Month: August 2024

2024-08-06T10:01:00

(BPT) – As summer winds down and families look to squeeze in one last adventure before the weather cools down, Americans are capitalizing on the freedom to travel on their own terms and avoid airline hassles. According to the latest data from Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index, 91% of Americans planned to drive for their vacations or road trips over the summer. Whether it’s exploring national parks, visiting relatives, or embarking on cross-country adventures, driving offers flexibility and freedom that other modes of travel cannot match.

The preference for driving highlights several factors, including the ability to control one’s itinerary, avoid crowded airports, and enjoy the journey itself. For many, the open road represents adventure and discovery. Families, in particular, find road trips to be a convenient and cost-effective way to travel, allowing for spontaneous stops and detours that can create memorable experiences.

Here are four ways Americans are preparing for their road trips, from selecting a vehicle to ensuring it’s ready to hit the open road.

Embracing long-distance travel

Americans are not just sticking to short day trip drives; many are preparing for lengthier journeys. The Gauge Index reveals that, this summer alone, 25% of Americans planned to drive more than 1,000 miles — for reference, that is approximately the distance from Portland to San Diego — with 17% planning to cover 1,000 to 2,000 miles and 8% anticipating journeys exceeding 2,000 miles. Such extensive travel plans highlight the need for dependable vehicles and robust tires to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Long-distance travel requires careful planning and preparation. Travelers should consider the reliability of their vehicles, the condition of their tires, and the overall readiness of their cars for extended periods on the road. Ensuring that the vehicle is in top condition can prevent breakdowns and delays, allowing for a smoother journey. Additionally, planning for rest stops, overnight stays, and route options can enhance the travel experience, making long distances more manageable and enjoyable.

Choosing the right ride

When it comes to choosing the right vehicle for a road trip, Americans favor practicality over fun. The Gauge Index found that 58% of Americans would prefer to drive a practical vehicle (such as a sedan) to their destination rather than a fun vehicle (like a convertible) that enhances the travel experience. The preference for practicality is particularly pronounced among Boomers, with 71% favoring more sensible vehicles. This trend suggests that for many travelers, reliability and comfort may outweigh the allure of a more entertaining or stylish ride.

Focus on durable tires

Part of ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey is making sure your vehicle is road-trip ready, and that includes having the correct tires. Durability in tires is crucial for long-distance travel, where road conditions can vary significantly. The Gauge Index reveals that when purchasing tires, Americans prioritize durability, with 30% indicating it as their primary consideration. Durable tires offer better resistance to wear and tear, providing a safer and more reliable driving experience. Price follows closely behind at 22%, while performance comes in third at 20%. The focus on price and performance also highlights the importance of finding a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality. By investing in high-quality tires, travelers can reduce the risk of issues on the road and enjoy a smoother ride.

Tire maintenance habits

Regular tire maintenance is crucial for road safety and optimal vehicle performance, and that is especially important before heading out for a long distance drive. However, the Gauge Index found only 47% of drivers check their tire pressure regularly, and only 28% check their tread regularly. A mere 20% check alignment regularly. As these maintenance habits are crucial for optimal tire performance and longevity, a quick and easy way to check the health of your tires is through the penny test: place a penny upside down in the center of the tread, and if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tires.

With the roads calling and adventures awaiting, these insights can help travelers make informed decisions about their vehicles and tires, ensuring they hit the road with confidence and peace of mind.

2024-08-06T09:49:00

(BPT) – If you have ever watched your children doing something at home that made you think to yourself, “I wonder how they learned to do that,” then you’ve witnessed “transfer of learning” — a process that takes previously introduced information or skills and applies them in a new situation. This action is useful for school-aged children when absorbing a variety of academic subjects, but toddlers and preschoolers also take life skills they’ve encountered in a child care setting and apply them at home.

Every day, children are learning principles through play that will help them develop lifelong skills. When young children demonstrate transfer of learning from their child care classroom to their play at home, parents can take an active role in encouraging it.

Whether it’s singing the rhyming song your children learned at school with them in the car or going to the bear exhibit at the zoo after they read a book about bears, there are many ways to facilitate the school-to-home connection. Experts at Kiddie Academy^® Educational Child Care recommend three specific methods to support this process.

1. Establish clear communication channels between parents and educators

The best approach to start helping your little ones build on the skills they’re learning at school is to make sure you’re communicating with their educators. Many child care facilities offer a daily report as a way for parents to stay informed about what their children are learning, in addition to hosting quarterly parent-teacher conferences. You might also spend a minute or two talking with your child’s caregivers at drop-off and pick-up times. All these moments offer parents the chance to check in and discuss their child’s learning, helping to pinpoint areas to focus on at home. It’s also an excellent opportunity for parents to share any concerns or special moments they’ve observed with the educator.

2. Introduce activities at home to expand on learned skills and do them together

Once parents have established an open line of communication with their child’s educator, the next step is fostering those skills learned from school at home. This can be as simple as recognizing a topic your child is learning at school, such as recycling, and then highlighting for your child the steps taken at home to recycle. Another great way is to identify your child’s interests and tailor activities to incorporate them. Does your child like coloring and is learning about kindness in school? Help your child draw pictures and give them to family members as a special gift.

3. Offer positive affirmation

Children respond well to encouragement from their parents and family caregivers. When your children demonstrate something organically at home from their day at school, recognize their efforts. You can say something like, “Is that a new song you’re singing? Can you teach it to me?” Not only will the positive words you speak to your children motivate them to continue what they are doing, they will help to build their confidence and self-worth as well. Be sure to name the skills and qualities you’re admiring out loud to better help your children internalize the feedback and associate positive emotions with the skills they’re learning.

It’s well-known that the greatest amount of brain development takes place in the first five years of a child’s life. So, using this time to focus on taking the life skills your children are discovering at school and applying them at home is beneficial to their lifelong learning.

2024-08-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – As engines roar and tires screech across the track, the Porsche Carrera Cup North America continues to captivate racing enthusiasts all over. The growth of motorsports culture and the fanfare surrounding the professionals behind the wheels has taken off thanks to the popularity of hit television programs, cutting-edge technology, and intense team rivalries.

This year, the momentum of the Carrera Cup teams on the track will be fueled by ExxonMobil and its Synergy Supreme+ premium gasoline as the official fuel of the series. And, whether it is powering racers around high intensity speedways, or keeping everyday drivers’ vehicles in top performance, Synergy Supreme+ premium gasoline keeps your engine 3x cleaner for better gas mileage.*

Tips from the professionals

The keys to performance success and safety on the road remain the same — professional racecar driver or not. Get the most out of your driving experience with these five tips from the Porsche Carrera Cup North America Championship leader, Loek Hartog:

Limit distractions: Maintaining a stable environment inside your car helps avoid any instability outside the car. While racecar drivers will do things like breathing exercises to stay calm, everyday drivers should mitigate distractions like loud music or phones to focus. Zeroing in on nothing but the road will allow for the smoothest driving experience.

Stay mentally sharp: Driving is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. During a race, professional drivers rely on their teams’ communication to help them avoid fatigue. You’ll often notice racers communicating with their pit crew or over the radio to discuss the car or racetrack’s conditions. While this information is helpful for their performance, it also assists their mental engagement during a race. For any long distances, plan breaks to disrupt your routine and stay engaged. Hydrate and eat well to avoid heavy foods that could lead to drowsiness.

Fuel up smarter: Make sure you are always putting high quality fuel into your car to get the most premium performance possible. We fuel up with Synergy Supreme+ premium gasoline on the track, and you can too! By downloading the Exxon Mobil Rewards + app to sign up for ExxonMobil Rewards+, you can find your nearest Exxon or Mobil station and use the app to earn points to save every time you fill up.

Plan your route ahead: Just like racecar drivers meticulously prepare for their tracks, planning your route in advance can give you a significant advantage. Familiarizing yourself with your route beforehand helps you stay focused and confident on the road while eliminating the distraction of relying solely on GPS. Being aware of potential hazards can help you avoid surprises and drive more confidently. One fun tactic racecar drivers often use to study and practice their tracks is VR simulators to ensure they’re prepared for every twist and turn. Apply this same level of preparation to your daily driving for a smoother, safer journey.

Drive on the defense: While a racecar driver will do things like avoid unnecessary lane changes and check their blind spots, the everyday driver can stay alert and on the defense by scanning the road ahead of you (10-15 seconds ahead) instead of staring in one place. Keeping an eye out for hazards and preparing by lane positioning and changing speed/gears is what makes defensive drivers the best drivers — both on and off the track.

Tips and practices such as these are what make a sport as exhilarating and exciting as motorsport racing possible. But these tips don’t just apply to the professionals. The everyday driver who employs these tactics from school drop-off to long road trips is far less likely to experience danger and collisions on the road.

Join the racing revolution

Now that you have what you need to be the best driver possible, you can enjoy the safety and relaxation of smooth driving — and save the thrill and excitement of motorsport racing for watching from the comfort of your home.

ExxonMobil and Porsche invite fans to buckle up and get ready to embrace the exhilarating fun and excitement that can only come from Motorsport racing. Be sure to follow @exxonmobilstations and @porschemotorsportnorthamerica on Instagram to stay updated on the latest news.

*Based on comparison of Synergy Supreme+ gas compared to Synergy regular gas in port fuel injected engines. Actual benefits are based on continuous use and may vary depending on vehicle type, driving style, and gasoline previously used. Concentration and availability of our proprietary additive package may vary based on factors beyond our control.

2024-08-05T11:01:00

(BPT) – Many of today’s homebuyers and renters face affordability challenges. Higher mortgage rates and low housing supply have increased homeownership costs. Corresponding increases in rent have also made it more difficult for potential borrowers to save for a down payment.

However, just because affordability is a challenge doesn’t mean that the dream of homeownership is unattainable. In fact, despite consumers’ apprehension about the mortgage process, research shows that the aspiration to own a home is very much alive and there are a number of tools and resources that can help potential borrowers make their dreams of owning a home a reality.

What to do if you’re ready to buy

The difficulty of saving money for a down payment can discourage potential borrowers from pursuing homeownership. However, you may be closer to affording a home than you think.

You’ve probably heard that you need a 20% down payment to buy a home. While this is a traditional standard, it’s not mandatory to qualify for a home loan. Eligible, creditworthy borrowers can utilize mortgage loan options like Fannie Mae’s HomeReady^®, enabling applicants to put down as little as 3% for home purchases or mortgage refinances. Through February 2025, the program also offers $2,500 towards down payment or closing costs, including mortgage insurance premiums, for very low-income purchase borrowers (≤ 50% applicable area median income) nationwide on the purchase of their principal residence.

If you’re a potential borrower who is ready to buy a home now, you may have several options that can help make homeownership more affordable. An online down payment assistance tool can help you find programs that alleviate some of the upfront costs of buying a home. Using this tool, you can find federal, state, and local down payment and closing cost assistance for which you may be eligible. These resources can help you overcome the initial hurdles to purchasing a home and can make the overall homebuying process more feasible.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you can talk to your lender about options like HomeReady^® First, which provides financial assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers residing in specific geographic communities. This mortgage option includes $5,000 in down payment or closing cost assistance, free homebuyer education, and may include a $500 appraisal credit.

What can I do if I’m not ready to buy?

If you’re not ready to buy a home yet but hope to do so someday, there are still steps you can take to help prepare. First, review your credit score and see how it can be improved over time. As a renter, it’s important to maintain a strong rent payment history to show lenders that you’d be a reliable borrower. For potential first-time homebuyers that do maintain a solid rent payment history, lenders can count those timely payments as part of the mortgage credit evaluation process, which can increase your chances of being eligible for a mortgage loan. In addition, there also are programs that allow your timely rent payments to be factored into your credit score, helping you establish or boost your credit score over time.

Make sure to use a closing costs calculator to educate yourself on closing costs and what fees are negotiable to potentially reduce your upfront costs. Knowing this information early on can help you make a long-term savings goal for your home purchase.

Continue to educate yourself on the homebuying process with an online homeownership education course like Fannie Mae HomeView^®. This free-of-charge, award-winning course provides 24/7, end-to-end access to information about financial literacy, building healthy credit, and the steps to homeownership and is available in English and Spanish. HomeView helps demystify the buying process and helps first-time homebuyers understand and navigate the process from start to finish.

Homeownership may be more accessible than you thought possible, whether you’re ready to buy now or waiting until the time is right. By equipping yourself with the right knowledge, tools, and resources, you can navigate the complexities of the housing market with confidence and clarity, and possibly save money as well.

2024-08-05T11:01:00

(BPT) – As summer winds down and thoughts turn to back-to-school, many teachers around the country know that not all of their students will come to school equipped with a backpack full of school supplies. An alarmingly high number of teachers, 92% nationwide, have students whose families cannot afford the necessary school supplies, according to AdoptAClassroom.org. For families that may be struggling economically, those crayons, folders and No. 2 pencils can add up to a hefty price tag when wondering if they can put food on the table and keep the electricity on.

So, what’s the answer? All too often, teachers use their own funds to purchase supplies for the classroom — an average of $860 out of pocket per year. As most people know, these dedicated educators don’t get paid enough as it is. There has to be a better solution than stretching their resources thinner.

Nonprofits + corporate dollars can help bridge the gap

That’s where Subaru comes in. As part of its Subaru Loves Learning^® initiative, the automaker that brought us groundbreaking vehicles like the Outback and Forester is making a game-changing effort to bring school supplies into classrooms in high-needs schools across the country.

Subaru is continuing its partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, a nonprofit that funds PreK-12 teachers in high-needs schools to help equip classrooms with the supplies students need to learn and thrive. As their largest corporate sponsor, as of this year’s initiative Subaru and its retailers will have supported 750,000 students by helping them get the supplies they need to succeed in the classroom.

“Starting the school year off right with the supplies necessary to hit the ground running is important, especially for children in high-needs schools,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America, Inc. “Along with AdoptAClassroom.org, our retailers are taking some of the financial burden off teachers’ shoulders and working towards leveling the playing field for students.”

Supplies help students get ready to learn

The four-year-strong partnership between Subaru, participating retailers, and AdoptAClassroom.org is producing great results. According to a teacher survey conducted by AdoptAClassroom.org:

• 91% of teachers said Subaru’s donation increased access to materials they couldn’t buy without it.
• 98% of teachers surveyed who received a supply kit said it helped them spend less of their own money on school supplies during the last school year.
• On average, 89% of students in classrooms adopted by Subaru were more engaged in their learning because of the donation.

One reason the partnership works so well is that the AdoptAClassroom.org model isn’t about just delivering backpacks filled with supplies to classrooms. Teachers register with the program and are given funding that they can use to buy exactly what they need via the organization’s online marketplace. Then, those hand-picked supplies are delivered directly to their classrooms. In other words, it’s not a cookie-cutter solution. It’s tailor-made.

Sometimes, a brand isn’t just a brand. A product isn’t just a product. And in Subaru’s case, a car company isn’t just a car company. Subaru has a long history of giving people and their pets more than just a ride. It also gives them a leg up. It’s part of the Subaru Love Promise, the company’s commitment to being a positive force in the communities in which they live and work, not just with donations, but with actions that set an example for others to follow.

Here’s hoping for a great school year for a larger number of kids and teachers alike. Although the need may be growing, so is the response from organizations that recognize their responsibility to help.

To learn more, visit Subaru Loves Learning and follow @Subaru and #SubaruLovesLearning.

2024-08-05T10:01:00

(BPT) – For young people, college is full of new experiences: It’s often the first time living away from home, giving a taste of independence with the first step into adulthood and new responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is keeping their belongings safe and secure. It’s something they probably haven’t had to think about before.

When you consider everything a college student brings to school — a laptop, backpack, gaming console, bike or skateboard, mini-fridge, ear buds, smartphone, expensive sneakers-of-the-moment and other expensive clothes and accessories, even a TV and other technology, it adds up to a hefty price tag if any or all of it needs to be replaced.

That’s why insurance specifically designed for college students, like GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance, is worth a look. It provides peace of mind for students at a low cost that might surprise their parents.

Here are six reasons why renters insurance is a good idea for college students.

Theft is out there. According to Clery Act Reports, an average of 24,000 crime and safety incidents are reported every year on college campuses nationwide. Even if dorms provide a layer of security, there is always the possibility your student will get back to their dorm room after a long day of classes only to realize their bike lock was cut, and their bike was stolen. Or return to their study table in the library to find their laptop has walked out the door.

College life needs liability insurance … Imagine life in a typical college dorm room — kids throwing the football around and hitting the sprinkler head, hanging clothes from it, or some other accident causing it to discharge. That water can damage belongings, electronics and even the dorm room itself.

… but liability isn’t only for college shenanigans. Insurance with liability coverage can also protect students from other events in which they may be found liable for damage to the property of others.

Renters insurance is surprisingly affordable. GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance starts with an affordable $100 deductible. This means that if the worst happens, you won’t have a high deductible to pay before your coverage kicks in. With homeowners’ deductibles typically ranging into the thousands, this is an affordable choice.

It’s not confined to the dorm room, campus or even the country. With GradGuard, your student gets worldwide property coverage. Studying abroad? Covered. Home for the weekend? Covered. Traveling for a school project? Covered.

It can teach your student a valuable lesson about adult life. Many parents take out renters insurance for their kids who are away at college. But the policy is affordable, the deductible is low, you can choose monthly or annual plans, and there is no credit score requirement. Why not have your student take out the policy on their own? Sit down and have a conversation about the importance of insurance now, while they’re in college, and into the future. These good habits will last a lifetime.

With renters insurance designed for students, parents can have peace of mind knowing they are protected, and college students can focus on what they’re in school to do: learn. See plans available through GradGuard today.

Coverage is provided by Markel American Insurance Company and/or Markel Insurance Company and underwritten by Markel Service, Incorporated, national producer license # 27585, in California d/b/a Markel Insurance Services, license # 0645481. Policyholder services are provided by Next Generation Insurance Group, LLC. Insurance and coverage are subject to availability and qualifications and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions for rates and coverages varies. All insurance products are governed by the terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the applicable insurance policy. Please see a copy of your policy for the full terms, conditions, and exclusions. Any information on the site does not in any way alter, supplement, or amend the terms, conditions, limitations, or exclusions of the applicable insurance policy and is intended only as a brief summary of such insurance products.

2024-08-05T09:01:00

(BPT) – Summer may be in full swing, but the fall semester is right around the corner. Your family will be busy helping your student pick out decorations for their dorm room, plan move-in day travel and other pre-college errands. Why not use these tasks as financial lessons for your college-bound child?

Financial skills are vital and your student may not pick up this knowledge in the classroom. Now is the time to equip them with these skills before they head off to college. Check out these six financial lessons you can teach your college student this summer!

1. How to set a budget

Before your student ever sets foot on campus, you and your student will be spending money to get them ready for their fall semester. According to a recent College Ave survey, some summer expenses you should plan for include electronics ($1,028 on average), travel and transportation ($638), dorm room essentials ($560) and new clothes ($380).

This pre-college spend is a great opportunity to teach your student how to make a budget. Have them make a list of items they’d like to purchase and how much these items typically cost. Next, if you’re planning to contribute to their spending fund, tell them how much you can give so they can determine how much they’ll need to contribute.

Once they have all this information, show your child how to make a paper or digital budget that can help guide their shopping. Don’t forget to emphasize the importance of sticking to a budget!

2. Ways to save

Cost-saving strategies can help your student stretch their budget. Teach them tips and tricks to save. For example, instead of buying textbooks, encourage them to rent them or find secondhand textbooks from older students at a lower price.

Transportation is another expense that can put a dent in your child’s wallet. Help them research campus transportation options so they can avoid the costs of gas, car insurance and routine maintenance.

Also, remind them that many businesses offer student rates. From movie tickets to streaming services to dining, your child can take advantage of these lower prices and have fun while saving!

3. Build credit history for the future

A positive credit history is essential for future financial success. While the majority of college students know having a good credit score is important (77%), only half know how to improve their credit score (54%).

Explain to your child how they build credit history and help them apply for a student-specific card like the Ambition Card from College Ave. With no credit check to qualify, no interest, no late fees and the benefit of cash-back rewards, the Ambition Card makes it simple to start building their credit history. Your child can use the card to pay for everyday purchases, from textbooks to takeout.

4. Build an emergency fund or savings

Saving is just as important, if not more so, than savvy spending. As you help your child set a budget, make sure to teach them how to set money aside for an emergency fund. No one can predict the future. That’s why it’s important to underscore the importance of setting aside money for a rainy day.

5. Search for scholarships

The scholarship search doesn’t end with high school graduation. College students can still qualify for scholarships throughout their four-year program. Their school may even offer major-specific scholarships.

Encourage your child to apply for these scholarships and continue to search for outside scholarships as well. College Ave provides scholarships and sweepstakes for students and parents to help make college more affordable. These promotions are offered throughout the year, so make sure to check back often and apply.

6. Borrow smartly

If you plan on using loans, borrow federal student loans in the student’s name first, as those offer unique benefits — such as low interest rates and income-based repayment plans — not typically offered by private lenders.

If you find you still have a gap to cover, consider College Ave’s private student loans. College Ave offers good rates, flexible repayment terms and great customer service. Use the College Ave student loan calculator to help estimate your monthly payments.

If you can, start paying back student loans now — even as little as $25 a month — as that will help lower the total cost of your loan.

Don’t let college expenses take your student by surprise! By teaching your child these six financial lessons, you can help them stress less about money so they can focus on this exciting stage of life.

College Ave is not a bank. Banking services provided by, and the College Ave Mastercard Charge Card is issued by Evolve Bank & Trust, Member FDIC pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the Mastercard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

The Ambition Card is designed to help you build your credit history; however, a variety of factors impact your credit including payment history, utilization, derogatory marks, account age, total number of accounts, and inquiries—not all factors are equally weighted.

0% APR. Account is subject to a monthly account fee of $2, account fee is waived for the initial six-monthly billing cycles.

Rewards are not offered by Evolve Bank & Trust and are instead offered and managed by College Ave. Cash back rewards are subject to the Ambition Rewards Terms & Conditions.

2024-08-02T09:01:00

(BPT) – It’s probably an understatement to say that buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially in the current housing environment. From the different types of loans and lenders to the hidden fees that drive up costs, it’s easy to feel lost, confused and unsure if you’re making the right decisions for you and your household. In fact, a recent study from the JPMorgan Chase Institute shows that a lack of understanding the mortgage process could lead to unfavorable terms in the long run and a higher risk of costs.

But, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or in the market for a new home, all hope is not lost. Understanding your mortgage options and the process can not only save you money in the long run, but can help you feel more confident in making the best choice for your specific housing needs.

To master your mortgage and buy your dream home, it can be helpful to start with familiarizing yourself with different types of mortgages, comparing rates, and understanding additional ways to save.

1. Get to know the different mortgage types

One of the main, and often most confusing, decisions you’ll have to make is choosing a mortgage loan type. And just like anything that’s personalized, there is something for everyone. The following explanation focuses on debunking fixed-rate versus adjustable-rate mortgages, but if you’re interested in learning more about conventional versus FHA loans, check out this article or connect with a Home Lending Advisor.

• A fixed-rate mortgage is a loan where the interest remains the same over the life of the loan. So, what this means is your rate will never increase … but it also won’t decrease if the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates. Typically, this loan is recommended if you plan to be in your home for longer than 10+ years. The plus side of a fixed-rate mortgage is that it’s easier to budget if you always know what your interest rates and payments will look like.
• An adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, is a loan where the interest rate is fixed for a specific amount of time, then adjusts periodically. Essentially, your monthly payments will fluctuate based on what the market is doing, so some months your payment might be higher or lower depending on market rates. This is usually a great option for those who don’t plan on living in their house for very long, because typically ARM interest rates start lower than the fixed-rate offerings and then adjust higher or lower over time.

2. Compare your rates

Now that you understand the differences between fixed-rate mortgages and ARMs, it’s time to engage in America’s greatest pastime: shopping around. No matter what loan type you choose, it’s important to compare rates from different types of lenders and select one with terms you’re most comfortable with.

You can find current rates, along with a helpful calculator to figure out what exactly you can afford, at Chase.com/MortgageTools. The mortgage calculator is an easy way to determine what your monthly payments would be and if that aligns with your budget. It also provides the most up-to-date rates in the area where you’re house hunting.

Once you find a rate that feels good to you, it’s a good idea to lock it in if your lender provides that option. For instance, the Chase Homebuyer Advantage program gives buyers the option to lock in their mortgage rate for 90 days with no upfront fees. This gives you peace of mind if you’re worried about rates increasing as you shop around in, say, a very turbulent housing market.

3. Uncovering more ways to save

While most people look at mortgage types and rates as ways to save (which you absolutely should do), many leave money on the table by not exploring homebuyer grants and down payment assistance programs that can save them thousands on homes.

For example, Chase offers a homebuyer grant of up to $7,500 when purchasing homes in more than 15,000 eligible areas across the country. You can use it to save in a variety of ways, such as lowering your interest rate, reducing closing costs or putting it toward your down payment. Check your eligibility for a grant with the Chase Homebuyer Assistance Finder.

Chase also offers a Closing Guarantee, which promises an on-time closing for eligible mortgages in as soon as three weeks or the customer may receive up to $20,000. Essentially, the closing guarantee can help you close quickly, which is helpful in a competitive market.

The homebuying process can feel like a lot, but by understanding the mortgage types, comparing your rates and using grants and incentives to save, you can navigate the process with confidence and make the best decision on your road to home.

2024-08-02T14:59:00

(BPT) – For the first time ever, Kevin is inviting guests to get a front row seat into how he lives. Think inner circle levels of exclusivity. For three nights only, guests will step behind the velvet rope for two of Kevin’s favorite things: good company and great tequila.

Guests will get the Kevin Hart level VIP treatment complete with a tequila tasting with the man of the hour, a live DJ set and a night of all-star performances straight from Kevin’s contact list.

“The Coramino Live Lounge is the pairing of my two greatest passions — comedy and tequila,” Kevin said. “It’s a testament to all my hard work, and now I’m excited for you to get a front row seat to how I live.”

About the experience

Kevin Hart is inviting fans into his inner circle for three separate one-night experiences for up to 30 guests each in Los Angeles. The experiences will occur September 24, 25 and 26 for 15 guests and their plus ones for $76 per person, a nod to Kevin’s birthday on July 6.

Here’s what you can expect:

• You’ll be greeted by Gran Coramino’s lineup — cristalinos, añejos, and Kevin’s personal favorite, reposados — all paired with the perfect plant-based appetizer.
• Kevin will personally guide you through a tasting alongside Chai Lee, the 2023 Gran Coramino Bartender of the Year.
• After the tasting, you can enjoy four signature cocktails — The Boss, The Hart, Summer Melon Spritz, and The Mic Drop.
• The live DJ is gonna bring the beat, so you gotta bring the heat.
• To top it all off, we’ve got a killer lineup of all-star performers straight from Kevin’s contact list.

How to request to book

Comedy fans and tequila connoisseurs can request to book¹ and learn more about all Icons at airbnb.com/kevinhart.

The booking request period opens on Wednesday, August 21 at 9:00 AM PT and closes on Monday, August 26 at 11:59 PM PT for three separate experiences for 30 people each occurring September 24, 25, and 26 at $76.

Guests must be 21+ and able to provide a government-issued ID.

Residents of jurisdictions where alcohol is prohibited by local law are not eligible to book this experience.

¹Brought to you by Airbnb. There is no cost to submit a request. See full rules for terms, including age and geographic eligibility, and how data is used.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.