Ok reader, this is one of my best eBay secrets, but I’m in a giving mood so strap in for a history lesson. Snoopy—Charlie Brown’s beloved beagle—was a cultural symbol during the Vietnam War. People back home, as well as some servicemen, used him as a WWI fighter pilot to criticize our involvement in Vietnam. (Snoopy fighting the Red Baron was seen as a more just war.) But, some servicemen used him as a symbol of the war effort.
Either way, the result is there are a bunch of Snoopy-engraved Zippo lighters floating around in the world. Some are crude—think Snoopy with a thought bubble that just says “Sex.” Some are sweet—think Snoopy with a thought bubble that has the name of a serviceman’s wife. Some are sad—think Snoopy saying “I wanna go home.” They are all incredibly fucking cool and relatively well priced for vintage ephemera.
Some people think it’s morbid to own one of these, but history is full of contradictions. Scour eBay, ask your grandfather, or go to a local antique market. One of those three will probably have a vintage Snoopy Zippo.
It seems the cruise lines are all trying to outdo each other by seeing who can build the biggest ship with the most bells and whistles. However, bigger is not always better. Some ports can’t fit the mega ships or accommodate the large number of passengers they bring with them. Other times, the cruise is all about the itinerary and not the ship.
That’s the case with the Celebrity Millennium, the namesake of Celebrity Cruises‘ Millennium class of ships which also includes the Infinity, the Constellation, and the Summit.
All four ships are on the smaller side when compared to Celebrity’s Solstice and Edge class ships, and they don’t have all of the latest and greatest amenities, but they’re very adequate, especially for port-intensive itineraries in Asia.
Celebrity Millennium overview
The Millennium is an older ship, with its maiden voyage taking place on July 1, 2000. However, in 2019 it received an extensive upgrade as part of Celebrity’s fleet-wide modernization effort, which cost the cruise line more than $500 million. The Millennium currently has a guest capacity of 2,218 with 11 guest decks.
The ship’s home port is in Tokyo, and it has spent the past few seasons sailing itineraries around Asia, notably taking passengers to various ports of call in Japan. It will remain there at least through the 2025-2026 season.
Unlike some cruise ships, the Millennium spends a lot of time in port, visiting up to eight ports on a 12-night itinerary. This means the ship is more often a place to eat and sleep when you’re not out exploring, instead of a destination itself — the onboard entertainment options are just an extra bonus.
Millennium accommodations
There are a total of 1,109 staterooms on the Millennium, and 58% of them feature a veranda. There are 10 different room types from which to choose — they range from luxurious suites to concierge-level rooms to basic interior staterooms.
The photo below shows a veranda stateroom on Deck 6, with 170-square feet of space and a 38-square foot balcony. The large bed can also be separated into two twin beds if needed. In addition to the area pictured, the room also features a refrigerator, drawers, a closet and a safe.
The veranda room also comes with a small desk area near the sliding glass balcony door. The desk features several outlets for charging your electronics: two American-style outlets, two USB-A ports and one European-style outlet. There are additional outlets near the bed.
A small bathroom features a walk-in shower along with a toilet and vanity.
The balcony was set up with two chairs and a small table, and included dividers on each side for privacy from the neighbors.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Bring a small clock with you if you’re sailing on the Millennium. There isn’t one in the room, and it’s nice to know what time it is without having to pull out your phone.
Millennium cabin types
In addition to the veranda stateroom described above, the Millennium has several other room types:
Inside cabins and ocean view staterooms: These rooms provide 170-square feet of space and either no windows or a porthole window with ocean view, but no balcony.
Concierge Class staterooms: Concierge class rooms come with a veranda and are slightly larger at 209-square feet. These rooms have a dedicated concierge and provide passengers with access to exclusive events.
Aqua Class staterooms: For those interested in a wellness-focus, these rooms come with a veranda, premium bathroom amenities, complimentary fitness classes, access to the Persian Gardens thermal suite and complimentary dining at Blu, a “clean cuisine” restaurant solely for Aqua Class passengers.
The Retreat: This exclusive section on the ship is reserved for four different types of suites. The cabins are larger — two penthouse suites clock in at 1,432-square feet each — and guests have access to a private lounge and sundeck as well as a dedicated restaurant, Luminae. In addition to the two penthouse suites, there are 48 smaller suites on offer.
Dining on the Celebrity Millennium
The Celebrity Millennium is a bit of a throwback to the days where the main dining room was the main attraction, with the Metropolitan dining room taking center stage. However, there are several other dining options on board, ranging from a buffet to specialty restaurants that cost extra.
Metropolitan dining room
The Metropolitan dining room is the main dining venue on Decks 4 and 5. The lower deck offers anytime seating where guests can come and go when they want. The seating on Deck 5 is divided into early and late seating, where passengers show up for meals at a set time.
Parts of the restaurant are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the dinner menu changes nightly. Dining in the main dining room is included in the cruise fare.
The Oceanview Café
The Oceanview Café is the buffet on Deck 10 that has a variety of food stations to choose from.
The Oceanview is open for all meals and for late-night pizza. The offerings change daily for lunch and dinner, while the breakfast menu stays pretty much the same.
The Oceanview is also where many special events happen, like special Christmas and New Year’s buffets.
Other free dining venues
Other free dining venues on the Millennium include:
Café al Bacio on Deck 5 has coffee drinks, both boozy and traditional, as well as a case with breakfast pastries in the mornings and desserts all day.
Spa Café on Deck 10 in the Solarium has healthy dishes for free and a juice/smoothie bar (which you have to pay for unless you have a premium or non-alcoholic drink package).
The Mast Grill is near the outdoor pool and has grilled hamburgers, veggie burgers, turkey burgers and hot dogs. It’s also the place to get great French fries that are perfect to eat while getting some sun near the pool.
Restaurants for Aqua Class and Retreat passengers
There are also two restaurants that are exclusively for those staying in certain cabin types.
Luminae on Deck 4 is for guests staying in suites in The Retreat. It is always open for breakfast and dinner and serves lunch on days at sea.
Blu is on Deck 5 and is for guests staying in AquaClass cabins. It is open for breakfast and dinner.
Specialty dining restaurants
The Celebrity Millennium also has four specialty dining venues that either have a prix fixe menu or a la carte fare:
Le Petit Chef at Qsine combines food, entertainment and 3D mapping to create a unique dinner show experience.
The Tuscan Grille is a combination of an Italian restaurant and a steakhouse.
Sushi on Five is exactly what it says it is, a sushi restaurant on Deck 5.
The Gelateria is also on Deck 5 and serves gelato charged by the scoop.
🤓Nerdy Tip
If you want to dine at all of the specialty dining restaurants, a specialty dining package can save you some money instead of paying each cover charge separately.
Bars and lounges
As with any cruise, there’s no shortage of places to partake in a cocktail or enjoy a glass of wine. Drinks and lounges are available on each deck, and you can carry drinks from place to place.
The Sky Lounge is located on Deck 11 and features great ocean views as well as music and dancing after dark.
Cellar Masters is on Deck 5 near the Metropolitan Restaurant. Wine is the specialty here and they serve vintages that are not available at other bars.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Make sure you understand the pricing limits if you have a drink package. The classic drink package includes most items up to $10. The Premium package includes items up to $17. If you order something that costs more than your package limit, you will have to pay the difference.
At the Martini Bar and Crush on Deck 4, bartenders put on a show for guests while constructing complicated drinks, all atop an ice-covered bar.
The Rendezvous Lounge is on Deck 4 near the lower level of the Metropolitan Restaurant. It’s a great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or after-dinner dancing.
The Sunset Bar is also the outside seating area for the Oceanview Café on Deck 10. It’s a great place to watch the wake when the ship is sailing or catch some live music in the evenings.
Public areas
The Celebrity Millennium is one of the line’s smaller ships. There is a main atrium area that runs through Decks 3, 4 and 5.
If you need to visit guest services or the shore excursion desk, both are in this central area on Deck 3.
The Theater spans Decks 4 and 5. During most cruises, there are several shows featuring singers, dancers and aerialists as well as other shows with musicians and comedians.
The Casino is on Deck 4. It is closed while in port, but open when at sea. There are plenty of slot machines, roulette wheels, blackjack tables and more.
Pools and outdoor venues
The Celebrity Millennium has two main pools. One is outdoors and for all ages. The other, dubbed The Solarium, is indoors and for adults only. Both are on Deck 10.
The main pool has chairs situated around its perimeter. Some are in the sun while others are under cover. There are also several hot tubs passengers can use here. A dual-purpose jogging and walking track circles the pool up on Deck 11.
The Solarium is near the front of the ship and features a relaxing waterfall. The Spa Café is nearby, as well as the entrance to the spa itself.
Sports decks
A multipurpose sports court is located on Deck 12. At times, it’s used as a basketball court, while other times it is for pickleball.
There are also nearby cabanas for taking a break between games.
The Rooftop Terrace
Above the Sunset Bar on Deck 12 is the Rooftop Terrace, a space with cabanas, comfortable chairs and an outdoor movie screen.
Shopping
Shopping is not a big focus on a smaller ship like the Celebrity Millennium, but there are a few shops on Deck 5. You can find necessities like toiletries, as well as indulgent items like jewelry.
Celebrity Millennium recapped
The Celebrity Millennium may not be the newest or biggest cruise ship, but it’s an adequate vessel for port intensive itineraries like Asia, where it will be sailing at least through the 2025-2026 season.
If you’d like to sail on the Millennium, itineraries range from 11 to 14 nights and may include stops in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Top photo by Tiffani Sherman.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
The VA home loan: Unbeatable benefits for veterans
For many who qualify, VA home loans are some of the best mortgages available.
Verify your VA loan eligibility. Start here
Backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans are designed to help active-duty military personnel, veterans and certain other groups become homeowners at an affordable cost.
The VA loan asks for no down payment, requires no mortgage insurance, and has lenient rules about qualifying, among many other advantages.
Here’s everything you need to know about qualifying for and using a VA loan.
In this article (Skip to…)
Top 10 VA loan benefits
1. No down payment on a VA loan
Most home loan programs require you to make at least a small down payment to buy a home. The VA home loan is an exception.
Verify your VA loan eligibility. Start here
Rather than paying 5%, 10%, 20% or more of the home’s purchase price upfront in cash, with a VA loan you can finance up to 100% of the purchase price.
The VA loan is a true no-money-down home mortgage opportunity.
2. No mortgage insurance for VA loans
Typically, lenders require you to pay for mortgage insurance if you make a down payment that’s less than 20%.
This insurance — which is known as private mortgage insurance (PMI) for a conventional loan and a mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for an FHA loan — would protect the lender if you defaulted on your loan.
VA loans require neither a down payment nor mortgage insurance. That makes a VA-backed mortgage very affordable upfront and over time.
3. VA loans have a government guarantee
There’s a reason why the VA loan comes with such favorable terms.
The federal government guarantees these loans — meaning a portion of the loan amount will be repaid to the lender even if you’re unable to make monthly payments for whatever reason.
This guarantee encourages and enables private lenders to offer VA loans with exceptionally attractive terms.
4. You can shop for the best VA loan rates
VA loans are neither originated nor funded by the VA. They are not direct loans from the government. Furthermore, mortgage rates for VA loans are not set by the VA itself.
Instead, VA loans are offered by U.S. banks, savings-and-loans institutions, credit unions, and mortgage lenders — each of which sets its own VA loan rates and fees.
This means you can shop around and compare loan offers and still choose the VA loan that works best for your budget.
5. VA loans don’t allow a prepayment penalty
A VA loan won’t restrict your right to sell the property partway through your loan term.
There’s no prepayment penalty or early-exit fee no matter within what time frame you decide to sell your home.
Furthermore, there are no restrictions regarding a refinance of your VA loan.
You can refinance your existing VA loan into another VA loan via the agency’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) program, or switch into a non-VA loan at any time.
6. VA mortgages come in many varieties
A VA loan can have a fixed rate or an adjustable rate. In addition, you can use a VA loan to buy a house, condo, new-built home, manufactured home, duplex, or other types of properties.
Or, it can be used for refinancing your existing mortgage, making repairs or improvements to your home, or making your home more energy-efficient.
The choice is yours. A VA-approved lender can help you decide.
Verify your VA loan eligibility. Start here
7. It’s easier to qualify for VA loans
Like all mortgage types, VA loans require specific documentation, an acceptable credit history, and sufficient income to make your monthly payments.
But, compared to other loan programs, VA loan guidelines tend to be more flexible. This is made possible because of the VA loan guarantee.
The Department of Veterans Affairs genuinely wants to make the loan process easier for military members, veterans, and qualifying military spouses to buy or refinance a home.
8. VA loan closing costs are lower
The VA limits the closing costs lenders can charge to VA loan applicants. This is another way that a VA loan can be more affordable than other types of loans.
Money saved on closing costs can be used for furniture, moving costs, home improvements, or anything else.
9. The VA offers funding fee flexibility
VA loans require a “funding fee,” an upfront cost based on your loan amount, your type of eligible service, your down payment size, and other factors.
Funding fees don’t need to be paid in cash, though. The VA allows the fee to be financed with the loan, so nothing is due at closing.
And, not all VA borrowers will pay it. VA funding fees are normally waived for veterans who receive VA disability compensation and for unmarried surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or as a result of a service-connected disability.
10. VA loans are assumable
Most VA loans are “assumable,” which means you can transfer your VA loan to a future home buyer if that person is also VA-eligible.
Assumable loans can be a huge benefit when you sell your home — especially in a rising mortgage rate environment.
If your home loan has today’s low rate and market rates rise in the future, the assumption features of your VA become even more valuable.
VA loan rates
The VA loan is viewed as one of the lowest-risk mortgage types available on the market.
Verify your VA loan eligibility. Start here
This safety allows banks to lend to veteran borrowers at lower interest rates.
Today’s VA loan rates*
Loan Type
Current Mortgage Rate
VA 30-year FRM
% (% APR)
Conventional 30-year FRM
% (% APR)
VA 15-year FRM
% (% APR)
Conventional 15-year FRM
% (% APR)
*Current rates provided daily by partners of the Mortgage Reports. See our loan assumptions here.
VA rates are more than 25 basis points (0.25%) lower than conventional rates on average, according to data collected by mortgage software company Ellie Mae.
Most loan programs require higher down payment and credit scores than the VA home loan. In the open market, a VA loan should carry a higher rate due to more lenient lending guidelines and higher perceived risk.
Yet the result of the Veterans Affairs efforts to keep veterans in their homes means lower risk for banks and lower borrowing costs for eligible veterans.
VA mortgage calculator
Eligibility
Am I eligible for a VA home loan?
Contrary to popular belief, VA loans are available not only to veterans, but also to other classes of military members.
Find and lock a low VA loan rate today. Start here
The list of eligible VA borrowers includes:
Active-duty service members
Members of the National Guard
Reservists
Surviving spouses of veterans
Cadets at the U.S. Military, Air Force or Coast Guard Academy
Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy
Officers at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.
A minimum term of service is typically required.
Minimum service required for a VA mortgage
VA home loans are available to active-duty service members, veterans (unless dishonorably discharged), and in some cases, surviving family members.
To be eligible, you need to meet one of these service requirements:
You’ve served 181 days of active duty during peacetime
You’ve served 90 days of active duty during wartime
You’ve served six years in the Reserves or National Guard
Your spouse was killed in the line of duty and you have not remarried
Your eligibility for the VA home loan program never expires.
Veterans who earned their VA entitlement long ago are still using their benefit to buy homes.
The VA loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
What is a COE?
In order to show a mortgage company you are VA-eligible, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Your lender can acquire one for you online, usually in a matter of seconds.
Verify your VA home loan eligibility. Start here
How to get your COE (Certificate of Eligibility)
Getting a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is very easy in most cases. Simply have your lender order the COE through the VA’s automated system. Any VA-approved lender can do this.
Alternatively, you can order your certificate yourself through the VA benefits portal.
If the online system is unable to issue your COE, you’ll need to provide your DD-214 form to your lender or the VA.
Does a COE mean you are guaranteed a VA loan?
No, having a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) doesn’t guarantee a VA loan approval.
Your COE shows the lender you’re eligible for a VA loan, but no one is guaranteed VA loan approval.
You must still qualify for the loan based on VA mortgage guidelines. The guarantee part of the VA loan refers to the VA’s promise to the lender of repayment if the borrower defaults.
Qualifying for a VA mortgage
VA loan eligibility vs. qualification
Being eligible for VA home loan benefits based on your military status or affiliation doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll qualify for a VA loan.
You still have to qualify for a VA mortgage based on your credit, debt, and income.
Verify your VA loan eligibility. Start here
Minimum credit score for a VA loan
The VA has established no minimum credit score for a VA mortgage.
However, many VA mortgage lenders require minimum FICO scores of 620 or higher — so apply with many lenders if your credit score might be an issue.
Even VA lenders that allow lower credit scores don’t accept subprime credit.
VA underwriting guidelines state that applicants must have paid their obligations on time for at least the most recent 12 months to be considered satisfactory credit risks.
In addition, the VA usually requires a two-year waiting period following a Chapter 7 bankruptcy or foreclosure before it will insure a loan.
Borrowers in Chapter 13 must have made at least 12 on-time payments and secure the approval of the bankruptcy court.
Verify your VA loan home buying eligibility. Start here
VA loan debt-to-income ratios
The relationship of your debts and your income is called your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI.
VA underwriters divide your monthly debts (car payments, credit cards, and other accounts, plus your proposed housing expense) by your gross (before-tax) income to come up with your debt-to-income ratio.
For instance:
If your gross income is $4,000 per month
And your total monthly debt is $1,500 (including the new mortgage, property taxes and homeowners insurance, plus other debt payments)
Then your DTI is 37.5% (1500/4000=0.375)
A DTI over 41% means the lender has to apply additional formulas to see if you qualify under residual income guidelines.
VA residual income rules
VA underwriters perform additional calculations that can affect your mortgage approval.
Factoring in your estimated monthly utilities, your estimated taxes on income, and the area of the country in which you live, the VA arrives at a figure which represents your “true” costs of living.
It then subtracts that figure from your income to find your residual income (e.g. your money “left over” each month).
Think of the residual income calculation as a real-world simulation of your living expenses.
It is the VA’s best effort to ensure that military families have a stress-free homeownership experience.
Here is an example of how residual income works, assuming a family of four which is purchasing a 2,000 square-foot home on a $5,000 monthly income.
Future house payment, plus other debt payments: $2,500
Monthly estimated income taxes: $1,000
Monthly estimated utilities at $0.14 per square foot: $280
This leaves a residual income calculation of $1,220.
Now, compare that residual income to for a family of four:
Northeast Region: $1,025
Midwest Region: $1,003
South Region: $1,003
West Region: $1,117
The borrower in our example exceeds VA’s residual income standards in all parts of the country.
Therefore, despite the borrower’s debt-to-income ratio of 50%, the borrower could get approved for a VA loan.
Verify your VA loan eligibility. Start here
Qualifying for a VA loan with part-time income
You can qualify for this type of financing even if you have a part-time job or multiple jobs.
You must show a 2-year history of making consistent part-time income, and stability in the number of hours worked. The lender will make sure any income received appears stable. See our complete guide to getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed or work part-time.
VA funding fees and loan limits
About the VA funding fee
The VA charges an upfront fee to defray the costs of the program and make it sustainable for the future.
Veterans pay a lump sum that varies depending on the loan purpose and down payment amount.
The fee is normally wrapped into the loan. It does not add to the cash needed to close the loan.
Find out if you qualify for a VA loan. Start here
VA home purchase funding fees
Type of Military Service
Down Payment
Fee for First-Time Use
Fee for Subsequent Use
Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard
None
2.3%
3.6%
5% or more
1.65%
1.65%
10% or more
1.4%
1.4%
VA cash-out refinance funding fees
Type of Military Service
Fee for First-Time Use
Fee for Subsequent Uses
Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard
2.3%
3.6%
VA streamline refinances (IRRRL) & assumptions
Type of Military Service
Fee for First-Time Use
Fee for Subsequent Uses
Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard
0.5%
0.5%
Manufactured home loans not permanently affixed
Type of Military Service
Fee for First-Time Use
Fee for Subsequent Uses
Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard
1.0%
1.0%
VA loan limits in 2024
VA loan limits have been repealed, thanks to the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.
There is no maximum amount for which a home buyer can receive a VA loan, at least as far as the VA is concerned.
However, private lenders may set their own limits. So check with your lender if you are looking for a VA loan above local conforming loan limits.
Verify your VA loan eligibility. Start here
Eligible property types
Houses you can buy with a VA loan
VA mortgages are flexible about what types of property you can and can’t purchase. A VA loan can be used to buy a:
Detached house
Condo
New-built home
Manufactured home
Duplex, triplex or four-unit property
Find out if you qualify for a VA loan. Start here
You can also use a VA mortgage to refinance an existing loan for any of those types of properties.
VA loans and second homes
Federal regulations limit loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to “primary residences” only.
However, “primary residence” is defined as the home in which you live “most of the year.”
Therefore, if you own an out-of-state residence in which you live for more than six months of the year, this other home, whether it’s your vacation home or retirement property, becomes your official “primary residence.”
For this reason, VA loans are popular among aging military borrowers.
Buying a multi-unit home with a VA loan
VA loans allow you to buy a duplex, triplex, or four-plex with 100% financing. You must live in one of the units.
Buying a home with more than one unit can be challenging.
Mortgage lenders consider these properties riskier to finance than traditional, single-family residences, so you’ll need to be a stronger borrower.
VA underwriters must make sure you will have enough emergency savings, or cash reserves, after closing on your house. That’s to ensure you’ll have money to pay your mortgage even if a tenant fails to pay rent or moves out.
The minimum cash reserves needed after closing is six months of mortgage payments (covering principal, interest, taxes, and insurance – PITI).
Your lender will also want to know about previous landlord experience you’ve had, or any experience with property maintenance or renting.
If you don’t have any, you may be able to sidestep that issue by hiring a property management company. But that’s up to the individual lender.
Your lender will look at the income (or potential income) of the rental units, using either existing rental agreements or an appraiser’s opinion of what the units should fetch.
They’ll usually take 75% of that amount to offset your mortgage payment when calculating your monthly expenses.
VA loans and rental properties
You cannot use a VA loan to buy a rental property. You can, however, use a VA loan to refinance an existing rental home you once occupied as a primary home.
For home purchases, in order to obtain a VA loan, you must certify that you intend to occupy the home as your principal residence.
If the property is a duplex, triplex, or four-unit apartment building, you must occupy one of the units yourself. Then you can rent out the other units.
The exception to this rule is the VA’s Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL).
This loan, also known as the VA Streamline Refinance, can be used for refinancing an existing VA loan on a home where you currently live or where you used to live, but no longer do.
Check your VA IRRRL eligibility. Start here
Buying a condo with a VA loan
The VA maintains a list of approved condo projects within which you may purchase a unit with a VA loan.
At VA’s website, you can search for the thousands of approved condominium complexes across the U.S.
If you are VA-eligible and in the market for a condo, make sure the unit you’re interested in is approved.
As a buyer, you are probably not able to get the complex VA-approved. That’s up to the management company or homeowner’s association.
If a condo you like is not approved, you must use other financing like an FHA or conventional loan or find another property.
Note that the condo must meet FHA or conventional guidelines if you want to use those types of financing.
Veteran mortgage relief with the VA loan
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, provides home retention assistance. The VA intervenes when a veteran is having trouble making home loan payments.
The VA works with loan servicers to offer loan options to the veteran, other than foreclosure.
Find out if you qualify for a VA loan. Start here
In fiscal year 2019, the VA made over 400,000 contact actions to reach borrowers and loan servicers. The intent was to work out a mutually agreeable repayment option for both parties.
More than 100,000 veteran homeowners avoided foreclosure in 2019 alone thanks to this effort.
The initiative has saved the taxpayer an estimated $2.6 billion. More importantly, vast numbers of veterans and military families got another chance at homeownership.
When NOT to use a VA loan
If you have good credit and 20% down
A primary advantage to VA home loans is the lack of mortgage insurance.
However, the VA guarantee does not come free of charge. Borrowers pay an upfront funding fee, which they usually choose to add to their loan amount.
The fee ranges from 1.4% to 3.6%, depending on the down payment percentage and whether the home buyer has previously used his or her VA mortgage eligibility. The most common fee is 2.3%.
Find out if you qualify for a VA loan. Start here
On a $200,000 purchase, a 2.3% fee equals $4,600.
However, buyers who choose a conventional mortgage and put 20% down get to avoid mortgage insurance and the upfront fee. For these military home buyers, the VA funding fee might be an unnecessary expense.
The exception: Mortgage applicants whose credit rating or income meets VA guidelines but not those of conventional mortgages may still opt for VA.
If you’re on the “CAIVRS” list
To qualify for a VA loan, you must prove you have made good on previous government-backed debts and that you have paid taxes.
The Credit Alert Verification Reporting System, or “CAIVRS,” is a database of consumers who have defaulted on government obligations. These individuals are not eligible for the VA home loan program.
If you have a non-veteran co-borrower
Veterans often apply to buy a home with a non-veteran who is not their spouse.
This is okay. However, it might not be their best choice.
As the veteran, your income must cover your half of the loan payment. The non-veteran’s income cannot be used to compensate for the veteran’s insufficient income.
Plus, when a non-veteran owns half the loan, the VA guarantees only half that amount. The lender will require a 12.5% down payment for the non-guaranteed portion.
The Conventional 97 mortgage, on the other hand, allows down payments as low as 3%.
Another low-down-payment mortgage option is the FHA home loan, for which 3.5% down is acceptable.
The USDA home loan also requires zero down payment and offers similar rates to VA loans. However, the property must be within USDA-eligible areas.
If you plan to borrow with a non-veteran, one of these loan types might be your better choice.
Explore your mortgage options. Start here
If you apply with a credit-challenged spouse
In states with community property laws, VA lenders must consider the credit rating and financial obligations of your spouse. This rule applies even if he or she will not be on the home’s title or even on the mortgage.
Such states are as follows.
Arizona
California
Idaho
Louisiana
Nevada
New Mexico
Texas
Washington
Wisconsin
A spouse with less-than-perfect credit or who owes alimony, child support, or other maintenance can make your VA approval more challenging.
Apply for a conventional loan if you qualify for the mortgage by yourself. The spouse’s financial history and status need not be considered if he or she is not on the loan application.
Verify your VA loan home buying eligibility. Start here
If you want to buy a vacation home or investment property
The purpose of VA financing is to help veterans and active-duty service members buy and live in their own home. This loan is not meant to build real estate portfolios.
These loans are for primary residences only, so if you want a ski cabin or rental, you’ll have to get a conventional loan.
If you want to purchase a high-end home
Starting January 2020, there are no limits to the size of mortgage a lender can approve.
However, lenders may establish their own limits for VA loans, so check with your lender before applying for a large VA loan.
Spouses and the VA mortgage program
What spouses are eligible for a VA loan?
What if the service member passes away before he or she uses the benefit? Eligibility passes to an unremarried spouse, in many cases.
Find and lock a low VA loan rate today. Start here
For the surviving spouse to be eligible, the deceased service member must have:
Died in the line of duty
Passed away as a result of a service-connected disability
Been missing in action, or a prisoner of war, for at least 90 days
Been a totally disabled veteran for at least 10 years prior to death, and died from any cause
Also eligible are remarried spouses who married after the age of 57, on or after December 16, 2003.
In these cases, the surviving spouse can use VA loan eligibility to buy a home with zero down payment, just as the veteran would have.
VA loan benefits for surviving spouses
Surviving spouses have an additional VA loan benefit, however. They are exempt from the VA funding fee. As a result, their loan balance and monthly payment will be lower.
Surviving spouses are also eligible for a VA streamline refinance when they meet the following guidelines.
The surviving spouse was married to the veteran at the time of death
The surviving spouse was on the original VA loan
VA streamline refinancing is typically not available when the deceased veteran was the only applicant on the original VA loan, even if he or she got married after buying the home.
In this case, the surviving spouse would need to qualify for a non-VA refinance, or a VA cash-out loan.
A cash-out mortgage through VA requires the military spouse to meet home purchase eligibility requirements.
If this is the case, the surviving spouse can tap into the home’s equity to raise cash for any purpose, or even pay off an FHA or conventional loan to eliminate mortgage insurance.
Qualifying if you receive (or pay) child support or alimony
Buying a home after a divorce is no easy task.
If, prior to your divorce, you lived in a two-income household, you now have less spending power and a reduced monthly income for purposes of your VA home loan application.
With less income, it can be harder to meet both the VA Home Loan Guaranty’s debt-to-income (DTI) guidelines and the VA residual income requirement for your area.
Receiving alimony or child support can counteract a loss of income.
Mortgage lenders will not require you to provide information about your divorce agreement’s alimony or child support terms, but if you’re willing to disclose, it can count toward qualifying for a home loan.
Different VA-approved lenders will treat alimony and child support income differently.
Typically, you will be asked to provide a copy of your divorce settlement or other court paperwork to support the alimony and child support payments.
Lenders will then want to see that the payments are stable, reliable, and likely to continue for another 36 months, at least.
You may also be asked to show proof that alimony and child support payments have been made in the past reliably, so that the lender may use the income as part of your VA loan application.
If you are the payor of alimony and child support payments, your debt-to-income ratio can be harmed.
Not only might you be losing the second income of your dual-income households, but you’re making additional payments that count against your outflows.
VA mortgage lenders make careful calculations with respect to such payments.
You can still get approved for a VA loan while making such payments — it’s just more difficult to show sufficient monthly income.
VA loan assumption
What is VA loan assumption?
One benefit for home buyers is that VA loans are assumable. When you assume a mortgage loan, you take over the current homeowner’s monthly payment.
Verify your VA loan home buying eligibility. Start here
That could be a big advantage if mortgage rates have risen since the original owner purchased the home. The buyer would be able to acquire a low-rate, affordable loan — and it could make it easier for the seller to find a willing buyer in a tough market.
VA loan assumption savings
Buying a home via an assumable mortgage loan is even more appealing when interest rates are on the rise.
For example:
Say a seller-financed $200,000 for their home in 2013 at an interest rate of 3.25% on a 30-year fixed loan
Using this scenario, their principal and interest payment would be $898 per month
Let’s assume current 30-year fixed rates averaged 4.10%
If you financed $200,000 at 4.10% for a 30-year loan term, your monthly principal and interest payment would be $966 per month
Additionally, because the seller has already paid four years into the loan term, they’ve already paid nearly $25,000 in interest on the loan.
By assuming the loan, you would save $34,560 over the 30-year loan due to the difference in interest rates. You would also save roughly $25,000 thanks to the interest already paid by the sellers.
That comes out to a total savings of almost $60,000!
How to assume (take on) a VA loan
There are currently two ways to assume a VA loan.
The new buyer is a qualified veteran who “substitutes” his or her VA eligibility for the eligibility of the seller
The new home buyer qualifies through VA standards for the mortgage payment. This is the safest method for the seller as it allows the loan to be assumed knowing that the new buyer is responsible for the loan, and the seller is no longer responsible for the loan
The lender and/or the VA needs to approve a loan assumption.
Loans serviced by a lender with automatic authority may process assumptions without sending them to a VA Regional Loan Center.
For lenders without automatic authority, the loan must be sent to the appropriate VA Regional Loan Center for approval. This loan process will typically take several weeks.
When VA loans are assumed, it’s the servicer’s responsibility to make sure the homeowner who assumes the property meets both VA and lender requirements.
VA loan assumption requirements
For a VA mortgage assumption to take place, the following conditions must be met:
The existing loan must be current. If not, any past due amounts must be paid at or before closing
The buyer must qualify based on VA credit and income standards
The buyer must assume all mortgage obligations, including repayment to the VA if the loan goes into default
The original owner or new owner must pay a funding fee of 0.5% of the existing principal loan balance
A processing fee must be paid in advance, including a reasonable estimate for the cost of the credit report
Find out if you qualify for a VA loan. Start here
Finding assumable VA loans
There are several ways for home buyers to find an assumable VA loan.
Believe it or not, print media is still alive and well. Some home sellers advertise their assumable home for sale in the newspaper, or in a local real estate publication.
There are a number of online resources for finding assumable mortgage loans.
Websites like TakeList.com and Zumption.com give homeowners a way to showcase their properties to home buyers looking to assume a loan.
With the help of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), real estate agents remain a great resource for home buyers.
This applies to home buyers specifically searching for assumable VA loans as well.
How do I apply for a VA loan?
You can easily and quickly have a lender pull your certificate of eligibility (COE) to make sure you’re able to get a VA loan.
Most mortgage lenders offer VA home loans. So you’re free to shop and compare rates with just about any company that catches your eye.
Getting a VA loan for your new home is similar in many ways to securing any other purchase loan. Once you find an ideal home in your price range, you make a purchase offer, and then undergo VA appraisal and underwriting.
VA appraisal ensures that the home meets its minimum property requirements (MPRs) and is structurally sound and safe for occupancy.
What’s more, VA-specific mortgage lenders are actually some of the highest-rated (and lowest-priced) on the market. Here are a few we’d recommend checking out.
Time to make a move? Let us find the right mortgage for you
BeanDaikon is a Vietnam-based small biz that was founded by Nhan, a mother of two who learned how to make macrame starting in 2020. The company’s boho-inspired designs include wall hangings, shelves, nursery decor, and other accessories.
Promising reviews: “This is the best thing ever! Being able to store our fruit in a very aesthetic way where you see everything is great! No more moldy fruit sitting at the bottom of the fruit bowl.” —Dohie
“Super cute! I got this as a gift for my friend’s RV. It’s so perfect for small kitchens. Keeps things tidy. Thanks so much to the seller, she was very communicative.” —Jenni
Get it from BeanDaikon on Etsy for $17.22+ (originally $24.60+; available in 25 colors).
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is a collective of high-end properties that meet high standards for service and style. There are more than 500 boutique hotels in 90 countries that make the grade.
SLH will not become one of the many Hilton Honors brands, but the strategic partnership between the two unlocks the door to significantly more luxury properties than are currently in the Hilton portfolio.
For now, the details of using Hilton elite status benefits and credit card perks at SLH properties are still being ironed out, but Hilton members will soon be able to earn and redeem points at the participating luxury hotels.
What happens to the World of Hyatt partnership?
As Hilton Honors ramps up its partnership, World of Hyatt will end its connection with SLH. This comes on the heels of Hyatt’s new acquisition of travel club platform Mr. & Mrs. Smith, which gives World of Hyatt members plenty of opportunity to earn and redeem points at more than 1,500 luxury properties. Hilton will have an exclusive partnership with SLH.
9 Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties to look forward to booking with Hilton points
To book these new hotel options, Hilton Honors members can use any of Hilton’s traditional reservations channels to book a stay at participating SLH hotels. This includes earning and redeeming points, which multiply when you use a Hilton Honors co-branded credit card.
Hilton Honors is also a transfer partner of AmEx Membership Rewards. No matter which credit card you use, these are some of the exciting SLH options that may participate in the Hilton Honors partnership.
1. The Principal Hotel, Madrid
Along the famous Gran Via, this hotel is close to popular shopping, theaters, nightlife, dining and tourist attractions like the Prado and Retiro Park.
Be sure to visit the one of the rooftop restaurants and bar for cocktails and tapas before heading out to a night on the town.
2. Inverlochy Castle, Scotland
Want to sleep in a castle? Hilton Honors points could be your chance. The 19th century Inverlochy Castle is in the Scottish Highlands where guests can slumber like royalty.
Other activities include fishing, hiking, mountain biking, golf and even a ride on the Hogwarts Express train of Harry Potter fame.
3. Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Hugging the Adriatic Sea, this year-round hotel provides excellent views of the city’s famous Old Town (which was used for filming King’s Landing in “Game of Thrones”) and the popular island of Lokrum across the bay.
Instead of a traditional sandy beach, guests have a stone-lined deck from which they can take a dip in the water or lay back in the sun. There is a heated indoor pool and spa when the weather is not ideal for sitting by the sea.
4. Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen
Facing Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, this hotel looks like part of a fairytale. Not only is there a convenient rooftop pool and sun deck available for guests, but anyone that stays here enjoys free access to Tivoli Gardens when it is open.
5. Hemingways Nairobi
Hemingways Nairobi is a solid option for visitors either before or after a safari trip because of its location near Nairobi National Park. It has its own gardens offering tranquility from the city of Nairobi, one of East Africa’s bustling downtowns.
An outdoor swimming pool, massive guest rooms and plenty of green space are all less than 30 minutes from the city-center Wilson Airport, where many safari flights depart.
6. The Anam Mui Ne, Vietnam
Along the East Sea, this resort is similar to a Hawaiian getaway with beautiful sea views and two sparkling swimming pools.
The Vietnamese restaurant serves traditional regional recipes from around the country, and don’t miss the evening sundowner music and dance performances.
7. Viceroy Bali
This small, family-owned resort five minutes from Ubud is surrounded by rice fields and lush foliage ideal for guests looking for a wellness vacation, especially one focused on meditation and self-improvement.
Its 40 private villas offer oversized infinity pools, and local experiences include everything from a walk through the rice paddies to Balinese dance lessons and temple offerings.
8. Keswick Hall, Charlottesville, Virginia
This luxury resort overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Virginia countryside boasts renovated interiors, a new spa and a Jean-Georges’ restaurant.
History buffs will appreciate its proximity to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
9. The Roundtree, Amagansett
In the Hamptons on Long Island, this boutique hotel provides respite from the bustle of New York City and puts visitors within reach of the Atlantic Ocean.
A beach buggy takes guests to the shore during the summer, but back at the property, there is a lot to do, too. This includes popcorn and s’mores by the fire pit, afternoon tea and cookies, biking around the area, golf, baking classes and wine tastings.
The accommodations are made up of rooms, suites and private cottages.
The Hilton Honors and SLH exclusive partnership recapped
Hilton Honors members have another option for earning and redeeming points now that there is an exclusive partnership between Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World. As long as you make a reservation through a Hilton channel, SLH hotels now offer Hilton Honors members access to more than 500 boutique hotels around the world.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
We’re all aware that there are vast differences in what’s considered normal around the world, and most of us have even noticed that there are differences in normal between families, small towns, different schools, etc. But have you ever found yourself in the midst of your own country or even your family and wondered How is that just normal? Well, we’re with you. Whether it’s something as seemingly inconsequential as a particular gesture, or more dramatic such as customs surrounding celebrations, it’s pretty common to feel like the odd one out a some point. So stick with us; we’re examining some of the things people find normal that we just can’t get used to.
1. Spitting Loogies
One user shared, “Spitting, especially loogies. I literally almost throw up when I see someone doing it.”
Ok, we’re with you on that one. We know everybody has their own preferences and we’re not here to stop you, but spitting really just baffles us.
2. Holding a Bag of Dog Waste
One Redditor user said, “On colder days when my dad walks the dog, he’ll sometimes hold the dog [waste] bag in his hands to warm his hands.”
Another user commented, “This is deeply disturbing.”
Fortunately, it seems only that commenter’s dad thinks this is normal. Frankly, we’ve never heard of anyone else doing this and we don’t plan to make it any more widespread than it already is. That’s just uncomfortable and gross.
3. Writing With Chalk
“Perhaps not gross, but I am repulsed by holding chalk and writing on a chalkboard. The touch, the feel, the sound, everything,” posted by one Redditor.
Another user shared, “We just got new dishes a couple of months back and the bottom is the raw clay feeling. That terrible gritty sandpaper-like texture. I can hardly use the plates without shivering and getting weirded out.”
There are a lot of odd textures out there, and while they don’t bother a lot of people, when they do bother you it’s almost impossible to forget about.
4. Parents Monetizing Kids on YouTube
One user pointed out, “People monetizing their kids on YouTube.”
Another user replied, “This should be a top comment.”
To be fair, that’s definitely a gray area. But we definitely feel a lot of sympathy for those kids, having to grow up in the spotlight, and sometimes in really vulnerable and uncomfortable ways. We’ll say this much for sure: people’s kids should never have to be publicly uncomfortable just to help their parents make a buck. Providing for the family is the job of an adult, and kids aren’t responsible to help with expenses by performing.
5 When Someone Else Washes My Dishes
One user stated, “When someone else ‘washes’ my dishes for me and I drink from a ‘clean’ glass, and it smells of rotting food and I look at my sponge and it’s covered in food because someone thought that smearing food around my dishes with a sponge somehow made them clean you’re all fired I never want to see you again.”
Sanitation is no joke when you’re washing the dishes. Sponges are great, but you’ve got to keep them clean in order to really clean the dishes you’re washing. And if you’re washing dishes in somebody else’s home to show them you care, go the extra mile and make sure you wash the dishes they way that they like them washed.
6. Wearing Big Engagement Rings Without Cleaning Them
“Wearing those big-a- engagement rings and never properly cleaning them. Especially in a hospital, nobody should be wearing anything below the elbow for good hand hygiene. I can’t imagine how many germs live between all those diamonds that are now spreading to my patients. Just take it all off, leave them at home!” one online user stated.
Another user confirmed and replied, “Omg, so many patients just leave their rings on for years, and then the stones are filled with lotion, dead skin, and grease.”
Besides the important sanitary concerns, did you know your ring will sparkle so much more if you clean it regularly? Most jewelers will offer free cleanings for any rings or jewelry you’ve purchased through them, and otherwise the price is very low, often as cheap as five dollars to get your whole ring polished and looking good as new again.
7 the Sound of Chewing
One user posted, “The sound of people chewing,”
Another user responded, “Ugh, eating with mouth open …”
Honestly, that’s just good manners. There’s definitely an etiquette to chewing. If you’re alone in the privacy of your own home, then be considerate of anyone else around you while you’re eating.
8. Children With Snotty Faces
“Children with food on their face. And snot,” one user shared.
Another user stated, “As a parent, we find it gross too. We’re just tired of cleaning it 900 times a day.”
9. When Clothes Smell Musty
One Redditor posted, “Maybe not ‘normal’ but I am repulsed by the smell created by clothing not correctly drying. The scent is on clothing that sat in the washer machine too long. Or dish towels and bathroom towels that dried without being spread out. I smell it on people from down the aisle in stores. And don’t get me started on drying my hands in someone’s bathroom and finding out the smell is lingering on my hands now.”
Granted, some people have this harder for others. For example, the southwest United States is much less humid than other parts of the country, and that makes drying clothes and towels much faster and easier. In other locations, it’s more challenging to get clothes and linens completely dry and it takes some effort not to smell musty.
10. Constantly Spitting
One user said, “Spitting. I feel physically ill when I witness someone hawking and spitting in public or see spit sitting on the pavement.”
Another user added, “My friend is always doing this. I’m less disgusted than I am confused. I’ve never felt the need to spit spontaneously, lol.”
While we’re here, could somebody tell us why they spit all the time? Is there a good reason for this? From the outside it seems like a pretty unnecessary habit, so please enlighten us.
11. Licking Fingers to Turn a Page
“Licking their fingers to turn a page. Turns my stomach!” one Redditor shared.
Another user added, “Or counting money. F- filthy.”
Ok, fair enough.. If you need to lick your fingers for any reason, please wash your hands afterwards. Keep the germs from spreading and be considerate of others.
12. Not Washing Hands Before a Meal
One Commenter mentioned, “Not washing hands before a meal. You have been in filth, and you are going to touch your food with those hands? Yuk.”
Another replied, “Also, not washing your hands when cooking food. I can’t understand how people just start cooking food for other people without doing it.”
13. Not Rinsing the Soap Suds off Dishes
One user added, “Washing dishes in a tub of soapy water and not rinsing off the soap suds. Or not scrubbing the outsides of pots and pans as well. Makes me want to vomit. I’d rather not taste stale soap and bacteria in my cup of tea or food, thanks. I can always tell as well.“
Soap always leaves a residue, and yea, most of us can taste it. It’s such a strong flavor and it adds an unpleasant taste to anything you eat or drink from that dish. It seems Washing dishes is more of an art than maybe we first thought.
14. Coughing Without Covering
“Spitting, coughing without covering your mouth. I have multiple sclerosis. Get sick really easily,” one user added.
Another user agreed, “I work in a hospital. I still wear a mask the entire work day. I’ve been asked “why” over & over, told that I don’t have to do that anymore, so-called a sheep, & various other comments. My job is directly in patient’s bubbles. The mask does prevent being a direct hit from bodily fluids, helps with the unpleasant outdoors, & hides my facial expressions from exposure to those things.”
Ok, that’s a pretty fair assessment. If you’re working with people’s bodies and fluids, it only makes sense to be as protected as you can.
15. Not Washing Your Hands After Going to the Bathroom
A user commented, “Not washing your hands after going to the bathroom. Nasty.”
Another user shared, “I would hope everyone finds this nasty …”
What can we say; there’s a reason stores and restaurants have signs reminding employees to wash their hands. It’s both less common than we could wish, and much more gross than some people seem to think.
16. Employers Paying New Hires More Than Current Employees
One user stated, “Employers paying new hires more than tenured employees. Having drastically different pay rates for people with similar credentials doing the same job.”
Another user added, “Not entirely the same, but my first job was at a McDonald’s. I was making, I think, like, 5.45 an hour? One of my friends at the time got hired on at 6/hr. I approached the manager about it, and he said, ‘It was a mistake, but I can’t increase your pay or decrease theirs. Also, who told you about it?’ He made clear in his tone he intended to punish the person that told me, and I didn’t say s-.”
17 Wearing Sneakers Without Socks
“Wearing sneakers without socks. Ugh! The sweat stinks,” one user shared.
Another user replied, “Agreed. But Most of the time you see that; they’re probably just wearing no-shows.”
We agree with both commenters; most of the time people are wearing no-show socks. And if they’re not wearing socks at all, that’s about to smell terrible. Even shoes you’ve only worn with socks tend to smell terrible after a while. But if you really have make that fashion choice, rest assured there are plenty of stinky-shoe remedies online to rescue you.
18. Childbirth
One Redditor stated, “Childbirth. We’re all here because of it, and it’s currently my day job to catch a baby or two per day, but [holy cow] is it like watching a woman’s [body] go through Vietnam each time.”
One user added, “Time for a game of ‘child-snatcher or midwife?’”
It’s true that watching childbirth can be an uncomfortable process, but birth is truly a normal part of life. Like the commenter said, without birth none of us would be here, so we have our mothers to thank for going through all that struggle for us.
19. Kissing Pets on the Mouth
“Kissing pets in their mouth,” shared one user.
Another user posted, “What everyone’s dad didn’t say, ‘I just saw that dog eating s- outside,’ every time this happens … “
No offense to the pet parents out there, but there’s definitely a lot of germs not only in cats’ and dogs’ mouths, but in human mouths. And transferring that many germs between humans and animals has never been a great idea. We get that it’s normal and a lot of people connect with their pets and show affection that way, but maybe consider some other manner of pet cuddling than kissing them.
20. Smacking Gum
Another commenter shared, “Smacking gum. I hate it. And loud chewing/swallowing noises.”
Chewing gum seems to be one of those things people either love or hate; there’s no middle ground. But we totally understand how it can be annoying for those who are highly sensitive, especially to noise.
What do you think of the list shared above? Share your thoughts with us down in the comments!
Source: Reddit.
10 Actors Perfectly Cast for Their Character Roles
Have you ever watched a movie or show and been completely lost in it because of how well an actor or actress became their character? Check out this article for a whole list of actors who were perfectly cast!
11 Vampire Movies That Will Make You Thirst for More
You know that feeling where you’re on a movie kick in a certain genre, but you seem to run out of good movies to watch? Well, if you’re down for a vampire movie or three, check out this article for the best ones out there!
10 Incredible Movies That People Rated 10 Out of 10
It’s pretty hard to replicate the experience of watching your favorite movie for the first time, but we’ve put together a list of movies that people have rated at a perfect 10/10. Next time you need a good movie to watch, check this out!
10 Famous People Who Canceled Themselves With Their Own Stupidity
We’ve all been there: you make a comment you haven’t thought through at all, and the whole room goes silent at what you’ve just said. But can you imagine doing that as a famous person—and getting canceled? Check out this list of celebrities who did just that!
13 Things You Shouldn’t Do When You’re in the US
Are you planning a trip to the US? Culture varies a lot between countries, even countries that share borders. So if you’re headed to the good old U. S. of A, here are a few pointers to make your travels go more smoothly!
The surge in inflation may have slowed, but the cost of everyday items is still high enough to put a strain on your travel budget. If winter already has you dreaming of a luxury beach vacation, it’s worth finding a destination where the U.S. dollar delivers more bang for your buck. Fortunately, there are several options around the world where five-star accommodations are surprisingly affordable, even without using travel rewards.
Travel search engines Skyscanner and Kayak both analyzed data on their platforms to rank the cities where you can book the cheapest five-star hotels. How cheap are we talking? All of the cities in this combined list feature five-star hotels for less than $200 per night.
Skyscanner looked at the average price per night for a five-star hotel room booked on its portal from January through June 2023. Kayak looked at average prices based on searches conducted across all its portfolio domains from July 2022 through June 2023 for travel from November 2022 through October 2023.
Here are the top five cities to consider for your next luxury getaway.
1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The Malaysian capital topped Skyscanner’s list at $102 a night for five-star accommodation and came in second on Kayak’s list at $175 a night. Five-star hotels in the city include chains such as Hyatt and Hilton, as well as high-end properties such as the St. Regis and Banyan Tree.
Known for its delicious cuisine, cultural attractions, street food markets, shopping, nightlife, skyscrapers and theme parks, Kuala Lumpur offers a mix of luxury and budget-friendly activities for all travelers.
2. Hoi An, Vietnam
This ancient port city on Vietnam’s central coast offers five-star luxury for $117 per night, according to Skyscanner data. Boutique luxury hotels include Little Riverside, Anantara and Amina Lantana.
Because of its trading history, Hoi An has a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese and European influences. At this offbeat Vietnam destination, you can enjoy everything from beautiful architecture in the Old Town neighborhood to seventh-century temples, farm-fresh cuisine, lush countryside and pristine beaches.
3. Tirana, Albania
The Albanian capital comes in third on Skyscanner’s list, with five-star accommodations available for $140 per night. Although not as popular as its European neighbor Greece, Albania is slowly opening up to more tourism.
Tirana, the largest city, is a haven for art and history lovers, featuring a bustling town square, an underground Cold War bunker converted into an art museum, mosques, palaces and fortresses.
Although it has a few big hotel chains, including a Marriott and a Radisson, most of Tirana’s five-star hotels are lesser-known, such as the Xheko Imperial and Mak Albania.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
It’s no surprise that Thailand is a popular destination for travelers looking for both luxury and affordability. At $146 per night according to Skyscanner data, Chiang Mai boasts a large collection of five-star properties.
Marriott, InterContinental and Shangri-La are a few of the big hotel chains with locations in the northern Thai city. High-end boutique hotels include Chala Number 6, Cross Chiang Mai Riverside and Villa Mahabhirom.
The mountainous city of Chiang Mai offers a different landscape from Thailand’s famous beach destinations. Attractions include the country’s highest peak at Doi Inthanon National Park, Buddhist temples, botanical gardens and traditional villages against a backdrop of rice fields.
5. Hammamet, Tunisia
Kayak’s top affordable five-star destination is Hammamet, a beach town in the African country of Tunisia. A luxury stay here will set you back $151 a night, according to Skyscanner data.
Sheraton and Radisson Blu are two of the only chain hotels in this town. Luxury properties include The Sindbad, Medina Solaria & Thalasso, La Badira and Les Orangers.
Located about 40 miles from the capital of Tunis, Hammamet’s namesake beach features sparkling blue waters suitable for snorkeling and diving. History lovers can soak in cultural attractions from the ancient medina, a maze of alleyways bustling with shops and Islamic architecture, to fortresses and mosques. There’s even something for amusement park enthusiasts: Carthageland, a theme park inspired by the Carthage empire.
Other cities where you can find affordable luxury
Here are the other destinations that made it into Kayak’s top five:
Bogotá, Colombia: $192 per night.
Colombo, Sri Lanka: $210 per night.
Side, Turkey: $212 per night.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Are you downsizing, moving or doing a major decor change in your home but don’t know what to do with your old furniture? Well, you’re in luck because many local nonprofit organizations make moving easy by offering free furniture donation pick up.
Donating furniture to your favorite charities is a chance to get rid of extra furniture and household items for free while giving back to your community. Here is how to get started in the process.
Where to donate furniture
When looking for furniture donation pickup, there can be so many options it’s hard to know where to start. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered with our detailed list summarizing nonprofit organizations, who your donation will help, items they accept and how to schedule your pickup.
The best part is that every organization in our guide is completely free of charge for their furniture removal services and your donations go to a great cause.
1. Salvation Army
When people start thinking about donating furniture, The Salvation Army is usually one of the first places to come to mind. The Salvation Army is an international organization that operates in over 7,000 U.S. towns and cities and assists 23 million Americans annually.
Their services help provide disaster aid, support the LGBTQ+ community, fight food insecurity, combat addiction, assist those living in poverty and more. With the number of people Salvation Army helps each year, you can feel confident that you are doing good by donating to this organization.
Who your donation helps: Your items are either brought directly to those in need or sold at one of their Salvation Army stores. The proceeds from their stores are used to fund their Adult Rehabilitation Centers that provide housing, food, counseling, community and employment for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol dependency.
Items they accept: The Salvation Army will accept furniture, vehicles, clothing, household items, electronics, mattresses, books, exercise equipment and more.
How to schedule a pick-up: You can schedule an appointment for furniture pickup at The Salvation Army website or call 1-800-SA-TRUCK. Salvation Army pick-up hours can vary depending on your location, but they are typically 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They make the transition even easier by allowing you to leave items outside your home for them to pick up without you even needing to be home.
2. Goodwill
Goodwill is an organization that supports communities through job training and employment services. They also provide support services, language training, education assistance, access to transportation and child care to help people in their communities achieve success.
In 2020, Goodwill served nearly 22 million individuals worldwide and provided career support to 126,000 people. Items brought to one of Goodwill’s stores are sold at a discounted price and the money raised goes to their various programs and initiatives.
Who your donation helps: Donation funds go to their job training or community-based programs. Some of their community-based programs include classes for people with disabilities, senior resources and helping convicts reclaim their lives after prison.
Items they accept: Goodwill accepts furniture, toys, electronics, clothing, media items, electronics, vehicles, exercise equipment, dishware and tools. Something to note is that Goodwill will accept boats, cars, campers and RVs even if they aren’t in working condition.
How to schedule a pick-up: Goodwill stores provide a donation center to give easy drop-off access for donations you’re able to bring in yourself. Most stores also offer a free pick-up service for larger furniture items, making it perfect for those who are downsizing. You can schedule your free Goodwill pickup online on their website locator, but keep in mind that store hours will vary based on their location.
3. Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit that provides safe and affordable housing to families in need. Their initiative also assists older adults to improve their homes, puts efforts towards neighborhood revitalization projects, provides shelter during natural disasters and teaches classes focused on financial education. This organization has been in operation since 1976 and works in all 50 U.S. states as well as 70 countries.
Who your donation helps: Habitat for Humanity sells donated furniture, building supplies and appliances at their resale store called ReStores. Proceeds from sales go to home restoring and building projects for families in need of affordable housing.
Items they accept: Habitat for Humanity will accept furniture, building materials, appliances, vehicles and farm equipment.
How to schedule a pick-up: To schedule a free furniture donation pick up with Habitat for Humanity, visit their website and enter your ZIP code to see which stores are near you. Next, you can contact your closest store directly to schedule your appointment.
4. Green Drop
GreenDrop is a program on the East Coast that raises funds for popular charities by picking up used furniture, clothes and appliances to sell at thrift stores. Their proceeds go back to charities that help those in need. Some of the charities they support include the American Red Cross, Military Order of the Purple Heart and the National Federation of the Blind.
Who your donation helps: In 2018, GreenDrop raised $3.1 million for the charitable organizations listed above.
Items they accept: GreenDrop accepts various items, including furniture under 50 pounds, clothing, household items, electronics, tools and toys.
How to schedule a pick-up: Start by packing up all of your belongings in plastic boxes or bins. Next, decide if you want to make an in-person donation or if you can schedule a furniture pick-up online. After they receive a donation, they’ll provide you with a tax receipt.
5. The Arc
The Arc is the largest organization devoted to helping individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It provides a wide variety of services, supports and advocacy for people with disabilities and their families. The organization has over 700 chapters and one of their key sources of fundraising comes from their thrift stores, which they stock with donated goods.
Who your donation helps: Their services vary based on each chapter and the unique needs of their community. Once your donation sells, it goes towards public policy advocacy, vocational programs, residential assistance, education services, financial planning and recreational activities for people with disabilities.
Items they accept: The Arc accepts furniture, clothing, electronics, toys, vehicles, books, decorations, kitchen items and more, depending on the chapter.
How to schedule a pick-up: You can also schedule via phone by calling The Arc at 1-800-283-2721. Another option is to head to their website to find your local chapter and schedule your pick-up.
6. AMVETS
AMVETS is an organization that represents the interests of 20 million veterans across the United States. This group helps veterans obtain their entitled benefits. They also work to improve the quality of life for veterans, their families and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services.
Who your donation helps: AMVETS supports U.S. veterans, those who have been honorably discharged and active duty servicemen and women. They will sell your furniture in one of their thrift stores to raise money for their cause.
Items they accept: AMVETS accepts small furniture, clothing, toys, bedding, games, bikes, electronics, lamps, curtains, exercise equipment and kitchenware. AMVET requires donations to be 5-years old or less but is also open to accepting other items that are not on their list.
How to schedule a pick-up: Send an email through the AMVET site or call to schedule a furniture donation pick-up between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. It’s important to check with this organization ahead of time to see if their services are available near you. AMVETS has branches across the United States, but only has free furniture pick up available in certain states.
7. Donation Town
This site is perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed trying to find charities that provide furniture pickup in their community. Donation Town works with local charities all over the country to help put individuals in touch with nonprofits that will provide this service for free. Simply enter your ZIP code and they’ll give you a list of charities to choose from.
Who your donation helps: Your donation will help the charity of your choice. They currently have over 400 charities of all sizes in their directory and are adding more all the time.
Items they accept: Items they accept depend on each charity’s guidelines.
How to schedule a pick-up: Visit Donation Town’s website to plan your pick-up with your selected charity.
8. Furniture Banks
If you donate your items to Furniture Banks, then you’ll be playing an important part in helping vulnerable families get back on their feet. The furniture donation pick up organization encourages people to donate gently used furniture and transfer the items to those struggling financially to furnish their own homes. Furniture Banks operates in 36 states, so check their website to see if they are in your area.
Who your donation helps: The families served by this organization include the previously homeless, unemployed, victims of crime, battered women and children in retreat, immigrants, individuals with disabilities and victims of natural disasters.
Items they accept: Furniture Banks accepts good condition furniture of all sizes. They also provide a towing service to pick up cars and recreational vehicles.
How to schedule a pick-up: To schedule a pick-up with this organization simply schedule an appointment on the Furniture Banks website.
9. Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
The Vietnam Veterans of America are working to change negative beliefs towards Vietnam veterans and provides individual assistance in a variety of ways. This includes creating outreach programs for veterans experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, incarceration and more. The VVA furniture removal program operates through a program called Pickup Please.
Who your donation helps: The Vietnam Veterans of America promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans and work to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.
Items they accept: The Pickup Please program accepts small furniture items, sports equipment, toys, kitchenware, electronics and lightly used household goods. Pick Up Please says that they will pick up “almost anything” in good condition, but the piece of furniture must be light enough for one person to carry.
How to schedule a pick-up: VVA operates in most states and they make it super easy to schedule a donation pickup online. You can also get to VVA by way of their Pick Up Please site.
10. Out of the Closet thrift stores
The Out of the Closet thrift stores chain is owned and operated by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). This organization provides medical, preventive and educational resources for patients. AHF is the nation’s largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare, research, prevention and education provider. The proceeds from Out of the Closet thrift stores directly benefit the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
Who your donation helps: Donations and financial contributions to this organization fund AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s HIV/AIDS programs, free HIV testing and housing programs.
Items they accept: Out of the Closet Thrift Stores accept furniture, kitchenware, electronics, musical instruments, tools, books, vehicles, artwork and home decor.
How to schedule a pick-up: You can schedule your pickup by filling out your address and items in a form on their website. Something to note is that you must have at least two furniture items for them to complete a free pick-up. You can also deliver any pieces of furniture to their local stores.
11. PickUpMyDonation.com
PickUpMyDonation.com is an organization that works with independent non-profit thrift stores in their communities. They’re focused on making large item donations simple by getting your furniture request to a local charity in minutes. Although they are not a charity themselves, they put you in touch with smaller charitable chapters that support the area you live in.
Who your donation helps: Your donation will support the charitable cause of the thrift store you are put in contact with.
Items they accept: PickUpMyDonation.com accepts large furniture, large appliances, vehicles, tools, recyclable materials, outdoor recreation items and artwork.
How to schedule a pick-up: To schedule a pick-up, visit pickupmydonation.com to make a furniture removal request and fill out a form describing the items you want to donate. Next, they’ll put you in contact with the closest thrift store, and if they’re interested in your furniture, they will schedule a furniture removal pickup.
Tips for furniture donation pick up
Donating your furniture is a great way to get rid of furniture you don’t use anymore while also helping your community. Follow these tips for a seamless furniture pickup experience.
Schedule your donation pick-up in advance: Many charities’ free donation pickup spots fill up quickly, so it’s important not to wait until the last minute to make an appointment. Schedule as far in advance as possible to ensure you get the date and time that works for you.
Research different organizations: Instead of just picking the first charity on the list, make sure to do some research to make sure their values and methods align with your own. All of the charities listed do great things for their communities, but each has its own way of making an impact.
Prepare your furniture: Each charity will have individual guidelines for how they want your furniture packaged and prepared for pickup. Leave furniture uncovered to be inspected but make sure it is cleaned and houseware is boxed correctly.
Write off your furniture donation: Did you know you can write off your furniture donation on your taxes? Simply ask the charity picking up your furniture for a tax receipt or paperwork to file and you’ll be saving money this upcoming tax season.
Coordinate with neighbors: While many nonprofits allow you to simply leave furniture outside your home for them to retrieve, others might require you to be there. If this is the case, then it’s best to coordinate with a neighbor or friend to stop by when they’re scheduled to arrive.
If you follow these tips, you should have an easy transition and donation pickup day. Also, make sure to always check to see if the organization of your choice has any additional requirements.
Declutter with furniture donation pick up services
Finding a new apartment has never been easier with Rent.’s finder tool. Start your move off on the right foot by using a free furniture removal service to declutter your place and take care of any worries prior to moving into your new home.
Alex Heinz is a writer with experience in a variety of industries from tech to lifestyle. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, TechCo and PopSugar. She’s lived in a handful of large cities including New York and San Diego, giving her first-hand knowledge of the ins and outs of renting. In her spare time, you can find her exploring new hikes with her dog.
The GI Bill offers numerous benefits for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families however it does not offer its own home loan program.
But military borrowers have access to the VA home loan program through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a mortgage program designed to help make homeownership more accessible.
The VA home loan program offers significant benefits, particularly when compared to other home loan programs, including:
No down payment requirement
No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
Competitive interest rates
Flexible qualifying requirements
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Is there a GI home loan program?
While there is technically no home loan program including the GI Bill benefits, military home buyers who qualify for the GI Bill also likely qualify for the VA home loan program, which offers mortgages to eligible veterans, service members and their families.
Benefits of a VA home loan
A VA loan’s most significant benefit is that it requires zero down payment. Where other programs might require anywhere from 3 to 20 percent of the loan amount upfront, a VA loan will have no down payment at all, which can represent immediate savings.
Other VA loan benefits include:
Competitively low interest rates
No private mortgage insurance
Flexible qualifying requirements
Capped closing costs
Loans are assumable
No loan limits
Can be used multiple times
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VA loan eligibility & requirements 2024
VA service eligibility requirements
VA loans are intended for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families (including surviving spouses).
That means, there are service requirements that borrowers must meet to qualify.
Generally, eligible borrowers will have one or more of the following:
90 consecutive days of active service during wartime
181 days of active service during peacetime
6 years of service in the National Guard or Reserves
A spouse who died in the line of duty or due to a service-connected disability or injury
Servicemen will demonstrate their qualifying military background with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), a document that indicates the specifics of their military service and the total amount of their entitlement.
Borrowers can request a COE directly from the VA, or a VA lender can help you request it.
VA financial eligibility
The VA doesn’t set qualifying financial thresholds for its borrowers. These requirements will be set by the individual private lender issuing the VA loan. That means the minimums required to qualify will vary somewhat from lender to lender, and military borrowers may even be in a position to shop around if they are having difficulty qualifying.
That said, VA borrowers can generally expect to need a score of 640 or greater and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 41 percent or less.
VA loan property requirements
In addition to qualifying requirements for the borrower, the VA sets requirements for the property that is being purchased with a VA loan. This is intended to ensure that the VA program is being used to get military borrowers into homes that are suitable primary residences — both safe and structurally sound.
The VA lender will order a VA appraisal — not to be confused with a home inspection — which will ensure the home meets the VA’s livability standards. Learn more about the VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) here.
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Types of VA home loans
VA loans can be used to purchase or refinance a house. The types of loans available through the VA program include:
VA Purchase Loans: These can be used to purchase a primary residence, including a multi-unit property of up to four units, a VA-approved condo or townhouse, or a manufactured home.
VA Streamline Refinance: Also sometimes known as a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL), these refinance loans are intended to help existing VA homeowners quickly and affordably lower their interest rate or improve their loan terms.
Native American Direct Loans: These VA loans are specifically for veterans of Native American descent and can be used to buy, build, renovate, or refinance properties on federal trust lands.
VA Cash-out Refinance Loans: These VA loans allow homeowners to convert their home equity into cash by replacing an existing home loan with a larger one and giving the borrower a lump sum of cash. VA cash-out refinance can be one option for converting a non-VA home loan to a VA loan.
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What is the VA funding fee?
The VA funding fee is a percentage of the loan amount paid at closing. This money enables the VA home loan program to be self-sustaining and for the Department of Veterans Affairs to guarantee future VA loans.
The amount of the funding fee is variable and typically costs between 0.5 and 3.3 percent of the loan amount. The exact amount is determined by the nature of the borrower’s military service, the size of the down payment, the type of loan, and the number of times the borrower has used the VA loan program.
While the VA funding fee can be a significant upfront cost, it is a cost that is generally offset by the other savings that the VA loan program offers.
Finally, the VA funding fee can be financed into the overall loan amount and paid over time.
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GI loan FAQ
How much is a typical GI home loan?
While there is no GI home loan, the VA home loan program has no limits. That means borrowers with full entitlement can get a loan amount for as much as they like — provided they can qualify for it financially with a mortgage lender.
What are the benefits of a VA home loan?
The VA home loan is a product intended to help veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and even some of their family members, to purchase a home.How much house can I afford as a veteran? The amount of house that a borrower can afford with a VA home loan will depend on their budget, the interest rate they qualify for, and the size of down payment they can afford to make.
What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a document that indicates the details of someone’s service with the armed forces and the amount of VA entitlement that is available to them. Lenders use the COE to confirm a borrower meets the VA service requirements.
Can I get a COE as the spouse of a veteran?
In some cases, a spouse may be able to get a COE, such as when the service member is missing in action, a prisoner of war, or has died in the line of service or from a service-related injury/disability.
Can I get a COE for a VA direct or VA-backed home?
COEs are required for all VA loans, including Native American Direct loans, or VA-based purchase or refinance loans.
How much is the funding fee?
The VA funding fee is typically between 0.5 and 3.3 percent of the total loan amount, depending on whether the borrower is purchasing or refinancing, whether or not they are a first-time borrower, how many times they have used the VA loan program, the size of their down payment, and the nature of their military service.
Are World War II vets eligible for the VA home loan program?
Yes, WWII veterans are eligible for the VA home loan program. Service members with 90 days of consecutive active service during wartime, including in Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq, are eligible for the VA loan program.
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Military home loans: The bottom line
While the GI Bill doesn’t offer a home loan benefit, the VA home loan program is a wonderful resource for service members looking to purchase or refinance a home.
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Home loan borrowers relying upon family; potential coffee shortage; stocks for increased domestic gas supply & listing trends for stocks in the classifieds space.
-Banks spurned as home loan borrowers increasingly turn to family -Potential (withdrawal) headache for coffee drinkers? -Stocks leveraged to increasing domestic supply of gas -Morgans reviews listing trends for stocks in the classifieds space
By Mark Woodruff
Banks spurned as home borrowers increasingly turn to family
The decision to buy a home is becoming increasingly dependent on accessing assistance from one’s own (wealthy) family, suggests Jarden, splitting home ownership along class lines.
Monetary assistance is material and takes the form of a (weighted average) family gift/loan of around $70,000, or 9% of median dwelling value, according to a November survey of 282 mortgage brokers by Jarden (in conjunction with Agile Market Intelligence/Broker Pulse).
The survey results support Jarden’s view that the types of buyers driving the housing market have shifted increasingly towards higher income/wealth buyers who have more cash and are less constrained by borrowing capacity.
Average monetary assistance in New South Wales is $92,000, consistent with higher dwelling prices in that state, and just $34,000 in Western Australia, observe the analysts.
Perth’s more affordable housing market is highlighted by only 9.5% of borrowers receiving family assistance, according to the broker’s survey, compared to around 15% across the other major states.
Over the last 12 months, Jarden believes the ‘bank of mum and dad’ in Australia has contributed more than $2.7bn in financial support (or 1% of new lending flows), which poses questions around potential impacts on banks from this increasing trend.
According to combined data from Corelogic and the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the ratio of home loans to housing sales has fallen to a record low of 70%, consistent with borrowers having more cash and larger deposits, highlights Jarden.
Additionally, the broker points out APRA data show the share of higher loan-to-value ratio (LVR) lending (of more than 80%) has fallen to less than 30% from more than 40%.
On the one hand, larger deposits and lower turnover increase the risk of subdued credit growth for the banks. On the other hand, the analysts note the recent trend has supported home prices and allowed new lending/credit growth to stabilise at higher levels than originally feared.
Potential (withdrawal) headache for coffee drinkers?
In a looming first world crisis for up-market latte drinkers, market dynamics suggest potential for a shortage of coffee, at least of the best quality.
We may gather from this distinction all coffee is not equal. Indeed, Central American countries, including Colombia, lead the way in producing the “best” coffee, according to XTB MENA.
Market analyst Milad Azar at XTB, explains Brazil is the world’s largest producer of arabica coffee, which is used primarily in espresso machines, while the country only ranks second for robusta-type coffee, used largely to produce instant coffee.
Most robusta is grown in Asia, mainly in Vietnam and Indonesia.
Mr Azar provides some recent context for the coffee market, one of the most active commodity markets in the world, right after oil.
Back in October, coffee prices rebounded after long-term declines, due to both declining stocks and potential El Nino impacts, which could expose coffee crops to lower yields, according to Mr Azar.
XTB expects a further rally in price by the end of 2023, given the combination of the usual seasonality in the coffee market, and now, speculators have significantly reduced the number of short positions in the market.
As for 2024, it will be difficult for price increases to continue, based on XTB’s projections for broadly equal production and demand.
However, should coffee production in Brazil not rebound, and El Nino takes its negative toll, the market may be close to a deficit for the 2023/2024 season, according to XTB MENA, and the best quality coffee (at least) may be in short supply.
Stocks leveraged to increasing domestic supply of gas
Jarden forecasts an upward trajectory for domestic gas prices and suggests this outcome would be most beneficial for the likes of Beach Petroleum ((BPT)) and Cooper Energy ((COE)), as they look to contract, re-contract or reprice existing gas supplies.
The combination of gas producers with uncontracted gas volumes, as well as gas prices subject to price reviews, should improve the economics of new gas supply, according to the broker. APA Group ((APA)), the owner of key gas pipeline infrastructure, is also expected to be another winner from greater supply.
However, significant supply risks remain, according to the analysts, as the Gas Mandatory Code of Conduct (which came into effect in July this year) has yet to pass through the Senate. Also, looming supply challenges are expected for the NSW, South Australia and Victorian markets from 2027, driven by declining Bass Strait output.
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