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Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

Weddings are a big deal. You plan them for months or even years and invite everyone you know, then you have the highly-anticipated, heavily-photographed event and they all live happily ever after. (Cue the end credits.)

So much goes on behind the scenes before the big day, as anyone who’s ever attended or been in a wedding should know. But what you don’t really find out until you plan one for yourself is just how expensive and wasteful they can be. 

What’s Ahead:

The true cost of a wedding

When I was planning my wedding between 2018 and 2019, I learned pretty quickly what weddings actually cost. And I’m not just talking about the bill. 

Each year in the U.S., couples spend thousands of dollars on average on their weddings. In 2022, the national average price of a wedding was around $30,000, according to The Knot. Of course, these averages vary by state and city but could be much higher. And destination weddings can add another several thousand onto your final total.

And every year, these averages go up.

I didn’t know any of this when I got engaged. But once I started actually planning and crunching the numbers using quotes from vendors and venues, I realized that there was no way I could afford the “average wedding,” and I wasn’t sure I wanted to. 

Creating my lists also had me thinking about how all of these different “to-do” items would eventually become “to-dump” items. Those flowers would have to go somewhere, right? The table decorations would need to be disposed of, the cards tossed, and the wrapping paper from the gifts thrown in the trash. 

So I decided to try to do things a little differently. Both out of necessity because I was poor when we got married – like still in college, barely 22 years old poor – and out of a desire to be eco-friendy. 

I’m going to share seven real ways I made my wedding greener and some ideas for making your big day low(er)-waste too.

Read more: Are you financially ready to get engaged?

1. Swap the flowers

Sola wood flower bouquet

My flower total: $94.55

Swapping real flowers for sola wood, paper, fabric, or anything else that will last is a smart place to start. Because the fact of the matter is, flowers are incredibly expensive. And then they wilt and die, as cut plants are prone to doing.

For my flowers, I opted for sola wood. This is a material that comes from tapioca that can be treated and shaped almost like paper. It’s lightweight and looks darn close to the real thing.

I found a shop on Etsy that sold individual sola wood flowers in a bunch of different colors and varieties, and I used 24 of these for my bridal party. For myself, I purchased a pre-made sola bouquet from another store so I didn’t have to cobble one together. 

The great part about using sola or another material for your flowers isn’t just that it’s inexpensive but also that you get a keepsake.

I let my bridesmaids keep theirs as a memento and I have the leftovers in vases.

For me, that was it in the way of flowers. I used other decorations for everything else, including repurposed antiques and some DIY items. But there’s nothing saying you couldn’t go all out with the sola since it’s a fraction of the cost of live flowers.

Tip: Purchase sola flowers in large quantities to save even more, and buy them early so you can match them to your other decorations and customize them.

2. Buy your dress secondhand

My dress total: $700 (without alterations)

I know, I know. This one is a harder sell. Many brides have very clear visions in their heads about how they want their dresses to look and make them feel, and purchasing secondhand limits your options. Plus, thrifting a top or a pair of jeans is different from thrifting one of the most important outfits of your life.

But hear me out. No one is going to know someone else wore your dress before you. Wedding dresses usually get worn once, maybe twice, before collecting dust. And creating gowns is so labor and resource intensive that even repurposing one has an impact.

For my dress, I went to The Brides Project in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This is a nonprofit bridal boutique that collects donated dresses, sells them, and uses the profits for charitable causes. The Brides Project donates to the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor and everyone who works there is a volunteer. 

Buying secondhand saves serious money and prevents a dress from being wasted. At the end of the day, I spent $700 on my dress and I loved it. This was in 2018 when the average cost of a wedding gown was right around $1,750. 

Tip: If you don’t have access to a secondhand bridal shop, check out your local consignment and thrift stores, go on eBay and Poshmark, or browse a marketplace specializing in pre-owned bridal gowns.

Secondhand marketplaces include:

Point is, you’ve got options.

3. Use one venue

Wedding venue with dance floor and tables and chairs set up

My venue total: $1,850

If you can find a venue with enough room for both your ceremony and reception, book it. This is one of the best decisions we made. Venue rental fees will eat up a big chunk of your budget no matter where you go, but choosing one for the whole event can help you save a little money and make things easier on yourself – and your guests.

With one venue, nobody has to kill time in between, you don’t have to get multiple places set up, and you don’t need to pay for twice the decorations. You save your elderly relatives from climbing into a car more than necessary and nobody gets lost.

This creates less waste and simplifies your planning. Plus, without all those cars on the road getting from one place to another, you’re not responsible for as many carbon emissions.

Tip: To pull this off, you have to love whatever venue you choose. Rather than picking a “blank canvas” venue you’d have to style from floor to ceiling, consider one with some personality. If you choose a place that suits your style, you don’t need to do as much decorating. 

We got married in a city club that had vintage art, furniture, and accents throughout, and our wedding was in spring when the flowers were blooming. It felt timeless and setup was minimal.

Overall, highly recommend. 

4. Skip (some of) the cards

My card total: $117.19

Physical engagement announcements, save-the-dates, invitations, and programs are nice to look at. But that’s a lot of material that’s probably just going to get recycled. And wow is it pricey.

The only paper I purchased was invitations and RSVPs. We ordered these from Paper Culture, a company that creates custom eco-friendly cards using recycled paper and bamboo. 

The cards included links to our wedding website where people could RSVP and find out everything they needed to about the event. We did receive some physical RSVPs back, but the majority of our guests used the website to “joyfully accept” or “regretfully decline.”

There are so many wedding planning websites and apps that organize everything from responses to registries in one place. You can pretty much skip most of the cards if you want to.

Great wedding websites include: 

  • The Knot
  • Zola
  • Joy
  • WeddingWire

Tip: Send invitations a little earlier than recommended if you’re doing digital. This will give guests more time to “save the date” and you more time to track down RSVPs. And you might need to give your tech-averse relatives a call if they don’t respond.

As for programs, you might not need them. I wrote down the schedule of events with times on an extra-large mirror (that I got on sale for $35) and displayed this centrally at the venue. I still have this mirror today, with the writing on it, on my wall.

Bonus tip: Not everybody needs a plus-one

Maybe this seems selfish, but we gave out plus-ones very sparingly. If we had met a person’s significant other, they were invited. Otherwise, we didn’t really want to give them hugs in the receiving line or pay for their dinner.

We made a note on the RSVPs that if someone wanted to request a plus-one they could, but no one actually did this. People get it. 

5. Choose food wisely 

Appetizers on trays and stands at wedding

My food total: $3,077.50

For many couples, the food and drink bill ends up being the biggest. The Knot 2022 Real Weddings Study found that the average food bill for a wedding comes out to $75 per person. 

But most people don’t go to a wedding for the food. In fact, this is often the worst part (just stating facts). Don’t put too much pressure on the meal you’re serving to be a highlight of the day or evening, and don’t fork over more cash than necessary.

That said, we decided to do a menu of just appetizers. We ordered enough that everybody would be able to pile their plates with several individual bites and have plenty to eat, but not so many that we’d have leftovers to deal with. 

Every venue is different, but ours charged a per-plate or per-head price on dinners and a per-item price on appetizers (or hors d’oeuvres if you want to be fancy). By choosing apps instead of plates, we saved a ton of money and gave our guests more options. They were able to enjoy dinner-sized portions and we still hear from people about how fun this was.

Tip: Some venues require you to use their caterers and might place a minimum on how much you need to order. Try to get this information before signing a contract to rent a venue. And if your venue doesn’t offer appetizers or you’re not into the whole strolling dinner thing, buffet-style meals can be an economical alternative to plated dinners.

For 130 guests, we could have spent over $9,000 going the traditional route. I’m glad we didn’t.

6. Ask for money

It’s not weird anymore to tell people you just want cash.

Especially if you and your partner already have most of the things you need or have been living together for a while, chances are you don’t need a gift from everybody coming to your wedding. Feel free to ask for money.

Many wedding planning websites have built-in options for collecting cash contributions (we called ours the “Honeymoon Fund” but I’ve also seen “Newlywed Fund”). This is easier for your guests because they can just virtually send cash without having to buy and wrap a gift and better for you because you can get what you really need. Bonus, there are no boxes or piles of wrapping paper to get rid of.

Tip: Don’t worry about offending anyone. A lot of your guests have been in your shoes. They know weddings are expensive and would probably be more than happy to help you out this way instead of buying you a pan or sheet set.

7. Rethink the diamond

My ring total: $2,000

Okay, so this one isn’t technically for the wedding. But it’s important.

Consider an alternative to a diamond engagement ring if you’re planning to get engaged. There are much more sustainable options out there than the standard diamond, and ones that won’t break the bank.

Moissanite is one of the trendiest non-diamond stones but precious gems like sapphires, emeralds, morganite, and opal can be fantastic choices for couples looking to save money. 

And if you love traditional diamonds, that’s great too! There are so many ways to buy diamond rings that don’t involve going to a big box store.

Tip: Antique shops and estate sales are perfect for finding vintage rings and many online retailers carry gorgeous rings without the markups you typically see. Try Blue Nile for discounted conflict-free diamonds.

You can also choose an “imperfect” diamond. This is what I did. I have a salt-and-pepper diamond from Alexis Russell and it’s pretty perfect to me. It’s certified conflict-free and made with recycled gold. 

When I got engaged in 2018, my husband spent $2,000 on this ring. That year, couples were spending over $7,800 on average for engagement rings. 

Read more: Where’s the best place to buy diamonds? 

When to splurge

The great thing about getting married is that you get to do what you want. It’s your day. 

You and your partner can strive for a greener wedding if you feel compelled, and that can look however you want it to look. Compromising in some areas and splurging in others is the best way to have the wedding you’ve been dreaming of without too much guilt or sticker shock.

You should splurge on the parts of your wedding that matter most to you and your partner, and try to save on the things that don’t. For example, maybe you love fresh flowers. You can’t imagine a wedding without fresh flowers, so you get these and rent the rest of your decorations or buy them used.

Or maybe the pictures are most important to you. To balance out this cost, maybe you serve cupcakes or cookies instead of a tiered wedding cake. 

There are no wrong answers, as long as you’re doing what makes you happy.

Bottom line

The wedding industry is due for a shake-up, and enough people making tiny changes to their big days could have a huge impact on the planet.

With careful planning and some compromises, we were able to completely recoup what we spent on our wedding in gifts and cash contributions. That means we got married without debt, and that was worth celebrating in and of itself.

Our wedding was by no means the most eco-friendly it could have been. And if I were to plan it again today, I’d probably try to do better. But I feel good about the little changes we did make.

Read more: 

Source: moneyunder30.com

Posted in: Personal Finance, Saving And Spending Tagged: 2, 2022, About, All, ann arbor, Apps, art, ask, average, balance, Bank, before, best, big, blue, bonus, book, Budget, Built, Buy, Buying, car, cars, Choices, city, clear, collecting, College, colors, company, consignment, contributions, cost, couples, credits, custom, Debt, decisions, decorating, Digital, DIY, eco, eco-friendly, engagement, engagement ring, estate, event, events, expensive, Fees, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, floor, flowers, food, Fraction, Free, friendly, fun, fund, furniture, gift, gifts, gold, good, great, guests, ideas, impact, in, industry, items, learned, Life, Links, lists, Live, Living, Local, low, Make, making, married, Michigan, minimal, money, More, needs, newlywed, offer, or, organize, Other, party, personal finance, personality, place, plan, Planning, plants, poor, pressure, pretty, price, programs, project, Purchase, Quotes, ready, Rent, rental, right, room, sale, sales, save, Save Money, secondhand, Sell, smart, Spending, splurge, splurging, Spring, Style, sustainable, Tech, thrift, thrift stores, time, tips, traditional, under, volunteer, wall, Websites, Wedding, weddings, Weird, will, wood, wrapping paper, wrong

Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

As the house renovation slowly but surely keeps chugging along, I’ll be talking paint colors with you later this week!, I find myself constantly furnishing rooms in my head. That’s why I was thrilled when one of my favorite San Francisco-based design firms, Niche Interiors, took us up on our request for a Designer’s Take. Founder Jennifer Jones has such a great eye. Here’s a couple of the gorgeous dining rooms they’ve designed:

3fb56b2e1e29c42ff5929498d3b776b1 002-ranch-house-remodel-niche-interiors

As a reminder, below is the architect’s drawing of what our dining room looks like. The space enjoys some pretty special features including the original 140 year old pocket doors, a fireplace that I still have to design – oy!, the original crown molding, a bay window and 12-foot ceilings. Jennifer turned her sights on our dining room and I am loving her thoughts.

Screen Shot 2015-06-05 at 4.10.23 PM

We took inspiration from the classic Victorian architectural details of Erin’s new home, along with her obvious love of black and white. Clearly, the bones of this space are the real star — we would create a restrained, contemporary dining space with subtle nods to traditional design.

First, we would paint the walls and moldings a warm white and add a larger ceiling medallion that is more appropriately scaled for the room. Matte black paint on the ceiling would make the gorgeous moldings pop and accentuate the tall ceilings. Graphic geode wallpaper peeks out behind tall metal bookcases flanking the fireplace, and kelly green drapery panels frame the bay window. The dramatic brass chandelier has a traditional shape with modern styling — a perfect focal point for this space!

Interior-Design-by-Kay-DouglassDesigner'sTake_Niche_Dining

GET THE LOOK:

  1. > Chandelier 
  2. > Table
  3. > Curtains (custom)
  4. > Minotti Aston chair
  5. > Vase
  6. > Zak & Fox with Apparatus Wallpaper
  7. > Brass Dish
  8. > Bookcase

Curious how other designers have suggested we design our Victorian? From the kitchen to the nursery, living room and bedrooms – you can find all the amazing inspiration right HERE.

Images 1 & 2 via Niche Interiors // Image 3 via Kay Douglass Interiors

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Source: apartment34.com

Posted in: Quick Cash Tagged: 2, All, architect, Bedrooms, black, black and white, ceilings, colors, couple, custom, Decor, design, designer's take, dining, dining room, dining rooms, doors, drapery, Features, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, fireplace, Get the Look, Graphic, great, green, home, house, in, Inspiration, kitchen, Living, living room, Make, modern, More, new, new home, nursery, Original, Other, Our Loft Life, paint, paint colors, pretty, reminder, renovation, right, room, san francisco, space, this old victorian, traditional, victorian, wallpaper, white

Apache is functioning normally

June 7, 2023 by Brett Tams

If endless live music, mouthwatering tacos, natural pools and beautiful parks are your idea of a perfect trip, it might just be time to visit Austin, the bohemian capital of the Lone Star State.

Home to events like South by Southwest, Austin City Limits festival and bachelorette parties galore (not to mention barbecue and the University of Texas at Austin), ATX truly has something for everyone.

There’s also a place to stay for every type of traveler, from historic motor lodges converted into chic motels to luxury names we all know. There’s even a lakeside spa resort designed to help guests recharge and relax in the stunning beauty of Central Texas.

Whether you’re a city slicker in town for business, a foodie lookin’ to taste the best Texas has to offer, or you are embarking on a western road trip, here are some of Austin’s best hotels (including some excellent points options), where you can settle in and make a temporary home.

Just don’t forget: Keep it weird.

Related: Why Austin Airport keeps its vendors local to create an airport for foodies

The Line Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

THE LINE HOTEL/FACEBOOK

Best for: Folks looking for a stay that matches Austin’s effortless cool vibes.

Why stay here: The year-round heated pool overlooks the Congress Avenue Bridge, making it the perfect spot to watch the city’s famed bats take flight.

Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

This Line Austin is one of this hotel reporter’s favorite hotels in the world — and I’ve stayed at some pretty incredible places.

For starters, the location in Downtown Austin, butting up to the Colorado River, is perfect for exploring the eclectic shops and restaurants of South Congress and the lively (though touristy) bars and nightlife on 6th Street. It also sits right along Lady Bird Lake and the Congress Avenue bridge, so you can watch the largest colony of bats in North America put on their natural show as you take a dip in the hotel’s heated pool. (Sounds scary, but it’s one of Austin’s main attractions!)

Inside the hotel, rooms are simple but chic, with a modern, industrial aesthetic made comfortable with Bellino linens, a curated assortment of local snacks and drinks, and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with light radiating from that big Texas sky. Request a lake view room so you can spend a lazy morning watching locals and tourists take advantage of the water.

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At Arlo Grey, “Top Chef” winner Kristen Kish serves up an inspired menu rooted in local fare (think: crispy rice with saffron aioli and cilantro and a Texas-raised Wagyu ribeye with spring onion fritter) alongside cocktails and an international wine list. Wet your whistle at P6, a lovely lounge atop the parking garage serving creative cocktails, elevated bar food and dramatic sunset views over Lady Bird Lake.

Rates at Line Austin start at $225 per night.

Austin Proper Hotel

Austin, Texas, USA

AUSTIN PROPER HOTEL/FACEBOOK

Best for: Design lovers looking for an Instagram-worthy moment.

Why stay here: The Austin Proper Hotel is one of the most visually appealing hotels in town — if not the entire state.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn Marriott points while enjoying elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking through Marriott directly.

In a place as trendy as Austin, it’s only right to stay in a hotel with just as much texture and style as the city itself. That’s why Austin Proper (part of Marriott’s Design Hotels), located Downtown on 2nd Street, should be a top contender.

Designed by the influential creative Kelly Wearstler, the hotel exudes a sort of unbridled confidence that will have you posing in plush armchairs and planning outfits to match all that over-the-top wallpaper just to make your followers jealous.

Rooms at this Proper outpost (the others are in California with more East Coast properties coming soon) are grounded in natural hues and elements, such as local stones and woods, and complemented by giant windows with motorized shades, Simmons Providence mattresses and comfortable robes from Parachute. Even better are two amenities every single hotel in the world should include: Apple TV and a fabric steamer.

If you don’t fill up on local art, stop by The Peacock for Mediterranean food, followed by a nightcap at Quill Room, a clubby lounge with live music. During the day, beat the Texas heat with a spicy marg from the rooftop pool restaurant, La Piscina, or borrow a bike and cruise along the river. To really relax, hit up the Verbena Spa for an agave- and tequila-infused treatment ($338 for 90 minutes).

Rates at Austin Proper Hotel start at $350 or 42,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Miraval Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Best for: An ultraluxurious tune-up for the mind, body and soul in the heart of Texas.

Why stay here: When you want to do a little self-care, it’s always best to let the pampering Miraval team take care of everything else for the duration of your stay.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits; or reserve through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.

One of the crowning brands in Hyatt’s robust portfolio, Miraval Resorts offers tranquil retreats that help guests center themselves in the day-to-day hustle we call life, as well as give them a chance to disconnect from technology thanks to its mostly unplugged cellphone policy.

The adults-only Miraval Austin is tucked away in a sprawling complex in the hills. Guests have plenty of wellness-focused activities to choose from, including sound healing sessions, yoga and meditation classes. There are also experiences with horses, farming activities like chicken keeping, and even more physical activities like a ropes course challenge and climbing walls (note that some activities are not included in the mostly all-inclusive pricing structure of Miraval Austin.)

Food is served at The Hilltop Crossings Kitchen, which is designed to be as calming, healthy and nourishing as the rest of any stay. Beyond the standard three meals daily, a rotating menu of food-focused activities, like “Conscious Mixology” and lessons on gut health, are on offer.

Related: A review of Miraval Austin Resort and Spa

Then, of course, there’s the Life in Balance Spa. Experiences here range from a deep tissue massage ($235 for 50 min) to Eastern-inspired experiences like the “Crystal Energy Balancing” session ($195 for 50 min) that uses Reiki and crystals to help cleanse the soul.

Rates at Miraval Austin start around $1,200 or 57,500 or 72,000 World of Hyatt points per night, both based on double occupancy. Note that every award booking includes a $175 resort credit per person.

Fairmont Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

FAIRMONT AUSTIN/FACEBOOK

Best for: Austin visitors who want a stylish stay close to all the action.

Why stay here: A resort-style, year-round rooftop pool is the perfect place to escape the downtown crowds.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

For those looking for a more refined stay in Austin, high above the boozy bars of Downtown, the Fairmont is a top-notch choice with an array of superb amenities that make it difficult to decide how to spend your time.

You could reserve a cabana for privacy or snag a pool lounger to soak up the sun beside the Texas-size, resort-style rooftop pool. Or, pamper yourself at the Fairmont Austin Spa for a Himalayan Hot Salt Stones Massage ($195 for 50 minutes) or take a soothing dip in the indoor, infinity-like soaking pool.

Rooms at this Fairmont radiate classic luxury, with plush beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable lounge chairs and a neutral colorway with pops of blue and green. In the bathroom, who could ask for anything better than Le Labo Rose 31 toiletries?

While Austin boasts some of the best dining in the state, the Fairmont has plenty of its own restaurants to wade through. There’s the Texas-style, open-flame steakhouse Garrison; the Room 725 Champaign and Caviar Bar; seasonal bites and drinks at Fulton; and more.

Rates at Fairmont Austin start around $207 per night.

The Driskill

Austin, Texas, USA

THE DRISKILL/FACEBOOK

Best for: Refined travelers who clean up for the day but want to let loose on buzzy 6th Street at night.

Why stay here: This hotel perfectly marries its storied place in Texas history with its convenient physical location to Austin’s main nightlife corridor.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn World of Hyatt points while enjoying elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking through Hyatt directly.

Though Austin’s skyline is full of glitzy new highrises, the city also has a handful of hotels loaded with history — none more than the Driskill, part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, which dates back over 100 years to 1886. Here you’ll find a mix of old and new glamour, but all with a Texas twist. Rooms feature wrought-iron beds with cowhide benches at the foot, trunk-style nightstands, wooden writing desks and large drapes with valances depicting the exterior of the hotel.

Right near the action of 6th Street (which, be warned, can get rowdy) and not too far from the state Capitol, this hotel is a great place to steep yourself in Texas traditions — especially when it comes to food. Stop by the leather- and cowhide-clad Driskill Bar, and you might find yourself sippin’ on a local draft beer with a helping of pimento cheese. Next, head to dinner at The Grill, where former President and Lady Bird Johnson had their first date, for a biscuit board (it’s exactly what it sounds like!) and filet mignon.

Rates at The Driskill start at $204 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Four Seasons Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AUSTIN/FACEBOOK

Best for: The luxury-obsessed and people who want quick access to the water.

Why stay here: The on-demand margarita cart will have a bartender mixing margs in the comfort of your room.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

The Four Seasons is known for giving its guests the most in unbridled luxury — and in Austin, that comes in the shape of an on-demand margarita cart because what’s more luxe than a Clase Azul Añejo marg at just a phone call away?

Actually, there are plenty of things equally as luxe at the Four Seasons Austin, like rooms featuring the Canadian brand’s signature beds, views of Lady Bird Lake, Byredo bath products in a travertine shower and twice-daily housekeeping. For a little more, opt for a Lake View Balcony Room so you can take that aforementioned margarita (say that five times fast!) right out into the fresh air.

If you’d rather enjoy your drink at the bar, stop at Live Oak, where you can sample a chili-infused mezcal cocktail served in a glass boot by an oversized fire pit. At Cicilo, Texas and Latin flavors merge to create a menu featuring fare like enchiladas rojas, sea scallops and pork belly, grilled steaks and smoked Texas quail.

However, there’s more to do than eat and drink. Relax by the pool or grab a hiking trail guide and explore the paths right outside the hotel, which is along the river in downtown Austin. Head to the fitness center for a yoga class, or book a treatment of your choice at the luxurious spa.

Rates at the Four Seasons Austin start at $640 per night.

Thompson Austin

Austin, Texas

THOMPSON AUSTIN/FACEBOOK

Best for: Hyatt loyalists wanting a taste of Austin’s eclectic style.

Why stay here: Celebrated culinary duo Mashama Bailey and Johno Morisano (behind Savannah’s famed restaurant The Grey) lead the food and beverage programming.

Best way to book: Book directly through Hyatt to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points and enjoy any elite benefits.

One of the most exciting new hotels in town (included in TPG’s list of most anticipated hotel openings of 2022), the Thompson Austin is a sleek, moody new World of Hyatt property right at the heart of all the action.

Here, guests can expect stylish rooms designed by Chicago-based Simeone Deary Design Group, with terrazzo floors, green leather headboards, big TVs to catch up on Netflix, rainfall showers with D.S. & Durga bath amenities and fabric steamers to easily work out the wrinkles in your garments without wrestling with an iron and ironing board.

The real star of this property is The Diner Bar, where James Beard Award-winning chef Mashama Bailey and restaurant partner John O. Marisano (the forces behind Savannah’s hit restaurant, The Gray) serve seasonal southern food with a Texas flare. (There’s also a grab-and-go counter from the duo if you’re short on time.)

On the fourth floor, a pool deck offers lounge chairs and cabanas to relax in while grazing on snacks from Wax Myrtles, a Texas-meets-California Mexican restaurant serving bites like fish tacos and shrimp tostadas alongside heat-beating frozen drinks, fun cocktails and local beer on tap.

Rates at Thompson Austin start around $300 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Lake Austin Spa Resort

Austin, Texas, USA

LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT AND SPA/FACEBOOK

Best for: People who want a wellness experience combined with all the fun of a beautiful lake.

Why stay here: Located near one of the country’s most booming cities, this spa resort is equal parts fun, relaxation and style.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark for elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

The all-inclusive Lake Austin Spa Resort is the place to leave the “weird” of Austin behind, set your intentions on rest and relaxation and enjoy the better parts of life on 19 acres of lakefront property.

Half an hour from downtown Austin, this dreamy resort is accessible by car — but the more fun way to get there is by water taxi. As the water taxi is less crowded than the highway, so is the resort itself, with just 40 sun-filled rooms with porches, relaxing soaking tubs, tall ceilings and even cottages that have their own hot tubs.

The pricing structure here gets guests three hearty meals a day (room service counts), plus healthy smoothies, juices and snacks. Also included is a 24-hour fitness area, lake activities like kayaks and paddleboards, a lakeside beach, outdoor pools, swings and hammocks (to finally read that book you’ve been carrying around), a heated indoor pool and tons of activities ranging from belly dancing classes to hiking in the hills.

Just don’t forget, it is a spa resort — and this one has a whopping 25,000-square-foot facility that offers whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and more. Treatments range from the ultra-luxe (we’re talking a caviar-infused facial that’s a little north of $1,000) to more standard options (like a deep-tissue massage, starting at $225).

Rates at Austin Spa Resort start at $1,550 per night, based on double occupancy.

Hotel Van Zandt

Austin, Texas, USA

HOTEL VAN ZANDT/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers who want a boutique stay on an Austin-centric street full of popping bars, live music and local food trucks.

Why stay here: Located in the Rainey Street District, this hotel is steps from where locals and tourists both come to play.

Best way to book: Book directly through Marriott to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points and enjoy any elite benefits.

Formerly a Kimpton hotel, the now-independent Hotel Van Zandt towers over the Rainey Street District, a strip of houses-turned-bars, parking lots filled with food trucks and a generally younger crowd looking to live it up on one of Austin’s main party drags.

Though Rainey Street might seem a little college-like, the hotel feels all grown up, with rooms featuring a color palette of deep blues and airy beiges, large wooden desks, plush linens and a table with leather chairs. Non-standard rooms include a spa suite with a soaking tub; 900-square-foot Presidential Suites, complete with kitchenettes and vinyl record players; and pool view rooms.

Speaking of the pool, the rooftop pool deck has plush cabanas and a poolside bar serving snacks and drinks, and there’s a massive fireplace where guests gather on crisp evenings. If you’re hungry, stop by Geraldine’s, offering Texas-inspired brunch and dinner, plus daily live music. You might think Texas is all country, but make a reservation for Jazz Brunch, and you’ll leave realizing why Austin is called the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

Rates at the Hotel Van Zandt start at $206 per night.

W Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

W AUSTIN/MARRIOTT.COM

Best for: Marriott loyalists who want a points property in the heart of Austin’s downtown action.

Why stay here: With four distinct areas, including a room filled with hundreds of records and a bar designed for tasting legendary tequilas, the hotel lobby is a destination in itself.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn Marriott points while enjoying elite-like benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking through Marriott directly.

At W Austin, located downtown, Marriott loyalists can find a funky slice of home that’s fitting for a trip to one of America’s funkiest cities.

Rooms that would otherwise be considered bland or stale are brightened with whimsical pops of color. Also, staying true to the W brand aesthetic, there are fun red couches and armless chairs to lounge in. Other elements include images from local photographer Scott Newton, Bricor Venturi shower heads and 300-thread-count bedding because every visitor to Austin knows a good day requires a good night’s sleep.

Know, though, that Austin isn’t the kind of place you spend too much time in your room. Instead, the home base at this hotel is the immaculate lobby, split into various sections. They include the Tequila Bar, with a vast assortment of spirits and games to play; the Record Room, where guests can pursue over 8,000 different vinyl records; and the Living Room, which offers a club-like atmosphere with a live DJ some nights.

The hotel also has a restaurant, Trace, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with a menu of locally sourced foods ranging from pasta dishes to brisket sandwiches. There’s also a fourth-floor pool deck with lounge chairs and cabanas, a spa and a 3,600-square-foot gym.

Rates at W Austin start at $257 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Commodore Perry Estate

Austin, Texas, USA

COMMODORE PERRY ESTATE, AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION/FACEBOOK

Best for: Jetsetters or city folk looking for an urban escape.

Why stay here: Set in a palatial estate, rooms trade in Austin’s contemporary vibes for European panache fitting of Lone Star royalty.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

Auberge Resorts knows luxury well — and that’s exemplified at its Austin property, Commodore Perry Estate, which is set in a European-meets-Texan walled estate sprawling over 10 acres. An iconic landmark given a new life, this retreat offers stunning, Renaissance-inspired suites in the historic mansion and a series of rooms and suites in the Inn, all filled with various accents like four-poster beds, leather couches, ornately-framed artworks and local goods to take home from the room in an area cleverly called “The Estate Sell.”

Guests can relax by the cooling pool waters but don’t miss out on the many events scheduled throughout a stay, including tequila tastings, custom boot experiences, hiking and live music. For the wellness-minded, there are HITT and yoga classes, meditation sessions and personal training instructors. Across the street, a nine-hole public golf course invites folks to practice their swing.

Meals are savored at Lutie’s Garden Restaurant, named after the estate’s original matriarch and designed by the eclectic visionary Ken Fulk. Meals consist of fresh, seasonal produce with an underlying focus on incorporating ingredients and meats from local farmers and ranchers. Guests can also eat poolside from a menu of select pool snacks.

Rates at Commodore Perry Estate start at $520 per night.

Austin Motel

Austin, Texas, USA

AUSTIN MOTEL/FACEBOOK

Best for: A trip with friends or bachelor or bachelorette parties.

Why stay here: With retro design, a buzzy outdoor space perfect for sipping a craft margarita and an ideal location on South Congress, the Austin Motel is the epitome of what makes Austin so fun.

Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

If you’re a fan of retro vibes, ’70s decor and Wes Anderson films, you’ll be right at home at the Austin Motel, a staple of South Congress and the Austin hotel scene.

At this vintage motel, guests sleep in rooms with quirky wallpaper, brightly colored headboards, Sferra sheets — and peace of mind from knowing that you’re in one of the coolest places in town.

Spicy margaritas are best had beside the kidney-shaped pool, where red-and-white plastic fold-up pool chairs invite guests to relax in the sun (or pose for a very likable photo). Next door, in a space shared with the hotel, Joann’s Fine Foods serves tacos throughout the day (breakfast tacos are life in Austin) alongside enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and lots and lots of queso.

Just don’t forget to stop at the hotel’s bodega, or general store, for some Austin-centric goods to take home, like fun T-shirts, funky swim trunks and other goods worthy of a splurge.

Rates at the Austin Motel start at $149 per night.

Hotel Saint Cecilia

Austin, Texas, USA

HOTEL SAINT CECILIA/FACEBOOK

Best for: People who know that a hotel can be so much more than a place to rest your weary head.

Why stay here: Built around a Victorian-era home, the Hotel Saint Cecilia is playful, chic and one of the trendiest places to stay in one of the country’s trendiest cities.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elite-like benefits and on-property credits.

Found in South Austin, Hotel Saint Cecilia (named after the patron saint of music and poetry) is an intimate abode that oozes charm and Austin’s fresh sense of cool. Rooms include minimalist studios, ornate suites and poolside bungalows with record players, king-size Hästens beds and outdoor seating where you can sit back and relax.

At the 50-foot heated lap pool, children are allowed until 2 p.m. Then, the area turns into an adults-only space where drinks, like a chili-infused reposado tequila, and snacks (try the charcuterie board) are on offer from the Lounge. Guests can also enjoy a full bar and food menu away from the pool in a charming seating and bar area that’s generally not open to the public.

Rates at Hotel Saint Cecilia start at $449 per night.

The Loren at Lady Bird Lake

Austin, Texas, USA

THE LOREN AT LADY BIRD LAKE/FACEBOOK

Best for: Travelers to Austin who want to feel part of the scene without being directly in the middle of it.

Why stay here: This new hotel is perfectly located near Austin’s legendary green spaces but still close enough to walk to its bustling entertainment districts.

Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Another hotel new on the scene, the Loren at Lady Bird Lake, has all the character you’d expect from such a vibrant city but is slightly removed, geographically speaking, from the true hustle and bustle of downtown.

The public areas are industrial chic, with concrete walls adorned with beautiful plants everywhere you look, soft wood tones and cozy couches on which to relax. Throughout the hotel, an impressive collection of art themed around science and architecture also commands attention.

In the rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the best parts of Austin, vibrant green carpet brings the outdoors inside, and a charming mix of leather furniture, patterned headboards and sleek white Sferra linens effortlessly ties it all together. Bathrooms feature beautiful stone countertops, walk-in showers (some rooms have free-standing tubs) and Malin+Goetz products to wash away the day.

Inside the hotel, the rooftop restaurant Nido features a menu of seasonal offerings throughout the day, from a blue crab omelet for breakfast to pasta dishes, meat and seafood dishes for dinner. Room service is also available, and a coffee shop in the lobby can help jumpstart your day with a caffeine fix.

There’s also a gorgeous 8th-floor pool deck with lounge chairs for catching some sun, a spa and a fitness center. With its waterfront location, you can borrow kayaks and hit the lake for a true taste of what Austin’s all about.

Rates at The Loren at Lady Bird Lake start at $380 per night.

Hotel Zaza

Austin, Texas, USA

HOTEL ZAZA/FACEBOOK

Best for: Those looking for a boutique stay near the neon lights of downtown.

Why stay here: Just steps away from the city’s storied nightlife, this Austin hotel is the perfect home base.

Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Hotel ZaZa is a Texas-based boutique chain with four eclectic properties in Dallas, Houston and Austin. In the state’s capital city, ZaZa offers a little something for everyone, from a great 7th-floor pool deck to the ZaSpa, which offers massages, facials and couple’s experiences.

Throughout the hotel, the design offers a little of this and a little of that — in the best way, with bold patterns, vibrant textiles and a philosophy contradicting the age-old saying “less is more.”

In standard guest rooms, expect refined style, plush couches, leather armchairs, a stocked mini-bar and robes. But, for a quirky upgrade, book one of the “Magnificent Seven Suites.” Rooms include the campy Bungalow 6, which feels like a set from “Golden Girls,” and the 880-square-foot “Orient Express,” which serves Agatha Christie novel vibes.

With two great on-site restaurants, it’s easy to eat well at Hotel ZaZa. Meals at Group Therapy start with dishes like crispy calamari and jalapenos or a trio of deviled eggs (hello, caviar) before moving into a sprawling selection of mains like a chicken-fried Wagyu steak po’boy with poblano gravy dip, slow-braised short ribs or pork belly tacos. At Cabana Bar, the poolside bar and eatery, seared ahi tuna tostadas pair perfectly with a frozen pina colada.

Rates at Hotel ZaZa start at $240 per night.

Hotel Magdalena

Austin, Texas, USA

HOTEL MAGDALENA/FACEBOOK

Best for: People who want a boutique taste of Austin’s distinct style, music and culinary offerings.

Why stay here: A converted motor hotel, the Hotel Magdalena is fun, friendly and within walking distance to some of the best shopping in town.

Best way to book: Book direct for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Bunkhouse really does have a hold on Austin, and Hotel Magdalena is another of the company’s great hotels to consider. At this particular hotel, right off South Congress, guests can enjoy an intimate experience that’s full of fun and culture but without too many other guests considering there are only 89 rooms.

Though the rooms are few, they’re certainly big on character and feature monochromatic bathrooms with bright blue, green or yellow tiles; vintage music photography from Austin’s own Scott Newton; Sferra linens; Sangre de Fruta bath products; and a laid-back but homey aesthetic.

This hotel has many of the staple Bunkhouse amenities, including a killer pool and a fun gift shop with curated products to take home. It’s also pet friendly. There’s a full-service, all-day restaurant, Summer House on Music Lane, plus the Magdalena Bar for drinks and poolside cocktails. But the real star is Equipment Room, a tech-savvy, speak-easy-like basement bar with a focus on good sound, craft cocktails and elevated bar food and a world-class record collection.

Rates at Hotel Magdalena start at $237 per night.

JW Marriott Austin

Austin, Texas, USA

JW MARROTT AUSTIN/FACEBOOK

Best for: Business travelers and Marriott loyalists.

Why stay here: Though Austin is full of quirky boutique hotels, the JW Marriott Austin is a more buttoned-up affair for people in town for business.

Best way to book: Book directly through Marriott to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points and enjoy any elite benefits.

For Marriott Bonvoy loyalists, business travelers or people who want a classy, resort-like property in the heart of downtown, the JW Marriott Austin checks all the boxes. The hotel is the perfect mix of work and play, with well-appointed rooms that feature plush beds, padded armchairs, a desk space to get some work done and then a smart TV to unwind with your favorite shows after.

That’s not all, though. There’s a spa offering curated treatments, massages or facials; an upscale fitness center with tons of workout equipment; and a big pool with chairs and cabanas to lounge on.

If you get hungry, head to one of the hotel’s many bars or restaurants to quell your appetite. There’s the upscale Dean’s Italian Steakhouse, serving Wagyu from Texas and Japan; a popular walk-up burger spot called Burger Bar; a casual Texas-themed restaurant named Corner Restaurant; and a rooftop restaurant.

Rates at JW Marriott Austin start at $237 or 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

Today we’ll check out a Southern California-based mortgage broker named “Lendevity,” which has been earning rave reviews lately.

Their name is actually a combination of lend and longevity, their way of saying they’ll be by your side throughout the loan process and beyond.

The company says it takes an “advisory approach” to better understand your financing needs and create a custom solution that fits your goals.

They do so using the latest technology, charge $0 lender fees, and aim to close loans in three weeks or less.

And they’ve got a loyalty program to boot if you come back to them a second time. Let’s learn more.

Lendevity Fast Facts

  • Online mortgage broker that offers home purchase and refinance loans
  • Founded in 2018, headquartered in Woodland Hills, CA
  • Licensed to do business in five states (AZ, CA, CO, OR, WA)
  • Charge $0 lender fees on most loans
  • Offer a loyalty program for repeat customers that waives 3rd party fees

As noted, Lendevity is a mortgage broker, meaning they connect consumers with their wholesale lender partners.

This gives them the ability to shop your loan so you don’t have to in order to find the best price.

They may also have access to unique loan programs the bigger banks might not offer.

The company is located in Woodland Hills, California and was founded in 2018. Despite being rather young, they’ve got consistently excellent reviews.

At the moment, they are licensed to do business in just five states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington.

One benefit to using them is their lack of lender fees, along with a loyalty program if you come back a second or a third time.

How to Apply for a Mortgage with Lendevity

To begin, you can call them up, visit their office, or simply cruise over to the website and apply.

Since they like to take a hands-on approach, your best move might be speaking to a rep first to discuss your loan scenario.

From there they can determine eligibility and loan pricing, then you can apply via their website.

Their digital home loan application, which allows you to complete most tasks electronically, is powered by ICE Mortgage Technology.

You can fill out the app from any device, upload necessary documents, eSign disclosures, and track loan progress from start to finish.

They aim to close their loans in three weeks or less, which is also a plus if you’re in a hurry or simply don’t want the process to be dragged out.

What’s nice about mortgage brokers these days is they offer the same technology that the big fintech companies have, like Rocket Mortgage or Better Mortgage.

So you can get the best of both worlds when using a local broker. And those who need a little more attention get a loan guide throughout as well.

Loan Programs Offered by Lendevity

  • Home purchase loans
  • Refinance loans
  • Conforming loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
  • FHA loans
  • VA loans
  • Jumbo loans
  • Bank statement loans
  • Band-Aid loans

One of the benefits of a being a mortgage broker is the ability to offer home loan programs from a variety of different companies.

This allows Lendevity to extend a complete lending menu to its customers, even if they’ve had issues obtaining financing elsewhere.

Lendevity has options for new home buyers (home purchase loans) and existing homeowners (refinance loans), including cash out solutions.

They’ve got all the usual stuff like conforming loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, FHA loans, and VA loans.

The only major program they don’t seem to offer is USDA loans, which are reserved for rural home buyers.

They even offer jumbo loans with loan amounts up to $10 million. So even if you’re buying or refinancing an absolute mansion, they should offer a solution.

Those who’ve had trouble qualifying for a home loan in the past can take advantage of their so-called Band-Aid Loan, which pays off debts to improve credit scores and DTI ratios.

Then they can get you more permanent financing six months or so later.

If you’re a self-employed borrower, Lendevity also offers bank statement loans that don’t require tax returns to qualify.

Both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages are available in a variety of different loan terms to suit different needs.

Lendevity Mortgage Rates and Fees

While Lendevity doesn’t post their mortgage rates on their website, they do claim to utilize a transparent pricing model.

This means showing you a variety of mortgage rate and fee options that you can choose from depending on your needs.

For example, you may want to pay discount points for an even lower mortgage rate. Or you could be satisfied with a slightly higher rate in exchange for no fees whatsoever.

Lendevity says they don’t charge lender fees. And claims you won’t be charged an origination fee unless the circumstances of your loan program require it.

Not exactly sure what that means, but it sounds like they don’t charge fees in the vast majority of cases.

And either way, will probably structure your loan as a no cost mortgage, meaning nothing is paid out-of-pocket.

Anecdotally, I’ve seen their rates advertised on third-party websites like Zillow and they were among the lowest listed.

So my guess is they’re pretty competitive with other online, low-cost lenders out there, which may be cheaper than big banks and other household names.

If they can help you snag a low mortgage rate at the same time, it’s a win-win. No costs and a low monthly payment for as long as you keep your loan.

Speaking of, they have a loyalty program for existing customers who refinance a mortgage. In short, they’ll waive all third-party fees, such as title insurance and escrow.

That might give them another leg up on the competition if they’re already matching the lowest rate you find elsewhere.

Lendevity Mortgage Reviews

On Zillow, Lendevity has a perfect 5-star rating from 55 reviews. Nearly all of them indicated that either the interest rate or closing costs were lower than expected, or both in some cases.

They’ve also got a perfect 5-star rating on Yelp from 45 reviews and a similarly solid 4.9-star rating out of 5 on Google from nearly 120 reviews.

It’s the same story on the Better Business bureau (BBB) website, a perfect 5/5 from 28 customer reviews.

Lendevity is also an accredited business with an ‘A+ rating at the moment.

All in all, they appear to be very well-liked by their customers, despite not having hundreds or thousands of reviews. Hopefully it’s a sign of more good things to come.

To sum things up, Lendevity seems to be big on customer service like many mortgage brokers are.

They could be a good fit for a first-time home buyer who needs some additional hand-holding, or someone with a more complex loan scenario that a big bank might fumble.

If their mortgage rates are also low, they could be a good pick for just about any home buyer or existing owner looking to refinance.

Lendevity Pros and Cons

The Good

  • Can apply for a mortgage online in minutes
  • Offer a digital mortgage process
  • Do not charge lender fees
  • Loyalty program that waives third-party fees for return customers
  • Lots of loan programs to choose from
  • 3-week average closing time
  • Excellent reviews from past customers

The Maybe Not

  • Only licensed in five states currently
  • Do not offer USDA loans

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 6, 2023 by Brett Tams

Summer is almost here, and design professionals are on the move. Read on for BOH’s monthly roundup of arrivals and departures in design, manufacturing, media and throughout the industry.

To the Trade
Luxury outdoor furniture brand Brown Jordan announced that Gene Moriarty will step down as president and CEO later this year. During Moriarty’s 18-year tenure, the 78-year-old company has reemerged as a powerhouse designer and manufacturer of indoor and outdoor furniture, introducing award-winning collections, establishing partnerships with several leading designers, expanding and modernizing the manufacturing footprint, and opening four new retail showrooms for the company’s six-brand portfolio. Moriarty remains an equity shareholder of Brown Jordan and will remain CEO until a successor is chosen.

Form Kitchens appointed Beth Brenner as the head of business development. Brenner brings more than 30 years of advertising, sales and marketing experience to the brand, most recently serving as the president of custom cabinet company Semihandmade, where she led a team of 80 people and helped them navigate supply chain issues. In her new role, Brenner will focus on growing the Form Kitchens trade program.

North Carolina–based fabric company Glen Raven announced the retirement of Greg Rosendale, director of indoor and contract markets. Rosendale had an 18-year career at Glen Raven and nearly 40 years industry experience, where he served different roles in the sales, contract and design departments. Market manager Jason Burgess has stepped in to handle Rosendale’s responsibilities, including overseeing sales and customer relationships for the indoor market and working closely with the design, marketing and sales teams.

Montana-based digital textile printing studio and manufacturer Western Sensibility appointed Chelsea von Hasseln as director of surface design and Rio Chantel as director of brand strategy and storytelling. With over a decade of industry experience, von Hasseln specializes in original print development, repeats and colorways, and spent the past 11 years as the community manager for design service companies Pattern Observer and the Textile Design Lab. Chantel brings more than 10 years of experience in photography, multimedia art and brand strategy, and has been doing freelance photography for her own company, Rio Chantel Productions, for the past seven years.

Media & PR
After holding several roles in the shelter magazine world since the late 1980s—most recently as senior style director at House Beautiful—Robert Rufino is leaving his full-time role at Hearst Magazines to launch his own business. Rufino’s career as a stylist and tastemaker has included roles at Elle Decor, Architectural Digest, The New York Times Magazine and Harper’s Bazaar; he has also worked in retail design and merchandising, serving as vice president of creative services and visual merchandising for Tiffany & Co. for more than a decade. At House Beautiful, his role included discovering new talent, bringing in interior design projects and producing most of the brand’s photo shoots. He also created a column called The Rufino Report, which featured a curated monthly selection of products and trends. In the next chapter of his career, Rufino will work directly with designers and brands to develop their projects and style them for photography. He will continue to contribute stories to Hearst and hopes to write a book about his career.

New York–based communications and digital marketing agency UpSpring promoted Jana Montero to senior vice president of culture, content and business development. Montero joined the firm 11 years ago after holding editorial roles at Hospitality Design and BizBash magazines. In her new role, she will continue to serve as the company’s editor in chief, lead new business prospecting and engage with the architecture, construction and interior design industries.

Design & Architecture
Oklahoma-based interdisciplinary design studio Blue Star Integrative appointed Michal Biery as the firm’s new president and J. Kyle Casper as design director, a new position for the company. Biery brings more than 30 years of experience to the firm, most recently serving as a senior architect at Benham in Oklahoma City after holding other leadership positions at local firms. In his new role, Biery will oversee local operations and collaborate with leadership to set strategic plans, budgets and company goals. Casper, who brings over 25 years of architectural experience from institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the United Nations, will remain principal of his own 22-year-old firm Casper Design and Development in addition to his new role, which will tap into his background in environmental responsibility and personal connection to Native American culture and communities as a member of the Nansemond Tribal Bass family.

Minneapolis-based architecture and design firm Nelson Worldwide welcomed Brandon Page as the vice president of brand communications and environmental graphic design, and Faith Huddleston as studio leader of lifestyle, wellness and retail at the company’s Cincinnati office. With more than 25 years in the design, brand and retail community, Page has worked across the country with well-known names such as Target, Tiffany & Co., Nike and Home Depot. In his new role, Page will bolster the firm’s creative leadership and strategic development. Huddleston brings over 20 years of experience to the firm, previously working on projects for Neiman Marcus, Bath & Body Works, Starwood Retail Partners and the University of Dayton, and most recently serving as director of creative activation at design services company Tenfold. In her new role, she will be responsible for shaping business growth for Nelson Worldwide throughout Minneapolis and the surrounding region.

London-based design firm Studio Indigo promoted associates Lyne Arbid and Olga Fox to associate directors to co-lead the interior design team. Arbid has been with the company for more than six years, managing the interiors department and overseeing the yachting department. Fox brings over 15 years of industry experience to her new role and has been with the studio since 2022, managing high-profile commercial developments.

San Francisco–based design firm HSH Interiors announced Ainsley Thomson Bowen as senior designer. Bowen most recently worked at Colorado-based Kelly & Stone Architects, where she specialized in large-scale residential projects across North America.

Maryland-based architecture and planning firm Hord Coplan Macht promoted Ilijana Soldan to sustainability manager and lead of the sustainability action team. Soldan brings over five years of architecture experience, most recently working as an architect at North Carolina–based firm Liquid Design before joining HCM three years ago. In her new role, Soldan hopes to bridge the gap between implementing green practices and the practical application in building design.

Seattle-based design collective and hospitality firm The Society announced Casey Scalf as director. Scalf has more than 20 years of experience in the design industry, previously serving as the design principal for Portland-based Ankrom Moisan Architects and most recently as the principal designer at The Society. In his new role, Scalf will focus on strategic leadership, key partnerships, and project selection and execution.

Retail & Manufacturing
Appliance manufacturer Fisher & Paykel welcomed Eli Winkler as COO for the U.S. market. Winkler joins the brand from home decor retailer Smith & Noble, where he served as president and previously held leadership roles at globally renowned brands including Sur La Table and La-Z-Boy. In his new role, Winkler will be based out of the headquarters in Costa Mesa, California, and will oversee product operations and teams for both Fisher & Paykel and DCS Appliances.

Amish furniture company DutchCrafters named Tina Marie Carder the showroom manager of the Alpharetta, Georgia, location. Carder has over 11 years of experience in e-commerce and retail store management, most recently serving as the store manager of Dance Fashions Warehouse in Atlanta.

French furniture and interior design firm Liaigre appointed Andy Sich to its New York sales team. Sich has a background in corporate wellness consulting, commercial sales and luxury furniture, most recently serving as an executive sales rep at Avenue Road and Shaw Industries.

California-based reupholstery business Kay Chesterfield hired Rachel Fletcher as the director of operations. Fletcher has more 15 years of experience in upholstery; she is the owner of Knox Upholstery in Knoxville, Tennessee, and has served as president of the National Upholstery Association since 2019. In her new role, Fletcher will oversee production innovations within Kay Chesterfield’s contract reupholstery business and workplace pillows capability.

Furnishings-focused website development company Jola Interactive appointed Shelia Butler as director of operations and Vaughn English as an account manager. Butler brings more than 25 years of experience in the wholesale manufacturing, retail and consulting industries and co-founded two wholesale manufacturing companies, most recently serving as the chief operating officer at Texas-based furniture manufacturer The Arrangement. In her new role, Butler will oversee day-to-day business and work on building customer retention and talent management. English, who brings more than a decade of experience in account management roles, joins the company from advertising services company MediaLab 3D Solutions.

New Jersey–based floor manufacturer Lucida Surfaces promoted Jacob Herzog to regional sales manager. Herzog has been with the company for the past four years, growing his sales skills and in-depth knowledge of its products and services. As a regional sales manager, Herzog will lead and mentor the sales team and oversee the North Jersey and New York regions.

Industry Organizations
The International Society of Furniture Designers elected 12 new industry colleagues to serve on its board of directors. Liz Moore, furniture designer at Otto & Moore, will continue as the chairperson of the board; Steve Wilcox, president at Furnishings Design Inc., will remain as the ISFD president; and Jack Hendrix, partner at accounting firm Hendrix Barney & Co., will stay on as the treasurer, assisting executive director David Blair as part of the executive team. New board members include Melanie Boggs, founder of Brian Boggs Chairmakers; Matthew Carr, owner of furniture design and production business Carr House LLC; Scott Coley, lead designer and owner of D. Scott Coley Designs; Joe Dunaske, a designer at Stickley Furniture; Annina Fremgen, a designer at Caracole; Tammy C. Nagem, president and CEO of High Point Market Authority; Jake Hanson, a designer and engineer at L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.; Shannon Lookabill, vice president of product development at Universal Furniture; Cory Martin, a designer at Bernhardt Furniture Company; John Muldoon, owner of North Carolina–based retailer CohabSpace; Fred Schubert, director of product development at Global Home USA and owner of Fred Schubert Design Inc.; and Frederic Spector, owner of Frederic Spector Design Studio.

Real estate network and nonprofit education and research organization Urban Land Institute appointed Diane Hoskins as global chair for the next two years. Hoskins is currently the co-chief executive officer of architecture and planning firm Gensler. In her new role, Hoskins will help support real estate professionals in solving land-use challenges and educate others on the best practices for equitable and sustainable land use.

Homepage image: ©Josefmicic/Adobe Stock

Source: businessofhome.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 5, 2023 by Brett Tams

A country house built in 1690 in Old Lyme, CT, is the oldest home on the market this week on Realtor.com®.

Offering “peek-a-boo” views of the Connecticut River, this charmer boasts period details like wide-plank flooring, wood paneling, and built-in bookshelves.

Other vintage gems to hit the market this week include a property with history in New Hampshire, an affordable Colonial in Connecticut, and a pre-Revolutionary War farmhouse in New York.

Scroll down for a full look at this week’s 10 oldest homes.

Price: $615,000
Year built: 1690
Country charmer:
This 2,802-square-foot dwelling has been thoughtfully updated.

The cozy family room has a fireplace and lots of built-ins. The dining room features wood-paneled walls, an exposed-beam ceiling, and wide-plank flooring. The bedrooms are upstairs, with the primary featuring windows that overlook the backyard.

The 3-acre property comes with two barn-style garages, including one with a sauna, and the stone patio is equipped with a pizza oven.

Old Lyme, CT

(Realtor.com)

———

Price: $629,000
Year built: 1700
Charter Sycamore Farm: 
This restored, stone farmhouse offers built-in cabinets, a wood-burning stove with a wood mantel, and detailed millwork.

The four-bedroom home has a living room with wide-plank flooring and a fireplace. The dining room features a wood-burning stove, wainscoting, and built-in cabinetry. The family room has a wood-beamed cathedral ceiling with skylights, an exposed brick wall, a wood-burning stove, and a built-in bar. The updated kitchen features French doors that open to a multilevel deck.

The oversized primary bedroom upstairs boasts a cathedral ceiling, a walk-in closet, and a sitting area.

Collegeville, PA

(Realtor.com)

———

Price: $699,000
Year built: 1702
Stoney Croft Farm: 
This four-bedroom Cape has been updated over the years and offers 2,640 square feet of living space.

It features “wide-plank chestnut floors, exposed wooded beams, a center chimney, beehive oven, and five fireplaces,” according to the listing.

The kitchen has custom cabinets, soapstone countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. A modern, two-story addition offers a bright and airy den, which opens to an oversized patio designed for entertaining. Two primary bedrooms have their own private bathroom.

The 69-acre lot comes with a stable with a hayloft, and a carriage garage with storage space.

Columbia, CT

(Realtor.com)

———

Price: $1,998,000
Year built: 1714
Cedar Hill Farm: 
This 75-acre parcel is anchored by a sprawling farmhouse with four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.

The original brickwork and woodworking, as well as wide-plank flooring, run throughout the 3,500 square feet of living space. A guest suite with a separate entrance can be found at the back of the house.

“This land was originally settled by John Bigger and the property was known as Bigger Plantation,” the listing notes.

The property also comes with a one-bedroom guesthouse and a one-bedroom cottage. There are two wooden bridges and multiple outbuildings, including a carriage barn, a six-stall horse stable, and an indoor riding arena.

Prince Frederick, MD

(Realtor.com)

———

Price: $895,000
Year built: 1720
Bartlett Homestead:
This four-bedroom beauty is the former home of Mary Bartlett, wife of Josiah Bartlett, the second person to sign the Declaration of Independence.

The 3,644-square-foot space features period highlights, including exposed-beam ceilings, three fireplaces, wide-plank flooring, and built-in cabinetry.

The updated kitchen offers high-end appliances, custom cabinets, and a large center island with seating. The sunroom is surrounded by windows and opens up to a roomy patio. The former root cellar nearby has been transformed into a stunning wine cellar.

The 4.7-acre property includes a skating pond and a barn with stables.

Newton, NH

(Realtor.com)

———

Price: $1,100,000
Year built: 1720
Sweet stone home:
This adorable abode on 33 acres comes with lots of charm and character.

A look back at the three-bedroom home’s history can be found throughout the 3,610 square feet of living space. There are preserved, wide-plank floors, a built-in window seat, arched ceilings, and wood-paneled walls.

Restored to its original grandeur, the dwelling also features a living room with an original fireplace. Another fireplace can be found in the dining room.

Fishkill, NY

(Realtor.com)

———

Price: $925,000
Year built: 1725
Expanded antique:
This three-bedroom home offers exposed beams, wide-plank floors, and three fireplaces.

The 3,946 square feet of living space includes a modernized kitchen with skylights, a wood stove, custom cabinets, and stainless-steel appliances. The cozy living room has a stand-alone fireplace, and the two-story addition offers extra space for entertaining.

The primary suite comes with a gas fireplace, built-in shelves, a soaking tub, and access to a private terrace.

The home has an attached four-car garage, and there’s a chicken coop on the 1-acre parcel.

West Newbury, MA

(Realtor.com)

———

Price: $1,795,000
Year built: 1726
Hidden Pond: 
Offering views of the Delaware River Valley, this three-bedroom farmhouse has been thoughtfully preserved.

The beamed family room features wide-plank flooring and built-in bookcases. The formal living room has a fireplace, and the first-floor office comes with a private entrance. The newly renovated kitchen has a large center island, Mexican terra-cotta flooring, and French doors, which open to the terrace. The bedrooms are upstairs.

The 73-acre property includes a one-bedroom stone cottage, two barns, a tack room, and other outbuildings. The grounds feature beautiful landscaping, and there’s also a pond, stream, and pool.

Frenchtown, NJ

(Realtor.com)

———

Price: $399,900
Year built: 1730
Three-bedroom Colonial:
This affordable abode is one of the oldest homes in town. It comes with wide-board chestnut flooring and three fireplaces.

The structure will need some restoration work. The cozy living room has a walk-in fireplace, the library features built-in bookcases, and the bedrooms have arched ceilings.

The 5-acre property is surrounded by a nature preserve, the listing notes.

New Milford, CT

(Realtor.com)

———

Price: $2,395,000
Year built: 1759
Nord Farm: 
This stunning, pre-Revolutionary War farmhouse features historic details and luxurious amenities.

The New England-style, 3,360-square-foot home comes with restored chestnut flooring, original wood-beam ceilings, an original staircase, and five fireplaces. Luxury appointments include stone flooring, a built-in dog bed, and a chef’s kitchen with a marble-top island and high-end appliances.

The primary suite is upstairs and has original beams and flooring, and the family room could be used as an additional bedroom.

The 11-acre property includes an original barn, which is being used as a gardening shed that features a full-size golf simulator.

Pawling, NY

(Realtor.com)

Source: realtor.com

Posted in: Moving Guide Tagged: 2, affordable, Amenities, appliances, Backyard, bar, bathroom, Bathrooms, Beauty, bed, bedroom, Bedrooms, bookshelves, brick, Built, cabinets, cape, car, ceilings, chicken, Closet, Colonial, columbia, Connecticut, country, ct, custom, deck, Delaware, dining, dining room, doors, entertaining, Family, farm, farmhouse, Features, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, fireplace, fireplaces, floor, flooring, garage, gardening, gas, guest, historic, history, home, home offers, homes, horse, house, in, kitchen, kitchen features, Land, landscaping, library, Living, living room, Luxury, marble, market, md, modern, new, new york, NJ, ny, offers, office, oldest, Original, Other, pa, patio, pizza, plank, pool, price, primary bedroom, property, realtor, Realtor.com, river, room, seating, second, space, square, stable, steel, storage, story, Style, suite, terra, town, wall, war, will, windows, wood, work

Apache is functioning normally

June 4, 2023 by Brett Tams

A residential marvel designed by architect Roger Ferris just splashed onto the market in Water Mill, NY, for $27.5 million.

The five-bedroom stunner on 1.6 acres serves up gorgeous views of Mecox Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

“It’s an extraordinary property,” says listing agent Enzo Morabito, of Douglas Elliman – Sag Harbor. “It’s located in a very top-of-the-line spot near the village of Southampton.”

The lot was purchased in 2014 for $4.3 million, and the steel-frame, 9,700-square-foot home was custom-built in 2017.

Living room

(Realtor.com)

Perched above a striking landscape and conservation area, the dramatic design boasts four levels with “walls of frameless structurally glazed glass units,” according to the listing. The modern abode is crowned with a rooftop terrace and an outdoor kitchen.

A boring glass box it is not. Color is employed boldly throughout the home.

The modern interiors are designed to offer views from nearly every room—particularly from the spectacular, glass-walled living room.

A bright-hued kitchen is outfitted with glossy cabinets, solid-surface countertops, and a glass backsplash.

Kitchen

(Realtor.com)

Underfoot, a white resin, gloss-finish flooring is used—a perfect contrast to the home’s vivid palette, which includes a vibrant light fixture, banana-yellow statement wall, and a pop-art-inspired bath.

Bathroom

(Realtor.com)

A spacious primary suite features double bathrooms, including one with a soaking tub and an office. Wall-sized, sliding glass doors capture the views and open to a private terrace.

From the gardens and the pool area to the decks and terraces, there are plenty of spaces to soak in the surroundings.

Just above the heated, illuminated pool is a sleek glass bridge that connects the home’s two wings.

“Whoever buys this house will likely own two or three homes,” Morabito says. “It was built to the highest standards and has always been used as a secondary home.”

Pool

(Realtor.com)

The property’s luxurious amenities include a wet bar, gym, media room, elevator, four-car garage, pool cabana, and private dock.

“Its proximity to the ocean and Southampton and being close to New York [City] are what someone will be looking for,” Morabito adds.

Bedroom

(Realtor.com)

In addition to the main gated estate, a renovated guesthouse on a separate parcel is available for $7.5 million.

The three-bedroom dwelling was built in 1956 but underwent a full renovation just three years ago.

Guesthouse

(Realtor.com)

Source: realtor.com

Posted in: Checking Account Tagged: 2017, agent, Amenities, architect, art, backsplash, bar, bathroom, Bathrooms, bedroom, boring, bridge, Built, cabinets, car, city, color, custom, decks, design, doors, double, Douglas Elliman, estate, Features, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, flooring, garage, gym, home, homes, house, in, kitchen, Living, living room, Main, market, marvel, Media, modern, new, new york, ny, offer, office, or, outdoor, palette, pool, property, realtor, Realtor.com, renovation, Residential, room, Secondary, secondary home, square, steel, suite, wall, white, will

Apache is functioning normally

June 4, 2023 by Brett Tams

Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further

We don’t want to get all mushy or anything, but you’re one-of-a-kind! And that means you have unique wants and needs.

There are a lot of mobile apps out there focusing on personalization, and some do a better job than others.

We pulled together seven of our favorites – each one will help you customize a different facet of your daily life.

Here they are!

Sworkit can help you get fit, regardless of how much time you have or where you are.

After downloading the app, you can choose what type of training you’re after (strength, cardio, yoga), your workout (full body, core, lower body) and the amount of time you have (anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes).

That’s it! Sworkit will curate a set of exercises just for you.

Available in: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Apps

The latest version of BrightNest takes home customization to a new level with the Interactive Home Quiz.

The app serves up a series of simple “yes or no” questions about your home and delivers a personalized tip based on each response.

BrightNest also allows you to create custom to-dos and set recurring reminders, so whether you want to reorganize your tool shed twice a year or clean your fish tank once a week, BrightNest will help you get it done.

Available in: iTunes

Mint helps you understand exactly where your money is going.

Once securely synced with your bank accounts, Mint creates a customized budget based on personal spending.

Then, the app gives you the freedom to choose your own budget limits.

Whether you need to adjust your spending to include a new hobby (hello, new pottery wheel) or simply track your meals out, Mint makes it easy.

Available in: iTunes, Google Play, Amazon Apps, Windows Store

The mySkin app demystifies skincare by creating a personalized routine based on your skin.

When you sign up for mySkin, you’re prompted to answer questions about your skin type (dry or oily), skin color, hair color and past skin problems (like acne, blackheads or scars).

The app then serves up a skincare routine that’s right for you and recommends products.

Available in: iTunes, Windows Store

When you sign up for Ness, they’ll prompt you to select the types of foods you like and the types you hate.

After that, Ness will serve up restaurant recommendations, and allow you to rate places you’ve already tried.

Every time you rate a place you’ve eaten (it’s kind of like Netflix for restaurants), their recommendations for you will improve.

Available in: iTunes

Do you have trouble remembering people’s names?

What about doing quick math in your head or switching between different tasks?

Lumosity can help you get better at each of these things (or all three!).

When you create an account, Lumosity prompts you to select the different aspects of your brain that you’d like to train.

Then, they send you a customized workout routine every day. You can set training reminders at a time that works for you.

Available in: iTunes

Love to shop but hate the mall?

Keep personalizes the shopping experience by bringing styles you’ll actually wear into one app.

To customize your experience, choose brands, stores and looks that fit your personal style.

Then, under the MyFeed tab, you’ll see curated shoes, bags, clothes and home items for sale.

When you scroll over an item you like, you can “Buy” or “Keep,” making sure you never miss a deal.

Available in: iTunes, Google Play

BrightNest is a free site that provides tools and tips to homeowners to help them save money, get organized and keep their homes in great shape. Sign up for a free BrightNest account today!

Save more, spend smarter, and make your money go further

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Source: mint.intuit.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 3, 2023 by Brett Tams

Since its debut in 2013, Chime has become quite popular. This financial technology company partners with Bancorp Bank, N.A. and Stride Bank, N.A. to provide a number of FDIC-insured bank accounts. Just like most online banks, Chime offers higher annual percentage yields than brick-and-mortar banks.

Chime offers a credit builder account7, which acts like a secured credit card to help customers establish credit. However, its flagship products are the Chime® Savings Account and Chime® Checking Account8.

Chime has one of the most robust apps in the world of mobile banking. It also has a phenomenal rating in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Despite the fact that Chime comes with many benefits, it’s not right for everyone. After all, there are no physical branch locations and its customer service could be improved. Plus, you might be able to find higher APYs elsewhere.

18 Best Chime Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to Chime, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you to create this comprehensive list of the best Chime alternatives.

1. GO2bank

GO2bank is the digital banking platform backed by Green Dot Corporation, a financial technology company known for its prepaid debit cards. GO2bank is designed to help people better manage their money through its user-friendly mobile app and competitive features.

The mobile banking app allows you to open an FDIC-insured account with no monthly maintenance fees if you have qualifying direct deposits. You also have access to a network of over 19,000 fee-free ATMs across the nation. With the ability to receive direct deposits up to four days early and a high-yield savings account that pays up to 4.50% APY on savings up to $5,000, GO2bank offers a complete banking solution.

GO2bank also provides a secured credit card that can help you build credit over time. With this card, you can establish or improve your credit score by making on-time payments and keeping your balance low. There are no annual fees, no credit checks, and no interest charges if you pay your balance in full every month.

In addition to these features, GO2bank offers various ways to deposit cash, including the option to deposit cash at participating retailers. You can also use the app to pay bills, send money to friends or family, and set up custom savings goals.

Read our full GO2bank review.

2. Current

Current is a neobank that partners with Choice Financial Group and Metropolitan Commercial Bank to offer banking services. It only offers one bank account that serves as an online checking and online savings account.

Current doesn’t charge monthly maintenance fees, monthly account fees, or overdraft fees. In addition, you can reap the benefits of automated savings pods and early direct deposit. Unlimited domestic ATM access is also free as Current is part of the Allpoint ATM network. You also get access to early direct deposits.

If you have kids, you can open a linked Teen Banking Account and help them build healthy financial habits. We can’t forget the Current Visa debit card, which lets you earn cash back on debit card purchases at more than 14,000 participating retailers.

Read our full Current review.

See also: Chime vs. Current: Which Is Better?

3. Axos Bank

Axos Bank is an online only bank that first opened in 2000. Its checking account options include the Essential checking account, Rewards checking account, and Cashback checking account. While Essential is a basic checking account with no fees or minimums, the Rewards checking account earns up to 1.00% interest if you meet certain requirements.

With the Cashback checking account, you can earn up to 1.00% cash back on qualifying debit card purchases. Rest assured there’s also a high yield savings account and money market account with a competitive APY. Like Chime, Axos also offers a highly rated mobile app.

Read our full Axos Bank review.

4. Quontic Bank

Headquartered in New York, Quontic Bank has been around since 2008. It has one brick-and-mortar branch in Astoria, New York but serves customers online in all 50 states.

Quontic’s lineup of products includes checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and certificate of deposit (CD) accounts. It also offers real estate products.

You can choose from three checking accounts: Cash Rewards Checking, High Interest Checking and Bitcoin Rewards Checking. There’s also a high-yield savings account, which pays an impressive APY.

No matter which accounts you decide on, you’ll be pleased to learn there are is no monthly service fee. Plus, you’ll benefit from an extensive ATM network and mobile app.

Check out our full review of Quontic Bank.

5. Cash App

Created by Square and based in San Francisco, Cash App is a peer-to-peer payment app. Cash App lets you send and receive money, do your banking, and open investment accounts, such as retirement accounts. The banking feature requires you to order a Cash App card and accept that FDIC coverage is not available.

Keep in mind that there is no way to build your credit or save money with Cash App. But you can use it to buy stock and Bitcoin for as little as $1. Plus, Cash App lets you prepare and file your federal and state taxes for free.

Learn more about how Cash App works.

6. Brigit

Brigit is a personal finance app that offers paycheck advances to help you out when you need fast cash. It might be a great option if you can’t wait until payday but want to avoid insufficient fund fees and overdraft fees. Brigit also allows you to keep track of your credit score and protect yourself from identity theft.

Additionally, you can use Brigit to find side gigs or borrow money with a credit builder loan. You will have to pay $9.99 per month to unlock all of these features. The good news, however, is you won’t be charged any interest or tips.

7. Dave

Launched in 2017, the Dave App can give you the chance to advance your paycheck to cover small emergencies. It also offers a spending account, which is essentially a checking account with no low balance or overdraft fees. To take advantage of the Dave app, you’ll be on the hook for a $1 monthly subscription fee as well as an optional express fee and tip.

There’s also a budget feature that tracks your income and spending so you can pay your bill. It will notify you any time you’re at risk of overdrafting. In addition, Dave can help you find a side hustle and earn extra income.

8. Revolut

When it initially launched in 2015, Revolut was a challenger bank with a travel card and cheap exchange rates. Now, it describes itself as a digital banking platform and uses Barclays and Lloyds to store your money. Just keep in mind that since it’s not a bank, it doesn’t offer any deposit protection.

Revolut’s long list of perks include surcharge-free ATMs, travel perks, and spending alerts. Plus you can earn cash back on Revolut card purchases and even open an investment account to invest in popular cryptocurrencies. If you travel abroad often and are looking for benefits you may not be able to find from most banks, Revolut should be on your radar.

Read our full Revolut review.

9. Varo

Varo is a digital bank with impressive technology as well as a lineup of checking and savings accounts with unique features like Chime. Since it prides itself on minimal fees, you won’t have to worry about monthly maintenance fees, transfer fees, or foreign transaction fees.

Furthermore, since it’s part of the Allpoint ATM network, you can enjoy free domestic ATM withdrawals at more than 55,000 ATMs. In addition to a competitive APY for its savings accounts, you can enjoy the Save Your Pay and Save Your Change features.

While Save Your Pay automatically transfers a percentage of your paycheck to your savings. Save Your Change rounds up online checking account transactions and lets you transfer money to your savings. These features are different from what you’d find with other online checking accounts.

Read our full Varo review.

10. Capital One

Capital One is one of the largest banks in the U.S. Its online checking and savings accounts come with no minimum balance fees.

Capital One’s 360 Performance Savings account offers an impressive APY on all account balances. This makes it worth considering regardless of what your savings goals entail. It lets you set savings goals and automatic savings plans so you can transfer funds from your Capital One 360 bank account.

With a Capital One bank account, you may access over 70,000 fee free ATMs. If you prefer in-person banking, you’re in luck because there are more than 300 branch locations in select states. You can also enjoy free overdraft protection and download the Capital One app to send and receive funds through Zelle.

Read our full Capital One review.

11. Discover Bank

When most people think of Discover Bank, credit cards come to mind first. But like Chime, Discover also offers checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, and even personal loans.

It doesn’t impose minimum monthly balance requirements or charge any monthly fees or overdraft fees. Discover’s savings accounts and CDs are known for impressive APYs and its highly rated mobile app with a Quick View feature makes it a breeze to bank while you’re on the go.

Additionally, Discover offers more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs and you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. If you need assistance, you can always reach out to its 24/7 U.S. customer service representatives.

12. Ally Bank

Headquartered in Utah and a division of Ally Financial, Inc. Ally is a full service online bank with an extensive product line up. Its deposit accounts, like checking accounts and savings accounts as well as CDs, come with competitive interest rates.

In addition to 24/7 customer service, Ally offers a robust mobile app you can use to check balances, transfer funds, deposit checks, pay bills, and send money via Zelle.

With Ally, there are no minimum balance requirements or fees for account maintenance, overdrafts, ACH payments, incoming wire transfers, or cashier’s checks. Aside from bank accounts, Ally also services customers with a wide range of mortgages, loans, and investing products. The main drawback is that you can’t deposit cash. Despite this, Ally is considered one of the best online banks.

Read our full Ally Bank review.

13. One Finance

One Finance is an online bank that lets you do all your banking from one bank account. With One, you can open one account that acts as a savings and interest checking account with no fees and the chances to earn a high APY. Your account will feature pockets that let you manage your money in numerous ways so you can budget and set savings goals.

You can think of a spend pocket as a checking account that doesn’t pay interest but helps you visualize the money you can spend each month. If you budget for various categories, like rent, groceries, and entertainment, it makes sense to have multiple spend pockets to keep track of your spending money. If you prefer, however, you can stick to one and have all your spending come from the same place.

14. Aspiration

Aspiration offers a Spend and Save account that offers checking and savings features. You can choose a basic account with a “pay what is fair” monthly fee, which can be $0 or an Aspiration Plus account, with a monthly fee but additional benefits like a higher APY on savings. If you pay annually, you can enjoy a lower fee.

Aspiration supports the environment through features like cash back if you spend at socially conscious businesses. You also have the chance to plant a tree every time you use your debit card. Additionally, your personal impact score tells you the environmental and social effects of your shopping habits. It also promises that your cash deposits won’t pay for the exploration or production of fossil fuels.

Read our full Aspiration review.

15. Bank5 Connect

Based in Massachusetts, BankFive has been around since 1855. With Bank5 Connect, the online division of BankFive, you can open a checking account, a savings account, or a CD with a low minimum balance requirements. Its accounts are available to everyone in the U.S., except those in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

As a Bank5 Connect customer, you can enjoy access to thousands of surcharge free ATMs. You may get reimbursed up to $15 per statement cycle for any fees that are charged by out-of-network ATMs. There’s also a mobile app with features like mobile deposit, bill pay, money transfer, and an ATM locator.

16. MoneyLion

Founded in 2013, MoneyLion is a financial services company that works to help customers improve their finances. RoarMoney is its FDIC-insured checking account that comes with no account fees and several unique perks.

As long as you enroll in automatic monthly direct deposits, you can receive each paycheck up to two days early. Price Match will also refund you the difference if you find something you purchased at a lower price. Plus you may use RoarMoney to design a budget and track your spending. In addition to RoarMoney, MoneyLion offers Instcash in which you can get cash advances of up to $250 through the app.

17. Juno

Formerly OnJuno, Juno is an FDIC-backed online banking platform known for its high-yield checking account with zero monthly maintenance fees or minimum opening deposit. You can also earn cash back if you make crypto purchases or cash purchases at certain companies.

It’s ideal if you’re an immigrant or international professional because all you need to open an account is a passport and Social Security number. With Juno, you get free atm withdrawals at more than 85,000 Allpoint or MoneyPoint ATMs.

18. Wise

Headquartered in London, Wise is a financial technology company that prides itself on innovation. You can open a Wise personal account for free and won’t have to meet a minimum balance requirement or pay a monthly fee. Wise is unique in that you can hold 54 currencies and send international transfers to over 80 countries.

There are also international business accounts, which can be helpful if you send, spend, or withdraw money while you travel abroad for business purposes. While you can sign up for a Wise debit card, it does come with fees and may only be used in select countries.

What to Look for When Choosing a Bank

When you shop around Chime alternatives, you’ll notice there are no shortage of options. Here are some things to consider as you look for the ideal solution.

Fees

Fees can add up quickly. Ideally, you’d go with a bank that charges low fees or basically no fees. Fortunately, most online banks are known for their fee-free bank accounts.

With many of these checking accounts, you won’t be charged monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees, wire transfer fees, and early account closing fees. Just be on the lookout for hidden fees.

High Interest and Rewards

The higher the interest rate, the more money you’ll be able to save with minimal effort. Sometimes, you can even earn rewards like cash-back and travel points for making transactions on your debit cards.

Large ATM Network

If you’re an avid cash user, you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg every time you use an ATM. For this reason, it’s important to choose a bank with a fee-free ATM network or one that reimburses you when you use an out-of-network ATM.

Customer Service

You want to ensure that you can easily receive answers to your questions or address your concerns. For this reason, choose a bank or company that has positive customer service reviews.

Bottom Line

While Chime offers many perks, it’s not perfect. If you’re willing to do some research and compare your options, you can find several online banks like Chime. Before you make a decision, look at the banking services provided. Then, weigh the pros and cons. Don’t be afraid to test a Chime alternative for a few months or so to make sure it’s a good fit.

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.

7. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

8. A Chime Checking Account is required to be eligible for a Savings Account.

Source: crediful.com

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Apache is functioning normally

June 2, 2023 by Brett Tams

Are you a Millennial or Gen-Xer that has contemplated investing but doesn’t know where to begin? Micro-investing apps are a way to get your feet wet and are designed to encourage the younger generation to start investing.

If you are new to or know little about micro-investing, this guide will give you the information you need to get started. It will cover the best micro-investing apps for Millennials and everything you should know about micro-investing including what it is, how it works, and how to choose an app. 

What’s Ahead:

Overview of the best micro-investing apps for Millennials

Acorns

Best Micro-Investing Apps For Millennials In 2021 - AcornsThis is one of the first and most popular micro-investing apps around. Account portfolios range from conservative to aggressive. This app will recommend portfolios based on your age, the risk you are willing to take, and what age you anticipate you will retire. Acorns takes the hassle out of investing by providing a micro-investing service. With one click, you can get started with any amount and automatically invest it according to your risk tolerance level–no more worrying about saving up money for each separate investment. 

And if that’s not enough, Acorns also rewards its customers while shopping at partner stores through their Found Money program; they offer cash back without all the work because you’ll have an extra boost in your portfolio every time you shop online or offline. Acorns makes it easy for anyone to start investing – even kids. You can open accounts on behalf of those under 18 years old and build them up as parents monitor progress from afar via their family plan option.

Acorns has some really fun and interactive educational resources for those who are new to micro-investing, too. No minimum deposit is needed, so you can start investing with just $5. You’ll also get a referral bonus when you refer someone else or find a job offer — Acorns will match your investments up to the first year in which they work there. In other words, it’s free money.

The fees for micro-investing with Acorns are based on the level of account that you sign up for. The monthly fees can be as low as $3 per month or as high as $5 per month. You can choose between Personal and Family account levels:

  • Personal – $3 per month gives you the benefits from personal services such as a checking account with a debit card and no account fees or ATM fees and the ability to earn up to 10% bonus investments.
  • Family – $5 a month, and the entire family can invest. You can add any number of kids with no extra fees and access exclusive offers, in addition to the benefits from the Personal account type.

You can sign up for this micro-investing app through their website or by downloading their app on a device that uses iOS or Android operating systems. As with other micro-investing apps, you provide information about yourself, create a username and password, pick the type of account you want to sign up for, fund your account, and begin investing. One drawback of Acorns is that fees can add up for a low-balance account (the relative expense ratio gets smaller as you invest more), and transferring to another provider will cost $50 per ETF.

Learn more about Acorns or read our full review.

Robinhood

RobinhoodBest Micro-Investing Apps For Millennials In 2021 - Robinhood is a micro-investing app that lets you buy and sell stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies with zero trading fees. It’s the best place to start investing online because it’s the only free investment app on the market. 

Robinhood was created by a couple of engineers who wanted to make stock trading more accessible for everyone. They had no idea that their little side project would eventually become one of America’s most popular financial apps.

The app is available for iOS or Android devices as well as through a web browser. To sign up for an account, you must be 18, with a valid ID to pass the company’s Know Your Customer (KYC) process. Robinhood also provides $3 – $225 in free stock when you sign up through their mobile app on iOS or Android device or their website.

Robinhood does not offer multiple account types to choose from but doesn’t charge any commission fees. Hence, trades are always at a flat rate of $0 per trade, making it a viable option for newer investors. Note that if you decide to transfer out of Robinhood, you’ll pay $75 – otherwise, there are no fees.

Learn more about Robinhood or read our full review.

Betterment

Best Micro-Investing Apps For Millennials In 2021 - BettermentThis app is designed for hands-off Millennial investors. Betterment works similar to other apps, with multiple portfolio options and automatic rebalancing of your portfolio. Betterment is a low-cost, automated investing service that takes care of everything for you. You can invest with as little as $25 and get the help of a financial advisor when you want it. It’s a robo-advisor that offers many different types of investments including index funds and exchange traded funds (ETFs) so your money will be diversified across multiple asset classes to reduce risk. 

Betterment was founded in 2008 by Jon Stein who wanted to make investing easy and accessible for everyone. He created an automated system where users could set up their account, choose what type of portfolio they wanted, and then let Betterment take care of the rest – automatically rebalancing every day to keep things evened out.

There are two types of Betterment accounts:

  • Betterment Digital – 0.25% annually of assets managed featuring no minimum requirements, with the option to purchase a financial advisor package. You receive free automatic rebalancing of your portfolio when it drifts 3% or higher.
  • Betterment Premium – 0.40% annually of assets managed, and you must maintain a balance of $100,000. In addition to Betterment Digital features, you receive unlimited access to certified financial planners by phone or email.

You can purchase a consultation with financial advisors with packages ranging from $199 to $299 for individuals with a Betterment Premium account.

Betterment makes it easy to get started with your investing. Signing up is quick and accessible through the mobile app or web-based browser, you can link an account for deposits via bank transfer, wire transfers are also available but not recommended due to fees (for example $25 on top of any other charges). 

Once signed up Betterment will set up a portfolio that reflects your goals based on questions asked when signing in such as what level of risk do I want? Based on these responses they’ll design a personalized investment plan just for you.

Learn more about Betterment or read our full review.

Twine

Best Micro-Investing Apps For Millennials In 2021 - TwineThis micro-investing app allows you to invest and reach financial goals with a spouse, partner, or friend. Unlike other micro-investing apps, the focus is placed on low-cost ETFs instead of micro shares. Funding your account is done through recurring or one-time deposits, and you need $100 in your account to begin investing, though you can start an investment account with $5.

Twine was founded with the mission of making small, smart investments in people’s futures. They’re a micro-investing company that allows you to set up financial goals and an expected timeframe for these goals so they can reach them quicker than if it were on your own.

To do this, Twine has created three portfolio types: conservative, aggressive and moderate; which are designed specifically based on how much money is needed when investing as well as what time frame someone needs their goal met by. 

There are two ways to get started: one being merely setting up a user account online or through an iPhone app (iOS). You can also invite another person to invest alongside you via email invitation – meaning not only will both of your funds grow together but Twine will help you reach your goals faster.

Twine micro-investment accounts are charged either $0.25 per month for every $500 invested or 0.60% annually with no minimum.

The process of signing up is similar to other apps. You provide your information, set a financial goal, invite someone else to invest with you, and begin funding and investing while monitoring your progress along the way.

On the downside, the mobile app is only for iOS operating systems only. It is more costly than other micro-investing apps and lacks the features that most of these apps offer, such as funding options and the option of fractional shares.

Learn more about Twine or read our full review.

Stash

Stash makes it easy and affordable for anyone to utilize and open an account. With Stash, you have more freedom and flexibility than other micro-investing apps.

Stash lets you invest in as little or much as you want and pick the companies, organizations, or causes that you trust. As your holdings grow, so does your potential to invest in what you believe in. 

Stash eliminates any fees, commissions, or transaction charges–and they’re always working on adding more stocks to their portfolio for even more possibilities. With the new Stock-Back debit card featuring rewards in stocks opposed to store credit points (which can be converted into cash), it’s just a smarter way to use money every day.

There are two tiers of accounts with Stash:

  • Stash Growth – $3 a month gives you access to the benefits of Stash Beginner plus Smart portfolio and additional personal features. Smart Portfolio is a Stash feature that builds a custom portfolio for you based on research and risk level.
  • Stash+ – $9 a month allows you to enjoy the benefits of Stash Growth with bonuses. You can open accounts for your kids (max two kids), receive $10,000 in life insurance, and access additional and exclusive Stock-Back card bonuses.

There are three options you can choose from to add money to your Stash account.

  1. Set recurring deposits to your Stash account.
  2. Round-up purchases are made with your linked debit card, and the difference is invested.
  3. Smart-Stash is a feature where your spending and earnings are analyzed, and money is stashed based on this information. You can then set transfer amounts to $5, $10, or $25 max.

The signup process is easy and straight-forward. You answer a few questions, pick a plan, add money to your account, sign up for the banking services offered to receive the Stock-Back debit card, and begin investing. You have the option to create and track your goals using the Stash app.

One minor drawback is the fees, as with any micro-investing app, are the biggest drawback of Stash. The subscription fees per month can add up if you have a low balance. The annual average expense ratio is roughly .25%.

Learn more about Stash or read our full review.

Public

Best Micro-Investing Apps for Millennials in 2021 - PublicThis is a micro-investing app that incorporates the use of the social networking community with investing. It uses social networking as the basis for swapping strategies and learning from others.

Public is the easiest way to invest. You can invest in stocks, ETFs, and crypto-all in one place with any company and get their take on new money, wrapping up your earnings neatly at monthly intervals so that you don’t have to worry about throwing away all of your cash on material things. 

It’s like an investment buffet where all of your favorite individual stocks are united in one easy-to-manage account with no minimum balance requirements and commission fees. All you need is a slice of Public, some greasy fries (tip not included), and the best TV binge ever.

You only pay fees when purchasing shares. There are no membership levels, no account fees, and you can begin using your account when you sign up.

The signup process is easy and convenient. You can sign up through the mobile app available from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

The biggest drawback of the app is the risk of following advice from strangers about strategy and investing.

Learn more about Public or read our full review.

SoFi Invest

Best Micro-Investing Apps For Millennials In 2021 - SoFiNo account minimum and you can start investing with $1? Sign me up! 

SoFi (social finance) is a financial planning company formed in 2011 and offers various products, including micro-investing. SoFi allows you to trade online through their app when you want and what you want. This micro-investing app is designed for Millennials looking for a lot of perks.

SoFi Invest is perfect for newbies who want to be hands off without sacrificing returns. You’ll still have plenty of options though – if you’re more adventurous and want control, go ahead and customize how your fund performs by adjusting frequency, risk tolerance, investment view, holdings duration, and cash flow strategy. 

With this money-saving feature the only thing that will cost you is an ACAT transfer fee when transferring outside funds into your share class account through an ACH bank-to-bank or wire payment method – seriously easy stuff for any price-sensitive investor out there.

There are no account or asset management fees, and you do not need a minimum account balance to get started.

There are two options for signing up with SoFi Investing:

  1. SoFi Active Investing – Allows you to control what you invest in based on your preferences, including the risk level you are comfortable with. You have access to a community of micro investors like yourself, certified financial planners, and other valuable resources at no cost.
  2. SoFi Automated Investing – This is a more hands-off approach allowing you to use an automated platform to build and manage your portfolio. You receive the same perks offered with SoFi Active without investing time in researching and managing your portfolio.

You can sign up for SoFi Investing using a desktop or their mobile app. You will be asked for basic information. The signup process, including creating your account and scheduling a deposit, takes about 2-5 minutes to complete. It takes 1-2 business days for funds from your deposit to post to your account after your account is approved.

On the downside, SoFi does not offer tax-loss harvesting, and it has a limited track record compared to other micro-investing providers.

Learn more about SoFi Invest or read our full review.

Stockpile

Best Micro-Investing Apps For Millennials In 2021 - StockpileThis is a micro-investing app designed for young beginner investors who need something simple to get started with investing. You can access this app through a web-based browser or a device using iOS or Android operating systems.

Stock options can be complicated, but Stockpile makes it easy. With their fractional shares, you’ll have an easier time growing your investment portfolio and don’t have to worry about commissions.

It’s a great option for kids who want to get started early with their own investing or do so on behalf of others as well. When you’re ready to buy the gift that every investor loves, they offer physical stocks in addition to gift cards plus support from their customer service team if you need any assistance along the way.

There are different ways to fund a Stockpile account, link your bank account, and redeem a gift card. You can connect your checking account to move money in and out of your Stockpile account free of charge or use your debit card for a 1.5% convenience fee. If you use your debit card to fund your account, it is done instantly. Using your checking account takes 3-5 business days.

Gift cards cost $2.99 for the first stock. Additional stocks are $.99 each. Purchasing gift cards with credit or debit have an additional fee of 3% of the gift card’s value. Physical plastic cards cost an additional fee ranging from $4.95 – $7.95, depending on the card’s value.

The cost to trade on Stockpile is $0.99 per buying/selling trade. There are no annual or account management fees associated with the account.

The process for opening a Stockpile micro-investing brokerage account is simple. You create an account by providing basic information, fund your account, and begin choosing from the available stocks and ETFs.

Despite the user-friendly interface and simplicity of this app, there are drawbacks. This includes limited account and investment options and minimal tools available to analyze and research stocks.

Learn more about Stockpile.

Summary of the best micro-investing apps for Millennials

App Minimum to start Unique features
Acorns $0 Family plan includes a checking account, retirement account, and custodial accounts for children
Robinhood $0 Invest in cryptocurrency
Betterment $0 Tax-loss harvesting
Twine $0 Shared savings and investment goals for couples
Stash $0 Get “stock-back” on debit card purchases
Public $0 Follow and engage with others a la social media, only with investments
SoFi Invest $0 Ability to connect with Certified Financial Planners
Stockpile $0 Buy stocks with any dollar amount

How we came up with our list of the best micro-investing apps for Millennials

When we were looking for apps to include on this list, there were a few things we wanted to focus on. Before you decide on an app, you need to compare different brokerages and what they have to offer. That said, we looked at apps that had strong reviews, were easy to navigate, and most of all, had little to no fees, including: 

  • Withdrawal fees.
  • Cancellation fees.
  • Transaction or investment fees.
  • Account opening fees.
  • Monthly or annual fees.
  • Expense ratio fees.

You want to make sure that you know the actual cost of micro-investing apps and how fees are charged. This includes a flat rate or percentage of transactions.

What is a micro-investing app?

Micro-investing is a way to invest without needing a lot of money to get started. These apps are designed to get the younger generation involved with investing and overcome barriers that prevent Millennials from investing. The funds placed in these accounts are used to invest in fractional shares or ETFs.

Depending on the micro-investing app you select, you can link your debit card and have purchases that you make with the card rounded up to the next dollar then deposited into your account. You can also have automatic transfers of a specific amount placed in the account. A few apps will monitor and analyze your spending and earnings and set money aside that can be transferred to your account to purchase micro shares of ETFs or fractional shares of stock.

Why should you use a micro-investing app?

Micro-investing is a new platform when it comes to investing. However, it is gaining popularity among Millennials that don’t have a lot of money to invest. The main feature of this type of platform can invest micro amounts of cash. Other features are considered bonuses.

Here are other benefits of micro-investing:

  • Automated process including rebalancing portfolio and transfers of funds to a portfolio account.
  • Minimal management fees.
  • No minimum requirements to begin investing.
  • Some providers have an option for purchasing fractional shares.
  • Most apps allow you to manage your account from an iOS or Android device.

Why shouldn’t you use a micro-investing app?

If you’re a more advanced investor and you want more control over the individual stocks you invest in, a micro-investing app may not be the right option for you. Micro-investing apps are designed to make investing easy and accessible to newer investors (or investors who don’t want to deal with the hassle). That often comes at the cost of lacking some features more advanced investors would enjoy – like stock charts and the ability to do intense analysis.

Most important features of a micro-investing app

When you’re looking for an excellent micro-investing app, there a few key features you need to be aware of:

Good reviews

The first thing you’ll notice when you download the app is the number of customer reviews and how well the app is rated. It helps to look through what other customers are saying about the app before you decide on one. For example, some apps get buggy with new versions or newer phones.

Clean interface

The last thing you want when you’re trying to simplify your investing experience is a cluttered interface that makes investing confusing. Look at the screenshots of the app. Download it to play around with it. Watch videos of it on YouTube. Get a sense as to whether it will be easy for you to use before deciding.

Little to no cost

Most micro-investing apps make their money in ways that aren’t hitting you. Meaning, they might not pay an interest rate on your balance (and instead take that for themselves), or they might collect interchange fees when you use your debit card. Either way, micro-investing apps shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg, so be sure to understand the pricing structure before you sign up.

Source: moneyunder30.com

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