Mortgage and housing trade groups this week pushed back against a Financial Stability Oversight Council proposal aimed at reverting its review process to one in which it would be easier to designate nonbank servicers and others as systemically-important financial institutions.
Housing Policy Council President Ed DeMarco said in a letter that his group opposed the move away from the existing “activities-based approach,” in which other oversight agencies are the first line of defense before labeling an individual company a SIFI, because that has had demonstrable benefits.”
Since FSOC began raising concerns regarding nonbank mortgage lenders, various regulatory bodies and federal program agencies, including the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Ginnie Mae [and others] have taken steps to strengthen the capital rules, liquidity requirements, operational restrictions, mortgage servicing responsibilities, and consumer protection rules that apply to such companies,” said the former FHFA acting director.
In addition, when other oversight agencies potentially engage in counterproductive rulemaking from a risk management perspective, the existing approach is helpful, DeMarco said in his letter.”Another advantage of an activities-based approach is that it can address risks created or exacerbated by governmental policies,” the letter to FSOC said.
The HPC cites as an example the somewhat open-ended advancing risk in the large market for securitized government-guaranteed mortgages, which are backed by Ginnie Mae, an arm of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
That risk, which is associated with servicers being able to cover payments delinquent borrowers aren’t making until the loan undergoes certain foreclosure procedures or engages in modification options, has been central in concerns about liquidity at nonbanks.
The HPC’s membership of mortgage companies, insurers and settlement service providers has long advocated for Ginnie to revise acknowledgement agreements that govern the rights of parties in financing agreements secured by servicing rights in ways that would encourage private corporate lenders to provide more liquidity. But efforts to do that to date have fallen short, it said.
“FSOC highlighted this issue in its 2022 annual report, but treated it as a liquidity concern with nonbank servicers, not as a consequence of Ginnie Mae policy. An activities-based approach could address this issue, to reduce or remove significant risk from the system,” DeMarco said in the letter. (Ginnie Mae has said it wants to have a permanent liquidity backstop for servicers.)
Members of another trade group made similar points in a letter to the Financial Stability Oversight Council, and noted in an emailed press statement that they “oppose a SIFI designation of any independent mortgage bank servicer.”
The scale of nonbank servicers should be kept in mind when it comes to SIFI designations, Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, said in the letter.
“Even today’s largest nonbank servicer has balance sheet assets well below the original asset threshold Congress established for banks in 2010,” Broeksmit said in a footnote within the missive.
Those holdings also are “at least eight times smaller than the current asset threshold established by Congress in 2018, at least 20 times smaller than any of the nonbank entities FSOC has previously attempted to designate and at least 100 times smaller than the balance sheet assets of their largest counterparties,” he added.
A Financial Stability Oversight Council proposal aimed at reverting its review process to one in which it would be easier to designate nonbank servicers and others as systemically-important financial institutions.
Housing Policy Council President Ed DeMarco said in a letter that his group opposed the move away from the existing “activities-based approach,” in which other oversight agencies are the first line of defense before labeling an individual company a SIFI, because that has had demonstrable benefits.”
Since FSOC began raising concerns regarding nonbank mortgage lenders, various regulatory bodies and federal program agencies, including the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Ginnie Mae [and others] have taken steps to strengthen the capital rules, liquidity requirements, operational restrictions, mortgage servicing responsibilities, and consumer protection rules that apply to such companies,” said the former FHFA acting director.
In addition, when other oversight agencies potentially engage in counterproductive rulemaking from a risk management perspective, the existing approach is helpful, DeMarco said in his letter.”
Another advantage of an activities-based approach is that it can address risks created or exacerbated by governmental policies,” the letter to FSOC said.
The HPC cites as an example the somewhat open-ended advancing risk in the large market for securitized government-guaranteed mortgages, which are backed by Ginnie Mae, an arm of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
That risk, which is associated with servicers being able to cover payments delinquent borrowers aren’t making until the loan undergoes certain foreclosure procedures or engages in modification options, has been central in concerns about liquidity at nonbanks.
The HPC’s membership of mortgage companies, insurers and settlement service providers has long advocated for Ginnie to revise acknowledgement agreements that govern the rights of parties in financing agreements secured by servicing rights in ways that would encourage private corporate lenders to provide more liquidity. But efforts to do that to date have fallen short, it said.
“FSOC highlighted this issue in its 2022 annual report, but treated it as a liquidity concern with nonbank servicers, not as a consequence of Ginnie Mae policy. An activities-based approach could address this issue, to reduce or remove significant risk from the system,” DeMarco said in the letter. (Ginnie Mae has said it wants to have a permanent liquidity backstop for servicers.)
Members of another trade group made similar points in a letter to the Financial Stability Oversight Council, and noted in an emailed press statement that they “oppose a SIFI designation of any independent mortgage bank servicer.”
The scale of nonbank servicers should be kept in mind when it comes to SIFI designations, Bob Broeksmit, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, said in the letter.
“Even today’s largest nonbank servicer has balance sheet assets well below the original asset threshold Congress established for banks in 2010,” Broeksmit said in a footnote within the missive.
Those holdings also are “at least eight times smaller than the current asset threshold established by Congress in 2018, at least 20 times smaller than any of the nonbank entities FSOC has previously attempted to designate and at least 100 times smaller than the balance sheet assets of their largest counterparties,” he added.
“The Underserved Mortgage Markets Coalition (UMMC) has long advocated for a rule making on the Equitable Housing Finance Plans and the undersigned coalition members are pleased to see a proposed rule to ensure the longevity of the EHFPs,” said the UMMC, which counts 29 member organizations as part of its collective. “The coalition has long expressed that for the EHFPs to be effective and to continue after this administration, it is critical that FHFA promulgate a rule that will be closely modeled on FHFA’s “Duty to Serve” (DTS) regulation and create a pattern of practice of releasing similarly robust amounts of the EHFP performance data.”
The UMMC and other groups have for months been lobbying FHFA Director Sandra Thompson to discuss formalizing the equitable housing finance plans.
Following multiple revisions, the GSEs in early April announced updates to the equitable housing finance plans, which included Freddie Mac expanding special purpose credit programs, increasing the availability of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and manufactured homes, as well as the launch of a correspondent lending program to assist smaller financial institutions with access to Freddie Mac’s multifamily financing.
For Fannie Mae, it too is looking to expand the special credit purpose programs geared toward helping people in majority Black and Latino communities. Fannie also touted a “social index” to help translate investor interest in socially conscious investing into savings for underserved borrowers and its series of changes to valuation modernization, which it says will reduce bias, improve accuracy and reduce costs.
Industry stakeholders have 60 days to comment on the proposed rule.
There’s more to banking than low monthly fees, high yield savings, and a large ATM network. More Americans today seek banks and credit unions that align with their values when it comes to sustainability and social responsibility.
The U.S. banking system tends to disregard lower income and rural communities, with traditional banks establishing multiple branches in the country’s largest and wealthiest cities. The most socially responsible banks, on the other hand, provide online banking, low monthly fees, and no minimum deposit requirements, making them accessible to lower income individuals and families. They may also support efforts to help lower income individuals qualify for personal loans, auto loans or mortgages at fair interest rates.
But that’s not all that comes with socially responsible banking. Socially responsible banks emphasize financial literacy for those in their local community. They might also consider their organization a green bank, committed to fighting climate change and avoiding projects that support fossil fuels.
10 Best Socially Responsible Banks and Credit Unions
The best socially responsible banking institutions combine sustainability, accessibility, transparency and ethics to help make the world a better place. Yet, you won’t sacrifice top-notch personal checking and savings or even high-quality business banking when you choose one of the financial institutions on our list. You can have the best of all worlds – and do what’s best for the world – by choosing a socially responsible bank or credit union.
1. Aspiration: Best for Online and Mobile Banking Services
Aspiration is not a bank. But it’s one of the best cash management accounts offered anywhere online, with no monthly fee and a host of money management features. The Aspiration Plus Spend Save account that offers 3% interest on savings.
Aspiration is a certified B-Corp that shows its commitment to socially responsible banking with a variety of programs. Aspiration will plant a tree each time you round up a debit card purchase to deposit the difference in your Save account. It pays 3% to 5% cash back on debit card purchases with companies that are members of the Conscience Coalition, a group of small businesses devoted to social responsibility and sustainability.
Aspiration offers two accounts: One asks members to “Pay-What-Is-Fair,” which means you can use the account for free if you choose. Aspiration Plus costs $7.99 monthly or $71.88 annually (save $24 when you pay upfront.) Save accounts in the Pay What Is Fair model earn 1% APY, while Aspiration Plus savings accounts earn 3% APY.
2. Amalgamated Bank: Best for Investment Planning
Amalgamated Bank has branch locations in the nation’s largest cities: Boston, New York, San Francisco and Washington D.C. The bank offers personal checking and savings accounts with no monthly fees.
Amalgamated Bank offers four checking account tiers, including three interest bearing accounts. Two of the accounts have no minimum opening deposit. If you choose the interest earning Give-Back Checking account, you’ll earn a high APY of 0.90% – 0.95%, with an additional contribution of one-half of your interest earnings going to the charitable organization of your choice.
In addition to its choices in checking and savings accounts, Amalgamated Bank stands out when it comes to helping new retail investors choose ESG companies to invest in and plan for their future.
3. Spring Bank: Best for New Yorkers
Hailed as New York’s first B Corp bank, Spring Bank offers personal and business banking online and at branches in Harlem and the Bronx. The Green Checking account offers no monthly fee with direct deposit, paperless statements and no overdraft fees. If you need an account to write checks, you’ll want to choose the Basic Checking account.
Spring Bank deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, up to $250,000 per depositor, per account. But the bank works with the IntraFi Network to also insure multi-million dollar deposits across multiple reputable U.S. banks.
Spring Bank offers CDs with terms from 90 days up to five years with a minimum deposit of just $250 and interest rates ranging from1.50% APY up to 3.25% APY. The bank also has a high-yield Vacation/Club savings account for short-term savings.
Spring Bank ranks in the top 5% of all 3,000 B Corps across the world and earned awards for its Governance and Customer Service in 2022. The company strives to provide affordable financial products, enabling its customers to avoid what it calls “fringe” financial products like check-cashing services and payday loans.
The bank also supports small businesses in New York and beyond with business checking accounts, money market accounts, and business loans.
4. Beneficial State Bank: Best for West Coast Residents
With seven locations across California, Oregon, and Washington, Beneficial State Bank is the B Corp bank of choice for those on the West Coast. The bank’s majority owner is Beneficial State Foundation, a nonprofit organization serving the public interest.
Beneficial State Bank offers three checking accounts, all with a $50 minimum opening balance and a low monthly service charge. eChecking waives the monthly fee if you sign up for eStatements. Checking and Interest Checking products have low monthly service charges that are easy to waive if you meet certain criteria. The bank also has savings, money market, CD, and IRA accounts to help you meet your long-term and short-term savings goals.
With an emphasis on ethical, equitable banking, Beneficial State Bank is a green bank that does not support or lend fossil fuel companies. The bank shows where every percentage of your deposit goes and says that 75% of its lending occurs within its mission categories. The other 25% supports other categories, but never to projects or organizations that cause harm to the planet or the people on it.
Some of the bank’s top lending categories for businesses and consumers include environmental sustainability, affordable housing, auto loans with fair interest rates, and health and well-being. The bank is also a preferred lender for clean vehicle programs in the state of California.
5. City First Bank, A Subsidiary of Broadway Federal Bank: Best for Commercial and Nonprofit Banking
City First Bank is part of a family of companies devoted to socially responsible lending and personal and business banking in low to moderate income communities. City First Bank, based in Washington, D.C., is a black-led, minority depository institute (MDI), as well as a B Corp and a member of Global Alliance for Banking on Values.
City First Bank offers a variety of personal and business banking products, as well as accounts for nonprofit organizations. The personal checking account has no monthly fee if you meet any of four criteria:
One monthly direct deposit
10 debit card transactions
eStatement enrollment
Minimum monthly balance of $100
The bank also offers a personal savings account, CDs, money market accounts and savings accounts for minors.
6. Sunrise Banks: Best for Mortgages
Sunrise Banks offers a full range of personal banking products, including personal checking, savings accounts, credit cards, and a pre-paid Mastercard. But it is best known for its Pathway2Home affordable mortgage product, as well as other mortgages with down payments as low as 3%. The bank also writes VA loans with no down payment required.
By supporting affordable housing and helping Minnesota residents get into homes of their own and begin building generational wealth, Sunrise Banks shows its commitment to socially responsible banking. Like many of the socially responsible banks on this list, Sunrise Banks is a member of GBAV, a Community Development Financial Institution, and a B corporation.
7. Clean Energy Credit Union: Best for Clean Energy Loans
Most of the banks on our list support efforts to reduce climate change, do not help fund or support fossil fuel companies, and run their organization sustainably. Clean Energy Credit Union works to fund renewable energy through personal loans for electric bicycles, solar electric systems, geothermal heat pump systems, and green home improvements. Clean Energy Credit Union also offers auto loans for electric vehicles.
While the credit union specializes in funding renewable energy and other loans, it also offers options for personal checking and savings accounts. Checking accounts offer dividends from .01% APY to 3.56% APY with a minimum opening balance of just $25 and no monthly fees if you meet certain requirements, including having a Clean Energy loan.
Savings accounts include a bank account with a 0.15% APY and a minimum opening deposit of $100, certificates, and a money market account with dividends ranging from 0.95% up to 1.61% APY, with a minimum deposit of $2,500.
As part of its commitment to green living, the credit union offers bio-based, compostable debit cards that are eco-friendly. It is also one of the few banks or credit unions on our list that offers a Carbon Zero Teen Account online, which shows your teen the carbon offsets their deposits can fund.
8. National Cooperative Bank
National Cooperative Bank offers high yield CDs, and money market accounts, as well as checking and savings accounts and business products. The bank offers an interest earning checking account with a 0.90% APY and no minimum opening deposit. There is a $15 monthly fee if the balance falls below $500.
The money market account has a high 2.28% APY, with a minimum balance of $5,000 to avoid the $25 monthly fee. You will need just $100 to open the account. You can earn a 4.34% APY on with a 12-month CD with a $2,500 minimum opening deposit.
While the bank is committed to helping its customers earn money through high interest rates, it is equally committed to its duties as a socially responsible bank. The bank has donated $8 billion to support underserved communities nationwide, and provided loans and investments of $475 million to low and moderate income families, including mortgage loans.
9. Clearwater Credit Union: Best for Previously Unbanked Consumers
Clearwater Credit Union is a certified Community Development Financial Institution and a member GBAV. While most credit unions are devoted to serving their local communities, Clearwater takes it a step further by donating $1.6 million to 290 non-profit organizations in 2022. Employees donated more than 1,340 volunteer hours within their local communities, and the credit union awarded $20,000 in scholarships to students in the credit union’s home state of Montana.
Clearwater CU offers multiple choices in bank accounts, including a basic checking with no monthly fee, a premium checking that pays dividends, and a SmartSpend checking account with a low, $5 monthly fee for previously unbanked consumers.
The SmartSpend account can help lower income individuals and families avoid the fees that come with check cashing services or prepaid debit cards. It also gives them the opportunity to avoid overdraft fees while gaining the convenience of a deposit account, debit card, and access to mobile banking.
10. Carver Federal Savings Bank: Best for Small Business Banking
Many of the banks on our list devote time and money to sustainability, equality, and other social causes. But they don’t necessarily offer the highest interest rates available in online banking today. Carver Federal Savings Bank, however, is a Black-operated, socially responsible bank that also delivers high-yield savings of 4.00% APY.
But there is a catch. You’ll need a $5,000 minimum opening deposit. This might make the Carver savings account inaccessible to many in underserved communities seeking personal checking and savings accounts. However, for those on firm financial footing who want to support a socially responsible bank, Carver’s high yield savings is a solid choice.
Beyond the high yield savings, Carver is known for an array of checking and savings products for small business owners, including a money market account with 2.00% APY and a business interest checking account.
Start-up businesses or those with low-to-moderate balances might prefer the Carver Community Business Free Checking with no minimum balance, no monthly fee, and 200 free transactions per month. The bank focuses on Black- and Minority-owned businesses as well as women-owned businesses across New York City.
Carver is a designated CDFI and has reinvested 80% of every dollar deposited into NYC communities. It also donated $149 million in New Market Tax credit and more than $259 million in leveraged loans across the New York metro area.
How to Choose Socially Responsible or Sustainable Banks and Credit Unions
When you’re shopping around for a socially responsible bank, first consider what aspects of ethical banking are most important to you. Are you looking for a bank committed to serving low income communities, or one that puts a focus on renewable energy? Maybe sustainability is the most significant aspect to finding a socially responsible bank that aligns with your values.
Of course, you also want to think about all the other elements that you would consider for your personal banking needs. These include low fees, online banking capabilities and an intuitive mobile app, early availability of your direct deposits, and a high yield savings account.
Our list of the best socially responsible banks takes all these factors into consideration and showcases banks that back up their values with investments – in their communities and in the environment.
Organizations That Support Sustainability and Social Responsibility
The best socially responsible banks often showcase their commitment to ethical banking through certifications or membership in organizations that support and reflect their values. If a bank is a member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values, recognized as a community development financial institution (CDFI) or a Certified B corp, you know the bank has demonstrated its commitment to ethical banking.
Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a worldwide network of socially responsible banks committed to ESG values. GABV banks focus on three pillars:
Finance change
Do no harm
Sustainable products and services
To join the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), banks must show their commitment to sustainability, and have a balance sheet of at least $50 million. They must be a full service bank and show financial stability and stable governance. Many of the best socially responsible banks are members of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV).
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
A Community Development Financial Institution is a bank, cash management account, or credit union that is certified by the U.S. government. It’s a bank that has shown a commitment to providing banking services in low income communities and underserved communities across the U.S.
Unlike many other financial institutions, Community Development Financial Institutions focus on areas such as economic development, affordable housing and supporting small businesses in their local community.
Certified B Corp
A Certified B Corp is any organization or socially responsible financial institution that successfully balances purpose and profit. Organizations can apply for B Corp certification if they demonstrate transparency, social responsibility, and show high social and environmental sustainability standards. Banks and credit unions must pass rigorous certification standards to become recognized as a B Corp.
FAQs
Still have questions about the best socially responsible banks? Check out some commonly asked questions below.
Which banks are eco-friendly?
Many U.S. banks meet eco-friendly requirements in a variety of ways. Some, like Clean Energy Credit Union, refuse to support fossil fuel companies. Aspiration plants a tree whenever customers round up their debit card purchases to deposit into a savings account.
To find eco-friendly banks, you can look up their ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) ratings on their websites, in their financial statements, or on a website like Sustainalytics.
Remember, ESG ratings are derived from many factors, including a company’s diversity & inclusion practices, sustainability, charitable donations, and more. You may have to dig deeper to see which banks employ sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint.
How Can You Determine Which Banks Are Committed to Ethical Banking?
A search on a company website should help you find the best socially responsible banks committed to ethical banking. Check online to see if the bank helps underserved communities or the unbanked or underbanked population. Ethical banks may be recognized as a community development financial institution.
What is responsible banking?
Responsible banking or ethical banking typically focuses on three key areas:
Banking access and community development
Environmental impact and climate change
Holistic social responsibility
What is an ESG bank?
An ESG bank focuses on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and ethical governance.
Can you think of a movie in your collection that seemed like a good pick at the time, but now that you’re looking back, it hasn’t aged well? Not surprisingly, this is common—not least because our tastes and expectations change over time. We forgive classic films for their outdated elements due to cultural nostalgia and appreciate them despite those flaws. But some movies aren’t just old classics that we’ve gotten over, or don’t love anymore; some movies really aged poorly and don’t hold up with time. Let’s explore ten movies that just didn’t age well!
1. The Last Exorcism 2
One Redditor posted, “The Last Exorcism, made obsolete by The Last Exorcism 2.”
Another user added, “2 Last 2 Exorcist.”
One user also replied, “I just watched the trailer. I was hoping it would be another movie with the same premise—a skeptic trying to expose exorcisms as a sham—since that’s what the title is alluding to, but instead, it’s just following Nell into adulthood and a traditional demon-wants-to-possess-main-character storyline, and a conventional manner of filming; it looks like there’s no post-modern meta & self-awareness with a camera crew or layers of reality/perception like the first one. What a disappointment. “
“The Penultimate Exorcism. Or, ‘The Last Exorcism: The Rehearsal’,” one user concluded.
2. Never Been Kissed
One user shared, “Never Been Kissed. Drew Barrymore posing as a teenager and having a relationship with the teacher who gets MAD when he finds out she’s not a teenager and is his age, then we’re just supposed to smooth it over at the end.”
Another added, “Yeah, but the way they spoofed it in Not Another Teen Movie was hilarious.”
One commenter replied, “Which ironically actually stands the test of time fairly decently.”
3. Blazing Saddles
One sharer posted, “22yrs old, and in that time, I can’t think of any that are anywhere near as good as it. It’s on the level of Blazing Saddles and Airplane for me.”
One added, “And they went R-rating with it too. Cue the [unclothed] foreign exchange student gal getting mad when another girl shows up at a party [also unclothed]: “Ugh, she stole my outfit!”
Another one responded, “My favorite line from the party is when the girl who fell in the pool gets out and has a glass of water thrown on her. Then, in the background, someone says, “Ooh, that’s gonna leave a stain!”
4. Passengers (2016)
One Redditor posted, “Passengers fits this description 100%.”
Another added, “I know this is said a lot, but that film would’ve been the perfect horror movie if you followed Jennifer Lawrence’s perspective from the start.”
5. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
One user posted, “Benjamin Button.”
Another added, “Are you crazy? Dude looked 7 when he was 80!”
One user also replied, “That movie was weird and gross when the baby looked about 80. Then the baby died. I really didn’t like that. So for me, it’s a see once but not again.”
Another user responded, “I kind of felt like he should have ended up a man-sized baby rather than shrinking down.”
6. 40 days and 40 Nights
One Redditor shared, “40 days and 40 Nights. No one lives like that in San Francisco or works at a tech firm designing websites to make money like that… But most importantly, that ending would not fly. Victim blaming when [his ex-girlfriend takes advantage of him]??? It’s just so wrong.”
Another responded, “Seriously, he literally wakes up [with someone taking advantage of him] while tied down, and it’s HIS fault??”
“Also, given the rules of Lent, the guy could totally [be intimate] on Sundays and still follow Lent. There are 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter. Sundays aren’t counted for the Lenten sacrifice,” one commenter replied.
7. The Blue Lagoon
One Redditor shared, “The Blue Lagoon.”
Another replied, “Wasn’t there a string of movies where Shields was underage and underdressed? I even remember a George Burns movie she was in that did that.”
One user confirmed, “Bruh. Here are a couple of quotes [from an article about when she was 12], although basically, the entire article is these quotes:
‘She’s the hottest new young thing in movies since a smoldering preteen named Elizabeth Taylor stiffened up Louie Mayer’s cigar…’
‘Unlike pugnacious Jodie Foster or puerile Tatum O’Neal, she’s the delicious stuff of teenage fantasies become flesh: barely old enough to want, but too young to get.’
‘By day, she was the face that sold. But, at night, she was the princess of… dreams.’
‘Producers literally held their breath, waiting for the remarkable Brooke shields to reach a reasonable age of [consent]…’
…Edit… This is getting a little traction, so I just wanted to offer that I don’t know if this is a satire or not. I am not even sure of the article’s origin or its publisher… if it is satire, it’s pretty brilliant since we are all here cringing at it, but I don’t have any info one way or the other.”
8. Revenge of the Nerds
One user posted, “Revenge of the Nerds.”
One Redditor added, “I mean, who hasn’t worn a mask to trick a girl into [being] with you?”
Another user replied sarcastically, “The worst part is it’s alright because it was really [just taking advantage]. So remember folks [taking advantage] is fine as long as she enjoys it.”
Another user replied, “That might be one of the worst sentences I’ve ever read, and applies to a lot more media than it ever should.”
9. Scream 3
One user posted, “Scream 3 and it’s plotline of a movie producer who assaulted young actresses. Miramax (i.e. Harvey Weinstein) made that movie.”
One commenter added, “Harvey Weinstein was one of the executive producers of the film. It is said that the film was nothing more than an attempt by Wes Craven to expose everything that was underneath.”
“In which case, it has aged extremely well post-MeToo. Not sure why OP thinks this ‘aged poorly’,” another user replied.
Source: Reddit.
Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.
10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.
These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag
Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.
10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth
We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites
When I was younger, it was so much more difficult to make money as a kid than it is today. While that wasn’t so great for the kids of my generation, it is making life a lot easier for my own children.
My parents did a pretty good job of teaching my brothers and me financial responsibility. But, I learned as an adult that there were actually quite a few gaps in my financial knowledge base. As parents, we can only teach what we know. So, if there is something I don’t know about finances and money, I am much more tenacious in my education now.
I want my children to be more financially savvy than I was at their age. A big part of this education has been teaching them how to make some extra money, even when they’re young.
What’s Ahead:
In-person ways to make money as a kid
For younger kids, ages six and up, making money can be a little more difficult. But, most kids have a fantastic social media network to pull from. And they have their parents to back them up and help them find money-making opportunities.
Anything your child decides to do to make money should be run by you first. After all, kids can’t get to a lot of these odd jobs without their parents’ consent, or transportation.
Babysit. If your child is interested in babysitting even at the age of 10-12, then you, as the parent, can help find them babysitting gigs through your friends and neighbors. That way you are comfortable with the house your child will be left alone at. Sometimes what is needed is a mother’s or father’s helper, so your child would not even necessarily be alone.
Create a yard sale. Helping your kids go through their old clothes, shoes, and toys is a great way to help your kid make money. Have them set up a yard sale and whatever money they make they get to keep.
Have your kids work for your small business. If you are self-employed and have any tasks your children can help you with, then you can pay them to do so. The tasks can vary by age. But even younger children can help with things such as sorting and shredding mail.
Organize people’s stuff. If your 11 or 12-year-old child has an eye for organizing, then they may be able to offer this service to others. You’ll need to help them find people that will let them organize for them, with your assistance, of course.
Walk dogs. Walking dogs is something that most kids love doing, and most adults could use help with. Plus, if the two of you can do it together, then you both get some fresh air and exercise also.
Wash cars. If your child is younger, they can offer to wash the neighbor’s cars. Once they get older and can legally work with a work permit, some car washes might be willing to hire them.
Water plants. Help your child find families that are vacationing, work long hours, or are elderly and just could use a helping hand with their plants.
Yard work. Yard work is something most of us need help with regularly. If you are willing to loan out your yard equipment to your kids, then this could be a great money-making opportunity for them in your neighborhood. Not to mention, it’s just easy money.
Selling t-shirts. Designing and selling t-shirts together has never been easier than it is today. You don’t need a graphic designer and a screen printer anymore. There are plenty of websites geared towards creating your own t-shirts, marketing them, and selling them such as Shopify, Zazzle, Teespring, CafePress, and more.
Become a product flipper to their peers. One of my stepchildren has been flipping candy and shoes to his school and neighborhood peers. If your child has a good eye for a deal, then this may be a good money-making option for them.
Read more: How to make the most money from your garage sale
Online ways to make money as a kid
If your child is digitally savvy, then they may be more inclined to find ways to make money online instead. Either way, your child should ask your permission before they embark on ways to make money. Since they are minors, they need parental permission to engage in these activities.
Take online surveys. I love taking online surveys and so do my kids! These can be a lot of fun, and since the kids are on their devices more often than not, they might as well be making some money at the same time. Some of our favorite online survey sites are Swagbucks and MyPoints.
Create illustrations. If your child likes to create illustrations, then they could make some money with this skill. Get them a decent illustrating tablet and intuitive software (I suggest Clip Studio Paint Pro) and they will be on their way. A great website to have them set up a portfolio on is Deviantart.
Make crafts or jewelry to sell online. If your child loves to create jewelry and crafts, then selling them online may be a great way for them to make money as a kid. The most popular website for things of this nature currently is Etsy.
Make YouTube videos. Our kids today are technology savvy, right? YouTube is a platform where some decent money can be made if your child loves to create videos. Kids can be product testers and make videos of them testing out products from different companies. Even if your kid just wants to make videos talking about particular subjects (video games, how-to-videos, etc.), they can place ads in their videos to start generating income. As a parent, however, you should be monitoring this money-making avenue closely.
Sell their old stuff online. There are many different platforms for your kids to sell their old stuff online. Some of our favorites are eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Poshmark, and Amazon.
Start a blog. If your child loves to write, starting a blog at a young age could potentially help your kids get to the point of monetization by the time they could really use it. Writing a blog can be a lot of fun, but it can take a while to start making money with a blog. So this could be more of a longer-term goal that kids can grow into over the years.
Start taking photographs. Taking photographs can be a great way to put your child’s hobby to good use. Some of the best sites that might be willing to pay them for their photographs are EyeEm, Foap, and Scoopshot.
Streaming. If your child is already big into watching streamed live content, then it may be time for them to start creating their own. Live streaming through Twitch is a great way to get them started.
Selling digital goods. Creating an ebook or a course is a great way to begin selling digital goods with very little overhead.
Making music. If your child has a musical ear, then this may just be the money-making genre for them. One of the best places to get started is Spotify.
Create games. One of my children is huge into video games and is always coming up with ways for the games to be better. If this sounds like your child, then it may be time to investigate creating their own game and monetize it (trust me, it’s a lot easier than it sounds).
App tester. Since most of our kids are very embedded in the digital world, it only makes sense for them to make some money by testing apps. There are quite a few places your child can begin doing this, but two of the best places to get started are TesterWork and UberTesters.
When can you start teaching your kids about money?
When kids are toddlers, they are extremely inquisitive and have a strong desire to learn. It is also during this timeframe that they begin to strongly mirror your behavior.
So, it makes sense to begin introducing them to the idea of money when they are in this frame of mind. Around this age, I began teaching my children about money a few different ways:
Taking them to the grocery store to look at the price tags.
Having them tell me how many fingers something costs.
Showing them the different ways you can pay for groceries (credit/debit card, cash, check, EBT card).
Buying a play cash register and plastic food to have a pretend grocery shopping trip at home.
If you start with basic lessons and pretend play like this, then building on this financial foundation is much easier as your child ages.
Benefits of teaching your kids about money
The benefits of teaching your kids about money are almost endless, especially in today’s society where most of us have more debt than income. If you can begin teaching our kids about money when they are really young, then they will grow up knowing more than you did.
The value of a dollar
One of the biggest, and easiest, lessons to teach your children about money is the value of a dollar. This lesson can begin with the grocery store example from above. A good way to do this, depending upon their age, is to tell them how much money you have budgeted for this particular grocery trip. Then, they can help you add up all of the items as you go.
When kids do this, they get to see a physical example of how much groceries really cost. Once this concept is grasped, the next step is to give them a small amount of money to spend on their own. Start with $1 or $2 to show them how far that little bit of money doesn’t actually stretch.
How to save for long-term goals
Opening up a savings account for your kids is a great way to help them begin to save money for long-term goals. When they are younger, they won’t have access to withdraw funds themselves, so you will be in charge of what they can take out.
A good way to drive this point home is to have them choose something big that they would like to save for. Depending upon their age, that can vary widely. But some items to consider may be:
Bike
Skateboard
Video games
Gaming console
Phone
Furniture
Trip
Car
College
Once you and your child have chosen their big item, then you can help them break down the total cost and how long it will take to save the money to get there. The deal is that they won’t be able to take the money out of the savings account until they have the full amount due for the item.
This can really help keep them laser-focused on the big goal and hopefully get them interested in finding other ways to make money as a kid.
What disposable income really means
As kids get older, they start to understand a bit more about bills and how much things cost. Teaching them about monthly recurring living expenses is a really good lesson to impart before they fly the coop. I know my first years as an adult were spent living hand to mouth and eating the cheapest foods I could find. This was because I had little to no money since almost everything I made went to living expenses.
Teaching your kids about what disposable income really means is exceptionally important. This message can be taught in a few different ways. But, a great way to show them is to have them go through your budget with you. This way they can see what your recurring expenses are as well as any remaining money, or disposable income.
Read more: How to make a budget: our step-by-step guide to managing your money
How much retirement might cost and how to save for it
When it comes to retirement, I suggest telling your young kids to include this number in their monthly recurring expenses budget. This way they will be sure to put something away towards retirement every single month and not let it fall by the wayside.
How much retirement costs will vary depending on where your child chooses to live and what they have planned for their retirement. The conversation will look different depending on the ages of your children as well. No matter their age, even if they are saving only a few dollars per month toward this far-off goal, they will nonetheless be developing habits that will keep them on good financial footing throughout their lives. And as they get older and begin to earn more they can begin to save more.
This will be extremely helpful to them due to the magic of compounding. If only I had known about compound interest when I was a teenager. Oh, how I would have made different financial choices!
Read more: The beginner’s guide to saving for retirement
Overall financial independence
The biggest benefit your children will get out of you teaching them about money at a young age is the ability to achieve financial independence. This is a big one! Especially because a lot of us, as parents, haven’t even achieved this.
Since we, as parents, want our children to live a better life than we did, helping them to achieve financial independence only seems natural. And one of the best ways to teach them that is to get them involved in making their own money as kids.
Read more: Financial independence in your 30s: How realistic is it?
How your kids can put their hard-earned money to work for their future
Once your kids start earning some of their own money, there are many things they can do with it. Of course, they could spend it on a lot of things they may want right now. But, it makes much more financial sense for them to put their hard-earned money to work for their future.
There are a few different ways you help them learn this lesson. Some of my favorite options (and we have done all of these) are:
Put money into a high-yield savings account.High yield savings accounts can range in the APY, but they are always higher than your typical brick-and-mortar savings account.
Open an investment account. Helping your kids open an investment account is a great way to teach them about the stock market. This is especially true while they are younger when the stakes aren’t as high with regard to them losing massive sums of money. Some very user-friendly options are Public and J. P. Morgan Self-Directed Investing, both of which offer commission-free investment options.
Put gift money into a UTMA account. When the kids are getting money gifted to them from a family member for holidays and birthdays, they should put it into a UTMA account. You can set these up as custodial accounts which will then be rolled over to them once they turn 18. These types of accounts let you help your kids choose which ETFs and/or mutual funds they want to invest in after they have deposited the money into their UTMA account.
Invest in a Roth IRA with their earned income.One of my favorite retirement savings strategies for kids is a Roth IRA. However, your kids must have earned income in order to contribute to one. These types of accounts can be opened as custodial accounts, just like the UTMA accounts. You will deposit your kids’ earned income into the account and then they, or you both, can choose what they would like to invest in. This has become one of our favorite financial games around our house since our kids like to see whose investment choices are performing the best. Some great options for Roth IRAs are Fidelity, Vanguard, and Charles Schwab. Not all investment firms offer custodial Roth IRA’s, so your choices here may be a bit more limited than opening a Roth IRA account for yourself.
Read more: Roth IRAs for young adults: why starting early pays off
Disclosure – INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
The bottom line
Teaching your kids about finances and how to make money are extremely important lessons. Embrace the challenge with your young children as they become budding adults!
While you may not know everything about personal finance, learning new things together might just teach you both something valuable. And if your kids can learn to make extra cash now, when they are still children, then they will ultimately be much more diverse and adaptable in terms of managing everything financial later on. Plus, they’ll get a little pocket money so they don’t have to keep asking you for $20 every time they want to go to Starbucks.
That’s a win-win in my book!
Read more:
Disclosure – INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS ARE: NOT A DEPOSIT • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE
During my family’s Christmas celebration, I learned a little more about my oldest nephews. I don’t see them often, so it’s hard to know what interests them. This year, I learned that six-year-old Alex likes art. You can bet I’ll be encouraging this productive hobby — the only other two things I know he likes are dinosaurs and video games. I was also pleased to learn that his older brother, Michael, likes money.
“I have $86 saved,” Michael told me. “It’s for my trip to Florida.” The two boys were taking a trip over Christmas break to visit their grandmother.
“That’s great,” I said.
“And grandma is going to give us each $100 to spend at Disney World,” Michael added, “but I might save some of it.”
Michael turns nine tomorrow. To encourage smart money behavior, I sent him a book for his birthday. While compiling my guide to personal finance books as gifts, I was intrigued by Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids. This book by Gail Karlitz received rave reviews. Kris and I both read it recently, and we think it’s perfect for Michael.
The first thing the book covers is inflation. Many adult books never mention the subject, so it’s refreshing to see a book aimed at grade-schoolers put it front-and-center. “In 1960,” Karlitz writes, “a kid with a quarter cold buy a pizza and a slice of pizza for 15¢ and a soda for 10¢. Today, you’d probably need at least $2 to buy the same meal!” (Or $4 if you live in my neighborhood.)
Growing Money has good chapters on banks and bonds, but most of the book is devoted to the stock market. Karlitz has written a brilliant chapter on how stocks work, using a hypothetical pizza parlor as an example. By keeping the scope small and understandable, she’s better able to convey concepts like equity, dividends, and IPOs. (She doesn’t always use those terms, however.)
The book also contains chapters on the history of the stock market, how investors make money, and how to buy and sell stocks.
The final chapter introduces the “Growing Money investment game”. Using $10,000 of imaginary money, participants buy and sell investments following the rules of real-life investing. The goal is to see how much money each person has at the end of six months. Yes, this is just like any other stock market portfolio game, but it’s aimed at kids. I think it’s an excellent way to introduce children to the stock market. When my Michael finishes the book, I think I’ll challenge him to a duel!
Growing Money offers a solid introduction to saving and investing, but it does have some weak spots. Only one page out of 120 is devoted to mutual funds. Because the book is aimed at children, taxes are barely considered. Still, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses.
Though this book is designed for children, I think most adults could profit from reading it, too. Actually, it’s a great book for parents to read with their kids. Growing Money provides clear, concise explanations of important financial concepts. It’s the sort of book to buy for your nephew, but read yourself before you pass it on.
A diagonal spread is an options trading strategy that involves taking a long and short position on the same stock with different strike prices and different expiration dates. It’s a combination of a vertical spread and calendar spread.
Using this strategy can allow the trader to get an early payday if the stock moves in a direction that’s in their favor. The way it works is the trader makes two options trades — either call options or put options simultaneously, with different strike prices and expiration takes.
Diagonal Spreads Defined
Diagonal spreads combine a two-step options trading strategy and are considered an advanced trading tactic. It’s a combination of a calendar spread and a short call or put spread. These positions have different expirations and different strikes which spread off diagonally, hence the name of the strategy.
A calendar spread is when a trader buys a contract with a longer expiration date while going short on an option with a near-term expiration date with the same strike price. But if two different strike prices are used, this is a diagonal spread.
A diagonal spread includes a calendar spread, also referred to as a horizontal spread or a time spread, combined with a vertical spread, because different strike prices are involved.
How Diagonal Spreads Work
A long put diagonal spread involves purchasing a put for some time in the future while selling a put in the short-term. Purchasing an option in the later term tends to be more expensive due to the embedded value of time. On the other hand, the trader sells the nearer term option to lower the cost of the other option. Traders usually use diagonal spreads when they have conviction on a stock’s movement while minimizing the effects of time.
A diagonal bull spread becomes a valuable trade when the price of the stock increases, while a diagonal bear spread increases in value when the stock price decreases.
Diagonal spreads require experience because traders have to account for volatility and have a good sense of timing.
Setting Up a Diagonal Spread
When traders are bullish on a stock, they generally use call options vs. using put options when they’re bearish on a stock.
The most common way to set up a diagonal spread is to buy a back month option that is in the money, which is a futures contract whose delivery dates are further into the future. Then, you sell a front month option with a strike price that is out of the money, which is a contract that has a near-term expiration date.
Setting up a diagonal spread in this manner would constitute a debit spread, though credit spread structures can also be used.
Maximum Loss
When a stock’s price rises, the maximum loss is equal to the premium paid when buying a call. If the stock falls, the maximum loss is the difference between the strike prices plus or minus the option premium paid or received.
Maximum Profit
It can be difficult to anticipate what the maximum gain may be since traders can’t know what the back-month option will be trading at when the front-month option expires as a result of shifting volatility expectations. In a long diagonal spread, the stock price must be near the short strike for a trade to go in the market participant’s favor.
The max profit potential for a short diagonal call spread is the net credit received minus commissions. If the strike price plummets below the short call, the value of the spread will be close to zero and the credit received is profit.
On the other hand, the max profit scenario of a short diagonal put spread is when the stock price soars above the strike price of the sold higher strike put option, as the value of the spread nears zero and the credit received is profit.
Breakeven Point
The breakeven point cannot be calculated, rather it can be estimated. The breakeven price at expiration for a long call is below the strike price of the short call. During expiration of a long call, the breakeven point is the stock price at which the price of the short call is the net credit received for the spread.
Traders are not able to predict what the breakeven stock price will be because it depends on market volatility, which can impact the price of the short call.
Diagonal Spread Examples
In one example, a trader is bullish on ABC stock, currently priced at $300. If the front month is January and the back month is February, the trader may want to purchase a $298 strike call with February expiry, which is in the money. Then the trader sells a $302 strike call with January expiry, which would be out of the money. This would give the trader a four-dollar wide diagonal spread.
In another scenario, a trader is bearish on XYZ stock at a current market price of $129. To set up a diagonal spread, the trader could buy a $132 February put, which would be several dollars in the money. Next, the trader could sell a $126 January put, which would be a few dollars out of the money. This trade would be a six-dollar wide diagonal spread.
Types of Diagonal Spreads
There are different types of diagonal spread strategies traders can use to get their desired outcome. Here are several diagonal spreads traders can try:
1. Long Call Diagonal Spreads
To execute on a long call diagonal spread, traders must buy an in the money call option with a longer term expiration date and then sell an out of the money call option with a nearer term expiration date. Traders can use this advanced options strategy if they are mildly bullish on a stock in the near term and very bullish in the longer term. An ideal set up for a long call diagonal spread is during times of low volatility as you do not want your trade to be disrupted by sharp price swings.
2. Long Put Diagonal Spreads
To execute on a long put diagonal spread, traders must buy an in the money put option with a longer term expiration date and then sell an out of the money put option with a nearer term expiration date that has an out the money strike. Traders typically use long put diagonal spreads to mimic a covered put position.
3. Short Call Diagonal Spreads
A short call diagonal spread is when traders sell a long-term call with a lower strike price and buy a shorter-term call with a higher strike price. A trader benefits from a short call option when the price of the underlying asset falls, thus making this a bearish strategy.
4. Short Put Diagonal Spreads
A short put diagonal spread involves selling a longer-term put with a higher strike price and buying a shorter-term put with a lower strike price. This is a bullish strategy, as the trader benefits if the underlying asset goes up in price, making both options expire worthless and netting the investor the net credit earned at the beginning of the trade.
5. Double Diagonal Spread
A double diagonal spread is when a trader buys a longer-term straddle and sells a shorter-term strangle, a trade that benefits from time decay and an increase in volatility. Traders setting up a double diagonal are long the middle strike calls and puts, which expire further in the future, and short out of the money call and put options with sooner expiries. The ideal outcome for double diagonals is to stay between the two OTM strike prices as they approach expiration.
Risks of Diagonal Spreads
The biggest risk traders have in diagonal spreads is overpaying for the diagonal spread. That said, the maximum risk is the debt a trader incurred to enter the position. If traders pay too much for their diagonal spreads they can remain unprofitable.
Market volatility can be used to the trader’s advantage when using diagonal spreads, although it can also pose a risk to such trades. Depending on the level of volatility, it can substantially change the price of the option and impact the trader’s profit potential. Diagonal spreads are an advanced trading strategy so traders who are experienced in dealing with volatility are best suited to incorporating diagonal spreads in their investment strategy.
The Takeaway
Setting up a diagonal spread correctly is an important part of the profit potential of the strategy, otherwise traders are at risk of losing money. This advanced options trading strategy requires traders to make both long and short trades, either with calls or puts, that have different expiration dates and strike prices. Traders should know these option trades are lined up diagonally from one another.
Qualified investors who are ready to try their hand at options trading, despite the risks involved, might consider checking out SoFi’s options trading platform. The platform’s user-friendly design allows investors to trade through the mobile app or web platform, and get important metrics like breakeven percentage, maximum profit/loss, and more with the click of a button.
Plus, SoFi offers educational resources — including a step-by-step in-app guide — to help you learn more about options trading. Trading options involves high-risk strategies, and should be undertaken by experienced investors.
With SoFi, user-friendly options trading is finally here.
Photo credit: iStock/percds
SoFi Invest® The information provided is not meant to provide investment or financial advice. Also, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investment decisions should be based on an individual’s specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile. SoFi can’t guarantee future financial performance. Advisory services offered through SoFi Wealth, LLC. SoFi Securities, LLC, member FINRA / SIPC . SoFi Invest refers to the three investment and trading platforms operated by Social Finance, Inc. and its affiliates (described below). Individual customer accounts may be subject to the terms applicable to one or more of the platforms below. 1) Automated Investing—The Automated Investing platform is owned by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC registered investment advisor (“Sofi Wealth“). Brokerage services are provided to SoFi Wealth LLC by SoFi Securities LLC, an affiliated SEC registered broker dealer and member FINRA/SIPC, (“Sofi Securities).
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For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest platforms described above, including state licensure of Sofi Digital Assets, LLC, please visit www.sofi.com/legal.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire amount invested in a short period of time. Before an investor begins trading options they should familiarize themselves with the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options . Tax considerations with options transactions are unique, investors should consult with their tax advisor to understand the impact to their taxes. SOIN1121485
While many may have familiar-sounding job titles, some have ventured off the beaten path and pursued unique careers. Despite the unconventional work, there are a plethora of lucrative job opportunities available. In this article, we’re exploring some weird, high-paying jobs worth considering.
1. Bereavement Coordinator
A bereavement coordinator is tasked with assisting families who have terminally ill or recently passed loved ones. Their responsibilities include overseeing administrative tasks, scheduling appointments, managing funeral arrangements, and supervising staff and volunteers to alleviate the burden on grieving families.
Offering Words of Wisdom
Additionally, a bereavement coordinator may also arrange counsel for those who are struggling with grief. This role often involves working in hospitals, nursing homes, or hospice settings and can be considered a type of counseling service.National Average Salary is $47,660
2. Online Dating Ghostwriter
An online dating ghostwriter is a professional who writes online dating profiles on behalf of clients. This individual is responsible for creating an engaging and attractive online dating profile that accurately reflects their client’s personality and interests. The ghostwriter must have strong writing skills and be able to craft a compelling narrative that highlights the client’s best qualities.
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
They may also assist with messaging and communication with potential matches. The goal of an online dating ghostwriter is to help their clients stand out in a crowded online dating market and increase their chances of finding a compatible match. The national average salary is $54,204 per annum.
3. Art Therapists
Art therapy is a unique profession that blends the principles of therapy with the creative process of art. Art therapists utilize various forms of artistic expression to aid patients in their healing journey. By reducing stress levels and enhancing self-esteem, art therapy can help improve overall mental health. This therapy is particularly useful when individuals have difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
Wisdom and Creativity
Becoming an art therapist requires a background in psychology or counseling and specialized training in art. Art therapists have the flexibility to work in a variety of settings, including schools, communities, and private practices. Companies can even hire them to help employees manage stress and improve their mental well-being. The National average salary is $58,139.
4. Flavorist
As a Flavorist, your primary responsibility would involve developing both natural and artificial flavors. To accomplish this task, you must possess a wealth of knowledge regarding essential oils, botanical extracts, flavor aromas, and essences in order to replicate natural flavors accurately.
Education… and Good Taste
Additionally, you would be tasked with inventing new and captivating flavors that appeal to consumers. This highly specialized profession necessitates a Ph.D. in chemistry or biochemistry, along with extensive apprenticeship experience with flavor companies. The National average salary is $60,640.
5. Color Designer
The role of a color expert involves utilizing color psychology, trends, statistics, and theory to recommend optimal color schemes for various settings, including homes, company buildings, brand logos, and more. As a color expert, you would be responsible for creating layouts and designs for a variety of purposes, such as branding, interior design, and architecture.
Think Outside the Box
A college degree is not typically required for this position, although specialized training is necessary. Additionally, possessing a creative and innovative mindset can be beneficial when pursuing a career as a color expert. The National average salary is $61,554 per annum.
6. Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinary acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves using techniques similar to those used in human acupuncture to treat animals. As a veterinary acupuncturist, your primary objective would be to provide non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical treatments to animals using methods such as needle insertion, massages, blood-moving approaches, frequency approaches, and polarity devices.
A Big Heart
In order to pursue a career in this field, you would need to acquire the necessary training and certification in acupuncture. Furthermore, genuine love and compassion for animals would be crucial to succeed in this role. The National average salary is $69,167 per annum.
7. Equine-Assisted Therapy
An equine therapist is a profession that merges horseback riding with therapy to help both children and adults. This therapy involves using horses to provide patients with physical and emotional benefits. To pursue this career, you would need to be a certified therapist with extensive knowledge of various disabilities, as well as experience working with horses.
Ready to Ride
Hippotherapy has proven to be an effective method to improve recreational activities, socialization, and interactions with other patients. As a hippotherapist, you would be a valuable member of a team of experts responsible for designing customized plans and objectives for each patient. National average salary is $74,434 per year.
8. Toy Designer
A toy designer is a professional who creates toys that are not only fun but also safe for children to play with. This role may also be referred to as a product designer or toymaker, and it requires a keen artistic and imaginative sense. Toy designers must have a good understanding of materials to create toys that do not pose any safety risks to children. They should also have the ability to design toys that are sturdy and easy to maintain.
Are You a Tinkerer?
In addition, a love for gadgets and proficiency in mechanical skills are highly desirable traits. To pursue a career as a toy designer, you would need to earn a degree in the arts, such as a design degree. Furthermore, proficiency in CAD and engineering skills would be necessary to succeed in this field. The national average salary is $74,913 per year.
9. Podiatrist
A podiatrist is a healthcare provider who specializes in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They are also qualified to perform surgeries on these body parts.
Take Good Care of Feet
Podiatrists possess the expertise to detect and manage abnormalities in the feet, prevent and correct deformities, and alleviate foot pain and infections. To pursue a career as a podiatrist, you would need to obtain a degree from an accredited podiatric medical college. The National average salary is $90,795 per year.
The job market is full of unique, unconventional job opportunities that can offer excellent salaries. Pursuing a career in one of these jobs may lead to a rewarding career path with significant income potential. So, if you’re looking for an exciting and well-paying job, don’t be afraid to explore some of these unique professions!
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We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
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Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.
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For many people, a financial advisor is a key ally in helping you reach your financial goals. While most savvy people under 30 should be able to handle their finances on their own, many opt to hire a financial advisor to get access to personalized advice from a financial expert.
If you live in San Francisco and want help from a local financial advisor, you’ve come to the right place. The best financial advisors in San Francisco are standing by to help you create a financial plan, choose the best investment portfolio, and put you on track to reach your most important financial priorities. Keep reading for a list of the best financial advisors in San Francisco.
What’s Ahead:
Overview of the best financial advisors in San Francisco
Typical fees: The fee is quoted as an annual percentage fee, and is billed quarterly by taking the value of your assets at the end of each calendar quarter and applying one-fourth of that annual percentage fee.
Bingham Osborn & Scarborough Wealth Management, better known as BOS, is an investment and financial advising company for individuals with at least $3 million in investable assets.
The fee-only firm advises clients with a holistic approach that looks at all aspects of the client’s finances. BOS works to build long-term investment portfolios using a data-driven approach that incorporates taxes and other factors.
Burgess Financial Planning
Contact: 415-525-1041 or [email protected].
Services offered: Financial planning and investing advice.
Assets required: $3 million in investable assets.
Typical fees: $480 fee for an initial planning meeting.
A smaller shop, Burgess Financial Planning is a boutique firm with just one planner. Sean Burgess is a CFP and Registered Investment Advisor. He is a fiduciary (that means he always puts your best interests first) and doesn’t have any minimum required level of assets to get started.
Burgess charges a $480 fee for an initial planning meeting. If you decide to work with Burgess Financial Planning long-term, investment fees are charged based on assets under management. This firm earns an impressive 4.5-star rating with 35 reviews on Yelp.
Founded in 2014, Citrine Capital is a fee-only wealth management firm with a focus on the Bay Area’s high-tech community. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and startup employees will likely feel at home with this firm.
Citrine Capital works to organize client finances in a way that helps them reach financial goals, mitigate taxes, and manage wealth for long-term needs. Fees start at $7,000 per year for clients with a net worth below $1 million.
Typical fees: $290.00 per hour for financial planning.
Located across the Golden Gate Bridge in Corte Madera, Financial Connections offers financial management, investment management, and other services to Bay Area clients. The fee-only firm doesn’t take any commissions or compensation from large investment fund providers.
The firm’s team acts as fiduciaries project-based financial planning. For those with long-term and unique needs, you can sign up for a concierge service to plan for specific needs. Its investment management product comes with either customized portfolios or robo advisor-style modeled portfolios.
Typical fees: $300,000 to $400,000 annual minimum fee.
Founded by Kathryn Hall in 1994, Hall Capital Partners is a large financial planning firm with more than $30 billion in client assets under management. It exclusively works with high-net-worth clients, many of whom hold eight-figure and nine-figure portfolios.
If you have that kind of wealth, the $300,000 to $400,000 annual minimum fee isn’t a huge deal. But for most of us peons with merely tens or hundreds of thousands, or even assets in the low millions, Hall Capital Partners probably isn’t going to work for you. If you just made it big time from your company’s IPO, however, it could be worth giving Hall Capital Partners a call.
Morling Financial Advisors is an investment manager and financial planner founded in 1999. Suitable to high-tech Silicon Valley, Morling Financial Advisors has its own app for clients to log in and view their account details.
Financial planning services start at $300 per month. Investment management services start at 1% for those with under $1 million in assets and go down to 0.60% for those with $10 million and up.
Paragon Financial Planning
Contact: 510-227-5354 or [email protected] or [email protected].
If you are in Oakland or Alameda, the office of Paragon Financial Planning may be convenient for you. Paragon Financial Planning is a small office led by Samantha N. Dinh, a Certified Financial Planner.
She’s doing something right, as Paragon Financial Planning earns perfect five-star ratings after 34 reviews on Yelp. Dinh offers financial planning, investment management, and insurance services through her company.
Summary of the best financial advisors in San Francisco
Those looking for no minimums and an affordable advisor
How I came up with this list
This list of the best financial advisors in San Francisco is based on several sources.
They are fee-only planners
Financial advisors on this list don’t earn from shady commission deals. They are all fee-only planners where you know what you will pay upfront and can rest easy that there are no major financial conflicts of interest.
They are fiduciaries
Fiduciaries are legally required to put your interests first. It’s a good idea to only work with a financial or legal expert who acts in a fiduciary capacity.
They earn good customer reviews
Before adding a financial advisor, I checked out reviews on multiple sites including Google and Yelp, and public lists of awards given to San Francisco financial advisors.
They work with a wide range of clients
Top advisors from this list may be a good fit for people from all financial backgrounds, whether they have $1,000 to invest or $100,000,000. While every financial advisor on this list isn’t the right fit for every reader, there should be an advisor that meets the needs of most people looking to get started with a financial advisor.
Remember that not all people need a financial advisor. Resources like those available here at Money Under 30 could give you all you need to make good financial decisions without the added cost of a finance professional. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your comfort level with your finances to decide if you would benefit from the services of a San Francisco financial advisor.
What questions should you ask a financial advisor?
How can you help me with my finances?
A financial advisor is a licensed financial professional with the expertise to help you manage various parts of your finances. That can include creating a financial plan, managing your investments, or a fully hands-on advising experience where they handle most of your day-to-day finances. Some focus on taxes, some focus on specific types of business owners or employees, some work with anyone.
There are many types of financial advisors. The one thing they all have in common is a business built around helping you manage your money.
Why should I hire you instead of doing it myself?
A financial advisor is best for someone who isn’t confident that they are making the right financial decisions. Most people don’t get much financial education at school, if any. That means unless their parents taught them about money, they could be just making best guesses around major financial decisions like saving for retirement or buying a home.
If you want help creating a financial plan or having your plan double-checked by a professional, a financial advisor could be right for you.
Are you a fiduciary?
A fiduciary is a type of financial advisor that is obligated to put your interests first. That means they are not allowed to put your money into a fund that isn’t aligned with your long-term goals and needs.
Ideally, you should only ever work with a financial professional that acts in a fiduciary capacity.
What services do you offer?
Financial advisors can offer a range of services. Here are some of the most popular services you can find from a financial advisor.
Financial planning – Reviewing where your money is today and how it influences your future is important. With financial planning services, advisors help you chart out the right savings and investments to reach your goals.
Investments –If you don’t know the difference between a stock, bond, and ETF, this service could be very valuable to you. Some financial advisors help you set up your portfolio to manage yourself. Others will manage it for you long-term.
Taxes – Financial advisors may be able to help with tax planning and tax savings strategies. Not all advisors offer tax services, but it’s an extra perk and could allow you to manage all of your money needs in one place.
Consulting –As well-versed financial pros, some advisors also offer business consulting services with a focus on financial management.
What are the costs of hiring a financial advisor?
If you are hiring a financial advisor, it’s important to ask them how they get paid. That’s because financial advisors can charge fees in different ways. They could also make money in ways that give them an incentive to suggest investments that are not in your best interest.
Fee-only financial advisors are only paid by client fees. This is the best type of financial advisor to choose. I would argue that it’s the only financial advisor relationship that works toward the client’s best interests.
Fee-only advisors may charge monthly or annual fees, hourly fees, or fees based on the size of your portfolio. Rates and services can vary, so it could make sense to shop around before choosing a financial advisor.
Some financial advisors are paid commissions by insurance companies and investment firms for selling their products. This is a major conflict of interest. Under this scenario, advisors may be paid to funnel your money into mutual funds or other financial products that are not in your best interest.
Summary
San Francisco and the Bay Area are home to some of the most successful companies in the world. But it’s also one of the most expensive places to live. A financial advisor can help you make the most of your money and keep it working to help you reach your financial goals.
By choosing a fiduciary financial advisor that works as a fee-only advisor, you should be in good hands. This list of the best financial advisors in San Francisco is a great place to get started.
A multiple listing service settled a lawsuit challenging Realtor commission rules for $3 million, a possible harbinger for several ongoing actions by home sellers alleging listing requirements are anticompetitive.
The case, Nosalek v. MLS Property Information Network, had class action status and was filed in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts. Only the MLS agreed to a settlement, according to a June 30 legal filing. Other defendants in the case, both franchisors and brokerages, were not part of the agreement.
Sellers, along with the Department of Justice, are pushing for a major change to the real estate industry’s compensation structure that both its proponents and opponents agree will affect every party involved in home buying.
“Life after all of this is gonna be quite different,” Dennis Norman, a real estate broker and owner of More, Realtors, said. “And I don’t know if NAR survives because we’re talking about massive, massive amounts of money.”
Rules by the National Association of Realtors and associated multiple listing services, which are databases real estate brokers use to list and search for properties, are at the crux of all three major lawsuits — Nosalek v. MLS PIN, Sitzer v. NAR and Moehrl v. NAR. All three cases cite the Sherman Antitrust Act.
The Nosalek plaintiffs didn’t sue NAR, although they did go after realty companies like Century 21, HomeServices of America and Keller Williams. Their initial complaint, filed in December 2020, cites MLS PIN rules on Realtor commissions that say listing brokers must include a fee for the buyer’s representation on each property.
This is because of a coupled compensation structure: most home sellers pay for both the buy-side and sell-side broker fees.
Sellers who don’t offer a fee on the MLS PIN can’t list their home on the service. The lawsuit says this complicates the selling process because buyer agents use the MLS to search for their clients and popular websites like Zillow also use it for their home listings.
Another complaint in the lawsuit says if sellers offer a lower-than-normal fee, buyer agents can see this on the MLS and will likely steer their clients away from the listing.
As part of the settlement, MLS PIN agreed to change its rules on the topic, eliminating the compensation listing requirement. They will also require brokers to inform buyers that they can negotiate the buyer-broker fee and inform sellers that they can elect not to pay it.
HomeServices of America and its affiliates recently filed for summary judgment on the case, arguing there’s no evidence the company conspired with the MLS PIN to inflate commissions.
Both the Sitzer and Moehrl cases contain similar complaints, but are focusing on the NAR as well because of its strong influence on listing service rules: 97% of regional MLSs are affiliated with the NAR and follow its code of ethics, according to by T3 Sixty, a real estate consultant firm.
If the Sitzer and Moehrl lawsuits compel NAR to uncouple with MLSs as some industry voices like Norman are expecting, on top of large damages, the organization and its local chapters would lose their major draw: member-only access.
“I think that’s almost the last bullet for the associations,” Norman said. “MLSs are gonna have their challenges too… but they still have what everybody wants and they’re good for the consumer.”
How Realtors get paid Coupled commissions have been around for a long time. With this system, home sellers pay their listing broker 5% to 6% of the final sale price after closing. That commission is then divvied up evenly between sell-side and buy-side agents, who interact with the customers, and their broker agencies. The majority of each half goes to the agent.
For example, after selling a $300,000 house, a seller pays $15,000 in Realtor fees. Agents receive $6,000 each and their brokers $1,500 each for the sale. The buyer doesn’t pay any fees.
“The whole compensation system doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Steve Brobeck, a senior fellow at the Consumer Federation of America and a self-described public interest advocate, said.
Why are Realtors compensated this way? It evolved from the original system used in 1908 when the first iteration of NAR, the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges, was founded, according to a report by T3 Sixty.
Back then, the industry relied on an exclusive representation system: sellers hired a single listing broker for a fee. Buying brokers were sub-agents of listing brokers, and both sides had a fiduciary duty to sellers. When property sold, listing agents gave their sub-agents a portion of the commission fee.
Eventually, the industry moved away from the subagency model to properly align fiduciary duties, but it didn’t move away from coupled compensations.
“It’s a weird system,” Ann Schnare, a former Freddie Mac executive who ran a study on the compensation structure, said. “Admittedly, it wouldn’t be the first to come to mind, but the fact is that’s what exists… changing it, I think, would be unnecessarily disruptive.”
The NAR has a similar outlook: it resists the lawsuits’ efforts to outlaw shared commissions because they say it’s optional and the rate is negotiable.
Critics of the system like Brobeck point to uniform commission rates despite this negotiability. Brobeck found that in 24 cities across the country, 88% or more of home sales had buy-side commission rates between 2.5% and 3% in a CFA report.
“This rate uniformity is striking evidence of the lack of price competition in the residential real estate industry,” Brobeck said in the report.
Other antitrust lawsuits Legal action over commission fees began in 2018, when a 10-year settlement between the DOJ and the NAR expired. Before crafting a new agreement, the DOJ and Federal Trade Commission held a joint workshop about competition in the real estate industry.
In 2020, the DOJ filed a new lawsuit against the NAR under the Sherman Antitrust Act and simultaneously settled with the association. The settlement required several changes to NAR’s code of ethics to provide “greater transparency to consumers about broker fees.”
The settlement banned buyer brokers from advertising their services as free unless they receive zero compensation from any source. It also prohibited these brokers from searching MLSs by filtering out properties with low commission fees and pushed for greater transparency on those sites.
Because of the settlement, many MLSs began to publicly post commission fees for each property. Redfin and Zillow followed suit. For the first time, homebuyers saw how much their agent would earn from each listing.
But then, the DOJ pulled out of the settlement in 2021 because it prevented them from investigating the association’s rules further.
The Moehrl and Sitzer lawsuits popped up around the same time as the DOJ’s initial workshop.
On March 6, 2019, Christopher Moehrl sued Realtor companies “for conspiring to require home sellers to pay the broker representing the buyer of their homes, and to pay at an inflated amount, in violation of federal antitrust law.”
Then, in April 2019, Joshua Sitzer and Amy Winger, Scott and Rhonda Burnett and Ryan Hendrickson filed a similar lawsuit in Missouri.
Both plaintiffs sued the NAR along with large national broker franchisors: Realogy (now Anywhere Real Estate), HomeServices of America, RE/MAX Holdings, and Keller Williams Realty, as well as HomeServices affiliates BHH Affiliates, HSF Affiliates and The Long & Foster Companies.
Real Estate Exchange, a real estate brokerage, also filed an antitrust lawsuit in 2021 against the NAR, Zillow and Trulia. The lawsuit alleges that Zillow’s search features prevent “transparent access to home inventory.”
Will cash-constrained homebuyers suffer? NAR argues in press releases about the lawsuits that the coupled compensation system fosters market competition because it frees up cash for buyers, allowing them to make a larger down payment.
A study funded by HomeServices of America, a defendant in all three suits, supports the claim. It declares that unless lending changes come in tandem with revisions to this commission structure, it would hurt “minorities, lower income households, and first-time home buyers” the most.
Consumer advocates argue that agent fees won’t hurt buyers because their cost is currently built into home prices. If sellers no longer pay both agent commissions, home prices will fall, and buyers will have the same net cost.
Schnare, one of the study’s authors, said because most finance their home with a mortgage, that’s not true.
“If everything was cash, it wouldn’t make a difference,” Schnare said. “What seems like a small adjustment can make a big adjustment on what they can afford to pay and, you know, potentially hurt the lower end of the market, but with ripple effects upwards.”
Brobeck says this concern is exaggerated, and that lenders will adapt accordingly: “the only reason that argument has any force at all is because the industry supports buyers not being able to finance their commission on the mortgage.”
But Schnare’s study found it’s not that simple.
In order to avoid hurting cash-constrained buyers, lenders would need to change underwriting standards, specifically the loan to value ratio, which represents the borrower’s equity position in the property. This is the most powerful measure of default, the study says, and including an “extraneous factor” like buyer agent fees in the ratio could decrease its predictive accuracy. Schnare says government-sponsored enterprises, the Federal Housing Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs are unlikely to approve of this change.
Even if they did, it would “require regulatory approval and coordination across multiple parties along the mortgage supply chain,” so Schnare expects it to be a lengthy, expensive process. In the meantime, first time homebuyers would struggle to pay broker fees out of pocket.
“We have what we have, we’re not starting from scratch,” she said. “That’s a big ask for something where the benefits are not entirely certain.”
But the CFA and REX both dismissed the study, citing its funding and accusing it of a faulty premise.
Either way, the industry might be forced to change — both the Sitzer and Moehrl lawsuits are going to trial and many expect the plaintiffs to win. The Sitzer trial is scheduled for Oct. 16, and the Moehrl trial will likely begin early 2024.
“I would not be surprised if there was a settlement before them in both cases,” Brobeck said. “And then the question is, will this settlement really lead to effective price competition?”