Situated in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon, The Duniway is a Hilton hotel that offers travelers a relatively upscale boutique hotel atmosphere in a great location.
A short walk from many of the city’s most popular attractions, venues, restaurants and coffee shops, it’s a compelling option for guests looking to book a stay at a more locally-inspired hotel in the Hilton portfolio — after all, it’s named after Portland suffragist Abigail Scott Duniway.
Location
The Duniway sits at the corner of SW Taylor Street and SW 6th Avenue in Portland.
The feel around the hotel is a distinct city vibe, with nearby urban squares, tall buildings and Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) light rail trains quietly rumbling by every so often.
Staying here, you’ll be steps from a local winery’s tasting room, a short stroll from coffee shops and restaurants and an easy walk to popular gathering spots like the Arlene Schnizter Concert Hall (0.2 miles) and the Portland Art Museum (0.3 miles).
Pioneer Courthouse Square, shown above, is just over a block away from the property.
The hotel is located on the west side of the Willamette River. If you want to reach the Oregon Convention Center, on the opposite bank, it’s a short drive.
Design elements
When you walk into The Duniway, you’ll immediately encounter the contrast of dark brown wood and leather tones accented by pops of bright color.
You can relax or work at one of the many tables or leather chairs, or make your way to the Mayrose Lounge Bar, which features coffee from local Portland coffee roasters as well as a full complement of alcoholic beverages.
You’ll find Portland and Pacific Northwest-inspired imagery throughout the property.
Accomodations
The Duniway features a relatively traditional room layout that’s been modernized with smart touches and thoughtful design.
The focal point of the room is the 65-inch television integrated into a wooden floor-to-ceiling entertainment center.
The comfortable bed is flanked by attached nightstands, on which you’ll find USB charging ports and reading lamps.
Our room also offered a windowside loveseat and tables perfect for enjoying room service or getting some work done — although you might prefer the desk for the latter.
We were upgraded to a high-floor room thanks to our reservation with Fine Hotels & Resorts (and my Hilton Gold elite status), which gave us a view of downtown Portland.
The bathroom features a white marble vanity and single-use bath products (which is becoming more of a rarity these days) from Badgley Mischka.
Though we didn’t request one, we received an accessible room assignment. As such, the room offered a roll-in shower as well as a bench and hand-held shower head.
Finally, in an upgrade from more budget-oriented hotels — one that was appreciated by this coffee enthusiast — the room features Vittoria Coffee espresso machines.
Food and beverage
Just off the lobby is the Mayrose restaurant, described by the property as an American brasserie that celebrates the progressive culture of Portland.
The restaurant has an open concept feel and, depending on the time of day, is filled with natural light.
Though we didn’t find any single dish to be especially memorable, the meal was perfectly enjoyable and the menu offers plenty of options, whether you’re hoping to sit down and make full use of a property credit like us or simply enjoy a meal without having to leave the hotel premises.
The highlight was definitely an appetizer — the seared gnocchi with pea puree and crispy prosciutto ($14).
We also found the charred brussels sprouts topped with a fried egg yolk, crispy onions and sherry vinegar ($13) to be a bit of a unique take on a dish you find at many restaurants these days.
Our bill came to $97 which, thanks to our dining credit, meant we only had to pay for the tip out of pocket.
Our AmEx booking also entitled us to a breakfast credit of $30 per person, per day.
The Mayrose was packed for breakfast and brunch and featured menu offerings like scrambled biscuit sliders ($13) and an A.M. Banh Mi sandwich ($13).
However, we decided to take advantage of a separate dining option the hotel offers: you can also use property credits and charge meals to your room at The Duniway’s sister hotel, the Hilton Portland Downtown, across the street.
There, you’ll find the restaurant Hop City in the lobby, which includes a market-style area and a sit-down dining room where you can order from an a la carte menu or visit the hot buffet.
My wife enjoyed her breakfast potatoes with an over-easy egg and aioli.
Amenities
A highlight of The Duniway is Abigail’s Hideaway, a plant-filled courtyard on the 11th floor that provides an expansive outdoor area where guests can relax and get some fresh air.
There are several sofas underneath string lights, plus heaters for those cooler Pacific Northwest evenings.
Children might enjoy the giant chess board on the patio, which is open until 10 p.m. each night.
Just inside, the gym includes a Peloton bike (like most Hilton properties in the U.S.) in addition to other exercise equipment and cardio machines.
One room over, an indoor pool offers a place to go for a swim, though there’s not much room for lounging on the rather small pool deck.
How to get there
Located in downtown Portland, travelers arriving by air will likely fly into Portland International Airport, which is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic.
By rideshare, my wife’s Lyft to the airport cost around $35, though that price can, of course, fluctuate with supply and demand.
Departing later, I walked a block to catch the MAX Red Line to the airport for just $2.50. If I hadn’t run into construction delays and had to switch to a bus — which, to their credit, the hotel front desk warned me about — it would have been a pretty seamless (and inexpensive) trip.
If you’re traveling to Portland with a car or have a rental, parking at the hotel is a bit pricey, at $33 per night for self parking and $55 for valet service.
The Duniway hotel recapped
The Duniway puts guests in excellent proximity to all downtown Portland has to offer, and it offers a distinctly independent, un-corporate atmosphere — not unlike what you’d find at a Hilton Curio Collection-type property.
It also offers great value for American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts guests. Between a property credit and daily breakfast credits, my wife and I saved $220 during our two-night stay, while also getting access to complimentary premium Wi-FI and a guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout — which came in handy ahead of a red-eye flight back to the East Coast.
Terms apply.
(Top photo courtesy of Sean Cudahy)
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If you’re on the hunt for the best apartments in Orlando, you’re in good company. Orlando ranks as the fourth-largest city in Florida, and the population continues to boom.
Known as “The City Beautiful” and “Amusement Park Capital of the World,” Orlando sports eclectic apartment communities with poolside villas, social scenes and palm tree views for millennials and retirees alike.
Whether you’re seeking an apartment to return to after work or tan poolside during retirement, there’s something on this list of the 25 most popular apartments in Orlando for everyone.
The 14-story Julian kicks off our list. Located in the heart of Downtown Orlando, this community is by the Orlando Science Center, Executive Airport and tree-lined Baldwin Park. Apartments feature newly renovated interiors and open floor plans, resulting in plenty of spaces to kick up your feet and relax.
Need a studio, one-, two- or three-bedroom apartment? The 403-unit Julian has them all, so you’ll easily find an accommodating space for your Florida lifestyle.
Translating to “The Beautiful Life,” the apartments at La Bella Vida offer crown molding, elegant granite countertops and sliding glass doors leading to the balcony’s lovely views. Other perks include the light fixtures, tall cabinets and tiled showers — all comforting touches.
You’ll gawk at La Bella Vida’s location near banks, gas stations and medical centers. Plus, minutes away lies College Park, perfect for your morning stroll.
These spacious apartments are conveniently located off the turnpike close to many of Orlando’s theme parks, including Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. And, for medical needs, AdventHealth Celebration hospital is just minutes away.
Tenants enjoy the vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets and energy-efficient washers and dryers available in the units, too.
Last but not least, architecture with elongated archways and views overlooking a pond and fountain make Pinnacle Point a popular Orlando apartment.
With a resident coffee bar, lounge, clubhouse, valet trash and high-speed internet, the trendy University Park ranks high for Orlando apartment seekers.
These one-to-three-bedroom apartments feature oversized tubs, a tiled backsplash and upgraded cabinets and ceiling fans.
Living up to its name, the complex resides only minutes away from University Park, Full Sail University, Rollins College, Valencia College and the University of Florida, making it a top choice for millennials.
In the market for a one-four bedroom apartment or townhouse? The Amara community in the bustling, artsy Metro West neighborhood is a catch.
Here you’ll find an upscale $1,759 one-bedroom apartment worth every penny — stacked with modern open floor plans, accent walls, large windows and ceiling fans.
All in all, Amara’s amenities will have you drooling: Relax at the resort-like pool, lay around in a hammock or pump some iron at the state-of-the-art fitness center. If you can fork up the cash, consider this hip community.
Located at 14200 Colonial Grand Boulevard, the newly remodeled interior of Parkway at Hunter’s Creek sports vaulted ceilings, pickled oak and cherry wood cabinets and quartz countertops.
This complex even boasts a walking path to Hunter’s Creek Elementary School, convenient for families.
Finally, don’t forget its detached, remote-controlled garages, fitness center and gate access, too. Residents enjoy the neighborhood, too, which provides access to hiking, jogging and biking trails as well as a pet park.
With a tip-top maintenance team, exceptionally groomed landscape and a massive swimming pool, Avesta Forest Oaks fills our list at No. 19. Renters love the newly remodeled interior, complete with walk-in closets and vinyl hardwood-themed floors.
No doubt, Avesta Forest Hills is a must-see for Orlando apartment seekers due to its updated kitchen appliances and recently upgraded bathrooms.
Offering two to three bedrooms and two baths from 1,278 to 1,492 square feet, Village Townhomes come equipped with a fireplace and breakfast nook. The complex also provides guests with extra storage, a media center, playground and more. And, for the golfer, the Rosemont Country Club sits only minutes away.
Whether you wish to kick back at the pool or visit the onsite fitness center, Village townhomes aim to impress with private entry, upscale floor plans and resort-like amenities.
What do dual master bedrooms, granite countertops and split floor plans have in common? The Crest at Waterford Lakes apartments, that’s what. Here, you can peer off your balcony and view the Florida sunsets over palm trees and a reflective pond.
Don’t have furniture? No problem, the furnishing option is just one of many perks at this popular Orlando apartment complex.
This thoughtful community provides housing to adults with disabilities while encouraging independent living.
Perks include light housework, grocery pickup, meal prep and prescription refill services. Residents also appreciate the top-notch disability access, fitness center and high-speed wireless internet.
So, if you need some extra, kind support, Quest Village’s tagline says it all: “Welcome home.”
The 150-unit Veranda Club complex is reminiscent of European architecture and courtyards. It offers one-two bedroom apartments overlooking golf courses and an elegant fountain.
Located in the hub of Orlando near multiple restaurants and shops, apartments feature large archways, tall windows and walk-in showers.
Featuring one- to three-bedroom apartments starting at $1,840, East Orlando’s Pine Harbour mixes luxury, elegance and convenience.
Tenants love the 24-hour emergency maintenance, unique auto detailing center and clubhouse.
Inside you’ll find ceiling fans in every room, along with custom-designed cabinetry and a mosaic tile backsplash. The upscale kitchen with modern fixtures is no joke and balconies and screened-in patios are available.
Conveniently located near Orlando’s downtown, Pine Harbor also sports views of a lagoon pool and reflective water.
Near highways 417 and 418, River Park lives up to its name. The community is comfortably nestled by the Econ River, so you’ll often see residents out for a stroll. Tenants even receive their own private access to Blanchard Park and the serene duck pond on the premises.
With onsite parking for renters and guests, plus loads of planned social activities, the pet-friendly and classy River Park is a lovely place to call home.
Picture sitting under an umbrella by a massive pool; this could be you at Grove Apartments.
Not the relaxing type? Hit up the business center, playground or onsite clubhouse. Grove also offers short-term availability, all-electric kitchens and is conveniently located near Fashion Square and Colonial Plaza.
Lancaster Villas feature 145 units located near the Florida Mall. Residents look on from their balconies onto elegant landscaping, a swimming pool and a clubhouse.
Inside, you’ll find oversized closets, a laundry facility and open floor plans.
The District on Baldwin Park resembles a majestic mansion next to a large lagoon pool.
Whether you crave a studio, two-bedroom townhome or a three-bedroom apartment, you’ll appreciate the newly renovated interior, tall doors and stainless steel appliances inside.
Fitness fanatics will love Orlando’s Cricket Club community featuring a basketball court, fitness center, swimming pool, playground and dog park.
Safety is another highlight since you’ll find gated access, an alarm and onsite patrol. Plus, apartments are spacious and luxurious, with entertaining outdoor spaces.
If you’re searching for an apartment close to schools, shopping and restaurants, look no further than the energy-efficient single-story Blossom Corners Apartments.
Close to highway 408, Blossom Corners sports ample storage with large closets, attic space and a utility room. Head outside to the private fenced patio while viewing the manicured lawn.
At $943 for a one-bedroom, Blossom Corners is an affordable space behind its trademark, enticing blue doors.
Love the water? Check out Gulfstream Harbor — complete with catch and release fishing, boat and RV storage and a harbor patio.
Work up a sweat on the basketball, tennis, shuffleboard or pickleball courts and visit one of the three swimming pools. Georgeous units come equipped with a kitchen island, ceiling lighting and plenty of windows.
Orlando apartment searchers should consider Kara West’s smoke-free one- to three-bedroom, one-two bath apartments with water, trash and a pest service included. Ultimately, the apartments themselves feature large open floor plans, a balcony and a kitchen window nook.
Residents also appreciate the social events and the pet-friendly spaces.
Residents go ga ga for Pinnacle Cove’s vaulted ceilings and luxurious, pet-friendly 644 to 1,344 square-foot apartments with access to a playground and fitness center.
So, if the balcony views of the boardwalk to the gazebo and swimming pool aren’t dreamy enough, the palm trees and the pond are just as lovely too.
Finding an Orlando apartment furnished with a washer, dryer and dishwasher is no easy feat. But you’ll find all three in your pet-friendly Mosaic at Millenia unit.
Located near the Mall at Millenia, this gated community with intrusion alarms has safety covered.
Bonus amenities include a media room with surround sound, a resort pool, barbecues, billiards, volleyball/tennis courts and picnic areas. Another perk — the complex is within walking distance of public transit.
Located off Kingsgate Drive, Woodhollow is a hop and skip to Universal Studios and nearby Orlando entertainment.
Woodhollow units come cable-ready and equipped with a balcony, dishwasher and beautiful hardwood floors.
Plus, this community features quality spaces for both families and retirees.
First, this small apartment complex only has 28 units. Second, this complex boasts new interiors as well as top-of-the-line stainless-steel appliances.
You’ll love the hardwood flooring, sliding entrance ways and patio/balcony, too. A trendy close-knit community, Ava at Sodo is only eight minutes from Downtown Orlando.
Topping our list as the most popular Orlando apartment is Club at Millenia, with prices starting at $1,216.
Located near loads of golf courses, shopping and nightlife, boredom doesn’t exist here.
The apartments themselves feature upgraded kitchens with tiled backsplashes, open floor plans and various windows.
Other perks include the friendly staff and the resort-like pool.
The best apartments in Orlando
So what are you waiting for? Find apartments for rent in Orlando near the heart of entertainment, where you can also relax and enjoy Florida’s sunny views in no time. While living it up in the Florida sun, enjoy these Orlando apartments with amenities galore.
We looked at all available multifamily rental property inventory from January to June 2021 on Rent. to determine which properties with an Orlando mailing address are most viewed by organic internet searches. The information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein does not constitute financial advice, availability or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.
Have you ever noticed that certain people take up a new hobby, and suddenly that’s all they’ll talk about? It’s not that their personalities are actually changing, but they’re certainly adapting to the situation at hand, and maybe getting a little hyper-focused or narrow-minded about it. We’ve asked our friends on Reddit to chime in on the most common hobbies or life-changes that people adopt, and then won’t shut up about.
1. Being a Military Wife
One user shared, “Wives of military men.”
Another user added, “You know they post about how brave their ‘hubby’ is daily.”
One commenter replied, “I hate the word ‘hubby’.”
Another Redditor commented, “Can confirm. Have a cousin like this. The husband is nowhere near seeing any kind of combat. She was stationed overseas in Germany for a couple of years, and she would never leave base to do anything but loved to complain about how bored she was. [She] had zero interest in taking in anything related to German culture, food, sightseeing, etc. She was also pregnant at one point. They were stationed there and insisted US hospitals were superior to German ones. She Said she was scared to have the baby in a German hospital because the US ones were better. You would’ve thought she was in a third-world country the way she went on about Germany and how scared she was to be there. Apparently, her friends on base were also all just like this.”
2. Obsessing Over Great Britain
“My Texas high school had a British club. I’m actually a British citizen, so I tried to join. Those people were nuts. They made Doctor Who and Sherlock their whole personalities,” one user posted.
Another user commented, “This is just the BBC version of the anime club.”
One commenter replied, “On Tumblr, they were called Teaboos sometimes.”
Another Redditor posted, “When I watched the BBC version of Sherlock for the first time as a teenager, I realized with horror that my brother had based his entire personality on it. He had the same coat, the same condescending and sardonic manner, everything. The only thing he couldn’t get right was the actual genius part, so he’d mutter very intensely about subjects not deserving of that intensity and confuse everyone. He’s actually still quite difficult to have a conversation with because he has no idea how to learn things from other people—it always has to be him explaining things to you and not the other way around. Otherwise, he’ll just walk away.”
3. Being in a Relationship
One Redditor shared, “Relationships. I have friends who legit have no clue who they are without a man by their side. Their self-worth is measured strictly by the ‘quality’ of the guy willing to stand beside them.”
One user replied, “This is painfully accurate. My sister graduated med school, but my mom didn’t tell her she was proud until she brought home a bf.”
One added, “My mom was the same. It didn’t matter what I did. She only ‘stopped worrying’ when I got engaged (to a complete bad person who I would never have looked twice at if he hadn’t swooped in during a very low point, including my mother’s terminal illness). God, I’d love to go back in time for a do-over on all of that.”
4. Refusing to Change
“Being a bad person. You meet a lot of people who are like, ‘Sorry, I’m an a-. It’s just who I am’,” one user posted.
Another added, “‘I tell it like it is.’ No, you’re just tactless and have no awareness.”
However, one user replied, “As someone who was like this who did a lot of self-reflection about why I was popular and when you’re popular, people laugh at you for being a bad person sometimes, and it feels good, if enough people validate it growing up without any social consequences, you learn to think it’s fine. At most, someone will go, ‘Haha, omg, you’re such an a-‘ and roll their eyes. Eventually, you get away from the group of people who accepted your a–h-lery and made you believe it was funny and go out in the world. Being a grown a- isn’t cute, so you either lean in and think everyone is just getting too sensitive, or you realize that you have to do more than just be a bad person to get people to laugh and like you.”
5. Watching Anime
One online user shared, “Anime. I like it, but many people take it to a new level.”
Another user commented, “I knew a woman like that. She lives in cosplay, and her kids are named after anime characters. Edit: Forgot to add that she says ‘Hello, minna-san!’ all the time.”
One Redditor added, “Yeah, tbh. I’m a mega-fan, but there’s a fine line where sharing what you love drifts into projecting it everywhere. The opposite is true where your passion is censored because it’s not ‘in vogue’ or breaks normalcy, so it’s a very fine line. Don’t name your kids ‘Gendo Ikari’.”
6. Smoking
“Smoking weed,” one user shared.
Another confirmed, “Hear hear. I smoke quite a lot myself, but I absolutely can’t stand stereotypical potheads.”
One commenter added, “Same. I’m the biggest stoner I know and people are always shocked to find out even after knowing me for months.”
Another user replied, “Most of my friends smoke. I’m down to one oddball that still wants to talk about terpenes, and how well this batch was cured or not, and the subtle hints of flavor that always make him assume the strain is something different than advertised. At least that only lasts 20 mins, and then we can talk about all the movies/music/shows that were so much better in our day (we’re 40).”
7. Loving Astrology
One user posted, “Zodiac signs.”
Another replied, “‘I’m a Virgo.’ ‘No, Kelly, you are just a [terrible person]’.”
8. Acting
“Theater,” one user posted.
Another user replied, “As somebody who does his theatre, I can confirm it’s frustrating and annoying.”
9. Being a Writer
One user shared, “Being a writer—even if they barely ever write.”
Another user replied, “‘I’m working on some plot holes, okay? So what if I haven’t touched my book in, like, three weeks?’… shut up…”
“I mean, three weeks can just be a healthy break from an activity!” one Redditor added.
One commenter added, “‘Oh, I know it hurts now, but look at the bright side: You have some new material for that novel you’ve been writing. You know…the novel you’ve been workin’ on? You know the one, uh, you’ve been workin’ on for three years? You know, the novel. You got somethin’ new to write about now. You know? Maybe a main character gets into a relationship and suffers a little heartbreak? Somethin’ like what… what you’ve just been through? Draw from the real-life experience? Little, little heartbreak? You know? Work it into the story? Make the characters a little more three-dimensional. Little, uh, richer experience for the reader? Do those two hundred pages really keep the reader guessing what will happen? Some twists and turns? A little epilogue? Everybody learns that the hero’s journey isn’t always a happy one. Oh, I look forward to reading it.’—Stewie Griffin.”
10. Using Propane
One user commented, “Propane and propane accessories.”
A user added, “I tell you what.”
11. Doing Crossfit
“CrossFit,” one user shared.
Another added, “The first rule of CrossFit is, you must always talk about CrossFit…”
One commenter replied, “I know a couple that loves CrossFit. They’ve never done it personally, but they are physical therapists, and the injuries from people emphasizing rep numbers over form has been great for their bottom line.”
12. Being a Hipster
“You’ll never meet a group of more infuriating w-nkers than when you meet the people who are really into the local indie music scene…” one user posted.
Another user replied, “Amen. However, as a reformed local indie rocker, I can confidently say that the worst offenders in this category were rarely the musicians themselves. I, for one, always forgot everyone’s names and proudly told them it was because I was just terrible at being a hipster…….. OH S- F-. IM RELAPSING. HELP!”
13. Loving the Office
One user commented, “The Office!”
Another Redditor added, “Also friends.”
One commenter replied, “Which friend character are you? Which friend’s character are you? Which friend’s character are you?”
14. Owning a Tesla
“Owning a Tesla,” one user shared.
Another added, “The only thing worse than a Tesla owner is a Jeep owner.”
One Redditor said, “Some Jeep owners, yeah. I’m on my fourth one. And I have loved them all. They’ve all been stock Cherokees except my current one. An 06 GRAND Cherokee. Oh yeah, baby. It’s got a headphone jack in the dash so I can plug my phone in, f—ing plush up in that b–ch. Got four cup holders, too. And keep your underwear on. It’s got a coolant leak as well.”
15. Declaring Your Sexuality
One user commented, “I’m sure I’m gonna get a lot of hate but sexuality. Being straight or being gay is not a personality trait. It’s just one aspect of who you are.”
Another replied, “Imma upvote you now before the haters show up.”
One user added, “I hard agree, but I also try to understand that some people have been denied what they are for so long that when given the chance, they’ll go all out. Like, I’m gay and dating a trans dude. But I’ve never felt persecuted for my sexuality. He has. I’d never tell him to stop waving his flags because I know he’s been in a place where he wasn’t allowed to. *Oh. They got gold for this take. Well, that’s… Worrying”
16. Being Sarcastic
One Redditor posted, “Sarcasm.”
Another added, “I hate this. People think ‘sarcasm’ makes them come off as interesting and intelligent, but a lot of it is just low-hanging fruit jabs or just being d–chy.”
17. Loving Disney
One user commented, “Disney.”
Another added, “I’m a physician. I had a senior while doing a year of general surgery training. My senior wanted to do trauma surgery. He was petty, mean, brilliantly smart, and a complete a-h- to anybody as or less intelligent:
“The precise moment that he would show a half second of relaxation: DISNEY TO THE TENTH EXPONENT. Writing notes: Disney theme park background music. Packed Lunch: Disney-themed pasta/sandwich combos. Going out for social hour: Disney watch/scarf.
“I always wondered how this dude could look at me so vehemently and still have such a cotton Candy, whimsical core. Great doctor and surgeon, though.”
One commenter replied, “Disney adults are strange people, man. My wife is a physician, and her other physician friend is getting married this spring. She’s a bit younger than us (4-5 years) and has had the luxury of making a physician’s salary while having very little in the way of actual life expenses due to having parents who continue to pay her bills for her.
“Anyway, she tells my wife and their friend group that she’s engaged and the wedding will be in Iceland. We’re pumped because we’ve always wanted to go to Iceland, and we’re fortunate enough to be able to afford to go to the wedding if we save up. It’s a year from now, so we have time to save up and also make it like a mini vacation. So a few weeks later, she texts her friend group that Iceland is off, and they’re getting married at Disney World.
“I’ll be honest: that was a head-scratcher for my wife because none of her friends knew she was that into Disney. We think it will be at one of the resort hotels around Disney World, with some pretty cool/nice hotels. Oh no, no, no. They are getting married in front of the castle in Magic Kingdom—and here’s the best part—it can’t be during park hours, so they were given the option of it happening at 8 am or 10 pm. They chose 8 am. Might I mention they are also paying $60,000 just for the ceremony?
“I get that having a destination wedding in another country is cost-prohibitive if you want a lot of friends and family there. Iceland would have been very cool, and, for admittedly selfish reasons, we were a little bummed about it not being there. But it’s understandable.
“However, with every new detail my wife gets from the bride-to-be, it seems like it will be a pretty terrible experience. Having to pay for an overpriced hotel and getting up at the crack of dawn to get dressed up and stand in the swampy humidity of Florida so two grown adults can be married by Mickey Mouse sounds like it’s going to be a total bad show. So yeah, Disney adults are strange.”
18. Breaking Up
One user posted, “One bad breakup…”
Another user replied, “This is true. I had a friend who would not care about a girl she dated back before COVID (f—ing 2020) who did some a- [things] to her up until a few months ago. At least now she’s dating again, so we constantly hear about her new partner most of the time…”
19. Working
“Their occupation,” one user shared.
Another user replied, “‘I’m a nurse. What’s your superpower…’ merch. yuck. Sincerely, a nurse.”
One Redditor said, “This was my first thought. I hate those ridiculous things! I work with a nurse with multiple nursing-related tattoos, coffee cups, handbags, and a license plate frame. So cringe.”
20. Owning Guns
One Redditor shared, “Guns.”
Another user replied, “As a gun owner, I can’t tell you how cringeworthy this is. I own firearms myself, but it is just a hobby, and that’s it. Most of the other time, I read books, work, be a dad, or play Diablo 4. I barely bring it up unless I am around others who happen to bring it up or discuss their experiences shooting firearms or what firearms they’re going to purchase. The minute I see gun owners rocking punisher skull s- or other tacticool stuff, I play dumb and just act as if I’ve never held a gun. Those people are annoying.”
Do you agree with the things listed above? Share your thoughts below.
Source: Reddit.
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Mortgage borrowing ticked upward in the short Thanksgiving week, as subsiding rates helped bring home buyers to market, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.
The MBA’s Market Composite Index, which measures weekly application activity based on surveys of the trade group’s members, inched up a seasonally adjusted 0.3% for the period ending Nov. 24. Activity climbed upward for the fourth straight week but still finished 15.4% lower year over year. Data was adjusted to account for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The slight increase in applications was driven by greater purchase applications, but refinance applications fell over the week, according to Joel Kan, MBA vice president and deputy chief economist.
“Rates have declined more than 50 basis points over the past six weeks, which has helped to spur a small increase in purchase applications,” he said in a press release.
The contract 30-year fixed-mortgage rate average for loans with conforming balances slid down to 7.37% from 7.41% in the previous survey. Points used to help bring down the rate increased to 0.64 from 0.62 for 80% loan-to-value ratio mortgages. The conforming rate hit
But the 30-year jumbo average among MBA lenders increased 3 basis points to 7.54% compared to 7.51% a week earlier. Borrower points also rose to 0.81 from 0.79.
As most rates headed lower, the seasonally adjusted Purchase Index picked up for the fourth consecutive week, climbing up 4.7%, but volumes landed 21.6% below levels of a year ago. Still, the increase in purchase mortgage activity corresponds to trends real estate agents reported seeing this year, according to a recent survey from Assurance IQ. Low existing inventory, though, has served to cap the rate of growth.
Heading in the other direction, the Refinance Index declined for the first time in four weeks, dipping 8.9% from seven days earlier. Despite the drop, refinance volumes saw a slight annual increase, edging up by 0.7% from a year ago when they plummeted to their lowest mark since 2000.
The weekly pullback in refinance applications led their share relative to total activity to shrink to 30.6%, down from 32.4% seven days earlier.
Government-sponsored loan applications, meanwhile, fell by only a fraction, with purchases up, but refinances down. The share of federally-backed applications also came in mostly flat, but borrower interest across sponsors varied. Mortgages guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration garnered 13.5% of activity, falling from 14.8% a week earlier. But countering the slowdown in FHA loans was growth in the portion of applications coming through the Department of Veterans Affairs, which represented 12.6% of volume, rising from 11.3%. The slice of applications backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture remained at 0.4% week over week.
The contract interest rate for the 30-year FHA-backed home loan decreased by a single basis point compared to the prior survey, falling to 7.18% from 7.19%. Borrowers typically used 0.81 in points, climbing from 0.79 a week earlier.
The 15-year fixed rate average also saw a 1 basis point decline, falling to 6.88% from 6.89%. Points slid to 0.52 compared to 0.76 for 80% LTV loans.
The average of the 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage, which starts fixed before becoming variable after 60 months, took a 17 basis point decline to 6.59% from 6.76%. Points used by borrowers retreated to 0.76 from 0.82 a week earlier. Following a surge in ARM interest earlier this fall, the share of adjustable-rate mortgages has tempered in November, accounting for 8.1% of applications last week versus 8.3% in the prior survey.
Inside: Fixed expenses are a vital part of any budget, and understanding how to account for them is essential to staying on track. This guide will teach you about fixed expenses and how to use them in your monthly budget to keep expenses under control.
Budgeting is the cornerstone of financial stability.
Whether you want to or not, it will take away the stress of money.
A budget is a practical tool that enables you to plan your spending and savings, ensuring a fair share of your income goes towards critical expenses. It also gives you more control over your money, reducing stress and enabling you to meet your financial objectives.
This is something you want, right?
In this post, we will uncover information specifically related to fixed budget expenses.
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Decoding Your Expenses – Fixed and Variable
Understanding expenses forms the bedrock of effective budgeting practices. There are two key types of expenses to consider: fixed and variable.
Fixed expenses are those that remain constant every month, such as rent or car payments.
Variable expenses, on the other hand, fluctuate monthly based on usage or consumption, like groceries, utilities, or gas.
Balancing these two types of expenses forms a significant part of personal budgeting.
What is A Fixed Expense?
A fixed expense is a cost that remains typically constant and is paid at regular intervals. These intervals may be weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Given their consistency, they contribute to financial predictability and ease of budgeting.
What is an Example of a Fixed Expense?
Here are common fixed expense examples that cover a wide spectrum but predominantly include costs required to maintain a basic standard of living. Here are some examples:
Rent or mortgage payments: This encompasses the regular cost of housing.
Insurance premiums: This could be for your car, health, life, renters, or homeowners insurance.
Loan payments: Regular installments for obligations like student loans and car loans belong to this category.
Utilities: Though they may fluctuate occasionally, regular payments like water, gas, and electricity are often treated as fixed costs.
Subscriptions: Recurring payments for services such as gym memberships or streaming platforms.
Savings: For disciplined budgeters, fixed contributions to saving accounts can be considered a monthly fixed expense. This is how Money Bliss readers save so much money!
The list can extend to include other less common fixed expenses, such as alimony, child support, or back tax payments, depending on personal circumstances.
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What is a periodic fixed expense?
A periodic fixed expense is a cost that is regular and predictable but does not occur monthly. These expenses still retain the characteristics of fixed expenses.
They may be caused by quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payment terms and require careful budgeting and planning. Examples include annual subscriptions, car insurance paid semi-annually, or yearly property taxes.
It’s essential to account for these expenses in your budget, dividing the total cost by the number of months until payment to ensure you’re adequately prepared when they’re due.
How to Budget for Fixed Expenses
Budgeting is a crucial financial activity as it helps manage income effectively and ensures all necessities are covered.
Most people use the zero based budget or the biweekly budget as a starting point.
1. Start With Fixed Expenses in Budgeting
Starting with fixed expenses in the budgeting process is essential, as they make up the majority of one’s budget and are typically consistent for longer periods.
When writing out your budget, prioritize fixed expenses such as housing costs, insurance, and childcare. You can use our personal budget categories to find out which expenses you shouldn’t forget.
Upon allocating your income for the month, ensure these bills take precedence over discretionary spending to avoid budgeting errors.
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2. Prioritizing Between Fixed and Variable Expenses
Prioritizing between fixed and variable expenses can often feel like walking a tightrope.
The first step is budgeting for your fixed expenses. Since they make up the majority of your budget and are for longer periods of time, it’s crucial to ensure these costs are taken care of first.
Next, plan for your variable expenses. These costs fluctuate every month and can be adjusted easily.
Finally, you will account for flexible expenses.
As always, don’t forget to save and invest, as this will help with financial sustainability and wealth development.
3. Tools and Techniques for Efficient Budgeting
Today’s digital landscape offers myriad tools and techniques for efficient budgeting, which is great news for you!
Apps and digital tools can facilitate the tracking of expenses in real-time, thus making it easier to discern patterns and identify savings opportunities. Using a line-item budget can help you dig into where your money is going and plan every dollar you earn.
Here are our favorite budget apps.
Regularly reviewing and updating your budget can help you stay on top of changes and future uncertainties.
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How do I determine whether a cost is fixed or variable?
Determining whether a cost is fixed or variable often comes down to its consistency and its correlation with a factor such as output, usage, or time.
Fixed costs remain constant over time or within certain activity levels; examples include rent and insurance premiums. They do not fluctuate with changes in production or the number of goods sold.
Variable costs, on the other hand, fluctuate in direct proportion to levels of spending, such as groceries or gas.
Understanding this difference can help with accurate cash flow forecasting and effective financial management.
Strategies to Save on Fixed Costs
Now, the key is to try to lower your fixed expenses as much as possible. This will make the biggest difference in your budget.
For example, if your rent for a one bedroom apartment is $1850, maybe you move in with a roommate, and your rent is lowered to $800 per month. That is a savings of $1050, which you can save for a down payment on a house.
Ways to Curb Fixed Expenses
Optimizing your budget often entails finding ways to reduce your fixed expenses. Several strategies can help achieve this:
Renegotiate Your Bills: Reach out to service providers to negotiate lower rates for services such as insurance premiums, Internet, phone service, and more.
Refinance Your Loans: If interest rates have decreased, consider refinancing your mortgage or student loans to lower the monthly payments.
Downsize Your Living Situation: One major way to cut costs is to find a smaller or cheaper place to live.
Cancel Unused Subscriptions: Regular payments for services you don’t use, like gym memberships or streaming platforms, can silently drain finances.
Automate Savings: Regular, automated transfers to a savings account can enforce discipline and consistency in managing money.
Remember, while these strategies can help you cut costs, each individual’s circumstances are different, so personalized considerations should be made.
Which fixed expense would be most difficult to change if money is needed for car payments?
Car payments are a real struggle for most people. Right now, the average car loan is between $516-725 per month depending on a used or new vehicle. 1
As such, your largest fixed expenses are usually the most challenging to change.
If you require more money for car payments, the most difficult expenses to alter would likely be your mortgage or rent payments. Reducing these costs often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, such as moving to a cheaper home or obtaining a roommate.
Other difficult-to-change fixed expenses could include insurance or student loan payments, depending on the terms of your loans or policies.
It’s important to have an emergency fund set up for unforeseen repairs like these to avoid having to drastically change your lifestyle.
Practical Tips for Achieving Financial Stability
Achieving financial stability often boils down to effective management and strategic planning. Here are some practical tips:
Pay Your Bills on Time: This reduces unnecessary fees and interest costs. If this is a challenge, setting up automated payments may help.
Save Regularly: Aim to set aside a certain percentage of income on a regular basis. Automated savings plans are a useful tool for this.
Prioritize Spending: Distinguish between your wants and needs to help prioritize your spending.
Get Insured: Protect yourself from large, unexpected expenses by ensuring appropriate coverage on insurance.
Stay Informed: Regular budget reviews and financial check-ups can help you stay on track and adjust your plans as necessary.
Remember, financial stability is a journey, not a one-time achievement. It requires consistency and patience. So, celebrate your small financial victories along the way!
YNAB
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Pros:
Comprehensive approach to budgeting, helping you plan monthly budgets based on your income.
Offers expert advice, making it suitable for those who require an in-depth, forward-thinking budgeting strategy.
Superior synchronization skills make it the winner in this area.
YNAB has extra features like goal setting for budgeting, shared budgeting tools for partners.
Option to manually add and upload transactions from accounts each month.
YNAB prioritizes user privacy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, rent is considered a fixed expense. It is a recurring cost that typically stays constant, regardless of changes in your income, spending, or other factors.
The rental or lease agreement specifies the monthly rent expense, which does not change until the lease period ends or is renegotiated.
If fixed costs become variable costs in a personal budget, it can add some unpredictability to your expenses. For instance, if you have a variable-rate mortgage, your payments may change due to the mortgage agreement.
To restore control, consider opening separate savings accounts for each variable expense category, turning these unpredictable expenses into ones that can be anticipated and budgeted for each month.
Fixed costs refer to expenses that do not change with fluctuations in your budget. They are incurred regularly and remain relatively constant, independent of your spending.
These costs are critical expenses necessary to live your life and cannot be quickly modified or eliminated.
Does This List of Fixed Expense Examples Help You?
In conclusion, examining and reducing your fixed expenses can be a transformative step toward achieving financial stability.
Contrary to popular belief, fixed costs are not immutable. With diligence and thoughtful consideration, you can explore cheaper alternatives for health insurance premiums, cell phone plans, and other consistent expenses.
Lowering your fixed costs enables automatic, consistent savings which can then be directed towards settling debt or securing your future. The beauty of this approach lies in its subtlety as this won’t feel like an imposition on your lifestyle.
Therefore, understanding and managing your fixed expenses can indeed play a crucial role in your journey to financial soundness.
It’s not just about making frugal decisions, rather it’s about making smart ones that can reap substantial benefits in the long run.
Now, do you have the traits needed to be financially stable?
Source
LendingTree. “Average Car Payment and Auto Loan Statistics 2023.” https://www.lendingtree.com/auto/debt-statistics/. Accessed November 27, 2023.
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An adjustable-rate mortgage (also called an ARM) is a mortgage where the interest rate changes. Monthly payments may go up or down.
Borrowers may be looking to save money with this type of mortgage because there’s usually an introductory period where the interest rate is lower than what they could get with a fixed-rate loan. The monthly payment is lower as a result.
Adjustable-rate mortgages can make sense in certain situations, such as when buyers only plan to own a home for a few years or for those looking to buy a home in a high-interest-rate environment. However, they’re not your only option if you’re looking at getting a mortgage in a high-interest-rate environment.
In this article, we’ll cover
• What exactly is an adjustable-rate mortgage and how do they work?
• What are the different types of ARMs you can apply for?
• Pros and cons of an ARM
• How the variable rate on an ARM is determined
• How an ARM compares with a fixed-rate mortgage
• Examples of when it does and doesn’t make sense to get an ARM
What Is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)?
An adjustable-rate mortgage is a type of mortgage loan where the interest rate can change periodically throughout the life of the loan. This means your monthly payment might increase or decrease over time.
They typically come in shorter terms, such as five, seven, or ten years and adjustment periods (how often the interest rate is evaluated and changed) of six months or one year. They may be useful as a financing tool for short-term situations, but there are some things to consider before taking on a mortgage like this.
How Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Work
The terms of an adjustable-rate mortgage are determined at the outset of the loan. You’ll decide on a type of ARM, apply with the lender of your choice, and start making payments once the loan closes.
What’s different about an ARM from other home mortgage loans is the interest rate will adjust periodically and your monthly payment will change. It’s typical to see an introductory period (a number of years) where your interest rate doesn’t change, however.
Types of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
If you’ve started to look into financing a home purchase, then you’ve probably seen loans labeled with different numerals. Maybe you’re wondering, what is a 5/1 ARM? When you’re choosing mortgage terms, the different types of ARMs you can get correspond to the different terms (with 5, 7, and 10 year ARMs being the most common) and adjustment periods (typically 1 year or six months). An ARM is labeled with two numbers, first with the number of years in the introductory period, followed by the period when the interest rate will reset. A 5/1 ARM, for example, has a 5-year introductory period followed by one adjustment per year to the interest rate.
Here are some other examples:
• 5/6: A five-year term with an adjustment period of six months.
• 7/1: A seven-year term with an adjustment period of one year.
• 7/6: A seven-year term with an adjustment period of six months.
• 10/1: A ten-year term with an adjustment period of one year.
• 10/6: A ten-year term with an adjustment period of six months.
Recommended: Is a 10-Year Mortgage A Good Option?
Pros and Cons of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
If you’re considering an ARM, you’re probably weighing the lower payment against future financial positions you’ll need to take. There are some other pros and cons to consider.
Pros
• Many different term lengths to choose from
• Low annual percentage rate
• May start with a lower monthly payment than a fixed-rate mortgage
• May be slightly easier to qualify for
Cons
• Interest rate can change
• You could end up with a higher monthly payment
• If you’re unable to afford the higher monthly payment, your home could be in danger of foreclosure
Recommended: Cost of Living by State
How the Variable Rate on ARMs Is Determined
To fully understand how does an adjustable-rate mortgage work, it helps to see what’s going on behind the scenes of an ARM and how the rate is determined. You’ll be looking at these four components:
1. Index
2. Margin
3. Interest rate cap structure
4. Initial interest rate period
Index
The cost of an ARM is tied to a market index, generally the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR). These can increase when the federal funds rate rises.
Margin
The margin is the percentage points added to the cost of the index. It is disclosed when you apply for the loan and can vary from lender to lender, so be sure to shop around!
The interest rate on your ARM is equal to the index plus the margin.
Interest rate cap structure
There are three types of rate caps: initial, periodic and lifetime. For the initial period, the cap is on how much interest you’ll be charged in the first period of your loan. For example, in a 5/1 ARM, you’ll have an interest rate that stays the same for the initial period of 5 years.
When your initial period is over, you’ll have periodic adjustments. These will have a separate cap for how much your interest rate can increase over the defined period (usually six months or a year).
You’ll also have a cap on how much your interest rate can increase over the life of the loan.
Initial interest rate period
The cost of an ARM is also determined by how long the interest remains constant for the initial period. ARMs with longer initial periods generally have higher rates. A 7/1 ARM will have a higher APR than a 5/1 ARM, for example.
💡 Quick Tip: Generally, the lower your debt-to-income ratio, the better loan terms you’ll be offered. One way to improve your ratio is to increase your income (hello, side hustle!). Another way is to consolidate your debt and lower your monthly debt payments.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage vs. Fixed-Interest Mortgage
When it comes to fixed-rate vs adjustable-rate mortgages, the mortgages are structured very differently. Here’s a quick breakdown of the major differences:
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
Interest rate adjusts
Interest rate stays the same
Terms are usually shorter, such as 5 to 7 years
Terms are usually longer, such as 15 or 30 years
Loans are often refinanced at a later date
Loan can be paid off
May have lower interest rate initially
Interest rate does not change
Monthly payment changes
Predictable monthly payment
Interest rate you pay is tied to economic conditions
Interest rate determined at the origination of the mortgage
The main difference between fixed-rate and adjustable mortgages is in how you pay interest on the loan. With a fixed loan, the interest is paid with regular monthly payments, which are fairly set (except for fluctuations with escrow items). With an adjustable-rate mortgage, the interest you pay can change.
The other major difference between the two types of mortgages is the term length. Fixed mortgages are often financed at 15- or 30-year terms. ARMs are usually held for shorter periods of time.
💡 Quick Tip: A major home purchase may mean a jumbo loan, but it doesn’t have to mean a jumbo down payment. Apply for a jumbo mortgage with SoFi, and you could put as little as 10% down.
Example of When Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Makes Sense
There are a few scenarios where an ARM makes sense.
• If you’re only planning to keep the home (or keep the mortgage) for a few years.
• Interest rates are very high.
In each of these situations, borrowers — including first-time homebuyers — don’t plan to hold onto the mortgage long-term. They’re looking to sell the property or refinance at a future date.
However, there are times where an ARM doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Example of When Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Doesn’t Make Sense
An ARM may not make sense when the interest rate for a fixed-rate mortgage is low. This was common just a few years ago, and buyers who have these low-interest, fixed-rate mortgages don’t need to worry about getting another mortgage.
If you’re considering purchasing a home with an ARM, you may also want to look at buying down the interest rate on a fixed-rate mortgage with points, especially if you plan on staying in the home long-term.
Can You Refinance an ARM?
Many borrowers get an ARM with the expectation that they will be able to refinance into a different mortgage at a later date. Refinancing any mortgage, including an ARM, will depend on your ability to qualify for it. If your credit score or income take a serious hit, for example, you may not be able to refinance an ARM to get a more attractive rate. It’s also possible market conditions may change and the property could decline in value to the point that it isn’t a good candidate for a refinance.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Tips
To keep your ARM manageable, you may want to consider some of the following tips:
• Look at the rate cap structure. Make sure you can handle the monthly payment all the way to the cap rate, which is the limit on how much your interest rate will increase.
• Watch for fees or penalties. If you pay off the ARM early, you may be subject to several thousand dollars in penalties or fees. Be aware of what you could be on the hook for.
• Shop around for mortgage rates. The interest rate caps and margins will be different from lender to lender. Get a loan estimate to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples.
• Work with someone you trust. It’s incredibly valuable to work with a lender you trust to give you good advice.
The Takeaway
Many borrowers may be considering an ARM at the moment, but you still need to make sure it’s the right financial tool for you. Adjustable-rate mortgages can increase when interest rates increase and make your monthly mortgage payments unmanageable. However, it is possible that an ARM could be the right solution for buyers who don’t plan on keeping the home long-term, or for those who believe they’ll be able to refinance into a less expensive mortgage in a few years.
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FAQ
Is it ever a good idea to get an adjustable-rate mortgage?
You should get in contact with a lender if you’re wondering about whether or not an adjustable-rate mortgage is right for you. Some borrowers find it makes sense if they’re looking for financing that’s geared toward short-term situations.
What is the main downside of an adjustable-rate mortgage?
Adjustable-rate mortgages have interest rates that can rise periodically, either at 6 months or a year. You could end up with a higher mortgage payment.
What is the major risk of an ARM mortgage?
The major risk of an ARM is when it becomes unaffordable after an adjustment period. If a payment can’t be made, the risk is going down the path to foreclosure. This can happen after the introductory period ends or if an adjustment significantly raises the monthly payment.
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Cinema has long been a source of heated debate, especially regarding films that tried too hard to be serious and ended up just seeming pretentious. With the arrival of streaming platforms, more accessible movie-making tools and an increased ability for filmmakers to challenge the norm, recent years have seen a wave of new daring cinema—acclaimed as genius by some yet widely disliked by others.
Nowhere is this disparity in opinion more apparent than with these 20 pretentious movies. So what do you think? Are there times when lines should not be crossed regarding artistic expression, or are pushing boundaries necessary? Below are the top 20 pretentious movies shared across online:
1. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
One user posted, “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. A The Holocaust and 9/11 mash-up with an autistic kid as the main character? Pure pretentious as s- Oscar bait.
“I had to read the book in high school, and the best thing I could say about it was that it provided easy pickings for annotation assignments.”
Another user added a story behind the film, “Daily reminder that the author of the book awkwardly flirted with Natalie Portman via email, thought she was as into him as he was into her, and left his wife of 10 years for her, only to be met with bemused puzzlement from Natalie.”
One user replied, “Jesus, those emails were painful to read from both of them. I can’t believe people write like that in their personal emails. He did end up dating Michelle Williams for years after his divorce, so I guess he’s got some game.”
2. Eat Pray Love
One user added, “Eat Pray Love(2010), a pretentious film based on an equally pretentious true story.”
One user replied, “So true, lol. Like I would love to just take off for a year, but unfortunately, I have to work.”
3. Crash
“Crash (2004)—simultaneously the most pretentious movie I’ve ever seen and the stupidest,” one user added.
Another user shared, “I remember seeing it when it came out and found it fairly forgettable. Then it kinda gained this reputation as ‘didn’t deserve the Oscar,’ so I watched it again recently. It tries so hard to be topical (and perhaps it was in a way), but it’s soooo over the top yet surface level at the same time with its message. There are some good performances in the movie, but that can’t save the script.”
4. The Room
One Redditor posted, “I think considering Tommy Wiseau’s intention to make a serious drama, The Room is pretentious. I know he refuted the claim that The Room was supposed to be serious. But sorry, I have severe doubts.”
One user shared, “There’s no way in h*ll that The Room was anything other than a sincere effort by Tommy to make a legitimate dark drama. Making the movie as it is, with the intention of being received as it has been, would make Tommy a comedic genius in three separate areas: writing, acting, and directing. I don’t think he is. Just like some great movies are lightning in a bottle, The Room is lightning in a bottle in the opposite direction.”
5. You People
One online user posted, “You People with Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy. The film goes out of its way to make Jonah Hill a ‘Bumbling Clueless Overly-Cautious Woke White Guy’ and Eddie Murphy a ‘Put Everyone On The Spot Overly Proud Black Man.’ NO self-respecting person (Jonah Hill’s character) would ever dig themselves into a racial awkwardness hole as often as he does. And no self-respecting person (Eddie Murphy’s character) would go out of their way to be so defensive and make Jonah Hill’s character so uncomfortable.
“If it were purely a comedy, it would have made sense to make them both so clueless, but since it was supposed to be a ‘woke’ rom-com, then they could have done well-meaning people more credit by making Jonah Hill more discerning and Eddie Murphy more gracious. Instead, both characters just reinforced stereotypes from beginning to end.”
Another user replied, “First rom-com I watched that was completely lacking both romance and comedy. To call it a movie at all is a compliment to You People and an insult to all other movies ever created.”
6. Seven Pounds
“Seven Pounds,” shared one user.
Another Redditor replied, “Or any Will Smith bazillion Oscar Bait movies.”
Another user commented, “Collateral Beauty takes the cake for me. Even the title is pretentious.”
7. Downsizing
One Redditor posted, “Downsizing. I’m surprised nobody’s mentioned this one. I sit down thinking I’m about to watch a lighthearted comedy starring Matt Damon about people who shrink themselves and get into some hijinks. Turns out. Instead, the movie’s message (pretty early in the film, too) is, ‘You can’t shrink the problems of the world, ST*PID!’ The rest of the movie was a guilt trip about lower-class poverty and environmental issues. It seriously felt like the filmmakers were scolding me. …”
One user responded, “I came here to say this. I went to the theatre to watch it because I was excited to see it. It’s a fun movie with Matt Damon and Kristin Wiig getting shrunk down like a grown-up Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
“She was barely in it, super preachy, meandering, boring, and nothing like what was advertised. Oh, and the ending was stupid, too. I shouldn’t have bothered waiting for it, but they already had $40 or so of my money. At least the snacks were ok. Probably the best part of the movie. They realized what a mess it was and pulled a bait-and-switch with the trailers as a last-ditch effort to save it. I’m still mad if you can’t tell, lol.”
8. Now You See Me
“Now You See Me … I don’t understand how people can be impressed with ‘magic tricks’ that are only possible with special effects. B-, please! I can make f- Godzilla coming out of my pocket if I can use CGI. That s- is not impressive.
“On a side note, what a waste of opportunity when they didn’t call the second movie “Now you don’t,” stated one user.
Another user added, “Also, there were zero clues for the twist. It’s just a ‘surprise this random thing happened. Now be in awe.’”
9. Tenet
One online user shared, “Given the following definition of pretentious: ‘Trying to appear or sound more important or clever than you are’
“I’ll go for Tenet. When people think of pretentious films, they tend to list arty films. But pretension just means having an unearned sense of self-regard, and Tenet has that. It’s a film that is desperate for you to think it’s clever and profound but is ultimately hollow and not half as clever as it thinks it is.
“Edit: I just remembered the main character is literally called ‘Protagonist.’ Proper pretentious first-year film student stuff.”
One user answered, “I upvoted, even though I like Tenet because I can’t argue with your logic.”
10. Bang Bus “Episode 3”
One user posted, “Bang Bus ‘Episode 3′. The premise was already in. There was nothing new about it.”
Another replied, “Is that the one where they pick up a young woman and interview her in a s- van? I’ve only seen the first 10 minutes. I can’t believe there are sequels.”
11. My Dinner With Andre
“I love the movie, but ‘My Dinner With Andre’ is pretty pretentious and self-satirizing at the same time,” one Redditor stated.
Another user replied, “If you were out to dinner and the people at the table next to you were having that conversation, your eyes would roll right out of your head and fall on your plate.”
12. Most Woody Allen Movies
One Redditor shared, “Oof, I’m gonna get hate for this, but I feel like most Woody Allen movies are pretentious …”
Another user also posted, “When I think of pretentious movies, I think of Woody Allen b- s-. Movies about making movies about New York and how cool you have to be to be famous. F- off.”
13. Garden State
“A little obvious, but Garden State. It has all the hallmarks and takes itself way too seriously.
“That being said, it’s made with a lot of heart and ambition, and I do enjoy it, but it’s just the first thing that comes to mind—from the all-white bedroom to the shirt made out of wallpaper print to literally screaming into a void.
“Well-intentioned, entertaining, endearing but ultimately a pretentious cringe fest—sorry Zach!” posted one user.
14. Birdman
One online user posted, “I thought Birdman was pretentious on my first viewing. That being said, I was, like, 19 when I saw it, and I’m 28 now. I may need to watch it again because being pretentious kinda felt like the point of the movie.”
Another user replied, “My favourite part about Birdman was seeing Edward Norton playing himself.”
15. Rubber
“Rubber … I thought it’d be about a sentient tire blowing people up. But it kept cutting to a surrogate audience standing in a field watching the events and doing meta-commentary on film. Also, Lady in the Water … He was writing a movie critic character just to make them an ah you can kill off. Then, making the struggling writer the saviour of the world through his excellent writing and then casting YOURSELF for the role? Lol,” one user posted.
16. Wes Anderson’s Newer Films
One user posted, “Wes Anderson’s newer films are the definition. Bring back Owen to rein him in.”
Another user commented, “I came into this thread specifically to see how soon Asteroid City would come up.”
“Wes Anderson is so confident in his style at this point in his career, that someone calling his latest effort pretentiousness would just read as, ‘Oh good, you saw my film. Thank you, it was very pretentious,’” one user responded.
17. Mother!
“Mother!” shared by one Redditor.
Another user commented, “This is one movie I loved, but I can recommend it to no one.”
18. Cloud Atlas
One Redditor posted, “Cloud Atlas. That movie is the definition of smelling your gas in public. It’s just so g-d- stupid in an ‘I’m 14, and this is deep’” sort of way.”
19. Joker
“Joker. … That movie thinks it’s brighter than it is but fails to hold a consistent theme in a way that says effectively nothing. It doesn’t work as a character study either because the character is also inconsistent. It’s only really grounded by a legendary performance by Joaquin,” stated one user.
One user replied, “That’s because it’s directed by the man who did The Hangover movies, doing his best attempt at Scorsese.”
20. Tree of Life
One user shared “Tree of Life.”
One user commented, “(whispers) ‘What is life?’ (Random shot of a kid walking into the sunset.) (More whispering.) ‘What does it all mean?’ (Camera pans into a blank wall.) (Whispering so quietly that it’s barely audible) ‘What is all this?’ (Dinosaurs explode in the background).”
Another user commented, “I like the movie (it’s more a montage movie than a movie-movie), but this gave me a chuckle. It’s definitely not for everyone!”
What do you think of the movies listed above? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: Reddit.
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People will always have preferences and something to say about celebrities. What you might love may not be the same for others. Whether it’s about their past behaviors, legal issues, or feuds with other celebrities, here is a list of celebrities people just cannot stand.
In the past, investing was thought of as something only wealthy people did. And unfortunately, many people used this as an excuse to put off saving for retirement, saying they would do it when they earned more money.
But if you wait to start investing, you lose out on the benefits of compound interest and shortchange your retirement savings. So, it’s best to get started as soon as possible, even if you only have a bit of money to tuck away every month.
One of the easiest ways to invest money is by using micro-investment apps. This article will explain what micro-investing is, how it works, and six micro-investing apps we recommend trying out.
10 Best Micro Investing Apps
Micro-investing apps make it easy to get started with small amounts of money and learn the basics of investing. We’ve compiled a list of the best micro-investing apps on the market today. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor, you’re sure to find an app that fits your needs and investment goals.
1. Robinhood
Account minimum
Margin accounts, ETF’s, crypto
Great for beginners!
Robinhood aims to make investing accessible to everyone, which is evident in the fact that the company doesn’t charge any commission or management fees.
In addition, there’s no charge to open a brokerage account, and bank transfers are free as well.
The app is designed for beginners, so there is no confusing terminology, and the interface is easy to use.
Unlike other micro-investing apps, Robinhood lets you trade full stocks and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. However, it doesn’t offer mutual funds and bonds.
Check out our in-depth review of Robinhood.
2. Axos Invest (Formerly WiseBanyan)
Account minimum
New investors
or goal-based investing
You can get started with Axos Invest (formerly known as WiseBanyan) for just $1. The company doesn’t charge any trading fees for the most basic version. But if you upgrade to one of the premium versions, the company does charge fees.
Axos Invest focuses on goal-based investing, so once you sign up, you’ll be prompted to create your first “Milestone.”
Then, you’ll enter how much you want to save and by what date. From there, Axos Invest recommends how much you should save to reach your goal.
3. SoFi Invest
Account minimum
$0 for Automated Investing
$1 for Active Investing
Active and Hands-Off Investors
SoFi is a well known brand in the personal finance space, and their investing app is another high quality product.
This investment service provides users with the ability to either trade actively or opt for automated trading tools to take care of your account.
SoFi is geared towards trading in fractional shares, which they refer to as “stock bits”. This means the app is a solid choice for those wanting to invest their spare change.
You can also tap into savings accounts or make larger deposits to add more to your investment accounts.
4. Plynk
Account minimum
$2 per month
New investors
Plynk is designed to guide your learning while you begin to invest. The Plynk app offers investors access to a selection of stocks, ETFs, mutual funds and four cryptocurrencies. And you can start investing with just $1.
One of the best things about Plynk’s platform is the straightforward, easy-to-understand language. You won’t find technical jargon or complex charts and tables.
The Plynk app also allows investors to easily set up dollar-cost averaging, which is an ideal investing technique for many new and experienced investors.
5. Webull
Account minimum
Active traders and investors
Webull is a stock trading app offering free stock trading as well as free trades on ETFs, options and cryptocurrencies.
Webull also allows users to trade fractional shares, making it a great choice for micro investing.
Webull provides users with plenty of powerful tools to assist with in-depth trading analysis, making it a solid option for active and experienced traders. Plus, setting up a Webull account is free and there are no account minimums to worry about.
6. Stash
Account minimum
$1 per month
New investors
or tax-advantaged retirement accounts
Stash is another hands-off micro-investing app designed for beginner investors. After you sign up, Stash will ask you a series of questions to determine your tolerance for investment risks. You will be labeled as a conservative, moderate, or aggressive investor.
One of the unique things about Stash is that you can choose the types of companies you want to invest in. So if there is a particular cause or type of company that you’re interested in, you can set that in your investing preferences.
After you’ve chosen the types of companies you’d like to invest in, you’ll set up your “Auto-Stash.” You choose how much you want to invest and how often.
7. Public
Account minimum
(1-2% markup on crypto)
Young investors
Public.com is a blend of both investment and social media platforms. It’s designed for younger and socially oriented investors who would like to own fractional shares of stocks and ETFs.
You can share ideas within a community of like-minded investors. You might think of it as a kind of investing social network.
The aim of Public.com is to create an inclusive and educational community focused on stock market trading and investment.
For young investors who wish to align their social and investing preferences, as well as learn from other investors, Public.com is a great option.
8. Betterment
Account minimum
Low balance investors
Goal-based investing
If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, then Betterment might be a suitable option for you. Betterment gives you the option to work with a financial advisor who can make investing recommendations.
There are two different plans to choose from, and the most basic plan doesn’t require any upfront balance to get started.
Betterment is a great option for anyone who wants an easy investing option while still maintaining a bit of control over their investment portfolio.
9. M1 Finance
Account minimum
Experienced Investors
M1 Finance might be the best micro investing app for more experienced investors. It is ideal for those looking for customized investment portfolios with some automated options, as well as those looking to set up commission free retirement accounts.
Purchasing fractional shares, setting up recurring deposits and extensive portfolio management options is easy with M1 Finance’s quality app. M1 Finance aims to be a singular personal finance app for building wealth and establishing a diversified portfolio.
Above all, M1 Finance makes investing easy. Simply deposit your funds, set your stock and index selections and use their automated service for commission free trading.
M1 Finance will also automatically rebalance your portfolio in accordance with your stated asset targets, to improve the overall performance of individual stocks.
10. Acorns
Account minimum
$1 per month
Hands-off investors
(e.g., College Students)
If you want a hands-off approach to investing, Acorns will be your best bet. After you sign up, you’ll connect your credit card or debit card to Acorns.
Then, whenever you make a purchase, Acorn rounds it up to the nearest dollar and deposits that “spare change” into your investment account.
For instance, if you make a purchase of $9.67, Acorns will save the additional 33 cents for you. Once your Acorns account reaches $5, the company will invest the money for you.
Acorns also gives you access to a robo-advisor, IRAs, and even a checking account.
What is micro-investing?
According to one survey, more than 47% of Americans are not saving for retirement. When pressed about their decision not to invest, over 34% said they don’t have enough money to invest.
The basic premise behind micro-investing is that you only need a few dollars to start investing. When you use a micro-investing app, you invest in very small increments by buying fractional shares.
With a micro-investing app, you can invest as little as $5. And with micro-investing, you don’t have to know anything about the stock market. The money you save is put in a portfolio of stocks that the company creates for you.
Is micro-investing even worth it?
Micro-investing will not get you rich, and it’s not going to help you fund your retirement goals. For that reason, it’s easy to write micro-investment apps off as not being worth your time.
But every day you put off investing is one less day that your money can grow in the market. So, you can wait until you feel like you have “enough money,” or you can work with what you have today.
Here are just a few benefits of using a micro-investing app:
Invest with very little money: Micro-investing platforms allow you to invest, even if you only have $5 to spare. So if you can skip your morning latte, then you have enough money to give micro-investing a try.
Save it and forget about it: It’s hard to set aside money in a savings account. You know it’s there, and it’s easy to access and spend. With a micro-investing app, it’s easy to save your money and forget about it.
Build positive habits over time: Anytime you’re trying to build a new habit, it’s best to start small. Micro investing allows you to ease into investing, and you can start saving more money when you’re ready.
See also: How to Invest: A Basic Guide to Making Your Money Grow
Pros and Cons of Micro-Investing Apps
While it’s true that micro-investing provides many benefits, they’re not necessarily the right choice for everyone. It’s worthwhile taking the time to understand the all nuances before committing financially.
Pros
24/7 Access
Using a micro investing app allows you full access to your investment account around-the-clock. You won’t ever have to worry about opening hours or holidays getting in the way of your ability to monitor and manage your funds.
Easy Fractional Investment
Traditional investment in stocks and ETFs requires large amounts of funding, but micro investment means you purchase fractional shares quickly and easily. This means you can begin your investment portfolio with your spare change, rather than hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Low Account Minimums
Another factor which makes micro investment apps attractive are the low account minimums. Most micro-investing apps have $0 minimum balance requirements, so you can begin investing with as little as you wish.
Safety
As with traditional investment accounts, legitimate micro-investing platforms will be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. On top of that, all savings and checking accounts with micro investing companies are FDIC insured.
Cons
Fees Can Be High
Account fees can vary, so it’s important to watch out for this. Don’t assume that an account with low minimums will also have low fees. If you’re only investing small amounts, paying high fees might not seem like a good deal in the long term.
Limited Investment Choice
Most micro investment apps won’t allow you to handpick the stocks inside your portfolio. While you will have choice regarding which set portfolios you invest in, you’re less likely to be able to pick and choose specific stocks.
Won’t Change Your Retirement Plans
One thing to keep in mind is that using a micro investment app won’t do much to affect your retirement on its own. It’s more about learning good investment habits, and getting familiar with maintaining and growing a portfolio.
Features of the Best Micro-Investing Apps
So, how do you decide which micro investing app is the right one for you? We’ve compiled a list of the most important features below to help you know what to look for. The best micro investment apps will have the following qualities:
Ease of Use
Fundamentally, the best micro investment apps will be easy and intuitive to use. They are often free of the usual clutter and jargon of some traditional brokerage accounts. With simple, easy to navigate interfaces these apps should provide an enjoyable user experience for all.
Low Minimum Investments
Good investing apps should allow you to access the market with just a few dollars. This is possible because they’re designed to allow you to purchase fractional shares of ETFs and other assets. Not all investing apps will come with a low minimum investment, however, so be sure to check if you’re a low budget investor.
Diversified Investment
The best investing apps will provide users with the chance to invest in diverse portfolios which are automatically generated. Asset allocation and diversification can be challenging even for experienced investors, so this is a great feature of these apps.
When you’re starting out as an investor, the sooner you can learn about diversification the better. And these apps should make it relatively easy for you to both practice and learn about asset diversity.
Educational Tools
As most micro investing apps will be marketed to newcomers, education is an important factor. If you’re just starting out with investing, then the best micro investment app for you will likely provide a wealth of educational resources and advice.
Keep in mind, however, that most micro-investing apps won’t offer access to a professional financial advisor.
Recurring Transfers
The best investing apps allow you to easily set up automatic transfers from your bank account to fund your investment account. A recurring transfer can remove some of the human error involved in managing your account and allow you to quickly build up a habit of funding your account.
Additional Services
While some apps are minimalist and simple, others come with the option of additional financial services. In addition to brokerage accounts, some offer access to a savings or checking account, as well as IRA and custodian accounts. Depending on your own financial goals, an app with additional services might be worth the extra fees.
Final Thoughts
Micro-investing apps make it simple for anyone, even those with just $5 to spare, to begin investing in the stock market. The apps we’ve covered in this article provide a great starting point.
While micro-investing might not cover all your retirement needs, it’s a smart way to begin saving, especially if your budget is tight. The crucial thing is to start investing and gradually increase your contributions over time. This way, you’re setting yourself up for a better financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which micro investing app has the lowest fees?
Among the micro-investing apps listed, Robinhood, Axos Invest, SoFi Invest, Webull, Public, and M1 Finance all offer commission-free trading, which means they do not charge fees for buying or selling stocks and ETFs. So, you can consider any of these apps if you’re looking for a platform with low fees for micro-investing.
Which app is best for small investments?
Choosing the best app depends on your own budget, needs and goals. The market for micro investment apps has grown rapidly, and there are a lot of different options out there.
The list we’ve compiled in this article are our top picks, and are among the best micro investing apps available. These apps make it easy and convenient to begin investing. They also provide various unique features, low fees, good customer support and educational resources.
Who should use micro investing apps?
Micro investing apps are a fantastic way to begin investing small amounts while you learn the ins and outs. But who will benefit the most from using these apps?
Beginner investors: These apps are perfect for young investors and newcomers because you only need a small amount of money to start.
Passive investors: Most of them are actually robo-advisors which invest on your behalf based on your needs and budget. This automated investing allows you to establish a diversified portfolio based on your goals that you can simply set up and forget about, letting it work away in the background.
Emotional investors: Automated investing means you can’t make rash emotional decisions based on market swings. Instead of constantly worrying about market performance, you just invest small amounts and build your portfolio slowly over time.
Can you get rich from micro investing?
Micro investing is primarily a strategy for saving and building wealth gradually over time. While it’s a valuable tool for starting your investment journey with small amounts of money, it’s important to have realistic expectations. It’s unlikely to lead to rapid wealth accumulation or “getting rich” in a short period.
How do I start micro investing?
Investing today is more accessible than ever before. Nevertheless, it still seems an intimidating world for those who have no experience or education. If you don’t know where to start, you can follow these steps to begin investing with confidence:
1. Decide Between DIY or Automated Investing
If you’re not yet comfortable choosing your own investments, and managing your own portfolio, you’ll want to start with robo-advisor investing. It’s totally normal for beginners to feel uncomfortable choosing stock to invest in, and automated investing is the safer option in any case.
2. Identify Your Investment Goals
This is often the hardest step for new investors, but it’s one of the most important. Figuring out your short and long term financial goals will help bring purpose and structure to your investment decisions.
Generally speaking, investing is successful when considered a long term project. You’re much more likely to find success with investments by holding stock long term, rather than trying to figure out when the best time to buy or sell is.
3. Determine Your Monthly Investment
The traditional advice is to save and invest 20% of your monthly income. With the rise of micro investing, however, you don’t even need to invest much to begin with.
It’s important to pick an amount you can reasonably commit to. Of course, you can always change your automatic investment amount, or just add on extra when necessary, but it’s always better to set it and forget it. Even if it’s a small amount, consistency and time and the key ingredients to good investing.
4. Choose an Account That Fits Your Goals
Once you’ve got your budget and goals determined, it’s time to choose a platform to begin investing with.
Keep in mind that you can always switch the platform you use for micro investing, use more than one, or even open a brokerage account. Just make sure to take all fees into account before you sign up and get committed.
Are there any limitations on the types of investments I can make with these apps?
Micro-investing apps typically focus on stocks, ETFs, and sometimes cryptocurrencies. While they offer a wide range of investment options within these categories, they may not provide access to more complex financial instruments like options, futures, or mutual funds.
‘Tis the season for holiday decor. Getting your home prepped and ready for the festivities is a joy and really, as will any home decor, there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. That being said, if you want your Christmas decor to look beautiful and reflect your personal style and traditions, there are loose rules to be abided. Meaning there are also mistakes to be made.
We asked designers what common Christmas decor mistakes we should all be avoiding this year. From going OOT with new decorations to not sticking to a cohesive theme, here are the holiday decor faux pas best to avoid if you want to create a chic and timeless display.
5 Christmas decorating mistakes
Christmas trends. Just like with interior design trends, you want to be inspired by these styles but don’t let them overcome the looks you really love and that have meaning to you no matter how kitsch they may be. Luckily nostalgia is a designer-approved trend this year anyways.
‘In any given year, my biggest piece of advice is not to feel pressured to do any decorating you don’t love!’ says designer Kathy Kuo. ‘The holiday season can be stressful and the decor aspect is supposed to be fun – if a so-called ‘Christmas decor trend’ is adding to your stress, just say no! If you love simple white twinkle lights in the windows and a few vases of greenery instead of a humongous tree, go for it!’
Kati Curtis.
‘Going over the top with colorful lights can also lead to visual clutter rather than creating a warm, inviting aesthetic that compliments your existing décor. Buying everything new and matching can look contrived or sterile and doesn’t honor the meaning and traditions of the holiday.’
‘Instead, consider taking a trip down memory lane this Christmas. Bring out your grandmother’s china and napkins that have been carefully stored away in the attic. Mix ornaments from your relatives, or things you’ve collected over time or DIY Christmas decorations. Not only does this approach help to honor the past and keep the memories alive, it is also a sustainable choice, utilizing what we already have instead of purchasing new items. This can evoke a sense of nostalgia and create a warm and homey atmosphere that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas.’
Kati Curtis
maximalist holiday decor, there should still be something that ties it all together like a color scheme or a reoccurring pattern.
‘A significant Christmas decorating mistake is deviating from a theme or failing to follow a cohesive decorating plan. Without a guiding theme or plan, decorations might clash or lack a unified vision, resulting in a hodgepodge of styles that just looks messy.’ explains designer Jennifer Davis.
‘Sticking to a specific theme or design scheme helps tie everything together, ensuring a polished and inviting holiday setting that resonates with a consistent style and charm throughout the space.’
4. Not blending faux and real folliage
While there are now so many incredibly realistic faux Christmas garlands, wreaths, and greenery, you can really elevate them by adding in real foliage or dried fruits. This will make and faux greenery look fuller and more convincing. You could ditch the fake evergreen all together and have a go a making your own garland.
Designer Bethany Adams believes it’s going real with your evergreen that ensures the most effective Christmas decor; ‘The wrong faux greenery can be a major faux pas. Instead, reach for dried, real evergreen boughs for your mantle or wreaths. The look is far more luxe, and just as reusable.’
Little Valley Large 4 Cup Bag of Dried Orange Slices
Faux Winter Evergreen 6′ Garland
Flock Pine Garland
5. Creating too much visual clutter
The whole point in Christmas decor is for it to add something beautiful and visual and creative to your home. But bringing in all this extra decor and Christmas lighting and a full-sized Christmas tree can risk looking cluttered, so to avoid this just ensure you have focal points within your rooms. Nothing should be competing.
So for example in a room where you have the tree, keep the rest of the decor minimal – candles on the mantle, lights at the window but no large pieces of decor that will distract from the main event, and ensure to include some negative space.
‘When diving into Christmas decorating, it’s essential to consider the aspect of proportion, especially concerning height. Neglecting to do this can lead to an unbalanced display where items of varying heights compete for attention. A smart approach involves creating visual interest by varying the heights of decorations while maintaining a sense of cohesion and harmony.’ advises Jennifer Davis.
Avoiding these holiday decor mistakes, while also still following your own traditions and style, will ensure your Christmas decor feels both chic and characterful. Just remember to go with your tried and tested formulas, have something cohesive flowing through the scheme, and don’t go over the top with bringing a load of new decor into your home and really crowding your room. And of course, have fun with it, potentially the biggest mistake you can make is getting so carried away with aesthetics that the once-a-year activity of decorating your home for the holidays becomes a stress, rather than a joy.
Mortgage rates have risen. Home sales have fallen. And prices of houses in the Bay Area and California have gone up more than 5 percent.
While interest rates peaked at 7.8 percent in late October, home sales across the Golden State fell 11.9 percent from a year ago, the San Jose Mercury News reported, citing new figures from the California Association of Realtors.
Meanwhile, the cost of a typical home in the Bay Area rose 5.7 percent during the period to $1.27 million.
At the same time, the median price of a California home rose 5.3 percent to $840,360, according to the Realtors report, while overall number of home sales fell 27.2 percent.
Even with slowing sales, most buyers aren’t pulling out of the market just because of interest rates, brokers say. The declining sales point more to a lack of inventory.
Buyers “are getting accustomed to those higher interest rates,” Jim Hamilton, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, told the Mercury News. “It’s a pretty dramatic jump, but it didn’t happen overnight either.”
Interest rates peaked at 7.79 percent in the last week of October, the highest rate in 20 years. Since then, rates have slipped to 7.44 percent.
After 14 months of decline, prices began moving up again in August. In the nine-county Bay Area, San Mateo County had the highest median home price at $2.1 million, while Solano County had the lowest at $620,000.
Most sellers don’t want to give up cheap mortgages and buy at rates two or three times higher than what they’re now paying, agents say.
With fewer homeowners moving and marketing their homes, buyers now compete for fewer properties. And that drives up prices, a trend likely to continue through New Year’s.
Price-savvy buyers may also be putting their house hunts on hold.
For every 1 percent increase in rates, buyers tend to lose 10 percent of their purchasing power, according to agents. A buyer that could afford a $1 million home in January, when rates were 6.4 percent, might now be only able to afford a home worth $845,000.
“If there’s not a need for more space, or relocating based on work, then people are sitting tight and waiting to see what happens with rates,” Kumi Hodge, a residential agent based in San Ramon, told the Mercury News.