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Apache is functioning normally

Apache is functioning normally

*This article was sponsored by Barndominium Life, the #1 media brand covering the barndominium space.

Back in 2016, Chip and Joanna Gaines transformed a horse barn into a modern-day living space for the Meek family in what later became known as one of the greatest Fixer Upper episodes of all time.

And while that particular renovation drew scores of HGTV fans to watch the Season 3 episode of the popular home renovation show, the barn conversion also had a lasting impact on the house design landscape, catapulting barndominiums into the mainstream — and making them one of the most hip, desirable, and fun options for dwellings to emerge in recent years.

Loved for their distinctive charm, low building costs, and versatility, these barn-like structures converted for residential use cater to a wide range of lifestyles, from those seeking a lovely country retreat to individuals looking for a contemporary urban oasis with a hint of rustic charm.

Barndominiums are having a moment

The ability to customize the living space, combined with the spacious floorplans, appeals to a diverse demographic, making barndominiums a viable option for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

And with the increasingly higher costs of housing, coupled with the never-ending rise in interest rates of the past couple of years, barndominiums have stepped in to provide a much-needed alternative to traditional homes.

In fact, Google Trends shows an explosion of web searches from users interested in learning more about this alternative housing option. Starting in mid-2020, Google searches for the term “barndominium” have shot up, and have been on a roll ever since.

Where to learn about the barndo life

Naturally, the rise in popularity brought about scores of websites and blogs catering to this growing interest and teaching people how to design, build, and decorate their own barn-like structures.

But the leader in the space is the aptly named BarndominiumLife.com, a comprehensive website dedicated to celebrating the barndo lifestyle.

As the #1 media brand covering the barndominium space, the website offers a wealth of information, presented in various formats — like blog posts, videos, instructional guides, floor plans, and more — to help their readers build their dream barn-like home.

Started by a building expert with a burning passion for barndominiums, Barndominium Life has attracted a talented team of writers, designers, and contributors who willingly share their knowledge with readers across the U.S.

Their goal: to help address the pressing issue of housing availability — and to educate and accelerate the rate at which barndominiums are built.

And they’re offering all the tools one might need to get their structure off the ground, from cost overviews to design and interior inspiration and state guides (that provide relevant local resources based on your location).

They even provide granular advice to address specific pain points for barndominium owners that we didn’t even know existed, like tips on what the best cell phone signal boosters are for metal buildings.

Seeing increasing interest from people looking for housing alternatives due to the current state of the market, they expanded their services to also include pre-made building plans.

Buy barndominium plans and build your own

Starting 2021, BarndominiumLife upped the value they offer their readers by adding ready-made barndominium house plans.

With budget-friendly prices, BarndominiumPlans has a wealth of stock house plans covering the most popular barndo designs and configured for several layouts and square footage.

Shortening the process from the idea level to execution, each one of the site’s pre-made building plans offer the perfect starting point for people looking to adopt the barndominium lifestyle.

And they’ll even help their clients customize the designs with the help of their skilled designers.

BarndominiumPlan’s lead designer, Christy, holds a degree in Architecture and Interior Design and specializes in designing spaces that are both cool and functional, mixing old-fashioned charm with modern style to spectacular results.

Buying a ready-made barndominium plan costs $1,550, and they also run promotions from time to time — so make sure to stay tuned if you’re looking for a discounted rate.

More stories

Barn living at its finest: Austin, Texas-area property pairs rustic appeal and luxury finishes in a spectacular way

Considering Buying a Home with a Crawl Space? Here’s What You Need to Know

What Are Spec Homes? A Recent History & the Biggest, Boldest Spec Mansions to Come to Life

Source: fancypantshomes.com

Apache is functioning normally

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.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

When exploring affordable places to live in Wisconsin, five cities stand out for their low rent prices and cost of living. These cities, Menomonie, Racine, Wisconsin Rapids, Oshkosh, and Beaver Dam, offer modestly priced rent, comfortable median incomes, and a relatively low cost of housing. They appeal to a diverse range of people, from young professionals to families to retirees. While each city has unique characteristics, they all share a common trait: affordability. The cities have been evaluated based on factors like population, median income, median home value, 2-bed asking rent, and an overall score reflecting the cost of living assessment.

Menomonie, WI

Menomonie, a small city with a population of 16,479, presents a cozy and affordable living situation ideal for renters. The median income here stands at $43,789 which aligns well with the median home value of $152,200. The 2-bed asking rent is a fairly low $725 which makes it an attractive option for people looking for cost-effective housing. The city is surrounded by numerous parks like Wakanda Park and Lakeside Park, making it ideal for outdoor lovers. Menomonie is also home to the University of Wisconsin-Stout, providing it a youthful, vibrant energy.

Racine, WI

With a population of 76,893, Racine is larger than Menomonie but still offers affordability for would-be renters. A median income of $44,346 and the 2-bed asking rent at $1,043 make it affordable for a wide variety of residents. Racine is known for its location on Lake Michigan shore, providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. Wind Point Lighthouse and North Beach are popular attractions in the city.

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Wisconsin Rapids offers another affordable living option in Wisconsin. With a population of 17,691, the city presents a median income of $44,585. The 2-bed asking rent is slightly higher at $1,235, but is offset by the city’s lower median home value of $89,500. The city features attractions such as the Wisconsin River, with beautiful green spaces like Demitz Park and Ben Hanson Park adding to its charm.

Oshkosh, WI

Oshkosh, with a population of 66,753, offers an attractive mix of affordability and vibrant city life. The city has a median income of $51,282 with a 2-bed asking rent of $1,055. Oshkosh is home to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, adding an academic atmosphere to the city. The Oshkosh Public Museum and the Oshkosh Farmers Markets are popular attractions that enhance the city’s appeal.

Beaver Dam, WI

Beaver Dam rounds up this list of affordable places to live in Wisconsin. With a population of 16,322, Beaver Dam offers its residents a higher median income of $55,551, with 2-bed asking rents averaging around $815. The city is known for Beaver Dam Lake and parks such as Edgewater Park and Tahoe Park, providing numerous recreational opportunities. The city’s neighborhoods feature a mix of historic charm and contemporary convenience, adding to the overall quality of life.

Methodology

The cheapest cities in each state were ranked based on its median home price and median asking rents for studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Prior to ranking, inputs were normalized, and weights were applied using a 1.25:1 ratio of asking rents to home prices.
Data on home prices are from the U.S. Census 2016-2020 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Data on asking rents are from Rent.
Cities without data for one- or two-bedroom asking rents or a population of less than 10,000 were removed from this ranking. Any other missing values were zeroed and did not impact the final score.

Apache is functioning normally

Throughout your working career, you pay employment taxes that help fund Social Security, which provides income when you retire. In 2023, nearly 67 million people will receive Social Security benefits, collectively totaling more than $1 trillion.

There are strict rules about when you can claim Social Security benefits. You can start collecting retirement benefits as early as age 62, but if you can delay claiming your benefits, your monthly benefit amount can continue growing until you reach age 70.

Learn more about Social Security benefits, early retirement age, and the advantages and disadvantages of filing for your benefits early and late.

Key Points

•   Social Security benefits provide income for retirees, with the amount depending on their earnings and the age at which benefits are claimed.

•   The full retirement age (FRA) for Social Security benefits varies based on the year of birth.

•   Benefits can be claimed as early as age 62, but the monthly amount is reduced compared to claiming at FRA.

•   Delaying benefits past FRA can increase the monthly amount through delayed retirement credits, up to a certain point.

•   It’s important to consider shortand long-term financial needs before deciding when to claim Social Security benefits.

What Are Social Security Benefits?

Social Security is a social insurance program created in 1935 to pay workers an income once they retired at age 65 or older. When people talk about Social Security benefits, they’re referring to a monthly payment that replaces a portion of a worker’s pre-retirement income.

The amount you receive depends on how much you earned and paid in Social Security taxes during the 35 highest-earning years of your career. Generally speaking, the higher your income, the bigger your monthly check will be — up to a point. Also important is the age at which you claim benefits. Typically, the later you receive benefits, the higher your monthly check will be.

Note that retirees aren’t the only ones who are eligible for Social Security benefits. People with qualifying disabilities, surviving spouses of workers who have died, and dependent beneficiaries may also qualify for benefits.

Recommended: When Will Social Security Run Out?

At What Age Can You Collect Social Security?

When the Social Security program began, the full retirement age (FRA) was 65, and that’s still what many in the U.S. think of as the average retirement age. However, as life expectancy in the U.S. has increased, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has adjusted the FRA accordingly.

The chart below illustrates FRA by year of birth.

If You Were Born In Your Full Retirement Age Is
1943-1954 66
1955 66 and 2 months
1956 66 and 4 months
1957 66 and 6 months
1958 66 and 8 months
1959 66 and 10 months
1960 or later 67

Recommended: At What Age Should You File for Social Security?

What Is the Early Retirement Age for Social Security?

You can choose to claim retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, SSA will reduce your benefit by about 0.5% for every month you receive benefits before your FRA. For example, if your full retirement age is 67 and you file for Social Security benefits when you’re 62, you’d receive around 70% of your benefit.

On the other hand, if you wait to claim benefits after your FRA, you’ll accrue delayed retirement credits. This increases your benefit a certain percentage for every month you delay after your FRA. For example, if your full retirement age is 67 and you delay receiving benefits until age 70, you’ll get 124% of your monthly benefits. Note that the benefit increase stops when you turn 70.

Recommended: When Can I Retire? This Formula Will Help You Know

Can You Claim Social Security While You’re Still Working?

When you claim your Social Security benefits, the SSA considers you retired. However, you can continue working after retirement and receiving benefits at the same time, though they may be limited.

If you’re younger than FRA for the entire year, the SSA will deduct $1 from your payment for every $2 you earn above an annual limit. In 2023, that limit is $21,240. In the year you reach full retirement age, the SSA will begin deducting $1 for every $3 you make above a different earnings limit — $56,520 in 2023.

No matter their work history, your spouse has the option to claim Social Security benefits based on your work record. That benefit can be up to 50% of your primary insurance amount, which is the benefit you’d receive at FRA. Your spouse can begin receiving spousal benefits at age 62, but they will receive a reduced benefit.

Pros and Cons of Claiming Social Security Early

The main advantage of filing for Social Security early is that you’ll have access to retirement funds sooner. This can be a boon to individuals who need extra money to get by each month. To help you maximize every last dollar, consider using a spending app to create budgets, track spending, and monitor bills.

The main disadvantage of filing early is that you may permanently reduce your monthly benefit amount. This could be a factor to keep in mind as you determine whether you’re on track for retirement.

So how do you decide when to file for your benefits? Consider your “break-even point.” This is the age at which receiving a delayed higher benefit outweighs claiming benefits earlier.

Here’s an example of how that works. Let’s say your FRA is 67 and your annual benefit is $24,000. If you claim your benefit at age 62, your benefit drops to $16,800 a year. If you delay until age 70, your benefit would be $29,760 a year.

By adding up each year’s worth of benefits and comparing them across different potential retirement ages, you find your break-even point. So in that last example, claiming your benefit at FRA breaks even with early filing at age 78. If you expect to live until this age or longer, you may consider filing for Social Security at full retirement age. Delaying until age 70 breaks even with claiming at FRA at age 82. So if you expect to live until 82 or longer, you may consider delaying your benefits.

Recommended: How Can I Retire Early?

The Takeaway

Social Security is an important source of guaranteed income during retirement and can help ensure you can cover recurring expenses like housing payments and utilities. Your monthly payment amount is determined by how much you’ve earned during your working career and the age at which you claim Social Security benefits. You’re eligible to receive your full benefits when you reach full retirement age (FRA). If you file before then, the monthly payment will be reduced. If you file later, your monthly payment can increase, up to a point. Consider your short- and long-term financial needs carefully before deciding when to claim Social Security.

Whether you’re planning to continue working past your FRA or are preparing for retirement, using a money tracker app can help you manage your overall spending and saving. The SoFi Insights app connects all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see all of your balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score monitoring, plus you can get other valuable financial insights.

Stay up to date on your finances by seeing exactly how your money comes and goes.

FAQ

Can I take Social Security at age 55?

You cannot claim Social Security benefits at age 55. The earliest you can file for benefits is age 62.

What happens to my Social Security if I retire at 55?

If you retire at 55, you will have to wait seven years, until age 62, before you are eligible to claim early Social Security benefits. Retiring early may also affect the size of your benefit if you are leaving work in your top-earning years.

What is the average Social Security benefit at age 62?

The average monthly Social Security retirement benefit in 2023 is about $1,827 for those filing at full retirement age. Filing early at age 62 would reduce that benefit by 30% to $1,278.90.

Photo credit: iStock/svetikd

SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

SORL0323015

Source: sofi.com

Apache is functioning normally

Ex-dividend dates are the date on which an investor needs to be registered as a shareholder in order to receive the dividend. It falls after the company declares the dividend, and one day before the “record date,” or “date of record.”

Dividends — payments that companies make to shareholders when stocks perform well — can make a stock more enticing to investors, increasing their profit and making them feel valued. But an investor can’t necessarily just buy a stock one day and collect dividends on it the next. Investors need to know and plan for the ex-dividend date of any company they invest in, or may plan to invest in.

Key Points

•   Ex-dividend dates are the dates on which an investor must be a shareholder to receive a dividend payout.

•   Dividends are payments made by companies to shareholders as a share of profits.

•   Dividend payments can be in the form of cash or additional stock, and are usually paid on a quarterly basis.

•   The ex-dividend date is important for investors to ensure they are eligible to receive dividends.

•   Investors may consider the ex-dividend date when deciding to buy or sell stocks to optimize dividend payments.

Dividends Explained

To fully understand the ex-dividend date, it helps to be able to broadly answer the question: what is a dividend?

Dividends are the company’s way of allowing its investors to share in its profits, without having to sell their stakes. A dividend can come in the form of cash or additional stock, but in the U.S., they’re usually paid as cash. As a result, dividends are taxed as income, according to the investor’s tax bracket. The returns from long-term stock returns are taxed, when sold, as capital gains. (That’s just one reason it’s helpful to know the current capital gains tax rate.)

How Often Are Dividends Paid?

Most companies with dividend-paying stocks offer their dividend payments on a quarterly basis. Many investors, especially retired investors, see dividends as an income source. It allows them to collect regular payments without having to sell their investments.

Unlike the interest payments from a bond, dividend payments can vary from quarter to quarter. A company might boost its dividend because it’s doing well, or simply because it can’t find a better use for its profits. On the flip side, a company might cut its dividend because it’s struggling, or because it’s found a great opportunity to invest in new business.

In the past, and during periods of crisis (financial, or otherwise), some companies that had offered dividends for years and even decades either slashed or eliminated their dividends because of the bad message it would send if they paid cash to investors while eliminating hundreds or thousands of jobs. It was one more reminder that dividends are not a sure thing.
💡 Quick Tip: All investments come with some degree of risk — and some are riskier than others. Before investing online, decide on your investment goals and how much risk you want to take.

What Does Ex-Dividend Date Mean for Trading?

Here’s how dividends work with ex-dividend dates: If an investor buys a stock on its ex-dividend date or after, they won’t get the next dividend payment. That’s why it’s important to investors that they get their purchase orders in before the ex-dividend date, in order to receive the dividend.

This date has other important implications, beyond just who receives dividend payments. The ex-dividend date is also when companies determine who receives proxy statements, financial reports, and other information. While the latter two may be publicly available, proxy statements can be very important when a company is in the throes of a significant transition.

For interested investors, there is a formula that calculates the dividend payout ratio of a stock — which can be helpful in comparing one company to another. The key questions to ask about a potential dividend are “when” and “how much.” That’s why the ex-dividend date makes a difference.

For example, let’s say an investor wants to buy shares of a company that, after a strong quarter, declares a dividend of $1 per share. The record date of the dividend is December 19. That means the ex-dividend date would likely be a business day before, on December 18. An investor who buys the stock on December 17 would receive the $1 dividend. If they were to wait until December 18, they wouldn’t be entitled to the $1 dividend.

It’s also important to note that the market adjusts for this fact. The math would dictate that the stock is actually worth $1 less per share after the ex-dividend date than it was the day before, because that $1 per share has been taken out of the company in the form of dividend payment. As a result, the price of a dividend-paying stock typically drops by roughly as much — though that’s not always a guarantee.

Benefits of Tracking the Ex-Dividend Date

There are a number of reasons investors may want to look at a stock’s ex-dividend date when considering buying or selling it.

1.    They may want to sell just ahead of the ex-dividend date to get the best price without having to pay income taxes on the dividend payment.

2.    They may want to buy a stock just ahead of its ex-dividend date, in order to participate in the dividend payments as soon as possible.

3.    They may want to hold onto the stock just until the ex-dividend date to get the last dividend payment.

4.    They may want to wait until after the ex-dividend date to buy that stock after it drops — assuming that it does — after its dividend payment.

Not Every Ex-Dividend Date Is the Same

Every investment is unique, and so is every ex-dividend date. Research into the company and its stock can help an investor form educated expectations about how dividend payments impact its performance.

But there are always special circumstances. If a company offers a dividend that’s equal to 25% or more of the stock price, then the ex-dividend date can be delayed until one business day after the dividend is paid.

There are also occasions when a company decides to pay a dividend not in cash, but in its own stock. That may be in additional shares or possibly even in a new subsidiary that it is spinning off from the core business. In these unusual circumstances, the procedures will vary, and that includes the setting of the ex-dividend date.

What Does Ex-Dividend Date Mean for Taxes?

Dividends are taxed as long-term capital gains in many cases.

In retirement, dividend income can be especially welcome. Some investors might even plan for living off dividend income after retirement. And though most retirees don’t spend their days trading the market, buying ahead of a stock’s ex-dividend date may make sense for income-focused investors.
💡 Quick Tip: An investment account that’s not for retirement is usually considered a taxable account. But the money you earn (i.e. your gains) is only taxed when you sell those securities. Learn more.

The Takeaway

Ex-dividend dates are the dates on which an investor must officially be or remain a shareholder in order to receive a dividend payout. That can have some obvious implications into an investor’s overall strategy, and help guide their investing decisions.

Exactly when and how a stock pays its dividend can make a big difference to an investor’s plans, and taxes, at every stage of their lives. That’s why investors who are considering buying or selling a stock that pays dividends should know what is the ex-dividend date for that stock.

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Apache is functioning normally

Accessory dwelling units, also referred to as ADUs and “granny flats,” have been available in California only as rentals. But a new law, Assembly Bill 1033, is giving Californians the opportunity to buy and sell them as condominiums.

ADUs come in all shapes and sizes — for example, a converted garage, a small home in the backyard, or, as often seen in San Francisco, an unused portion of the main house, said Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), who drafted the legislation.

Under AB 1033, which was signed into law this week, property owners in participating cities will be able to construct an ADU on their land and sell it separately, following the same rules that apply to condominiums. It gives homeowners more options for building on their property, and “the hope is, it would create more homeownership,” said Ting.

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Under the new law, local governments need to opt in to the ADU-as-condominium approach for it to be an option in their cities.

Here’s how the new rules will work in participating cities:

As with new condominiums, homeowners building ADUs must notify the local utilities, including water, sewer, gas and electric, of the creation and separate conveyance of the unit. Each property will also have to form a homeowners association to assess dues to cover the cost of caring for the property’s exterior and shared spaces, such as the driveway, a pool or a common roof.

Similar to condominiums on one property, the home and the ADU will have two different property taxes, Ting said.

He says he believes that many of the initial ADUs going through this process will be sold to the family members or close friends of the homeowner.

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“And then as people are more comfortable with this and you see more ADUs being sold, and it’s more prevalent, then I could see this being more of a traditional real estate transaction,” he said.

Meredith Stowers, a loan officer at CrossCountry Mortgage in San Diego who specializes in ADUs, said AB 1033 benefits both homeowners and new buyers.

“The typical homeowners we see are retirees who have long since paid off their mortgage, but are maybe living on a pittance of Social Security and meager retirement funds,” she said.

Under this law, the retirees can earn supplemental income and young families can buy an affordable starter home.

Stowers said the problem that retirees are facing is that, “after so many years of loan modifications in high rates, it doesn’t make financial sense for the retiree to move out of their home.”

She argues it’s more expensive for them to downsize to a smaller house, and this new piece of legislation opens opportunities for retirees to leverage the equity they’ve built up in their homes while also creating affordable housing.

“We’re even seeing some retirees add ADUs in their backyard that they then move into and potentially selling off their home,” she said.

Selling ADUs as condominiums is having success in places such as Oregon, Texas and Seattle.

When Seattle removed regulatory barriers that discouraged property owners from constructing ADUs in 2019, the city issued nearly 1,000 ADU permits, more than four times the number permitted in 2018, according to a report released in March.

The report also found that in 2022, the city permitted 437 attached ADUs and 551 detached ADUs, which it referred to as backyard cottages. Just under half were on sites with multiple ADUs and one-third were part of a development that included a new single-family residence.

Included in the report were sample sales for neighbor residential parcels with detached ADUs, reporting that a unit of more than 1,000 square feet sold for an average of anywhere between $500,000 to $800,000.

Source: latimes.com