Still working from home, post-COVID? It’s probably time to turn that living room workspace into something more functional and stylish.
The COVID-19 pandemic sent a lot of workers scurrying into work-from-home situations to escape the madness and otherwise stay safe. Although many have since returned to the workplace, plenty of others are still working from home, often in makeshift office quarters. In a home with limited space, like the typical apartment, this can blur the lines between the living area, office area and everything in between.
It’s time to carve out a dedicated office space (if you haven’t already)
At the beginning of the pandemic, it seemed like sudden work-from-home situations would be temporary. But as the days dragged into weeks, months and beyond, a lot of employers and staff realized the tremendous benefits of remote work. No one enjoys a painful and time-consuming commute, and it’s simply much more comfortable to take a conference call in pajamas than in heels or pointy-toed dress shoes and a pantsuit.
Once the whole thing was mostly behind us, a lot of employees continued to work remotely, even if only on a part-time basis. Unfortunately, upgrading to a place with more square footage is not in the cards for many people, forcing workers to live, work and play in the same small area. Since it’s better for sleep quality to keep business out of the bedroom, that leaves the living room space as the front-runner for most home offices. And while many people have been using laptops on the couch for a while now, the problem is that the lack of a designated work area can affect job performance.
Dedicated workspaces promote concentration
It’s so easy to get distracted when working in the middle of your living room, leading to reduced productivity and possibly an upset boss. While you’re sitting in sight of that stack of mail, an annoying pile of unfolded laundry or whatever other chore needs doing, it’s likely to worm its way into your brain, pulling it away from critical work functions.
It’s tough to unplug after work hours are over
The flipside is also true of working from a couch. When the laptop is in full view, it’s easy to plug back in on the weekend or during the evening off hours. This is a problem because overworking can cause everything from neck and shoulder stiffness to stress or even serious health problems. Having time to rest and recharge is critical to one’s personal wellness. Work-life balance is no joke and trickier than it may seem.
Productivity goes up in a dedicated workspace
People are more efficient when they have a routine and a place that forces them to focus. Working in some sort of dedicated office space gets employees in the mind-frame that it’s time to get the job done, not surf the internet or watch reality television. Plus, no one wants all of that office-related clutter to take up valuable living space.
Key ways to create a living room and office combo
It’s easy enough to create a functional and effective office space in one’s living room with a few tools and an open mind. Take these critical steps toward making your home office into the most productive space possible.
Carve out a corner
Take a measured look at the living area and identify any pieces of furniture that are simply taking up space. Relocate, sell or store such items and rearrange the remaining bits so that your office can fit neatly into a corner. Bonus points if it faces a window because natural light is always a plus!
Invest in functional office furniture
There are certain pieces that no office would be complete without, including a desk, an ergonomically friendly chair and a filing cabinet (or some other storage space). If you’re concerned that you’re not getting your steps in around a conventional office, try a standing desk with an adjustable height option or even one that attaches to a treadmill to keep moving. Or, stick with a conventional desk and take calls on your feet whenever possible to stretch your legs.
Invest in the right equipment
Since video conferencing is here to stay, consider a professional-grade conference room camera (some even hook up to your television) and set up a ring light to put you in the best possible lighting. Don’t forget a pair of noise-canceling headphones to block out any rowdy neighbors, garbage trucks or other miscellaneous background distractions.
Another idea for designating a space is using an attractive and portable divider, like this privacy screen in rustic barnwood style to section the space off from the rest of the room. This will allow you to focus on work without a wandering eye, plus it’ll keep professional items attractively out of sight from the living area. No one wants a printer visible from the coffee table, right?
Lastly, add in a couple of pretty green desk plants and some colorful artwork for inspiration. This doesn’t mean that you can never use a lap desk on the couch again, but it does offer a vastly more professional and productive space to work from when the situation calls for it.
Get the job done right in the ideal home office
For many, the switch to remote work has been a positive one that they wouldn’t trade for anything. So set yourself up for success with a workspace that illustrates your commitment and capabilities. Find your dream apartment today!
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.
Whether a mom is working or not, it doesn’t take away the fact that they need to have life insurance.
I’m amazed when I talk to married couples where the husband has ample life insurance coverage on him but they have nothing on the wife. They don’t take into consideration the dramatic financial impact if something were to happen to her, and this isn’t just for working moms too.
Life insurance coverage is one of the best ways of ensuring that loved ones can replace income, pay off debts, and come up with the funds that are needed for costly final expenses – without further disrupting their lives.
Because the unexpected can happen at any time and to anyone, this important coverage is essential to have on all members of a family, not just the high-income earner.
Do Stay-At-Home Moms Need Life Insurance Coverage?
While many insurance agents and financial planners tend to focus on the breadwinner of the family when offering life insurance protection, they often tend to forget just how costly it would be to replace a stay-at-home mom.
A stay-at-home-mom is an extremely valuable part of a family – and in many ways is the center of the home. She takes care of the entire family by cooking, cleaning, running errands, taking the children to and from school, and taking care of the kids when they are sick.
So, what would happen if a stay-at-home mom were no longer there? With all that a stay-at-home mom does for her family, it would cost a great deal to hire somebody to come in and replace each and every one of the duties that she does.
Life Insurance for Working Moms
Moms who are working will also need to be covered with life insurance protection. There can be many different reasons for this. In addition to the many duties that will need to be replaced, there is also likely income that will need to be replaced as well.
In many cases, families that have two income earners are counting on both spouses’ incomes to ensure that the monthly living expenses can be met. Should one of those incomes suddenly disappear, it may require a drastic reduction in lifestyle for the rest of the family.
If, however, a good solid life insurance policy is in place, this can help to replace the income that was lost, allowing the survivors to maintain their current lifestyle. This can be helpful in an already difficult time in their lives.
When discussing working moms, it is also important to add business owner moms into this area. Today, there are numerous women who are starting businesses of their own. In doing so, not only are they creating jobs and bringing in income, but they may also be taking on debt in the process of getting their companies off the ground.
For any mom who is also a business owner, having life insurance coverage is essential. This important protection could step in to pay off debt balances and to keep income flowing for loved ones and survivors.
It could also help in the business area, as well. For example, having life insurance coverage on the business owner mom’s life could allow the business enough liquidity to keep it afloat while a replacement is being sought.
Alternatively, the proceeds from the life insurance policy may also be used for keeping the company going while a suitable buyer is found. In this case, some or all of the policy proceeds could be provided to the business owner mom’s survivors as a portion of the business sale price.
Policies for Single Moms
Single moms should also consider the purchase of life insurance coverage. While nobody likes to think about what would happen if they were no longer here, the truth is that accidents and illness can and do happen – and it is always best to have your survivors be prepared.
Leaving children without a mother is extremely difficult to think about. However, leaving children in financial hardship would be even worse. In the case of single moms, the financial protection that is provided through life insurance could be the sole financial support for your child’s (or children’s) present and future needs.
Types of Life Insurance Available
There are many different types of life insurance that are available in the marketplace today that could be considered for moms who are in need of coverage. Certainly, for those who are seeking purely cheap life insurance, term coverage will typically be the way to go. This is because term life offers just pure death benefit protection, without any cash value or savings build up.
Term policies have often been referred to as the most basic type of life insurance on the market. Because of this, these policies are typically the most affordable in terms of premium – especially if the insured is young and in good health at the time of application. This can be a great way to obtain a large amount of death benefit for a low premium price.
With term life insurance, you can purchase coverage for a certain length of time – or “term.” These are typically 5-years, 10-years, 15-years, 20-years, or 30-years, depending on the age and health of the applicant. In some cases, a 40-year term option may even be available.
If, however, the policy expires after its period has elapsed and the insured still required life insurance coverage, it will be necessary to re-qualify for coverage at the person’s then-current age and health condition. Because the insured will be older at that time, it is likely that the premium on the new life insurance coverage will be quite a bit higher.
A mom may alternatively choose to go with a permanent life insurance policy. Although the premiums on these types of policies are not as cheap as term, they have somewhat more to offer in that they provide both death benefit, as well as cash value build up. Here, the cash within the policy is allowed to grow on a tax-deferred basis. This means that the cash inside the policy is allowed to grow without being taxed until the time it is withdrawn. If the policyholder keeps the cash inside of the policy for a long period, the cash could essentially grow and compound a great deal.
The cash value that is in a permanent life insurance policy may be borrowed or withdrawn by the policyholder for any need that they see fit. And, the cash does not need to be repaid. However, it is important to note that any balance that is not repaid will be charged against the death benefit that is paid out to the policy’s beneficiary at the time of the insured’s death.
The cost of either of these types of policies will depend on a number of different factors. Just some of the premium related criteria will typically include the following:
Age
Height and Weight
Smoking status
Overall health history
Family health history
Marital status
Occupation and income
The life insurance underwriters will also review whether the applicant participates in any risky or dangerous hobbies such as skydiving or scuba diving. Likewise, they will also inquire about any regular foreign travel that is participated in, if applicable.
Another question that is typically asked by life insurance underwriters is whether or not any other life insurance is already in place – and if there is, what is the total face amount of the coverage.
How Much Life Insurance Do Moms Need?
Once it is determined that a mom needs life insurance, it is important also to decide how much coverage will be needed. There are many different “rules of thumb” for figuring out the ideal amount of coverage.
One of these rules states that a person should take their income and multiply it by ten. In doing so, there are additional factors to keep in mind. For example, do you also have a mortgage balance that would need to be paid off. What about other debt balances such as auto loans, credit cards, and personal loans?
There are also other criteria to factor in as well such as final expenses. Today, the average cost of a funeral can exceed $10,000 in most areas of the country. When adding together the price of a burial plot, casket, transportation, flowers, the memorial service itself, and other related expenses – it can truly add up. These are funds that will typically be required very quickly – so a life insurance policy is one of the best ways of obtaining them.
Without life insurance, many families must pay final expenses by dipping into savings, selling off other assets, or by using high-interest credit. Unfortunately, this can put many people into deeper financial hardship.
In the case of a stay-at-home mom, additional factors must also be added to the life insurance coverage figure. For example, it should be determined how much it would cost to replace somebody for doing the following duties:
Cooking
Cleaning
Childcare
Carpool
Shopping
These costs must also be multiplied by the number of years in which they will be performed. In deciding the time frame for the coverage, you will be able to get a good idea of whether the coverage would be better served through a term or a permanent life insurance policy.
It is easy to see how the amount of life insurance for moms can actually come out to be a high figure – which can show just how much more moms do that is so very valuable to us – and difficult to replace.
Although it may be difficult to discuss replacing all the things that a loving mother can provide, not having a plan can essentially be much more dangerous when it comes to the future of your children.
Having a good solid financial plan in place with life insurance coverage can help to ensure that duties will still go on, and that even though difficult emotionally, a drastic financial change in lifestyle will not have to take place.
Tips for Getting the Cheapest Rates
If you know you need coverage, here are some tips on getting cheap life insurance for moms.
1. They already have an advantage
Females having a longer life expectancy will already get cheaper rates. I demonstrated this on another blog post that compared the difference of life insurance prices on males versus females. So getting cheap life insurance for your mom isn’t going to be all that hard because it’s already going to be cheaper than dad anyway.
2. Don’t procrastinate
Even though life insurance is cheaper on women than men, it still goes up over time. So by putting it off, you run the risk of either age or health conditions affecting how much your insurance premium is going to be. If you want to keep the life insurance cheap, do not pass go; get coverage now.
3. Do it before you have kids
As mentioned above, it makes sense to get life insurance coverage when you’re young, but most people don’t think about it until after they have children. Some moms will want to apply for life insurance while they’re pregnant. While typically pregnancy does not affect you getting life insurance coverage, it’s more advisable to apply in the first trimester. Complications can arise during pregnancy, preeclampsia, hypertension, excessive weight gain that could either jack up your insurance rates or prevent you from getting approved.
If you have suffered from any of those conditions during pregnancy, then take some time to get you back to your pre-pregnancy condition. That’s why it’s more advisable to apply for life insurance before pregnancy even becomes an issue.
As you can see, it is possible for moms to get cheap life insurance. It’s all about working with an independent life insurance agent that will guide you through the process.
How and Where to Find Cheap Life Insurance Policies
If you’re looking for life insurance policies for moms, the best place to start is with a company or an agency that has access to more than just one life insurance carrier. By doing so, you will be able to directly compare several different insurers, policies, benefits, and premium quotes in order to determine which one will be the very best for your specific needs, coverage goals, and situation.
When you are ready to begin searching for the right policy, we can help. We work with many of the top life insurance companies in the industry today – and we can help you in obtaining all of the important information that you need for making a well-informed purchase decision. When you’re ready to begin the process, all you have to do is fill out the form on this page and submit it.
We understand that buying life insurance can at times seem somewhat overwhelming. There are many details to keep track of – and you want to be sure that you are purchasing the right type and amount of coverage. Our trained experts will help you to ensure that you are going in the right direction for what is best for you. So, contact us today – we’re here to help.
On Thursday, attorneys for the former employees, Sprout’s affiliated company Recovco Mortgage Management and Michael Strauss, an industry veteran who founded the lender, requested that the court to continue its review of the settlement.
“The bankruptcy proceeding was commenced only against Sprout, so consistent with the approach adopted by some cases under similar circumstances as those presented here, the parties request that the automatic stay only applies to the action against Sprout, not Recovco or Strauss,” an attorney for the former employees wrote in court filings.
In addition, the parties requested that the judge allow the distribution of funds currently escrowed under the settlement reached before the involuntary bankruptcy petition. They claim that the escrowed funds are not the property of Sprout’s estate for bankruptcy.
According to the document, Sprout has “nearly fully complied with the terms of the class settlement agreement, but for the last $300,000 payment.”
The document states that Recovco and Strauss are not admitting any liability but believe that under the circumstances present, it is in the interest of all parties for the settlement process to continue.
Scott Simpson, one of the attorneys for the former employees at Menken Simpson & Rozger LLP, said he had no comment.
“Our clients still have no comment,” Marc Wenger, an attorney for the defendants Sprout, Recovco and Strauss at Jackson Lewis P.C., said.
Also due to the involuntary bankruptcy petition, Sprout’s attorneys moved to adjourn “without date” a pending motion and a hearing scheduled for August 3 on a lawsuit filed by Merchants Bank of Indiana.
Sprout’s lawyers mentioned in court filings Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, which gives debtor protection from creditors, among other things, from “the commencement or continuation of any judicial, administrative, or other action or proceeding” that was or could have been commenced before the bankruptcy court case.
Merchants Bank of Indiana claims in its lawsuit that it purchased a mortgage loan from Sprout, and the underlying borrowers subsequently tendered a full payoff of the mortgage loan to Sprout. Still, the company failed to remit it to Merchants as the parties’ written agreement required. The total value was $1.2 million.
A representative for Merchants said the company had no comment.
Long Island-based Sprout informed hundreds of workers and business partners it was closing its doors on July 6, 2022, when a sharp rise in rates saddled the company with loans it could not sell to investors in the secondary market at par.
Ex-employees alleged the company did not pay their last paychecks and severance package. The company also canceled health insurance coverage retroactively to May 1, resulting in several lawsuits against the lender. The lender is also the target of lawsuits from former business partners.
Strauss is reportedly trying to sell a property at 610 Park Avenue in New York for $19.9 million and has started a new mortgage company. But Strauss and his new company, Smart Rate Mortgage,appealed in April a decision from an Illinois regulator to suspend their licenses to operate in the state. Meanwhile, the licenses remain active.
Inside: Looking for some unique cash app card design ideas? Look no further! This guide has 100+ cool and unique ideas to help you create cards that reflect your personality and style.
The concept of Cash App card designs has emerged as a trendy and enjoyable way to personalize your monetary transactions.
Rather than limiting yourself to traditional designs, Cash App allows you to express your creativity, resulting in a card that reflects your individuality, interests, and style.
From inspiring quotes to your favorite emojis and collages, you have the option to turn your Cash App Visa debit card into a distinct and exciting asset.
This not only enhances the visual appeal of your card but also adds a touch of personality to your buying experience.
Whether you are getting a Cash Card for the first time or looking to redesign an existing one, this segment will offer you a plethora of unique design ideas to inspire your creativity.
Browse through our cash app card design ideas to help make your card stand out.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What is Cash App Card?
A Cash App Card is a free, customizable debit card linked directly to your Cash App account.
Let’s break this down:
It functions like your ordinary Visa debit card, capable of handling payments anywhere Visa is accepted.
Since it draws from your Cash App balance—not your bank account—you can use it for both online and in-store transactions.
Interesting perks include a unique design to suit your style.
Great for budgeting – like a cashless envelope system!
In essence, think of it as a flashy, convenient companion to your Cash App, ready to assist with purchases, whether you’re grabbing your morning coffee or buying a cool online gadget!
Is the personalized Cash App card free?
Your personalized Cash App card is mostly free unless you opt for special versions.
The basic white or black card comes without a charge on your first order.
So as long as you stick with the basic options, you’re in the clear.
Just remember, additional cards, regardless of color, will cost you $5 each. For example, if you get a black one first and then decide you want a white one too, you’d need to fork out $5 for it.
How to Customize your Cash App Card
Your card design is like your fashion statement. It says a lot about you.
So, you want to design your Cash App Card to fit exactly what you want.
To start designing your Cash App Card, first, you need to open your app — the infamous green home screen should be your first sight.
Incorporate emojis, letters, or symbols that express who you are.
Use the freehand drawing option – use a stylus or finger to sketch directly on your card! It might take a few attempts, but experimentation is part of the fun.
Remember, keep your design concise but personal, and above all – have fun!
60+ Cool and Unique Cash App Card Design Ideas
When designing your Cash Card, it’s crucial to choose a display that best represents you and easily catches your attention.
Even though images or photos can’t be added, creativity can still run wild.
From selecting initial base designs to illustrating personal interests and hobbies, every idea is an opportunity to bring your card to life.
1. Create Inspirational Quotes Cash App Cards
Choose a quote that’s both meaningful and motivating to you.
It could be a famous quote or your personal mantra. Or even one of these millionaire quotes.
Personally, this is my favorite idea because I love constant reminders of inspirational messages!
2. Choose an Affirmation You needed reminding of
Having personalized affirmations and messages on your Cash App card can turn a regular transaction into a moment of reflection and inspiration.
It is like leaving an encouraging note on your Cash App card.
Common affirmations or quotes such as “Believe in yourself” or something more personalized like “Be the change you want to see”, can provide a boost of motivation every time you use your card. Here are more money affirmations to choose from.
Remember, these design features should reflect your personality and resonate with you on a personal level.
This way, every time you use your Cash App card, it becomes more than just a transactional tool; it becomes a unique extension of you.
3. Cash App Card Design with Word Art
With Cash App’s Word Art design, you can express yourself like never before! Instead of settling for a standard design, this feature lets you craft an emblem that’s truly unique – as unique as you.
Word Art breathes life into your card and makes it a conversation starter.
Personalized wording which can include your signature, favorite quotes, or your brand’s name
Variety of fonts and colors to choose from
Word Art designs can be both sophisticated and playful, matching your vibe and setting your Cash App Card a league above the rest. It’s about expressing yourself, your way!
4. Cash App Card Design with Emojis
Indeed, adding emojis to your Cash App card is a ground-breaking design concept. Just like you would sign a text message.
It gives the card a fun, personal touch that mirrors your unique personality, interests, and style—everything traditional card designs lack.
The available variety of emojis provides ample creative liberty.
5. Cash App Card Design with Symbols
Using symbols on Cash App card designs gives you an opportunity to personalize and add a dash of creativity to your card.
The beauty of using symbols is their versatility, and how they let you express your creativity and personality without overwhelming the card design.
Creating a design you love will certainly make every cash transaction a little more enjoyable!
6. Cash App Card Design with Patterns and Designs
Using patterns and designs on a Cash App card can significantly reflect your personal style and preferences.
If the idea of a standard and mundane Cash App card doesn’t appeal to you, you can customize it using a variety of patterns and designs, making it more personalized and meaningful to you. Here are a few ideas on how you can go about it:
Choosing to use patterns and designs on your Cash App card is not only a creative way to express your individuality, but it also adds a unique, engaging element to the otherwise utilitarian nature of financial cards.
7. Cash App Card Design with Color and Style
When it comes to card designs, color and style aren’t just aesthetic choices; they define your personality.
Choose your favorite hue or pick limited-edition colors to reflect your unique taste.
Customizable designs: Be it minimalist, neon, grunge, or vintage – tailor the card to match your persona.
The multi-colored, geometric designs offer a blend of personality and style, gearing towards a modern payment solution.
8. Create Freehand Card Designs
Freehand designs give your Cash App Card a unique, personal touch, turning it into a mini portable art piece.
Free-hand drawings add an artistic flare, turning your card into a unique piece of art. Various styles, from portraits to favorite anime characters or even cherished family names, can be featured.
You can also embed empowering quotes or use the cool street-art style of graffiti to make an imaginative statement.
Remember, the fundamental goal is not just to create a card but also to design an extension of your personality. Using a stylus will make this process much easier.
Expert tip: Sketch your design on paper first to get a feel.
Card App Card Design Themes
Using the above ideas, here are specific themes you can use for your personalized Cash App Card.
Space and Stars Theme: Display an image of the galaxy or stars in the night sky.
Music Theme: A melody note or a line from your favorite song could make a great design.
Sports Theme: Choose an image that represents your favorite sport, such as a football, basketball or ballet shoes.
Nature Theme: Use imagery of mountains, trees, or the beach.
Inspirational Quote: Choose a quote that motivates you each time you use your cash app card.
Emoji Theme: Use your favorite emoji, or a mix of them.
Family Picture: A sketch or silhouette of your family members.
Pet Theme: Show off your furry friends by depicting them on your card.
Anime Theme: Pick characters from your favorite anime series.
Movie Theme: Use a design related to your favorite movie.
Superhero Theme: Show your love for superheroes like Spider-man, Batman.
Zodiac Theme: Choose symbols or constellations of your Zodiac sign.
Food Theme: Use an image of your favorite food or a trendy food item.
Book Theme: Use symbols or important elements from your favorite book.
Art Theme: Paint splotches, abstract design, or famous art paintings.
Travel Theme: Landmarks of your favorite – city or vacation spot.
Western Theme: Perfect for the horse lover and cowboy boots!
Seasonal Theme: Images relating to different seasons like snowflakes, leaves, spring flowers.
Coffee Theme: A coffee cup or your favorite coffee order.
Fitness Theme: Dumbbells, yoga poses, or running shoes.
Floral Theme: Blooming flowers and foliage.
Gaming Theme: Iconography from your favorite games.
Minimalist Theme: Simple, clean lines and minimal colors.
Fashion Theme: Sketches of clothes, accessories or a runway.
Vehicles Theme: Cars, trains, planes, bicycles.
Career Theme: Symbols or tools related to your profession.
Hobby Theme: Images of something you love doing, from knitting to scuba diving.
Love Theme: Heart shapes, cupid, and other romantic symbols.
Health Theme: Medical or wellness-related symbols.
Educational Theme: Books, graduation cap and other study-related images.
Retro Theme: Vintage designs or pop culture from a certain era.
Birthday Theme: Balloons, cakes, party hats.
Cartoon Theme: Beloved characters from animated TV shows or movies.
Doodles Theme: A collection of small, simple drawings.
Marine Life Theme: Sea creatures or marine scenery.
Inspirational Icons: Images of people who inspire you like famous athletes, actors, or activists.
Favorite Color Theme: Feature various shades and gradients of your favorite color.
Fairy Tale Theme: Designs based on your favorite children’s stories or fantasy tales.
Skyline Theme: Capture the silhouette of your favorite city’s skyline.
Outer Space Theme: Planets, galaxies, rockets and astronauts.
Nautical Theme: Anchors, ship wheels, lighthouses and other seafaring symbols.
Dessert Theme: Images of your favorite sweet treats.
DIY/Handicraft Theme: Symbols related to different crafts – knitting needles, paint brushes, etc.
Wildlife Theme: Images of your favorite wild animals.
Geometric Shapes Theme: Create a sleek design with a variety of shapes.
Personal Logo: If you have a personal logo, you could use that.
Spirit Animal: Draw or paste in an image of your spirit animal.
National Flags: Show your pride of heritage with your country’s flag.
Camouflage Theme: Explore different types of camouflage patterns.
Mountain Landscape Theme: Use an image or drawing of a mountain range.
Festive Theme: Images related to different festivals or holidays.
Grayscale Theme: Designs with different shades of black and white.
Checkerboard Pattern: A timeless tic-tac-toe design for classic charm.
Vintage Theme: Checks, stripes, or polka dots—any of these can lend a nostalgia-tinged style to your card.
Money Theme: Start by drawing dollar symbols or creating designs inspired by currency
Other Cash App Card Ideas:
Draw a self-portrait: Keep it simple yet expressive, experimenting with different colors, lines, and shapes to highlight your persona.
Use your Favorite Movie Line: Choose a memorable quote from your favorite movie.
Choose Your Life Motto or Verse: Adding such text can create a unique reflection of your personality or beliefs. Here are a few neat examples:
Your Signature: This customized detail will not only make your card look original but also speak echoes about your personality.
Stick figure family design
A signature doodle
A caricature of yourself
Your kiddo’s names with whimsical stick figure drawings
A quote that resonates with you
Let that inner artist shine!
What are the Color Options Available?
Personally, I like to think about my design before I dig right into it. And knowing the background color makes things so much easier!
1. Standard Black
The standard Black Cash App card, often referred to as the “classy classic”, might very well be your next wallet staple.
With its timeless appeal and slick design, this card is perfect if you’re looking for something basic yet sophisticated.
Pros:
Its cool black color creates a refined and sleek appearance.
With its simple and traditional design, it fits well with any wallet.
It’s a popular choice, giving it mass appeal.
Absolutely free of charge, which is a bonus.
It has that classic and vintage feel that just screams style.
Cons:
Could be considered too ordinary or basic.
Can easily be misplaced or lost due to its dark color.
The strict black design offers limited personalization.
If you like colorful or vibrant designs, it may not appeal to you.
So, whether you stick to the black card is entirely up to your personal style and preferences, mate!
2. White Base
Isn’t simplicity more your style? The white base color option for the Cash App Card might be just what you’re looking for.
Plus it’s free of charge, which appeals to your budget-savvy side. Since it is a classic color that works with anything.
Most importantly, it makes a simple statement about your preference for chic, minimal styles.
Pros:
Bright and clean: Suits any design you wish to superimpose.
Versatility: Perfectly complements both formal and casual situations.
Designer-friendly: Adds neatness and clarity to your chosen design.
Cons:
White can make stains more noticeable.
May discolor and lose it’s bright coloring.
Being a popular choice, it lacks uniqueness.
3. Glow In the Dark Base
Are you seeking an edgy, unconventional look for your Cash App card?
Consider the glow-in-the-dark base color which stands out among the more traditional options.
It’s stylish, boasting a fun green color, adding a quirky twist to your finance management. You might find it quicker if it gets misplaced, thanks to its luminous feature.
The biggest con is it comes with an additional cost of $5.
4. Chameleon Metal Cash Card
If you’re looking for a sophisticated touch to your digital transactions, the Chameleon Metal Cash Card is a unique alternative.
This cool cash app card option brings a colorful twist to your wallet.
Pros:
Customizable to your taste.
Differentiates you from other cardholders.
It has a sophisticated multicolor design.
Heavyweight imitates a premium feel.
Cons:
There are rumors that metal cards are no longer currently available.
Being noticeable might attract unwanted attention.
Also, you can choose to get a black metal Cash Card for $50.
Not sure if you should unlock button on cash app to pay for it. That is probably not a great idea!
How do you make cool designs on Cash App cards?
Remember, “cool” is subjective, so tailor your card to represent you.
Whether it’s a movie quote for film enthusiasts, adorable flowering designs for the ‘girly’ users, or a sports team logo for sports lovers, choose design elements that reflect your personality and lifestyle.
To make cool designs on your Cash App card, follow these simple steps:
Open your Cash App on your Android or iOS device and tap the Cash Card tab.
Locate the three dots at the top right corner of your screen. Tap it and select “Design New Card”.
Begin designing by choosing a base color for your card and click on “Personalize Card”.
When it comes to card text, make sure it’s large and well-aligned for easy readability. Using clean, standard fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Helvetica will look professional and legible.
You might like to add graphic elements or simple illustrations, to make your card more visually striking.
Make this card your everyday inspiration. Go all out or keep it minimal — it’s all about you!
Tips for Designing your Cash App Design
Designing your Cash App card allows you to add a touch of personality, making not just transactions but also the medium of transaction a reflection of you.
With an array of options from inspirational quotes to your favorite emojis, from creative collages to minimalist designs, the customization possibilities are endless.
This section provides helpful tips on creating a Cash App card design that is uniquely yours.
Use these suggestions as a starting point and let your creativity shine through. R
1. Simplicity is Key
When designing your Cash App card, simplicity is your best friend.
A minimalist design using a simple color palette and clean lines can create sophistication and style. Too much information? It just makes things difficult to read.
Try these tips:
Start by choosing a design that’s easy to read.
Go for a solid color background with your impactful saying in a clean font.
Don’t cram too much onto your card.
Get creative with basic shapes or perhaps, draw a scene from your favorite movie with a stylus.
But remember, keep it simple.
2. Consider Your Personal Style and Interests
Designing your Cash App card is an opportunity to truly make it your own by considering your personal style and interests during the design process.
Is there a hobby you are passionate about?
Maybe you love reading, gaming, painting or even knitting.
Get creative, perhaps with a self-portrait or graffiti of your initials
Pick or draw a design that reflects you
Remember, this is your chance to showcase YOU on your card. Have fun with it!
3. Think About the Types of Transactions You Will Be Making
If you are currently striving towards a money goal, this is a great chance to use your spending card to get you there.
Your personalized Cash App card design will greatly enhance your user probability of racing your goals.
While a little creativity with your Cash App Card design, you want to make sure you stay without your budget.
4. Make sure it is easy to read
Simple – you don’t want a cluttered card that’s hard on the eyes.
Here’s how to ensure yours pops while remaining legible:
Opt for a straightforward design. Busy doesn’t equate to cool.
Choose a clean font. Messy typefaces smack of unprofessionalism.
Balance your color scheme. Overly bright or dark? Nah, we’re seeking a middle ground here.
Consider a stylus for freehand designs – it aids precision.
Keep it simple, keep it clean.
5. Don’t overcomplicate things
Overly complex or crammed designs make it difficult to comprehend.
Aim for a clean, minimalist vibe – it’s trendy and effective.
Remember, the last thing you want is a card you can’t read or love to use!
FAQ
You’re in for some disappointment – you can’t put a picture on your Cash App card.
Cash App lets you jazz things up with emojis, freehand art, or even your unique $Cashtag, but not personal pictures.
If this changes, we will update this post.
No, you can’t have 2 Cash App cards.
Each Cash App account is tied to one unique Cash Card account, so you can’t have multiple cards for a single account.
Keep in mind that while you can change designs, you’re still only using one card tied to your account.
Show us your Collest Cash App Card Designs
What better way to stay on budget than by giving your Cash App card a personalized touch?
By incorporating meaningful sayings, emojis that encapsulate your spirit, or a favorite anime character or brand logo, you can make your debit card an extension and reminder of your financial goals.
Perhaps your creativity stretches to a cool pattern or your childhood cartoon character, or you fancy keeping it simple with your initials or nickname – remember, the simpler, the better.
You can also play around with outdoor scenes, objects that inspire you, or even a drawing from your kids.
Whatever your design preference, your Cash App debit card design is an opportunity to make your banking experience truly yours.
And yes, feel free to share your innovative designs and ideas with us in the comments. We value your input and would love to hear from you!
And remember – the ultimate goal is to stay mindful of your spending habits and budget.
Enjoy this as a canvas of individuality in the cashless world.
Now don’t forget… where can I load my cash app card?
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Suze Orman set off quite a stir a few months ago in a New York Times interview. Although some folks were all atwitter to find out she was gay, what really had people in the personal finance world talking was the fact that the most successful personal finance writer in the country had the bulk of her $25 million portfolio in conservative municipal bonds, with only about $1 million invested in the stock market.
My buddy Chuck Jaffe, a MarketWatch columnist and not exactly a Suze fan, had a particularly good time that little factoid. Chuck has often criticized Suze’s advice as too conservative, and her lack of personal exposure to the stock market confirmed his suspicions that she was out of touch with the needs of everyday people. “In short,” he thundered, “the person being trusted as everyone’s financial adviser has a portfolio that few people could live with.”
I think Suze should be allowed to invest any way she wants to, but the whole kerfluffle points up an irony of personal finance columnizing: the more successful we pundits are, the less our lives resemble those of the majority of our readers.
I was thinking about that when J.D. asked if I’d be willing to write a little exposé for his site on how well I follow my own advice.
“I always wonder just how personal finance gurus lead their lives,” J.D. wrote in an email. “Do they really follow the advice they give? Are they frugal? Do they put their money in index funds? Do they drive older cars? I think this is a question many people have. I also think it’s one reason they read Get Rich Slowly: I quite clearly do follow my own advice, or try to.”
So do I — mostly. At J.D.’s request, I’m pulling back the curtain a bit to show you where I walk my talk, and where I’m full of (well-meaning) hot air.
In case you’re not familiar with my work: I’m the most-read personal finance columnist on the Web. I write a twice-weekly column for MSN Money and a nationally syndicated newspaper column. I’m also the author of three books about finance:
You can find out more about me, if you want, at asklizweston.com. But in answer to J.D.’s questions:
Am I frugal? Congenitally. Most of the time.
I grew up in a middle-class family with a dad who worked as an electric journeyman at the local power plant and a stay-at-home mom who had the Depression-era baby’s classic aversion to debt. We had a garden, we canned, we rinsed and reused baggies. My mom went back to work to help pay my college tuition, while I worked two to four part-time jobs each semester to make ends meet. I graduated without student loan or credit card debt.
I’ve never been much of a shopper, and was taught to pay credit card balances in full every month. (I have carried credit card debt a couple of times in my life — for cash flow reasons, not because we couldn’t pay the whole bill.) Since my early 20s, when I started working as a daily newspaper reporter, I’ve saved 15% to 20% — and sometimes more — of my income. Most of it goes into retirement funds and the majority of those are invested in stock mutual funds.
But a lot of the things I used to do to save money I now do mostly to save the environment: things like turning off lights, using a programmable thermostat, walking or biking instead of driving the car.
And now that I travel a lot, I’ve developed an appreciation for luxuries that would have been unthinkable in my salad days: things like membership to an airline lounge and occasionally paying for a first-class ticket, when I can’t qualify for an upgrade with frequent flyer miles. Flying coach these days reminds me way too much of riding the Greyhound bus during college, and I’m lucky enough to be able to afford an alternative.
Do I put my money in index funds? Yes. Mostly.
I’m a confirmed believer that people who think they’re going to beat the market probably are deluding themselves. I know I would be; I’m way too busy to monitor individual stocks or actively-managed mutual funds.
But a recent review of our portfolio showed that while most of our money is in broad-market index funds, we’re still hanging on to a few actively-managed funds I bought before I’d become firmly convinced of the futilely of trying to predict market-beaters. Like the cobbler’s children with no shoes, my portfolio’s overdue for a clean-up and rebalancing. Thanks, J.D., for goading me into it.
Do I drive an older car? Oh, boy. Do I.
I’m the proud driver of a 1993 SUV with—ta-da—250,000 miles on it. I inherited it from my husband, who upgraded to a later-model Volvo. (The man actually cares what he drives, unlike me.) I’d eventually like to replace it with a more fuel-efficient car, but at this point I drive so few miles that it doesn’t make sense to replace it. Besides that, I’m oddly curious to see how long the old beast will hold out.
I’ve also learned a lot about money over the years by making mistakes. I bought “retirement property” when I was in my 20s (anybody want 14 acres in Alaska, 80 miles from the nearest road?). After years of railing about the insanity of the dot-com boom, I sunk $2,000 into a tech fund in — get this — March 2000, about a week before the bubble started to burst. And the last time we bought a house, I forgot (yes, forgot) about closing costs, and had to sell off some investments at the last minute to cover closing costs. (Fortunately, the stock market cooperated with me for once — you’re not supposed to keep short-term money, like down payments and closing costs, in stock or stock mutual fund investments lest they take a dive right when you need the money.)
But yeah, overall I’ve followed my own advice. I’ve avoided toxic debt including credit card debt; put a pile away for retirement; and invested a ton of money over the years in fun and experiences. I’ve traveled around the world, earned my pilot’s license, threw some great parties, took two sabbaticals to care for my dying mother, and am in the process of raising a wonderful daughter (who may turn out to be our more expensive experience yet, but is soooo worth it). I firmly believe that managing money well helps you live life well, and that’s the message I hope to communicate to readers — regardless of where they happen to be on the road to financial health.
Welcome to Columbus, Ohio, a city brimming with a culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a local living in one of many apartments in Columbus or searching for homes in the city, embarking on a gastronomic journey through Columbus promises an adventure. From elegant dining to laid-back cafes and everything in between, the city offers an array of restaurants that showcase diverse cuisines and culinary innovations. In this Redfin article, we will delve into the culinary treasures of Columbus by highlighting ten must-visit restaurants, each serving up a distinctive experience that will leave you craving more.
1. The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro
Stepping into The Refectory, diners are transported to the heart of France with its exquisite ambiance and sophisticated menu. Nestled in a charming historic setting, this upscale French restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. Led by masterful chefs, The Refectory’s menu showcases classic French dishes made with the finest ingredients, expertly paired with an extensive selection of wines. With its impeccable service and attention to detail, this restaurant is perfect for special occasions or when you simply desire an elegant culinary escape.
2. Lindey’s
Located in the picturesque German Village, Lindey’s has become a landmark for contemporary American cuisine with a touch of European influence. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a romantic dinner, Lindey’s offers an array of dishes crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, making each meal a celebration of flavors
3. Northstar Café
For health-conscious food enthusiasts, Northstar Café is a haven of organic and wholesome delights. Committed to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, this restaurant serves a diverse menu, including vegan and gluten-free options, from hearty salads to nourishing grain bowls.
4. G. Michael’s Bistro & Bar
Nestled in a historic building, G. Michael’s Bistro & Bar delights diners with its modern American cuisine infused with Southern charm. The restaurant’s emphasis on using seasonal, locally-sourced produce ensures that every dish bursts with freshness and flavor. Whether you choose a signature seafood dish or opt for a savory meat entrée, G. Michael’s offers a taste of true Ohio hospitality.
5. Momo Ghar
Tucked away in a hidden corner, Momo Ghar introduces diners to the flavors of Nepal and Tibet through its mouth-watering momos (dumplings). A beloved local gem, this unassuming eatery offers a simple yet satisfying menu that showcases the authentic taste of the Himalayas. Momo Ghar’s popularity continues to grow as food enthusiasts seek out its unique and flavorful offerings.
6. The Top Steakhouse
When it comes to classic steak dinners, The Top Steakhouse is an iconic destination that has stood the test of time. The restaurant exudes old-school charm, creating a nostalgic ambiance that perfectly complements its premium cuts of beef and other exceptional entrées.
7. Akai Hana
For sushi aficionados, Akai Hana is a mecca of authentic Japanese cuisine in Columbus. This restaurant takes pride in its expertly crafted sushi, sashimi, and other traditional dishes. With a focus on the freshest seafood and the finest ingredients, Akai Hana’s culinary artistry transports diners to the heart of Japan, making it a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable Japanese dining experience.
8. Brassica
With its build-your-own pita and bowl concept, Brassica puts a unique twist on Mediterranean cuisine. Utilizing locally sourced and high-quality ingredients, this restaurant encourages diners to create personalized Mediterranean delights. From flavorful falafels to tantalizing shawarma, Brassica offers an interactive dining experience that caters to diverse tastes.
9. Harvest Pizzeria
For pizza enthusiasts, Harvest Pizzeria is a haven of artisanal pies cooked to perfection in wood-fired ovens. This beloved pizzeria prides itself on using local and organic ingredients, resulting in mouthwatering flavors.Harvest Pizzeria’s commitment to quality and innovation has made it a go-to spot for pizza lovers across Columbus.
10. Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
Embracing the city’s German heritage, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus is a vibrant eatery that celebrates the flavors of Germany. Known for its hearty sausages and iconic cream puffs, this lively restaurant offers a feast for the senses. With a lively atmosphere and generous portions, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus is the perfect spot for a flavorful taste of Bavaria.
In conclusion, the bustling culinary scene in Columbus not only delights the taste buds but also makes the city a good place to live. With its diverse range of restaurants offering innovative gastronomic delights and cherished family-owned establishments serving up authentic comfort food, residents and visitors alike are spoiled for choice.
The next wave of real estate technology will bring exciting new possibilities for solving some of humanity’s biggest problems. From co-living and affordability fixes to helping solve social issues faced by a large segment of society, today’s innovators are rethinking the way we work, play, and live. Here’s a look at a few smart startups that are taking a broader approach for addressing our needs through communal thinking.
Despite a digital movement that’s grown up through social networking, globalization, and an ever increasingly interconnected world, real community has slipped through our grasp these last few decades. The millennial generation, along with the younger cohort who about to enter the workforce in the era of smartphones and laptops, they’re ironically the loneliest and most disconnected group in history. A recent nationwide survey by health insurer Cigna reveals epidemic loneliness in the U.S. This study, and others, reveal the importance of human connectedness and real community that must be rejuvenated.
This is where startups like The Assembly and The Riveter come in offer special classes, free member events, and a speaker series to help in building connections. Then there’s a startup called HubHaus that uses roommate matching algorithms to help people locate their next home and to select the people who live in it. There’s also a startup that provides dormitories for adult professionals. StarCity is all about co-living focused on not just “place,” but on finding their housemates, build relationships, and collective caring for helping each other. And there’s New York-based Ollie, which offers fully hotel-style, furnished studios and shared suites replete with luxury amenities and even curated events. And the list goes on, and on.
All these and more innovations aim to solve for regenerating community, while at the same time helping to fix America’s longstanding housing and rental crisis. Not everyone knows, but more people in America rent today than at any time since the mid 1960’s. This is ironic too, since it was the mid 20th century when co-living was the fashion. As David Friedlander put it in a 2015 story for Life Edited:
“In general, there’s a growing market for minimal, all-inclusive, affordable, community-centric housing.”
Taking the trend a step farther, this story at urbanNext predicts that “by the fourth decade of the 21st century, 70 percent of the world’s population will be urbanized.” The report goes on to frame the larger problem that will arise out of the ever-increasing cost of affordable living space. In the years to come billions of people around the world will grapple with how to find and pay for a place to live.
This digital age has cause us to redefine much of what we considered conventional wisdom. The desire for home ownership, long thought of as the “American Dream,” is one of these conventional ideas. It’s high time we reconsidered our individual and collective dreams in order to create a healthy and sustainable future for us all.
Phil Butler is a former engineer, contractor, and telecommunications professional who is editor of several influential online media outlets including part owner of Pamil Visions with wife Mihaela. Phil began his digital ramblings via several of the world’s most noted tech blogs, at the advent of blogging as a form of journalistic license. Phil is currently top interviewer, and journalist at Realty Biz News.
The Super Man complex most healthy people have has a kryptonite when it comes to life insurance options: the non-medical factors that affect your life insurance rates.
It’s a huge shock to many people who get a free life insurance quote who are in the best shape of their lives when they can’t qualify for the best life insurance rates because of non-medical factors. It usually goes something like this:
“I Crossfit 3 times/week and compete in Iron Man triathalons and you’re telling me that I can’t qualify for the best rates because I’m a rock climber?”
Yes. That’s what we’re saying.
In our 8 years of helping consumers find the lowest life insurance rates available, here are the top 5 “non-medical” factors that affect your life insurance rates (in no particular order).
Non-Medical Factors that Affect Life Insurance Rates
1. Hazardous Occupations
Have you seen “Deadliest Catch” ? Those 700 lb steel traps on a boat being swung around by 25 foot waves isn’t really the ideal risk for life insurance companies. Expect to pay more… a lot more.
We’re also talking about occupations like oil rig workers, ironworkers (think high rise structural construction) and bomb diffusers. Yes, I’ve actually insured a police bomb diffuser. One of the sharpest clients I can remember – but he pays A LOT more for his life insurance than if he didn’t have this hazardous occupation.
Again, most of these people are in great shape because of the nature of their occupation – but their non-medical factors come into play when underwriting their applications.
2. Hazardous Activities
In this group, the most common risks we see are deep sea scuba divers, private pilots, motor racing, skydivers and high altitude rock climbers. Most of these people HAVE to be in great shape to perform these activities at a high level and most of them are. However, these risky activities come with increased premiums when it comes to life insurance no matter how fit you are.
Be prepared to fill out a questionnaire regarding the specifics of your hazardous activities as life insurance companies will determine your pricing based on many factors including your training, experience, and how often you perform these activities. If you are going to participate in high-risk activities don’t be surprised if you land in the high-risk life insurance premium bucket.
3. Foreign Travel
If you have any plans to travel abroad, your life insurance company wants to know about them. If it’s a high-risk area, like any of the places on this government Travel Warnings List, you’ll have a very hard time finding coverage until you come home from your trip.
Life insurance companies will also be looking at the purpose of travel and length of stay. For example – you may have a 2 week vacation planned to Bali, Indonesia, but Indonesia may be on the state departments “Travel Warnings” list or be a high risk country in the company’s underwriting guidelines. Many companies won’t consider this risk after factoring the purpose and length of stay.
Many companies will ask about previous foreign travel as well. If you show a pattern of traveling to potentially high risk places, they may factor that in to their underwriting decision.
4. Family History
This is the biggest disappointment to consumers purchasing life insurance because it’s something you have no control over. Generally speaking, if any of your parents or siblings passed away before the age of 60 of cancer, heart disease or diabetes – most life insurance companies won’t offer their best health classification.
However there are some highly rated and very well known life insurance companies that don’t factor this in. If you’re in great health, make sure your agent provides you with these options.
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad
5. DUI’s and Moving Violations
Life insurance companies will pull your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) and factor in any excessive moving violations and DUI’s. A couple speeding tickets usually isn’t an issue, but when you get a reckless driving ticket, DUI or an excessive number of moving violations – it becomes a factor in your life insurance pricing.
Every life insurance company will have different underwriting guidelines for each specific high risk activity.
The best advice we can give is to be open, honest and detailed with your agent about your non-medical factors. It’s your life insurance agent’s job to find you the best life insurance rates available and the more information we have, the better chance you have of actually securing the best rates.
Lastly, if you have a family or anyone financially dependent on you – don’t be disheartened because of the higher pricing. Many people we speak with think it’s “unfair” that they have to pay more because of these “non-medical” factors that come into play when determining your life insurance rates. It’s unfair to your family if you don’t protect them.
Remember the purpose of this coverage. Tomorrow is promised to one, so protect your family today.
Jeff Root is an independent life insurance agent at rootfin.com where he helps consumers across the nation find the lowest life insurance available.
While some feel yesterday’s Federal Open Market Committee decision to raise short-term rates by 25 basis points is likely to be the last of this cycle, others are expecting another hike at some point in 2023.
The Fed’s actions this week had already been baked into the 10-year Treasury, which closed on Tuesday at 3.91%, 17 basis points higher from the July 19 close. The latest raise is likely to have little impact on mortgage rates, which are already close to the top, said Bill Cosgrove, the president and CEO of Union Home Mortgage.
“We expect rates should start to trend down. We think it’s going to be slow,” added Ruben Gonzalez, the chief economist at Keller Williams. “We aren’t expecting a lot of movement before the end of the year.” But there’s still the potential for volatility in how mortgage rates move as various pieces of data come out.
While a good case can be made for this being the last hike by the FOMC, Gonzalez added he doesn’t believe it will hesitate to push short-term rates higher if the data points to the need for that.
The 10-year fell 6 basis points on Wednesday (the closing price is posted at 3 p.m. Eastern time, one hour after the FOMC made its announcement), but had started rising again in trading on Thursday morning, as U.S. government data estimated second quarter gross domestic product at a 2.4% annual gain, with the first quarter’s updated to 2%.
The positive GDP report “I think gives them continued room to raise rates if they feel it’s necessary,” Gonzalez said.
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey put the average for the 30-year fixed rate loan at 6.81% as of July 27, up 3 basis points from 6.78% seven days prior. For the same week in 2022, the rate was 5.3%.
The 15-year FRM was at 6.11%, a 5 basis point week-to-week increase from 6.06% and 153 basis points higher than 4.58% year-over-year.
Higher rates continue to dampen housing activity. “However, overall U.S. consumer confidence is unwavering, surging to a two-year high in the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index for July 2023,” Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater said in a press release. “Rising consumer confidence often leads to greater spending, which could drive more consumers into the housing market.
But because pent-up demand co-exists with the inventory shortage, the FOMC’s latest move is not a detriment to the housing market, Cosgrove said.
He was chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association in 2015 and one of his talking points even then was the multiyear existence of a housing shortage. Not only has that not been dealt with, the pandemic-driven rush has added to the deficit and those dynamics aren’t likely to change any time soon.
Even if mortgage rates were to move down 25 or 50 basis points, the shift would not free up a large amount of homes already owned by borrowers hanging on to their low rate, Gonzalez noted. “We’re going to be in a stable but continually depressed market in terms of the sales of existing homes.”
Controlling inflation and wages have been the FOMC’s primary goals. But there is an extreme labor shortage, especially in some sectors like health care. “And then obviously, with the housing shortage of single-family homes, you’re not getting any price relief, or very little price relief there,” Cosgrove said.
So reducing inflation to the decades-old 2% target will be difficult for Fed Chair Jay Powell to achieve.
“If they would adjust their thinking to 3% as a target, you would have a better chance of having a soft landing of the economy, but at a continued 2% target, they may not be done with rate hikes and that’s concerning,” Cosgrove explained.
Current mortgage rates are being affected as “investors weigh the risk that an increase in the Fed’s benchmark short-term rate may not be its last,” said Orphe Divounguy, senior macroeconomist at Zillow Home Loans. “Although the latest inflation reading shows price growth is moving toward the Federal Reserve’s target, the slower pace of disinflation, stubbornly high nominal wage growth, and the recent uptick in economic activity suggest the inflation battle may not be won yet.”
As of Thursday morning, Zillow’s tracker had the 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 6.54%, one basis point lower than the prior week’s average of 6.55%.
Mortgage rates are likely to remain elevated until the FOMC sees more evidence suggesting core inflation is still moderating, Divounguy said in a separate statement.
While it may not happen at the next meeting, Cosgrove expects the FOMC to push rates up another 25 basis points during this year.
The Fed’s next steps will be based on what the data shows over the next two months, noted Melissa Cohn, regional vice president of William Raveis Mortgage, in a statement. The next FOMC meeting is on Sept. 19 and 20.
“The Fed looks for inflation to continue to moderate as the high rate environment begins to take its toll on employment and consumer spending; both having been surprisingly resilient to date,” Cohn said.
She thinks 2% is an achievable target, but likely many months down the road. However, “we will hopefully see mortgage rates begin to settle down soon,” Cohn said.
Jobs and inflation are now moving in a direction that could make this the Fed’s last hike in the current cycle, said Mike Fratantoni, the MBA’s chief economist, in a statement.
“We expect that to be the case, but for the Fed to hold off on any rate cuts until we are well into 2024,” Fratantoni said. “We do expect mortgage rates to trend down once the FOMC clearly signals that they have reached the peak for this cycle, as the reduction in uncertainty with respect to the direction of rates should narrow the spread of mortgage rates relative to Treasury benchmarks.”
Based on the 10-year Treasury being at 3.94% as of 11:25 a.m. Thursday morning and the Freddie Mac PMMS, the current spread is about 287 basis points; normal is in the range of 150 basis points to 200 basis points.
“In the housing context, the stability afforded by a pause mindset in the back half of the year should help shrink the spread between the 10-year Treasury and 30-year FRM, providing relief after a spring of skyrocketing rates; however, we will still see tension in the short term,” said Dan Burnett, head of Investor Strategy at Hometap Equity Partners, in a statement.
The outlook for further Fed rate hikes this year remains unclear, with the market currently pricing it at under 50%, said a Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst report from Bose George, Christopher McGratty, David Konrad and Catherine Mealor.
“Given this interest rate backdrop, mortgage volumes are likely to remain under pressure through year-end 2023 as rates remain elevated,” KBW said. “This is challenging for mortgage volume-dependent names (title insurers/mortgage originators) but constructive for mortgage servicers.”
Medicare is the United States’ federally administered health care program.
The program was established in 1965 for the purpose of paying certain health care expenses for people age 65 and over, as well as for other select individuals, such as those who have end stage renal disease.
When originally established, there were only two parts. These were Part A for hospitalization coverage, and Part B for doctors’ services. Over time, the Medicare program has been expanded to offer additional coverage and choices for its enrollees.
We understand that any type of insurance coverage, from the best car insurance companies, best life insurance coverage, or best burial insurance for seniors, can be quite confusing. Remember, we are here to help!
How Coverage Works
The Medicare program today is divided into four parts, and each of these covers a different area. These parts include:
Part A – Hospital Coverage. Part A coverage will help an enrollee pay for inpatient care in a hospital or in a skilled nursing home facility. It also covers some types of home health care, as well as some hospice care. In most cases, there is no cost for participating in Part A.
Part B – Medical Coverage / Doctors’ Care. Part B helps to pay for doctors’ services, as well as for a variety of other medical services and supplies not covered in Part A. Those who are enrolled in Part B will be required to pay a monthly premium. In 2015, most people pay a premium of $104.90 per month. This can vary, however, based upon the individual’s income and on whether they file their tax return jointly with a spouse or as a single individual. This article goes in depth about the income limits and fees that high earners -“Medicare IRMAA brackets“- may have to pay regarding Part B and Part D coverage.
Part C – Medicare Advantage / Managed Care. Part C is also referred to as Medicare Advantage. It provides a managed care approach to delivering Medicare-covered services, such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs). Those who are eligible for Parts A and B may alternatively choose to receive all of their services through a Medicare Advantage provider organization under Part C. The premium one pays for Part C will depend upon the plan that is chosen, as well as on the enrollee’s geographic location. You can learn more about this coverage HERE.
Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage. Part D helps to pay for prescription drugs doctors prescribe for the treatment of a patient. The premium charged for a Part D policy will depend upon the prescriptions you are taking, and thus, the actual plan that is chosen.
Recipients of Medicare, also referred to as beneficiaries, are able to choose coverage via the Original plan – which is actually Parts A and B – or they may choose Part C – which is Medicare Advantage.
Who Qualifies?
In order to be eligible, an individual must have lived in the United States for at least 5 continuous years, and also be a permanent resident of the U.S.
In addition, qualified recipients of benefits must be at least 65 years of age or over, or have a specific type of qualifying disability.
For a person to be considered permanently disabled, they must be entitled to receive benefits from Social Security, and they must have been receiving those benefits for a minimum of two years.
An individual who is diagnosed with end stage renal disease and who also requires kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant may also be considered eligible for benefits from the program.
With the high costs of health care it makes sense for those eligible for Medicare to take advantage of this government administered health care program.
Adults Over 65
Most adults in the United States are eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. Individuals must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and enroll in the Medicare program to qualify.
Individuals who are already receiving Social Security benefits will be automatically enrolled in the Medicare program. Approximately three months before their 65th birthday, an enrollment package will be sent and must be completed to activate coverage.
Medicare Part A, which covers hospitalizations, requires no payment. However, adding Part B – which is for doctors visits, outpatient procedures, or additional coverages, such as prescription drug coverage, does cost money. The premium is determined based on income level. So, individuals must decide what plan is best for them when enrolling and what they can afford to have.
Individuals with Disabilities
Medicare coverage is also available to individuals with disabilities regardless of their age. Once an individual has been collecting social security disability payments for twenty-four months, they become eligible for Medicare during the 25th month.
An enrollment package will be sent a few months before a person becomes eligible for Medicare coverage. If a person with Social Security disability does not receive the enrollment package, they should contact their local social security office to request a packet.
Like an individual who is over age 65, disabled persons who have been getting Social Security disability payments are automatically eligible for Medicare. There is no reason to decline coverage, as Medicare Part A costs nothing and covers hospital care and nursing facility care.
However, if a disabled individual would like, they can decline Medicare Part B coverage, which would require premium payments. There is a card that comes with the enrollment package that the individual can mail back declining Part B coverage.
Who Does NOT Qualify for Medicare
People who are not already receiving Social Security benefits will need to contact their local Social Security office to apply for Medicare coverage. This should be done three months before the individual’s 65th birthday.
The enrollment period begins in the three months before the month of the 65th birthday and ends three months after. If one enrolls during this time frame, there is no cost for enrollment and coverage should begin at the start of the 65th birthday month or shortly thereafter (if one applies after their birth date).
If, however, one does not apply during that enrollment period, then fees apply. So, it is important to apply on time, and as close to the three month prior date as possible. This will ensure everything is done correctly and coverage starts at the beginning of the individual’s birth month.
How to Enroll
To begin receiving benefits, an eligible individual must enroll through the office of Social Security. There is only one exception to this rule, in that those who are already receiving benefits through Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board are automatically enrolled when they turn age 65.
All other potential recipients must submit an application for coverage during the open enrollment period. This period of time begins three months prior to the applicant’s 65th birthday and it ends seven months after.
Those who do not enroll in Part A and/or Part B when they are originally eligible are allowed to alternatively enroll between January 1 and March 31 each year. For those who do, their coverage will begin on the following July 1.
Medicare is Not Medicaid
Because their names sound so similar, people can oftentimes confuse Medicare with Medicaid. These two programs, however, are not the same. Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that provides medical assistance to those who meet very specific low income requirements.
In addition to medical necessity, a person must be considered at his or her state’s poverty level in terms of income and assets for Medicaid qualification purposes.
Through the Social Security Act, those who have income and resources not considered to be sufficient enough to meet the cost of their needed medical care, as well as certain long-term care needs, can qualify for Medicaid’s benefits. Therefore, Medicaid is considered a “means” tested program.
When determining which assets “count” toward qualifying for Medicaid, funds and property are divided into three different classes.
These include the following:
Countable Assets – Countable assets include any personal assets that the individual either owns or controls. These funds are required by Medicaid to be spent on the applicant’s care before he or she will be able to qualify for Medicaid’s benefits. Some examples of countable assets may include cash, stocks and bonds, and deferred annuities (provided that the annuities have already been annuitized).
Non-Countable Assets – Even though non-countable assets are still acknowledged by Medicaid, the particular types of assets are not necessarily utilized when making a determination regarding an applicant’s eligibility for Medicaid benefits. Non-countable assets can include household belongings, such as furniture, appliances, term life insurance policies, a burial plot owned by the Medicaid applicant, and the applicant’s primary residence – as long as the value of the home does not exceed a certain amount.
Inaccessible Assets – Assets that are inaccessible are those considered to be resources that would have had to be spent on a person’s care; however, the assets have instead been transferred to another individual or into a trust. This transfer has therefore made the asset inaccessible. With inaccessible assets, Medicaid has the right to review the applicant’s financial records at the time that the application for benefits is made. In most cases, if assets were transferred within a certain amount of time prior to a person’s application, Medicaid may deem the individual as being disqualified from receiving benefits – at least for a certain period of time.
What is Supplemental Insurance and What Does It Cover?
Medicare supplement insurance plans are a type of insurance coverage supplemental to what Medicare covers. This type of coverage can pay for some – or in some cases, all of the copayments and/or deductibles so that the enrollee does not need to pay such expenses out-of-pocket.
Medigap insurance is specifically designed to supplement Medicare’s benefits, and it is regulated by both federal and state law. A Medigap policy must be clearly identified as being Medicare Supplement insurance, and it must provide benefits that help to fill in the gaps in Medicare’s coverage.
Although the benefits are identical for all supplement plans of the same letter (i.e., all Plan A policies offer the same coverage options), the premiums may vary from one insurance carrier to another, as well as from one geographic area to another. There are even three states that do not use the letter system, but have different ways of designating their plans.
What is Medicare Advantage and How Does It Work?
A Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, similar to an HMO or PPO, is type of Medicare plan available to those who are eligible for “Original Medicare”, or Parts A and B. This option is also referred to as Part C. These plans are actually offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
When an individual joins a MA Plan, Medicare pays a fixed amount of their premium every month to the companies that offer these plans. These companies are required to follow strict rules on coverage.
Each of the Advantage Plans are allowed to charge different out-of-pocket costs, and they may also have different rules as to how enrollees can receive their services. For example, some plans may require participants get a referral before going to a specialist. And, these rules may change every year.
MA Plans also have an annual cap on how much participants will pay for their Part A and Part B services throughout the year. This annual, maximum out-of-pocket amount can differ from plan to plan. You can get a full understanding of how MA plans can be a benefit to you HERE.
How to Find the Best Coverage
When seeking Supplemental or Advantage coverage, it is best to work with a company that has access to more than just one insurer.
That way, you can obtain information on numerous different benefits and quotes to see what your options are and what benefits are available to you.
When you’re ready to begin the process, you can use the form on this page and a top independent agent will work with you to get the best policy at the best rates.