APM BLOG

REACH YOUR GOALS

Why This Year's Holidays May Need Earlier Planning

Even though 2026 holiday travel will probably be expensive, especially if fuel prices remain high, it's not impossible to find affordable options. Your best strategy is to begin researching your trip early, especially if you're flying to your destination. This enables you to compare pricing for different airlines and hotels without having to book in a hurry, and to book what you really want.

While you can start right now, here's some data from 2025. Google Flights' analysis found that domestic airfares around Thanksgiving 2025 were lowest about 35 days before departure while Christmas 2025 fares were lowest about 51 days before departure.

You'll also want to book early if:

• Your travel dates aren't flexible because of school breaks or other limitations.

   

• Several people need seats together.

   

• A major event will impact your travel dates.

Shopping early also gives you time to research which decisions can be cancelled, and which can't be cancelled. For example, if you want to make sure you have a place to stay during a layover, you can reserve 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'll be traveling with children and insist on a nonstop flight, this should be one of your first actions.

Source: kiro7.com

MORTGAGE IQ

How Mortgage Insurance Helps You Buy for Less Down

If you're looking at mortgages that don't require a 20% down payment, you may need to pay mortgage insurance. While it helps lower risk for the lender, it increases the overall costs of your loan.

Here's more good news: Making a low down payment doesn't limit you to one type of mortgage. Here's a few examples of how mortgage insurance works for different loan programs.

If you qualify for a conventional loan that isn't backed by a government entity like the FHA or VA, your loan will probably require private mortgage insurance or PMI. Your PMI costs will vary, depending on your down payment and credit rating. Most private mortgage insurance is paid monthly. When you've repaid a certain percentage of your mortgage, you may be able to cancel PMI.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans also require mortgage insurance. While your premium isn't based on credit scores, it may be higher if your down payment is less than 5%. Also, FHA loans require two types of mortgage insurance: a single "upfront" premium paid at closing, and a monthly premium that's part of your monthly mortgage payment. If you don't have the cash to pay the upfront premium, you may be allowed to roll this into your mortgage, but your overall monthly costs will increase.

VA loans are recommended if you're a qualifying military veteran, or 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 probably pay an upfront funding fee. This fee is based on your type of service, down payment amount, and other factors.

To learn more about mortgage insurance and buying with a low down payment, contact your local APM Loan Advisor for an informal, no-obligation chat.

Source: consumerfinance.gov

FINANCIAL NEWS

Your Guide to Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles

With new vehicle prices rising for several reasons — fewer economy models in production, tariff costs, and more smart features — you may be planning to buy a used car. If you want to minimize the risk of ending up with a lemon, you can look into buying a certified pre-owned vehicle.

Certification means the vehicle has passed an inspection by a trained technician, and that the buyer will receive a warranty. Other advantages may include lower financing rates and faster repairs.

Some certified pre-owned vehicles are backed by the manufacturer. For example, if you've always wanted to drive a Lexus, you can check out the L/Certified program. Ford also offers Blue Advantage pre-owned vehicles. However, not all pre-certified vehicles are backed by their manufacturers. Some are dealer-certified models with a third-party extended warranty.

Since warranty coverage is important, you'll want to review this carefully before buying, as they're rarely the same. Warranties may last for a certain number of years or have a mileage limit. They may also limit coverage to certain parts, such as the powertrain (this usually includes the engine, transmission and drivetrain), or cover the vehicle bumper-to-bumper.

Source: apnews.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Find Out If Your Smart TV Is Snooping on You

Recently, tech headlines announced that LG "smart" TVs were able to track their owners even when they weren't watching television and could even be hacked to eavesdrop on a home's occupants. While your own television probably isn't listening to you right now, smart TVs aren't designed with user privacy in mind.

If you're wondering if your television is collecting data about you and family members, there's a step you can take to block most, or all of this: turning off the TV's automatic content recognition or ACR.

ACR allows your smart TV to identify what you watch and uses that 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 gaming or watching DVD movies.

Here's how to locate ACR settings for three popular smart TVs.

LG TVs: these store ACR settings under 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 Advertisement.

Samsung TVs: On newer models, go to Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > Terms & Privacy. Then, turn off Viewing Information Services and Interest-Based Advertising.

If you have an older model, go to the sidebar menu under Privacy Choices > Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy. Disable "Viewing Information Services."

Sony TVs: go to Settings > Initial Setup > Samba Interactive TV. From here, disable Samba Interactive TV. In addition, you might find ad tracking features under About > Ads > Ads Personalization.

If your TV is another brand, or if these don't work for you, Google your specific TV model by number, and where to find its ACR settings. You may also find instructions in your user manual.

Source: lifehacker.com

PERSONAL FINANCES

How to Discuss Inheritances with Your Family

While it's not always easy to discuss finances with family members, talking about future inheritances is an important topic. However, many parents haven't yet had this talk, even with their adult children. A recent survey found that while nearly 50% of parents plan to leave assets to loved ones, only around 25% of adult children expect an inheritance.

Even if you only have a basic will in place, there are still valid reasons to discuss possible inheritances with your children sooner than later. It provides realistic expectations and lets them know that you trust them with inherited funds.

In addition, there are other important topics to discuss as a family. These include any specific retirement plans, such as buying a vacation home. The topic of long-term health care is also important, as future healthcare costs can be highly unpredictable.

One way to plan a conversation about inheritances is to set it up as an informal conference. It enables your family to consider who will handle certain things, like wealth transfers and long-term care planning. Anyone who doesn't feel comfortable about these roles can say so.

If these topics aren't what you have in mind, you can ask family members if they have concerns about a particular facet of a possible inheritance, such as a property or business. Or, if your children aren't yet college age, it's an ideal time to discuss future educational costs.

This article is for informational use only. If you need assistance with preparing a will or trust, or would like advice about inheritance planning, your local APM Loan Advisor can refer you to a Certified Financial Planner®.

Source: kiplinger.com

FOOD

Buffalo Chicken Corn Dip

Here's the ultimate game day appetizer, complete with tastes of favorites like buffalo wings and pizza. This Buffalo Chicken Corn Dip combines shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cilantro, green onions and corn, then is finished off with melted cheese. Serve it with chips or pretzels.

AROUND THE HOUSE

Get Your Fire Pit Ready for Fall

From the basic metal bowl to the popular clay chiminea, today's fire pits offer a variety of looks. No matter what style you've chosen, here are some tips for preparing your fire pit for fall use.

Wood Burning Fire Pits

Use a metal scoop to remove any ash. You can use the ash to improve the soil in your garden or composter.

Clean the interior with mild dish soap and warm water to loosen carbon deposits and soot. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before the next step.

If you want to remove any rust, apply white vinegar with a cloth, let it sit for 15 minutes, then wipe clean.

If your fire pit includes a cooking grate, spark screen, or log grate, scrub these with a wire brush. Check spark screens for holes and ensure any legs or feet are secure.

Gas Fire Pits

Clean burner ports. Turn off the gas supply, remove the burner, and use a pipe cleaner, wire brush, or compressed air to clear each port. Never use water to clean a gas burner.

Remove the fire glass, lava rock, or ceramic logs carefully and rinse with warm water, then let dry fully before replacing them. Don't use soap on lava rock, as the rock will absorb it.

If the spark igniter is not lighting, check that the electrode is positioned correctly and clean with a dry cloth. If it still fails to spark, consider replacing it.

Apply a solution of dish soap and water to all gas connection points while the gas is on (but before igniting). If bubbles form, shut off the gas and arrange for repairs, or replace the connection.

Source: smgeneralstore.com