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South Carolina

Apache is functioning normally

May 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

If you live in Florida — or are thinking of relocating — the Sunshine State has several prestigious colleges and universities, including Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Florida and Rollins College.

Higher education is less expensive in Florida than in most other states. The state also operates several robust financial aid programs, such as the Bright Futures scholarship program, that can make college more affordable for residents.

The cost of education in Florida

Florida’s education system includes 40 public colleges and universities. There are also at least 30 private, non-profit schools throughout the state.

Generally, a college education in Florida is cheaper than the national average. Here’s how much you can expect each year of your degree to cost at different types of institutions, based on 2020-21 average tuition rates as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics:

  • Public four-year, in-state: Nationally, the average cost of a public, in-state university was $21,337 per year. In Florida, the cost was $15,543 per year — a difference of almost $6,000. 

  • Private non-profit: Private colleges and universities are usually more expensive than public schools. The average cost of a year at a private school in Florida was $28,860, about $4,500 less than the national average.  

  • Community college: The average cost of attending a two-year school was $3,501 per year at the national level. In Florida, the average cost was $2,506 per year, nearly $1,000 less. 

Financial aid options in Florida

To qualify for state-based financial aid, you must establish residency. For the purposes of in-state tuition rates and other state aid, you or your parents must live in Florida for at least 12 consecutive months before the first day of the term.

Currently, undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students can qualify for in-state tuition rates at Florida public colleges and universities if they meet the following criteria:

  • Attend a secondary school in Florida for at least three consecutive years before graduating.

  • Enroll in a Florida postsecondary institution within 24 months of graduating from high school.

  • Submit an official Florida high school transcript as evidence of attendance and completion.

However, the 2014 law that allowed those students to qualify for in-state tuition is facing challenges. Current Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed repealing the measure, so this benefit may not be available in the future.

If you are a Florida resident, you may qualify for one or more of the following financial aid programs:

  • 529 plans.

  • In-state tuition.

  • Scholarships.

  • Student loan repayment assistance.

Florida 529 plans

529 plans are tools to save for a child’s future education. In Florida, there are two programs:

  • Prepaid tuition plan: Florida Prepaid College Plans allow you to purchase college credits for future use at today’s prices. The credits can be used in-state or out, and the child can attend public or private schools. The funds are available for up to 10 years after the child’s projected high school graduation date, and plans start at $45 per month. There’s also a $50 application fee. 

  • 529 college savings plan: The Florida 529 Savings Plan is an investment account you can use to save for a child’s education. You can choose from a range of investment options to grow your contributions tax-free as long as you use the money to pay for eligible education expenses.  

While some states offer special benefits, such as state account contributions or tax credits, Florida does not provide the same incentives or benefits.

Florida in-state tuition

Florida participates in the Academic Common Market. This network allows resident students to attend school in other states and pay in-state tuition rates. Through the network, students can qualify for in-state tuition at eligible programs in the following states:

  • Louisiana.

  • Mississippi.

  • South Carolina.

  • Tennessee.

  • West Virginia.

Not all schools or programs qualify, so talk to your selected school’s financial aid office to find out if you’re eligible for in-state rates.

Florida grants

Grants, as a form of gift aid, don’t need to be repaid, and they’re typically awarded based on financial need. Florida has three state grant programs:

First Generation Matching Grant Program

The First Generation Matching Grant Program is for Florida undergraduate students with substantial financial need and whose parents did not earn a college degree. Award amounts vary by year and the needs of the student.

Florida Student Assistance Grant Program

José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund

Florida scholarships

Students from Florida may qualify for one of nine scholarships.

Bright Futures Scholarship Program

Florida’s best-known and most valuable scholarship is the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Through Bright Futures, students can qualify for an award for as much as 100% of college tuition and fees.

To qualify, students must be Florida residents, earn a Florida high school diploma or its equivalent, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in high school. Students must also complete volunteer service or paid work hours to qualify for the Bright Futures program.

Benacquisto Scholarship Program

The Benacquisto Scholarship Program is a merit-based award for high school graduates who achieved National Merit Scholar status. The award amount varies, but it can cover the total cost of attendance at participating schools, minus other financial aid.

Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship Program

The Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship Program is both merit-based and need-based. Each year, up to 50 eligible students can qualify for financial assistance that covers up to 100% of the credit hours required for degree or certificate programs. To qualify for the scholarship, students must be farmworkers or the children of farmworkers.

Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship

As a merit- and need-based scholarship, the Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship provides up to $3,000 in financial aid to academically strong students with financial need. To qualify, students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and enroll at Bethune-Cookman University, Edward Waters College, Florida A&M University or Florida Memorial University.

Minority Teacher Education Scholars program

Administered by the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, the Minority Teacher Education Scholars program is a performance-based scholarship for African American, Hispanic American, Asian American and Native American students. Eligible students can receive up to $4,000 per year in financial assistance.

Randolph Bracy Ocoee Scholarship Program

Students who are direct descendants of the victims of the Ocoee Election Day Riots of November 1920 or are current African American residents of Ocoee are eligible for the Randolph Bracy Ocoee Scholarship Program. Eligible students will receive up to $6,100 per year in financial aid.

Rosewood Family Scholarship

The Rosewood Massacre occurred in 1923. Students who are direct descendants of Rosewood families affected by those events can qualify for the Rosewood Family Scholarship. Qualifying students will receive up to $6,100.

Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans

This award is for the children or spouses of deceased or disabled military veterans who were Florida residents. Eligible students can receive funding for up to 110% of the required credit hours for an initial baccalaureate degree or certificate program.

William L. Boyd, IV Effective Access to Student Education Program

Student loan repayment programs in Florida

If you have student loans and live and work in Florida, you may be eligible for help from the state in repaying your loans. Florida has programs for attorneys and health care workers who will repay a portion of your debt if you complete a service obligation in a high-need area. The following loan repayment assistance programs (LRAPs) are available:

Florida Bar Foundation

The Florida Bar Foundation designed its LRAP to encourage attorneys to work for legal aid organizations. Under the terms of the LRAP, eligible lawyers can receive up to $5,000 per calendar year to repay federal or private student loans.

Florida John R. Justice

Florida’s John R. Justice LRAP provides repayment benefits to state and federal public defenders and state prosecutors who commit to remaining as defenders or prosecutors for at least three years. Participants in the program can receive up to $10,000 in loan repayment assistance per year, up to a maximum of $60,000. This program will only repay federal student loans; borrowers with private student loans aren’t eligible.

Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education program

The goal of the FRAME program is to recruit and retain medical professionals to practice in underserved areas. Through the program, nurses, physicians and physician assistants can receive assistance with their student loans. Award amounts vary by profession, but eligible borrowers can receive up to $20,000 per year in student loan repayment benefits. Federal and private student loans can be repaid through FRAME.

Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program

The Nursing Student Loan Forgiveness Program provides up to $4,000 annually in loan forgiveness to nurses working full time at a designated site. Examples include public schools, state-operated medical and health care facilities, and county health departments.

Nurses can participate in the program for up to four years. The program will repay federal and private student loans.

How to apply for financial aid in Florida

Florida has several financial aid programs, including gift aid in the form of grants and scholarships. To ensure you get all of the aid you’re eligible for, follow these steps:

  • Fill out the FAFSA: Need-based programs will determine your financial need based on the information that you submit with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can take less than an hour to complete. Fill it out online at FAFSA.gov. 

  • Look up deadlines: Although Florida’s FAFSA deadline is in mid-May, some scholarship or grant programs may have different deadlines and requirements. Review the application materials of each program carefully, and make a note of any deadlines. 

  • Create an account with Florida’s Office of Student Financial Assistance: Some of Florida’s programs require you to have a student account with the Office of Student Financial Assistance. It’s free to create an account, and you can open one at FloridaStudentFinancialAidSG.org. 

  • Fill out the Florida Financial Aid Application: Some grant and scholarship programs require the Florida Financial Aid Application as well as the FAFSA. You must have a student account with the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Once your account is created, you can access and fill out the application. 

Apply for specific programs: Some programs, such as the Benacquisto Scholarship Program or the Minority Teacher Education Scholars program, require separate applications or additional materials. Review each program’s eligibility requirements online so you can fulfill the application requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Is Florida Bright Futures based on income?

No, Bright Futures scholarships are not awarded based on your family’s income. In fact, the FAFSA isn’t required at all. Eligibility is determined by your residency, grades, standardized test scores, and volunteer or paid work hours.

Are undocumented or DACA students eligible for Florida in-state tuition?

Currently, undocumented and DACA students are eligible for in-state tuition rates under Florida House Bill (H.B.) 851, which was passed into law in 2014.

Can Florida residents get help completing the FAFSA?

Yes. Visit the Florida College Access Network for free resources, including detailed videos and tutorials, that can help you fill out the required forms to get the maximum amount of financial aid possible.

What is the FAFSA deadline for Florida?

Florida’s FAFSA deadline for the 2023–24 academic year was May 15, 2023. The application typically opens to students on Oct. 1 each year, so it’s a good idea to fill it out as soon as possible. If you missed this deadline, you can still complete the FAFSA for federal aid through Jun. 30, 2024.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Apache is functioning normally

May 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

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Calling all Civil War buffs and travel bucket-listers: If you’ve ever wanted to explore the war between the North and the South in great detail or check a bunch of states off your list in one trip, American Cruise Lines has a cruise for you. It’s a monthlong sailing to nearly all the major battlefields across 12 states and the District of Columbia.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.

On May 4, 2024, passengers will set sail from New Orleans on the line’s Civil War Battlefields Cruise, a 34-day sailing that winds along the Mississippi, Tennessee and Potomac rivers; the Intracoastal Waterway; and the Chesapeake Bay.

Along the way, the itinerary includes calls on destinations in Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., before ending on June 6, 2024, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Stops offer a chance to visit key locations such as Fort Sumter, Antietam National Battlefield and Bull Run.

The itinerary for American Cruise Lines’ 34-day Civil War cruise. AMERICAN CRUISE LINES

Cruisers will begin their journey on American Melody and transfer to two other ships — American Symphony and American Eagle — throughout the trip, allowing them to access additional locations that were key to the war. Transportation between ships and waterways is provided for free.

The onboard experience on each ship will be equally themed, featuring expert speakers who will discuss both sides of the war. Led by Bertram Hayes-Davis, the great-great-grandson of Jefferson Davis, who served as the president of the Confederacy, the sailing will offer a rare perspective.

“This cruise is one of the most wholistic views of the Civil War ever offered,” Hayes-Davis said in a statement from American Cruise Lines. “Guests will experience the people, places and events of the war as they visit the battlefields and stand where history was made. This is a unique opportunity to see the entire scope of the battles of the Civil War and put them in context to each other and the entire conflict.”

The voyage is currently open for booking, with fares starting from $24,700 per person. Prices include accommodations, onboard entertainment and lectures, all meals, beer and wine with lunch and dinner, a daily cocktail hour, Wi-Fi, daily shore excursions, a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay (stretching the trip to 35 days), transportation and any necessary hotels when transferring to other ships, crew gratuities, and taxes and fees.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

Source: thepointsguy.com

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Apache is functioning normally

May 27, 2023 by Brett Tams

Iowa is a growing, thriving state with plenty of things to offer residents. With so many choices available, it can be tough to decide on the best bank. Once you’ve made sure your bank of choice is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, there are other factors to look at, including whether you’ll find branches in your area and what fees you’ll be charged. This list can help you decide.

Iowa welcome sign

11 Best Banks in Iowa

Before you open a new bank account, take a look around at the best banks in your area. Here are a few to consider.

1. Hills Bank

Hills Bank has branches in the Cedar Rapids, Marion, Iowa City, and Mount Vernon areas, but you can access funds nationwide through thousands of SHAZAM and MoneyPass ATMs. There are three tiers of checking accounts, but Free Checking has no maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.

Fees:

  • No monthly fees
  • $27 overdraft fee

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • No minimum opening deposit

ATMs:

  • Free at Hills, SHAZAM, and MoneyPass locations
  • No fee for out-of-network transactions

Interest rates:

  • Up to 0.40% on savings accounts
  • Up to 4.43% on fixed-rate CDs

Additional perks:

  • In-person banking services available at branches throughout Iowa
  • Competitive rates on CDs

2. Bank Iowa

Bank Iowa is an Iowa-only bank with branches in five areas, including Iowa City, but there are no branch-based banking services in Cedar Rapids. You’ll find five checking account options, including two with no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance.

Fees:

  • No monthly maintenance fees
  • $35 overdraft fee

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • $10 minimum opening deposit

ATMs:

  • Free access at Bank Iowa ATMs and SHAZAM locations nationwide
  • $2 for out-of-network withdrawals

Interest rates:

  • Up to 0.19% on savings
  • Up to 1.28% on money markets
  • Up to 2.56% on CDs

Additional perks:

  • Checking accounts come with complimentary identity theft services
  • Competitive rates on personal and home loans

3. GO2Bank

If an online bank can meet all your banking needs, GO2Bank might be the best bank. You can easily manage your funds through the mobile banking app, and you’ll also have access to a nationwide network of ATMs and retailers for deposits and withdrawals. As long as your paycheck is automatically deposited, you’ll pay no monthly maintenance fees, but otherwise, it’s only $5 per statement cycle.

Fees:

  • No monthly fee with direct deposit
  • $15 overdraft fee for every transaction not paid within 24 hours

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • No minimum opening deposit

ATMs:

  • Free access at AllPoint locations nationwide
  • $3 for out-of-network withdrawals

Interest rates:

  • Up to 4.50% annual percentage yield on savings account

Additional perks:

  • Deposit cash at more than 90,000 retailers nationwide
  • Earn up to 7% cash back on gift card purchases

4. Regions Bank

If you limit your travel to the southern and Midwestern U.S., Regions Bank might be a contender for your business. This regional bank covers Iowa, along with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

As long as you have at least one $500 check deposited directly each month, you can get free checking. But banking services like loans and a financial advisor upon request make this bank really stand out.

Fees:

  • $8 monthly (waived with qualifying activity)
  • $50 minimum opening deposit

Balance requirements:

  • $1,500 minimum balance or $500 direct deposit to qualify for free checking
  • $36 overdraft fee

ATMs:

  • More than 2,000 ATMs
  • $2.50 per withdrawal at out-of-network ATMs

Interest rates:

  • Up to 0.01% APY on savings
  • Up to 4.75% on CDs

Additional perks:

  • Wide range of banking products
  • Wealth management services available

5. Northwest Bank

Based in Spencer, Iowa, Northwest Bank is a family-owned bank with locations in both Iowa and Nebraska. Northwest is considered one of the best banks in Iowa for its quality customer service and great rates on checking. Currently, Northwest Bank is offering a $100 bonus on each new checking account as long as you sign up for new products like e-statements, Zelle, and BillPay.

Fees:

  • No monthly fee
  • $28 overdraft fee

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • $10 minimum opening balance

ATMs:

  • Free at MoneyPass ATMs nationwide
  • $2 per withdrawal at out-of-network ATMs

Interest rates:

  • 0.01% APY on qualifying checking accounts
  • .001% APY on savings
  • Up to 2.25% APY on money markets
  • 0.03% on CDs

Additional perks:

  • $100 cash bonus to qualifying new accounts
  • 1.50% cash back on debit card purchases ($8 limit)

6. Chime

Another online and mobile banking option is Chime, which offers all the amenities of bigger banks without the cost. Online banking options include a checking account with autosave features to help you meet your financial goals. Chime’s savings accounts offer 2% APY, which is competitive with what other banks in Iowa are offering.

Fees:

  • No monthly fee
  • No charges for overdrafts

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • No minimum opening deposit

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs
  • $2.50 fee for each out-of-network ATM transaction

Interest rates:

  • 2% APY on savings accounts

Additional perks:

  • Pay accessible up to two days early
  • Automatically round up each debit card purchase to build your savings account

7. CIT Bank

Another online banking option is CIT Bank, which has no local branches. CIT’s bank accounts come without monthly charges, including no overdraft fees, but there is a downside. CIT Bank’s ATM network is nonexistent. You’ll be reimbursed up to $30 a month in out-of-network costs, though.

Fees:

  • No monthly fee
  • No charges for overdrafts

Balance requirements:

  • $25,000 minimum balance or $100 monthly deposit
  • $100 minimum opening deposit

ATMs:

  • Up to $30 in ATM costs refunded per month

Interest rates:

  • Up to 0.46% APY on savings
  • Up to 1.55% APY on money market
  • 5% APY on CDs

Additional perks:

  • Great rates on CDs
  • Savings Builder account motivates you to save at least $100 monthly

8. Fidelity Bank & Trust

Fidelity Bank & Trust is a community bank with a hometown feel. It has more than 30 branches in Northeast Iowa, Northwest Illinois, and Southwest Wisconsin. The bank offers robust online and mobile banking options, as well as money management help through its investment services team.

Fees:

  • No monthly fee
  • $30 overdraft fee

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • $50 minimum opening balance

ATMs:

  • Free at Fidelity Bank locations across Northeast Iowa
  • Free at SHAZAM ATMs nationwide

Interest rates:

  • 0.05% APY on qualifying checking accounts
  • 0.05% APY on savings
  • Up to 0.50% APY on money markets
  • Up to 4.77% on CDs

Additional perks:

  • myPIC debit card lets you add your photo to your card
  • Specialized Christmas and children’s savings account options available

9. Bank of America

Even though it’s a large national bank, Bank of America brings some of the benefits you get from a small bank. Customers can enjoy fee-free account types as long as they sign up for Preferred Rewards. But one of the biggest benefits is the nationwide network of branches and ATMs.

Fees:

  • $12 monthly fee (waived with qualifications)
  • $10 overdraft fee

Balance requirements:

  • $1,200 minimum balance or qualifying deposits to waive fee
  • $100 minimum opening balance

ATMs:

  • Free at Bank of America ATMs nationwide
  • $2.50 fee for each out-of-network ATM transaction

Interest rates:

  • 0.04% APY on savings (with preferred rewards)
  • Up to 4.20% on CDs

Additional perks:

  • In-person service at branches and with virtual assistant at ATMs
  • Preferred Rewards programs offer discounts on accounts and loans

10. Bankers Trust

Based in Des Moines, Bankers Trust has banks in Iowa and Arizona. There are multiple accounts to meet your banking needs, including some checking accounts with tiered interest rates. New customers may be eligible for a $250 bonus by choosing a participating checking account.

Fees:

  • No monthly fee with at least 12 debit card transactions
  • $10-$30 overdraft fee

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum balance
  • $25 minimum opening deposit

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at Allpoint and MoneyPass ATMs
  • $2 fee for each out-of-network ATM transaction

Interest rates:

  • Up to 0.60% on checking
  • Up to 1.45% on savings
  • Up to 4.55% on CDs

Additional perks:

  • $250 bonus for new BreakFree or Direct Checking account
  • Education center provides training and information

11. MidwestOne Bank

If customer service is a priority, MidwestOne Bank is one of the best banks in Iowa. This regional bank has 45 branches across Iowa, as well as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Florida. You’ll also find great rates on auto and personal loans with MidwestOne.

Fees:

  • No monthly fee
  • $35 for overdrafts

Balance requirements:

  • No minimum daily balance
  • $100 minimum opening deposit

ATMs:

  • Fee-free at MoneyPass ATMs
  • $1 fee for each out-of-network ATM transaction

Interest rates:

  • Up to 0.75% APY on savings
  • Up to 1.00% APY on money market
  • Up to 2.47% APY on CDs

Additional perks:

  • Bank Your Change automatically rounds up debit purchases to put toward savings
  • Competitive rates on personal loans

Bottom Line

The best banks in Iowa offer great customer service and easy access to your funds. To ensure you make the right choice, consider not only these factors, but also the range of financial products, convenience, and technological innovation each bank provides. As you compare different banks, keep in mind your specific financial needs, preferences, and goals, such as low fees, high interest rates, or specialized services.

Once you’ve found the best bank, it’s essential to regularly review your account and stay informed about new offers and changes in rates and amenities. By doing so, you can maximize your financial benefits and adjust your banking relationship as your needs evolve. Ultimately, the best bank for you will consistently deliver on all fronts, helping you achieve financial stability and success in Iowa.

Source: crediful.com

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Apache is functioning normally

May 27, 2023 by Brett Tams

It’s time to check out the top mortgage lenders in South Carolina, based on who did the most business.

Last year, more than 1,000 mortgage companies collectively funded more than $80 billion in home loans in the state.

But one particular company did a lot more business than the rest, and also happens to be the top mortgage lender in the U.S.

Yes, I’m referring to Rocket Mortgage (formerly Quicken Loans), nearly doubling the volume of their nearest competitor.

Read on to see which other companies dominated the mortgage biz in The Palmetto State.

Top Mortgage Lenders in South Carolina (Overall)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $5.0 billion
2. Wells Fargo $2.8 billion
3. Pennymac $2.5 billion
4. Freedom Mortgage $2.2 billion
5. Truist $2.1 billion
6. SouthState Bank $1.9 billion
7. Movement Mortgage $1.9 billion
8. Guild Mortgage $1.6 billion
9. UWM $1.5 billion
10. Newrez $1.5 billion

Coming in first both in South Carolina (and nationally) was none other than Rocket Mortgage with $5.0 billion funded in 2021, per HMDA data from Richey May.

As noted, that was nearly double second placed-Wells Fargo, which managed just $2.8 billion during the year.

In a somewhat close third was Pennymac, a mostly correspondent lender that originated $2.5 billion.

Fourth went to Boca Raton-based Freedom Mortgage with $2.2 billion, while Charlotte-based Truist took fifth with $2.1 billion.

Another Florida-based bank, SouthState Bank, snagged sixth with $1.9 billion, followed by South Carolina’s own Movement Mortgage in 7th ($1.9B).

The rest of the top 10 included Guild Mortgage, United Wholesale Mortgage, and Newrez.

Only one hometown company in the list, but many adjacent states like Florida and North Carolina.

Top South Carolina Mortgage Lenders (for Home Buyers)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Pennymac $1.4 billion
2. Movement Mortgage $1.4 billion
3. Wells Fargo $1.2 billion
4. SouthState Bank $1.1 billion
5. Guild Mortgage $1.0 billion
6. Rocket Mortgage $997 million
7. Truist $912 million
8. TD Bank $834 million
9. AmeriHome Mortgage $818 million
10. Newrez $773 million

The list changes quite a bit when we focus only on home purchase loans, with Pennymac grabbed the top spot with $1.4 billion funded.

They were followed closely by Indian Land-based Movement Mortgage with a similar $1.4 billion in loan origination volume.

Wells Fargo took third with $1.2 billion, followed by SouthState Bank with $1.1 billion, and Guild Mortgage with $1 billion.

Rocket Mortgage dropped to sixth with $997 million funded, followed by Truist with $912 million.

TD Bank, AmeriHome Mortgage, and Newrez rounded out the top 10. Again, only one SC-based mortgage company.

Top Refinance Lenders in South Carolina (for Existing Homeowners)

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $4.0 billion
2. Freedom Mortgage $1.8 billion
3. Wells Fargo $1.4 billion
4. Pennymac $1.2 billion
5. Truist $1.0 billion
6. loanDepot $978 million
7. UWM $871 million
8. Mr. Cooper $846 million
9. Newrez $735 million
10. SouthState Bank $733 million

Once the list is filtered to only include mortgage refinances, Rocket Mortgage trounces the competition with $4.0 billion funded.

That was more than double second placed Freedom Mortgage ($1.8 billion), and more than triple third placed Wells Fargo ($1.4 billion).

About 80% of the Detroit-based company’s loan volume consisted of refis in the state of South Carolina.

Fourth went to Pennymac with $1.2 billion, while fifth place was captured by Truist with $1.0 billion funded.

The remaining spots in the top 10 went to loanDepot, UWM, Mr. Cooper, Newrez, and SouthState Bank.

Top Mortgage Lenders in Charleston

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Rocket Mortgage $1.0 billion
2. Wells Fargo $795 million
3. Newrez $760 million
4. SouthState Bank $611 million
5. Pennymac $592 million
6. Freedom Mortgage $529 million
7. Truist $523 million
8. UWM $515 million
9. First Citizens Bank $445 million
10. Shelter Mortgage $434 million

Top Mortgage Lenders in Columbia

Ranking Company Name 2021 Loan Volume
1. Guild Mortgage $680 billion
2. Rocket Mortgage $578 million
3. Pennymac $425 million
4. Freedom Mortgage $418 million
5. Wells Fargo $267 million
6. AmeriHome Mortgage $238 million
7. Ameris Bank $231 million
8. First Citizens Bank $231 million
9. Truist $196 million
10. Mr. Cooper $188 million

The Best South Carolina Mortgage Lenders

The most reviewed mortgage lender on Zillow in the state of South Carolina happens to be Movement Mortgage.

They also have a stellar 4.98/5 rating from about 18,000 customer reviews. That makes them a pretty highly-rated mortgage company in the state, potentially the best.

Meanwhile, Rocket has a 4.48/5, Wells Fargo has a 4.95/5, Freedom Mortgage has a 4.85/5, and Pennymac has a 4.4/5.

Many smaller, SC-based mortgage companies didn’t make the lists above, but still own excellent ratings on Zillow.

They include Columbia-based Lending Path Mortgage (4.97/5) and Foundation Mortgage Corp. (4.97/5), along with Charleston-based Tabor Mortgage Group (4.94/5).

And there are many other SC mortgage companies, including SC-based mortgage brokers, which also provide excellent service.

Take the time to check out companies both large and small, and look beyond real estate agent referrals and household names. You might find a hidden gem.

(photo: Mark Clifton)

Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com

Posted in: Mortgage Tips, Refinance, Renting Tagged: 2, 2021, 529, About, agent, AmeriHome, Bank, best, brokers, business, buyers, charlotte, columbia, companies, company, Competition, correspondent, Correspondent lender, data, double, estate, existing, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, Florida, foundation, freedom, GEM, Guild, Guild Mortgage, HMDA, HMDA data, home, home buyers, home loans, home purchase, homeowners, household, in, Land, lenders, lending, list, lists, loan, Loan origination, loanDepot, Loans, Make, More, Mortgage, mortgage lender, mortgage lenders, Mortgage Tips, Movement Mortgage, Mr. Cooper, NewRez, north carolina, Origination, Other, PennyMac, place, pretty, Purchase, Purchase loans, ratings, Real Estate, real estate agent, referrals, Refinance, Reviews, sc, second, South, South Carolina, states, td bank, time, top 10, u.s., united, United Wholesale Mortgage, UWM, volume, wells fargo, Zillow

Apache is functioning normally

May 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis might be best known these days for his “war on woke.” He’s generated daily headlines for his “Don’t Say Gay” bill in schools, his battles against Disney, and the travel advisories issued against the state by the NAACP and LGBTQ organizations.

However, his housing policies haven’t generated nearly as much attention.

After months of fueling rumors, DeSantis formally announced his bid for the U.S. presidency on Wednesday. What would that mean for the housing market if he wrests the Republican nomination from real estate mogul and former President Donald Trump and wins the general election in 2024? (Currently, Trump has a sizable advantage in the polls among likely GOP voters.) Realtor.com® looked at the No. 2 Republican contender’s housing-related priorities during his four-plus years as governor of the Sunshine State for clues.

“His experience as the governor of Florida has certainly exposed him to the housing market and its issues,” says Sean Snaith, director of the Institute for Economic Forecasting at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. “He’s intimately familiar with the shortage of housing that has plagued our state.”

Florida experienced tremendous growth during the COVID-19 pandemic as companies expanded and legions of folks moved to the Sunshine State. It was the nation’s fastest-growing state last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The median home list price in Florida shot up 42%, to about $468,000, from April 2020 to April 2023, according to Realtor.com data. Rental prices also surged throughout the state during the pandemic.

This year, DeSantis has passed bills geared toward creating more housing, providing assistance to first-time buyers, as well as restricting international buyers from certain countries from purchasing real estate in Florida. The government has also responded to the devastation wrought by hurricanes and flooding by making changes to Florida’s property insurance industry.

The legislature has also been forced to confront the state’s affordability challenges. For years, the state had typically been reallocating the money from its affordable housing trust fund to other projects. In 2021, the legislature agreed that a third of that money will be spent on housing, while the rest can go to other priorities.

Democrats have blasted diverting the money away from housing during such a severe real estate shortage.

DeSantis and Trump will have plenty of competition from other Republicans vying for the nation’s highest office. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley announced her candidacy in February. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott threw his hat in the ring this week, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is expected to enter the fray. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and former Vice President Mike Pence are also likely to run.

Whoever wins the 46th presidency—from either side of the aisle—will have a major challenge in tackling the housing crisis.

“It would have to be concerted efforts from all levels of government,” says Snaith. “We need to help expedite the process for developers from going from paper to getting these housing units off the ground.”

DeSantis tries to create more affordable housing

In March, DeSantis signed an affordable housing plan that invested more than $700 million to provide low-interest loans to developers building workforce housing in Florida, down payment and closing costs assistance for first-time homebuyers, and the redevelopment of underused properties near military installations.

The Live Local Act is also expected to make it easier to convert commercial buildings into housing by bypassing local zoning boards, building height requirements, and local density regulations.

While superseding local authorities and zoning regulations can lead to a strain on local infrastructure—such as more traffic, crowding in schools, and other growing pains—the housing shortage “trumps” these concerns, says Ken Johnson, a real estate economist at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

“This will start to increase the supply of housing rather rapidly. We just need units built right now,” says Johnson. “We are still in a rental crisis here.”

He was less enthusiastic about the $100 million provided for down payment and closing costs assistance. The money will fund the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program, which the governor announced the creation of last year. It’s geared toward eligible first-time buyers who work in critical professions such as law enforcement, firefighting, education, health care, and child care, and active military or veterans, among others.

“There’s not enough money behind them to make a dent,” says Johnson.

The Live Local Act also prohibits towns and cities from enacting rent controls.

The state of Florida is short about 444,000 affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income renters, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition.

“It has been more pocket change than real substantial solutions to the problem,” says Jack McCabe, who runs an eponymous housing consultancy in Southern Florida. “Seven hundred eleven million dollars looks like a lot of money, but the truth is it could take billions and billions of dollars to correct the problem.”

Restrictions on who can buy homes in Florida

Last week, DeSantis signed a bill to prohibit many Chinese citizens who aren’t legal U.S. residents from purchasing real estate in the state of Florida. The bill also bans citizens from six other countries—Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria—from buying farmland that is located within 10 miles of military sites and critical infrastructure.

In addition, as of July 1, the new law will require some Chinese nationals to register the real estate they already own and whatever they buy with Florida’s state government.

The law has been criticized by Democrats, Asian American leaders, and some real estate professionals.

“The law is very restrictive,” says Dan Lionetta, president of the Asian American Real Estate Association of America, Greater Jacksonville Chapter. He is also a mortgage lender at Movement Mortgage. “We are certainly not in favor of the law and anyone, from any country, being limited regarding purchasing real estate.”

Real estate economist Johnson believes a bill like this “distorts” the market by dictating who can and who cannot buy.

“It will negatively impact price, although I think it will be marginal,” says Johnson. “We’re simply cutting the demand for real estate.

Tackling Florida’s hurricane and flooding issues

Last year, DeSantis signed a Republican bill to prop up Florida’s property insurance system as many companies have gone out of business and others are struggling due to the extensive damage wrought by storms and flooding. The bill raises costs for some homeowners while providing tax rebates for residents affected by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. It will also force some homeowners out of receiving coverage from the state-created insurer.

As a result, many Floridians expect their already high flood insurance premiums to double this year.

“Many people are being forced to sell their homes and move,” says housing consultant McCabe.

However, the governor has also signed bills into law to give homeowners a break. One prevents insurers from refusing to cover homeowners if their roof is less than 15 years old. And in the wake of the Surfside condo collapse, buildings that are three stories and higher must be inspected after 30 years and then receive additional inspections every 10 years. Buildings that are within 3 miles of the coast must start undergoing inspections after 25 years.

The governor also approved setting $150 million aside last year to be used for grants for homeowners who want to retrofit their homes to be more resistant to hurricanes.

“The overall impact [of a DeSantis presidency] is hard to say right now,” says Johnson. “It’s a toss-up.”

Source: realtor.com

Posted in: Market News, Paying Off Debts Tagged: 2, 2021, 2023, About, active, affordability, affordable, affordable housing, All, Asian, best, bills, building, Built, business, Buy, buyers, Buying, Census Bureau, child care, Cities, closing, closing costs, closing costs assistance, Commercial, companies, Competition, condo, Condo collapse, country, covid, COVID-19, COVID-19 pandemic, Crisis, data, Democrats, disney, Donald Trump, double, down payment, education, Enforcement, estate, experience, farmland, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, first-time buyers, First-time Homebuyers, flood, Flood insurance, flooding, Florida, forecasting, fund, gay, General, government, growth, health, Health care, home, Homebuyers, homeowners, homes, Housing, housing crisis, Housing market, Housing shortage, Hurricane, impact, in, Income, industry, inspections, Insurance, insurance premiums, interest, international, jacksonville, Law, Leaders, Legal, lgbtq, list, list price, Live, Loans, Local, low, low-income, Make, making, Marginal, market, miles, military, money, More, Mortgage, mortgage lender, Move, Movement Mortgage, NAACP, new, New Jersey, office, or, Orlando, Other, pandemic, plan, policies, president, price, Prices, priorities, Professionals, projects, property, property insurance, Real Estate, realtor, Realtor.com, Rent, rental, rental homes, rental prices, renters, right, RON, rumors, russia, schools, Sell, short, shortage, Side, Sites, South, South Carolina, stories, Surfside condo collapse, tax, time, Travel, trust, U.S. Census Bureau, veterans, war, will, work, zoning

Apache is functioning normally

May 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

On average, it costs $23,890 a year to attend an out-of-state school versus $9,410 for an in-state school. That’s $14,480 more per year you could pay — just to attend a college in a different state than where you grew up.

Source: Giphy.com

Over four years, you could end up paying $60,000 more than someone who attends school in-state. So, what are some ways you can lower the cost of out-of-state tuition? Here are seven of our biggest tips.

What’s Ahead:

1. Research Regional Reciprocity Programs

Many schools have “regional reciprocity agreements” or “tuition exchange programs” that let you attend certain out-of-state colleges for in-state rates.

For instance, 18 colleges in Georgia offer in-state tuition to residents of border states. This includes Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.

On a much broader scale, several states have banded together to create regional reciprocity programs that give you reduced out-of-state tuition at hundreds of public and private schools.

The four biggest regional reciprocity programs include:

  • Midwest Student Exchange — Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
  • The New England Regional Student Program — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
  • Academic Common Market — Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
  • Western Undergraduate Exchange — Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Some schools will offer in-state tuition to any student in a neighboring state, while others may require you to meet certain criteria — such as having a specific high school GPA or declaring a certain major.

MU30 Tip: Already have a few colleges in mind? Look on their websites or contact financial aid to see if they have any tuition exchange or reciprocity programs in place.

2. See If You Qualify for a Tuition Waiver

In some cases, you may be able to get a tuition waiver that allows you to attend an out-of-state college at a reduced rate. Tuition waivers are usually granted to students with special circumstances:

  • You (or someone in your immediate family) is a veteran or active duty military member.
  • You were valedictorian or a high achiever.
  • You’re enrolled in a special degree program, such as STEM or health care.
  • You work for the school you wish to attend.
  • You were or are a part of the foster care system.
  • You’re a nontraditional student.
  • You’re of Native American heritage.
  • You have a financial hardship.

To see if you qualify, search for the phrase “tuition waiver” on your favorite schools’ websites. This should pull up a list of all the tuition waivers currently available. (For example, I found 13 waivers on the University of Washington’s website.)

3. Apply for Out-of-State Scholarships

There are several scholarships specifically for students who are attending college out-of-state. These scholarships can help you cover the costs of tuition, room and board, and other expenses.

To find out-of-state scholarships, start by checking with your college’s financial aid office. There’s a good chance the school has scholarships earmarked for nonresidents.

From there, do a scholarship search using a tool like the College Board Scholarship Search or Fastweb. You may find some private scholarships to help lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Read more: Scholarships and Grants: How To Score Free Money for College

MU30 Tip: Does your parent or guardian work in higher education at one of these Tuition Exchange member schools? If so, you can apply for a reciprocal scholarship that lets you attend hundreds of schools in the U.S., Canada, Greece, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland at a free or reduced rate!

4. Think About Becoming a Resident Assistant

If you’re planning on attending college out-of-state, one way to lower your costs is to become a resident assistant (RA). RAs typically receive free or reduced-cost housing in exchange for their duties, which can include things like leading tours and organizing social events.

So while you may not get a tuition discount, it could help you save on housing while you’re there.

To become an RA, start by talking to your college’s housing office. They should be able to tell you about any open RA positions and their requirements. You may also need to fill out an application and go through an interview process.

5. Negotiate Out-of-State Tuition With the Financial Aid Office

It’s not widely advertised, but you can technically negotiate the cost of tuition and fees with the financial aid office. In fact, doing so could save you anywhere from 5% to 15%. On a four-year degree that costs $60,000, that’s a savings of $3,000 to $9,000.

Beyond negotiating, the financial aid office is also a way to find out what types of aid are available to you as an out-of-state student.

Read more:

6. Become an In-State Resident

This tip may seem a little far-fetched, but hear me out. If you’re taking a gap year, for instance, and have time to establish residency in the state where you want to attend college, it could be worth it.

Every state has different requirements for residency, but you’ll typically need to live there for at least a year before you can apply for in-state status.

Start by researching the requirements for the state you want to move to, then get working on completing them. This could include getting a job or an apartment in the state, getting a driver’s license, and more.

7. Look for Schools With Lower Out-of-State Tuition Rates

If all else fails and there’s no way for you to get reduced out-of-state tuition, another option is to simply look for schools that charge lower rates for out-of-state students.

MU30 Tip: Want to see which colleges have the lowest tuition rates? Check out this affordability calculator from the U.S. Department of Education.

Once you have out-of-state tuition rates for different colleges, you can start to compare your options and make a decision about which school is the best fit for you.

Read more: Not Enough Financial Aid? Here are 10 Ways To Pay for College

Bottom Line

Out-of-state tuition can be costly, but there are ways to minimize costs without racking up a ton of student loan debt. Use these tips to see how much you can save.

Featured image: Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

Read more:

Source: moneyunder30.com

Posted in: Commercial Real Estate Tagged: 2, About, active, affordability, agreements, aid, Alabama, All, apartment, Arizona, Arkansas, average, before, best, calculator, california, chance, College, Colorado, Connecticut, cost, Debt, decision, Delaware, department of education, education, events, expenses, Family, Featured, Fees, financial aid, financial hardship, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, Florida, Free, gap, Georgia, getting a job, good, guardian, hawaii, health, Health care, higher education, Housing, How To, how to afford college, idaho, Illinois, in, indiana, interview, job, list, Live, loan, louisiana, LOWER, maine, Make, market, Maryland, Massachusetts, member, Michigan, Midwest, military, mississippi, missouri, money, montana, More, Move, nebraska, negotiate, negotiating, Nevada, new, north carolina, offer, office, or, Oregon, organizing, Other, pay for college, place, Planning, programs, rate, Rates, Research, room, save, savings, scholarships, School, schools, search, social, South, South Carolina, south dakota, states, student, student loan, student loan debt, students, Tennessee, texas, time, tips, tuition, under, united, Utah, versus, virginia, waiver, washington, Websites, will, Wisconsin, work, working

Apache is functioning normally

May 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

On average, it costs $23,890 a year to attend an out-of-state school versus $9,410 for an in-state school. That’s $14,480 more per year you could pay — just to attend a college in a different state than where you grew up.

Source: Giphy.com

Over four years, you could end up paying $60,000 more than someone who attends school in-state. So, what are some ways you can lower the cost of out-of-state tuition? Here are seven of our biggest tips.

What’s Ahead:

1. Research Regional Reciprocity Programs

Many schools have “regional reciprocity agreements” or “tuition exchange programs” that let you attend certain out-of-state colleges for in-state rates.

For instance, 18 colleges in Georgia offer in-state tuition to residents of border states. This includes Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida.

On a much broader scale, several states have banded together to create regional reciprocity programs that give you reduced out-of-state tuition at hundreds of public and private schools.

The four biggest regional reciprocity programs include:

  • Midwest Student Exchange — Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
  • The New England Regional Student Program — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
  • Academic Common Market — Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
  • Western Undergraduate Exchange — Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Some schools will offer in-state tuition to any student in a neighboring state, while others may require you to meet certain criteria — such as having a specific high school GPA or declaring a certain major.

MU30 Tip: Already have a few colleges in mind? Look on their websites or contact financial aid to see if they have any tuition exchange or reciprocity programs in place.

2. See If You Qualify for a Tuition Waiver

In some cases, you may be able to get a tuition waiver that allows you to attend an out-of-state college at a reduced rate. Tuition waivers are usually granted to students with special circumstances:

  • You (or someone in your immediate family) is a veteran or active duty military member.
  • You were valedictorian or a high achiever.
  • You’re enrolled in a special degree program, such as STEM or health care.
  • You work for the school you wish to attend.
  • You were or are a part of the foster care system.
  • You’re a nontraditional student.
  • You’re of Native American heritage.
  • You have a financial hardship.

To see if you qualify, search for the phrase “tuition waiver” on your favorite schools’ websites. This should pull up a list of all the tuition waivers currently available. (For example, I found 13 waivers on the University of Washington’s website.)

3. Apply for Out-of-State Scholarships

There are several scholarships specifically for students who are attending college out-of-state. These scholarships can help you cover the costs of tuition, room and board, and other expenses.

To find out-of-state scholarships, start by checking with your college’s financial aid office. There’s a good chance the school has scholarships earmarked for nonresidents.

From there, do a scholarship search using a tool like the College Board Scholarship Search or Fastweb. You may find some private scholarships to help lower your out-of-pocket costs.

Read more: Scholarships and Grants: How To Score Free Money for College

MU30 Tip: Does your parent or guardian work in higher education at one of these Tuition Exchange member schools? If so, you can apply for a reciprocal scholarship that lets you attend hundreds of schools in the U.S., Canada, Greece, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Switzerland at a free or reduced rate!

4. Think About Becoming a Resident Assistant

If you’re planning on attending college out-of-state, one way to lower your costs is to become a resident assistant (RA). RAs typically receive free or reduced-cost housing in exchange for their duties, which can include things like leading tours and organizing social events.

So while you may not get a tuition discount, it could help you save on housing while you’re there.

To become an RA, start by talking to your college’s housing office. They should be able to tell you about any open RA positions and their requirements. You may also need to fill out an application and go through an interview process.

5. Negotiate Out-of-State Tuition With the Financial Aid Office

It’s not widely advertised, but you can technically negotiate the cost of tuition and fees with the financial aid office. In fact, doing so could save you anywhere from 5% to 15%. On a four-year degree that costs $60,000, that’s a savings of $3,000 to $9,000.

Beyond negotiating, the financial aid office is also a way to find out what types of aid are available to you as an out-of-state student.

Read more:

6. Become an In-State Resident

This tip may seem a little far-fetched, but hear me out. If you’re taking a gap year, for instance, and have time to establish residency in the state where you want to attend college, it could be worth it.

Every state has different requirements for residency, but you’ll typically need to live there for at least a year before you can apply for in-state status.

Start by researching the requirements for the state you want to move to, then get working on completing them. This could include getting a job or an apartment in the state, getting a driver’s license, and more.

7. Look for Schools With Lower Out-of-State Tuition Rates

If all else fails and there’s no way for you to get reduced out-of-state tuition, another option is to simply look for schools that charge lower rates for out-of-state students.

MU30 Tip: Want to see which colleges have the lowest tuition rates? Check out this affordability calculator from the U.S. Department of Education.

Once you have out-of-state tuition rates for different colleges, you can start to compare your options and make a decision about which school is the best fit for you.

Read more: Not Enough Financial Aid? Here are 10 Ways To Pay for College

Bottom Line

Out-of-state tuition can be costly, but there are ways to minimize costs without racking up a ton of student loan debt. Use these tips to see how much you can save.

Featured image: Alexander Lukatskiy/Shutterstock.com

Read more:

Source: moneyunder30.com

Posted in: Commercial Real Estate Tagged: 2, About, active, affordability, agreements, aid, Alabama, All, apartment, Arizona, Arkansas, average, before, best, calculator, california, chance, College, Colorado, Connecticut, cost, Debt, decision, Delaware, department of education, education, events, expenses, Family, Featured, Fees, financial aid, financial hardship, Financial Wize, FinancialWize, Florida, Free, gap, Georgia, getting a job, good, guardian, hawaii, health, Health care, higher education, Housing, How To, how to afford college, idaho, Illinois, in, indiana, interview, job, list, Live, loan, louisiana, LOWER, maine, Make, market, Maryland, Massachusetts, member, Michigan, Midwest, military, mississippi, missouri, money, montana, More, Move, nebraska, negotiate, negotiating, Nevada, new, north carolina, offer, office, or, Oregon, organizing, Other, pay for college, place, Planning, programs, rate, Rates, Research, room, save, savings, scholarships, School, schools, search, social, South, South Carolina, south dakota, states, student, student loan, student loan debt, students, Tennessee, texas, time, tips, tuition, under, united, Utah, versus, virginia, waiver, washington, Websites, will, Wisconsin, work, working

Apache is functioning normally

May 24, 2023 by Brett Tams

We’re living longer than ever before, and doing so in better health. So what can you do when you retire and want to keep your mind sharp or need to gain additional skills to stay competitive at work?

For many, the answer is to go back to school. But tuition can be prohibitively expensive.

At the same time, schools want their classrooms to be full of engaged students, regardless of age. In the interest of continuing education, many colleges and universities offer reduced or free college for seniors (typically, adults 60 and up, although the rules vary).

In fact, we found at least one option in every state.

Free (or Cheap) College for Seniors in Every State

While some institutions only allow senior students to audit classes, many offer the chance to earn credits toward a degree at a reduced — or completely waived — tuition rate.

Does your state have a senior citizen education program you can use? Find out below!

1. Alabama

The Alabama Commission on Higher Education states that Alabama seniors can attend any two-year institution within the state tuition-free.

Adults 60 and older should contact the financial aid office at any community college for admission and eligibility details.

Some Alabama schools, like Coastal Alabama Community College, offer online courses if you want to avoid in-person classes.

2. Alaska

The University of Alaska waives tuition for senior-citizen residents who receive full Social Security benefits. Seniors must wait until the first day of classes to enroll to ensure that there’s space remaining; they must also complete a tuition-waiver form.

Additional costs such as student activity, health center and lab fees are not covered; the student must pay them directly.

Online courses may be included if offered; check with the admissions office for confirmation.

3. Arizona

All 10 campuses of Maricopa Community College allow senior citizens to take classes for credit at 50% of the full tuition cost.

Students 65 and older must register between the first and second class sessions of the semester to ensure space is available. You can register for in-person, online or hybrid classes.

4. Arkansas

Arkansas waives tuition for anyone 60 and over who wants to work toward an undergraduate or graduate degree at state institutions.

Student fees may apply, and senior citizens may register only for classes with space available. If you need online courses, check with your chosen college to see what options you have.

5. California

California State University waives all tuition for state-supported classes and dramatically reduces campus fees for residents age 60 or older.

Different Cal State locations may offer online courses or in-person classes. Students who attend in-person classes must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

6. Colorado

Students age 55 and older may attend class on a space-available basis at Colorado State University. There is no tuition fee, but visitors don’t get credit for attending class. It is up to the instructor how participation and grading of assignments and tests are handled. CSU currently offers face to face, hybrid and online classes.

At the University of Colorado Denver, people 60 and older may enroll on a no-credit basis to attend up to two classes per semester as auditors when space is available. (Courses with a lab component are excluded, as are computer courses and online courses.)

7. Connecticut

Residents 62 and up may attend state colleges, including community colleges, for free on a space-available basis.

At Central Connecticut State University, for example, tuition is waived for any resident over the age of 62 who applies for full- or part-time admission for a degree-granting program. Online courses are included.

Senior students may also take noncredit courses on a space-available basis and have tuition waived. All students must still pay all other fees.

8. Delaware

The University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Delaware Technical and Community College allow all permanent state residents age 60 or older to audit or take classes for credit for free.

At the University of Delaware, students wishing to use the program must apply for admission on a space-available basis. Some graduate degrees may be eligible, as well. Residents can register for online or in-person courses.

Participants must pay all related student fees and buy their own textbooks.

9. District of Columbia

Senior citizens 65 and up may audit undergraduate courses from Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. These students pay a fee of $32 per credit, which means a three-credit course will cost $96.

To audit a course, there must be available space and the instructor of record must approve the enrollment.

A man reads a magazine with his dog in front of him outside at a table.
Getty Images

10. Florida

The Florida college system waives application, tuition and student fees for those age 60 and above, but colleges will award no credit and will grant admission on a space-available basis. Check to see whether your chosen college covers online courses as well as in-person ones.

Fun fact: Florida Atlantic University’s Lifelong Learning Society has the largest adult continuing education program in the U.S. It even has its own auditorium on campus to help serve FAU’s 30,000 new registrants each year.

11. Georgia

Georgia residents age 62 and above may take classes on a space-available basis for “little or no cost” at the state’s public colleges.

Seniors may choose to take classes for credit or continuing education, but they must apply through the regular admissions process at their school of choice. Many general education courses are offered online.

12. Hawaii

The Senior Citizen Visitor Program at the University of Hawaii and state community colleges allows senior residents age 60 and up to attend up to two courses per semester free of charge. Seniors who have been residents of Hawaii for at least one year may enroll in in-person, hybrid or online courses for no cost. It’s recommended but not required for students to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Students must demonstrate tuberculosis (TB) clearance by providing test results or a TB risk assessment form signed by a licensed U.S. health care provider.

Schools will not award credit nor will they keep permanent records of students’ class history.

13. Idaho

Programs in Idaho vary based on institution, but some schools offer good deals. The College of Southern Idaho offers free tuition for lower division courses for students aged 60 and older, in addition to other benefits. The college has online and in-person courses.

At Boise State University, Idaho residents who are at least 65 years old can audit classes on a space-available basis for free except for applicable special course fees. BSU offers online courses as well as in-person ones.

14. Illinois

Upon admission, senior citizens age 65 and up who meet income requirements can attend regular credit courses at Illinois public institutions for free. Lab, student and other fees still apply. Each institution will have guidance on registering for online or in-person classes.

15. Indiana

Indiana University offers programs that allow retired residents age 60 and older to take up to nine credit hours per semester and pay just 50% of in-state tuition fees. Courses are in person.

16. Iowa

Private institution Simpson College in Indianola allows people 65 and older to take one noncredit class for free per semester. Courses are open on a space-available basis and do not include lab courses. Online courses may be available.

17. Kansas

Tuition and fees are waived for students age 65 and older taking classes on a space-available basis. Residents must be admitted to a state-supported school to take advantage of this discount. Each school can also provide info on in-person versus online courses.

The registration process varies: The University of Kansas and Wichita State University, for example, require senior auditors to apply for admission. Online or in-person courses may be offered.

18. Kentucky

Tuition and fees are waived for students age 65 and older taking classes on a space-available basis. Residents must be admitted to a state-supported school to take advantage of this discount. Each school can also provide info on in-person versus online courses.

19. Louisiana

Students age 65 and up attending Louisiana state schools receive free tuition and 50% off books and materials at the campus student bookstore. Check with each school to see if online courses are included.

A grandfather and grandson react while reading a book on a couch.
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20. Maine

Senior citizens 65 and up may attend undergraduate classes as degree-seeking or audit students in the University of Maine System for free, subject to space availability.

Each college within the system can provide info on the types of courses covered (i.e., online, in-person, hybrid).

21. Maryland

Any student in the University of Maryland System who is retired and over the age of 60 may have tuition waived for up to three courses per semester, even for degree-granting programs. Online courses are available as well as face-to-face offerings.

Online courses are available as well as face-to-face offerings.

22. Massachusetts

Residents age 60 or older can take at least three credits per semester at any state-supported school in Massachusetts and receive free tuition.

Each location has information on what online courses are offered.

23. Michigan

Opportunities for seniors in Michigan vary by institution.

At Michigan Tech, for example, students 60 and older can have tuition waived for up to two courses per semester. Seniors must apply through the admissions office.

Western Michigan University invites seniors 62 and older to register for one class per semester tuition-free, which may include online classes.

At Wayne State University in Detroit, seniors 60 and up receive a 75% discount on tuition but must pay registration and related fees. Wayne State offers some online courses.

24. Minnesota

Minnesota waives tuition for senior citizens 62 and older, but fees and online options may vary by school. At the University of Minnesota, seniors pay a $10 fee per credit, but they can audit for free.

25. Mississippi

There’s no statewide benefit in Mississippi, but some schools have programs for seniors. 

Mississippi State University provides a waiver to residents age 60 or older for classes offered on the Starkville or Meridian campuses or by the Center for Distance Education. Seniors are limited to six semester hours per semester and a maximum of 18 credit hours per calendar year, where space is available. MSU offers online courses as well as traditional in-person ones.

The University of Mississippi’s Office of Professional Development and Lifelong Learning allows seniors 65 and older to take one class for free per semester (up to four hours) at any UM campus.

26. Missouri

Missouri residents age 65 and older are exempt from paying tuition at state-supported institutions for classes attended on a noncredit basis. Schools may limit the number of students who receive the tuition benefit based on space availability. Online classes are offered in addition to in-person ones.

27. Montana

The Montana University System offers a tuition waiver for in-state residents 65 or older. Campus and registration fees are not waived. Choose from online or in-person classes.

28. Nebraska

Chadron State College allows adults 65 and up to audit one course per semester for free. The college offers classes online and on campus.

29. Nevada

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas allows seniors 62 and up to take autumn and spring courses free of charge. They pay 50% tuition for summer classes. Lab and other course fees are not covered. Online courses may be offered.

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30. New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire offers residents 65 and older free tuition for two credit-bearing classes per academic year on a space-available basis, so long as they’re not enrolled in a degree program. Courses are offered online or in person.

31. New Jersey

Rutgers University allows retired New Jersey residents 62 and older to audit courses for free in the spring and fall semesters at its Camden, New Brunswick and Newark campuses, space permitting. Current guidelines allow senior citizens to audit in-person or online classes if they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

32. New Mexico

New Mexico offers reduced tuition of just $5 per credit hour to state residents 65 and older. Online courses are available.

For-credit classes are eligible as well as auditing; senior citizens can take no more than 10 credit hours per semester. The program is offered on a space-available basis, and students are responsible for paying any additional course fees.

33. New York

Many schools offer free or reduced tuition for senior citizens. Queens College allows residents 60 and up to audit any course on a space-available basis after completing a Senior Citizen Auditor Application and paying $80 per semester. Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations are required to enroll.

At SUNY Purchase, New York state residents 60 and older can enroll tuition-free in a maximum of two credit-bearing, on-campus courses in which space is available. They pay a $50 audit fee, $20 ID processing fee and any course fees. In-person, online and hybrid courses are available, and COVID-19 vaccinations are required for anyone coming on campus.

34. North Carolina

Tuition and registration fees are waived for residents 65 or older attending North Carolina community colleges. Senior citizens can take up to six credit hours per semester for free. Audit options may be available at other schools.

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, for example, senior citizens may audit classes for free after getting the instructor’s permission and submitting an application. Lab, studio, performance, distance education, independent study, internship and special topic courses are excluded. Online courses are available for those who prefer them.

35. North Dakota

Programs vary by institution in North Dakota. At Bismarck State, for example, senior citizens 65 and older can audit one course tuition-free per semester on a space-available basis. They’re still responsible for other course fees. Some online courses are available.

36. Ohio

Ohio residents at least 60 years old may attend class at any state college for free. Senior-citizen students do not receive credit and can register only on a space-available basis. They are still responsible for special assessments, such as lab fees, that may apply.

Many Ohio state colleges offer online courses, as well as in-person and hybrid.

37. Oklahoma

Oklahoma state colleges and universities waive tuition and fees for senior citizens 65 and older who wish to audit classes on a space-available basis.

38. Oregon

Oregon State University allows senior citizens at least 65 years old to audit classes for free at a maximum of eight credit hours per semester.

The University of Oregon also waives fees for seniors 65 and older auditing classes on a space-available basis.

Online course options may be offered depending on availability.

39. Pennsylvania

Clarion University offers a tuition waiver for residents 62 and up to audit classes. At Bloomsburg University, you need to be only 60 to take tuition-free classes on a space-available basis.

There can be additional benefits at the community college level: Bucks County Community College, for example, waives for-credit course tuition for seniors 65 and up so long as they register after students who are paying full tuition. Many courses are offered online, though some in-person and hybrid options are available.

A senior citizen walks to class.
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40. Rhode Island

Tuition waivers can be requested from citizens over 60 at the Community College of Rhode Island. Seats are granted when there is space available.

All degree-seeking senior students must fill out a FAFSA. They also have to submit a Senior Citizens Means Test to verify they have limited income.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend in-person classes. There are also online classes.

41. South Carolina

Residents 60 and above can attend classes at state schools on a credit or noncredit basis, pending space available, for free. The school must grant admission via its normal procedures.

Technology, lab and other fees are the responsibility of the student. Many South Carolina community colleges offer online courses for those interested.

42. South Dakota

Residents 65 and older can attend public universities in South Dakota at 55% of the normal cost of tuition for undergraduate or graduate in-person courses on a main university campus.

Interested adults should apply through the regular admissions system, and the school will automatically grant the discount upon admission. Student fees are not waived.

Contact your chosen university to see whether online courses are offered.

43. Tennessee

The University of Tennessee allows senior citizens to enroll in undergraduate or graduate courses for $7 per credit hour with a maximum fee of $70.

Students will still pay application and course fees. Senior citizens can choose between online courses and in-person ones.

44. Texas

A senior citizen age 65 or older can take up to six tuition-free credit hours at the University of Texas at Austin.

At the University of Texas at Dallas and Lone Star College, undergrad students 65 and older must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA to receive a tuition waiver for up to six credit hours per semester.

Check with each individual university to see which online and in-person classes are available for enrollment.

45. Utah

Utah residents age 62 and up may enroll tuition-free at a state institution, space permitting; a quarterly registration fee is required.

At the University of Utah, for example, seniors can audit most classes on a space-available basis and only have to pay a fee of $25 per semester, plus any special fees required. Call to see whether online classes are included.

46. Vermont

Vermonters over the age of 65 can audit one class per semester tuition-free on a space-available basis in the Vermont State College System. Students can take additional classes at a 50% discount of the tuition rate, either in person or online.

They’ll still have to pay administration and course fees for all classes.

47. Virginia

Under the amended terms of the Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974, Virginia residents over 60 years old who earn a taxable income of less than $23,850 annually can audit up to three courses per term for free on a space-available basis at any public institution, either in person or online.

48. Washington

Institutions in Washington are required to partially or fully waive tuition fees for residents age 60 or older who are enrolled for credit on a space-available basis. Nominal fees may apply to students auditing courses.

Some schools limit senior citizens to a certain number of classes or credits; for example, Washington State University caps the waiver at six credits for the fall and spring semesters. Online programs are available.

49. West Virginia

Senior citizens 65 and older at West Virginia University seeking college credit must use the regular admissions form. Those wishing to be non-degree students pay just $5 to apply. WVU offers classes online or in person.

50. Wisconsin

Adults 60 and up may audit classes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus or at UW-Madison Online for free, where space is available.

51. Wyoming

At Laramie County Community College, senior citizens 60 and older pay only 20% of the resident tuition rate  per credit hour, though they still need to pay any other course or online fees.

Northwest College offers adults 60 and older free tuition up to six credit hours per semester for on-site and online courses, as well as free entry to most college social, cultural and athletic events.

Another Continuing Education Option

More than 100 colleges and universities around the country offer another continuing education program for senior citizens: enrichment courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLI).

Prices vary depending upon the institution. Duke University, for example, has a $50 annual membership fee and then charges $50 to $175 per class. Senior citizens can choose to take classes online or in person.

OLLI classes don’t count toward a degree, but if you’re looking for personal development opportunities among older adults, these courses can provide opportunities that mix in the campus experience, too.

Contributor Catherine Hiles updated this post for 2023.

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Apache is functioning normally

May 24, 2023 by Brett Tams

Many people think of large national banks when they think of banking. However, regional banks can often offer a more personalized and localized banking experience. They may also have lower interest rates and fees than larger banks.

In this article, we’ll examine the best regional banks in terms of customer service, fees, and interest rates. This list is a great place to start if you’re looking for a new place to do your banking or simply want to compare your current bank to others in your area.

US regions map

Best Regional Banks in the West

Bank of the West

Bank of the West is a large regional bank based in San Francisco, with hundreds of locations nationwide. It offers standard deposit accounts, such as checking, savings, CDs, and money market accounts.

Checking accounts have varying terms and fees, some of which can be waived by signing up for paperless statements. The bank also has a low-interest Choice Interest Checking account and two savings accounts with fee waivers for maintaining a minimum balance.

First Interstate Bank

First Interstate Bank is the largest bank in Montana and 73rd in the US. Established in 1916, it has 313 locations.

Its headquarters are in Billings, but it has locations throughout the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming.

Umpqua Bank

Umpqua Bank is the largest bank in Oregon and 75th in the US. Established in 1953, it has 219 locations, headquartered in Roseburg.

It offers a unique Go-To app that allows customers to text a banker for questions or advice. The bank also offers multiple checking accounts, money market accounts and CD terms, with a low deposit requirement to open a money market or savings account.

Union Bank

Union Bank is a full-service bank based in San Francisco, with over 350 branches in California, Washington and Oregon. It offers online, mobile, and telephone banking options in addition to traditional branch banking.

Products include checking, savings, money market, CDs, credit cards, mortgages, loans, insurance and investment services.

Best Regional Banks in the Southwest

BOK Financial

BOK Financial is the largest bank in Oklahoma and 55th in the US. Established in 1910, it has 118 locations and is headquartered in Tulsa. It offers a variety of financial products, including savings, checking, money market, CDs, IRAs, credit cards, and mortgages.

First National Bank Texas

First National Bank Texas (FNBT) was founded in 1901 in Killeen, Texas. Today, it serves customers at over 300 locations across Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.

The bank offers a variety of personal banking products, including checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs, and more.

Frost Bank

Frost Bank is based in San Antonio, Texas. Established in 1868, it has 171 locations and 1,700 ATMs throughout Texas.

The serves customers in most of the state’s larger metro areas. It offers a range of products including checking and savings accounts, loans, investing, insurance and wealth management services to help customers manage and grow their money.

MidFirst Bank

MidFirst Bank is the largest privately owned bank in the US. It operates 75 branches in 3 states, with most located in Oklahoma, Arizona, and Colorado. Its headquarters is in Oklahoma City.

MidFirst provides a range of banking options, including multiple types of checking accounts, and the possibility to waive monthly service fees.

Best Regional Banks in the Midwest

Arvest Bank

Arvest Bank is a regional bank based in Bentonville, Arkansas, with over 240 branches in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. It offers checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs, and its mobile banking app is highly rated in app stores. Accounts can be opened online, but only by residents of the four states the bank serves.

BMO Harris Bank

BMO Harris is the 8th largest bank in North America by assets, headquartered in Chicago and is a subsidiary of the Bank of Montreal. It has over 500 branches in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank is based in Cincinnati, serving customers in 11 states with over 1,100 branches. It offers various checking and savings accounts, money market account and a wide range of CD terms.

The Fifth Third Momentum Checking account boasts no monthly service fee and provides fee-free access to over 50,000 ATMs across the country. The bank also has low deposit requirements and 24/7 access via its highly rated mobile app.

Huntington National Bank

Huntington National Bank is a full-service bank with over 1,100 branches in 12 states, primarily in the Midwest and Southern regions. It provides a range of products and services including banking, wealth management, and insurance.

The bank offers a free checking account, and 24-hour overdraft forgiveness which allows an extra day to make deposits to avoid overdraft and return fees, and other features.

Best Regional Banks in the Southeast

Cadence Bank

Cadence Bank, a regional giant based in Tupelo, stands tall as the largest bank in Mississippi and ranks 51st nationally. It has a network of 448 locations spread across six states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

Cadence offers a comprehensive range of financial products, from checking and savings accounts to credit cards, lines of credit, and mortgages.

First Citizens Bank

First citizens Bank, founded in North Carolina in 1898, has a rich history of providing reliable financial services. Its offerings encompass a diverse array of products, such as checking, savings, CDs, credit cards, loans, mortgages, investments, and insurance.

With 586 branches in 22 states, the bank makes banking easy and accessible. It also offers free checking and savings account options with a low minimum deposit requirement.

SouthState Bank

SouthState Bank, the largest regional bank in Florida, was founded in 1992 in Winter Haven. With a presence in six states – Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina – the bank boasts a network of over 240 branches.

SouthState offers a wide range of banking and investment services to individuals and businesses alike.

Synovus Bank

Based in Columbus, Georgia, Synovus Bank operates 309 branches in five states – Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

The bank provides a comprehensive range of financial services, including loans, deposit products, investment services, financial planning, and wealth management, empowering its customers to reach their financial goals.

Best Regional Banks in the Northeast

Fulton Bank

Fulton Bank, based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a regional bank with a presence in 5 mid-Atlantic states – Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. With over 250 branches, Fulton Bank offers an array of personal banking products, including checking, savings, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit.

M&T Bank

M&T Bank is a major regional bank headquartered in Buffalo, New York, serving customers in 13 states, with a strong presence in New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

The bank offers a wide range of financial products, including checking and savings, loans, retirement accounts, credit and debit cards, and investment services. With M&T Bank’s basic checking account, there’s no monthly fee.

Valley National Bank

Valley National Bank was established in 1927 and is headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey. It boasts 200 convenient branches across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Florida, Alabama, California, and Illinois.

The bank offers a range of checking and savings accounts, including Rewards Checking and Interest Checking.

Webster Bank

Webster Bank, based in Stamford, Connecticut, operates 177 branches across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. It offers a comprehensive range of financial products, including checking, savings, and money market accounts, CDs, and lending products.

With 5 different checking accounts to choose from, including an Opportunity Checking account for those seeking second-chance banking, Webster Bank caters to a wide range of banking needs.

Big Regional Banks with Locations in Multiple Regions

Citizens Bank

Citizens Bank is based in Providence, Rhode Island and is the 15th largest bank in the US. It operates over 1,000 branches across 11 states in New England, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions.

It offers various retail, small business and commercial banking products. The bank also has online-only savings accounts and CDs with competitive interest rates and no monthly fees.

KeyBank

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyBank operates over 1,000 full-service branches in 15 states, offering a range of banking products including personal checking, savings, money market, and CDs. The bank is committed to providing excellent customer service, with 24/7 phone support available.

Regions Bank

Regions Bank is the largest bank in Alabama, with its headquarters in Birmingham. Operating over 1,500 branches in 15 states across the South and Midwest, the bank offers 24/7 phone customer service.

In addition to traditional banking services, Regions Bank also provides convenient digital banking features, including mobile and online banking, account management, bill pay, and remote check deposit.

TD Bank

TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, New Jersey-based with a presence primarily along the East Coast in 15 states. The bank operates 1,200 branches and is the ninth-largest bank in the nation.

TD Bank offers a range of financial products including checking, savings, and money market accounts, certificates of deposits, and credit cards. Additionally, its physical locations offer extended hours to accommodate customer needs.

Truist

Truist Bank is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a presence in 17 states and the District of Columbia. With over 2,100 branches, the bank primarily serves customers in the Southern states but also has locations in Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Truist offers a range of banking products including checking, savings, money market, CDs, credit cards, and more.

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank it headquartered in Minneapolis, and it’s the fifth-largest bank by assets in the United States. Its services are primarily in the Western and Midwestern parts of the country with over 2,000 branches in 26 states.

U.S. Bank provides customers with a vast network of ATMs, including those in the MoneyPass network. They offer a comprehensive selection of products, such as deposit accounts and mortgages. Customers can choose to open accounts either in-person or through the bank’s online platform. Its mobile app is also highly rated.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Regional Bank

When it comes to selecting a regional bank, there are several important factors to keep in mind to ensure you make the right choice for your financial needs. These include:

  • Location: Ensure the bank has branches and ATMs conveniently located near your home and workplace for easy access and transactions.
  • Fees: Compare fees such as monthly maintenance fees, overdraft fees, ATM fees, and others to make sure they are reasonable and in line with other regional banks.
  • Interest rates: Evaluate interest rates and annual percentage yields (APYs) for checking and savings accounts, as well as loans, to get the best deal possible.
  • Online and mobile banking: Assess the bank’s digital offerings such as online banking and mobile app capabilities to make sure they meet your needs and are user-friendly.
  • Customer service: Look into the bank’s customer service reputation by reading reviews and asking others. Choose a bank with a strong reputation for assisting customers with their financial needs.
  • Security: Verify that the bank has robust security measures in place to protect your personal and financial information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are regional banks?

Regional banks, as per the Federal Reserve Board, are financial institutions with assets between $10 billion and $100 billion, putting them in between community banks and larger national or international banks. However, the definition may vary among different sources.

These banks serve a designated geographic region, usually within one state or a few states, and offer a variety of commercial banking services like checking accounts, savings, mortgage loans, and more.

How do regional banks differ from national banks?

National banks cater to a broad geographical area, spanning across several states and sometimes the entire country. Unlike national banks, regional banks concentrate more on meeting the requirements of their local communities. The scope of service for regional banks can greatly differ, with some serving small regions, while others offer services to larger territories.

What’s the difference between a regional bank and a community bank?

Regional banks are typically bigger and offer a wider range of services compared to community banks. They have multiple branches and ATMs across a state or region, and provide more advanced financial products.

In contrast, community banks are focused on serving the local community and are generally smaller with fewer branches and ATMs. They put a strong emphasis on personal banking services like checking and savings accounts, home loans, and consumer loans. Additionally, they have close ties to the community and often prioritize lending to small businesses and community organizations.

What are some benefits of using a regional bank?

Regional banks often provide a more personal touch and in-depth local knowledge. Additionally, they are connected to the community and offer more flexible lending options. Furthermore, their fees tend to be lower compared to bigger banks.

For those who prioritize low fees, online banks are another option to consider. These banks, also known as digital or online-only banks, have the lowest fees of all banking options, thanks to their lower overhead expenses. They pass the savings on to their customers.

Are there any downsides to using a regional bank?

Regional banks may have fewer branches and ATMs compared to big banks, which can be a disadvantage for some customers. Moreover, they may not offer as many types of accounts or financial products as large banks.

What should I look for when choosing a regional bank?

When choosing a regional bank, take into account elements like its reputation, monthly fees, and available accounts. Additionally, think about its proximity and if it provides online and mobile banking services.

Can I open an account with a regional bank if I don’t live in the region they serve?

It depends on the bank’s policies. Some regional banks may require that you live in the region they serve to open a bank account, while others may be more flexible.

How many regional banks are there in the U.S.?

Based on the Federal Reserve Board’s definition of a regional bank, of $10 billion to $100 billion in assets, there are around 120 regional banks in the U.S.

Source: crediful.com

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Apache is functioning normally

May 24, 2023 by Brett Tams

Former Pentagon official Brent Sadler reacts to President Biden bringing his climate agenda to the U.S. military on ‘The Evening Edit.’

FIRST ON FOX – State treasurers and other top finance officials from 27 states on Monday urged President Biden to end what they said was his “unconscionable” policy of forcing people with good credit scores to subsidize mortgage loans of higher-risk borrowers, and warned Biden’s plan would be a “disaster.”

Biden’s plan was outlined just a few weeks ago by the Federal Housing Agency (FHFA) and is set to take effect today. The plan is aimed at helping lower-income borrowers afford their monthly mortgage payments – it would do so by forcing people with good credit scores to pay more each month for their mortgages, extra payments that would be credited to the loans of higher-risk borrowers.

The controversial policy has been attacked by both Republicans and Democrats, including President Obama’s former Federal Housing Administrator. On Monday, financial officers from 27 states weighed in and said it was clear the policy was a mistake even before it takes effect.

SENATE GOP SLAMS ‘PERVERSE’ BIDEN RULE FORCING PEOPLE WITH GOOD CREDIT TO SUBSIDIZE HIGH-RISK MORTGAGES

President Biden

US President Joe Biden speaks about the economy and the final rule implementing the American Rescue Plans Special Financial Assistance program, protecting multiemployer pension plans, at Max S. Hayes High School in Cleveland, Ohio, July 6, 2022. (Pho ((Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

“It is already clear that this new policy will be a disaster,” they wrote in a letter led by Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity that was sent to Biden and FHFA Director Sandra Thompson. “It amounts to a middle-class tax hike that will unfairly cost American families millions upon millions of dollars. And – at a time when the real estate market has already slowed considerably due to high interest rates – it will further depress home sales.”

“We urge you to take immediate action to end this unconscionable policy,” they wrote.

The state finance officers blasted the plan for turning the normal system of home buying incentives “upside down” by hurting people who make sound financial decisions.

BIDEN RULE WILL REDISTRIBUTE HIGH-RISK LOAN COSTS TO HOMEOWNERS WITH GOOD CREDIT

Sandra Thompson

The policy was proposed by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Sandra L. Thompson, and it is set to take effect May 1, 2023. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) (Getty Images)

“[T]the policy will take money away from the people who played by the rules and did things right – including millions of hardworking, middle-class Americans who built a good credit score and saved enough to make a strong down payment,” they wrote. “Incredibly, those who make down payments of 20 percent or more on their homes will pay the highest fees – one of the most backward incentives imaginable.”

It noted that the forced extra payments will be used to hand out “better mortgage rates to people with lower credit ratings. Others have said the plan would make it easier for people with shaky credit histories to afford more expensive mortgages, a move that could put more people at financial risk.

The state officials said that while expanding homeownership is a worthy goal, the forced subsidization of risky loans isn’t the way to do it.

BIDEN RULE WILL REDISTRIBUTE HIGH-RISK LOAN COSTS TO HOMEOWNERS WITH GOOD CREDIT

President Joe Biden

Biden has promoted a series of ‘equity’ initiatives during his two years in office. ((Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) / Getty Images)

“[T]he right way to solve that problem is not to use the power of the federal government to penalize hardworking, middle-class American families by confiscating their money and using it as a handout,” they wrote. “The right way is to implement policies which will reduce inflation, cut energy costs and bring lower interest rates.”

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The letter was signed by treasurers, auditors, commissioners of revenue and other top officials from Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Source: foxbusiness.com

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