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June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

When you choose a bank for your daily checking and savings needs, you can choose between a national bank, a smaller regional bank, credit unions of varying sizes, and even online banks and financial technology companies.

Since early 2023, when Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank both experienced failures after customers pulled out large amounts of money during bank runs, banking customers may feel more comfortable choosing a national bank.

Although the U.S. government took extraordinary measures to protect the assets of SVB and Signature Bank customers, and deposits held in the accounts were FDIC insured, many customers were still rightfully concerned about gaining access to their money in a timely manner.

After the banking crisis of 2008, the Federal government declared banks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citibank, and Wells Fargo as “too big to fail.” But these aren’t the only national banks or credit unions available.

You might think that smaller online banks may have lower fees, while small local banks are known for friendly and responsive customer service. But the national banks on this list blend the best of all worlds: low fees, high marks for customer satisfaction, ways to avoid overdraft fees, convenient ATM networks, and a variety of banking products.

16 Best National Banks

Here are the 16 best national banks that offer exceptional services, excellent customer support, and innovative banking solutions to meet all of your financial needs.

1. SoFi – Best for Digital Banking & High Yields

SoFi became a nationally chartered online bank in 2022, after acquiring Golden Pacific Bancorp, Member FDIC. Originally known for its vast array of loan products, including private student loans, today SoFi has a combination checking and savings account, or a cash management account, with no monthly service fee.

SoFi also has no minimum balance requirements, no overdraft fee, and overdraft protection up to $50 with qualifying direct deposits each month. You can bank for free at any of 55,000+ fee free Allpoint ATMs nationwide.

As an online bank, SoFi offers higher interest rates than you may find at brick and mortar banks. Earn up to 4.20% APY on your savings account balance and 1.20% on money in your checking account. When you use your SoFi debit card at select local businesses, you can earn up to 15% cash back.

SoFi offers two tiers of accounts: SoFi and SoFi Plus. To qualify for the “freemium” SoFi Plus membership, bank customers must have qualifying direct deposits. Plus, when you sign up before December 31, 2023, you can earn a cash bonus of $250 when you set up direct deposits of $5,000 or $50 with a direct deposit as low as $1,000.

SoFi Plus members receive loan rate discounts, bonus rewards, access to special entertainment events and more, making SoFi a unique company when it comes to online banks.

2. Discover Bank – Best for Cash Back

Discover may be best known for cashback and rewards credit cards. But its online banking products are some of the best you’ll find among national banks.

With no monthly fees and no minimum balance, your Discover Cashback checking account pays 1% cashback on up to $3,000 worth of debit card purchases monthly. You’ll never pay overdraft charges, and you can withdraw cash at a network of 60,000+ fee free ATMs.

You can qualify for overdraft protection by linking your Discover Bank savings account. Discover Savings pays a high 3.90% APY with no minimum deposit required.

Other Discover Bank deposit accounts include CDs with terms from 3 months to 10 years, and a money market account that pays 3.80% APY for balances under $100,000 and 3.85% on balances $100,000 and up.

For questions or help with your account, you can reach a U.S.-based customer service representative for Discover Bank by phone, 24/7/365.

3. Chase Bank – Best for Credit Card Rewards & Referral Bonuses

As the world’s largest national bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank doesn’t need to do much to entice customers. People will choose Chase based on its name, reputation, and more than 4,700 convenient branch locations across the U.S.

However, Chase happens to have one of the best bonuses for new customers and a generous referral bonus program when existing customers refer their friends. This, coupled with a robust and easy-to-use mobile app and a variety of checking, savings and investment services, puts Chase on our list of top national banks in the U.S.

Chase is currently offering new Chase Total Checking customers a $200 bonus when they open a new account and set up direct deposit within the first 90 days.

New or upgrading Chase Private Client customers can earn a $3,000 bonus with a deposit of $500,000 or more within the first 45 days of account opening. Deposits of $150,000 to $249,999 earn $1,000 and cash deposits of $250,000 to $499,999 earn $2,000. You must keep the money in your J.P. Morgan Wealth Management or JPMorgan Chase deposit accounts for 90 days to qualify.

In addition to Chase Total Checking, the bank’s most popular checking account, and Private Client services, Chase also offers other checking and savings accounts.

Chase Secure Banking has a $4.95 monthly fee and no overdraft fees. Chase Premier Plus Checking offers a few added benefits beyond Chase Total Checking, including ATM fee rebates up to four times per statement cycle, a linked personal checking account with no monthly fees, and a 0.01% interest rate on balances.

Chase also offers bank accounts for kids, teens, and college students, as well as CDs, savings and money market accounts, mortgages, loan products, and a full array of top-rated rewards credit cards.

If you have multiple Chase accounts, it’s easy to manage them all within the mobile app.

4. Chime – Best for Building Credit

Chime is a financial technology company backed by Stride Bank, Member FDIC, and Bancorp Bank, Member FDIC. It is not a bank, itself, but offers some of the same features, including online banking, a debit card, and direct deposit up to two days earlier than some other banks.

Chime has no monthly service fee, no overdraft fee, and no minimum balance requirements. For customers who need a little boost to make it from paycheck to paycheck, Chime offers fee-free overdraft up to $200 through the SpotMe⁵ program and a credit builder secured Visa credit card with no annual fees, interest or minimum security deposit.

Use your Chime debit card at any of 60,000+ fee free¹ ATMs in the Allpoint, MoneyPass or Visa Plus Alliance ATM networks. Out of network ATM fees may apply, otherwise.

You can qualify for Chime’s SpotMe program with a single direct deposit of $200 or more during any monthly statement period. If you process a transaction that would put you into overdraft, Chime will accept the transaction even if it puts your balance into the negative by up to $200.

The Credit Builder Secured Visa card carries the same requirements of a $200 monthly minimum direct deposit. You can build your credit and raise your credit score with responsible use of the card.

5. Citi® – Best for Large Cash Deposits

The third of the four largest national banks in the U.S. based on assets, Citi, owned by Citigroup, is best for high net worth customers or those with large cash deposits divided among Citi checking, savings, and other accounts.

Currently, you can earn a generous cash bonus of $200 to $2,000 when you open a qualifying Citi checking account and meet specific minimum opening deposit requirements. Your bonus will be determined by your account balance on the 20th day after opening the account. Funds must remain in the account for an additional 60 days after the 21st day.

Citi offers multiple checking accounts to meet various customers’ financial needs, all with monthly fees that are easy to waive if you hold the required minimum balance. The bank accounts include:

Citibank
Citi Priority, which includes travel perks and access Citi Personal Wealth Management advisors
Citigold, relationship banking and investment services
Basic Banking and ATM access
Access Account, a debit account with no paper checks

For the Basic Checking account, you’ll need to maintain a $1,500 minimum balance to waive the fees. The other accounts have larger minimum balance requirements to avoid monthly maintenance fees and take advantage of other perks, up to $200,000 for a Citigold account.

All accounts provide access to personal banking at Citi branches and access to more than 65,000 fee free ATMs across the U.S. All accounts except for Basic and Access accounts also have no fees at ATMs outside the Citi network.

Like all the larger national banks on this list, Citi has a full gamut of rewards credit cards, savings and money market accounts, and high-yield CDs.

6. CIT Bank – Best for High Interest Rates

CIT Bank, a division of First Citizens Bank, has earned awards and accolades for customer satisfaction, rated by American Banker as #1 for “delivering the most humanized experience in banking.”

You should be aware that deposits in First Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC, are not separately insured. This only matters if you hold more than $250,000 in any single account type, such as checking or savings, in both First Citizens Bank and in CIT Bank.

CIT is the online only banking arm of First Citizens Bank, with high-yield savings accounts, CDs, money markets, and eChecking, all with no monthly fees and no overdraft fees. You won’t pay any ATM fees at CIT Bank machines, and CIT Bank reimburses up to $30 per month when you use out-of-network ATMs.

CIT offers 0.25% APY on checking when you hold more than $25,000 in your account, and 0.10% APY on balances under $25,000. The bank has high interest rates for savings, offering customers a 4.85% APY on balances of $5,000 or more with the Platinum Savings account.

CIT Bank has two other savings accounts as well:

Savings Connect, with a 4.60% APY
Savings Builder, which requires a minimum balance of $25,000 or a $100 monthly deposit to earn 1.00% APY

You’ll need a $100 minimum deposit to open a checking or savings account at CIT Bank.

7. Bank of America – Best for College Students

As the second largest of the best national banks, behind Chase, Bank of America has the full gamut of banking products, with three checking accounts plus a student account, savings, CDs, and investment products.

It’s easy to waive monthly maintenance fees on a checking account with a minimum daily balance, direct deposits, combined balances across eligible linked Bank of America accounts, or by enrolling in their Preferred Rewards programs.

We like the Advantage SafeBalance banking for kids, teens, and college students under 25 years old. They have no monthly fee and no overdraft fees. Teens ages 16+ can have sole ownership of the account.

For everyone else, the bank offers Advantage Plus and Advantage Relationship checking accounts with easy ways to waive the monthly fees with direct deposit or a minimum daily balance.

When you open a new checking account, you can qualify for a $100 bonus when you receive qualifying direct deposits of at least $1,000 within 90 days of opening the account.

Of course, Bank of America also has CDs, and a savings and money market account. Plus you can invest with Merrill. All of these deposit accounts count toward your Preferred Rewards membership.

When you have a combined average daily balance of at least $20,000 for three months, you’ll qualify for the rewards program.

8. U.S. Bank – Best for Military Members & High Balance Savings

U.S. Bank offers the Bank Smartly checking account so you can earn interest on your money. The current interest rate is just 0.01% APY on all checking balances. You’ll pay a $6.95 maintenance fee, but this is waived if you meet minimum deposit requirements or if you are a member of the U.S. military.

You can link your Bank Smartly checking account to a standard savings account or Elite Money Market to earn even more. To avoid fees on your savings account, you’ll want to keep a $300 minimum daily balance or a $1,000 average monthly collected balance. If you are already a Bank Smartly customer, you can enroll in Smart Rewards to waive savings account fees.

The Elite account is better for those with high balances. You can earn up to 4% APY on balances from $25,000 up to just under $500,000.

The appeal of U.S. Bank is in its high ratings for banking satisfaction across the board from customers. U.S. Bank earned accolades for having the best mobile app, the best digital mortgage tools, the best customer service features, and best mobile check deposit capabilities. These factors all contribute to its ranking as a best national bank.

9. Axos Bank – Best Online Bank

Axos is an online only bank with a rewards checking account that delivers up to 3.30% APY, with no fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates for out-of-network ATMs.

To earn the maximum APY, you’ll need to set up direct deposit and Axos Bank’s free Personal Finance Manager for 0.70% interest. Then, open an investment account and take out an Axos personal loan or auto loan and earn another 2.60% annual percentage yield on your checking account balance.

Axos also offers an Essential Checking account with early direct deposit and no fees, and a Cashback Checking account, which gives you 1% cash back on debit card purchases, along with no maintenance fees and unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements.

Voted the best online bank by many top personal finance sites, Axos Bank offers more than just high interest, no fee checking.

Axos Bank offers CDs with terms between 3 and 60 months and a savings account with 0.61% annual percentage yield, with interest compounded daily. You can also find personal loans, car loans, mortgages, and investment products.

Like other national banks, Axos Bank provides FDIC insurance up to $250,000 or $500,000 for joint account holders. But you can expand your coverage up to $150 million with Axos Bank InsureGuard+ Savings from IntraFi Network Deposits.

Axos splits up your large deposit into multiple accounts across several banks, each covered up to $250,000. If you are dealing with a substantial amount of cash and want your savings protected at a single bank, Axos may be a good choice for you.

New customers can earn a $100 welcome bonus by opening an account with just a $50 minimum opening deposit.

10. Truist Bank – Best for Relationship Banking & Innovative Savings Perks

Truist Bank is one of the top 10 largest national banks, formed as a merger between BB&T and SunTrust in 2019. Called “the biggest bank you’ve never heard of” by CNN Business, Truist holds assets of $574 billion and has been growing steadily since the merger.

Truist offers checking and savings accounts, CDs, and credit cards. Truist checking and savings customers can earn perks and benefits. This includes access to Long Game, a savings game app that lets you earn cash when depositing into your Truist savings account. It also includes bonus rewards on your Truist credit cards.

Truist has four levels of relationship banking in its Truist One checking account. This means the more you deposit, the more perks you will receive, up to a 50% loyalty bonus on Truist credit cards, and a discounted annual fee for a Delta SkyMiles debit card. Benefits for relationship banking begin at $10,000 in combined average monthly balances for Truist deposit accounts.

Your Truist checking account has a $12 monthly fee, which is easy to waive with $500 or more in direct deposits each month or a $500 minimum balance across all Truist deposit accounts. Truist personal loan, mortgage or credit card customers also pay no fees on their Truist checking account.

You can also waive the monthly fee with a linked Small Business checking account or if you are a student under the age of 25. You’ll need a $25 minimum opening deposit for a Truist One checking.

Customers with lower income or just getting started establishing their finances can benefit from Truist Confidence checking and savings accounts. The account has just a $5 monthly maintenance fee, which is easily waived.

11. Capital One – Best for High Interest Rates at a Brick and Mortar Bank

Like Chase Bank, Capital One is well known for its top-rated rewards credit cards. The company is also one of the best national banks with a savings account and CDs offering interest rates higher than the national average.

Capital One Performance 360 savings has a 3.90% APY, no monthly maintenance fees, and no minimum deposit to open your account. A Capital One 360 Performance checking account, similarly, has no monthly maintenance fee, overdraft protection through your linked savings account, and early direct deposit.

You can bank with no fees at a network of 70,000+ ATMs nationwide, and can deposit cash easily at CVS retail locations. Although you must open your Capital One Performance account online, you can receive personalized service and deposit cash at any Capital One bank branches or Capital One Cafes.

12. PNC Bank – Best in East and Southwest

PNC Bank is a large, national bank with branch locations across 29 states. Most branches are in the east, south, and southwest, although you will also find branch locations in some Midwest states.

PNC Bank’s online checking account is called Spend and it links to the PNC VirtualWallet. You can add a savings account, called Reserve, or upgrade to the Performance Select product with two tiers of savings and double layer overdraft protection.

When you set up your VirtualWallet with PNC Bank and open your Spend account, you can earn a $50 bonus.

Combining your Spend account with a PNC Bank Reserve account yields even more benefits. Earn a $200 bonus when you qualify. Finally, if you open a Performance Select VirtualWallet, you could earn $400.

Each account comes with a low monthly fee that is easily waived through qualifying monthly direct deposits or by meeting minimum balance requirements.

13. Wells Fargo – Best for Checking Account Options

Wells Fargo, one of the “big four,” is the fourth largest of the best national banks in the U.S. It is known for having many convenient bank locations, with 4,700 branch locations.

The vast number of branches across the country puts it top on our list for in-person banking and customer satisfaction.

Plus, we also rated it best for various checking account choices for everyone from children to retail investors.

Like the other national banks on this list, Wells Fargo has checking, savings, and CD accounts. The bank has four checking account options for consumers at various stages of their financial lives:

Clear Access Banking, with no overdraft fee and a low $5 monthly fee, waived for teens and young adults ages 13 to 24
Everyday Checking, the most popular bank account, with optional overdraft protection
Prime Checking, offering discounted interest rates for loans and higher interest rates for linked CDs and savings accounts
Premier Checking, a relationship banking service with 24/7 support and discounts on investing services

It’s easy to waive the $10 fee on Everyday Checking with a $500 minimum daily balance or $500 in monthly direct deposits. Waive the $25 fee on your Prime checking with $20,000 in linked balances. Similarly, your Premier Checking account will be free with $250,000 in linked balances, including investments with the bank’s Advisors.

You’ll need a $25 minimum opening deposit to open your account.

14. Ally Bank – Best Online Only Bank for Savings

Ally Bank is widely recognized as one of the best national online banks. It has very few fees, including no maintenance fee, no overdraft fee, and no ACH fee (even on expedited transfers). Plus, you’ll earn interest of 0.25% in your checking account and 3.85% APY on savings, including money you have allocated into various buckets.

We rated Ally Bank as the best online only bank for savings, not just because of the high interest rate, but because it offers so many ways to manage your money and ramp up your savings efforts.

You can set up recurring transfers into your savings account for specific goals or just to build up your emergency coffers. You can choose to round up transactions made with your Ally Bank debit card, or even electronic payments and checks. When Ally Bank finds at least $5 in “round-up” savings, it will be transferred automatically to your checking account.

Finally, Ally Bank analyzes your checking account periodically to reveal extra funds that are “safe to save.” Ally Bank automatically transfers that money for you. But you can transfer it back whenever you’d like.

In addition to these savings benefits, Ally Bank lets you access your money with your debit card with no fees at any of 43,000+ Allpoint ATMs. The online bank also refunds up to $10 in fees charged by out-of-network ATMs.

You can avoid stress and overspending with the Overdraft Transfer Service, which automatically transfers money from your Ally Bank savings account into checking. If you exceed six transfers or six savings withdrawals per month, Ally Bank will reimburse those fees, too.

You can also apply for CoverDraft℠ Coverage, which will cover up to $250 in charges that would put your account in the negative. You’ll qualify 30 days after you deposit at least $100 into your checking account. If you receive qualifying direct deposits of at least $250 two months in a row, you can increase your coverage to $250.

15. TD Bank – Best for Overall Banking Satisfaction

TD Bank, deemed America’s most convenient bank for its number of branches, branch hours and excellent customer service, blends the best of brick and mortar banks with easy online banking.

Most TD Bank locations are open seven days a week, including Sundays, with extended hours beyond what most brick and mortar banks provide. Most TD Bank branches are located across the East Coast, with locations in 15 different states and Washington, D.C.

TD Bank is the 7th largest bank in the U.S. based on deposits, with 1,668 branch locations nationwide. You can also reach customer service by phone, 24/7/365, which earns TD Bank high marks for banking satisfaction.

TD Bank offers six checking accounts for customers in various life stages:

TD Essential Banking
TD Convenience Checking
TD Beyond Checking
TD Simple Checking
TD 60 Plus Checking
TD Student Checking (for ages 17 to 23)

Currently, TD Bank is offering sign-on bonuses for new customers who open a TD Beyond or TD Convenience bank account. You’ll need a qualifying direct deposit (or more than one) totaling $2,500 within the first 60 days to earn $300 with TD Beyond, and a direct deposit of just $500 within the first 60 days to earn $200 with TD Convenience.

16. Schwab Bank – Best for Investors

Schwab may be best known as an investment service, but the bank was rated highest in banking satisfaction with checking accounts from J.D. Power & Associates four years running.

If you have a Schwab investment account, or are considering opening one, Schwab could be the best choice in banking for you.

The Schwab Bank Investor checking account has no foreign transaction fees, no minimums, and unlimited ATM fee rebates. Plus, earn 0.45% annual percentage yield on checking. Schwab’s savings account offers 0.48% APY.

Schwab also offers exceptionally high interest rates for CDs, with up to 5.40% APY and terms as short as 30 days. You’ll receive FDIC protection exceeding the federal maximum because you can purchase CDs from multiple banks, all through Schwab investment.

Methodology: How We Chose the Best National Banks

We evaluated a variety of banks and credit cards, taking into consideration the:

Variety of products
Interest rates
Monthly fees
ATM fees and ATM fee reimbursement
Branch locations and number of branches
Minimum deposit requirements
Fraud protection and security

We also looked at consumer reviews, and drew on the general reputation of each bank to find the best national bank.

Finding the Best National Bank

Now that we’ve explored the specifics of the best online banks and brick and mortar banks nationwide, you probably still have questions about which one is really the best national bank.

Let’s compare the three largest in the U.S. based on number of branches, interest rates, and overall banking satisfaction.

Chase vs. Wells Fargo

For the largest nationwide bank, Chase offers excellent banking satisfaction with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, 4,800 branch locations, and an easy and intuitive mobile app. If you are shopping for a bank credit card, Chase also offers some of the best rewards cards available today.

Wells Fargo rivals Chase when it comes to number of branches, with roughly 4,700 locations across the U.S. It’s somewhat easier to waive the checking account fees at Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo offers higher interest rates for savings, with a 0.15% APY compared to Chase’s 0.01%.

Both banks have lower interest rates than you might find at online banks. However, if you are looking for national banks with a solid reputation, many branches, and high marks in banking satisfaction, either Chase or Wells Fargo would be a good choice.

Wells Fargo vs. Bank of America

Bank of America and Wells Fargo are the second and third-largest banks in the U.S. based on assets. BofA only has 4,000 branches compared to Fargo’s 4,700, but BofA boasts more ATMs nationwide.

BofA stands out when you join the Preferred Rewards program because you can waive the fees on your bank account and enjoy perks, bonus rewards on BofA credit cards, and rate discounts on loans.

If you have a large balance or are looking for an investing platform through your bank, BofA may be your best choice. On the other hand, Wells Fargo offers high interest rates on savings and convenient branch locations nationwide.

Common Questions

People have many questions related to whether an online bank is better than a traditional bank or whether a local bank is better than one of the largest national banks. We break it all down here.

Which is better, an online bank or a brick-and-mortar bank?

If you are looking for the highest interest rates and generous rewards programs, you are highly likely to find them at online banks. However, there are some advantages to a brick and mortar bank, including in-person service at local branches, the availability of paper checks, and easy ways to deposit cash in person or at branch ATMs.

You should expect the best national online banks and the best brick and mortar banks to have robust mobile apps, easy-to-waive fees, and fraud protection.

Make sure whatever bank you choose is “Member FDIC,” which means your deposits are insured up to $250,000 per account holder, per account type. That means joint accounts have $500,000 worth of FDIC insurance protection.

Is my money safer in a national bank vs. a regional bank (or a national credit union vs. a regional credit union)?

All banks on this list are Member FDIC, which means they are insured to the maximum allowable limit of $250,000 per account holder, per account type. Credit unions are covered up to the same limits by the National Credit Union Administration.

Many online banks are insured up to $2 million or more. These financial institutions divide cash deposits among multiple partner banks. Each bank insures deposits up to the maximum limit allowed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Read the fine print to determine your coverage limits when you choose a bank.

Beyond that, your money should be equally safe in a national bank, a smaller bank, or a credit union of any size. Also look for features such as fraud protection, fraud alerts via text, email or in the mobile app, and enhanced website security measures. You should also be able to lock and unlock your debit card in the mobile app if you misplace it or believe it may have been stolen.

What makes big banks different from smaller banks?

By definition, big banks will have larger market capitalization, which represents the total value of a bank’s stocks. Big banks will also hold more assets. For instance, Chase, which is the world’s largest financial institution, holds $3.2 trillion in assets. The second-largest national bank, Bank of America, possesses $2.41 trillion in assets. Larger financial institutions may also have more bank branches.

In many other ways, big national banks and smaller banks are similar, especially today. Customers want specific features and are unwilling to compromise on things like fee-free ATMs, no monthly fees, early direct deposit, and an intuitive mobile app.

How much interest do the best big banks pay?

In general, some of the largest national banks do not have the highest interest rates for savings and very few offer interest earning checking accounts.

Capital One 360 and Discover are two of the best national banks that offer interest on checking. To earn a higher APY with one of the largest national banks, you might want to consider CDs.

Are national banks better than other kinds of banks?

National banks aren’t necessarily better or worse than other kinds of banks. They may have more convenient branch locations, a higher number of branches, and a greater variety of products, but they might also have higher fees. Decide what’s most important to you when you choose a bank.

If you’d prefer to trust your money with one of the largest national banks, with a large market capitalization, high value, and branches nationwide, consider opening your checking and savings accounts with one of the best national banks on this list.

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.

The Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

1. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply with Chime except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

5. Chime SpotMe is an optional, no fee service that requires a single deposit of $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to the Chime Checking Account each at least once every 34 days. All qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their account up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially, but may be later eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on member’s Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. Your limit will be displayed to you within the Chime mobile app. You will receive notice of any changes to your limit. Your limit may change at any time, at Chime’s discretion. Although there are no overdraft fees, there may be out-of-network or third party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe won’t cover non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. See Terms and Conditions.

Source: crediful.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.

I’m not really sure about this whole expensive holiday gift thing. I know it’s supposed to be a way of showing love and appreciation, but I think it is too much pressure. Why not give a cheap holiday gift that they will actually use?

Plus a lot of people struggle with finding a Christmas gift for their loved ones, regardless of price.

Some people say that the best gifts are homemade, but not always. I am going to show you 101+ of my favorite cheap but thoughtful Christmas gifts ideas for someone who is on a budget or does not want to spend too much money.

These cheap Christmas gift ideas are for everyone on your list, from the family member you don’t know what to get them to the coworkers who always complain about not getting anything.

You will find the best advice on how to find the perfect present without breaking your budget.

The holidays are right around the corner, and it is time to start thinking about those gift lists! The holidays are about spending time with those closest to you, for many Americans it can be exceedingly difficult to find a decent gift for those from your close circle.

Why Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas

I know that you’re looking for some great gift ideas this year and we have you covered: adults, teens, kids, fashionistas, athletes, teachers, plus so much more!

There are so many inexpensive Christmas gift ideas that it can be hard to know where to start. This article will help you find the perfect present for everyone this holiday season.

The price range will be cheap Christmas gifts under $10 or nice cheap gifts for Christmas under $20. Some items maybe a little bit more expensive, but well worth the extra cost based on the idea!

Find over 250 cheap last-minute Christmas gifts (delivered by Amazon) on this list that I know the recipient will love!

We all want to give gifts that are thoughtful, stylish, and affordable. These cheap Christmas gift ideas offer all of that, plus they are inexpensive to buy. Broke at Christmas time isn't fun. Learn how to get awesome gifts when broke. DIY and free ideas for women, for guys, for friends, for men, for kids. These money saving tips will help your Christmas budget.

Cheap Christmas Gifts for Adults

Easy cheap Christmas gifts for adults are those that can be afforded by the budget-conscious and the best part is still are awesome gifts.

These gifts usually have a handmade flair or personal touch to them to reflect the recipient’s personality.

To find cheap Christmas gifts for coworkers, you can pick any present on this list.

DIY Jewelry: This is one of the best ways to make multiple gifts for cheap. You can make many types of homemade jewelry.
Mug with their name on it: Make them smile with a customized mug just for them!
Coloring Books: Coloring isn’t just for kids. Adult coloring books are extremely popular and inexpensive to pick up an adult coloring book and colored pencils.
Magazines Subscriptions: Some ideas include National Geographic or Smithsonian. Great way to find new inspiration and ideas.
A Photo Album of your Memories: This can be a physical or digital photo album. A simple way to portray your friendship and experiences together.
Journal: Write down thoughts, ideas, or quotes that they love in the journal. Pick up a plain journal at Target for $5-$10.
Stickers: Add a few stickers from your collection, some ribbon, and scrapbook papers to decorate it!
Movie Night: A movie night with popcorn and some of their favorite movies is a thoughtful, inexpensive gift that everyone will enjoy. Buy a streaming movie or pass to the local cinema.
Handmade Gifts: If you have a knack for the arts and crafts, making a handmade gift is not only thoughtful but also can be very inexpensive!
Coffee or tea from their favorite coffee shop: There’s nothing better than a cup of joe or tea to start the day off right.
A Bouquet of Flowers: Get a bag of those colorful hair ties, and tie them to the stems for an extra special touch!
Collage Frame: A collage frame can be used as a picture frame, or it can be used as a decoration on the wall.
Holiday Decor: This is an affordable and practical gift for someone who loves to decorate their home for the holidays.
DIY-ed Ornaments: Get creative with this craft and let their imagination run wild!
Homemade Treats: Who doesn’t love cookies, chocolates, or homemade baked goods? Even canned salsa or jelly make great gifts!
Stockings: With any number of crafts available to make-you can’t go wrong with a stocking full of goodies for the holidays.
Cookies: Bake up some of your favorite holiday cookies and package them in a festive container for a sweet treat. Perfect to host a cookie exchange as a fun experience!
Comic Books: It can be no surprise to some adults when they think of all the hard work that goes into creating a comic book and see the end product. What’s even more surprising is that more adults don’t try them.
Handmade Gifts from Kids: If your child loves to paint, draw, or make things with their hands-this is the perfect opportunity for them.

Cheap Christmas Gifts for Teens

Coming up with Christmas gift ideas for teens can be tough. Teens are often too old to play childish games like Monopoly or Jenga, yet they’re not quite ready for more grown-up games like Trivial Pursuit.

There are a lot of inexpensive gift ideas for teens from the mall, but teens often want something more personal and unique to show they are maturing.

If you are looking for cheap gifts for teens, you can try any of these present ideas.

Gift cards are always a huge hit with this age group! Double bonus if you can make it a fun way to spend some time together. Make sure that your teen is comfortable with this idea.

iPod Touch / iPhone / iPad Accessories: A new case, screen protector, and a few apps are always great. Whether it’s to show off or just something fun, this is a great idea.
Journal: This gift will help your teens reflect on the year and all of the good things that happened!
Fun Colors to Write With: The festive design on these pens will make teens want to use them all year round. Fun gel pens are wonderful gifts for all ages; they are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors.
Fashion Designer Scarf: This gift will help your teen express his or her individuality while also staying warm during the winter months.
Room Decorations: Checking out new colors and themes for the room is a fun way to spend some time together. Plus they may be ready for a change from their younger decor.
Makeup: Teens love makeup and skincare items, so make it their job to pick out a few new things they want.
Candles: Having a nice scent can help relax and soothe your teen before bedtime. These versatile gifts come in many shapes. It is also how teens feel more grown-up.
Hand-Painted Mug: Handpainted mugs are perfect for all the coffee and tea lovers in your house, and they are so easy to make! This can be an experience gift, too!
Handmade Jewelry: this is an affordable yet creative holiday present
Trendy Socks: These are always a great gift for anyone. Not only does it keep your feet warm, but it can be fashionable too!
iTunes Gift Card: Let them download a favorite song or album.
Movies: Movies are a great gift to give especially if it’s one of their favorites or they’ve been wanting to see it!
Clothing: The recipient will love getting some new clothes-especially if they’re trendy and stylish, or their favorite store has a sale going on that you know about.
Special Treat: A special treat is a great way to show someone that you care about them and appreciate all they do.

Cheap Christmas Gifts for Kids

Picture of kids to show cheap easy Christmas gifts for kids

Kids are the most precious gift of all. They’re also notoriously hard to buy inexpensive presents for – they normally want gifts that are outside your price range! Fortunately, these Christmas gifts will have your child smiling from ear-to-ear.

Cheap easy Christmas gifts for kids are especially not difficult to find and you have plenty of inexpensive gift ideas, – plus your bank account will thank you for it.

At the end of the day, kids don’t really care what it costs as long as they like it.

Stuffed Animals: Give them the gift of a new favorite toy that they can hug and take with them everywhere-just make sure to tuck in an extra battery for their new favorite toy.
Paper & Stickers: A package of paper and stickers is perfect for kids who love to create their own projects or write notes, letters, or holiday cards. This pack is also perfect for young ones who are just learning how to write.
Colored Pencils & Crayons: Colored pencils and crayons are a fun way to keep kids focused on their art. These pens will help them create original masterpieces.
Customized Shirts: A new shirt is a great way for kids to express their personality, and it can also be an easy outfit of the day solution when they’re running out the door.
Puzzles: Puzzles are a great way for kids to learn new skills and stay entertained on rainy days. They also make excellent stocking stuffers!
Ice Cream Variety Pack: A yummy variety pack of ice cream will make their day.
Play Doh: Kids love play doh, and it’s a great way to keep them entertained for hours! It also makes a great stocking stuffer.
Colorful Pens: Kids love to color, so give them the opportunity with some bright new pens! They’ll have fun for hours doodling on all their things.
Slime: Slime is all the rage right now, and kids can make their own with this kit.
Sippy Cups: Kids love sippy cups because they’re fun and easy to drink from! They also come in a variety of designs and colors.
Kitten: They will love this sweet little creature that they can cuddle up with in winter.
Fidget Toys: Fidget toys are a great way to keep kids entertained and focused with some fun. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, making them perfect for all ages!
Star Night Light: This was one of my daughter’s favorite gifts (even her older teen brother was jealous). Huge hit to light up the wall at nighttime.
Remote Controlled Car: A remote-controlled car is a great gift idea because it can be played indoors or outdoors. It also makes for hours of fun!
Make Your Own Soap Kit: This kit will allow your child to make their own soaps at home with some fun ingredients. They have a variety of colors and scents available which they can use to customize the soap for their own preference.
Board Games for Kids: Board games are a great way to keep entertained while bonding with their friends and family. They come in different levels of difficulty, making them perfect for all ages.
Nature Exploration Set: A nature exploration set will help to inspire your child’s curiosity and creativity. The kit includes a journal, binoculars, magnifying glass, and more!
NERF: NERF toys are classics for kids of all ages. They’re great to take on family vacations or just to play with friends.
Dolls: Dolls are a classic toy for girls and they come in all shapes and sizes. From Barbie to Baby Alive, there’s plenty of options available!
Spirograph: A Spirograph can keep kids entertained for hours. They design pictures with the help of an included pen and paper.
Rock Painting Kit: A rock painting kit will allow kids to express their creativity by decorating rocks.
Bead Kit: A beading kit is a great way to teach kids about colors and patterns. It also teaches patience as they work with the small beads
Sewing Kit: Sewing kits allow kids to create their own stuffed animals and clothes for themselves.
Drawstring Backpacks: Helpful to keep their stuff organized on outings, vacations, or events when the kids need to be entertained.

Kids love getting gifts, and these cheap Christmas gifts ideas are perfect for any child!

Best Cheap Gifts for the Foodie Cook

picture of a wrapped present for cheap Christmas gift ideas.

One of the most difficult parts about shopping for a gift is coming up with creative ideas.

This list is full of affordable gifts is perfect for that friend or family member who loves to cook and bake!

Here are some of the best cheap gifts for the foodie cook.

Charcuterie Board Set: This is the perfect gift for the foodie that loves to cook with meat. It provides an assortment of meats, cheeses, fruits, and bread in a beautiful wooden tray.
Mason Jar Set: This gift is perfect for a friend or family member who loves to cook. The set includes six pint-sized jars with lids and can be personalized with the recipient’s name.
Salt and Pepper Grinder: This set comes with salt and pepper grinders for the foodie who loves to cook.
Gourmet Spices: Spice up a friend’s cooking experience with this assortment of spices from around the world.
Frother: Perfect for milk frothing for coffee, lattle, milk shares, hot chocolates, and matcha powder. You need one of these and everyone else around you does too!
Mini Stand Mixer: This is a perfect gift for a friend who loves to cook and bake! The mixer comes with attachments such as a whisk, dough hook, and flat beater.
Fondue Pot: This pot is perfect for families that enjoy eating together! The set includes a fondue pot, forks, skewers, dippers, and dipping sauces.
Cookie Press: This press is perfect for a friend who loves to bake! The set includes a cookie press, dough sheet mold, rolling pin, and recipes.
Oven Mitts: You don’t want your foodie gift receipeint to burn their hands. Replace their worn-out oven mitts with one of these stylish oven mitts.
Hot Sauce Set: Every foodie needs some hot sauce in their fridge. This set includes 3 bottles of the hottest sauces around, plus a recipe book for beginners.
Spice Rub Set: Give your foodie friend the gift of spices especially if they love to grill or have a Traeger! This set includes salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder.
Teapot Set: This is for all those tea drinkers out there. This set includes a teapot and infuser ball.
Tea Bags: Add on to the teapot set and deliver a set of tea bags with a bunch of different flavors.
French Press: French press brewing prevents an over-extraction of flavors; the grounds only add flavor regardless of how little or how much coffee is steeped. Expand their coffee experience!
Coffee Grinder: This is for all those coffee drinkers out there who like to make their own custom blends.
Bamboo Cutting Board: Over time, we all have to replace our words cutting boards at some point. So, this makes a chop-worthy gift.
Tea Towels: These are great for drying dishes, wiping counters and so much more. Find a catchy saying they will love to display!
Sourdough Banneton Proofing Basket: If they are hooked on the sourdough trend, then they need one of these to elevate their breadmaking skills.
Bread Lame Scouring Tool: A must for anyone who makes sourdough breads!
Batter Bowl: This is a great kitchen tool for mixing batters, making pancakes, and more. It will be a welcome addition to the kitchen!
Flour Sifter: This is another one of those necessary tools in the kitchen.
Coffee Mug: For coffee lovers, this is a great gift idea!
Salt Cellar: This is a nice addition to the kitchen and it will hold those hard-to-reach salt and pepper.
Cheese Plane: This tool makes cutting cheese into perfect, uniform slices – making cooking and serving a breeze.
Saute Pan: This pan is great for frying, sautéing, and more! It’s perfect for the average home cook or budding chef.
Zester: This handy tool is perfect for adding flavor to dishes with just the slightest touch.
Meat Thermometer: This is a tool that can’t be beaten especially for the grill master. This one is by far the best on the market!.
Pizza Cutter: This is an essential kitchen tool for any pizza lover!
Ice cream scoop: This ice cream scoop is perfect for any ice-cream lover. It comes in 2 different sizes of scoops and they come in a variety of colors.
Cooking Class: Give them the gift of cooking skills-it’ll be something they can use for years to come!

Best Cheap Gifts for the Homebody

Picture of Christmas tree for cheap Christmas gifts under $10

Holiday shopping can be a stressful time, but not to worry. Here are some great gifts for the person who has everything and doesn’t want anything.

Consider these cheap, homey gifts that will please any loved one or host.

Weighted Blanket: For those who love to cozy up with a blanket, this one might be the perfect weight and size for them.
Hot Cocoa Mix: This is an easy way to ensure that your loved ones have a delicious treat from their kitchen.
Wool Socks: This is a great item to have on hand for the winter months.
Tea Infuser: This one will help your loved ones in their journey of self-discovery.
Homemade Snow Globe: Grab a this snow globe kit and make your loved ones their own little winter wonderland.
House Shoes: A pair of these comfortable shoes will be something your loved ones can wear around the house.
Cozy Blanket: These blankets are made to keep you warm and cozy during those cold winter nights.
Popcorn Popper: This is a fun gift that they will all enjoy especially on movie night.
Jigsaw Puzzle: Give them a puzzle that will keep their mind sharp and occupied.
Board Games: More than likely they prefer to have people over to enjoy good old-fashion board games and a night of laughter with friends!
Comfy Pajamas: A new set of cozy pajamas is sure to be a hit with the kids.
Robe: A new robe is a great gift for those who love to lounge around in their comfiest clothes.

These are some Cheap Christmas Gift ideas for those who are on a budget!

Best Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Spa Lovers

Picture of a candle for cheap gifts for mom for christmas

The perfect gift for anyone who loves to pamper themselves is a spa gift card. Spa gift cards are the perfect present because it gives the recipient freedom over what they would like to do during their stay.

There are many different spa gift cards available on the market, so it is easy to find one that suits the recipient’s personality and budget.

If you can’t find a group of people to go in on this idea, then turn their home into a spa experience.

Bath Salts: These are perfect for the person who loves to relax and take baths. All they will need is a nice scented candle or bath bomb, their favorite book, and these salts to make themselves feel like royalty.
Candles: These are perfect for the person who loves to relax and read, or just has a nice smelling home. There are many different scents available so it is easy to find one that suits the recipient’s personality.
Aromatherapy: This gift idea is perfect for those who want an inexpensive yet thoughtful gift. There are many aromatherapy oils to choose from, but the two most popular would be lavender and peppermint
Diffuser: These are perfect for someone who enjoys a deep and restful sleep, as well as those who enjoy shut-eye at night to take away any stresses or worries. A few drops of these oils in a diffuser or humidifier will soothe the recipient and ease them into relaxation before bedtime.
Tea: This is perfect for the person who enjoys a good cup of tea. A nice box of loose leaf teas is sure to be appreciated and used for many, many years to come!
Cookies: This may seem like a typical and uninspired gift that most people would choose, but it is thoughtful and they will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Scalp Massager: This is great for those with a sensitive scalp. It helps to soothe the skin and will leave them feeling relaxed
Shower Speaker: This is a great gift for someone whose favorite song isn’t Top 40. They will be able to listen to their music while they shower.
Manicure Dip Starter Kit: This is a great gift for those who love to paint their nails
Hyaluronic Acid: Help maintain the hydration of the outer layers of skin, which helps to improve its appearance.
Hair Mask: This is a great gift for someone who loves to pamper themselves, especially if they are in need of moisture.
Lip Sleeping Mask: A gentle overnight moisturizer for dry, sore lips.
Microfiber Hair Towel Wrap: This is a great gift for someone who spends a lot of time in the pool or at the beach. It is quick and easy to help dry your hair faster.
Handheld Massager: Seriously, this is the best gift ever. Plus the cost has been coming down each year.

Cheap Gift Ideas for the Fashionista

If you are looking for an affordable, fashionable gift idea that is also fun and creative then this list has something to offer you.

Here are some ideas for the fashionista on a budget.

Scarf: Scarves are always in style and can be found anywhere. You can get a nice one for only about $25, depending on the brand.
Tote bag: A tote bag is a necessity for school, the mall, and even just running errands around town. You can find them anywhere from $5-25 depending on what type you want.
Pandora Bracelet: The Pandora bracelet is a beautiful piece of jewelry that can be bought with any budget in mind, and it’s a great option for people who want to give something that will last. Great gift to add charms each year.
Earrings: Earrings can be a great gift for someone you know who is really into fashion. You can find them at the drugstore or even in some clothing stores, and they cost anywhere from $5-20.
Belt: A belt is great for someone who doesn’t have too many accessories, or if you just want to spice up an outfit with a new piece of jewelry.
Hair Clips: Hair clips are a great gift for someone who spends most of their time at home because you can clip them in your hair to keep it out of the way while you do chores. Also, great for those trendy messy up-dos!
Felt Hat: A felt hat can be a great gift for someone who goes to the beach a lot, or just likes wearing hats because it’s cold outside. They last longer than other types of material and they can be a really inexpensive gift.
Jewelry Dish: Find a small dish at the dollar store and decorate with paint or fabric to make it look pretty!
Re-gift Jewelry: Add jewelry from your old collection that you don’t wear anymore (maybe some old costume jewelry?).
Sunglasses: Sunglasses are one of the most popular Christmas gifts, and they can be found cheaply at many stores. I bought a pair for under $15!
Watch: Watches can be found at many stores for a cheap price. Watchmakers are competing to lower their prices as they try and go against the trend of cell phone watches, which is why you can find a nice watch for under $10.
Sweatshirt: A good sweatshirt is a woman’s best friend. It will keep you warm during the winter and can easily be dressed up or down depending on what you’re wearing-It doesn’t have to be too expensive either, with most stores having sales or clearance racks that are perfect for picking up gifts.
Nail Polish: The best thing about nail polish is that you can buy it in a lot of sizes, from the little bottles that are perfect for stocking stuffers to larger ones that come in packages of 5 or more. Great stocking stuffers!
Yoga Pants: We all know yoga pants are a girl’s best friend. But, y’all the prices of these yoga pants are amazing, and did I mention how many I have given as cheap gifts?!?!
Winter Gloves: Some people might think winter gloves are odd to put on a Christmas list, but they make such great stocking stuffers!
Shopping Bag: This is a great present for someone who likes to shop! I know what you’re thinking, “how do they not have one?”
A New Outfit: Even if the person you are buying for is not a fashionista, clothes still make great gifts. And if you know what their favorite style of clothing is then nows the time to indulge them in some new clothes!

Some suggestions are old and some are new, but all of them will be perfect for the person you want to give a gift to.

Cheap Gift Ideas for the Makeup Artist

Check out these cheap beauty Christmas gifts for the makeup artist on your list. These are great for anyone that has a budget of $10 or less.

Makeup: Find out what brands your friends, family members, or classmates like and buy them the makeup in that brand. You can find this information at their favorite retailers or by asking around to see which brands they wear.
Nail Polish: Buying nail polish as a gift is a great idea because you can buy them the exact color they want to wear and it’s usually not too expensive.
Perfume: If your budget is $10 or less, you can buy a nice perfume that smells great and it will be something they use often.
Bath Bomb: If you’re shopping for someone who needs to relax, then a bath bomb is the perfect gift.
Specialty Coffee Mug: You can find these for fairly cheap and they’re something that people will use every day so it’s great. Find a fun coffee mug with an artsy flair!
Lip Stain: Lip stains are a really popular product because they’re long-lasting and come in so many colors. This is perfect for someone who loves makeup!
Makeup Brushes: Any good makeup artist knows the quality of the brush makes a difference. You can find a decent brush at an affordable price!
Silicone Makeup Sponges: These are perfect for applying makeup evenly and providing coverage.
Reusable Beauty Products: For the eco-conscious, find plenty of reusable beauty products. You will be surprised at this list.

Gather all of these makeup supplies and put them together for a creative gift basket!

Cheap Gift Ideas for the Athlete

Sweating is gross, so this guide has come to help! It’s tough when you have an athlete in the family because they are always on the move.

Athletes will have to replace their equipment and clothing because of use.

Here are some nice, thoughtful gift ideas for the athlete on your list!

Water Bottle: Sometimes I feel like I can never have enough water bottles!
A pack of compression pants: I wear them for my sport because they help with the swelling and protect against injury.
New backpack: I use mine all of the time!
Headphones: These allow people to listen to their favorite music or podcast while getting the sweat on.
Full-zip fleece jacket: I love being able to bundle up when it gets cold! This is a thoughtful guide for the athlete on your list for before and after workouts.
Polarized Sunglasses: These help protect eyes from glare and add style to any outfit.
Music Subscription (ad free): This is a great gift for the athlete who loves music!
Yoga Mat: Yoga mats are great because they’re environmentally friendly and also come in a bunch of different colors. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to stretch out and do some poses on your own. Plus the experts say we should stretch every day.
Sports Watch: Preferably with stopwatch and alarm clock. THey need to time those tabata crossfit workouts.
Running Gloves: These are thoughtful gifts for someone who loves the outdoors and running.
Foam Roller: A great gift for the athlete who is looking for a little bit of extra relief.
Folding Bike: This is a thoughtful gift idea for someone who loves to bike ride but doesn’t have space for a bike. This one is more expensive, but a great idea to go in with others on!
Sports Massage Oil: This is a thoughtful gift for the runner, cyclist, or anyone who gets sore muscles. Pick a hand massager to go with it!
Camouflage Pillow: This is a great present for an outdoorsy person who has their head in the clouds.
Good Socks: Have you ever smelled the stinky socks?!?! Enough said.
Sports Tape: The runner in your life will need this present to keep them on the go.
Sports Bra: This is a great present for someone who participates in any activity that requires it! One that fits well and is made of quality materials. Plus an affordable price!
Fleece Headband: This is a great present for the runner in your life who also likes to wear their hair up when they’re not running.
Yoga Pants: This is a great present for someone who likes to keep their activities active. Or just wears yoga pants every single day to be trendy. No one needs to know why! These are my favorite brand.
Athletic Shorts: This is a great present for the person in your life who likes to wear their athletic shorts outside of working out. Plus, come on it’s not like they’re going to be wearing them over clothes so people would notice.
Resistance Bands: These are great for the person who likes to keep their workouts active, but doesn’t have a ton of space.
Light Set of Weights: Everyone needs to have some weight training as part of their workouts. Pick up three or five pound weights to help them reach their workout goals.
Armband for Phone: When you workout, you may want to keep your phone with you to track the steps or distance you worked out. This is an armband to keep your phone and simple enough to change your workout music.
Latest Fad Cookbook: In need of a great gift idea for the person in your life who likes to cook but always seems to have not-so-perfect dishes? This is perfect! Gift them this latest fad cookbook and they’ll be able to make all the popular, Instagram-worthy dishes that you see on TV.
Sneakers: Maybe you are lucky enough to score a pair of comfortable, breathable athletic sneakers on clearance!

I’m sure they’ll be appreciative of any one of these gifts!

Cheap Gift Ideas For Teachers

Picture of a teacher for cheap christmas gifts for teachers

This list of cheap teach gifts for Christmas will help you choose a thoughtful and useful present that won’t break your budget.

Essential Oil Set: A true favorite for teachers who like to use aromatherapy in their classrooms or at home. This is our favorite essential oil set.
Stress-relief Hand Sanitizer: Teachers are always on the go, so they can use a little help to keep them stress-free. Plus, germs are no fun for anyone!
Personalized Mask Lanyard: Personalize your teacher’s mask with their name, school mascot or work logo.
Tiger Balm: This is a classic product for teachers and athletes alike! Tiger balm will help soothe your aches and pains.
Lounge Pants: Nothing reminds a teacher of home like their favorite TV show! A few years ago my mom gave me a really cute pair of lounge pants and I still wear them. The cut is oversized with pockets for my phone and remote which make it perfect for relaxing on the couch.
Smart Plugs: These plugs can be controlled on an app from anywhere. That means the teacher doesn’t have to worry about forgetting to turn their lights off before they left for work.
Personalized Stamp: A teacher’s stamp of approval is the best kind. This personalized stamp will help teachers quickly get through their paperwork.
Amazon Gift Card: Teachers deserve to take a breather and use some of their hard-earned cash on themselves. A gift card is the perfect way for friends or family members to say “thank you.”
Wireless Headphones: Music is a great way to get the energy going and keep kids psyched up, but it can be tough when they’re working on group tasks. Wireless headphones like these ones from Sony
Day-by-day Calendar: The last thing teachers need is to scramble for a blank piece of paper whenever they want to jot down notes. The day-by-day calendar is perfect because it’s got enough space for writing, but it’s compact enough to tuck into a drawer.
Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard: After all the long hours spent at school, who wouldn’t want their own personal whiteboard where they can write, draw, and erase?
Lunch Boxes: There is nothing better than a home-packed lunch. These stainless steel containers are compact enough to carry with you, but they’re also roomy enough to hold a sandwich, fruit, and veggies.
Educational Activity Books: If you’re looking for something that’s not only fun, but chock full of learning activities and information, these books are perfect for further learning.

Cheap Christmas Gifts for Mom or Her in your life

Picture of a mom for cheap Christmas gifts for her

All of these are great inexpensive ideas for buying on a budget

Shopping for a great gift for women or moms can be hard, but not too much with these affordable options.

Little Succulents: This is a cute DIY gift. All you need are succulents, a pot with dirt, and some other accessories if desired.
Bath Bombs: These are great for anyone, including people who enjoy a good bath every now and again. They come in various scents so you can find something that is sure to please.
Chapstick: This is perfect for the person in your life who always has chapped lips or complains about dry skin on their hands when they are outside too long during winter months.
A Book: It may seem like the most unimaginative gift, but it’s perfect for someone who enjoys reading and is looking for something they haven’t read yet. Books are also a great way to get someone hooked on a series so you can recommend their next read.
Slippers: These are perfect for the person in your life who is constantly complaining about how cold their feet are.
Candles: This is a perfect gift for someone who enjoys relaxing or reading after dinner and the scent fills up the whole house with aromatherapy benefits.
A Scratch Off Map: This is a great gift for someone who enjoys traveling or seeing the world. It’s very personalized and they can see how many countries they have visited.
A Coffee Mug: This is a great gift for the coffee lover in your life. You can put anything on it such as their favorite book, television show or artist and they will be reminded of you every time they drink their coffee.
A Memory Blanket: This is a great gift for people who are always cold and it can go with them anywhere in the world because it folds up easily.
A Personalized T-shirt: This is a great gift because it’s very personal and you can put anything on the shirt that has meaning to them such as their favorite sports team, favorite food, or where they have traveled.
A Personalized Finger Drum: This is a great gift for anyone who loves to play drums because it has their name engraved right on the drumhead.

Cheap Christmas Gifts for Men

The following items are inexpensive and will make any man, dad, or boyfriend insanely happy! The cheapest gifts can be the best!

Here are some budget-friendly, manly, fun, and creative ideas for Christmas presents.

A New Shirt: You can find many options for cheap shirts. Grab one with a funny saying he would enjoy for an out-of-the-park win!
Belt: Belt prices vary by brand, but can be found for as low as $10.
Wallet: Wallets can also vary by brand and cost, but often end up being around $15.
New Socks:: Many men enjoy their sock collection. You can always add on to replace their worn-out socks.
A Tie: Ties can be found for as low as $5.
Watch: The watch market is a tough one to navigate, but if you know your partner’s style and budget beforehand it can be easier to find what you’re looking for.
A Tie Clip: You can usually pick one up for $5 or less, and it’s something that he’ll wear every day!
Old-school Vinyl Record Player: Old school vinyl is making a comeback and can be found in all sorts of different styles.
Latest Board Game: Board games are always a fun gift idea. You can pick up the latest hot game for less than $20
A Good Book: A good book is always a great gift idea. You can find them for as low as $5 and books are something that never goes out of style!
Cash: Let’s be honest… most men like to have the cash to spend as they please with no questions asked.

Cheap Christmas Gifts for Friends

You may not have a lot of money for this Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your friends something thoughtful.

These inexpensive items may not be the most lavish of presents to give a friend this year, but they are sure to be appreciated and useful!

Whimsy Kit: A Whimsy Kit is a small package that includes activities such as drawing, coloring, and collaging. It can be used in classrooms or at home to relax and have fun.
Poster Board & Markers: A poster board and markers are perfect for making holiday cards to send out or decorating with a festive design.
Fun Scrapbook Pens: Fun pens are a wonderful gift for any age to bring color to their writing, coloring, or journaling.
Scented Candles Kit: Scented candles can be used for the holidays, but they also make a great gift for any time of the year. The smell will bring a warm and cozy feeling into your home.
Gold Foil Blanket: A gold foil blanket is perfect for snuggling up in the car when you are stuck in the car!
Cute Pillow Case: A new pillowcase is a fun way to change things up in your bedroom or living room. The best part about these gifts are that they can be given with other items, like the gold foil blanket or a fun pillow.
Comfy Socks: When it’s cold outside, there is nothing more comforting than a good pair of socks. These make a great gift for someone who spends most of their time at home or just loves to relax.
Bracelets: Jewelry is a great way to show someone you care. Bracelets are not only cute but they go with any outfit!
Christmas Ornament: A Christmas ornament makes for the perfect stocking stuffer. They are usually inexpensive and they can be used year round to decorate your home for the holidays.
Christmas Fun Pack: It is always fun when Santa sends a surprise in the mail, so why not surprise your friends with a Christmas Fun Pack!
Shower Steamers: These will make a great gift for someone who is your best friend, especially if they like to take long showers.
Flashlights: These are fun and practical gifts that will come in handy during the dark days of winter.
Tissue Box Covers: A unique and inexpensive gift for the person who has everything, these tissue box covers will make any house seem a little more homey during cold winter months.
Chocolate: For the person that has everything, you can’t go wrong with some chocolate.

Cheap Christmas Gifts for Coworkers:

A quick, easy, and affordable way to get the perfect gift for your coworkers this Christmas is by giving them a coworker appreciation gift basket.

These inexpensive gifts are great for bosses or employees. They can be personalized so it’s a gift that will really stick with your coworkers.

Planner: This is a great way to give your coworkers something they will really use. They can write down their goals, schedule, and use it as a to-do list.
Personalized Stationery: This is such an adorable idea and can be so much fun for everyone involved. These are the perfect gifts that will make your coworkers feel special this holiday
Putting Green: This is a great gift that they can use to practice their putting skills in the comfort of their own office.
Desk Organizer: A desk organizer is a great way to start your day off with a clean and organized workspace.
Timeless Candle: This candle helps you enjoy the holidays or winter season while relaxing in the office.
Coffee Mug: Every office needs a good coffee mug to stay energized and motivated throughout the day.
Personalized Mouse Pad: You could get them their favorite movie, sport or hobby as a personalized mouse pad and they’ll enjoy using it every day at their office.
Luxury Pen: This is the perfect gift for that person who has everything and needs something to help them write down their thoughts and ideas.
Desk Lamp: A desk lamp can help you read in your office when it’s dark outside so all the daylight hours are available for working on projects or catching up on paperwork.
Ink Pen: This is a great gift idea for anyone who likes to write or doodle. You could get them this as a refillable pen and they can use it to write down their thoughts or ideas.
Laptop Tote Bag: This is the perfect gift for anyone who likes to travel and needs something stylish but functional to carry everything in one place.
Plant pot & planter: This is a great gift for someone who likes to spend time in their garden or on the porch. You could give them this as an opportunity to grow something new and have something beautiful in their office that is all their own.
Journal: This is a classic gift that people like to get for themselves or others. You can find many different styles and sizes of journals, making it easy for you to find the perfect one for your recipient.
Watercolor set: This is a great gift if you know someone who loves to paint or draw. It is an opportunity for them to tap into their creative side while also having the materials that they need to create something beautiful or special for someone else.
Keychain: This is a great gift for anyone because everyone needs keys! You can get them a keychain that has their name on it, or you can get them a cute one for someone they love.
Laptop sleeve: This is a great gift for anyone who has to have their laptop with them at all times. They come in so many different colors and designs, so you can find one that fits your friend or family member perfectly!
Monitor riser: If you know someone who has a desk job, they’re probably struggling to stay focused on their screen. This is the perfect gift for anyone who spends time at work looking down all day!

Best Cheap Christmas Gift of them All – Gift Card:

Picture of gifts for the best easy cheap Christmas gift ideas.

A gift card is a prepaid credit or debit card that can be spent in any number of stores, restaurants, and other venues as desired by the purchaser.

This option is great for people who are the “hard to buy for” type.

Even a $10 or $20 gift card to somewhere they like is better than a gift to sit on the shelf unused.

Giving a gift card is always an easy way out, but it can be more useful than materialistic gifts they may not use.

You can never go wrong with a gift card to their favorite store!

You can Buy Cheap Christmas Presents that Look Expensive

I know that this time of year can be so busy and stressful. It’s hard to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, especially when you have a tight budget. But there are so many fun and creative ideas that won’t break the bank.

You’ll find the perfect gift for everyone on your list!

Hopefully, you can find cheap Christmas gifts under $20 or less. Most of these power ideas you can pick up on Amazon or Etsy.

Christmas is often a time where people try to get the best gifts for their loved ones. In order to make these gifts more affordable, it’s smart to think about ways that can lower expenses.

One way to do this is by choosing gifts that can be combined with other items. Or even choosing a no gift Christmas.

It is always fun to give a gift to someone special on Christmas. However, sometimes you feel uncertain about what the perfect present is for somebody else.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our cheap but thoughtful Christmas gift ideas!

With these items, your loved one will have a great Christmas! Be sure to check our blog for more money saving tips!

Need More Inexpensive Christmas Gift ideas?

Source: moneybliss.org

Apache is functioning normally

June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

If you have been trading for a while, then there is a good chance that you have made some trading mistakes along the way.

Unfortunately, it is part of learning how to trade.

After all, trading is a skill that takes time to learn.

Trading mistakes are part of the learning process. I know that sucks to hear, but it is the truth.

The outcome goal is to learn from those trading mistakes.

Then, you can realize what you did wrong so you do not repeat those same mistakes.

However, more than not, it is more common to repeat the same mistake over and over again.

If you are ready to recognize trading errors and learn how to overcome them, then keep digging in. Take notes and adjust your trading plan accordingly.

We will cover emotional trading mistakes, technical trading errors, and option trading mistakes.

Learn how to avoid common trading mistakes. These common mistakes in stock trading can have you lose more than planned. Learn how to improve trades and achieve a higher profitability.

What Are Trading Mistakes?

Trading mistakes are errors made by traders when you enter trades, either to purchase stocks or options.

More than likely, you will see the same type of trading error happening over and over again.

Trading mistakes are very common, but they do not have to lead to complete panic.

In order to minimize the chances of making a costly mistake, traders should adhere to their trading strategy. Additionally, traders should always trade with a clear head and stay disciplined.

There are plenty of trading mistakes you can avoid by being smart and adjusting your trading plan where needed.

Why Understanding Trading Mistakes Is Important for Long-term Success

Trading mistakes are the result of traders taking losing trades, which can result in poor overall performance.

Mistakes that occur during trading often include not paying attention to the market, not understanding risk, not having a well-thought out trading strategy, and being bad at managing the trade.

Whatever the reason, trading errors occur and it is how we react to them that matters.

Long-term success in trading is not a goal that can be accomplished overnight.

Achieving long-term success with active trading requires patience, discipline, and practice.

It is easy to get caught up in day-to-day successes and forget to commit to a long-term plan. As traders, it is important to be able to recognize our mistakes so that we can learn from them and move forward.

Top 5 Trading Mistakes

A picture of crumbled paper to show the top trading mistakes.

As you will see, we compiled a long list of trading mistakes. Each trader will see some of those trading errors in themselves. Some are small trading mistakes while others are detrimental.

First, we are going to focus on the top five trading mistakes first. This will make or break your success as a trader.

The following are five common trading mistakes that traders make and how to avoid them.

#1 – No Trading Plan

Trading without a plan means you enter a trade without knowing your next step.

No trading plan means that traders are not able to set clear goals, establish risk-reward ratios, and avoid common pitfalls that can occur during a trade. This makes it difficult for traders to know when they should be buying, selling, or holding.

Trading without a plan is risky because it can lead to losses that are much higher than they need to be.

When starting out in trading, it is important to remember that we can only focus on what we can control. This means that we should not worry about things we cannot change, such as the past or the behavior of other traders. Instead, we should form a trading plan and stick to it so that we can succeed in the long run.

Creating your trading plan will happen with many revisions. The goal of the trading plan is to set your overall strategy for trading.

Also, you need to have a specific trading strategy for each trade you enter.

Avoid by: Spending time to develop a trading plan. Revise as needed. Stick to it.

#2 – Risk Management Plan is Missing

A picture showing how important a risk management plan is.

A risk management plan is essential for traders and it should be included in any trading plan.

Without a risk management plan, traders are more likely to make emotional decisions that can lead to costly mistakes. For many traders, this is the hardest thing for them to manage.

It is possible to create a risk management plan as your overall trading plan.

In your risk management plan, you must decide (in advance) how much money you are willing to lose based on the amount of profit you perceive to make. For instance, you are willing to risk $300 in order to make $1000.

Many day traders focus on a 2:1 reward-to-risk ratio. Personally, I look for stronger reward-to-risk ratios greater than 3:1.

Avoid by: Understand how risk is a part of making a profit. Set your risk tolerance and do not deviate from it.

#3 – Not Keeping a Trading Journal

One of the most important aspects of successful trading is keeping a journal.

This not only helps you keep track of your trades and performance, but it can also help you remember what worked and what did not. Journaling is so helpful and such an overlooked task.

Your trading journal is the perfect place to take notes, keep track of your wins and losses, and record market movements so that you can learn from past mistakes.

At the end of every trading session, you should take some time to analyze your trades.

What went well?
What didn’t go well?
Why did you make that particular trade?
What was your entry strategy?
What was your exit strategy?
Where was the overall market momentum?
Did you control your emotions?
What grade would you give yourself?

This analysis is important so that you can learn from your mistakes and improve your trading skills. Stay motivated to continue learning about trading and keep more profit.

Avoid by: Start journaling. Spend time after exiting a trade and the market day to understand what happen and why you did a certain trade.

#4 – Watching Too Many Stocks

Watching too many stocks can lead to a decrease in returns and overall confusion on what is happening with your watchlist.

As a result, it is important to be selective.

The same can be said of stock scanners. If you are watching too many variables and possibilities, you can quickly become overwhelmed.

When you develop your trading plan, you need to decide how you find stocks.

Personally, I prefer to focus on a handful of stocks and a few key metrics. Then, watch them closely and trade accordingly.

As a new trader, I would pick about 5-10 stocks to analyze.

Avoid by: Revise your watchlist to half what you are currently watching.

#5 – Actually Exiting Trade as Planned

Above we talked about creating a trading plan and having a trading strategy for each trade taken.

But, the trading mistake happens when you do not exit the trade as planned.

This could be because of “hopemium” that the stock price will recover and you will get back your loss.

Our “hopemium” is that the stock price keeps rising and you will make more money.

Either one can be damaging to your trading account.

You created a plan. As a disciplined trader, you must follow your plan either to maximize your current profit or protect your risk against further losses.

Avoid by: Exiting at your set targets. Period.

12 Typical Emotional Trading Errors

Trading is 80% mental and 20% execution. Okay, I am not sure that there is an official study to back it up. But, I do know as a trader that emotions play heavily into your overall profit.

The typical emotional trading errors that traders make when they are in a trade are overconfidence, jumping into trades before the proper analysis is completed, and inability to take losses.

This is where most of the trading mistakes are made.

When first starting out in trading, it is easy to get caught up in the prospect of making a lot of money quickly. However, most traders find that trading is not easy to do and make common emotional trading errors.

Let’s dig into these emotional mistakes first and then we will follow up on the technical trading mistakes.

1. Letting emotions impair decision making

Emotions are an important part of decision-making, but it can be dangerous to allow them to influence our decisions. We should also take into account that emotions can often lead us astray.

It is clear that emotional trading can lead to bad decision making and, ultimately, financial losses.

When investors let their emotions take over, they are not thinking logically and may make impulsive decisions. For example, they may sell stocks when the market is down in order to avoid further losses, even though the stock may rebound soon after.

In order to be successful traders, it is important to stay calm and rational when making decisions.

Overcome by: Stick to your trading plan and take emotion out of the equation.

2. Unrealistic Profit Expectations

You go into every single trade expecting a home run! Enough money to achieve your dreams overnight!

These types of profit expectations will have you throwing your risk management plan out of the window and set you up for failure with greed, overconfidence, and impatience.

Be realistic about your expectations with trading activity.

Overcome by: Go for base hits. Small consistent wins.

3. Greed

Picture of someone grabbing a wad of cash in greed.

Greed is a deep-seated need for more profit without regard to the chart or market conditions.

The common rationale is hopefully the stock will go up. Typically, you hold your position too long and end up losing some of your gains.

Greed can manifest in many different ways, and people with greed often neglect their own needs in order to attain more.

Overcome by: Set an OCO bracket to exit the trade at your specified level. Take you out of the equation.

4. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

You fear that you missed out on a trade, so you decide to jump in. As a result, you are risking more than you should.

This trading mistake is common, especially with online trading communities.

As a result, you may buy at the high and watch the stock reverse.

Overcome by: Realize that there will be missed opportunities. That is part of the game. There will always be another chance.

5. Fear

In many cases, fear is a reaction to why or why not we enter a trade.

For any trader, they may become frozen unable able to make a decision as their mind is wrapped in fear. At the same time, they are either missing out on potential profits or unable to exit a trade due to mounting losses.

Overcome by: This is a real emotion that you must overcome. Take the time and read resources to help you overcome being paralyzed by fear.

6. Overconfidence after a profitable trade

Picture of a guy throwing money after a profitable trade.

The overconfidence that comes with success can lead to a loss of profits.

When a trader has a winning position, they may become overconfident and make bad decisions because of the previously profitable trade.

For example, they may not take their profits off the table when there is an opportunity to do so or increase their position size when they should be taking profits. This could lead to them losing all of their winnings and more.

Overcome by: Take a break from trading for a few days or a week after a big win.

7. Entering a Trade Based on Your Gut

The process of entering a trade based on your gut is, essentially, following your “gut feeling” and buying or selling shares after the market opens. This is seen as a more risky and less profitable strategy than following a more traditional market timing approach.

Trading is all about making calculated decisions and sticking to a plan.

Trading based on your gut feeling or emotions will only lead to costly mistakes.

Overcome by: Before entering into any trade, make sure you have a solid strategy in place and know all the rules. Only then should you start trading.

8. Not reviewing trades

Picture of a notebook to journal trades.

Not reviewing trades is a common problem for many traders. Traders who don’t review their trades tend to be more likely to make mistakes in their trading and over-trade, which can result in losses.

You will make the same mistake over and over again until you realize the root of the problem.

This is how you move from a losing average to a winning percentage.

Overcome by: Let your journal be your friend. Document everything including your emotions.

9. Following the Herd

Many people enjoy following the herd with stock trading, especially online platforms on Reddit, Discord, or Twitter.

You may decide to follow a certain group of people in order to be fed stock picks or updates.

This can be risky because there is no sound foundation to base your trade upon.

Overcome by: Trade your style and let that fit you.

10. The Danger of Over-Confidence

The “beginner’s luck” experienced by some novice traders may lead them to believe that trading is the proverbial road to quick riches.

Over-confidence is the belief that one’s abilities, knowledge, or qualities are better than average.

This over-confidence is a risk factor for certain types of mistakes and other negative outcomes as it leads to complacency, a lack of preparation, and an overestimation of one’s abilities.

Overcome by: Realize your limitations and watch for overconfidence to appear.

11. The Importance of Accepting Losses

Losses are always a part of trading life, but they can be overwhelming when they occur.

It is important to recognize that losses are in fact an inevitable part of growth and development as a trader.

Overcome by: Journal all of your losses. Look for patterns to appear. Adjust your trading strategy as appropriate.

12. Quit Your Job Too Fast

Quitting your job too fast is not a good idea, as it will force you to place trades that may not be the best set-ups.

Day trading can be a very risky venture, and it is possible to lose everything you have invested.

It is important to be aware of the risks before getting started. More importantly, do not quit your job too fast. This can lead to losses in your investments and could potentially put you in a worse financial situation than you were before.

Overcome by: Keep trading as a side hustle. Hone your trading skills and build up a reserve fund that will cover your monthly expenses. You will know when you are prepared to leave your 9-5.

Common Mistakes in Stock Trading

According to a study by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, technical trading mistakes are actually fairly common among individual investors.

Mistakes in technical trading can be two-fold, either due to lack of knowledge or poor execution.

The most common mistakes are buying at the top and selling at the bottom, overtrading, and not taking the time to properly understand how trading works.

Now, let’s dig into all of the common trading mistakes I see.

1. Overtrading

Let’s start by talking about overtrading. This is a mistake that I see many people make. It is also a mistake that could have been easily prevented if you had just done your research before placing the trade.

Overtrading or placing more orders than you should do is the most common mistake.

Many new traders will simply open up their platform, look at the market, and place a trade. They are often chasing after the last couple of candles or they see an opportunity to get in “on the cheap”.

The problem with this approach is that you have no idea if this is a good trade or not. You are simply taking a shot in the dark and hoping for the best.

Overcome by: Only place the A+ setups that you like. Once you have traded so many times per day or week, stop trading.

2. Buying High and Selling Low

We all have heard the saying, “buy high and sell low.” However, too many novice traders do the complete opposite.

This trend happens with one of the emotional mistakes of FOMO; we already dived into that concept earlier.

Overcome by: Follow your trading plan on when to enter and exit the trade. Practice your strategy in a simulated account and master it.

3. Lack of Trading Knowledge

The lack of trading knowledge is a problem for many traders who are not familiar with how the stock market works. This can cause them to make mistakes when buying and selling stocks, which could result in losing a lot of money.

Just because you made a profit once on one stock does not mean that is a repeatable action.

In order to be successful in trading, it is important to have a good understanding of the markets and the strategies involved.

Without proper training, you are likely to make costly mistakes that can cost you money. Trading courses and tutorials are available online and through other resources to help you gain this knowledge and become a successful trader.

Overcome by: Take an investing course. Spend money on your education and not your losses. Here is a review of my favorite day trading course.

4. Following Too Many Strategies

Following too many strategies is a common problem in the investing world, which can lead to poor performance and more costly mistakes.

There are a million and one different approaches on how to trade the stock market, which indicators to use, whose advice you should follow, so on and so forth.

And then, many traders try and couple the strategies together only to quickly learn they may cause more losses than profits.

One way to avoid following too many strategies is by using a set of rules to decide which strategies are appropriate for investing.

Overcome by: Develop your trading plan. Outline the investing strategies you will use. Test any new strategies in SIM first.

5. Do Your Research

The solution to this problem is simple: do your research!

Before you enter a trade, take the time to do some analysis on the asset you are looking at. Look at past price action, news events, and any other relevant information that you can find.

Understand why the market might move in your favor and be able to build a case for it. The more data points you have supporting your position, the better off you will be.

If you are able to build a strong case for why the asset will move in your favor, then you can enter with confidence. This is because if the market does not move in your favor, you will know that it isn’t because of a lack of research on your part.

When you enter with confidence, this will make it easier to hold through the inevitable volatility and price swings.

Overcome by: If you enter without knowing why something is likely to move in your favor, then you are setting yourself up for failure. Do your research.

6. Not Using Stop-Loss Orders

Stop orders come in several varieties and can limit losses due to adverse movement in a stock or the market as a whole.

Tight stop losses generally mean that losses are capped before they become sizeable. However, you may have your stop loss too tight and get stopped out before your stock has room to move.

A corollary to this common trading mistake is when a trader cancels a stop order on a losing trade just before it can be triggered because they believe that the price trend will reverse.

Overcome by: Plan your stop loss in advance. Stick to it as it is part of an overall risk management strategy.

7. Letting Losses Grow

Active traders can be harmed by refusing to take quick action to close a losing trade.

It is important to take small losses quickly and limit your risk in order to stay profitable.

Stop losses can help you avoid larger losses.

While the stock may come back to your buy price, you have increased your risk far beyond what you planned. If your planned loss was $300 and now you are down over $500, it will take that much longer to overcome that growing loss.

Cut your losses. Review the chart. See what a better entry point may be.

Overcome by: If the stock moves past your pre-determined stop, then exit the trade. Don’t trade on hope.

8. Chasing After Performance

Many day traders are tempted to chase stocks, which is a bad reputation in the day trading world.

This happens when they see a stock that has had a large price increase and they think that it will continue to go up. In reality, this is not usually the case, and chasing stocks can lead to big losses.

What goes up must come down, right?

Overcome by: Wait for a better time to enter the trade according to your trading plan.

9. Avoiding Your Homework

It is important to do your homework. If you avoid doing your homework, then don’t expect fast results

Many new traders often do not do their homework before making any investment decisions.

This can lead to costly mistakes that can be avoided by doing some basic research. Trading is a complex process and should not be taken lightly – make sure you are fully prepared before risking your hard-earned money.

Overcome by: If you have not enrolled in an investing course, do that. Set daily goals on how to improve your trading performance that is not based on profit or loss.

10. Trading Difficult and Unclear Patterns

It is important to stick with the patterns and indicators that are clear and unmistakable so you don’t get caught up in any ambiguous or unclear trading signals.

With a little bit of research and understanding, these market patterns can become quite clear.

By forcing a chart to fit in what you want, then you are putting your trading capital at risk.

Overcome by: If you cannot read a clear chart or pattern, then quickly move to the next stock.

11. Poor Reward to Risk ratios

The most common mistake made by traders is poor risk management. This usually means taking on too much risk in relation to the potential rewards, which can lead to heavy losses if the trade goes wrong.

It is important to always have a solid plan for how much you are willing to lose on any given trade and never deviate from it.

What is the Reward to Risk ratio you look for:

1:1 Reward to Risk
2:1 Reward to Risk
3:1 Reward to Risk

Many beginner traders do not want to take on as much risk because their appetite for potential rewards may be lower. It is important for beginners to consider their trading strategies and risk management plans so that they can make the most informed decisions possible.

Risk-to-reward ratios are an important part of trading, and experienced traders are typically more open to risk in order to maximize their potential rewards. This means that they may be more likely to make high-risk, high-reward trades.

Overcome by: Stick to Risk to reward ratios that fit your trading plan.

12. Ignoring volatility

Volatility is the fear and unknown in the market.

The most important thing to remember about investing is that the stock market can be volatile.

A measure of volatility is from the VIX.

Overcome by: Decide how you will trade when the VIX is high and the news is negative.

13. Too Many Open Positions

Entering too many positions is one of the most common mistakes investors make. A portfolio should consist of a handful of top-performing investments that have proven to be good bets over time.

It is unwise to open too many positions in a short amount of time because it could lead to confusion.

This can be risky because if one or two of the positions go south, the entire portfolio can suffer. For this reason, it is important to carefully consider each position before opening it and make sure that all positions are contributing positively to the overall goal.

Overcome by: As an active trader, stick to under 5 open positions. As a long-term investor, look to build a portfolio of 25 stocks over time.

14. Buying With Too Much Margin

Most brokers offer 2:1 or 4:1 margin to cash. While this is tempting to use, it can also give you a margin call.

Margin can help you make more money by increasing your position size, but it can also exaggerate your losses.

Exaggerated gains and losses that accompany small movements in price can spell disaster for a new trader using margin excessively.

Overcome by: Use your cash only. Stay away from using margin.

15. Following Meme Stocks

These are the stocks made popular by many Reddit personal finance groups.

You have probably heard of Gamestop, Blackberry, AMC, or Bed Bath and Beyond as a meme stock.

While these stocks have risen to crazy highs, they have also fallen just as fast. Chasing the high may leave you with a big and painful loss.

Overcome by: Stick to your stock watchlist.

16. Buying Stocks With No Volume

Buying stocks with no volume is a risky idea that involves placing an order on a stock without knowing how much interest there will be in the shares. This can result in losing money if there are no buyers for the shares.

It is important to validate the price of a stock by looking at volume. The volume shows how much interest there is in a stock and can be indicative of future price movement.

When volume is low, it’s best to stay away from buying stocks as it could be a sign that the stock price is not stable.

Overcome by: Trade stocks with a volume of at least 500,000 or higher.

17. Ignoring Indicators

Indicators are things that tell us the market is going up or down. Examples of indicators would be the stock market at a particular point in time, a company’s performance with regards to earnings, the price of a product or service.

Every trader has their own set of indicators they use.

If you have outlined indicators you use in your trading, make sure to follow them regardless if it is against the way you want the stock to move.

Overcome by: Stick to your trading plan for each stock individually.

18. Trading Too Large Position Sizes

Trading too large position sizes is a risk that traders may run into when they hold positions in their portfolios for extended periods of time.

Position size is the amount of money placed on a trade, and the risk is that a trader may lose more than their capital on the trade if it does not go well.

Overcome by: Base your position size on the amount you are willing to lose. Not how much you want to make.

19. Inexperienced Day Trading

In order to be successful in trading, it is important to have a good understanding of the markets and the strategies you are using. Without proper training, it is easy to make costly mistakes.

Too many day traders turn trading into an unnecessary risky game.

To be successful, a day trader must have a solid foundation in how to invest in stocks for beginners.

Overcome by: Practice in a simulated account and make all of your mistakes there before moving to live money.

20. Inconsistent trading size

Inconsistent trading size is when traders are unable to predict what their position size should be in order to meet the trader’s desired profit goal.

Trading size is one of the most crucial aspects of a trading strategy and should be considered carefully. Larger trade sizes come with an increased risk, so it’s important to be aware of your position size when making trades.

Overcome by: Don’t risk too much on one trade. Stick to your risk management plan.

21. Trading on numerous markets

Trading on numerous markets is when a trader invests in stocks, bonds, commodities, crypto, and other securities.

Every type of market moves differently and takes time to understand how to be profitable.

Overcome by: Find your niche and stick to it.

22. Over-leveraging

Leverage is a powerful tool that can be used to magnify gains and losses in a trade. It is important to be aware of the amount of leverage being used in order to effectively manage risk.

Brokers play an important role in protecting their customers by providing margin calls and other risk management tools.

Overcome by: If you feel over-leveraged, sell some positions before your broker gets involved.

23. Overexposing a position

Overexposure is a term used in the investment world to describe the risk that comes with exposing your position too much in the market. When you have overexposed your position, you are putting yourself at risk of losing money if the stock or security you are invested in falls in value.

You are taking on too much risk.

Overcome by: Stick to your risk management plan. Always have cash reverse on hand in case the market reverses.

24. Lack of time horizon

There are different time horizons for various types of trading strategies. It is important to think about the time horizon you are comfortable with before investing in any type of investment.

If you are a day trader, you plan to close your trades before the end of the trading session. As a swing trader, you typically hold trades for a couple of days maybe up to a month. As a long-term investor, you plan to hold your stocks for longer than a year.

Overcome by: Match the time horizon of that investment purchase with your investing goals.

25. Over-reliance on software

Although some trading software can be highly beneficial to traders, it is important not to over-rely on it.

Automated trading systems are becoming so advanced that they could revolutionize the markets. As a result, human traders need to be aware of the potential for these systems to make mistakes and use them in conjunction with their own judgment.

Overcome by: Set alerts before you want to enter or exit a trade. Then, review if the move still follows your trading strategy.

Top Options Trading Mistakes Beginner Traders Make

These options trading mistakes are specific to option trading.

Trading options is an advanced strategy. If you have losses trading stocks, wait before you start trading options.

1. Not having a Trading Plan

Every trader needs a trading plan that outlines strategies, game plans, and trade metrics.

When you are trading without a plan, you are essentially gambling and hoping for the best.

This is not a recipe for success in the world of stock trading and is especially true for options traders.

A good trading plan should include chart analysis so that you can make informed decisions about when to buy and sell stocks. If you are using HOPE instead of a trading plan, then you need to find out the right way to interpret the chart because that will give you a better idea of what is happening in the market and how likely it is that your investment will succeed.

Overcome by: Create a specific trading plan based on your option strategy.

2. Not properly Researching Option Contracts

Learning to trade options is like going to school for a whole different trade.

There are way too many technical aspects to discuss in this mistake.

Spend time learning what criteria you want from an options contract to be successful.

Overcome by: Learn how options work and practice trading options in the simulator before going live.

3. Trading without an understanding of the underlying asset

Before you start trading options, trade with stocks.

Every stock moves at its own beat. You need to learn how it moves.

Jumping into options prior to knowing the stock can cause extreme losses. Learn how the underlying asset moves first. Be successful in trading stocks before moving to options.

Overcome by: Learn to trade the stock with shares first. Then, practice in a simulator. Once familiar, then trade live with options.

4. Buying Out-of-the-Money (OTM) Call Options

Options trading is a risk-based strategy. It’s important to know which strategies are right for you and what the risks of each option type are before putting on an option trade.

One common mistake that many traders make when it comes to option trades is buying out-of-the-money (OTM) call options.

This is because OTM call options are inexpensive and have a range of around 100,000 to 1 million. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to know what the risks of buying OTM call options are and which option strategies are appropriate for you.

Overcome by: Focus on trading In-the-money (ITM) call contracts. Know your strategy.

5. Not Knowing What to Do When Assigned

When you enter into an options contract, you are essentially agreeing to buy or sell the underlying asset at a specific price on or before a certain date.

If the market moves in a way that benefits the buyer of the option (the person who contracts to buy the asset), they can choose to exercise their option and purchase the asset at the agreed-upon price. However, if the market moves in a way that benefits the seller of the option (the person who contracts to sell), then they may “assign” their contract to someone else – meaning that they no longer want to buy/sell the asset, but would like someone else to take on that responsibility.

This can be jarring if you haven’t factored it into your decision-making when trading options, so it is important to be aware of the possibility.

This is why traders need a higher trading level to sell options contracts or verticals.

Overcome by: Be okay with buying the shares if you are assigned. That is a part of your trading plan.

6. Legging Into Spreads

It is a common mistake for traders to get legged into spreads by entering positions when the market price has moved away from their position. They may have gotten caught up in the belief that they are being a “smart” trader by trying to profit from the spread.

The problem is that they are not taking into account that their cost basis must go up in order to maintain the position. If the market price of the underlying goes up, their cost basis must go up as well.

Overcome by: If you are not comfortable with this advanced strategy, then exit your options contract and place a new one.

7. Trading Illiquid Options

Trading illiquid options is a mistake because traders are taking on too much risk, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Illiquid means that the option cannot be bought or sold at the given time.

In other words, the option is not tradable. When traders trade illiquid options, they are taking a risk that their trades will not be executed because there is no liquidity in the market at that time. They have to hope that the market will become liquid again, and they can then sell their position or buy back their option at a lower price.

Overcome by: Check option volume and open interest at your strike place. Verify you have interest in moving your contract.

8. No Exit Plan

It is important to have a plan in case your trading strategy doesn’t pan out as planned.

This will give you the peace of mind that you won’t be left high and dry without an exit strategy.

With options is it more difficult to limit your risk to reward. As a result, you must decide your exit plan in advance.

Overcome by: Develop your trading strategy and include how and when you will exit the option contract.

Ready to Avoid these Trading Mistakes?

Investors are often their own worst enemy when it comes to trading.

They make emotional decisions instead of logical ones, and this leads to them making costly mistakes. Plus there are many technical errors new and seasoned traders are still making.

In order to be successful in the markets, investors must first learn to accept their losses and move on. Only then can they put that mistake behind them and focus on making profitable trades in the future.

In this post, I shared some of the more common trading mistakes that people make and how to avoid them.

Now, you have to work to avoid these trading mistakes and be profitable.

Source: moneybliss.org

Apache is functioning normally

June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

Mortgage rates are rising, refinances are trending, and older news is looming. Let’s cover all of it in this week’s Mortgage Monday update!

Rates Update

Last week, mortgage rates hit their highest since October 2019 – but let’s rewind a bit. For the week ending February 3, Freddie Mac actually reported generally stable rates from the average lender. Like many experts, they believe our economic recovery following Omicron will result in rate increases; what their weekly survey didn’t account for, however, was last Friday’s market changes.

On February 4, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released their monthly jobs report for January. In short, things are looking up – there were significant job increases last month even in the face of Omicron – and markets were forced to respond. A return to a better economy will also inevitably mean a return to higher rates, and last week’s mortgage rate increases are already reflecting that.

We’ll likely see Freddie’s PMMS catch up with last week’s rate spike on Thursday. But for now, get in touch with your Total Mortgage loan officer if you’ve been considering a home purchase or refinance. Rates are rising faster than ever and are projected to continue doing so, especially after the Fed’s recent hinting at further increases in March.

Refinances are Trending as Rates Rise

Because rates are rising, refinance numbers are up and trending. In late January, mortgage refinancing accounted for 57.3 percent of applications in The Mortgage Bankers Association’s Refinance Index. As rates rise, the window to refinance at something lower naturally closes; we predict that refi numbers will continue along this trend through February until mortgage rates hit pre-pandemic levels.

In the meantime, our door is always open if you’re looking to refinance. The opportunity to do so is certainly dwindling, so be sure to act fast and get in touch with us. Find your mortgage banker today!

Older, But Still Important News

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced upcoming fee increases for certain Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac home loans. Effective April 1, 2022, upfront fees for these options will have the following increases:

Upfront fees for high-balance loans will increase between 0.25 and 0.75 percent.
Upfront costs for second home loans (non-primary residence) will increase between 1.125 and 3.875 percent.

These increases will ultimately depend on each product’s loan-to-value ratio. “High-balance” loans qualify as any that go above the conforming baseline limit introduced on January 1 – more information on that below.

Last month, the borrowing limits for Conventional and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan options saw significant increases to help buyers combat rising market prices. The conforming limit for single-unit home loans is now $647,200 – an 18.05 percent increase from last year’s limit. To learn more about these changes and your new borrowing options, get in touch with your Total Mortgage loan officer.

In Closing

So far, 2022 has shown us just how reactive the markets (and mortgage rates) can be. In just a couple of months, rates have gradually shifted to their highest in years – meaning that the historic lows we’ve been used to seeing are now behind us. If homeownership is one of your goals for the year, it would be best to act sooner than later. Contact us at any time to get started!

As always, we’ll continue to monitor mortgage rates, industry news, and more to keep you informed. Enjoy the rest of your week!

Source: totalmortgage.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

While retirement may be associated with leaving the workforce behind, most Americans plan to work past the age of 65. In fact, a 2022 study from the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies found that around 57% of workers plan to work either full-time or part-time in retirement. Financial reasons and a desire to remain active were cited as the main motivators. Here are eight jobs that can keep you active, boost your income and let you work remotely.

If you’d like personalized help managing your finances in retirement, consider working with a financial advisor.

8 Great Work-from-Home Opportunities for Retirees

While there is a myriad of opportunities for retirees to work from home, what follows are some of best, who might be a good fit for the work and estimated pay, per salary.com as of May 1, 2023.

Bookkeeper —

Bookkeepers maintain a business’s financial records, including purchases, sales, invoices, payments and other transactions. The job will require a high level of accuracy. And it will likely take some technological savvy given that many, if not most, businesses use software to manage their finances.

Best for:

Organized and detail-oriented workers with a solid grasp of basic accounting principles.

Average salary: $42,854

Telehealth Nurse —

If you have a nursing degree but hope to transition to remote work, the growing demand for telemedicine may be a great opportunity for you.

Telehealth nurses “see” patients via email, phone and chat. They also videoconference and answer their questions, determine the next medical steps, conduct follow-up appointments and deliver medical treatments.

Best for:

This is good for people who already hold a nursing degree, of course. And in a remote environment, communication skills become more important than ever for treating patients with sensitivity.

Average salary: $85,045

Administrative Assistant —

You may think of an administrative assistant as someone who mans the reception desk, makes copies and orders more coffee. But the remote role has slightly different responsibilities. You can expect to answer phone calls and emails, schedule meetings and appointments and handle many of the things that keep a remote office running smoothly.

Best for:

This is good for people with excellent customer service and time management skills. Being able to multitask is a plus.

Average salary: $45,003

Paralegal —

Paralegals serve as assistants to lawyers, helping investigate and research legal cases, maintaining records, drafting correspondence and putting together documents for trials. The job descriptions for a paralegal will vary widely depending on the law firm, what type of law is practiced, its size and the paralegal’s own qualification level.

Best for:

Those who already have a certification or degree in paralegal studies—though the qualifications required to become a paralegal depend on the hiring firm and an actual degree or certification isn’t always necessary.

On the other hand, if this interests you, paralegal certification programs and associate’s degrees in paralegal studies can be relatively affordable and can require as few as 12-24 months of study.

Average salary: $58,630-117,990 (salary ranges widely vary)

Tutor

Tutoring is another job with a wide variety of possibilities, depending on the age and education level of the students, the subject or subjects taught and more. You can be a generalist who works with elementary school kids on any subject they need help with.

You can also be a specialist who works with college students on writing assignments, an ESL tutor who helps adults learn English, and all kinds of varieties in between. In the big picture, a tutor works with students outside of their classes to help them better understand and implement the concepts they’re learning.

Best for:

People who are patient, good at breaking complex concepts into simple ideas and steps and hold the required credentials. Some tutor positions only require a GED, while others may require a college degree in the subject you intend to specialize in, such as a bachelor’s degree in math for a math tutor.

Average salary: $42,422

Receptionist

A virtual receptionist serves the same role as a traditional, in-person receptionist: They ensure that all customer concerns are taken care of.

While there is some overlap with a virtual administrative assistant, a receptionist will be more focused on the customer side of the office than the administrative, answering phone calls and emails, helping customers who need assistance, scheduling appointments and more.

Best for:

This is good for those with good multitasking and people skills. And some technological savvy ensures that customers don’t slip through the cracks in a remote office.

Average salary: $41,704

Customer Service Representative

In a brick-and-mortar retail shop such as a hardware store, a customer service rep may be walking the floor, answering questions about what someone should buy for their upcoming home improvement project.

In a remote business, customer service representatives serve much the same purpose: answering customer questions, helping them with problems and troubleshooting any issues.

Best for:

People with patience, great communication skills and a solid knowledge base of the products or services being sold by their employer.

Average salary: $37,623

Transcriptionist

The transcriptionist job is a straightforward one: You simply type up recordings. Some transcriptionists work exclusively in one industry. For example, they can work in legal or medical industries, which necessitates a certain level of knowledge of the terminology used in that profession. Others may do general transcription work, typing up whatever is needed.

Best for:

This is good for fast and accurate typists looking for low-intensity work. While some may find this kind of work boring, the right person may find the audio or video they transcribe interesting and value the calm.

Average salary: $41,453

Things to Consider When Looking for Remote Jobs

Don’t Get Scammed

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a common scam is for a fake company to hire you. And then they send you a check to buy equipment with the caveat that you should send the extra money back. The check is bad and will be returned.

The FTC advises that you carefully review any job offers, only apply to jobs on legitimate websites and never rely on a “cleared” check your employer sends you.

Use Your Career Expertise

One of the best ways to find a new remote job is to use the skills you already have. You may be able to find a less demanding and remote version of your previous career. And going into this new job with your years of experience can be valuable to your employer. And it can potentially earn you a bigger starting salary.

For instance, if you had a career as an editor, you may be an excellent English tutor. You can help students understand the rules of grammar and how to improve their reading and writing skills.

Understand How Working Can Impact Your Social Security Benefits

Working can still be the right choice for you, but make you know how your benefits could be affected. According to the Social Security Administration, while you can work and still receive benefits, there’s a limit to how much you can earn before they begin to reduce your benefits if you’re not yet full retirement age.

In 2023, the limit is $21,240 for those under full retirement age. And it’s $56,520 for the year that you reach full retirement age.

Bottom Line

It’s common for retirees to continue working in retirement. It could be due to financial reasons or just finding ways to keep busy. However, you may not want to stay with the same career track you worked in previously. You may be looking for something less demanding, more flexible or a job you can do from home. But before you decide to work, do your due diligence in finding the right opportunities.

Retirement Tips

Consider working with a financial advisor to get the most out of all the benefits the SSA provides. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
The SmartAsset Retirement Guide offers a calculator to show you how much you need to save for retirement. It also has a retirement tax friendliness calculator to help you weigh various options if you are moving after your retirement.

Source: smartasset.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

First Home Mortgage has welcomed back former loan officer Jeff Modeski (pictured), who returns to the company’s Columbia, Md., office. Modeski will oversee day-to-day operations in Columbia in tandem with Chris Sittig, who has been serving as the location’s branch manager and will continue in that role, according to the company’s release. “On behalf of … [Read more…]

Apache is functioning normally

June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

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You probably know Cash App as an instant payment app that you use whenever you need to send someone money. And that’s because it’s great for this, with some of the lowest fees out there and same-day transfers. You can even send money to people who don’t have a Cash App account, making this a perfect option for sending your technologically-challenged relatives the cash you owe them.

But for all the benefits of using Cash App for peer-to-peer transfers, this is only a fraction of what the app can do. For example, did you know you can also use Cash App to do your taxes? Save money? Invest?

Let’s talk about just a few of the best Cash App features you’ve probably never heard of – and how to get started using them.

What’s Ahead:

Early direct deposit 💰

How many times have you checked your bank account waiting for your paycheck only to be disappointed that it hasn’t landed yet? With Cash App, you can get paid just a little earlier, which can make a lot of difference when money is tight.

All Cash App users may be eligible to receive their paycheck up to two days earlier than scheduled.

All you need to do to qualify to get paid early is make sure your account is set up to receive direct deposits from your employer. Then, you don’t have to do anything at all – if your direct deposit can be processed early, it will be. Cash App is able to process some direct deposits more quickly because they take out the pending period after a transaction is approved.

Just know that to get your paycheck faster, your employer has to be on board too. You won’t get it any earlier if there are issues verifying a payment or your company is late paying you.

Debit card 💳

Have you heard of the Cash Card? Normally, we don’t get that excited about debit cards. But this one is different.

The Cash Card by Cash App is a Visa debit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted and digitally with Apply Pay and Google Pay. It’s linked to your Cash App account instead of a bank account or debit card and uses your Cash App balance. You can think of it like a prepaid debit card.

The Cash Card requires you to be at least 18 years old to apply on your own, but you can also apply with the help of a parent or guardian if you’re between 13 and 17 years old.

This is an especially good choice for teens because it:

Doesn’t charge fees for things like transfers and card customization
Prohibits spending at certain merchants like casinos and liquor stores
Sets transaction limits for everybody
Doesn’t require a separate bank account

If you’re under 18 years old and open this card, you’ll share your account with the adult you recruited to do this solid for you. They’ll be able to see all of your transaction history, block merchants, and even lock your card if needed. To add money to your account, you can ask your parent or guardian to transfer some money to you, deposit cash yourself, or receive direct deposits from an employer. Your balance is FDIC-insured up to $250,000, so you don’t have to worry about security.

You can also use the Cash Card to score discounts, called Cash Boost Discounts, at select merchants. With Cash Boost discounts, you’ll automatically save money on purchases made using your Cash Card if they fall within the offer you’ve added. Since you activate Boosts yourself, you can choose the best one for your spending habits. You can only have one Boost active at a time, but free money is free money. If you shop anywhere often, the savings can be significant.

Tax filing 🧾

If you need help getting your taxes filed correctly and want to be sure you’re getting as much money back as possible, Cash App Taxes can help. This free tax-filing program lets you file all your state and federal taxes online, and it’s available to every Cash App user.

To take advantage of this handy feature, you just need to log into the app and upload any tax forms you have like W2s. Then, you’ll estimate your refund and get your documents filed, with the help of experts if needed. You can even get your refund up to five days early if you opt to have it deposited into your Cash App account.

This service is best for people with pretty simple financial and living situations. For example, if you have just one stream of income and standard deductions, you’d be a perfect fit for using Cash App Taxes.

If your taxes are more complicated and confusing, you might find another type of tax software, with personalized support, to be more appropriate.

Cash App Pay 🛒

Cash App Pay is just another feature you might not have known Cash App had. This service lets you make payments to merchants using your Cash App balance, as long as they’re set up as a Square Seller. Cash App works in-person and online and all you have to do is scan a seller’s QR code to find them. It’s contactless and doesn’t cost you anything extra.

As an added perk, Cash App Pay builds in limited-time offers as an incentive to reach for your phone instead of your wallet when buying stuff. To see what kind of deals are out there, go to the Discover screen of the Cash App. This will show all participating merchants and the discounts they’re giving Cash App users, as well as rules and restrictions. Sometimes, you’ll even find giveaways and sweepstakes you can enter here.

Any available discounts are applied automatically when you check out using Cash App Pay (unfortunately, Cash Card purchases and Boosts don’t count).

Not all merchants accept Cash App as a form of payment, but when they do, definitely think about using this instead of your credit or debit card.

Bitcoin investing ₿

Yes, you can trade bitcoin with Cash App. You can also store it, send it to other people for free, use it for purchases, and more.

If you’ve wanted to dip your toe into crypto but didn’t know where to start, Cash App makes it pretty easy to get into bitcoin investing.

There are three different ways to buy bitcoin: one-time purchases, automatic purchases, and custom orders.

⚡One-time purchases: For one-time purchases, you’ll use the balance in your Cash App account, which can either come from payments people have sent you or from a linked credit or debit card. These orders are placed immediately and there’s no limit to how many you can make.

🔁 Automatic purchases: For automatic purchases, you’ll need to set up direct deposit for your account and enable the Bitcoin Auto Invest feature. This lets you invest a percentage of your paycheck in bitcoin, but there’s no commitment and you can change the percentage whenever.

📅 Custom orders: Custom orders essentially let you schedule orders to go through when prices are optimal for you. More experienced crypto investors are likely to appreciate this feature.

Cash App stores your bitcoin for you using cold storage. This means your coins are stored offline to keep them safer from cyber attacks, but you can still access and withdraw them any time you want.

Summary

Cash App is a lot more than just a payment app. If you take full advantage of all its features, it can be a useful finance app to have in your corner (or the corner of your screen). With features to help you save time, save money, and meet your other financial goals, you definitely want to download Cash App if you haven’t already.

And if you do have the app, start poking around to find new ways to use your account. Because chances are, you’re probably not using Cash App for everything you could be.

Source: moneyunder30.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

Paying for a nursing home can seriously deplete your retirement savings. The government-funded Medicaid program can pay some or all nursing home costs, but it’s restricted to people of very limited financial means. You may be able to qualify for government assistance with nursing home costs, even if you control substantial wealth if you transfer nearly all your assets into an irrevocable trust. An irrevocable trust can protect your money from nursing home costs, but they have costs and drawbacks of their own, including permanently losing direct control of your assets. Talk to a financial advisor to learn about options for paying for long-term care.

Irrevocable Trust Basics

A trust is a legal entity many people create as part of an estate plan. The trust acts as a container for assets transferred into it by the grantor. A trustee is appointed to manage the assets in the trust for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries.

A trust can be revocable or irrevocable. You can make changes to a revocable trust after establishing it, including removing assets from the trust. Irrevocable trusts, however, cannot be changed after establishment. That means transferring assets to the trust is a one-way process. Once in, assets cannot be removed from an irrevocable trust.

Irrevocable Medicaid Trusts

Irrevocable trusts come in several varieties and can help with many different estate planning and other personal finance tasks. Medicaid trusts are the kind used to help reduce the impact of nursing home costs.

More specifically, Medicaid trusts are designed to help people qualify for Medicaid, the government health insurance program. Unlike Medicare, which is not means-tested, Medicaid is only available to people of limited financial means.

The program is administered by states, which determine their own Medicaid eligibility requirements in a variety of ways. In most, the annual income limit is $29,160 or less. This cap includes Social Security and pension benefits as well as wages and investment income. Financial resources such as bank accounts, investments, revocable trusts and real estate typically can’t total more than $2,000. People who have more income and more assets may have to spend their own assets to pay for nursing home care until their assets have declined to the point they meet the Medicaid caps.

An irrevocable Medicaid trust is designed to help someone qualify for Medicaid without having to deplete their own assets. After creating the trust, they can transfer in enough assets to bring them below Medicaid’s caps. Once they have done that, assuming they have followed the rules, Medicaid will pay some or all of their nursing home costs. In this way, an irrevocable trust can protect assets from nursing home costs.

Keep in mind that some people say it’s unethical to use trusts to shield your assets from Medicaid. Others believe it’s perfectly fine, considering the rules and laws set up around Medicaid. Ultimately, whether you use an irrevocable trust to protect your assets from nursing home costs will be based on your financial situation, as well as your thoughts and feelings on the ethics.

Limits of Irrevocable Trusts

Irrevocable trusts have a number of limitations that anyone planning to use one will want to keep in mind. These include:

One-way transfer. Assets placed in the trust can’t be taken out of the trust for as long as the grantor of the trust is alive.
Five-year limit. Assets must be transferred into the trust at least five years before the grantor seeks to acquire Medicaid eligibility. Irrevocable trusts can’t help at the last minute.
Medicaid doesn’t always pay all costs. A Medicaid patient in a nursing home still has to use their own income to pay for most nursing home costs. Medicaid will often pay for most and sometimes all of the costs, but patients usually shoulder some of the financial burden.
Not all nursing homes qualify. Medicaid only pays for care in certain approved nursing homes.

Other Ways to Protect Assets from Nursing Home Costs

An irrevocable trust is not the only tool available to help with nursing home costs. Here are some of the alternatives:

Long-term care insurance can cover some or all nursing home costs without having to consider Medicaid eligibility.
Medicaid-compliant annuities can be used to generate income that isn’t included in Medicaid’s income assessment.
A life estate transfers ownership of assets in your estate to a spouse, removing them from consideration when determining Medicaid eligibility.
Financial gifts to family members can reduce your net worth enough to meet Medicaid’s guidelines.

Bottom Line

An irrevocable trust can help you avoid having to use your own assets to pay for nursing home care by making you eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid can pay some or all of your costs, but only if you meet strict financial guidelines for income and assets. Transferring assets into an irrevocable trust, called a Medicaid trust, can help even people with significant assets meet these guidelines, But once assets are transferred to an irrevocable trust, they can’t be retrieved from the trust.

Tips for Long-Term Care Planning

A financial advisor can help you design a strategy for covering long-term care costs using an irrevocable trust, if appropriate, as well as other methods. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Whether you are retired or still working, keeping a budget is a basic tool to help you for prepare for future needs such as paying for a nursing home. SmartAsset’s Budget Calculator can tell you how your spending stacks up to other people in your area.
If you thinking about purchasing long-term care insurance, be sure to review our picks for the top long-term care insurance providers of 2023.

Mark Henricks
Mark Henricks has reported on personal finance, investing, retirement, entrepreneurship and other topics for more than 30 years. His freelance byline has appeared on CNBC.com and in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance and other leading publications. Mark has written books including, “Not Just A Living: The Complete Guide to Creating a Business That Gives You A Life.” His favorite reporting is the kind that helps ordinary people increase their personal wealth and life satisfaction. A graduate of the University of Texas journalism program, he lives in Austin, Texas. In his spare time he enjoys reading, volunteering, performing in an acoustic music duo, whitewater kayaking, wilderness backpacking and competing in triathlons.

Source: smartasset.com

Apache is functioning normally

June 9, 2023 by Brett Tams

FOMO, or, “fear of missing out” when trading, applies to the anxiety of potentially passing up a profitable investment that an investor may experience. “FOMO” is a term commonly used to describe other anxiety-inducing situations as well. For investors who visualize a scenario where a stock rises sharply in value but goes unpurchased, the fear of missing out may cause them to make investing decisions that aren’t fully thought-through or in line with their investing strategy.

Making emotional, knee-jerk decisions when investing can derail your overall strategy, too. That’s why it can be important to try and avoid it the best you can.

What Is FOMO Trading?

FOMO trading happens when an investor allows their fear of missing out to drive their investing decisions — to the exclusion of other insights and instincts. This can trigger errors, creating problems in an otherwise well-managed investment portfolio.

For example, an impatient trader may rush to buy a hot stock even if it doesn’t fit into their investment strategy, or if the stock risks could jeopardize the portfolio’s stability.

Yet, buying any investment without proper research, risk assessment, or a planned exit strategy if the stock goes down, is the opposite of effective stock market investing.

Understanding Behavioral Finance

Sociologists use the term “behavioral finance” to describe the overall need to abandon rational thought and follow a herd to mitigate any FOMO anxieties. With behavioral finance, emotional and sociological influences replace scrutiny and logical thinking, which can significantly alter investment outcomes.

The fact that so many stock market rumors are stoked on social media, and that there are so many investors who rely on social media for investment ideas, only adds more pressure to give in to your anxieties, and buy a stock or other investment that may not necessarily fit in with your investing strategy.

Ways to Avoid FOMO Trading

How can an investor fight off FOMO tendencies and remain a stable and steadfast investor? It’s not easy given the pressure to trade frequently these days, but these tips may help.

Invest With a Plan in Mind

Investors who trade according to a well-thought out plan or investing strategy — and not with a FOMO mindset — are likely to be more prepared for better investment outcomes. By doing research, learning how to value a stock, and establishing your own tolerance for risk, you may be less likely to make rash or emotional decisions regarding your investments.

Stay Calm in Highly Volatile Markets

Many impulse trades come at a time when markets move fast. When investing in a volatile market, it’s especially important to trade with strategy in mind, rather than with your feelings.

Be Sensible About Trading

A single stock market trade rarely makes or breaks an investment portfolio. If you do hear about a can’t-miss stock and are anxious to pull the trigger and buy that stock, it can help to keep it in perspective: there’s always another market opportunity down the road. In other words, keep the big picture in mind.

Avoid Investing Money You Can’t Afford to Lose

The old adage of “never play with money you can’t afford to lose” is very much in play with FOMO investing. It’s never wise to chase a stock with large amounts of money your portfolio can’t afford to be without. In nearly all cases, if an investment’s risk is too high, and the potential impact to your portfolio is too acute, then it may be best to wait things out.

Don’t Mistake Social Media Advice For a Sound Investment Strategy

Social media captures a great deal of attention from market investors. But these platforms may be loaded with touts, short-sellers, penny stock promoters, and other investment shills who have their best interest in mind — not yours. As a rule, social media touts always talk up their gains but rarely mention their losses. Remember that maxim when you’re under the temptation of a FOMO trade.

The Takeaway

FOMO trading is a type of behavioral finance — in which an investor lets emotions like the fear of missing out replace logical, strategic thinking. FOMO trading often happens on a whim without much thought, which can significantly impact investment outcomes.That’s why it’s important to have a cogent strategy in place, and to keep your goals in mind when making investing decisions.

While it can be difficult to completely remove your emotions from your investing activities, keeping your strategy top of mind can help direct your decision-making process. Again: It’s not easy, but with some practice and experience in the markets, learning to skip investing trends might become a bit easier.

Ready to invest in your goals? It’s easy to get started when you open an Active Invest account with SoFi Invest. You can invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more. SoFi doesn’t charge commissions, but other fees apply (full fee disclosure here).

For a limited time, opening and funding an account gives you the opportunity to win up to $1,000 in the stock of your choice.

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Apache is functioning normally

June 8, 2023 by Brett Tams

If you want more financial discipline you are probably looking to curb impulsive spending, save money, or maybe just achieve financial stability.

Building self discipline your financial decisions is an important part of building wealth over the long run.

What’s Ahead:

Why is self discipline the key to becoming a good saver

Being a good saver requires self discipline since there is so much fun stuff to do and buy. You are exposed to more advertising than anyone in the history of the world, and the marketing companies know a lot about psychology and exactly how to get you to part with your money.

So it takes a lot of self discipline in order to fight those tactics and stay on course to meet your goals. You have to have a clear goal and know that meeting that goal is more important than anything you can buy.

It requires a lot of self discipline to overcome the temptation to delay gratification of spending money and to save it instead.

Steps to develop self discipline

Step 1: Set a goal – then break it down into regularly recurring actions

What exactly do you want to achieve? It could be to build a fully funded emergency fund, start investing, pay off your debt, or even achieve financial independence – or anything in between.

Write down exactly what your goal is and the date by which you want to achieve it. For example, you may want to pay off your credit card debt within one year.

Then break down exactly what actions you need to take on a regular basis. Make these actions as small and as regular as possible. A small daily action is better than a larger monthly action.

For example, if you owe $10,000 on your credit card you’ll need to pay $833.33 off each month. Is that doable? If your budget allows for that, great. If not, you’ll need to figure out what exactly you need to do make up the difference.

If your regular payment is $150 and you can pull an extra $200 per month from your monthly budget that means you’ll need to come up with an additional $484 per month. If you have time to walk dogs after work you may decide to pick up a dog walking client for a few walks per week. At $25 per walk you’d have to walk the dog 20 times per month to make up the $484 you need. If you picked up a client that needed the dog walked everyday after work, you’d have the full amount.

You now have a goal and an action plan to make that goal happen.

Here are a few examples of short, mid, and long-term goals, but feel free to fill in the blanks with your own personal financial goals.

Short-term goals

Saving money each month towards your emergency fund
Going out to dinner with friends twice a month
Small household projects (planting a small indoor garden, painting a room, etc.)

Mid-term goals

Saving for a weekend getaway
Paying cash for your next car
Paying off your credit card debt

Long-term goals

Down payment on a house
Paying off your student loans
Putting money away for retirement

Read more: How to prioritize and save for multiple goals at once

Step 2: Track your progress

You’ll want some way to visualize and track your progress. A lot of people find this extremely motivating.

Using the example of paying off your car above, you could make a thermostat and color in a section each time you make a payment, representing the amount of money you’ve paid off (or is left on the loan). Or cover a piece of paper with stars (or anything else) and color in a star every time you send in your payment, each star representing one payment or a set amount of money.

Hang your tracker on the fridge so you can see it every day to remind you of what you are working towards. Make it a little celebration each time you get to fill in more of your tracker.

You can also go digital with your goal tracking. Apps like Empower offer a few different services for investing and checking up on your financial health. But, in this instance, I’m referring to the free tools they offer to keep track of your net worth.

You can create an account with them without opening an investment account. The wealth management and planning tools are the ones that you will probably be most interested in to help determine where you are at currently.

You can connect all of your financial accounts within the tool. These will be things, such as:

Checking account
Savings account(s)
Investment account(s)
Student loan account(s)
Auto loan account
Mortgage account
Credit card(s)
Medical debt account(s)

Sometimes, it can be pretty scary to see what your actual net worth is vs. where you want to be.

But, I use this as a driving force to work harder every month to increase my overall net worth. Because the faster I can get my net worth up, the faster I can get to my long-term goals.

Step 3: Find your tribe

How To Be Disciplined About Money - peer pressure
Find people in your life who are working towards similar goals. This will help build self discipline because you’ll have a community that is embodying the new behaviors you want to build.

If you meet regularly with others who are paying off debt, you’ll have more discipline to follow that same path. You’ll have someone to share your successes with and a friend who can help when you are struggling.

Contrast that to when your friends regularly encourage overspending. Just going out to have a meal or a drink with friends can end up costing $100 or more in some instances. Something that sounded so innocuous, has now completely derailed your goal.

This isn’t to say you need to replace your entire friend group – not at all. But it will be up to you set a budget for having fun and then stick to it.

For example, instead of having two-three drinks, only have one. Go out for lunch instead of dinner, or a matinee instead of a night movie.

All of these options still give you the freedom to hang out with your friends and enjoy your life, but it won’t cost you nearly as much. And when you stick to your budget, your future self will thank you for your discipline.

Read More: The Cost Of Friendship – How Your Friends Affect The Way

Tips to meet your financial goals

Determine your needs vs. your wants

Setting up your financial goals and a way to track them are the first steps. But staying on track can get tricky when life happens. This is where needs vs. wants come into play. There are things that all of us want to have. But these are the things that can throw us off track so fast it will make your head spin.

So keeping in mind if the item/service is a need or a want can help you have more financial disciplined. Just remember to think long and hard about any purchases before you pull the trigger. If it is a need, then go ahead and do it. But if the item is actually something you want instead, it’s usually best to hold off even for a bit to make sure you still really want it as much as you think you do.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

When it comes to purchasing wants, you have a few other options that can save you a ton of money. If there is an item that you are wanting to purchase, but it simply isn’t in the budget, what might be some other ways to achieve the same goal?

Reduce, reuse or recycle may just be the best option here. If you have things in your house that you can get rid of (and maybe even make some money off of their sale), then that is one way to get the potential want. Sell your old stuff and then use the proceeds to purchase the new want item.

Or, if you can reuse an item you have in your house already, paired with something else, in order to create a similar item, then why not do that? Sometimes, all a table or chair needs is a fresh coat of paint in order to feel like a completely new item. So get creative and think outside the box about things you already have at your disposal.

And if all else fails, recycle your old items. You may not make any money off of them, but you could potentially get a tax write-off. Plus, it declutters your space, which can make it feel like a completely new room. Sometimes, that is really all you need.

Make it automatic

No matter what you goal is you can probably automate at least some of it.

If you want to save more, schedule automatic transfers from your checking to your savings. If you want to pay off a certain amount of debt each month, set automatic payments to your accounts.

Having these transactions happen automatically will remove the friction that can be caused when you have to manually make that extra payment, or save that extra money. You can always go in and stop or change the automatic payment if you can’t swing it one month, but making it the default will cause it to happen more often than not.

Of course, don’t set yourself up for failure. Setting an automatic payment without a plan to make sure the money is available will cause more harm than good. Create a feasible plan and realistic goal, then set it up to run without any extra effort from you.

Read more: Put your money on autopilot

Put your emergency fund in a high yield savings account

If you are working on building your emergency fund – or already have a solid savings account – you’ll want to make sure you are getting the most interest possible. This will help grow your savings rate since you’ll be earning a little extra interest each month.

Interest rates on high-yield savings accounts are higher than they’ve been in years, and the difference between online accounts and those at your local bank are huge. So, while these high yield savings account rates may not be anywhere close to the average return you will get on investing your money, it’s still nice to make some interest on your savings.

The best high yield savings account, in my opinion, is the CIT Savings Builder.

Read more: How Much Should You Save Every Month?

CIT Bank Savings Builder

CIT Bank Savings Builder has a very competitive APY – compared to the pennies you get from a credit union account.

You only need $100 to open an account and they charge no maintenance fees. To earn the highest APY, you need to get your account up to $25,000, or you need to deposit at least $100 monthly. See details here.

The CIT Savings Builder has a completely online platform, so everything can be done directly from your smartphone, just to make life simpler. They are also FDIC insured up to $250,000 per account type.

CIT Bank. Member FDIC.

Summary

Overall, it is extremely easy for our money to flow through our fingers like water. This is why you have to be cognizant of what you have and where you want to be with your finances.

If you want to avoid debt, save more money, or invest for your future then it’s important to develop self discipline in your finances.

Source: moneyunder30.com