process much easier.
Expert tip: Sketch your design on paper first to get a feel.
Card App Card Design Themes
Using the above ideas, here are specific themes you can use for your personalized Cash App Card.
Space and Stars Theme: Display an image of the galaxy or stars in the night sky.
Music Theme: A melody note or a line from your favorite song could make a great design.
Sports Theme: Choose an image that represents your favorite sport, such as a football, basketball or ballet shoes.
Nature Theme: Use imagery of mountains, trees, or the beach.
Inspirational Quote: Choose a quote that motivates you each time you use your cash app card.
Emoji Theme: Use your favorite emoji, or a mix of them.
Family Picture: A sketch or silhouette of your family members.
Pet Theme: Show off your furry friends by depicting them on your card.
Anime Theme: Pick characters from your favorite anime series.
Movie Theme: Use a design related to your favorite movie.
Superhero Theme: Show your love for superheroes like Spider-man, Batman.
Zodiac Theme: Choose symbols or constellations of your Zodiac sign.
Food Theme: Use an image of your favorite food or a trendy food item.
Book Theme: Use symbols or important elements from your favorite book.
Art Theme: Paint splotches, abstract design, or famous art paintings.
Travel Theme: Landmarks of your favorite – city or vacation spot.
Western Theme: Perfect for the horse lover and cowboy boots!
Seasonal Theme: Images relating to different seasons like snowflakes, leaves, spring flowers.
Coffee Theme: A coffee cup or your favorite coffee order.
Fitness Theme: Dumbbells, yoga poses, or running shoes.
Floral Theme: Blooming flowers and foliage.
Gaming Theme: Iconography from your favorite games.
Minimalist Theme: Simple, clean lines and minimal colors.
Fashion Theme: Sketches of clothes, accessories or a runway.
Vehicles Theme: Cars, trains, planes, bicycles.
Career Theme: Symbols or tools related to your profession.
Hobby Theme: Images of something you love doing, from knitting to scuba diving.
Love Theme: Heart shapes, cupid, and other romantic symbols.
Health Theme: Medical or wellness-related symbols.
Educational Theme: Books, graduation cap and other study-related images.
Retro Theme: Vintage designs or pop culture from a certain era.
Birthday Theme: Balloons, cakes, party hats.
Cartoon Theme: Beloved characters from animated TV shows or movies.
Doodles Theme: A collection of small, simple drawings.
Marine Life Theme: Sea creatures or marine scenery.
Inspirational Icons: Images of people who inspire you like famous athletes, actors, or activists.
Favorite Color Theme: Feature various shades and gradients of your favorite color.
Fairy Tale Theme: Designs based on your favorite children’s stories or fantasy tales.
Skyline Theme: Capture the silhouette of your favorite city’s skyline.
Outer Space Theme: Planets, galaxies, rockets and astronauts.
Nautical Theme: Anchors, ship wheels, lighthouses and other seafaring symbols.
Dessert Theme: Images of your favorite sweet treats.
DIY/Handicraft Theme: Symbols related to different crafts – knitting needles, paint brushes, etc.
Wildlife Theme: Images of your favorite wild animals.
Geometric Shapes Theme: Create a sleek design with a variety of shapes.
Personal Logo: If you have a personal logo, you could use that.
Spirit Animal: Draw or paste in an image of your spirit animal.
National Flags: Show your pride of heritage with your country’s flag.
Camouflage Theme: Explore different types of camouflage patterns.
Mountain Landscape Theme: Use an image or drawing of a mountain range.
Festive Theme: Images related to different festivals or holidays.
Grayscale Theme: Designs with different shades of black and white.
Checkerboard Pattern: A timeless tic-tac-toe design for classic charm.
Vintage Theme: Checks, stripes, or polka dots—any of these can lend a nostalgia-tinged style to your card.
Money Theme: Start by drawing dollar symbols or creating designs inspired by currency
Other Cash App Card Ideas:
Draw a self-portrait: Keep it simple yet expressive, experimenting with different colors, lines, and shapes to highlight your persona.
Use your Favorite Movie Line: Choose a memorable quote from your favorite movie.
Choose Your Life Motto or Verse: Adding such text can create a unique reflection of your personality or beliefs. Here are a few neat examples:
Your Signature: This customized detail will not only make your card look original but also speak echoes about your personality.
Stick figure family design
A signature doodle
A caricature of yourself
Your kiddo’s names with whimsical stick figure drawings
A quote that resonates with you
Let that inner artist shine!
What are the Color Options Available?
Personally, I like to think about my design before I dig right into it. And knowing the background color makes things so much easier!
1. Standard Black
The standard Black Cash App card, often referred to as the “classy classic”, might very well be your next wallet staple.
With its timeless appeal and slick design, this card is perfect if you’re looking for something basic yet sophisticated.
Pros:
Its cool black color creates a refined and sleek appearance.
With its simple and traditional design, it fits well with any wallet.
It’s a popular choice, giving it mass appeal.
Absolutely free of charge, which is a bonus.
It has that classic and vintage feel that just screams style.
Cons:
Could be considered too ordinary or basic.
Can easily be misplaced or lost due to its dark color.
The strict black design offers limited personalization.
If you like colorful or vibrant designs, it may not appeal to you.
So, whether you stick to the black card is entirely up to your personal style and preferences, mate!
2. White Base
Isn’t simplicity more your style? The white base color option for the Cash App Card might be just what you’re looking for.
Plus it’s free of charge, which appeals to your budget-savvy side. Since it is a classic color that works with anything.
Most importantly, it makes a simple statement about your preference for chic, minimal styles.
Pros:
Bright and clean: Suits any design you wish to superimpose.
Versatility: Perfectly complements both formal and casual situations.
Designer-friendly: Adds neatness and clarity to your chosen design.
Cons:
White can make stains more noticeable.
May discolor and lose it’s bright coloring.
Being a popular choice, it lacks uniqueness.
3. Glow In the Dark Base
Are you seeking an edgy, unconventional look for your Cash App card?
Consider the glow-in-the-dark base color which stands out among the more traditional options.
It’s stylish, boasting a fun green color, adding a quirky twist to your finance management. You might find it quicker if it gets misplaced, thanks to its luminous feature.
The biggest con is it comes with an additional cost of $5.
4. Chameleon Metal Cash Card
If you’re looking for a sophisticated touch to your digital transactions, the Chameleon Metal Cash Card is a unique alternative.
This cool cash app card option brings a colorful twist to your wallet.
Pros:
Customizable to your taste.
Differentiates you from other cardholders.
It has a sophisticated multicolor design.
Heavyweight imitates a premium feel.
Cons:
There are rumors that metal cards are no longer currently available.
Being noticeable might attract unwanted attention.
Also, you can choose to get a black metal Cash Card for $50.
Not sure if you should unlock button on cash app to pay for it. That is probably not a great idea!
How do you make cool designs on Cash App cards?
Remember, “cool” is subjective, so tailor your card to represent you.
Whether it’s a movie quote for film enthusiasts, adorable flowering designs for the ‘girly’ users, or a sports team logo for sports lovers, choose design elements that reflect your personality and lifestyle.
To make cool designs on your Cash App card, follow these simple steps:
Open your Cash App on your Android or iOS device and tap the Cash Card tab.
Locate the three dots at the top right corner of your screen. Tap it and select “Design New Card”.
Begin designing by choosing a base color for your card and click on “Personalize Card”.
When it comes to card text, make sure it’s large and well-aligned for easy readability. Using clean, standard fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Helvetica will look professional and legible.
You might like to add graphic elements or simple illustrations, to make your card more visually striking.
Make this card your everyday inspiration. Go all out or keep it minimal — it’s all about you!
Tips for Designing your Cash App Design
Designing your Cash App card allows you to add a touch of personality, making not just transactions but also the medium of transaction a reflection of you.
With an array of options from inspirational quotes to your favorite emojis, from creative collages to minimalist designs, the customization possibilities are endless.
This section provides helpful tips on creating a Cash App card design that is uniquely yours.
Use these suggestions as a starting point and let your creativity shine through. R
1. Simplicity is Key
When designing your Cash App card, simplicity is your best friend.
A minimalist design using a simple color palette and clean lines can create sophistication and style. Too much information? It just makes things difficult to read.
Try these tips:
Start by choosing a design that’s easy to read.
Go for a solid color background with your impactful saying in a clean font.
Don’t cram too much onto your card.
Get creative with basic shapes or perhaps, draw a scene from your favorite movie with a stylus.
But remember, keep it simple.
2. Consider Your Personal Style and Interests
Designing your Cash App card is an opportunity to truly make it your own by considering your personal style and interests during the design process.
Is there a hobby you are passionate about?
Maybe you love reading, gaming, painting or even knitting.
Get creative, perhaps with a self-portrait or graffiti of your initials
Pick or draw a design that reflects you
Remember, this is your chance to showcase YOU on your card. Have fun with it!
3. Think About the Types of Transactions You Will Be Making
If you are currently striving towards a money goal, this is a great chance to use your spending card to get you there.
Your personalized Cash App card design will greatly enhance your user probability of racing your goals.
While a little creativity with your Cash App Card design, you want to make sure you stay without your budget.
4. Make sure it is easy to read
Simple – you don’t want a cluttered card that’s hard on the eyes.
Here’s how to ensure yours pops while remaining legible:
Opt for a straightforward design. Busy doesn’t equate to cool.
Choose a clean font. Messy typefaces smack of unprofessionalism.
Balance your color scheme. Overly bright or dark? Nah, we’re seeking a middle ground here.
Consider a stylus for freehand designs – it aids precision.
Keep it simple, keep it clean.
5. Don’t overcomplicate things
Overly complex or crammed designs make it difficult to comprehend.
Aim for a clean, minimalist vibe – it’s trendy and effective.
Remember, the last thing you want is a card you can’t read or love to use!
FAQ
You’re in for some disappointment – you can’t put a picture on your Cash App card.
Cash App lets you jazz things up with emojis, freehand art, or even your unique $Cashtag, but not personal pictures.
If this changes, we will update this post.
No, you can’t have 2 Cash App cards.
Each Cash App account is tied to one unique Cash Card account, so you can’t have multiple cards for a single account.
Keep in mind that while you can change designs, you’re still only using one card tied to your account.
Show us your Collest Cash App Card Designs
What better way to stay on budget than by giving your Cash App card a personalized touch?
By incorporating meaningful sayings, emojis that encapsulate your spirit, or a favorite anime character or brand logo, you can make your debit card an extension and reminder of your financial goals.
Perhaps your creativity stretches to a cool pattern or your childhood cartoon character, or you fancy keeping it simple with your initials or nickname – remember, the simpler, the better.
You can also play around with outdoor scenes, objects that inspire you, or even a drawing from your kids.
Whatever your design preference, your Cash App debit card design is an opportunity to make your banking experience truly yours.
And yes, feel free to share your innovative designs and ideas with us in the comments. We value your input and would love to hear from you!
And remember – the ultimate goal is to stay mindful of your spending habits and budget.
Enjoy this as a canvas of individuality in the cashless world.
Now don’t forget… where can I load my cash app card?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
There was talk of tearing down an old church in Cincinnati. Instead, it was converted into a large home with divine details.
The home is now listed for $1,499,900—which reflects a recent discount of $150,000.
The building dates to 1860 and initially served as the York Street Methodist Episcopal Church, according to published reports. It became a Seventh-day Adventist Church around 1976.
Bold beauty
The building was vacant in 2017, when the current owner purchased it for just $35,000 and turned it into the 9,756-square-foot stunner with 20-foot-high ceilings it is today.
There are five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and huge living spaces that blend history with modern design.
The former church sanctuary is now the main living space, which is lined with original arched windows with yellow-stained glass. The sleek, open kitchen is tucked into a nook on the main level, and it has a large window and a bold yellow and black design.
On the opposite end of the room, you’ll find the church’s organ. It is the focal point of a carpeted and cozy space for living or working. There’s a loft space overlooking the live-work area and the main living space.
A former meeting hall on the lower level now has two guest apartments, each with a kitchen and living space. One apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The other has one bedroom and a bathroom.
The list price includes the furnishings for the two guest apartments.
The inventive use of the space caught the attention of the Cincinnati Preservation Society, which presented the 2022 Adaptive Reuse Award to the seller, Abdiel Acevedo.
The three spaces in the house have been available as short-term rentals, which can bring in about $140,000 a year in rental income, according to the listing.
On Airbnb, the converted church is available for as much as $1,299 a night.
Rick Finn and Holly Finn with Coldwell Banker Realty are the listing agents.
Small-business grants can provide funding for your business that you won’t need to repay, which can be especially appealing when starting or growing your business in Florida. Business grants are available for a wide range of purposes, from covering administrative costs and business expenses to funding research projects and beautifying the exterior of your storefront.
Our list of small-business grants for Florida businesses includes both state-specific and national options.
Florida small-business grants
These Florida-specific grants set aside for small businesses could be statewide, regional or city-specific, so be sure to read the requirements before devoting time to the application.
Florida High Tech Corridor grant
If your Florida startup is a high-tech company, you might be eligible for a Florida High Tech Corridor grant. These grants are designed for research and development projects and partner businesses with researchers at the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida. Opportunities are available in 23 Florida counties.
Eligible businesses work with university researchers to create a project plan and budget, as well as to submit the application. Applications are accepted throughout the year. If approved, funds of up to $150,000 are distributed directly to the university research team.
Prospera small-business grants
Prospera has been helping Hispanic entrepreneurs start new businesses in Florida since 1991. This nonprofit economic development organization works with new and existing Hispanic business owners to help ensure they have the tools and resources needed to succeed.
Prospera grants are awarded on an individual basis and provide for professional services related to legal and accounting assessments, business plans, QuickBooks consulting, marketing plans and brand kits at no cost to the business owner.
Enterprise Florida trade grants
Florida export businesses can apply for a variety of business grants through the Florida Export Diversification and Expansion Program. Grants are offered for marketing plans, website localization, market development and trade shows.
Some basic eligibility requirements for an Enterprise Florida trade grant are that the business be located in Florida, be in operation for a minimum of two years, employ between three and 500 workers and have annual sales of $250,000 or more. Each individual grant has additional eligibility requirements.
Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network
Through the Florida SBDC State Trade Expansion Program, eligible export businesses can be reimbursed for export credit insurance, marketing plan costs and certain expenses related to trade shows and U.S. Department of Commerce promotional events. Limits for reimbursement depend on the expense, but there’s a maximum of $15,000 per funding period. To be eligible for the grant, a business needs to be new to exporting or plan to use exporting to expand their business, among other requirements.
Floridians also have access to professional business consulting services through the SBDC at no cost. Certified consultants can help you with business planning, management, marketing, financial analysis, funding, international trade, cybersecurity and disaster preparedness. Also available are on-demand videos as well as live workshops and seminars, which may require a nominal fee to attend.
City of Orlando Business Assistance Program
The Business Assistance Program (BAP) is a matching grant administered through the Economic Development Department (EDD) with the goal of promoting small-business development and expansion in Orlando, Florida. Business owners will be responsible for 50% of eligible development fees, while the EDD will pay the remaining 50% — up to $20,000.
BAP can be used to help with transportation impact fees, permits and other development fees, as well as improvements such as sidewalk repairs, water line construction, street improvements, landscaping, street lighting, curb improvements and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Small-business owners must get city approval and the proper permits for their project before they can receive financing. Businesses must be located or relocating to the city of Orlando and be a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency grants
North Miami CRA, an independent government agency, offers a number of commercial grant programs, including the Business Attraction Grant, Beautification and Enhancement Grant, Rehabilitation Grant and Capacity Building/Retention Grant. Grant maximum amounts range from $7,500 to $150,000, depending on the program.
Each program has specific requirements, but general eligibility requirements include that the business be within (or moving to a building within) the designated North Miami geographic boundary and the projects must show benefits to the community. The Business Attraction Grant and the Rehabilitation Grant require a 50% match by the business.
National grants available to Florida small businesses
You may also want to consider these national business grants to help fund your Florida small business.
WomensNet grants
Women entrepreneurs and small-business owners in Florida should be aware of the grants offered by WomensNet. This includes Amber Grant awards of $10,000 or $1,000 each month and a year-end Amber Grant worth $25,000. Other grants include the $10,000 Startup Grant awarded quarterly, $10,000 Business Category Grant awarded monthly and the annual Marketing Grant for marketing planning support.
To be eligible, a business needs to be at least 50% woman-owned and based in the U.S. or Canada. By completing one application, you’ll be considered for all the available grants. In addition to contact information, the application will ask you to explain your business and how you would spend the grant money. There is an application fee of $15.
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) grant
NASE offers business development grants of up to $4,000 to small businesses and startups based in the U.S. It has awarded almost $1 million in small-business grants since the program began in 2006.
To be eligible for a NASE Growth Grant, you must be an active member of the organization for at least 90 days. In addition, you must demonstrate financial need, provide details on how your business will use the grant money, describe how receiving this grant will help your business thrive and provide a copy of your company’s business plan. You can join NASE for $11.95 a month.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest awards grants to small businesses across the U.S. each year. Typically, FedEx reserves this grant money for small businesses with innovative ideas and those demonstrating the greatest financial need. In 2023, FedEx named 10 grand prize winners to receive $30,000 and $1,000 in print services through this program.
Your business must be for-profit and have fewer than 99 employees to be eligible for the grant. Also, you’ll need to open and use a FedEx business shipping account. Additional eligibility requirements may apply.
America’s Seed Fund
Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, America’s Seed Fund offers grants designed to help U.S. small businesses in the technology sector.
For your business to be eligible for this grant, it must be U.S.-owned, for-profit and focused on research and development. You also must have fewer than 500 employees. To apply, you’ll submit a proposal that will be reviewed and may receive feedback to further refine your concept. Award amounts can range from $50,000 to nearly $2 million, depending on the phase of development.
Tips to find the right Florida small-business grant for you
The process of applying for small business grants may seem challenging, particularly as you’re trying to get your business off the ground. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you explore grant opportunities.
Schedule time for grant applications
Because starting a new business is often extremely time-consuming, it can be helpful to schedule time once a week or more to search for and apply to eligible grant opportunities. Be sure to thoroughly research eligibility requirements to ensure your company fits all of the grant’s criteria before allocating time to the application process.
Expand your search efforts
Look into local small-business grants in your area as well as explore demographic-specific searches that may apply to you or your business, such as:
Weigh grant application fees
Another important factor in applying for small-business grants in Florida is considering application fees. When you research eligible grants, consider the cost of applying versus the benefits you’ll receive. Keeping track of all possible grants you’ve researched, as well as their fees, can help you prioritize your application for affordable or no-cost grants.
Keep alternative funding in mind
Applying for small-business grants in Florida does not guarantee you’ll receive assistance or the amount you wanted. Grants are especially competitive because they provide debt-free funding. If you don’t receive grant money for your Florida business, there are other funding options to explore. Consider small-business loans, such as SBA loans. Your local Florida small-business bank may also be able to connect you to opportunities. Additionally, you may want to consider business credit cards or crowdfunding options to help fund your business.
Courtney Johnston, a freelance writer, contributed to this article.
A version of this article originally appeared on Fundera, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.
At this age, if you aren’t already thinking about life insurance, you should be. Term life insurance often comes up when speaking of life insurance for people of this age. This is because it not only offers a large number of benefits, but it comes at little cost to the policyholder.
With as many options as there are available in this day, it is often hard to sort through them all and find one that is most suitable for your needs. Every individual is different in his needs both financially and personally so it is hard to apply a one-size-fits-all policy pertaining to life insurance. Many may find that life insurance without exam is the best for their needs at this time in their life.
Fortunately, the Internet proves to be a vast resource for shopping and comparing rates on life insurance. There are plenty of tools online that make it easy to compare rates and benefits of life insurance. The amount of life insurance companies present online is extraordinary so comparing between multiple companies comes with ease.
Life Insurance and Your Financial Future
Perhaps one of the most popular forms of life insurance for someone of age 55 is term life insurance. Cheap term life insurance will financially cover your survivors in the event of death by taking care of basically all of your debts and bills.
Additionally, term life insurance can also cover funeral expenses as well as any leftover medicals debts. With all of these benefits, it is not difficult to think that these types of life insurance policies may come at a high price. The fact of the matter is that term life insurance for those of the age 55 is surprisingly inexpensive given all of the benefits.
A 55 year old male can obtain a $250,000 policy for as little as $19.69. A $200,000 policy will run a 55 year old male $45.56 a month.
Sex
10 Year
20 Year
30 Year
Male
Protective – $38.97/month
SBLI – $66.56/month
Banner – $136.06/month
Female
Protective – $30.04/month
SBLI – $51.11/month
Banner – $98.00/month
As you can see, this rate is surprisingly affordable. Of course these rates are quoted for an average male who is considered healthy with no pre-existing conditions. Regardless, the benefits that come with these affordable rates are boundless. For as little as a couple of dollars a day, you can live with the peace of mind knowing your family is financially protect in the event of your absence.
It is okay to not comfortable searching for life insurance policies on the Internet, you can always look locally for advice from an insurance agent who specializes in life insurance. Life insurance is fairly simple to obtain but sometimes a little guidance may be necessary, especially if you have special conditions that need to be considered.
Having pre-existing conditions or something of the like that can affect your rates negatively, do not give up hope.
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Finding the Best Rates for 55 Year Olds
The best thing you can do to make sure you are getting the lowest price on your life insurance premiums is to work with an independent agent that knows the over 50 life insurance market.
What we do is work with all the companies that will view your individual case in the best light. That way you get to choose which plan works best for you and the needs of your family.
There are plenty of options still available for you and having someone who is knowledgeable in life insurance is always helpful.