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Nestled within a chain of islands bordering both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is a popular vacation spot. Plus, U.S. citizens don’t even need a passport when visiting although it can feel as if you’ve been transported to the ultimate far-flung tropical beach vacation.

Yes, sand and sea are a big part of the allure. But if you’re wondering what are some cool things to do in Puerto Rico, you’ll likely be happy to know that parks, museums, shopping, and historical sites are all waiting.

Read on to learn about top spots and attractions across the island, plus the best times of the year to go and other important details. With this advice, you’ll be ready to have an amazing getaway when visiting Puerto Rico.

Best Times to Go to Puerto Rico

If you’re looking for warm weather without the threat of hurricanes, plan your Puerto Rico trip for the winter or spring months. Temperatures average in the 80s all year long, but you’re more likely to avoid crowded beaches and other tourist spots if you focus on these milder months during the school year.

In fact, ending your holiday season with a trip to Puerto Rico lets you take advantage of festivals held throughout the island marking the epiphany in early January. Larger street parades are held in San Juan, but you can also find charming events in smaller towns as well.

Bad Times to Go to Puerto Rico

There are a couple of times of year that are less than ideal for a Puerto Rican vacation. Because a large portion of the local population is Catholic, crowds tend to swell around Easter. That could mean more lines and higher prices.

Another relatively bad time to visit: Hurricane season, which technically lasts from June through November. The most severe weather activity occurs between the middle of August through the middle of October. If you do travel to Puerto Rico during these months, consider purchasing travel insurance through an insurance provider or accessing credit card travel insurance.

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Average Cost of a Puerto Rico Vacation

Before you figure out where to keep your travel fund, calculate how much it will likely cost you. Flight costs vary depending on where you live and what time of year you plan to go.

Once you’re on the island, here are some estimated costs: Food costs can total $39 a day, and local transportation to be about $18. The average nightly hotel cost is $277 for a couple and $139 per person, though there are certainly ways to save money on hotels.

You’ll likely have other incidental costs as well, but here’s how much a week-long Puerto Rico vacation could cost once you’re there.

•   One Person Total: $1,524

•   Couple Total: $3,048

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10 Fun Must-Dos in Puerto Rico

No matter where you plan to stay, there are fun things to do in Puerto Rico across the entire island. The list you find here gathered intel from top-rated attractions on online review sites. In addition, travelers who have explored the island shared their knowledge. As a result, you’ll find a diverse range of activities for people of all ages and all types of groups, whether you’re going on a friends trip, a romantic getaway, or a family adventure.

1. Explore Old San Juan

When visiting Puerto Rico, a must-see is Old San Juan, the historic district of Puerto Rico’s capital city. The streets are lined with colorful buildings featuring Spanish colonial facades. You can take a guided walking tour if you’d love to know all the best historical facts and stories, or you can stroll on your own at no cost.

Be sure to include Fortaleza Street on your itinerary of things to see in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It has beautiful buildings as well as frequent modern art installations. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to try out in the neighborhood, as well as attractions like La Casa Blanca — the former home of Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/old_san_juan.html

2. Trek Through El Yunque National Forest

The only tropical national forest in the U.S., El Yunque is packed with natural excursions just outside of San Juan. It’s considered one of the top things to do in Puerto Rico. There are plenty of hiking trails, ponds, and a lagoon (complete with a rope swing so you can tap into your inner child).

There are more than 28,000 acres in El Yunque, and trails span 25 miles. You can create a plan for any level of exertion. If you’re staying in the San Juan area, definitely put this on your list of unique things to do in Puerto Rico. Admission is only $2, but make sure you have an advance reservation before you go. Bonus: If you are traveling with a pet, the trails are dog-friendly, though only service animals are allowed inside buildings. recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300017

3. Immerse Yourself in Art

Back in the city, get a dose of world-class art at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Open Thursdays through Sundays, this museum features permanent collections displaying the work of Puerto Rican artists dating from the 17th century to today.

Explore over 1,000 pieces that include paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, and more. The museum, which is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, is located in the Santurce neighborhood, which is about a 10-minute drive from Old San Juan. Tickets are $6 (not including taxes) per exhibition for adults; $3 for children. mapr.org/en

4. Get Glowing

One of the best things to do in Puerto Rico is to explore one of three bioluminescent bays, which have an otherworldly glow, thanks to microscopic organisms that light up. Seeing these bodies of water can be an amazing and memorable experience.

Mosquito Bay in Vieques is considered the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay. However, you’ll need to take a short flight or boat ride from San Juan to get there.

Alternatively, you can explore Laguna Grande in Fajardo (which is the closest option to San Juan) or La Parguera in Lajas, which is closer to Rincón. La Perguera is also the only place where you can swim rather than take a boat tour or kayak. The best time to go for any bioluminescent bay tour is December through April when there isn’t a lot of rainfall to cloud the water.

Tours can range from about $50 to $75 per person. This can be a good time to swipe with plastic when paying to earn credit card rewards.

5. Tour a Grand Historical Home

Museo Castilla Serrallés is a great thing to do in Puerto Rico if you love history and architecture. It’s the former home of the Serrallés family (of DonQ Rum), who built the extravagant tile-roofed Spanish Revival castle in the 1930s. It takes just under an hour and a half to drive from San Juan to Ponce where the property is, so you may want to think about getting a rental car.

Today, you can explore the home’s interior, as well as beautiful gardens outside. Learn about the history of rum through immersive exhibits, then stroll through the butterfly garden and Japanese gardens. The property is typically open from Wednesday through Sunday, and tickets cost $15 for adults. museocastilloserralles.com/

6. Get Wet

Located on the northwest corner of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla is about a two-hour drive from San Juan. It’s home to the pristine Crash Boat Beach, which is a great place to indulge in almost any kind of water activity you like, including swimming, snorkeling, and surfing (which is ideal during the summer travel season).

Crash Boat Beach is public, so add it to your list of free things to do in Puerto Rico. It definitely has a lively atmosphere, full of music and food to enjoy when you’re not in the water.

7. Stroll Through El Parterre Park

When you need a break from the beach, check out El Parterre in downtown Aguadilla. This beautifully landscaped park offers the perfect spot to casually stroll under mature trees, and there are plenty of benches for resting, reading, or picnicking, just like a local would. It’s also a good sunset watching spot.

El Parterre contains a natural water spring that has quite a bit of historical significance throughout the centuries. It was used as a water source by explorer Sir Francis Drake in the late 16th century and also by Spanish soldiers in later years.

8. Wander Into River Caves

Just an hour west of San Juan, Arecibo is a coastal location with diverse natural wonders to explore. One of the best things to do in Puerto Rico’s Arecibo area is to visit the Camuy River Cave Park. It’s one of the largest cave networks in the entire world.

Recently reopened in early 2023, you’ll walk through immense caverns that are estimated to be over 45 million years old. One of the most breathtaking spots is a sinkhole that shines in sunlight from hundreds of feet above. Tickets are $18 for adults, $13 for kids ages 4 to 12, with younger children admitted for free (which can help families afford to travel).

9. Surf at Domes Beach

Is surfing on your list of fun things to do in Puerto Rico? If so, check out Domes Beach in Rincón, located on the West Coast of the island (a little south from Aguadillo). Even if you don’t surf, you might enjoy catching a professional surfing competition throughout the year.

Domes Beach is also a great place to enjoy a sunset over the water. If you need a break from the waves, check out the Punta Higuero Lighthouse, a historic landmark originally built in 1892.

10. Venture to Vieques Beaches

A smaller island just to the east of the main Puerto Rican island, Vieques can only be reached by a short flight or ferry ride. Because of this, however, the beaches in Vieques are extremely tranquil and secluded. If you want a beach experience without large crowds or noise, this is an incredible option.

Plus, you can take one of the world’s best bioluminescent bay tours while you’re there.

The Takeaway

It’s easy to find dozens of things to do in Puerto Rico, whether San Juan or elsewhere. The hardest part is simply narrowing down your list of options to fit your time there. Whether you want a relaxed beach or an outdoor adventure, a historical home or a top-notch museum, you’ll find it all in Puerto Rico.

FAQ

Is Puerto Rico cheap for tourists?

It depends on your point of comparison. You’ll probably find it cheaper than large coastal cities on the U.S. mainland, but it also tends to be more expensive than other Caribbean island destinations.

What food is Puerto Rico known for?

Exploring traditional Puerto Rican cuisine is one of the best parts of visiting. Definitely check out mofongo, a mashed fried plantain side dish, as well as pasteles — similar to tamales but made with green banana masa and many options for fillings.

What can’t you bring back from Puerto Rico?

You can’t bring back fresh fruits or vegetables from Puerto Rico to the U.S. mainland. Cactus and citrus plants are also prohibited.

Photo credit: iStock/benedek
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North Dakota is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history and grade A college towns.

It may come as a surprise to some that North Dakota is home to some of the most vibrant college towns in the country. In this article, we will explore the most exciting college towns in North Dakota, where students, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a unique blend of culture, entertainment and education.

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the scenic beauty and cultural bounties of these stunning North Dakota college towns.

Aerial view of Grand Forks and the UND campus

First on our list of college towns in North Dakota is the bustling city of Grand Forks. Home to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks boasts a lively atmosphere and a strong community spirit. The vibrant downtown area offers plenty of restaurants, bars and shops that cater to both students and locals, making it a popular gathering spot for those looking to unwind after a busy day on campus. The city also hosts events throughout the year, including art walks, outdoor concerts and farmers’ markets, ensuring there’s never a dull moment in Grand Forks.

Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to love about this North Dakota college town. Grand Forks is situated along the beautiful Red River, offering ample fishing, kayaking and hiking opportunities. The nearby Turtle River State Park is another popular destination, with its stunning landscapes, scenic trails and abundant wildlife. UND’s campus is equally picturesque, featuring beautiful green spaces, historic buildings and state-of-the-art facilities that reflect the university’s commitment to excellence in education and research.

Fargo at sunset from the sky

Next up on our tour of the best college towns in North Dakota is Fargo, the state’s largest city and home to North Dakota State University. Fargo has earned a reputation as a thriving cultural hub, thanks in part to its active arts scene and an impressive display of museums, galleries and theaters. The historic Fargo Theatre, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace, is a must-see for film buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. Meanwhile, the Plains Art Museum houses a diverse collection of contemporary and Native American art.

But Fargo is more than just a cultural oasis in the northern plains; it also offers a vibrant nightlife and a growing food scene that caters to a variety of tastes. Downtown Fargo is home to an eclectic mix of bars, breweries and restaurants, including the legendary Dekker Brewing Co. NDSU students are known for their school spirit and you can often find them cheering on the Bison at various sporting events. With its exciting blend of arts, culture and entertainment, it’s no wonder Fargo consistently ranks among the best college towns in North Dakota.

Bridge over the Sheyenne River in Valley City, one of North Dakota

Known as the City of Bridges, Valley City is another charming North Dakota college town that deserves a mention. Home to Valley City State University, this picturesque community is nestled in the Sheyenne River Valley and offers a tranquil setting for students and residents. Valley City’s historic downtown district features a unique blend of architectural styles, including Victorian, Romanesque and Art Deco buildings.

Beyond its quaint downtown, Valley City boasts ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway winds through the area, showcasing the region’s stunning landscapes and offering access to a variety of parks and serene outdoor spaces. In the winter months, the Sheyenne River Valley becomes a haven for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and ice fishing. With its combination of natural beauty, rich history and welcoming community, Valley City is undoubtedly one of the most charming college towns in North Dakota.

View of Minot and Minot State University from the sky

Our next stop on this journey through North Dakota’s top college towns is Minot, affectionately known as the Magic City. Minot is home to Minot State University and boasts a thriving arts scene, making it an attractive destination for students and visitors alike. The city’s downtown area is a hub of activity, with a variety of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues that cater to diverse tastes. The annual North Dakota State Fair, held in Minot, attracts thousands of visitors and showcases the best of the state’s agriculture, art and entertainment, further cementing Minot’s status as a lively college town.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love about Minot as well. The city is home to numerous parks and green spaces, including the stunning Scandinavian Heritage Park, which celebrates the region’s rich cultural history. The Roosevelt Park Zoo, a popular destination for families and animal lovers, features a variety of species and educational exhibits. In addition, the Souris River, which flows through the heart of Minot, provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking, making this North Dakota college town an ideal destination for all.

Bismarck, the capitol of North Dakota and one of the state

Bismarck is the state capital and home to the University of Mary and Bismarck State College. As the political and cultural heart of North Dakota, Bismarck offers an eclectic mix of entertainment, dining and shopping options that appeal to students, residents and first-time visitors alike.

Bismarck’s location along the Missouri River allows easy access to top-notch outdoor recreation resources. The city boasts an extensive network of parks and trails, including the popular Keelboat Park, which offers stunning views of the river and the nearby bluffs. In addition, Bismarck is just a short drive from the spectacular Theodore Roosevelt National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring North Dakota’s natural wonders.

Aerial view of Jamestown North Dakota and the University of Jamestown campus

As an added bonus, we’ll briefly mention Jamestown, another gem among North Dakota’s college towns. Home to the University of Jamestown, this quaint city offers a tight-knit community feel and a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Jamestown’s charming downtown area features a variety of shops and restaurants. The nearby Jamestown Reservoir and Pipestem Reservoir provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating and camping, making this college town a haven for nature lovers looking to get a great education.

Now’s the time to make the move to an ND college town

The college towns in North Dakota featured above offer a diverse array of experiences that cater to students, locals and passersby alike. From the bustling city life of Fargo and Grand Forks to the tranquil beauty of Valley City and Minot, each of these vibrant communities provides a unique blend of culture, entertainment and education. Whether you’re a prospective student, a lifelong resident or simply passing through, you’re sure to find something to love in each of North Dakota’s best college towns. So, pack your bags and get ready for a rollicking ride through the Peace Garden State’s most exciting and charming college towns.

Source: rent.com

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Today we’ll take a look at the top mortgage lenders in Missouri, based on loan volume.

This means the biggest mortgage companies that operate in the The Show-Me State, but aren’t necessarily headquartered there.

Nearly 900 different companies originated home loans there in 2021, funding more than $72 billion in the process.

But there can only be one #1 lender, and surprisingly it wasn’t the nation’s largest.

Instead, it was U.S. Bank, which calls Minneapolis, Minnesota home. Read on to see the rest.

Top Mortgage Lenders in Missouri (Overall)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. U.S. Bank $3.6 billion
2. Rocket Mortgage $2.9 billion
3. Wells Fargo $2.8 billion
4. Flat Branch Home Loans $2.3 billion
5. USA Mortgage $2.3 billion
6. Pennymac $2.0 billion
7. Guild Mortgage $1.9 billion
8. Freedom Mortgage $1.7 billion
9. AmeriHome Mortgage $1.7 billion
10. Central Bank $1.6 billion

U.S. Bank funded $3.6 billion in home loans in the state of Missouri last year, per Richey May’s HMDA data.

That was more than enough to beat out the top lender in the United States, Rocket Mortgage.

Detroit-based Rocket only managed $2.9 billion in loan volume, which illustrates the strength of U.S. Bank in the state.

In third was another depository, San Francisco-based Wells Fargo, which funded $2.8 billion despite their mortgage controversies.

Fourth place went to homegrown lender Flat Branch Home Loans (Columbia, MO) with $2.3 billion, followed by St. Louis-based USA Mortgage with a similar amount.

Places six through 10 consisted of Pennymac, Guild Mortgage, Freedom Mortgage, AmeriHome Mortgage, and Jefferson City, MO-based Central Bank.

In all, three of the top 10 are Missouri-based companies, which is a pretty good showing for the locals.

Top Missouri Mortgage Lenders (for Home Buyers)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. U.S. Bank $1.5 billion
2. Flat Branch Home Loans $1.5 billion
3. USA Mortgage $1.4 billion
4. Pennymac $1.1 billion
5. Guild Mortgage $1.1 billion
6. Wells Fargo $1.0 billion
7. AmeriHome Mortgage $824 million
8. Chase $810 million
9. Central Bank $767 million
10. Fairway Independent $734 million

When we filter out the refis, and focus only on home purchase loans, U.S. Bank remains king with $1.5 billion funded.

However, Flat Branch funded a nearly equal amount of home purchase loans in the state last year too.

They were trailed by USA Mortgage with about $1.4 billion. It makes sense for the local lenders to top the purchase loan rankings as home buyers tend to stay close to home for such mortgages.

In fourth was Pennymac with $1.1 billion, followed by Guild Mortgage with a similar amount funded.

Wells Fargo took sixth with roughly $1 billion funded, followed by AmeriHome Mortgage, Chase, Central Bank, and Fairway Independent Mortgage.

Somewhat surprising not to see more local names other than those already present in the overall list.

Top Refinance Lenders in Missouri (for Existing Homeowners)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $2.4 billion
2. U.S. Bank $1.9 billion
3. Wells Fargo $1.7 billion
4. Freedom Mortgage $1.3 billion
5. UWM $911 million
6. USA Mortgage $898 million
7. Pennymac $871 million
8. Central Bank $833 million
9. Mr. Cooper $822 million
10. AmeriHome Mortgage $821 million

If we’re talking refinances only, Rocket Mortgage finally takes over U.S. Bank with $2.4 billion funded.

And U.S. Bank falls to second with $1.9 billion in refinance volume. So a bit of a flip flop.

In third was Wells Fargo with $1.7 billion, strong given their issues of late. Fourth went to Freedom Mortgage, a top VA loan lender, and in fifth United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM).

Somewhat surprising to see UWM only make one list as they are the nation’s third largest lender overall.

The rest of the refi leaders included USA Mortgage, Pennymac, Central Bank, Mr. Cooper, and AmeriHome Mortgage.

Top Mortgage Lenders in Kansas City

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $1.4 billion
2. Wells Fargo $1.4 billion
3. CommunityAmerica CU $1.3 billion
4. Fairway Independent $1.2 billion
5. U.S. Bank $1.1 billion
6. First State Bank of St. Charles $908 million
7. Freedom Mortgage $857 million
8. PrimeLending $817 million
9. Capitol Federal Savings Bank $770 million
10. Pennymac $765 million

Top Mortgage Lenders in St. Louis

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. U.S. Bank $2.1 billion
2. USA Mortgage $1.7 billion
3. Wells Fargo $1.6 billion
4. Guild Mortgage $1.5 billion
5. Rocket Mortgage $1.4 billion
6. UWM $1.2 billion
7. Chase $1.2 billion
8. Stifel Bank & Trust $1.0 billion
9. AmeriHome Mortgage $937 million
10. Pennymac $837 million

Who Are the Best Missouri Mortgage Lenders Based on Customer Reviews?

Big is one thing, best is another. Although, sometimes they can overlap.

When we adjust the criteria to reviews instead of loan volume, we find that top lender U.S. Bank has a solid 4.98/5 rating on Zillow from 11,000+ customer reviews.

Even better is Central Bank, which carries a 4.99/5 rating from over 1,000 customer reviews.

Not far behind is USA Mortgage with a 4.98/5 from 3,100+ reviews, which is arguably better given the large sample size.

Flat Branch has a similarly stellar 4.96/5 from 900+ reviews, while Rocket Mortgage has a 4.5 and Wells Fargo has a 4.95.

Others not on the lists above include Veteran United Home Loans (4.78/5), Citibank (4.83/5), North American Savings Bank (4.95/5), and Homestead Financial Mortgage (4.98/5).

Along with Commerce Bank (4.98/5), Delmar Mortgage (4.94/5), Gershman Mortgage (4.97/5) and Nutter Home Loans (4.79/5).

In other words, there are lots and lots of highly-rated Missouri-based mortgage lenders to choose from.

Take the time to explore the many options out there and gather multiple quotes to ensure you get your hands on the best pricing.

(photo: Marcin Wichary)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

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Last Updated: May 24, 2023 BY Michelle Schroeder-Gardner – 82 Comments

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for more info.

Should you sell your home or rent it? Find out here!

Should you sell your home or rent it? Find out here!

Over the past few weeks, we have been going back and forth about what we want to do with the home we currently own in Missouri.

I realize I say this all the time about everything in my life, but I am an extremely indecisive person.

This decision has been a difficult one so far, and we are still leaning either way depending on the day.

There are many reasons for why we are undecided about what to do next as well. So, what should I do? Should I rent or sell my house?

Below are some of the reasons for why we keep going back and forth about whether we should rent or sell our house:

We love our house again.

We’ve been fixing it up and have been slowly falling back in love with it. I know, this isn’t a good enough of a reason to keep a house and it seems like we are just coming up with excuses to keep it.

Some of the things we’ve done in the past few weeks include:

  • The whole upstairs and downstairs have been completely professionally painted. Trim, walls, doors, etc. and it all looks so much better now.
  • We’ve replaced a light fixture with something much nicer.
  • We fixed all of the curtain rod placements to make the windows look bigger.
  • We’ve bought new curtains.
  • We’ve deep cleaned the whole house.
  • We replaced the broken garage door with a nice carriage door.
  • We replaced our back door with something nicer as the last one had a cracked door frame after someone got locked out of our home.

All of these improvements have made us wonder a little more about what we should do with our home. We know we should probably just get rid of it and sell it, but the fact that it looks so much better than before definitely hurts a little!

I realize this is normal though when someone goes through preparing a house to be put on the market.

Our neighborhood’s value has tanked.

I’m not sure what has happened, but our neighborhood’s value has tanked significantly over the past year.

Our realtor already told us that we most likely either breakeven or we will owe a little money after selling our home because of realtor fees and the lower value of our house, so this is playing a big factor into whether or not we want to put our house on the market at the moment.

There is risk with this though. Our home value could continue to plummet. I doubt that would happen as it seems like the plummeting has stopped, but you just never know.

We could turn our home into a rental.

One factor that’s throwing me in a loop about whether I should I rent or sell my house is that we could potentially rent it out for the time being.

We are debating renting out our home, either on a long-term or on a short-term basis. Renting would be great because we could see if our house increases in value over time, while hopefully earning enough money to still pay off our mortgage each month. Another positive of this is that we would have a home to return to if we decided down the line that the move was not right for us.

A long-term rental would be nice because we would earn enough to cover our rent with hopefully minimal work involved.

On the other hand, we could also do more research into renting out our home on a short-term basis on a website such as Airbnb, VRBO or Homeaway. This would also allow us to have a place to come back to since we know that we already have to be back in the St. Louis area at least four more times this year.

Having a rental would require work.

In the end, we will probably just sell our home. However, if it sits on the market for a long time then renting it out will probably become more appealing.

Keeping our home on the side most likely wouldn’t be worth it. We would mainly be keeping it for all of the wrong reasons, mainly just that we are attached to the first home we bought.

What would you do in our situation? Should I rent or sell my house? 

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com

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One of the best strategies for ensuring that loved ones will be able to carry on financially in case of the unexpected is to purchase a good, solid life insurance policy. This is because the proceeds that are received through life insurance – which is income tax-free to beneficiaries – can be used for continuing to pay living expenses or to pay off large debts. It can also be used for paying for the funeral and other final expenses of the insured. That way, loved ones will not have to go into debt – especially at an already difficult time in their lives.

americo-life-insurance-company-logo

When buying life insurance, it is important to consider several criteria. These include the type and the amount of coverage that you are purchasing. This is because you do not want your loved ones to have too little protection.

It is also essential to know that the insurance carrier you are purchasing the coverage from is strong and stable from a financial standpoint. That is so that you can better ensure that the company will be able to pay out its promised policy proceeds if or when the time should come. One company that made our honorable mention for best life insurance companies in the US and many individuals buy life insurance coverage from is Americo Life Insurance Company.

The History of Americo Life Insurance Company

Americo Life Insurance Company has been in the business of offering life insurance and other coverage products for more than 100 years. The growth of the Americo family of companies has built primarily on the successful acquisition of more than 15 insurance entities – each having its specific advantages.

The company has also won other accolades and has been the first insurer in a myriad of different events. For example, in 1922, a predecessor of Americo, Great Southern Life – which was initially founded back in 1909, became the first company in the United States to insure the lives of children.

In 1971, another predecessor of Americo Life Insurance Company, Ohio State Life, was the first insurer to advance death benefit payments to sustain the life of a policyholder. Likewise, in 1981, Great Southern Life led the way as one of the very first insurers in the U.S. to offer universal life insurance coverage – and more recently, Americo was also one of the very first to offer indexed universal life and annuity products.

Americo Life Insurance Company Review

Today, Americo Life Insurance Company has more than 659,000 insurance policies in force. The company has more than $6 billion in total assets, and the company’s statutory premiums have increased substantially over the years. Americo has more than $32.7 billion of just life insurance in force.

Americo is very competitive in the life insurance market – and the carrier maintains a high quality, liquid investment portfolio that consists of more than 95 percent investment grade bonds in its fixed income investments.

Personalized and trusted service is the cornerstone of Americo Life Insurance Company’s business. The company is considered to be progressive in its thinking, and it is highly solutions-oriented.

The company is one of the largest independent and privately held insurance groups in the U.S. Americo is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, and it serves it sales force via more than 350 company associates.

Insurer Ratings and BBB Grade

Due to its safe, yet liquid, portfolio, Americo Life Insurance Company has been given a rating of A (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company. This rating is the third highest possible rating on an overall scale of 15 total ratings.

Although Americo Life Insurance Company is not an accredited company through the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the company has been given a grade of C. This is on an overall grading scale of A+ to F.

Over the past three years, the company has closed out a total of 19 customer complaints via the Better Business Bureau. (Twelve of these 19 complaints have been closed out over the past 12 months). Of the 19 complaints, 12 had to do with problems with the company’s products or services. Another six were in relation to billing or collection issues, and one was in regard to delivery issues.

Life Insurance Products Offered Through Americo

At Americo Life Insurance Company, there are many different life insurance plans to choose from. This variety is beneficial in helping clients to more closely plan for their anticipated needs. Americo offers term and permanent life insurance protection.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance coverage provides pure life insurance protection only, without any cash value or savings build up in the policy. Because of this, term life insurance is often quite affordable – even for a large amount of death benefit coverage.

With term life insurance, the coverage is purchased for a certain amount of time – or “term” – such as for five years, ten years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, or even for 30 years. During this term of coverage, the premium will typically remain the same over time, and the amount of the death benefit will remain level.

Permanent Life Insurance

Permanent life insurance offers both life insurance protection and cash value. The funds that are in the cash-value component of the policy are allowed to grow on a tax-deferred basis, meaning that there will be on tax due on this growth unless or until the money is withdrawn.

The funds that are in the cash value component of a permanent life insurance policy may be withdrawn or borrowed by the policyholder for any reason that they see fit – including the payoff of debts, the supplementing of retirement income, or even for taking a nice vacation.

There can be many different types of permanent life insurance coverage. These include:

  • Whole Life Insurance – Whole life insurance offers a fixed amount of death benefit coverage, as well as a fixed premium that is typically locked in throughout the entire life of the policy. Whole life insurance is meant to be kept for an individual entire lifetime, or the “whole” of one’s life. The cash value that is in the cash component of the policy is able to grow via a fixed and guaranteed rate that is set by the issuing insurance company. In some instances, the insurance company will pay dividends to the policyholder of whole life insurance – although these are not guaranteed. A dividend may be taken as cash, or alternatively, it could be used to purchase additional insurance coverage or to add to the cash component.
  • Universal Life Insurance – Universal life insurance also offers death benefit coverage, along with a cash value component. In this case, however, universal life insurance is considered to be more flexible than whole life coverage. One reason for this is because a universal life insurance policyholder can – within certain guidelines – determine how much of his or her policy premium will go towards paying for the death benefit, and how much will go towards the cash value. Also, the timing of when the premium is due with a universal life insurance policy may also be altered to better fit with a policy holder’s changing needs.
  • Indexed Universal Life Insurance – Over the past several years, indexed universal life insurance has become a more popular product. That is because this type of coverage can be beneficial both for its life insurance coverage, but also for the opportunity that it provides for both growing and protecting funds. In this case, the return on the cash value in an indexed universal life insurance policy is based upon the performance of an underlying market index, such as the S&P 500. If the underlying index performs well during a given time period, the cash value will be credited – up to a certain cap. However, if the underlying index performs poorly in a given period, the cash value’s return for that time will simply be credited with a 0 percent. So, while there is no gain, there is also no loss for that time. Many who are savings for retirement can benefit from this ability to grow, yet still protect their funds.

The company’s specially designed life insurance products offer unique benefits, and there are simplified issue products available. This means that an applicant for coverage may not be required to take a medical examination as a requirement for policy approval. Because of that, there may be a better chance of someone qualifying for the life insurance coverage that they need – even in the event that they already have an adverse health condition.

The face amount of coverage on most of the life insurance policies that are offered by Americo Life Insurance Company can range between $25,000 and $400,000.

Final Expense Coverage

While all individuals and families may have differing needs, most people will have at least some amount of final expenses. Americo Life Insurance Company offers a series of whole life insurance products that are designed for helping to cover the costs that are associated with funeral and burial expenses, as well as uninsured medical bills and other financial obligations that one’s loved ones may face.

These policies can offer face amounts that range from $2,000 to $30,000. There are both fully underwritten and simplified issue policies – and, those who smoke cigars or pipes, as well as smokeless tobacco, could qualify for a non-smoker premium rate.

Mortgage Protection Coverage

One of an individual or a couple’s biggest expenses in life is their home mortgage.

Therefore, if an income earner passes away unexpectedly, this could mean that his or her survivors would no longer be able to pay the mortgage – and in turn, be forced to move from their home. This occurrence can be made even more difficult, as the family is already facing pain.

With mortgage protection coverage, should the unthinkable occur, this policy will pay out an amount that can pay off the survivors’ mortgage balance. Americo Life Insurance Company offers mortgage protection policies with face amounts of between $25,000 and $400,000.

There is no proof of mortgage required, and depending on the policy that is chosen, the applicant for this coverage may not even be required to undergo a medical exam. There are also some optional riders available that can allow policy holders to customize their coverage to better fit with their specific needs.

Other Products Offered By Americo Life Insurance Company

In addition to life insurance protection, Americo Life Insurance Company also offers a wide range of other products that can help its customers to grow and protect their wealth. These products include the following:

  • Medicare Supplement insurance – While Medicare Part A and Part B offer a long list of coverages, there are also many out-of-pocket expenses that are associated with Medicare coverage, such as co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Having a Medicare Supplement insurance plan can help with covering some of the costs. There are several different Medicare Supplement plans to choose from – including a basic set of core benefits, as well as more comprehensive coverage.
  • Retirement Annuities – A retirement annuity can help individuals and couples to save in a tax-advantaged manner for the future, as well as to lock in an ongoing retirement income that can last throughout the remainder of their life – regardless of how long that may be.

How to Get the Best Life Insurance Premium Quotes

When seeking the best life insurance quotes, it is recommended that you work with an independent insurance brokerage. If you are shopping for life insurance coverage, we can help. We work with many of the top life insurers in the industry. If you are ready to compare, then just take a moment to fill out the quote from on this page.

Source: goodfinancialcents.com

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Two rent-related lawsuits were lodged by separate property companies against Atlanta-based Equity Prime Mortgage LLC, adding to the outstanding number of litigation battles the multi-channel lender has to resolve, including one filed by a NASCAR team in late-December.

The lease lawsuits were lodged in Florida and Missouri two months apart by landlords accusing the mortgage company of not paying rent for office spaces.

A suit filed in Florida by TGT Maitland, LLC in April accuses the lender of “failing and refusing to pay the rent and other amounts owed under the lease” for an office space it has been renting since 2019. The sum owed as of March 6 totals close to $30,000.

A month prior, litigation was filed on behalf of Weldon Centre, LLC, a company that owns buildings in Missouri. The company filed a rent and possession lawsuit, a method commonly used by landlords when tenants do not pay rent. 

Details regarding the lawsuit are sparse, but as of April 3 the case has been marked as resolved. The attorney representing Weldon Centre would not provide further information about the case.

According to the lawsuit filed in Florida, EPM, which has headquarters in Atlanta, has been renting the office owned by TGT Maitland since May 2019. In September 2022 the mortgage shop renewed the lease for an additional three years. The rent currently due by EPM totals at least three months, with the monthly rate of the property coming in at $8,817, documents show.

The landlord of the property is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 to cover the lease, attorney’s fees and court costs. TGT Maitland is also holding onto a $9 thousand security deposit from EPM, which it will apply to the sum owed, the lawsuit said.

EPM did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The back-to-back lawsuits come after Jesse Iwuji Motorsports announced that it was suing EPM for $4.1 million in a Florida federal court, claiming the firm stopped making six-figure monthly payments last September for commitments including stock car signage.

Per the lawsuit, an EPM executive told the team it wouldn’t make further sponsorship payments because of a “margin call” and was suffering financially from mortgage rate hikes. 

“Though JIM sympathized with EPM’s predicament and proposed measures in good faith in order to benefit EPM and continue the parties’ relationship, EPM again reiterated in communications with JIM that the effect of the ‘margin call’ was the reason why future payments would not be made,” said Darren Heitner, attorney at Heitner Legal and JIM’s legal representation.

The mortgage shop fired back with a countersuit in February denying accusations of having financial issues and placed the blame of the sponsorship breakdown on the racing team’s own alleged admission of liability. Negotiations between both parties are still ongoing.

EPM has been in the mortgage business since 2008 and is currently licensed in 50 states, with 75 loan officers on board. The company originated $1.9 billion in residential loans between Jan. 1, 2022 and Oct. 31, 2022, according to data from by S&P Global.

Source: nationalmortgagenews.com

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If you don’t pay your credit card bill, you could face more severe consequences than you might think. Though it will depend on your credit card issuer, you can generally expect to be charged a late fee as well as a penalty interest rate which is higher than the regular purchase APR.

Life happens, and, from time to time, payments are missed, especially if you’re dealing with emergencies such as losing a job or a family crisis. In the event you have skipped a credit card payment, it’s crucial you understand what can happen. That way, you can take steps to reduce the odds of it having a major impact on your financial health.

Here, you’ll learn more about this topic, including:

•   What happens if you don’t pay your credit card bills?

•   What if you miss one credit card payment?

•   What happens if you only can make minimum payments?

•   How can you pay off credit cards?

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Your Credit Card?

Consequences for missed credit card payments could include being changed late fees and possibly losing your grace period. It may also negatively affect your credit score since issuers report your payment activity to the credit bureaus — in most cases after 30 days.

There may be other consequences depending on how late your payment is and whether it’s your first time missing a payment.

Accruing Interest

When you don’t pay your credit card, interest will accrue and will continue to do so as long as you have a balance on your card. In essence, you are paying more for your initial purchase thanks to that interest.

The longer you go without paying your credit card, the more you risk your rate going up. Your credit card issuer may start imposing a penalty annual percentage rate (APR), which tends to be higher than your regular purchase APR. If this happens, you’ll end up paying more in interest charges. The penalty APR may apply to all subsequent transactions until a certain period of time, such as for six billing cycles.

Collections

Depending on your credit card issuer, your missed payments may go into collections if it goes unpaid for a period of time. You’ll still continue to receive notices about missed payments until this point.

More specifically, if you don’t pay your credit card after 120 to 180 days, the issuer may charge off your account. This means that your credit card issuer wrote off your account as a loss, and the debt is transferred over to a collection agency or a debt buyer who will try to collect the debt.

Once this happens, you now owe the third-party debt buyer or collections agency. Your credit card issuer will also report your account status to the major credit bureaus — Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. This negative information could stay on your credit report for up to seven years.

It’s hard to tell what third-party debt collectors will do to try and collect your debt. Yes, they may send letters, call, and otherwise attempt to obtain the money due.

Some collections agencies may even try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations expires. In rare cases, a court may award a judgment against you. This means the collections agency may have the right to garnish your wages or even place a lien against your house.

If your credit card bill ends up going to collections, take the time to understand what your rights are and seek help resolving the situation. Low- or no-cost debt counseling is available through organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).

Bankruptcy

You may find that you have to declare bankruptcy if you still aren’t able to pay your high credit card debt and other financial obligations. This kind of major decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. You will most likely need to see legal counsel to determine whether you’re eligible.

If you do file bankruptcy, an automatic stay can come into effect, which protects you from collection agencies trying to get what you owe them. If successfully declare bankruptcy, then your credit card debt will most likely be discharged, though there may be exceptions. Seek legal counsel to see what your rights and financial obligations are once you’ve filed for bankruptcy.

Making Minimum Payments

A minimum payment is typically found in your credit card statement and outlines the smallest payment you need to make by the due date. Making the minimum payment ensures you are making on-time payments even if you don’t pay off your credit card balance. Any balance you do carry over to the next billing cycle will be charged interest. You can also avoid late fees and any other related charges by making a minimum payment vs. not paying at all.

What Happens if You Miss a Payment

If you can’t pay your credit card for whatever reason, it’s best to contact your issuer right away to minimize the impact. Let them know why you can’t make your payment, such as if you experienced a job loss or simply forgot. For the latter, pay at least the minimum amount owed as soon as you can (ideally before the penalty or higher APR kicks in).

If this is your first time missing a payment but otherwise paid on time, you can try talking to the credit card company to see if they can waive the late fee.

Some credit card issuers may offer financial hardship programs to those who qualify, such as waiving interest rates, extending the due date, or putting a pause on payments (though interest may still accrue) until you’re back on your feet.

15/3 Rule for Paying Off Credit Cards

The 15/3 payment method can help you keep on top of payments and lower your credit utilization — the percentage of the credit limit you’re using on revolving credit accounts — which can impact your score.

Instead of making one payment when you receive our monthly statement, you pay twice — one 15 days before the payment due date, and the other three days beforehand. This plan is useful if you want to help build your credit history and pay on time.

The Takeaway

Missing your credit card payment may not be a massive deal if it just happens once or twice, but it can turn into one if you continue to ignore your bill. While it’s not exactly fun to have to pay a late fee, you may be able to negotiate with the credit card issuer to waive it if you are otherwise a responsible user. Even if not, it’s better than being bumped up to the penalty APR or, worse still, having your account go to collections.

Are you looking for your first or a new credit card? Consider the SoFi Credit Card. With perks like cash back rewards on all purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and Mastercard ID Theft Protection, it may be just the right choice for your personal and financial goals.

The SoFi Credit Card: The smarter way to spend.

FAQ

How long can a credit card go unpaid?

The statute of limitations, or how long a creditor can try to collect the debt owed, varies from state to state, which can be decades or more.

What happens if you never pay your credit card bill?

If you never pay your credit card bill, the unpaid portion will eventually go into collections. You could also be sued for the debt. If the judge sides with the creditor, they can collect the debt by garnishing your wages or putting a lien on your property.

Is it true that after 7 years your credit is clear?

After seven years, most negative remarks on your credit report, such as accounts going to collections, are generally removed.

Photo credit: iStock/MStudioImages
The SoFi Credit Card is issued by The Bank of Missouri (TBOM) (“Issuer”) pursuant to license by Mastercard® International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.
1See Rewards Details at SoFi.com/card/rewards.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Disclaimer: Many factors affect your credit scores and the interest rates you may receive. SoFi is not a Credit Repair Organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. SoFi does not provide “credit repair” services or advice or assistance regarding “rebuilding” or “improving” your credit record, credit history, or credit rating. For details, see the FTC’s website .
This article is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult an attorney for advice.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
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Source: sofi.com

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Moving To Colorado On A Budget & A Moving Checklist

Moving To Colorado On A Budget & A Moving ChecklistToday, I’m going to talk about our move to Colorado. It kind of popped up out of nowhere but now we are right in the middle of it all. I can’t believe how quickly everything is moving along and I am extremely excited.

Out of all of the moves we’ve done, this one is definitely the largest. We’ve moved a few times now, but they have all been fairly cheap and short distance moves.

However, after collecting, hoarding, and buying things over the last 5 years, we have many more items to move this time around. Even if we were just moving across town it would be difficult with all of our stuff.

Moving to Colorado will be our longest move as well as our most expensive. I’ve heard of people spending over $10,000 moving, and that is something we didn’t want to come anywhere close to.

Below are some updates for our move to Colorado, including our moving expenses and what’s left on our moving checklist.

Related:

Moving supply costs.

Moving supplies weren’t as expensive as I thought they would be. I highly recommend you shop around, as I found widely varying prices for moving supplies.

For instance, many moving companies charge around $5 per box, whereas places like Home Depot and Lowes charge between $1 to $1.50 per box. There are also moving box sets that usually end up being a better deal, such as with this one.

We also bought bubble wrap and lots and lots of tape. Our total cost for moving supplies was around $100.

We could have completely skipped any costs for moving supplies if we would have looked around though. You can often find free moving supplies on Craigslist, at stores, and so on. We would have gone this route but I will be honest and say I was a little lazy since the move sprung on us very quickly.

Moving To ColoradoThe cost of moving to Colorado.

Up until last week, we were set on renting a moving truck and trying to figure out a way for everything to work out. However, things just weren’t going to happen that way.

Our main problem is that we have two cars and a moving truck to bring to the new house, yet there are only two of us. And this is why we didn’t think a company such as UHaul or Budget would work for this specific trip.

Yes, we could tow one of the cars behind a moving truck, but we need a fairly large moving truck for all of our things. Towing a car behind it on such a long move (over 1,000 miles) and through steep mountains just seems like too much for us.

Then, Wes’s dad the other day said the company he works for uses UPack to move their employees, so I decided to look them up.

After debating for some time, we made the decision to use UPack for our moving to Colorado needs.

UPack was the easiest and cheapest option for us. UPack is a company that moves your stuff for you. They drop off a moving trailer at your home, you load it up, they pick it up a few days later, then they drop it off at the location you are moving to. They handle all of the actual moving, which is exactly why we chose them. We can make the whole 15 hour trip with only stopping one night, but I know if we drove a moving truck ourselves then it would require much more planning, more stops, and possibly even paying for car shipping because we would have to find a way to bring our second car to the new house.

Going the UPack route is pretty similar in pricing to renting a moving truck as well, and much cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company. I priced out several rental moving truck companies and once I priced everything out, it was very comparable to the pricing that UPack gave me. This is because once you factor in the extra lodging, the higher gas costs because we would have to drive a moving truck, insurance costs, and more, renting a moving truck quickly added up.

A UHaul moving truck rental would have been around $2,500 including the rental truck, insurance, gas, etc. Then, we would have had to still pay for extra lodging and somehow still transporting our second car to Fruita as well. I’m assuming that would have made our moving cost somewhere between $3,000 to $3,500 for the extras. The UPack expense from St. Louis to Fruita is $3,000, so it was an easy choice for us since it meant much less work on our end and a much safer way to move.

My Moving Checklist.

Moving to Colorado hasn’t been as stressful as I originally thought. While there are many things we have already completed on our moving checklist, everything seems to be going smoothly even with all of the tasks that are left. If you need a thorough moving checklist, UPack has one that I found very helpful.

What’s left on our moving checklist:

  • Arrange for the drop off of the moving trailer at the new house (and pickup a few days after). This is one of the more important things on our moving checklist because I need my stuff, of course!
  • Turn the internet off at our Missouri house. We’ve already cut cable.
  • Confirm with moving truck unloaders about what time they should be at the new house. Since it’s only me and Wes (and I am extremely weak), we need someone to help us bring all of our heavy furniture into the house.
  • Wait for Charter internet at the new house. Yes, this is getting installed within the first hour of moving into our new house. After spending all of that time actually moving to Colorado, I will need internet quickly set up so that I can continue working. I just can’t go without it!
  • Notify companies of our move. There are still a few more places we need to inform, such as our car insurance company, our bank, and more.
  • Run through the house one last time. Before we move, we need to run through the house and make sure nothing is left behind and we also need to make sure it’s perfectly clean too for the home sale.
  • New driver’s license. We also need to license our cars.
  • New health insurance. This is the last task on our moving checklist but also very important. Our current health insurance is only good at certain Missouri healthcare providers, so we definitely need this.

How much did your last move cost you? How did you try to save money? Are we crazy for moving to Colorado at the last moment? Is there anything I am missing from my moving checklist?

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Source: makingsenseofcents.com