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Our four-legged loved ones are always there to share in the merriment, and the holiday season is no exception. Unfortunately, their enthusiasm can sometimes lead to mischief and mayhem.
New year, new goals, right? When it comes to personal finances and goal-setting, creating financial goals can be one of the most meaningful things you can do for yourself and your family.
REACH YOUR GOALS
Combine Open Enrollment with a Savings Checkup
It's tempting to go through open enrollment quickly, especially if you plan on keeping the same coverage for 2026. But it's also a great opportunity to take a closer look at any benefits you overlooked in previous years. Some could save you money. So, before you complete your benefits enrollment, carve out some extra time to review the year's finances and look for new savings.
The holiday season is quickly approaching, which means it’s time for big meals, family get-togethers, and festive decorations. During all the happy chaos, however, we also need to remember that it’s a season for giving.
November is a month for reflection and gratitude—and a great time to protect what matters most. In this issue, we're sharing tips to help keep your personal information secure, insights on rising health insurance costs for 2026, and a look at how technology is reshaping the job market. We'll also honor the history and meaning behind Veterans Day.
VA Home Loan Myths
The VA home loan program is an amazing benefit for our deserving active-duty service members, veterans, and surviving spouses of veterans. While no one could ever repay you for the sacrifices you’ve made, the VA home loan can make your dreams of homeownership just a little easier to achieve.
Qualifying for VA High Balance Loans
Obtaining a jumbo VA loan or a VA high balance loan, a type of government-backed home loan, provides several significant benefits for eligible veterans and their surviving spouses. While there isn’t technically a jumbo VA loan (all VA loans are treated similarly, regardless of loan amount), it’s common to think of the larger loans as “jumbo” or "high balance" for the sake of discussion.
November is National Veterans and Military Families Month and also celebrates Veteran's Day. One of ways we like to honor and celebrate our veterans is by sharing the stories of what home and homeownership means to them.
REACH YOUR GOALS
Save on Holiday Shopping
Many of us are planning to spend less on gifts this year, as inflation and tariffs have affected prices. If you're determined to stick to a budget but don't want to disappoint anyone on your gift list, consider these strategies.
The current decrease in interest rates is making headlines this month, although it's partially driven by less positive factors such as fewer employment opportunities. Even before the Federal Reserve announced a quarter-point rate cut, demand for mortgage refinancing rose. In addition to rate-term refinancing, over 10% of refinancing applicants decided to switch to an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about something that affects every homebuyer: protecting your personal information during one of the biggest financial transactions of your life.
For many homebuyers, the path to homeownership follows a traditional route: W-2 income, strong credit, and a standard debt-to-income ratio. But today’s borrowers don’t always fit that mold. Entrepreneurs, investors, self-employed professionals, and those with unique financial situations often need alternative solutions. That’s where non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) home loans come in.
REACH YOUR GOALS
From The Great Resignation to the Job Hug
A few years ago, we witnessed the Great Resignation, when record numbers of people quit their jobs. Next, the Great Reshuffle saw millions of workers find new career opportunities. Now, we have...Job-Hugging?
Last month, many countries began to feel the impact of tariffs introduced earlier this year, leaving many of us waiting to see if the pricing on certain products would change. As of this time, tariffs ran from 10% for the United Kingdom to 50% for Brazil. However, these are subject to change, including the tariffs between China/United States. A recent truce between the countries means the U.S. will keep its standard tariff rate on Chinese goods at 30% while China maintains a 10% rate on American goods.
You own your primary residence, but you’re thinking about buying a second home or possibly an investment property. Congrats! Being in a financial position to make that kind of real estate investment is a major accomplishment, and you should be proud of that.
Buying an investment property can be one of the keys to financial freedom and long-term wealth. Whether you want to enjoy rental income, tax benefits, or both, owning rental properties can help you achieve your goals quickly.
Those hoping that inflation would continue to wane were disappointed when June's Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 0.3%, putting the 12-month inflation rate at 2.7%. This resulted in pressure being put on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates, even though economists warned this could accelerate inflation and cause stock markets to falter. Ultimately, Powell did not cut rates, which left mortgage rates flat. However, homeowners may be in for some attractive tax savings because of provisions within H.R. 1, aka the Big Beautiful Bill.
Retirement should be your time to relax and enjoy life. But if you’re like many American seniors today, you might be feeling the pinch of rising costs. Healthcare expenses that seem to climb every year and inflation eating into your fixed income can be a lot to manage.
