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If you’re considering pursuing a career as a veterinarian, you probably have tremendous affection and compassion for animals and want to help them via medical training. That probably means you’re considering attending veterinary school. Among the questions you may be wondering about are, How long is vet school? How do I apply? How much will vet school cost, and how can I afford it?

This guide will help you understand the process for how to become a vet and how you might afford this fulfilling career.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Veterinarian?

The cost for a four-year veterinary school for in-state residents is over $200,000 while students with out-of-state tuition may pay more than $275,000, depending on the school, according to the VIN Foundation Student Debt Center.

While that’s a lot of money, getting a doctorate in veterinary medicine (DVM) can lead to a median salary of $103,260 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A vet’s salary depends on what kind of practice they go into and where they are located.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Veterinarian?

The path to becoming a vet can vary, and the length of time it takes to become a vet can vary as well. In general, most vet schools are four-year programs for a DVM. Some, however, have accelerated programs and semesters and get the work done in three years.

Those pursuing a veterinary career path might also want to factor in how long it takes to complete the prerequisites. In general, that will require students to have a bachelor’s degree, which also takes around four years to complete. If you have already completed your bachelor’s degree but didn’t take the courses required for vet school, then you may need to pick up those credits as well before you start your applications.

That said, what follows are six key steps if you are wondering how to be a veterinarian.
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6 Steps to Become a Veterinarian

The steps to becoming a veterinarian are often as follows:

Step 1: Check Off The Prerequisites

These points can help you move towards your degree as a veterinarian:

•   The Veterinary Medical College Application Service resource will show you the list of prerequisite college courses that are generally required for students applying for veterinary school. Required courses for most veterinary schools include biology, chemistry, animal sciences, and advanced math.

•   Students interested in pursuing vet school who are currently enrolled in undergrad may want to review their current course of study to be sure they are on track for vet school prerequisites.

•   Another tip is to volunteer, get an internship, or do part-time work with an animal hospital, local business, or charitable organization that helps animals. See if your college has a prevet extracurricular club that could broaden your experience and help you learn more about the field.

Getting a lot of hands-on animal experience can help build your resume and help you make sure that you’re pursuing a career path that appeals to you.

Also, know that to file your vet school application, you’ll most likely be required to submit your undergraduate transcripts and provide a reference from a college professor or professional in the animal sciences.

Step 2: Determine How to Pay for School

Before you decide on which veterinary school you want to attend, consider evaluating what savings you have to put toward vet school and estimate what you may need to borrow in student loans or fund with grants and scholarships.

It’s important to think about veterinary school costs as you begin researching schools so you have a good idea of what your veterinary school debts may look like.

According to the most recent data from the American Veterinary Medical Association, the average educational debt among the 82% of US veterinary college graduates who take on debt was $179,505. While vets do earn a good salary once they find employment, that is a significant sum to consider.

Working a part-time job while attending school might help offset some of the vet school costs or the amount you have to take out in loans in order to cover living expenses, but it might be challenging to balance work and school, especially as your schoolwork increases.

Recommended: Why Your Student Loan Balance Never Seems to Decrease

Step 3: Research Veterinary Schools

Once you have an idea of how much money you have to pay for vet school, research the veterinary schools in the country. You’ll likely consider the location, costs, and the types of programs offered if you’re pursuing a specialty veterinary degree.

This step can be an important part of the journey on how to become a veterinarian. As you read above, it may be more affordable to attend a vet school in your state.

Also, check that the vet school(s) you are applying to are suited to the type of vet medicine you want to practice. For example, if you’d like to pursue a career working with horses, research schools that offer equine programs.

If you plan to pursue a general DVM degree, find an accredited veterinary program that fits the criteria most important to you, such as your budget or where you want to live.

Step 4: Apply to Veterinary Schools

Check out the schools’ admissions website to determine the specific graduate school application requirements. Some pointers:

•   Most vet schools require students to submit scores for either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Some schools may also require applicants to take the Biology GRE.

•   You also might need a letter of recommendation or two, as noted above.

•   Some applications may also require a personal essay.

•   Once your application is received, there may also be an in-person interview.

Yes, the vet school application process can be involved and long. It can get expensive, too. Vet schools often charge a non-refundable application fee; many schools follow the fee structure set by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, which sets the first application fee at $227, and then each additional application fee is $124.
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Step 5: Attend Veterinary School

A three- to four-year vet med school degree often involves a few semesters of coursework, followed by clinical training and intense clinical training to gain hands-on training at one of the college’s affiliates.

Students can apply for scholarships and grants to help alleviate some of the costs of a veterinary degree. By managing your budget and minimizing extraneous expenses, you may also lower the amount of student debt you end up borrowing.

In order to practice veterinary medicine and become a veterinary, students will also need to study for and pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Generally, vet students take the exam during their senior year.

Step 6: Begin The Job Search

The experiences you had during clinical rotations can help you determine which area of veterinary medicine you want to go in. Options include private veterinary practice, vet hospital, research, education, diagnostics, or even public health with a DVM degree.

In general, it can be helpful to start looking for a job in veterinary medicine before graduating from vet school. After passing the NAVLE and graduating from school, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running if you have a job in place.

Having a job secured before you graduate may also provide peace of mind as you start thinking about student loan repayment.

The Takeaway

A career in veterinary medicine can be a rewarding one. You’re helping sick or injured animals heal, providing preventative care, and getting to interact with animals all day long. When it comes to discovering how to become a veterinarian, the process takes planning, dedication, and hard work.

Attending veterinary school can be a challenging but fulfilling journey. It’s also typically an expensive one. After graduating, refinancing student loans may be an option that can lower the loan’s interest rate, and potentially reduce the cost of borrowing in the long term. However, you may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with an extended term. Also, refinancing federal student loans means you forfeit some borrower protections, such as loan forgiveness and deferment.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

FAQ

Where do veterinarians work?

Veterinarians work across the country and around the world in a variety of settings, such a s private clinics, animal hospitals, and zoos, or they may operate out of an office and then visit homes or ranches.

What does a veterinarian do?

A veterinarian cares for the health of animals, whether pets, livestock, or other animals. They diagnose and work to heal issues animals endure and may protect public health by doing so.

What’s the salary and job outlook for a veterinarian?

The median salary for a veterinarian is currently $103,260 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The need for vets is seen as increasing, with a projected growth of 19.4% between 2021 and 2031.

What hours do vets work?

The hours a vet will work can vary tremendously depending on a specific job, type of employment, and location. Most vets work four to five days a week, eight to 10 hours a day.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

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Source: sofi.com

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It’s not likely you can travel with an expired passport, as a passport is generally required for international air travel. It also doubles as a valid form of ID for domestic U.S. travel.

If you realize your passport has expired and you have immediate travel plans, you’ll need to check the rules for the country you’re visiting and quickly submit an application for a new passport.

Learn why and when you need a passport to travel, how to renew your passport and what the rules are for traveling with an expired passport.

Why do you need a passport to travel?

A passport is a standardized form of government identification for those traveling internationally, though it can often be used for identification purposes domestically, too.

Passports ensure that travelers are who they say they are when entering or leaving a country or in other situations when identification is necessary. In most circumstances, everyone entering or leaving a country by land, sea or air needs to have their own passport, even if they’re a child, toddler or baby.

Generally, U.S. passports must be valid for six months beyond the traveler’s departure date to enter another country. However, some countries allow entry to travelers with only three months’ validity on their passport, and others have different regulations altogether. It’s important to verify the country’s rules where you’re planning to travel to ensure you can enter.

How do you renew a passport?

If your passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago, you must apply for a new one. Child passports for those under 16 expire after five years and cannot be renewed.

To renew your passport, follow these steps:

  1. Complete a passport renewal application (Form DS-82).

  2. Get passport photos taken.

  3. Mail in your completed application and photos along with your current or expired passport and the required fees.

Currently, it takes up to 10 weeks to get a new passport or renew an existing one. However, there are ways to reduce the time it takes to get a new passport if you need it faster.

  • Expedited processing. By choosing expedited processing for an additional $60, your passport can be issued in three to five weeks.

  • Expedited delivery. Applicants can pay $19.53 for expedited delivery from the U.S. Postal Service. This upgrade delivers your new passport to you one to two days after it is mailed.

  • Urgent travel. This service is available by appointment at a passport agency and is for those with urgent travel plans within the next 14 days (or five days if you’ve already applied by mail). There is no fee for the appointment but spots are limited.

  • Emergency. In life-or-death situations that require travel within 72 hours, you may be able to obtain a passport the same day or the next day.

Passport expeditors or courier companies are another option to get your passport more quickly. These private, third-party companies are allowed to submit expedited passport applications on behalf of their customers. These agencies typically charge additional fees on top of the standard application and expedited service fees.

Can you fly with an expired passport?

Typically, travelers are required to have valid identification when flying. However, the rules can vary depending on whether you’re flying domestically or internationally.

Can you travel domestically with an expired passport?

A passport isn’t required for U.S. citizens traveling within the United States. If you’re flying within the U.S. and your passport has expired, it’s best to use another form of government identification. Forms of ID that are accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the airlines include state-issued driver’s licenses, state-issued ID cards and military ID.

If you’re traveling with an expired passport and don’t have one of the forms of ID listed above, you may still be able to fly if your passport hasn’t expired more than 12 months ago. However, you may be asked to show secondary forms of identification to prove your identity.

Can you fly with an expired passport to another country?

Traveling internationally requires a valid passport to depart the U.S. and/or return from a foreign country.

There are a few exceptions for passengers traveling within the Western Hemisphere. These include a NEXUS card when returning from Canada, a Merchant Mariner Document when traveling on official business or a Military Identification Card when traveling on official orders.

Traveling with expired passport rules during COVID

During the pandemic, the U.S. government issued a temporary order allowing those with an expired passport to fly home to the U.S. This rule granted travelers with passports expiring on or after Jan. 1, 2020, to return directly to the U.S. until June 30, 2022. This exception has since expired and is no longer valid.

What if your passport expired and you need to travel tomorrow?

If you’re traveling within three business days because of a life-or-death emergency of one of your immediate family members, you may be able to get a new passport the same day. Here’s how to get a passport quickly for next-day travel:

  1. Get documentation of the emergency. This could be a death certificate, letter from a mortuary or a letter from a hospital explaining your family member’s condition. It must be translated by a professional if it’s not in English.

  2. Obtain proof of your upcoming travel, such as an airline ticket or itinerary.

  3. Complete a passport application and get passport photos taken.

  4. Call the National Passport Information Center at (877) 487-2778 during business hours or (202) 647-4000 during non-business hours.

  5. Explain your situation and why you need to travel right away.

  6. If you qualify, the center will assist you in making an appointment at an eligible passport agency. Note that an appointment is not guaranteed.

  7. Bring proof of the emergency and travel plans, your passport application and payment for all necessary fees to your appointment.

Flying with an expired passport recapped

Travelers must have a valid passport when traveling internationally. However, if your passport has expired, you have a few options to get a new passport faster than the standard seven to 10 weeks it currently takes. The fees and process required will depend on how quickly you need your new passport.

In life-or-death situations, you may be able to get a new passport the same day if your international travel is within three business days.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com

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All too often we make investing far more complicated than it really is. I was guilty of this when I first started investing back in 1993. Like the search for the Holy Grail, I was convinced that there was a perfect asset allocation plan. And I searched for it. I spent hours upon hours trying to construct the perfect investment plan.

I’ve mellowed a bit since then. I’ve ditched my micro cap value fund for a much simpler asset allocation. It’s not that a micro cap fund, a China ETF, or mortgage REITs are bad investments. Rather, I’m no longer convinced that such asset classes are necessary to achieve my investment goals. I’m also not convinced such a complicated portfolio will outperform a simpler approach.

This Philosophy informs my responses when I receive email from readers about their own investments. They want to know if they should have a small cap value fund, or REITs, or a dividend fund, or dozens of other asset classes in their investment portfolio. This article and podcast is in response to all of those questions and similar emails I’ll certainly receive in the future.

How the Pros See Asset Allocation

There are a number of excellent sources we can turn to for investment ideas. Here are four of them.

Target Date Retirement Funds

The major mutual fund companies offer target date retirement funds. These fund of funds as they are called, split the amount of your investments into several mutual funds. Reviewing exactly which funds these target date investments to use give us insight into the asset allocation chosen by the likes of Fidelity.

Robo Advisors

Much like target date retirement funds, we can also peer into the asset allocation plans of automated investment services. Three of the most popular are Betterment, Wealthfront, and Future Advisors. Wealthfront, for example, has an excellent white paper on its investment philosophy. It not only shows its asset allocation plans for taxable and retirement accounts, but it also provides an in depth explanation for the asset classes it has chosen.

Investment Books

Any number of investment books provide excellent ideas on asset allocation plans. Two of my favorites are All About Asset Allocation by Ric Ferri and Unconventional Success by David Swenson. I interviewed Ric about his investment philosophy in Podcast 3. I’ve written about David Swenson’s model asset allocation plan as well. Both are worth reviewing.

Bogleheads Forum

The Bogleheads Forum has a wealth of information about investing. Of particular interest to asset allocation plans is what they call Lazy Portfolios. That resource lists a number of asset allocation plans that are easy to implement and maintain. It’s a great resource.

Same Kind of Different as Me

What’s interesting about the above resources is that none of the asset allocation plans is identical. While some are similar, they all take a slightly different approach. So much for the “perfect” asset allocation plan. It doesn’t exist.

As I was pursuing the Bogleheads forum while writing this article, I came across the following comment:

I couldn’t say it better myself.

Alternatives to Stocks

In fact, it’s worth mentioning that plenty of investors look for alternatives to stocks to further diversify their portfolio and have a little fun with their investing, while still growing their nest egg.

For example, Masterworks is an investment platform that lets you buy shares in blue-chip artworks: Pieces by household names like Andy Warhol. The blue-chip art index has outperformed the S&P 500 over the last 18 years, making blockbuster art a quirky but potentially lucrative addition to your personal portfolio. Find out more about Masterworks in our full review.

Of course, all of this raises an important question. How do we choose the asset allocation plan that is best for us?

Related:

The Perfect Asset Allocation Plan for You

Given that there is no one “right” investment plan, the key is to find a solid plan that fits your personality and investment options. You can start with any of the asset allocation models listed above, and then customize it to fit your investing style. To do that, consider these four factors:

  • Risk Tolerance: The starting point is to understand how much volatility you can handle. This comes with experience. As you start to invest, you typically don’t have a lot of money invested. As a result, losing 50% (the 2007-2009 market dropped 57%) seems awful, but the actual dollar loss may not be much. If you have $1 million invested, losing 50% can be traumatic.
  • Complexity: I know some investors that embrace complexity. Their portfolios have literally dozens of asset classes. They don’t invest in one or two international funds, they invest in country-specific ETFs and slice the U.S. market into six or more asset classes. It’s a lot to manage, particularly when it comes time to rebalance. If that kind of complexity is not your cup of tea, keep your portfolio simple. It’s more than reasonable to build a well-diversified portfolio with just three or four asset classes.
  • Boredom: Some would be bored with a 3-fund portfolio. They aren’t interested in a wildly complex portfolio, but they do want some exposure to additional asset classes. These often include REITs, small cap, and emerging markets. If that’s you, and it’s certainly me, expand your portfolio to cover one or more of these asset classes. The key is to find a plan you’ll stick with in good times and bad.
  • Investing Options: Finally, we have to work with the investing options available to us, particularly in a 401k or other workplace retirement plan.

  • Rob Berger is the founder of Dough Roller and the Dough Roller Money Podcast. A former securities law attorney and Forbes deputy editor, Rob is the author of the book Retire Before Mom and Dad. He educates independent investors on his YouTube channel and at RobBerger.com.

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Source: doughroller.net

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LO Technology, Broker PPE Products; Training and Webinars This Week; 3.7% Unemployment

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LO Technology, Broker PPE Products; Training and Webinars This Week; 3.7% Unemployment

By:
Rob Chrisman

7 Hours, 19 Min ago

“What do you call James Bond having a bath? Bubble 07.” In different bond matters, mortgage rates will always be higher than Treasury rates, in part because of the prepayment risk in mortgages that doesn’t exist with Treasury bonds. With the drop in rates, sales management personnel at lenders are busy figuring out how best to remind the staff about EPO (early payoff) penalties levied by investors while at the same time working on ways to save money besides furloughing, cutting staff, outsourcing, and re-doing vendor contracts. The recent decline in rates and increase in applications is welcome: According to Curinos, November 2023 funded mortgage volume decreased 11 percent YoY and 10 percent MoM. In the Retail channel, funded volume was down 22 percent YoY and 10% MoM. The average 30-year conforming retail funded rate in November was 7.45 percent, 25bps higher than October and 85bps higher than the same month last year. (Curinos sources a statistically significant data set directly from lenders to produce these benchmark figures, and drills into this data further here.) Today’s podcast can be found here, and this week’s is sponsored by nCino, makers of the nCino Mortgage Suite for the modern mortgage lender. nCino Mortgage Suite’s three core products, nCino Mortgage, nCino Incentive Compensation, and nCino Mortgage Analytics, unite the people, systems, and stages of the mortgage process. Hear an Interview with nCino’s Ben Miller on incentive compensation data and origination cost reductions that are separating profitable from unprofitable companies in the mortgage industry.

Lender and Broker Products, Programs, and Services

Loan Vision exclusively serves the mortgage industry by providing software built by the mortgage industry for the mortgage industry. With Loan Vision, customers see improvements of 30%+ decrease in days to close the books, 20%+ reduction in accounting headcount, complete LOS to G/L automation, and improved reporting and visibility. Interested in learning how Loan Vision can help you run a more efficient and profitable company? Contact Carl Wooloff to schedule a call today.

When Encompass Lending Group set out to reimagine its borrower experience, it chose LiteSpeed by LenderLogix. “We understand every borrower is different. Our services are custom-tailored to every borrower, and we thought our technology should reflect that,” said Encompass Lending Group’s Paul Marsh, EVP of National Sales. Read more about their implementation here.

Seems like there is “AI” everything now. Washing machines, clothing, cookie dough? One place you should deploy AI is in helping your customers find their best opportunity. LoanCraft now offers its ViLO technology via an API (patent pending). ViLO is a virtual loan officer technology that asks your customers questions about their goals and needs, and provides offers along with tailored English-language recommendations. The API lets you easily incorporate this into your consumer facing technology, or LoanCraft will build your front end for you. Regents Financial is using ViLO, so you can see how it works here. Contact Jessica West at LoanCraft for more information.

In this market, hustle is everything. You can’t afford to waste a single deal, or a single minute. That’s why ReadyPrice has launched Shop, Lock, Deliver, an innovative platform designed to help independent mortgage brokers and their lenders save time and money. Now you can shop competitive loan offerings from multiple lenders, get rate lock guarantees in real time, receive underwriting findings, and deliver the borrower’s complete loan file to lenders, all on a single platform, at no cost to brokers. It’s already helping brokers around the country thrive and compete in the toughest market. Multiple lenders. One platform. Zero b.s. Come check us out today. ReadyPrice gives you the ability to manage your lenders, search loan product pricing across the wholesale channel, and deliver loans to the lender of your choice.

Events, Training, and Webinars

A good place for longer term conference planning is to start is here, and click on “events” for conferences in the future.

Today, December 8, is the next episode of The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown covering current events in the mortgage market for 30-45 minutes starting at noon PT, 3PM ET, in “The Rundown”. Listen to Rich Kuegler with Stewart Title!

Chief Sales Officer at Deephaven Tom Davis will join Rob Chrisman on a webinar you won’t want to miss. In today’s market, originators need Non-QM to fully serve borrowers and to stay competitive. Learning how to utilize and market Non-QM isn’t difficult when you partner with the right lender. Please find out how easy it is by joining the webinar on December 12th! Register now.

Tuesday, 12/12, is the next Mortgages with Millennials with Kristin Messerli and Robbie Chrisman. Tune in every Tuesday at 1PM ET to the weekly video show designed to empower mortgage professionals to tap into the millennial market. This show demystifies the psychology of first-time homebuyers and offers strategies to win more market share with a key segment of the market. Sign up for a weekly reminder with the link to join and a sneak peek into the next episode. Next week’s guest is Catalina Kaiyoorawongs, Founder and CEO of LoanSense.

Have you registered yet for LIRC23? Discover the newest developments in legal and regulatory compliance for residential lenders. Join California MBA at the Irvine Marriott Hotel on December 11 – 12 for the 2023 Legal Issues and Regulatory Compliance Conference. This is your opportunity to hear from some of the nation’s top industry experts and learn about the hottest topics. You’ll be informed and empowered, don’t miss out.

What are the forces that will shape the 2024 economy and real estate market? Find out at the Real Estate Forecast Summit: The Year Ahead on December 12, 1-2 p.m. ET. NAR’s Dr. Lawrence Yun and Dr. Jessica Lautz are teaming with expert economists and thought leaders to review 2023 and discuss their expectations for 2024. They will cover the residential and commercial markets, plus demographic and market outlook data. There is no cost to attend, but you must register in advance.

“As 2023 comes to a close, empower your financial strategy with insights tailored for lenders. Join CWDL for a webinar on Tuesday, December 12 as we recap the year in accounting and tax and identify what action you need to take before the year ends. Our mortgage banking experts will review tax legislation passed in 2023 and what’s coming for 2024, share tips to get year-end financials closed accurately and efficiently, discuss preparing for your audit, review HUD and GNMA reporting requirements, address going concern analysis, and more. Reach out to Kasey English to register for this free webinar, and emerge with actionable insights to take advantage of these last few weeks of 2023.”

Vince Furey, SVP of Sales for MeridianLink, has some valuable market insights and strategies that can help your credit union not only survive but also thrive in this changing landscape. Don’t miss the upcoming ACUMA Inside Track webinar on December 12th at 1 pm CST, where you can learn how to capture and serve this important market segment and take your mortgage loan program to new heights.

Wednesday the 13th, looking for more in-depth commentary on weekly mortgage news? Register here for “Mortgage Matters: The Weekly Roundup” presented by Lenders One. Every Wednesday at 2:00 PM EST/11:00 AM PT is a dive into a range of mortgage-related topics, including market trends, interest rate fluctuations, innovative mortgage products, and industry advancements. Listen to a unique mix of age perspective, expertise, and charisma to the screen, ensuring that the information is not only educational but also entertaining. Next week’s guest is.

Dec 13, at 12:00 PM PT, will be a webinar to learn about innovative approaches to recruiting loan officers in the mortgage industry. Heidi Iverson and NAMBA’s Tony Thompson will explore data-driven recruitment strategies with Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a powerful tool for Mortgage Lenders.

Join Curinos home equity experts Richard Martin, Ken Flaherty and Kinley Hicks on December 13th as they debut their new national home equity market forecast and discuss how home equity could impact growth initiatives and balance sheets in 2024. Register now.

Our very own MBA has some webinars, including California’s Corporate Climate Data Accountability Act, MBA on December 14.

For a deeper dive into Pennymac TPO’s new product and how to position it with your borrowers, contact your Account Executive, and register for their Power Your Business Webinar, “Home Equity Seconds Product Overview,” on December 14 at 10am PT/1 pm ET.

The Knowledge Coop’s new membership platform offers all state and federal Continuing Education courses in an engaging and exciting video format that you’re sure to actually enjoy. Want to give yourself a sharper competitive edge? They also offer in-depth training on specific topics like VA Loans and FHA within their Coop Academy. Get access to industry experts and connect with other mortgage professionals all in one space. Use Code Chrisman10 for 10 percent off your first year of membership here.

Join in for “Hot Topics” with the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program. Free, Live, virtual training for all USDA lenders and real estate agents. Don’t pass up the opportunity to say YES to more potential clients. Embrace the GUS recommendation, Thursday, December 14, 2-3 PM ET.

National MI posted its upcoming December 2023 webinar sessions. December options include the following: Income Case Studies ​​​​​with Marianne Collins – December 12th at 1pm ET. 2024 Business Planning for Purchase Business with Bruce Lund – December 13th at 2pm ET. Maximize Your Relationships: The Art of Annual Mortgage Reviews with Rebecca Lorenz – December 14th at 1pm ET.

This month, catch up on the latest underwriting and processing trends at your convenience with Arch MI’s online videos and podcasts. Choose Arch MI’s wide range of course offerings that cover the essentials for mortgage professionals. On the 14th, the co-authors of HaMMR Digest, Arch Chief Economist Parker Ross, and Director of Real Estate Economics Leonidas Mourelatos, present their assessment of the market environment, where rates and home prices are heading, and the implications for mortgage professionals in the new year. Register for Arch MI Housing Update Webinar on December 14 at 1 p.m. ET.

Friday, December 15th, is next week’s episode of The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown covering current events in the mortgage market for 30-45 minutes starting at noon PT, 3PM ET, in “The Rundown”. Hear from MGIC’s Terry Aikin!

Capital Markets

As job markets loosen and employers are not as quick to hire, investors are betting on when central banks across the globe will begin rate cutting cycles. Yesterday’s private payrolls from ADP printed lower than analyst expectations ahead of today’s release of the November jobs report. Thoughts that the Fed is done tightening helped mortgage rates drop closer to 7 percent, the lowest level since August, according to this week’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac. 30-year fixed mortgage rates have fallen 76 basis points since the end of October.

Today brought the November payrolls report where forecasts didn’t see all that much variability from October. November nonfarm payrolls registered 199k versus 186k expectations. The unemployment rate came in at 3.7 percent when it was seen holding steady at 3.9 percent. Average hourly earnings were when the number was seen increasing 0.4 percent month-over-month and 4.1 percent year-over-year versus 0.2 percent and 4.1 percent previously. Later today brings preliminary December Michigan sentiment, which is expected to tick up modestly. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices and the 10-year yielding 4.25 after closing yesterday at 4.13 percent (the 2-year is up to 4.71) after the employment numbers.

Employment

“Freedom Mortgage is seeking the best Account Executives nationwide. We understand the best are not just product experts but, also relationship builders. We seek industry leaders. Freedom Mortgage Wholesale believes Account Executives are vital to our success. Freedom Mortgage has been creating success for 30 years. Our people and processes are time-tested giving us trusted stability, no matter market conditions. Our deep roots throughout the mortgage industry provide confidence for the future. Freedom Mortgage is 4EVER Wholesale. Join our strong group of Account Executives who average 15 years in industry and 10+ years at Freedom Mortgage. If you are the best and want to work with a financially stable company to build your future, contact us.”

Newrez Wholesale is thrilled to announce the appointment of Divisional Vice President John McElhone to the Inaugural Corporate Board of Directors for NAMB (National Association of Mortgage Brokers®). “For 50 years NAMB has been the leading voice for the mortgage industry, and I am proud of the organization for creating its corporate board of governors as it will increase NAMB’s impact on the industry,” said McElhone. “Thank you to NAMB for inviting me to join the board and I am eager to bring my decades of experience I’ve obtained in my professional career to each and every day.” Way to go, John! Learn more about the new corporate board.

“Are you a go-getter who embraces hustle and strives for growth? Are you passionate about helping others on the path to success? If you answered yes, we want you! Kind Lending is seeking knowledgeable Wholesale Account Executives with experience in the mortgage lending space. As one of the fastest growing mortgage lenders in the country, we’re building an upbeat and collaborative team that strives to put people first in everything we do, infusing happiness around every corner. Our people believe kindness matters and a client’s positive experience is everything. Join the #kindmovemovement and come grow your business with an expanded product offering and best in class operational experience! Contact: Delfino Aguilar, SVP TPO Production, 619.726.0377.”

JMAC Lending, an industry-leading TPO lender for more than 25 years, has hired Eric Yang as Executive Vice-President of TPO Sales. Formerly VP of TPO Sales at Pennymac, Yang will lead JMAC’s team of Account Executives for both wholesale and correspondent. “Eric’s business approach aligns with our company mission and values: trust, teamwork and integrity,” JMAC Lending’s President Christina Pham said. “We are excited to have Eric lead our growing sales team, where we will continue to provide excellent support to our lender partners, especially in this unique market environment.” “Eric can navigate complex market landscapes and deliver results,” Pham says. “He has a deep understanding of the industry, and we are confident that his expertise will elevate our sales operations.” Start lending with JMAC today! Click here join JMAC and sign up for marketing and rates, or contact sales. Let’s grow your business and fund more loans in 2024.

Thank you to Julie Cooper who reminded me that, in the Northwest, “State Departments of Commerce Housing Divisions or Housing Departments are hiring folks versed in mortgage, title, escrow and real estate. County and Municipal Departments of Community Development and non-profit housing developers in Washington State are hiring in record numbers, as well, developing affordable multifamily, single-family housing for ownership and rental. Julie observed, “I think one way forward for our industry is private/public partnership. These developments, acquisition and construction projects need mortgage companies to help with homeownership, especially those who can do community land trusts and every transaction needs a title insurance policy and escrow provider. Ultimately, we are all stakeholders in housing and it’s really cool to be part of these innovative programs.”

 Download our mobile app to get alerts for Rob Chrisman’s Commentary.

Source: mortgagenewsdaily.com

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There’s plenty to learn and love about Pennsylvania.

Often recognized as the epicenter of America’s roots, Pennsylvania presents a fascinating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. This state, commonly known as the Keystone State, holds a significant place in the makeup of American history and continues to be a dynamic player in various aspects of modern life.

From lively cities, like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, to its serene countryside, Pennsylvania encapsulates a unique fusion of old and new. This article delves into what makes Pennsylvania a notable and distinct state to call home, exploring its rich history, strong local economy, abundant natural resources and much more.

Whether you’re considering moving to Pennsylvania, planning a visit or simply curious about what this state has to offer, this exploration will provide a comprehensive understanding of the Keystone State’s multifaceted character.

History

Pennsylvania, a cornerstone in American history, is renowned for its pivotal role in the founding of the United States. Key historical events, like the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, took place on some of the historic, cobblestone streets of Philadelphia.

The state also played a crucial role in the Civil War, with the Battle of Gettysburg being a crucial turning point in the conflict, forever solidifying the town’s status as one of America’s most iconic battlefields.

Land

The state’s economy is multifaceted, with strengths in manufacturing, healthcare, education and technology. It’s a blend of traditional industries, like steel production in Pittsburgh, and more corporate pursuits, including finance and information technology in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania is also a leader in energy production, especially with its vast coal reserves and the Marcellus Shale gas field.

Natural resources

Pennsylvania’s natural resources, particularly its extensive forests and major waterways, are significant. These resources not only contribute to the state’s economy but also offer a ton of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation under the Pennsylvania skies.

The Pocono Mountains and numerous state parks provide residents and tourists with outdoor activities like hiking, skiing and fishing.

Entertainment

Pennsylvania’s cities are hubs for arts and entertainment, with plenty of theaters, museums and galleries. Philadelphia’s Museum of Art and Pittsburgh’s Andy Warhol Museum are notable cultural landmarks.

The state also has a strong presence in the music industry, with tons of venues hosting everything from classical concerts to contemporary music festivals.

Five great spots to see a show in Pennsylvania

Food

Pennsylvania is famous for its distinctive food items like Philly cheesesteaks, soft pretzels and Hershey’s chocolate made in the town of Hershey.

Five of the best restaurants in Pennsylvania

The state also has a rich brewing tradition, with a thriving craft beer scene and historic breweries.

Five great breweries in Pennsylvania

Sports

Sports are deeply ingrained in Pennsylvania’s culture. The state boasts some of the most passionate fans in the country, particularly for its football teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles, as well as their beloved baseball teams, the Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Education

Pennsylvania is known for its Ivy League schools, like the University of Pennsylvania, but also other prestigious universities like Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State. These higher education institutions are centers for research and innovation. Beyond that, many of the talented individuals that these esteemed schools attract end up sticking around after their four years are up. This is one of the major contributing factors to the state’s respectable entrepreneurial spirit.

Amish influence

Pennsylvania is home to one of the largest Amish populations in the United States, particularly in Lancaster County. This community offers a glimpse into a unique, technology-free lifestyle, a significant draw for tourists and anyone looking for quality furniture at a fair price.

Pennsylvania’s a pretty sweet spot

Pennsylvania stands out as a state with a profound historical legacy and an encouraging present. It’s a place where history is not just remembered but is palpably felt in its streets, monuments and museums.

Pennsylvania’s natural wilderness offers a retreat for nature lovers, while its cities pulsate with the type of exciting artistic energy that is indicative of cities on the rise. Pennsylvania is more than just a state; it’s a microcosm of American history, culture and innovation, making it a remarkable place to live, work and explore.

Source: rent.com

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Just as as every snowflake is different, Debra Lohman believes every customer’s home has unique design needs.

Her store, Blinded by the Light, sells hand-selected home decor, furniture, artwork and window coverings that can’t be found at big-box retailers.

The backstory

Before Lohman opened the store in 2020, she worked with home goods manufacturers who sold to stores such as Target.

“I’ve always had an eye for design. … My dream has always been to be an interior designer, and finally I just decided it was time to pursue that,” Lohman said.

After living in Austin for 10 years, Lohman chose Liberty Hill, seeing that it was an up-and-coming area full of new homebuyers.

“There weren’t a lot of stores like mine in the area. One thing that’s unique about my store is that I have a lot of larger statement pieces to fill a space; whether that’s wall art, area rugs or furniture,” Lohman said.

Quote of Note

“People may not always know what they want until they see it all come together, so I love working with people to discover that,” Lohman said.

Another detail

Lohman partners with the window covering brand Hunter Douglas to help customers choose the right blinds, solar shades and motorized window treatments for their home.

The other products in her store are hand-selected at marketplaces across the country.

“It’s really important for me to see and feel everything i’m buying to know what’s good quality and what isn’t,” Lohman said.

Looking ahead

In the future, Lohman said she hopes to offer furniture customization while working with U.S. manufacturers.

Additionally, Lohman said she plans to continue her involvement with local nonprofit organizations.

On Dec. 2, Blinded by the Light will participate in Liberty Hill’s annual Christmas Stroll and give a portion of shopping proceeds to the Hope House charity.

Source: communityimpact.com

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Do you want to learn how to sell breast milk and make extra money? If you have extra breast milk, then selling it can be a good way for moms to make some extra money while also helping babies (and others) who need it or want it. Today you will learn how to sell breast…

Do you want to learn how to sell breast milk and make extra money?

If you have extra breast milk, then selling it can be a good way for moms to make some extra money while also helping babies (and others) who need it or want it.

Today you will learn how to sell breast milk safely and legally, how much money you might be able to make, and how to make more milk if you want to.

Recommended reading: 27 Ways To Make Money on Maternity Leave

Key Takeaways

  • Selling breast milk can help you make extra income as well as help babies in need.
  • Correct hygiene and storage are extremely important, as you don’t want anyone to get sick from your milk.
  • You can use websites and milk banks to sell or give away your breast milk. Some moms might give their milk away for free, while others might want to sell it for some extra money. There’s no right or wrong way.
  • You can earn around $1 to $2 for each ounce of breast milk. Babies usually drink about 20 to 30 ounces each day, so this means you could make a good amount of money.

How To Sell Breast Milk

Is selling breast milk legal?

Selling breast milk is legal in most countries, such as in the United States.

However, you will want to check the rules in your area about selling bodily fluids as this will help you follow the law when you sell your breast milk. If you contact any of the milk banks listed below, they should be able to help you figure this out.

Is there a market for breast milk?

Yes, there is definitely a market for breast milk. Some new moms produce more milk than their babies need, and some moms struggle to produce enough.

By selling your extra milk, you can help parents who need milk, while making extra money. The demand for breast milk is mainly driven by mothers who struggle with low milk production or those who cannot produce milk at all.

But, there are other reasons why people buy breast milk as well, such as bodybuilders like breast milk because it’s high in fat and has a lot of calories.

You can decide who you want to sell your breast milk to. So, if anything makes you uncomfortable, simply state so.

Also, it is hard work pumping milk, so you will want to carefully think about the pros and cons to make sure it is worth it for you.

How much can you sell breast milk for?

If you have a large milk supply, you may be able to make a decent side income by selling your breast milk, and you may be able to earn around $1 to $2 per ounce.

I’ve read stories online where some people say that they earn $1,000 or even $2,000 a month selling their breast milk. While that’s most likely not the norm, as that would be a lot of extra milk supply that you have, you may still be able to earn at least some extra cash from the breast milk that you won’t be using.

6 Best Places To Sell Breast Milk

Below are the best places to sell breast milk to.

1. Only the Breast

Only the Breast is a popular site specifically for buying and selling breast milk. On this website, you can create breast milk listings and connect with possible buyers.

I browsed the site and they currently have over 3,000 listings for breast milk for sale. You can sell your breast milk in bulk for $0.25 to $0.50 per ounce, or not in bulk at $1.00 per ounce. You can also choose to sell your milk through a local listing on this site.

There were also several hundred listings on this site from people who were looking for specific breast milk to buy, which is a good sign that there are a lot of buyers out there!

With Only the Breast, you can also choose who you sell your breast milk to, such as only for babies and not for adults to drink.

2. Tiny Treasures Milk Bank

Tiny Treasures Milk Bank is a milk bank that pays $1.10 an ounce to healthy breastfeeding mothers for their time and effort. This company will give you the breast milk storage bags to put your milk into, but you will have to use your own pump.

This company works with Prolacta BioScience to make life-saving human milk-based nutritional products for ill and premature infants. They mostly sell their products to hospitals, but some are also used for research.

3. BreastfeedingMomsUnite

BreastfeedingMomsUnite is an online milk community and classified site covering all things related to breastfeeding, including the sale of breast milk.

You simply start by creating a milk ad with information about you and what you are selling. Once you have agreed on a deal with a parent, you then ship them your breast milk, usually on dry ice to make sure that it stays frozen.

4. Craigslist

Craigslist is a site where you can post an ad for selling pretty much anything, such as breast milk. While it is not the most specific site for this purpose, your listing can possibly reach a wide audience in your local area.

In your ad on Craigslist, you will want to include a picture of the milk you are selling, your price, and some information about you such as your medical history and drug use.

I did a quick search on Craigslist and found breast milk listings in several cities and the prices ranged from around $1.00 to $5.00 per ounce.

As always with Craigslist, be careful when dealing with potential buyers (make sure to meet in a public place) and you will want to make sure you have safe transactions.

5. Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups that are dedicated to the buying and selling of breast milk.

You can search for groups in your area or country and join them to connect with potential buyers.

I hopped on Facebook and simply searched for “sell breast milk” in the search bar and a ton of Facebook groups popped up that I could join to sell breast milk. There are breast milk sale groups for different countries, different states, and even ones that are for a specific purpose (such as for sick babies or even bodybuilders).

Then, you will most likely post an ad for your breast milk, or see if there are any “wanted” listings that suit what you are trying to sell.

Donating breast milk

Donating breast milk can be a great way to help moms who are having trouble nursing or babies in need of human milk.

To donate breast milk, you may want to contact milk banks or organizations that handle milk donation such as the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). HMBANA is dedicated to making sure that all babies have access to human milk, either through breastfeeding or the use of pasteurized donor breast milk. Check out their website to find out more details on how to become a donor.

Another idea that you might also be interested in is donating your breast milk through informal milk sharing. La Leche League International mentions that some families practice cross-nursing or co-nursing, where babies receive human milk from people who are not their parents.

Before you donate your breast milk, you will need to make sure that it’s safe, and donated breast milk should be free from contamination to make sure the baby who is drinking the milk is safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Food and Drug Administration recommend milk banks over online sites for this reason.

Here are a few tips for safe breast milk donation:

  • Always use sterile containers when you pump and store your breast milk.
  • Freeze your breast milk as soon as possible after pumping to preserve its quality.
  • Label your containers with the date of pumping to make it easier for donation centers to track and manage their inventory.
  • Make sure to follow the guidelines that the milk bank or donation group tells you (there’s usually a list that they will give you so that you know what to do and what not to do).

Things To Think About When Donating Or Selling Breast Milk

Here are some things to think about when selling breast milk.

Health and safety considerations

Before you sell your breast milk, you will, of course, want to make sure that it’s really clean and safe. So, this means you should get a good breast pump, keep everything clean, and store the milk in the correct temperatures at the right time.

Also, usually you cannot donate or sell breast milk if you are a smoker, if you have positive STD results, if you use medications, have tattoos, had a recent organ or tissue transplant, had a recent blood transfusion, and more. Milk banks typically want breast milk from healthy donor mothers.

You may have to take a blood test, get tested for things such as HIV, syphilis, or illegal drugs, and more before you can qualify to sell or donate breast milk. Some companies may require samples of breast milk as well before you get started.

Legal aspects

If you’re selling breast milk online, you should always be honest about yourself and your milk. You should share info about your health, what you eat, and how you live because it affects the milk’s quality and what a person may be looking for. This is SUPER important!

Challenges and risks

Selling breast milk can be a bit tricky as you have to find a place to sell it, usually on websites or social media groups. Sending it can be hard too, because it has to stay really cold so that it doesn’t melt and become spoiled.

Also, it takes a lot of time and effort to pump, which all moms know.

Personally, I pumped for over one year, and I found it to be very hard and time consuming. So, you will want to make sure that it is worth it for you.

If you remember these things and stay healthy and safe, selling your breast milk can be a good way to earn money and help babies who need it.

How To Increase Your Milk Supply

If you want to sell breast milk, you may be interested in knowing how to increase your supply. To help increase your milk supply, here are some tips.

Milkology course

Milkology is a site that has several breastfeeding and pumping resources. It is a resource for breastfeeding mothers who want to learn how to increase their milk supply.

I personally took this course when I was learning how to breastfeed and pump breast milk, and I thought it was very helpful (and affordable!).

These resources cover everything related to breastfeeding and nursing, including how to maintain a healthy breast milk supply which can be super helpful for those who want to sell breast milk.

To increase milk supply, here are some tips to get started:

  • Nurse frequently – Aim for at least 8 to 12 feedings a day, approximately every two to three hours. Eventually, you can lower it, but in the beginning this is very important.
  • Breast pump – You will want to use a breast pump to help with milk production without feeding a baby, especially if you plan to sell breast milk. A hands-free pump is also a lifesaver so that you can do things while pumping.
  • Relax – I know this is easier said than done, but relaxing can really help to increase your milk supply. So, you may want to watch some TV, read a book, or eat a snack while pumping.
  • Include lactation-supporting foods in your diet – This includes foods such as fenugreek, oatmeal or oat milk, fennel seeds, lean meat and poultry, and garlic.

By using these tips and taking the Milkology course, you may be able to increase your breast milk supply so that you can sell more breast milk.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Sell Breast Milk

Below are answers to common questions about how to sell breast milk.

Who buys breast milk?

Some people who might buy your breast milk include moms who can’t make enough milk and parents who adopt babies. Some adults might also buy it for themselves too.

Is it wrong to sell breast milk instead of donating it?

I know how hard it is to pump and to find the time to do so. I believe that your time is worth something, so do not feel bad about selling your breast milk if that is what you want to do. Plus, I have talked to many moms who have said that they would gladly pay for breast milk when they need it, because they know how hard it is to do and how valuable a mother’s time is.

Is it ethical to sell breast milk to bodybuilders online?

Some bodybuilders drink donor breast milk because of the high protein, calories, and fat in it. The ethics of selling breast milk to bodybuilders is personal, and some believe it’s an acceptable and mutually beneficial arrangement as long as both parties consent (the mother and the bodybuilder that is), but other people may find it inappropriate. It’s really just a personal decision.

How to sell breast milk to bodybuilders?

To sell breast milk to bodybuilders, you can create a listing on breast milk classifieds sites and make sure your listing targets the bodybuilding community. You can also join specific forums or Facebook groups for bodybuilders and breastfeeding to connect with potential buyers. I did a quick search on Facebook and I found several Facebook groups that are all about selling breast milk to bodybuilders, so that is probably a good place to start if you are interested.

Where can I find milk banks near me?

To find milk banks near you, you can look for accredited milk banks through the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA). They have a directory on their website with a list of approved banks in North America. Also, you can check for local milk banks or lactation support groups in your area.

Where to sell breast milk online?

To sell breast milk online, you can use websites like Only the Breast. They help people who want to buy and sell. You can also put up ads on regular websites or join Facebook groups for this.

How To Sell Breast Milk – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to sell breast milk.

Selling breast milk is such a hot topic. I understand that pumping breast milk can be tough and finding time for it can be a challenge. It’s important to remember that your time is valuable, so don’t feel guilty about selling instead of donating your breast milk, if that’s something you choose to do.

There are many places to sell breast milk to as well, so you can actually make extra money doing this.

Have you ever thought about selling breast milk? What do you think about selling breast milk?

Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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Philly’s coolest and trendiest neighborhood, Fishtown is a friendly place of both gentrifiers and long-time residents living in harmony. Former industrial lots and fisheries are now filled with people and purpose for many types. Galleries and public art. Dive bars and trendy taverns. Five-star restaurants and cheesesteak joints. Concert halls and rock clubs. Decades-old businesses and co-working spaces. Fortunately, it’s a dynamic urban cultural neighborhood along the Philadelphia riverfront.

Hipsters, artists, young families, gig economists, third-shifters, start-up entrepreneurs, foodies and of course, the working-class, all call the district home. Rowhouses, mid-rise rentals and loft-style Fishtown apartments line its blocks. In fact, it’s America’s hottest neighborhood. But what is it like to live in Fishtown, Philadelphia?

Where is Fishtown in Philadelphia?

Fishtown, Philadelphia is just northeast of Center City along the Delaware River. It’s bordered by similar-vibe neighborhood Northern Liberties to the south, up-and-coming Olde Kensington to the west and East Kensington to the north.

North Front Street, East York Street and the river form most of its border. I-95 forms a spine on its east side along Delaware Avenue. The Fishtown Philadelphia ZIP Code is 19125, also shared with the Kensingtons. Also, the neighborhood contains portions of 19123.

Source: Rent.

Living in Fishtown, Philadelphia

Like many gentrifying neighborhoods around the country, Fishtown has seen changes in demographics, increases in entertainment options and shifts in public services.

But Fishtown’s uniqueness lies in how it has been able to grow its new, younger population without pushing out longstanding residents. Considering this, how do some of the neighborhood’s most important community and lifestyle aspects rate?

Demographics

Nearly everybody lives in Fishtown. Zennials including empty-nesters, moms, recent grads, cops, novelists, homeowners, renters, natives and newbies. People from across the spectrum live in harmony in Philadelphia’s Fishtown.

Demographically, the neighborhood is pretty middle-of-the-road. Over two-thirds of Fishtown households make under $100,000 a year. Over half of residents are between 20 and 44, and half have never been married. Additionally, most have not completed higher than a high school education. Fishtown is overwhelmingly white, numbering over 85 percent compared to 35 percent for the city overall.

Education

Fishtown, as all of Philadelphia, is part of the School District of Philadelphia. Public school elementary school students attend Alexander Adaire School while older kids matriculate at Penn Treaty School for grades six through graduation. The neighborhood features one Catholic school, Saint Laurentius School. While there are no colleges in Fishtown, Temple University is just a mile away.

Safety

With gentrification comes security. Compared to some of its rougher neighbors like Kensington or Fairhill, Fishtown is extremely safe. In fact, Fishtown is one of Philly’s top 10 safest neighborhoods. It ranks ninth-best in the city in every category: violent crimes, property crimes and total crimes. Luckily, residents here have just a one in 35 chance of being a victim of a crime. And 88 percent of Fishtowners report the neighborhood as feeling “pretty safe” too.

Recreation and entertainment

For nightlife options, no neighborhood can match Fishtown.

If you’re a music fan, you have a run of venue types, including Johnny Brenda’s, The Barbary, Kung Fu Necktie, The Foundry and Fillmore Philadelphia.

The region is one of the best in Philly — if not the entire East Coast — for pizza, Mexican, breakfast and coffee, not to mention Joe’s Steaks, one of the city’s best cheesesteak jawns. Fishtown, also, offers one of the city’s best bar scenes, including Barcade, Murph’s Bar, Lloyd Whiskey Bar and Kraftwork.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia was Philly’s first gaming casino to open. Fishtown features several art galleries like Gravy Studio, Mothership Toy Gallery and Corridor Contemporary. And Fabrika is a unique cabaret space.

Penn Treaty Park is just one of many green spaces in Fishtown, including Palmer Park, Konrad Square and Hetzell Playground. Got a pupper? Palmer Doggie Depot features a cobblestone-lined play area, solar lighting and canine drinking fountains.

Transportation

Frankly, Fishtown is one of the most convenient neighborhoods in Philly.

SEPTA’s Market-Frankford train line runs along Fishtown’s western border on Front Street. There are stations at Girard Avenue and at Berks Street taking you into Center City in just 10 minutes. SEPTA’s Route 15 streetcar trolley begins by the Fillmore in Fishtown and runs along Girard and Richmond Avenues and all the way to West Philadelphia.

Additionally, Interstate 95 runs along the eastern side of Fishtown, northwest of Delaware Avenue. I-95’s Exit 23 dumps traffic directly into Fishtown at Girard and Delaware Avenues. Via the Interstate, it’s about 15 minutes to both the Philadelphia International Airport or to Camden, New Jersey. Not to mention, the neighborhood offers a walkability score of 91 and a bike score of 84.

History

The area that is now Fishtown was originally home to the Turtle Clan of the Lenape Native American tribe. But soon came the Swedish settlers, then the Germans, then the British. William Penn made his peace treaty with the Lenape at Penn Treaty Park in 1683.

Likewise, Fishtown was an early hub for Philly’s fishing industry — ergo the name. It was a blue-collar, working-class industrial neighborhood for 325 years.

Fishtown’s rise again began in 2003 — when two entrepreneurs decided to renovate an old boxer’s bar called Johnny Brenda’s into a craft beer and billiards haven with a killer concert venue upstairs. That one push began to transform Fishtown into its booming self today.

10 things to do in Fishtown

Fishtown, Philadelphia is one of Philly’s best ‘hoods for food, drink, coffee, art and entertainment. So what is there to do in the neighborhood? Probably start by eating… a lot.

  1. Catch a show upstairs at Johnny Brenda’s, a 250-capacity two-story space featuring national touring acts, or the Fillmore Philadelphia, a 2,500-capacity concert hall.
  2. Grab some ribs and a stein of Weissbier at Fette Sau, a popular barbecue spot, and Frankford Hall, the authentic German beer hall next door.
  3. Play the slots and table games at Rivers Casino Philadelphia — one of just two casinos in the Philly city limits and the only one walking distance from Center City.
  4. Bite into the classic lox sandwich at Philly Style Bagels, Bon Appétit Magazine‘s “Sandwich of the Year.”
  5. Take in the riverfront views and the history at Penn Treaty Park, which surrounds the site where William Penn entered his famous peace agreement with Lenape Chief Tamanend in 1683.
  6. Down a beer flight at Evil Genius Beer Company, which is known for ludicrous names for their amazing craft beer like “I Miss Precedented Times” and “Purple Monkey Dishwasher.”
  7. Stay the night at Wm. Mulherin’s Sons, recently named USA Today “Best New Hotel in America.”
  8. Snag a half-price happy hour latte at the flagship location of beloved local coffee shop La Colombe.
  9. Laugh along with America’s best and most famous comics at Punchline Philly comedy club.
  10. Eat a killer pie at Pizzeria Beddia, named “Best Pizza in America” by Bon Appétit, or at Pizza Brain, featuring the world’s first Museum of Pizza Culture.

Finding an apartment in Fishtown Philadelphia

In a city of neighborhoods, Fishtown is the king mackerel. A neighborhood for foodies, vintage shoppers, beer lovers, headbangers and hipsters, Fishtown has a diverse population of both new and generational, young and old, working and social class.

If you’re willing to pay the price, Fishtown is one of the best neighborhoods in Philly, if not the nation.

Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of June 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

Michael is a Philadelphia-based writer with a variety of interests, including music, concerts, TV, politics, travel and sports. His background includes a decade as a programming executive in network television, six years as a marketing executive at a technology company, and time at two magazines and two advertising agencies. He currently works as Craft Beer & Brewery contributor for the Visit Philly Greater Philadelphia Tourism Bureau and sits on the board of a non-profit law firm that assists veterans with disabilities. Michael is a proud Syracuse grad (Newhouse) who has lived in Wichita, Albany, Chicago, Washington DC, Boston and beyond.

Source: rent.com

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If making a move to or within Wisconsin is in your near future, there are some cities to consider at all price points. Here are the 10 cheapest places to live in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin average rent prices

While some cities throughout Wisconsin have experienced a significant increase in rent over the past year, fortunately, most cities have kept their rent increases below double-digit percentages and some rent prices reduced immensely. In fact, Wisconsin as a whole has seen a monthly rent decrease in the last year. Luckily, the average one-bedroom apartment is $1,151 — down 5.7 percent since last year.

The cheapest cities in Wisconsin for renters

Budget-conscious renters can expect to pay between $726 to $1,028 for a one-bedroom apartment in the top 10 cheapest cities in Wisconsin.

If living in one of the most hospitable Midwest states is on your agenda, here are the 10 cheapest cities to live in Wisconsin, based on current one-bedroom rent prices.

10. Waterford

Photo Source: Explore Waterford / Facebook
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $1,028
  • Average rent change in the past year: 0 percent

Situated between Milwaukee and Lake Geneva in the southeastern part of Wisconsin is Waterford, a city that includes 1,100 acres of navigable water to enjoy by canoe or kayak. The family-friendly community actively hosts farmer’s markets, golf outings, corn hole tournaments and more to residents.

If you want to live in a tight-knit and community-oriented city, complete with a downtown Heritage District, Waterford is worth exploring.

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9. Marshfield

Photo Source: Visit Marshfield / Facebook
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $975
  • Average rent change in the past year: 8.9 percent

For those who want a bit of a suburban feel but easy access to cities like Stevens Point, Marshfield provides residents with a great healthcare system through the Marshfield Clinic Health System, strong elementary and high schools and great “Main Street” shopping along Central Avenue, too.

The city even has its own free zoo — the Wildwood Park and Zoo.

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8. Kronenwetter

Photo source: Village of Kronenwetter, WI / Facebook
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $971
  • Average rent change in the past year: N/A

Next on our list of the cheapest places to live in Wisconsin is one that’s really a village in Central Wisconsin called Kronenwetter. The town of Kronenwetter gets its name from Sebastian Kronenwetter — a state legislator and prominent pioneer resident of Marathon County.

Residents enjoy several parks and recreation centers throughout the area and the village serves two public school districts: one that serves students in the northern half of the village and one for the southern half.

The active village residents help plan events ranging from movies under the stars in nearby parks to farmers markets.

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7. Waukesha

Photo source: The City of Waukesha / Facebook
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $970
  • Average rent change in the past year: -2.5 percent

The city of Waukesha is a rich mix of neighborhoods, offering residents excellent schools, a variety of shopping choices, a diverse industrial base, an active arts community and beautiful parks and recreational amenities.

Just 18 miles west of Milwaukee, Waukesha has an urban suburb feel filled with young professionals and families attracted to the strong school system, parks and restaurants.

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6. De Pere

Photo source: De Pere Parks, Rec & Forestry / Facebook
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $894
  • Average rent change in the past year: 9 percent

Whether you love to go on long walks or hikes, runs, cycling or in-line skating, there is a trail for you to enjoy in De Pere since it has three separate trail systems of almost eight miles to enjoy year-round.

Here, swimmers can enjoy either the VFW Aquatic Facility or Legion Pool. Additionally, in De Pere, art lovers will appreciate the rich public art throughout the city. Moreover, this suburb of Green Bay has its own unique homes and restaurants, schools and shops.

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5. Fond Du Lac

Photo source: Fond du Lac County Historical Society / Facebook
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $789
  • Average rent change in the past year: -1.4 percent

A family-friendly community with a strong sense of history, Fond du Lac residents enjoy several amenities including a public library and active sporting centers with year-round programming. With all that said, Fond du Lac is a perfect city to call home.

The Fond du Lac County Historical Society helps connect residents to the town’s local history and there are plenty of restaurants and bars for locals and visitors to enjoy.

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4. Hales Corner

Photo source: Hales Corners Recreation Department / Facebook
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $785
  • Average rent change in the past year: -7.70 percent

Located just over 10 miles from Milwaukee, Hales Corner in the state’s southeastern part has a small suburban feel where it’s easy to meet and get to know your neighbors.

Expect to find great brewpubs, greenery in the form of parks and hiking trails and even a botanical garden here. The Boerner Botanical Gardens features 11 specialty gardens — including a bog walk and rose garden, too.

A one-bedroom apartment in Hales Corner decreased by 7.7 percent since last year. Fortunately for renters here, it’s possible to find an apartment for less than $800 a month.

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3. Merrill

Photo source: City of Merrill, Wisconsin / Facebook
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $778
  • Average rent change in the past year: 17.3 percent

Nicknamed “The City of Parks,” thanks to its many parks located throughout Merrill, the city is also home to approximately 10,000 residents. Merrill is on the Wisconsin and Prairie rivers.

The active community hosts several year-round events for its residents, from a farmers market to parades. Since there are so many parks and nearby rivers to enjoy, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities from fishing and kayaking to hiking and birding, too.

Merrill is also home to several businesses included Agra Industries, Church Mutual Insurance Company, Lincoln Wood Products and Merrill Manufacturing.

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2. Racine

  • Average 1-BR rent price: $758
  • Average rent change in the past year: 1.20 percent

Located on the shore of Lake Michigan and just 22 miles south of Milwaukee, Racine takes advantage of its proximity to the lake with many opportunities to enjoy lakefront activities, whether it’s yoga or swimming at one of its popular beaches or canoeing or kayaking.

Art and architecture fans will appreciate having close access to the Racine Art Museum, home to the country’s largest contemporary crafts while visitors from all over the world make the trek to Racine to see the S.C. Johnson’s world-renowned architecture headquarters, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

And, of course, residents have bragging rights to kringle, the oval-shaped Danish pastry produced mostly in bakeries in Racine County. Furthermore, you can’t come to Racine without having a kringle or two.

Its downtown area is charming and filled with independent boutiques and restaurants. In addition to being home to S.C. Johnson, other businesses such as Twin Disc, Modine and In-Sink-Erator have locations in Racine.

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1. Wisconsin Rapids

Photo source: Wisconsin Rapids Downtown Farmers Market / Facebook
  • Average 1-BR rent price: $726
  • Average rent change in the past year: 13.1 percent

Most people don’t know cranberries grown in the United States come from Wisconsin, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Washington and the Wisconsin Rapids area is well-known as cranberry country.

Besides cranberries, Wisconsin Rapids is an attraction magnet. There is the award-winning Wisconsin Rapids Aqua Skiers, a show waterski team, the Wisconsin Rapids Municipal Zoo and even the Tri-City Curling Club, one of only 80 facilities in the country that offers training and competitions for locals and visitors to enjoy.

Additionally, Wisconsin Rapids is also known for its arts and cultural institutions. A downtown farmers market takes place twice a week from early June through end of September, as well as many unique shopping opportunities and family-operated restaurants, cafes, food trucks and taverns.

Luckily, there is no shortage of fun and activities in the Wisconsin Rapids area and more people flock to this area as a one-bedroom apartment increased in rent by more than 13 percent over the past year. Even with the double-digit increase, it’s possible to find a place for around $726 a month.

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The most expensive places to live in Wisconsin

It’s possible to find a one-bedroom apartment in Wisconsin for less than $1,500 a month. Even some of the most expensive places to live in Wisconsin, such as Saint Francis or Kenosha, offer a one-bedroom apartment for $1,469 and $1,436 respectively.

If budget is a concern, here are some of the most expensive places to live in Wisconsin.

Methodology

Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory as of June 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.

We excluded cities with insufficient inventory from this report.

The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.

Source: rent.com

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Nursing can be a rewarding career in a couple of important ways. It involves caring for the health of others and helping them through what can be a challenging moment in their lives, which can be satisfying. A nursing degree can mean job stability as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nurses will increase at 6% per year, faster than the average career growth. And here’s one other important fact: The average registered nurse salary is at a median of $81,220 per year. Compare that with the median US salary for the same period of $54,132, and you can see that nursing can be a lucrative career, too.

The average nursing salary will vary depending on the type of nursing you do. For instance, there’s the average nurse salary vs. the average registered nurse salary vs. the average nurse practitioner salary. Qualifications and other factors will determine how much you make as a nurse.

Read on to learn more about this important topic. The information that follows can help you decide if nursing is the right career path for you, and, if so, which type of nursing you want to pursue.

Average Salaries for Different Types of Nurses

Wondering, “How much do nurses make?” First, understand that when considering nursing as a career, it’s vital to know about the different types of nurses. Each has its own education and certification requirements.

•   A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) is one of the lowest-paid jobs within the nursing field. Job responsibilities are typically similar for LVN and LPNs. California and Texas use the term LVN, while the rest of the country uses the designation LPN. These positions also have the lowest educational requirements.

While LVN/LPN roles don’t always require a college education, there are usually state-approved training certification programs. Most of these courses take aspiring LVN/LPNs one year to complete, and then they must pass the NCLEX-PN examination for state licensing. How much does a nurse make a year with this kind of credential? The average salary for LVN/LPNs as of 2023 was about $50,580 annually.

•   Aspiring registered nurses (RN) typically need a bachelor’s or associate’s degree from an accredited program. There are also some accelerated programs available and some second degree programs for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.

After successfully completing their chosen coursework, nursing students must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to become a certified RN. In addition, RNs usually must obtain a state license after passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

To drill down on the details here, know that each state has its own licensing board. You may want to research the specific requirements in the state where you plan to practice. How much do RNs make? The average RN salary as of 2023, as noted above, was approximately $88,220 per year. (Below you will find state-by-stage nursing salaries, though not specifically for RNs.)

Next, consider the career of a Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS). This type of nurse has gone a step beyond RN and pursued additional education. At a minimum, you must have a master of science in nursing (MSN) to become a CNS.

A CNS typically trains extensively in a specialty area, such as emergency medicine, oncology, or women’s health. At the end of 2023, the average salary for a CNS was $99,148 annually, which is higher than the RN salary, reflecting the additional education and skills.

•   A Nurse Practitioner (NP) holds an advanced degree, but their responsibilities vary slightly when compared with a CNS. For example, in most states, a nurse practitioner is able to prescribe medication, while a CNS is not. The average nurse practitioner salary at the end of 2023 was $124,680 annually.
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Average Salaries and Location

Here’s another factor that can impact the average nurse’s salary: location. After all, wages and overall cost of living can vary dramatically depending on whether you live in, say, a small town or close to a pricey urban center.

Check this chart to see how average nurse salaries compare state by state. Note that these figures reflect LPN salaries, which are at the lower end of the spectrum, but they can give you an idea of how much nurses make by location. This could be good information to consider when deciding where to practice.

State Mean Annual Nurse Salary
Alabama $45,260
Alaska $66,710
Arizona $61,920
Arkansas $45,990
California $69,930
Colorado $60,310
Connecticut $62,620
Delaware $57,360
District of Columbia $62,010
Florida $53,780
Georgia $50,830
Hawaii $55,730
Idaho $54,710
Illinois $58,840
Indiana $55,850
Iowa $51,400
Kansas $51,700
Kentucky $49,570
Louisiana $47,430
Maine $55,830
Maryland $60,180
Massachusetts $68,170
Michigan $57,180
Minnesota $54,870
Mississippi $45,020
Missouri $49,500
Montana $52,420
Nebraska $52,080
Nevada $63,910
New Hampshire $63,550
New Jersey $61,990
New Mexico $59,400
New York $57,560
North Carolina $53,010
North Dakota $53,080
Ohio $52,330
Oklahoma $48,090
Oregon $66,190
Pennsylvania $54,520
Rhode Island $66,770
South Carolina $51,060
South Dakota $46,000
Tennessee $46,540
Texas $52,850
Utah $55,790
Vermont $57,150
Virginia $52,790
Washington $69,950
West Virginia $45,530
Wisconsin $52,610
Wyoming $54,880

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Nursing Degree?

The cost of getting a nursing degree varies based on the type of nursing program you choose. Each of the nursing positions listed above requires different degrees and certification.

•   The process to become an LVN/LPN generally costs between $1,000 and $5,000.

•   Taking an RN two-year associate’s program can cost $3,500 per year at public institutions; $15,470 per year at private schools.

•   An alternative is to become an RN through a four-year bachelor’s program. This process works similarly to most other bachelor’s degree programs and typically costs the same as a four-year college or university.

•   In addition to having already been an RN, both CNS and NP careers require advanced degrees. Typically, a masters of science in nursing (MSN) is required for both positions, which can cost between $18,000 to $57,000 in total.

•   Some choose to further their education, becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These degrees can be expensive but also have the potential to increase a nurse’s salary. After a master’s degree, expect to pay an additional $20,000 to $40,000, but your nursing salary is likely to rise, too.

There are usually costs beyond nursing school tuition. You’ll likely have to buy textbooks and supplies like a lab coat, scrubs, and a stethoscope. Many programs also charge additional lab fees each semester. Many schools will require nursing students to take out liability insurance and get some mandatory immunizations.

After graduating from your chosen program(s), you’ll also likely want to factor in the cost of licensing and exam fees as you enter the job market.
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Paying for Your Nursing Degree

Becoming a nurse can be a pricey process, depending on the path you choose. But there are options available to help students pay for their nursing degree. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has a database of scholarships for nursing schools. As you may know, scholarships don’t need to be repaid. This can make them an especially valuable resource in making ends meet as a nursing student.

In addition, federal aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans could provide some relief. To apply, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

Student Loan Forgiveness Options for Nurses

There are a number of student loan forgiveness programs available to nurses. Keep in mind that each typically has its own program requirements, so it’s helpful to review them closely to determine whether you qualify.

•   Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) forgives certain federal Direct loans after 10 years of qualifying, on-time payments. This program is open to borrowers who work for a qualifying organization. You can find details online about qualifying for the PSLF program to see if you could benefit from it.

•   The NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program will repay a portion of a nurse’s eligible student loans when they work full time at a Critical Shortage Facility or as a faculty member at a qualifying nursing school. Those accepted by the program are eligible to have 85% of their outstanding loan balances forgiven over a two-year commitment.

•   The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program provides loan forgiveness to qualifying nurses who commit to working for two years in clinical practice at a National Health Service Corps site.

Repaying Student Loans after Nursing School

If you borrowed federal or private student loans to help you pay for nursing school, developing a repayment strategy can be valuable. Not only will it set you on a path to repaying your debt, it can teach you valuable budgeting skills as well.

If you don’t qualify for any of the available loan forgiveness options, federal student loans come with a few different student loan repayment plans so you can find the option that works best for your budget.

If you relied on private student loans to help you pay for your tuition at nursing school, you may want to review your repayment terms. Each lender will determine their own terms and conditions for the loans they lend.

As you develop a game plan to help you repay your student loans, one option to consider is student loan refinancing.

When you refinance a loan, you take out a new loan with new terms. This loan can then be used to repay your existing loans. If you borrowed multiple loans, that means you could have the option to consolidate them into one single monthly payment — potentially with a lower interest rate.

However, it’s important to keep in mind a couple of factors:

•   You may pay more interest over the life of the loan if you refinance with a longer term.

•   If you are considering refinancing federal student loans, know that they come with an array of benefits and protections that are forfeited if you refinance.

To see how refinancing could impact your student loan, you can take a look at this student loan refinancing calculator.

The Takeaway

Nursing can be a challenging but rewarding profession, and the average nurse salary could provide a well-paying career. How much do RNs make? The typical salary currently tops $88,000. There are different kinds of nursing degrees and positions, so it’s wise to do your research to understand what each one requires and which might best suit your needs. Also, financing your education as a nurse can also need research to understand the obligation and how you might fund it.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.

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Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

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Source: sofi.com