Reach your goals
Why this year’s holidays may need early planning?
Although vacation travel in 2026 will likely be expensive, especially if gas prices remain high, it’s not impossible to find affordable options. Your best strategy is to start researching your flight early, especially if you’re traveling to your destination. This enables you to compare prices for different airlines and hotels without having to book in a hurry, and book what you really want.
Although you can start now, here’s some data from 2025. A Google Flights analysis found that domestic flight prices for Thanksgiving 2025 were lowest 35 days before departure while Christmas 2025 prices were lowest about 51 days before departure.
You’ll also need to book early if:
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Your travel dates are not flexible due to school breaks or other restrictions.
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Multiple people need to seat together.
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A major event will affect your travel dates.
Shopping early also gives you time to research which decisions can be canceled and which cannot. For example, if you want to make sure you have a place to stay during a layover, you can book a refundable room now with the option to switch later.
Another tip: Book the most important parts of your trip first. For example, if you are traveling with children and insist on a non-stop flight, this should be one of the first actions you take.
Source: kiro7.com
Mortgage IQ
How Mortgage Insurance Helps You Buy For Less
If you’re looking for mortgages that don’t require a 20% down payment, you may need to pay mortgage insurance. While it helps reduce risk for the lender, it increases the overall costs of your loan.
Here’s more good news: Making a low down payment isn’t limited to one type of mortgage. Here are some examples of how mortgage insurance works for different loan programs.
If you qualify for a conventional loan that is not backed by a government agency such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), your loan will likely require private mortgage insurance or Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). Your PMI costs will vary, depending on your down payment and credit rating. Most private mortgage insurance is paid monthly. When you pay off a certain percentage of your mortgage, you may be able to cancel your PMI.
FHA loans also require mortgage insurance. Although your premium is not based on credit scores, it may be higher if your down payment is less than 5%. Also, the FHA requires two types of mortgage insurance: a single “down” premium paid at closing, and a monthly premium that is part of the monthly mortgage payment. If you don’t have the cash for a down payment, you may be allowed to roll this into your mortgage, but your total monthly costs will increase.
VA loans are recommended if you are a qualifying veteran, or are still on active duty. You’ll save on mortgage insurance when you qualify for a VA loan. Instead of a monthly mortgage insurance premium, you’ll likely pay an upfront finance fee. This fee depends on the type of service you provide, the amount of your down payment, and other factors.
To learn more about mortgage insurance and buying with a low down payment, Contact your local APM Loan Advisor To have a casual conversation without obligation.
Source: consumerfinance.gov
Financial news
Your guide to certified pre-owned vehicles
With new car prices rising for a variety of reasons – economy models falling into production, tariff costs, and more smart features – you may be planning to buy a used car. If you want to reduce the risk of ending up with a lemon, you can consider purchasing a certified pre-owned car.
The certificate means that the car has passed an inspection by a trained technician, and the buyer will receive a warranty. Other benefits may include lower financing rates and faster repairs.
Some Certified Used cars are backed by the manufacturer. For example, if you’ve always wanted to drive a Lexus, you could look into the L/Certified program. Ford also offers Blue Advantage used vehicles. However, not all pre-approved vehicles are supported by their manufacturers. Some are dealer-certified models with a third-party extended warranty.
Because warranty coverage is so important, you’ll want to review this carefully before purchasing, as they are rarely the same. Warranties may last a certain number of years or have a mileage limit. It may also limit coverage to certain parts, such as the powertrain (this typically includes the engine, transmission, and drivetrain), or cover the vehicle’s bumper from bumper to bumper.
Source: apnews.com
Did you know?
Find out if your smart TV is spying on you
Recently, technology headlines announced that LG’s “smart” TVs were able to track their owners even when they were not watching TV and could even be hacked to eavesdrop on the home’s occupants. Although your TV may not be listening to you right now, smart TVs were not designed with user privacy in mind.
If you’re wondering if your TV is collecting data about you and your family members, there’s a step you can take to block most or all of this: Turn off your TV’s Automatic Content Recognition, or ACR.
ACR allows your smart TV to determine what you’re watching and uses this information to recommend additional content and show you more relevant ads. It does this by literally taking screenshots of what’s happening on your screen, even when you’re playing or watching DVD movies.
Here’s how to locate the ACR settings for three popular smart TVs.
LG TVs: Stores ACR settings within Live Plus. You’ll find this option in Settings > General > System > Additional (or advanced) settings > Live Plus. While you’re here, you can enable “Limit ad tracking” under Advertising.
Samsung TVs: On newer models, go to Settings > All settings > General & privacy > Terms & privacy. Then turn off the display of information services and interest-based advertising.
If you have an older model, go to the sidebar menu under Privacy Options > Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy. Disable View Information Services.
Sony TVs: Go to Settings > Initial setup > Samba Interactive TV. From here, disable Samba Interactive TV. Additionally, you may find ad tracking features under About > Ads > Ad Personalization.
If your TV is another brand, or if these brands aren’t right for you, Google your specific TV model by number and where to find its ACR settings. You may also find instructions in your user guide.
Source: lifehacker.com
Personal finances
How to discuss inheritance with your family
Although it’s not always easy to discuss finances with family members, talking about future inheritance is an important topic. However, many parents have not yet had this conversation, even with their adult children. A recent study found that while nearly 50% of parents plan to leave assets to loved ones, only about 25% of adult children expect to inherit.
Even if you only have a basic will, there are still good reasons to discuss a potential inheritance with your children sooner rather than later. It provides realistic expectations and lets them know that you trust them with the inherited money.
In addition, there are other important topics to discuss as a family. These include any specific retirement plans, such as purchasing a vacation home. The topic of long-term health care is also important, as future health care costs can be highly unpredictable.
One way to plan a conversation about inheritance is to set it up as an informal conference. It enables your family to decide who will handle certain matters, such as wealth transfers and long-term care planning. Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable with these roles can say so.
If these topics are not what you have in mind, you can ask family members if they have concerns about a particular aspect of a potential inheritance, such as property or a business. Or, if your children are not yet college age, this is the perfect time to discuss future education costs.
This article is for informational use only. If you need help preparing a will or trust, or would like advice about inheritance planning, Your local APM Loan Consultant He or she can refer you to a Certified Financial Planner®.
Source: Kiplinger.com
food
Buffalo chicken corn sauce
Here are the best game day appetizers, complete with favorite tastes like buffalo wings and pizza. this Buffalo chicken corn sauce Combines shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cilantro, green onions and corn, then finish with melted cheese. Serve with chips or pastries.
Around the house
Get your fire pit ready for fall
From the basic metal bowl to the popular clay bowl, today’s fire pits offer a variety of shapes. No matter which style you choose, here are some tips for preparing your fire pit for fall use.
Fire pits for burning wood
Use a metal scoop to remove any ash. You can use ash to improve the soil in your garden or compost.
Clean the interior using mild dish soap and warm water to loosen carbon deposits and soot. Rinse well and dry completely before the next step.
If you want to remove any rust, apply white vinegar to a cloth, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe it away.
If your fire pit has a cooking grate, spark screen, or wood grate, scrub them with a wire brush. Check spark screens for holes and make sure any legs or feet are secure.
Gas fire pits
Clean stove outlets. Turn off the gas source, remove the burner, and use a pipe cleaner, wire brush, or compressed air to clean each port. Never use water to clean a gas stove.
Carefully remove the fire glass, volcanic rocks or ceramic logs and rinse them with warm water, then allow them to dry completely before replacing them. Do not use soap on volcanic rocks, as the rocks will absorb it.
If the spark igniter does not light, make sure the electrode is positioned correctly and clean it with a dry cloth. If the burner continues to fail, consider replacing it.
Apply a solution of dish soap and water to all gas connection points while the gas is on (but before ignition). If bubbles form, shut off the gas and arrange for repairs, or replace the connection.
Source: smgeneralstore.com
