We all know that person—the one whose entire identity seems to revolve around a single, seemingly arbitrary thing. Whether it’s the music they listen to or the way they dress, they embody the ideas and traits that go with it so much that it overshadows other parts of their personality. Do you ever wonder what would happen if these people took off those clothes and listened to something different? From judging others based on their appearance to defining yourself solely on how smart or popular you are, it turns out that relying on just one aspect of yourself as an indicator of your overall identity can be quite harmful.
1. Crossfit
One user posted, “Crossfit,”
Another Redditor replied, “An atheist, a vegan, and a cross fitter walk into a bar. I know because they all told me.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard an atheist bring up being an atheist without someone bringing up religion first,” a third commenter added.
One user also shared, “Ha, I was going to say this. I was an atheist for well over a decade, and almost nobody knew because I never brought it up. People don’t realize the level of Christian bigotry that’s unleashed when they find out you’re an atheist.”
2. “I’m Just Honest”
One Redditor shared his story, “I’m not an asshole, I’m just honest, and people can’t handle it. EDIT: I just want to say that though these people are a pain to deal with in life, I usually feel pretty bad for them. They are likely not just bad at reading social cues, but unlike the rest of us with this problem. They don’t even know that’s the issue. They’ve been burned by a life feeling they are always getting ‘mixed messages’ or being misled when people just tell them something they don’t want to hear in a polite, thoughtful way. They think all this polite shit is a smoke screen for deception, and the world would be better if people just walked around making definitive statements of fact with no emotional nuance—that’s what ‘honesty’ is to them. The thing is, missing social cues doesn’t make one immune to insensitive behavior (though they are enthusiastic practitioners themselves). So when they get what they think they want, they are not thankful. They feel angry and hurt the same way anyone else would. So, in the end, they just think the world is made up of either liars or assholes. It’s a sad way to live, really.”
Another user replied, “Funny, these people are never honest about nice things. ‘Hey, you! That’s a nice shirt. You can’t handle that? Tough shit, I’m just being honest.’”
3. The “Alpha Male”
One commenter shared, “My stepdad. One of these days, I’m gonna tell him exactly what I think of him, and he’s gonna get mad like the alpha male bitch he is cause he ‘can’t handle it.’ ‘You aren’t relevant in any situation unless you’re an asshole, and I think deep down you know it, which is why you make it your entire identity. Because you’re codependent as fuck and can’t stand the thought of being lonely. A weird roundabout way to get people to ‘like’ you, and one that will only work as long as you’re useful to them and do the things you constantly complain about having to do. Maybe if you tried therapy and took the time to actually built positive relationships with the people around you, you won’t feel so fucking insecure and like you have to leverage everything over their heads to get them to respect you.’”
Another added, “‘Like the alpha male bitch that he is,’ So I presume he took some idiotic advice from Andrew Tate?”
4. Religion and Politics
One user posted, “Religion and politics are the most common I notice these days as they get older. Other than that, sexuality, music, tv shows, guns, military, country.”
Another Redditor replied, “I’ve literally never met an atheist that makes it a notable part of their personality—maybe because I’m in a country where it’s pretty much standard.”
Another commenter agreed, “Religion and politics are arguably the most significant life-changing areas to exist.”
5. Time in the Military
One Redditor posted, “Their time in the military.”
Another added, “Also, their spouses in the military…👀”
One commenter mocked, “You will address me by my husband’s rank.” “
“Understood. ‘Second class and petty,’” a fourth replied.
Source: Reddit
Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.
10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.
These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag
Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.
10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth
We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites
Federal bank regulators have taken another step to address suspected bias in the residential appraisal profession.
The Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, National Credit Union Administration and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have proposed guidelines for how banks and other mortgage lenders should consider challenges to home appraisals.
The joint guidance, released for public comment on Thursday, gives lenders direction on how to craft policies for initiating an appraisal review process known as a reconsideration of value, or ROV, for collateral valuation. The proposal flags a number of deficiencies that could be used to trigger an ROV, including discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin.
“Deficient collateral valuations can keep individuals, families, and neighborhoods from building wealth through homeownership by potentially preventing homeowners from accessing accumulated equity, preventing prospective buyers from purchasing homes, making it harder for homeowners to sell or refinance their homes, and increasing the risk of default,” the joint proposal reads. “Valuations that are not credible may pose risks to the financial condition and operations of a financial institution. Such risks may include loan losses, violations of law, fines, civil money penalties, payment of damages, and civil litigation.”
The proposal is the latest government action to emerge from the White House’s property appraisal and valuation equity, or PAVE, task force, which was assembled in 2021 to address potential discriminatory practices that have contributed to racial wealth disparities. Last week, the same agencies proposed guidance on how to deal with automated valuation models.
On Thursday, regulators also noted that an ROV should be initiated when appraisal reports are compiled using incomplete or inaccurate information, poor valuation models, inaccurate assumptions or conclusions that are “otherwise unreasonable, unsupported, unrealistic, or inappropriate.”
The guidance states that a financial institution can request an ROV based on its own review process or based on information provided by a consumer, loan officer or other lending official. Notably, this process allows for prospective borrowers to request the consideration of other comparable properties not included in the initial appraisal.
Comparable properties, also known as comps, are the backbone of property valuation. Appraisers are tasked with finding similar properties based on factors such as size, number of rooms and other attributes that have been sold recently in the area immediately surrounding a subject property.
Appraisers say the mechanisms of this process prevent personal bias from creeping into property valuation. Critics say limiting the use of comps to the immediate proximity of a subject property perpetuates long-standing biases, with the historically majority-minority neighborhoods being permanently disadvantaged compared to their majority-white counterparts.
ROVs are not a new concept — lenders and consumers have long been able to appeal property valuations. But, as the joint proposal notes, there have been questions about when and how these processes can and should be initiated, and how to do so without hindering the independence of appraisers. The concern is that making the process too expansive could pressure appraisers to value properties closer to contract value than they might otherwise.
The proposal notes that the Truth in Lending Act and its implementing statute, Regulation Z, prohibits lenders from compensating, coercing, extorting, bribing or taking other steps to encroach upon an appraiser’s independent valuation of a property. But, the proposal notes that the same regulation enshrines the right for lenders to challenge appraisals that include critical errors.
The public will have 60 days to weigh in on the proposal, which will be posted to the Federal Register.
Although we cover the topic once or twice a year, I constantly get questions from people who are frustrated by the financial habits of their spouses and partners. Some people are Spenders, and some people are Savers. What can you do to get both partners on the same page?
Linda is the most recent GRS reader with a relationship issue. She wrote to ask how to get her boyfriend motivated to save money. Here’s her story:
How do I get someone motivated about saving money and being more frugal? Is it even possible?
My fiance and I are pretty different when it comes to money. I’m the Saver, and he’s the Spender. I’m all about the future, and he’s more about the present. He changed a lot after we got together, and now that we’re saving for a wedding, he has definitely cut back on most of the big expenses.
But I get frustrated that although he speaks of saving money and of eventually buying a house, he’s always wanting to eat out, to get the latest gadgets (he’s switched cell phones three times in two years, and bought a MacBook and an iPad), and to go on vacation. He’s a poster child for the latte factor: He has a gold card from Starbucks, which shows how much he frequents it.
His last job had really good pay, but not his current one, so that may also contribute to the spending habit. (He’s used to what he used to spend and hasn’t made the adjustment.) I’m not sure if I’m just giving him a hard time, or if there’s just some thing I’m not doing right. Do you have any advice?
First, Linda needs to know that it is possible for a Spender to become a Saver. I was a Spender for decades, but my wife is a Saver. In fact, Kris could have written this e-mail twenty years ago. Now, though, I’ve changed. I still have Spender tendencies (do they ever go away?), but they’re over-ruled by my new Saver habits.
But I didn’t get here overnight. It took time. And there were a lot of missteps along the way.
I made plenty of false starts toward frugality during the late nineties and early aughts, but I didn’t really change until I hit rock bottom. When we bought our house in 2004, I was overwhelmed by my debt and expenses. It was then that I was finally ready to “find religion”.
From the folks I’ve talked to, that’s a common theme: It’s tough to get somebody else to change until they’re ready to change. The motivation has to come from within. The question, then, is how do you inspire somebody to change their financial habits? I don’t know if there’s any one right answer. (But maybe readers can share what worked for them, or what worked for the people they know.)
Now, goals keep me going. I’ve learned that there are trade-offs. Sure, I want to buy books and comics and gadgets and expensive restaurant meals. And I do buy some of these things. But once I sat down and decided what was most important to me, it became easier for me to save.
Lately, I’ve been using travel as an example. I love to travel. Like George Bailey, I want to see the world. Because this goal is always with me (and I literally think of it every hour of every day now), it’s easy for me to make smarter choices. In fact, it motivates me to find new ways to save.
So, how can Linda help her boyfriend save money and become more frugal? I think she has to find a way to show him how his present choices affect his future options. Talk with him about what his big goals are — does he want to travel? own a business? go back to school? — and then discuss what it takes to get there. Until he understands that what he does today affects what he can do tomorrow, he’s not likely to change. (One sneaky way to try to get the point across is for Linda to talk about one of her goals, asking her boyfriend to help her figure out how to achieve it — even if she knows the answer already.)
What do you think? How do you motivate a spouse or partner to become better with money? For years, Kris tried to help me see the light, but I wasn’t ready. What could she have done differently? What can Linda do to help her boyfriend?
I’m a long-time vocal proponent of higher education. For me, it’s personal. I was raised in a poor family with parents who had briefly attended college, but never with any real gusto. (I’m not sure my father had a plan. My mother studied home economics. Not kidding.)
My uncle got a math degree from a now-defunct community college, and his son (my cousin Duane) went to school back East. I’m not sure if he got a degree, though. (I’ll ask him tomorrow when we get together to bake Christmas cookies!)
But from a young age, I knew that I wanted to go to college. I knew I was a smart kid, and I viewed college as a Way Out. It was an escape from the trailer house I grew up in, an escape from menial labor.
Too bad then that I squandered my college education. I entered Willamette University intending to be a religion major, but eventually ended up with a psychology degree — chased with an equally useless English minor.
My college degree hasn’t really proved useful in my life. Well, I guess I apply both the psychology and English education in my career as a money writer, but I don’t make direct use of the things that I learned. And that’s the rub.
College degrees are valuable — but not if you choose the wrong one.
Although it’s popular in some corners to bad-mouth college degrees, according to the U.S. Census Bureau your education has a greater impact on lifetime earning potential than any other demographic factor. Education matters more than age. Education matters more than race. Education matters more than gender. When it comes to making money, education matters most.
So, I’m always interested when I see knew reports and/or research regarding the value of college. In October, the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity (FREOPP) released an excellent report entitled “Is College Worth It? A Comprehensive Return-on-Investment Analysis”.
I like this report because it goes beyond averages. Sure, FREOPP says, the median bachelor’s degree is worth $306,000 for students who graduate on time, but…
…the median conceals enormous variation. Some fields of study, including engineering, computer science, nursing, and economics, can produce returns of $1 million or more. Others, including art, music, religion, and psychology, often have a zero or even negative net financial value.
FREOPP argues that “the decision to attend college is less important than the choices that come next: which school to attend, and which subject to study.”
The analysis reveals that a student’s choice of program is perhaps the most important financial decision he or she will ever make. Most bachelor’s degree programs in engineering, computer science, economics, and nursing increase lifetime earnings by $500,000 or more, even after subtracting the costs of college. But most programs in fields such as art, music, philosophy, religion, and psychology leave students financially worse off than if they had never gone to college at all.
Differences in ROI between programs can amount to millions of dollars.
The FREOPP report — which is very long — includes plenty of interactive stats and charts and graphs. Readers acan compare the value of college majors, expected earnings, and more.
The FREOPP report echoes some of the findings of Georgetown University’s 2015 report on “The Economic Value of College Majors”. The Georgetown study found that engineering majors earned a median starting income of $50,000 per year. Folks with an art degree started with annual salaries of around $28,000. And high-school graduates who didn’t go to college? Well, they had average starting salaries of $22,000 per year.
The bottom line? FREOPP says there are three main messages to draw from their report.
First, major is the most important factor when predicting the return-on-investment for a college education. Degree subject accounts for half almost half of ROI variation alone.
Second, elite colleges can pay off, but not always. FREOPP found that there is a weak correlation between the cost of a school and how much a degree from that school is worth. But, as with majors, there’s plenty of variation. A film degree from Harvard is likely to be worth less than an engineering degree from a “no name” university.
Finally, there are a lot of bachelor’s degrees that don’t make sense from a financial perspective. You might want an art degree or a religion degree for other reasons, and you might be fulfilled with those degrees, but they’re poor choices when viewed through the lens of money.
Here’s what I always say when I write about this subject: The more you learn, the more you earn. And it’s true. No, a college degree isn’t a guarantee that you’ll earn more, but it never has been. But, generally speaking, the more formal education you have, the more money you’ll make during your lifetime. This report only reinforces that conclusion.
[“Is College Worth It? A Comprehensive Return-on-Investment Analysis” at Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity]
For the past six weeks, I’ve been hard at work writing my “introduction to financial independence and early retirement” project for Audible and The Great Courses. It’s been challenging — and fun — to rework my past material for a new audience in a new format.
Naturally, I’m emphasizing two important points in this project: profit and purpose.
I believe strongly that you need a clear personal mission statement in order to find success with money (and life).
I also believe that the most important number on your path to financial freedom is your personal profit, the difference between your income and your spending. (Most people refer to this number as saving rate. I prefer the term “personal profit” because it’s, well, sexier.)
That last point is important.
Too many people want magic bullets. They want quick and easy ways to get out of debt and build wealth. They believe (or hope) that there’s some sort of secret they can uncover, that somehow they’ve missed. Well, there aren’t any secrets. Money mastery is a combination of psychology and math. And the math part is so simple a third-grader could understand it. Wealth is the accumulation of what you earn minus what you spend.
There are only two sides to this wealth equation — earning and spending — but a disproportionate amount of financial advice focuses on the one factor, on spending, and that’s too bad. Sure, frugality is an important part of personal finance. And if you’re in a tight spot and/or have a high income and still struggle, then cutting expenses is an excellent choice. But the reality is, you won’t get rich — slowly or otherwise — by pinching pennies alone.
The Biggest Lie in Personal Finance
Recently at his excellent blog, Of Dollars and Data, Nick Maggiulli wrote about the biggest lie in personal finance. What is that lie? He writes:
While there are lots of people who are in financial trouble because of their own actions, there are also lots of people with good financial habits who just don’t have sufficient income to improve their finances.
That’s why the biggest lie in personal finance is that you can be rich if you just cut your spending. And the financial media feeds this lie by telling you to stop spending $5 a day on coffee so that you can become a millionaire.
With charts and graphs and data, Maggiuli demonstrates that the problem facing people with low incomes isn’t their spending — it’s their earning. If you’re living at the poverty line — currently $26,200 per year for an American family of four — you’re not going to escape through thrift. Thrift is an emergency measure, a stopgap. It’s a bandage on a major wound.
Here’s the bottom line:
If you’re poor and hope to be not poor, your attention should be focused on increasing income, not on cutting costs. Your expenses are likely already very low.
If you have an average household income — currently $63,179 according to the U.S. Census Bureau — your path to building wealth will probably include both frugality and income enhancement.
If you have a high income but still struggle to make ends meet, your attention should absolutely turn to cutting costs. You need to rein in your lifestyle. But you won’t accomplish this with frugality; you’ll do this by optimizing the big stuff.
Maggiuli is fed up with the Biggest Lie. It “triggers” him.
“This is the same financial media who write stories about how people save money by living in a trailer, making their own dish soap, or reusing their dental floss,” he writes. “Yes, it’s that ridiculous. But what really gets me is how these examples are provided as ‘proof’ of how cutting spending can make you rich.”
From my experience, this sort of stuff is perennially popular because it’s easy. It’s easy to write and it’s easy to read, even if it doesn’t offer any real solutions. It’s more difficult to write about boosting your income. And, it’s more difficult to act on that information because it takes time, effort, and actual sacrifice.
Real-Life Examples of the Biggest Lie in Action
Just this morning, Trent at The Simple Dollar published an article about optimizing dishwashing for money and time. Trent writes:
If I can invest some time and thought and effort into optimizing a routine I do three times a week, and that optimization trims off five minutes of effort and $0.50 in cost, I’m literally saving 13 hours per year and $78 per year for the rest of my life.
Trent isn’t wrong. If his math is correct (and his discipline too), he will literally save 13 hours and $78 each year by optimizing how he does dishes. This isn’t a lie. In this case, the lie comes from what is implied: Do this and you’ll grow rich. You’ll reach financial freedom by becoming a smarter dishwasher.
Here’s the truth: You don’t reap the thirteen hours and $78 annual benefit as a one-time win. You’re saving five minutes and fifty cents per day. This may seem like a niggling point, but it’s important. If you gain thirteen hours or $78 at once, that’s something real and tangible, something you can work with. But an extra five minutes and fifty cents per day? Not so much.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t optimize your dishwashing routine. Do it! But don’t expect it to make you rich. Because it won’t.
Here’s a bigger example of the lie in action.
Elizabeth Willard Thames writes at Frugalwoods, which is one of my favorite money blogs. Recently, especially, Liz has been publishing lots of amazing stuff. I look forward to each new article. (Those of you who make use of the Spare Change list of links on the GRS front page have probably noticed that I bookmark Frugalwoods frequently.)
As you might guess from the name of her blog, Liz focuses (almost?) exclusively on thrift. She and her husband practice extreme frugality. She wrote a book, Meet the Frugalwoods [my review], that documented their journey from poor college students to achieving financial independence on a 66-acre farm in central Vermont.
Now, there’s no doubt that Liz and Nate are thrifty. They practice what they preach. But their frugality is not the reason for their wealth, the reason they were able to retire early. You can’t buy a 66-acre farm in Vermont simply by optimizing your dishwashing routine. Or clipping coupons. Or hosting potlucks. To do this, you also need a high income. And that’s a part of the story that Liz doesn’t share with her readers. She and her husband made a lot of money, and that’s how they got rich — not through frugality.
I’m sure Liz doesn’t mean to obfuscate the truth, but that’s the net effect. She’s complicit in “the biggest lie in personal finance”.
To her credit, Liz seems to be incorporating more of the truth in her writing. Today, for instance, the About page at Frugalwoods acknowledges their high incomes. This didn’t used to be the case.
Now, I don’t mean to dog on Liz and Trent. They’re both good people and fine writers. But I think they do their readers a huge disservice by covering just one aspect of the wealth equation, by rarely (if ever) mentioning income. They’re active participants in Maggiuli’s “biggest lie”.
And I’ll confess: For a long time, I was guilty of the same thing. Sometimes, I still am. Hell, I’ve spilled a lot of words lately about my quest to optimize my food spending, haven’t I? I’m not claiming to be any better than Liz or Trent. But I want to at least acknowledge the lie — and the reciprocal truth.
The Biggest Truth in Personal Finance
If frugality isn’t the path to riches, what is? The answer is simple: Big Wins. Big Wins are the quickest way to wealth.
You can scrape your dishes and rinse them in cold water every day for the rest of your life, and you still wouldn’t match the benefits you’d obtain by purchasing a cheaper home. Or choosing a more fuel-efficient car. Or negotiating your salary.
The best way to spend less is to cut back on the big stuff.
If the average American family were to trim their housing costs by 10%, they’d save roughly $150 per housing payment — more than twenty times the benefit of optimizing your dishwashing routine. Transportation offers similar opportunities. According to the American Automobile Association, the average driver spends just over $9000 per year on her vehicle. Reduce this spending by less than one percent and you’ve accomplished the same thing as a year of diligent dishwashing.
But, as Maggiuli notes in his article, income is the elephant in the room, the subject that too many writers ignore.
You can only cut costs so far. There’s no way to reduce your spending below zero, and most of us can’t come close to that. As I mentioned earlier, the U.S. poverty line for a family of four is currently $26,200. (For two people, it’s $17,240.) Not counting his business, Mr. Money Mustache (a famously frugal fellow) spent $13,068 in 2019.
If you’re living like this and want to escape, you shouldn’t look for ways to cut costs. That stuff is useless to you. If somebody tells you otherwise, they’re lying. In these circumstances, you should be trying to increase your income. And even if you have a standard middle-class salary, boosting income is usually the best way to meet your goals.
There are three primary ways to earn more money.
First, become better educated. Despite the dire details in the gloomy mass media, one fact is undeniable: The more you learn, the more you earn. In the U.S., education has a greater impact on lifetime earnings than any other demographic factor. It’s more important than your race, your religion, your gender, your location. (In fact, the Census Bureau says education has five times the impact of gender on annual earnings.) That’s great news because while you can’t control your age or race, you have total control over your education.
Second, become a better employee. I read a lot on Reddit (and other places) where people piss on their employers, complaining about how their boss (or company) is out to screw them. This stuff is counter-productive. Sure, there are some shitty employers out there, but most are happy to promote and reward their best workers. If you want to earn more, work longer and harder than others will. If you’re in a situation where hard work goes unrewarded, switch jobs.
Finally — and most importantly — learn to negotiate your salary. Study after study shows the same thing: Failing to negotiate your salary can cost you over half a million dollars during the course of a typical career. Half a million dollars! For over a decade, I’ve been pushing Jack Chapman’s book, Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute. Let me do so again.
“You can’t frugalize income you don’t earn,” Liz writes in Meet the Frugalwoods. She speaks the truth! The biggest truth.
I’m no enemy of thrift. Yes, absolutely, pinch your pennies, if that makes you happy. Frugality is an excellent way to build good habits. Over the long run, many frugal habits combined can make a big difference to your financial situation.
But if you have a low income, do not focus on thrift. It’s a red herring. Instead, turn your attention to Big Wins. And, especially, to increasing your income. Because this is the biggest truth in personal finance: You can’t get rich through frugality alone.
Faith-based investing! What does it mean? Is it a worthy investing route to follow?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at this type of investing and explore how you can make it work for you. Read on to learn about how this way of investing strategy allows you to reinforce your values.
Nowadays, investors are not putting their money just anywhere. Investors have realized the benefit of investing in things that matter. These include things like caring for the environment, wildlife, society, and minority groups. They want to make a difference with their investments.
Investors are now looking for investment options, which offer good returns and align with their beliefs and values. This way, even as they make more money, they do it with a clean conscience.
Faith-based investing is an investment philosophy that many investors are now embracing. And, like impact investing or socially responsible investing, it promises to do more than multiply your money.
So, what exactly is faith-based investing, and how does it work? Is it worth your money and time? And, how do you get started with faith-based investing?
Let’s dive in and find out.
What is Faith-Based Investing?
When we see the term faith-based, most of us instantly think of “religious investments.” Well, while it’s connected to religion, it’s definitely not in the way most of us might think.
Firstly, faith-based investing has nothing to do with religious organizations’ stocks. In fact, as you might already know, religious organizations are non-profits, thus, don’t issue public shares.
For instance, you’ll never see churches, mosques, or temples, offering shares to the public.
So, if not investing in religious organizations, what does faith-based investing mean?
Your next guess might be correct.
Faith-based investing is not too different from other investment philosophies. All aim at maximizing investors’ returns.
But, investors here don’t choose just any investment. They focus on investments whose strategies align with their religious values.
This way, the investor’s faith, values, and beliefs determine where they invest their money. As you can notice, while this type of investing doesn’t mean investing in shares from places of worship, it’s still tied to religion and values. And that’s why faith-based investing can also be referred to as values-based investing.
Interestingly, every faith has its opinions and perspectives on how to invest money to support certain causes. Also, the same applies to causes that contradict the faith’s beliefs and values.
For this reason, we will dissect faith-based investing based on some of the main religions around the globe. This will help us understand the concept better.
Top Faith-Based Investing Options
If you want to start your faith-based investing journey, here are some of the main options you can choose from.
Christian Investors
Christianity is the world’s largest religion, with around 2.5 billion followers. And, all these people lead their lives based on certain beliefs and values – investing is part of this life.
If you are Christian or wish to invest based on Christianity values, there are two main investment styles you can opt for:
Catholic Faith-Based Investing
The Catholic faith has its own framework on how believers should lead their economic life. The framework outlines ten faith-based principles and guidelines. This outlines how Catholic Christians should engage in finances and the economy.
Generally, they emphasize investing in companies or funds that support various positive issues. For instance, environmental conservation, human rights, fair employment practices, etc.
Also, Catholic investors will avoid investments that support certain things. These include abortion, weapons, adult entertainment, embryonic stem-cells research, etc.
Their investing principles revolve around moral law and human dignity.
Currently, we have many companies, investment firms, and funds you can pick from. These are companies where such values form part of their investing philosophy.
This means that as a Catholic value investor, you can invest freely in these companies or entities. And, you won’t have to worry about contradicting your faith.
Some excellent examples of Catholic faith-based investment entities include:
Catholic Investment Services
This is a not-for-profit investment management firm designed to deliver high returns on investment. And, it keeps Catholic faith principles at heart. It aims at pursuing investment excellence based on Catholic faith values.
Currently, the firm manages assets worth over $1 billion and serves around 45 Catholic institutions. Also, its restricted companies’ list stands at 700.
Catholic Investment Strategies
This is another great way to invest in Catholic faith-based investments. Here, the platform allows you to invest your money in a way that aligns with your faith and church values.
And as they put it on their website, they will never invest your money in companies whose values contradict the Catholic faith.
Generally, the platform invests in institutions like hospitals, universities, etc.
Also, they offer a portfolio that fits your needs. The portfolio excludes investments that support abortion, contraception, racial and gender discrimination, etc.
The LKCM Aquinas Funds
With the LKCM Aquinas Funds, the main investment strategy is guided by social responsibility (SRI). This Equity Fund offers Catholic faith investors an investment option that promises high ROI.
Its choice of securities and companies to invest in depends on the principles and guidelines formulated by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The fund has been operational since 2005 and continues to grow with a 9.83% growth rate since it began.
Protestant Investing
Unlike the Catholic faith that shares common beliefs across the entire faith, Protestants are somewhat different. While some denominations are quite liberal in their beliefs, others are more conservative. But, their principles tend to be similar.
Generally, the Protestant faith encourages work ethics and hard work. It urges its followers to invest in entities that support general Christian values. This mainly involves social consciousness. This means that this type of faith-based investing might not be as strict and specific as its Catholic counterpart.
Also, even as they promote social consciousness, they exclude some investments. These include stocks that support:
Adult entertainment
Weaponry
Embryonic cloning
Addictive behavior (drugs, gambling, etc.)
High-interest loans (shylocks and payday loans)
Some excellent examples of companies and funds that support Protestant faith-based investing include:
GuideStone Funds
For over 20 years, GuideStone has faithfully served faith-based investors and advisors. The platform seeks to offer strong-performance investments guided by various Christian values.
GuideStone provides Protestant faith-based investors an excellent opportunity to invest in mutual funds. And, it offers a diversified portfolio across various asset classes. It does all this with Christian values in mind.
The platform seeks to offer socially screened investments that are well managed. These ones guarantee great returns for the investors.
In essence, they use biblical teachings and values to ensure that investors get good returns. Also, their money is also invested in investments that make the world a better place.
The fund’s main values revolve around family, health, stewardship, life, and safety. So, if this sounds like you, you certainly need to start your investing journey here.
New Covenant Funds
This is a faith-based investment fund by the Presbyterian Church. It seeks to offer Protestants the best investing style based on their values.
Basically, the fund’s investment strategies depend on socially responsible investing. Here, the slogan, “you can do well while doing good,” guides them. It gives diversity in investment options, as well as charitable giving.
The platform makes investment decisions based on social consciousness principles. It supports doing good to help nature and society.
Additionally, it avoids investments that promote negative issues. This includes things like gambling, alcohol and other addictive drugs, pornography, etc.
As a Christian, New Covenant Funds offers something for everyone. Whatever your investment mission is they have something for you.
Jewish Faith-Based Investing
Giving and diversification are the key principles that guide Jewish faith-based investing. Jews follow investment strategies that adhere to these two principles, among other values in their faith.
In the Jewish religion, there are many teachings about giving and diversification, as seen in the Talmud. These teachings subsequently act as guidelines when it comes to investing.
Jewish investing doctrines and beliefs resemble socially responsible investing. Here, society and the environment are major pillars in investment decisions.
Different faith-based investments embrace socially responsible investing. This is because it fits into the guidelines and principles of different religions.
Some of the main issues addressed in this type of investing option include:
Social justice
Climate change
Region’s specific issues
Various mutual funds offering Jewish faith-based investments focus on various crucial issues. Some of the best investment platforms here include:
Jewish Values Investment Funds
Investing in Jewish faith-based mutual funds has been made easier. JVIF, LLC, offers an excellent way for Jews to invest in companies and funds that align with the Jewish faith and beliefs.
This investment advisor recognizes the importance of tzedakah (charitable giving). It allows the Jewish community to invest in things that matter to them.
The Bend the Arc
This is another great fund, offering Jewish investors a chance to grow their money. An, it allows them to take part in charitable giving.
The fund aims to encourage community development by supporting initiatives as follows.
Small businesses,
Affordable housing, etc.
With as little as $20, anyone can invest and make a change. The fund’s Community Investment Note finances various organizations. These are organizations that bring positive change to various communities globally.
If you want to invest in something that makes the world a better place, this might be the way to go.
Islamic Investing
Just like Christianity and Jewish faiths, the Islamic religion has values and beliefs. These guide its followers on the way to lead their lives, including financial matters. This way, when it comes to investing, Muslims have specific guidelines or principles to follow.
Generally, Muslim investors will adhere to halal or permitted values while investing. This set of rules allows investors to undertake a disciplined type of investing. They make investments that are ethically, socially, and environmentally responsible.
Islamic investing principles discourage investing in areas such as:
Pork related businesses
Companies that invest in gambling, drugs, and adult entertainment
Short-term speculation (the faith considers this as gambling).
Companies with huge debts since they are paying interest for the loans.
Any investment that pays interest (money markets, savings account, etc.)
In other words, any company or fund that wants to qualify for Islamic investing must adhere to Sharia law. It must follow the teaching from the Quran, Qiyas, Ijma, and the Sunnah.
If you’ve been looking for a way to make Islamic faith-based investments, here are some excellent options for you.
Amana Mutual Funds
These are Islam faith-based mutual funds offered by Saturna Capital. The funds’ investment strategies are guided by the Islamic faith. And, they embrace social, ethical, and environmentally-friendly practices.
However, they prohibit investing in interest-bearing securities and bonds. They’ll usually try to guard their investments against inflation through long-term equity investments.
Saturna follows investment principles that avoid interest or companies engaging in prohibited issues. These include the sale of alcohol, pornography materials, gambling activities, etc.
Allied Asset Advisors, Inc.
Allied Asset Advisors operates like any other investment management company. It offers portfolio management, financial planning, mutual funds, and retirement plans for investors.
The company is Islam faith-based and offers investment opportunities supporting the Islamic faith.
It introduced the Iman Fund, which is tailored to fit the needs of Muslim investors. It adheres to Sharia law and principles.
Is Faith-Based Investing Worth It?
Absolutely yes! If you find the right investing platforms, you can easily make money. Also, you’ll feel proud of how your money is being invested.
But, you should note that faith-based investing faces the same risks as other investments. So, ensure that you’ve not settled for just any company or fund.
Choose companies that can prove strong financial standings, charge reasonable fees, and that show growth potential. This way, you don’t end up investing your money in companies that will never offer value for your investment.
Generally, faith-based mutual funds and ETFs offer better long-term returns.
This is according to research published by John C. Adams and Parvez Ahmed from the University of Texas and the University of North Florida.
So, if you feel that faith-based investing ought to be your next investment move, it can certainly be a good move. But as mentioned, do thorough research on the best faith-based investments depending on your values and beliefs.
Author Bio:Kyle is the founder of The Impact Investor, a website focused on helping others invest sustainably without sacrificing financial returns. We all want products sourced by sustainable and ethical means, why should investing be any different? Follow my investing journey on my Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter accounts.
“REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.“
Article 10, REALTOR® Code of Ethics
During Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s thirteen years as leader of the American Civil Rights Movement, the U.S. made more genuine progress toward racial equality than the previous 350 years combined.
From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the March on Washington, Dr. King’s contributions have reshaped the American society and inspired a country once divided by hate and ignorance to set aside its prejudice to build a more unified nation — at a time when the country needed it most.
And while his role in establishing core legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Voting Rights Act of 1964 is well known, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight for housing equality is often overlooked.
But the Baptist minister and activist had a massive impact in shaping current practices and key industry legislation that made homeownership and tenants rights available to all.
How Martin Luther King Jr. championed housing equality
In the last years of his life, between 1965 and 1968, Dr. King shifted his focus toward economic justice – which he highlighted by leading several campaigns in Chicago, Illinois.
He rallied alongside the Chicago Freedom Movement — also known as the Chicago Open Housing Movement, asking local politicians and business leaders to end discriminatory housing practices.
“We are here today because we are tired,” Dr. King said. “We are tired of paying more for less. We are tired of living in rat-infested slums… We are tired of having to pay a median rent of $97 a month in Lawndale for four rooms while whites living in South Deering pay $73 a month for five rooms.”
“Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy,” he added. “Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God’s children.”
To translate the claims into policy, Dr. King supported The Fair Housing Act — now also know as Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 — a federal legislation that later on passed to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status, and national origin.
First brought before Congress in 1966, as a response to the many instances of racial discrimination in both buying and renting houses, The Fair Housing Act was often overlooked in the following two years, failing to garner enough support for it to pass.
This in spite of mounting pressure not only from Dr. King, but from numerous equal rights organizations.
In the 1960s, many of the families of African American soldiers who had been killed in Vietnam were facing heavy discrimination when trying find a home, sparking outrage in the community and heavy criticism of how the matter was being handled by the authorities.
It was Dr. King’s death that gave Congress the last push needed to pass the Fair Housing Act.
On April 11, 1968, seven days after the assassination, President Lyndon Johnson signed Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 — which now protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities.
And while we may be a long way from reaching Dr. King’s vision, the Fair Housing Act remains the linchpin of the fight for equitable housing and we are grateful to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his contribution in making it a reality.
I’ve been thinking lately about the value of a college education. I earned a B.A. in Psychology from Willamette University in 1991 (with a minor in English Lit, and almost another minor in Speech Com). What have I done with this degree? Almost nothing. Yet I do not regret the money and years I spent working to earn it.
The Financial Value of a College Degree
Does earning a college degree make a difference to your future? Absolutely. The facts are striking. On average, those who have a college degree earn almost twice as much as those who do not. According to the U.S. Census Bureau:
Adults with advanced degrees earn four times more than those with less than a high school diploma. Workers 18 and older with a master’s, professional or doctoral degree earned an average of $82,320 in 2006, while those with less than a high school diploma earned $20,873.
Workers with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $56,788 in 2006; those with a high school diploma earned $31,071. This flurry of numbers makes more sense when viewed in a table:
Education
Avg. Income
Increase
Drop-out
$20,873
—
High school
$31,071
48.9%
College
$56,788
82.8%
Advanced
$82,320
45.0%
Completing college is huge. Over a life-time, a college degree is generally worth almost a million dollars. That’s money that can be used for saving, for fun, for whatever. The financial benefits of a college education are significant, and they’re very real.
Other Benefits of a College Degree
Obtaining a college degree isn’t just about making more money. According to Katharine Hansen at Quintessential Careers, a college education is associated with other benefits, such as:
Longer life-spans
Greater economic stability and security
More prestigious employment and greater job satisfaction
Less dependency on government assistance
Greater participation in leisure and artistic activities
Greater community service and leadership
More self-confidence
A college education also gives you a broad base of knowledge on which to build. It teaches you to solve more of life’s problems. It gives you future reference points for discussing art, entertainment, politics, and history.
College offers other learning opportunities, too. Much of what I gained in college came from learning outside the classroom, from participating in clubs and other campus organizations. Many degree programs allow students to “test-drive” careers through internships and practicums.
The Label on Your Degree Does NOT Matter
I asked Michael Hampton, director of career development at Western Oregon University, what advice he would offer a student who is deciding whether or not to attend college. He replied:
Unless you are going to be an engineer, architect, teacher, lawyer, the label on your degree does not matter. The degree is a check-mark (as opposed to the focus) in most job requirements. Many job ads will state: “Business, Communications or other degree required.” Most folks have the “other”.
I have a BA in Speech, Telecommunications & Film. As a television news photographer, youth director, communications director, substitute school teacher, sports marketing manager, career programs coordinator, no one ever said to me: “You know what? We would like to hire you, but we’re not sure what that label is on your degree.”
Honestly, at the University of Oregon, I was looking for an “easy” degree because I was not a book-smart student. I was able to take mostly film & television classes to earn my BA, so I signed up. The experiences I took advantage of (internships, volunteering, and part-time jobs) in college set me up to be marketable to employers. Again, the jobs I went after required degrees, but the label on the degree was not a barrier.
Here are some more prominent examples:
What was Alan Greenspan‘s major? Econ, but he studied music first
What was Michael Jordan‘s major? Math, then Geography (dropped out to play professional basketball, later returned to earn his degree)
What was Lisa Kudrow‘s major? Biology
What was Cindy Crawford‘s major? Chemical Engineering (dropped out for modeling career)
What was Ted Turner‘s major? Classics (expelled for hanky-panky)
What was former HP CEO Carly Fiorina‘s major? Philosophy
What was George W. Bush‘s major? History
What was Jay Leno‘s major? Philosophy
If a student is struggling to get good grades, I encourage them to look at the course catalog and choose a major based on the likability of most of the classes they would have to take, their positive experiences with the professors in the major, and the number of credits they have already taken that are compatible. They should set themselves up to be successful. Getting through the pre-reqs is a major barrier for some. Combine some “fun” classes with the challenging required courses to try and make the experience more enjoyable.
Against the Grain
But what if, instead of paying for your child’s education, you provided this lump sum to them in a one-year certificate of deposit, earning the current highest return available (2.24% as of the writing of this article, according to Bankrate.com)? Now the child’s salary would be greatly reduced; the lifetime earning potential would only be $4.2 million assuming the same circumstances as before.
However, assuming that in both scenarios the child in question was able to save 5% of their annual income (assumed to be a lump-sum deposit at the beginning of the year to keep calculations simple), the child with the high school education will have accumulated $646,532 in the one-year CDs by the time they’ve reached retirement age. The child with the college degree would only accumulate $438.132, a difference of $208,400.
Perhaps it could be argued that the child with the college degree could live with the same expense basis as the one with the high school education, thereby freeing up more money for saving and investing. However, I would encourage a recognition of Parkinson’s Second Law, which tells us that “expenses rise to meet income”.
Rich or poor, thrifty or not, the current savings rate as of the end of May for Americans was only 6.9%. For much of the recent past it’s been lower than that, even to the point of occasionally becoming negative. For as many responsible people who are reading these words, there are many more who would be swept along by circumstances and society, spending exactly what they make (or more), year after year.
Public vs. Private
What if one were to assume a lower university bill? Perhaps a private school isn’t in the cards for these two kids (and their parents), but a public four-year institution could be.
The current median cost of four years at a public university for the 2009-2010 school year is only $29,021. At that rate, assuming the same parameters as before (rate of salary increase and inflation, etc.), the college grad does come out ahead, but only by $26,090 at age 65. Certainly, that’s a much smaller margin than I would have assumed, and I would guess it surprises many of you, as well.
In fact, for the lifetime earnings calculation to balance (that is, for both the high school and college grad to show the same dollar figure in savings at retirement age), the high school graduate would only need a “head start” fund of $38,030! Just think, for less than the price of a new SUV, four years of college-educated earning power can be rendered moot. This result, frankly, surprised the heck out of me.
Other scenarios could be run, as well. What if you’re not able to provide any funds at all for your son or daughter? My folks didn’t pay for any of my college expenses; I expect many of you are/were in that same boat. One could look at the opportunity cost of college loan repayment vs. a clean slate for a high school grad with no debt encumbrance.
For a graduate of an average private university, repaying a college loan bill of $114,626 at 6% interest (remember, student loan interest is capitalized while the student is in school) will take 10 years and $152,710. That’s assuming they’re able to make the monthly loan payments of $1,273 right out of college, and don’t have to go with a longer-term repayment plan. After this is done, the college grad will only amass $37,272 more in savings than the high school grad, simply due to the long repayment period they must overcome.
Be Cool — Stay in School
While a college education statistically provides a better shot at obtaining wealth, it does not guarantee success. There are English majors who end up with convenience store careers. There are high school drop-outs who go on to run multi-million dollar corporations. But obtaining a college education improves your odds.
For some young adults, college can seem like a waste of time. (Or worse, a waste of money.) Other things seem more important. I had friends who dropped out of school to pursue girlfriends across the country. I had friends who were convinced they could make more money by skipping college altogether. Student loans can be so enormous that they make a person lose sight of the fact that they’re an almost guaranteed investment in the future.
I personally had problems finding a career path — I simply had no idea what I wanted to do. When I went entered college, I wanted to be a religion major. Then I wanted to be a writer. Then I wanted to be a grade school teacher. Ultimately I earned a psychology degree, which has had little direct benefit to my life. But the education I obtained, my campus experience, and the contacts I made have been invaluable. A large part of who I am today was forged by my experiences in college. The value of a college isn’t just in the destination, but in the journey.
Resources
In preparing this article, I relied heavily on the following sources:
How many of you attended college? Are you glad you did? If you didn’t get a degree, do you regret it? If you could talk to your 18-year-old self, what would you tell her? If I had a chance, I’d tell the young J.D.: “Set goals. Study more. Find a direction for life!”
Update: As usual, there are some great comments. Many have noted that education does not cause all these wonderful things — it’s simply correlated with them. (It may be that people who obtain an education would live longer even without one.) Also — and this is key — more important than education is doing what you love. Passion and drive can bring success, no matter what level of schooling you have.
I was stunned but not surprised when Don wouldn’t meet my eyes that morning. I had grown suspicious when he started passing me over earlier that week while handing out new projects. I was responsible for 40% of the workload in a three man group — why else would he do that?
The company I worked for had been in a downward spiral for quite some time. Every month another group was laid off. Initially they started with the new people and the slackers. These were easy because they contributed little to the bottom line. After round three, the cuts started to hurt. We started to lose project engineers. Ten electricians were quietly told their services were no longer needed. What started as 150 employees would now be 78. Unfortunately for me, I was employee number 79.
A strange twist to the story Actually, I was relieved. This may sound crazy, but getting laid off was the best thing for my family. The past year had been painful as I watched friend after friend escorted to the door. The hours got longer. The sense of despair was almost palpable.
I knew that a layoff was imminent. I was actively searching for another job, but I had several challenges. First, the economy was still a mess. Second, I had to be extremely discrete. If the company caught wind of my efforts I would feel the ax that much sooner.
But the main reason I felt relieved was that I had a secret weapon: my network.
From the day I started at the company, I aggressively built my network. This was in part because I was an application engineer and worked closely with our customers. In many cases I was far closer to them than our salespeople. I also worked hard to build good relationships with my suppliers. I often knew them better than our purchasing group.
My network gave me strength in the face of unemployment.
Seven keys to a strong network A strong network doesn’t just happen. It takes time, effort, and patience. Here are seven tips for creating and maintaining a group of contacts:
Key #1: Build it before you need it Building a network is a lifelong process, and relationships take time to develop. If you wait until you need help, it may be too late. The odds are you already have a network, but have not developed it to its full potential. Start with your family and friends. Move on to business contacts, members of your church, club members, etc.
This is your base network. If you have weaknesses, get to work. Call up the old friend from college. Email a buddy from your old job. Add business contacts to your Christmas card list. Attend industry events and talk to as many people as you can.
Key #2: You must make a deposit before you have the right to withdraw Just because you have a name and number doesn’t mean a person is part of your network. You must first help them before you can ask a favor. View it like a bank account. Can you take out money if you never make deposits? I’ve known people who try to do this. After about two requests they are no longer welcome. Pretty soon they are on their own and have a reputation for being self serving.
Something as simple as saying thank you can be a major deposit in your network bank account. If someone gives you a hand, make sure they get credit. See an article in the paper they would like? Cut it out and send it to them, or put them in touch with a resource that can help them with a problem.
Key #3: Give more than you receive This goes hand-in-hand hand with number two. Strive to maintain a positive (and growing) balance. Compare this with personal finance. You must always make more than you spend.
Key #4: Be open and genuine People will spot it if you are phony. Relax and be yourself. Just make sure you keep away from volatile topics like religion and politics! To make the most of a network, you must sincerely like people and enjoy helping others when you are able. Say “yes” when you can, but also know when you have to say “no”.
Key #5: Follow up and stay in touch Even the best contact will get old and stale. I like to view a relationship as two people tied together by delicate strands. Each time you make contact adds another strand. If you stay with your initial meeting the connection is tenuous. It is only when you have hundreds of these strands woven together that you have an unbreakable cable.
Key #6: The devil is in the details Even the experts have trouble remembering all the details. Write things down. If you get a business card, take notes on the back after you finish your conversation. Use that pad of paper at the meeting. What is their spouse’s name? Do they have kids? What ages and genders? What college did she attend? What is his birthday?
Key #7: Your network doesn’t end with your contact Each of your contacts has their own network. Don’t be afraid to call and ask “do you know someone who can help?” If you are doing the steps above, they will be glad to make the introduction.
Keep these tips in mind and you too can build a strong personal and professional network.
A happy ending I was laid off Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, I had logged over 50 phone calls. My message was simple: “What jobs are available at your company? Who do you know who is hiring? Who else should I call?”
Even with the lousy economy, I had three interviews set up by the next day. The next week I had seven interviews. Within a week I had two job offers with a third coming. Within two weeks I had a job with a better company.
The best part? I received a promotion and am now selling against my former employer!
For more on this subject, you may want to read the following:
When it comes to the best places to live in America, it’s more than just civic pride that earns a place a spot on the list. U.S. News & World Report recently published their list of the 100 best places to live in the USA, analyzing elements such as value, desirability, a strong job market and a high quality of life. If you’re looking for your next location and want to pick from the cream of the crop, check out some of these cities as your next potential target.
The Top 10 Best Places to Live According to US News & World Report
#1: Austin, TX
Love music? Crave more culture than you can shake a stick at? Then Austin, TX is the place for you. According to the study, about 50 people move to Austin every day. Cited as “Live Music Capital of the World” and home to two of the country’s biggest music, film and media festivals with Austin City Limits and South By Southwest, it’s no surprise it’s a hot destination for many renters. Find apartments in Austin, TX
#2: Denver, CO
Known as the “Mile High City” due to its towering 5,280 feet above sea level elevation, Denver has recently shed its image of a wild west mountain town for a more cosmopolitan image. Though it’s undeniable that it is a perfect location for snow sports enthusiasts, Denver’s progressive attitude towards the legalization of recreational marijuana and its related industries has certainly seen a hike in the city’s desirability. Not a nature lover or fitness nut? There’s an emerging arts and brewing scene here that can’t be overlooked. Find apartments in Denver, CO
#3: San Jose, CA
Do you know the way to San Jose? Though the famous lyrics may not know how to get there, it would appear that renters across the country do. Nicknamed the capital of Silicon Valley, it’s little wonder that this California stalwart is huge for those in tech. It’s not all business, though — San Jose is also great for hiking, camping and enjoying the great outdoors. Bonus: San Jose has over 300 sunny days a year, so feeling those mid-winter blues will be a thing of the past. Find apartments in San Jose, CA
#4: Washington, DC
It’s more than politics that drive people to move to the nation’s captial, and everyone from foodies to culture vultures can find a neighborhood that suits them perfectly. DC is home to a terrifically extensive public transportation system, so getting around without a car is easy. Additionally, the city is full of public parks, meaning you can still have fun in the great outdoors without losing the heartbeat of an urban environment. Find apartments in Washington, DC
#5: Fayetteville, AR
Arkansas? Really? You bet. Full of good old-fashioned southern hospitality and currently feeling an economic boom, Fayetteville attracts those that crave a friendly, family-type atmosphere. Its close proximity to the Ozarks makes it a destination for lovers of the outdoors, and the city speaks to those who love the arts and local food movements. Find apartments to rent in Fayetteville, AR
#6: Seattle, WA
Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and home to a hip, urban environment, there’s a lot more to Seattle than just grunge and coffee. The people here personify “laid back,” making it a hot spot for start-ups and tech firms of all sorts. Despite the hills, bike commuting is popular, and there’s an extensive bus system that runs throughout the downtown area. And no — it doesn’t rain all the time. In fact, New York City actually gets more rain annually. Find apartments in Seattle, WA
#7: Raleigh & Durham, NC
Part of the North Carolina Triangle, this area is pulling in about 80 new residents a day. Affordable rents and shorter commute times add up to a great quality of life factor in Raleigh-Durham which has attracted a younger population to the metro area. Kick back with one of the many local microbrews and enjoy the growing arts and music scene. With a lower cost of living than the national average, you’ll be able to afford the fun. Find apartments in Raleigh, NC Find apartments in Durham, NC
#8: Boston, MA
Drenched with history and flooded with culture, there’s a lot to love about Boston. Home to world-class educational institutions, hospitals, eclectic music and arts scene and one of the nation’s oldest ballparks, the people of Boston are a diverse bunch. Everyone from recent college grads all the way to retirees love the city, and each neighborhood offers up something different. Though considered expensive comparatively to the national average, it’s money well spent for a city like this. Find apartments in Boston, MA
#9: Des Moines, IA
“Is this heaven? No, it’s Iowa” as the famous line from Field of Dreams said — and Des Moines is no exception. This midwest gem may not sound like a must move destination, but it’s got it where it counts. Despite its population of 600,000, Des Moines has a neighborly feel making it a popular place to raise young families. With rents and cost of living below the national average, it’s worth consideration as a great place to live in America’s crossroads. Find apartments in Des Moines, IA
#10: Salt Lake City, UT
Though Salt Lake City has devout roots in religion and Mormon faith, this city definitely changes with the times. Lovers of the great outdoors revel in the close proximity to five national parks and a few excellent ski resorts, while those with more urban leanings find fun in the city’s sports teams and many downtown entertainment options. Cost of living is fairly inexpensive compared to the national average, and with more apartments and condos being built availability is high. Find apartments in Salt Lake City, UT
To read more about US News & World Report’s methodology, click here.
Are any of these cities on your moving bucket list? Do you agree with the report? Let us know what you think below!