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As prices continue to rise, especially within the energy sector, consumers are looking for new ways to budget. Some are reviewing their insurance coverage with a view to cancelling unnecessary premiums, while more women are leaving the 9 to 5 to become entrepreneurs. Others are considering using a credit card with special perks, such as cash-back or a low introductory rate, for financing larger purchases.
Home Financing
How American Pacific Mortgage Corporation Can Help Make a Home Sale Easier
Savvy home buyers usually work with a mortgage lender on financing before looking for a new property. However, if you're also planning to sell, a licensed mortgage pro can provide valuable advice and assistance that will reduce your stress. Here are ways I can help you with three situations that concern many sellers.
When can I start looking for my next home?
You may be able to do this right now. There are several ways to prepare for your next purchase, including a line of credit supported by your current home's equity, or short-term financing. This can be especially helpful if you've already spotted a home you like — or if your dream home suddenly hits the market and you want to be ready to act fast.
How can I tell the genuine buyers from the "just looking"?
Depending on your plans, you may work with a real estate agent who arranges Open Houses. Inviting a mortgage loan officer to these events can help you and your agent decide which prospects have the funds and credit score to buy your home, and which don't.
How can I make sure my asking price is fair?
Although I can provide you with the basics, working with an agent who's familiar with your neighborhood is the ideal solution. I can refer you to one or more real estate agents. An agent can also advise you if having your home professionally inspected is a smart move.
Source: realtor.com
Insurance
Niche Insurance Products You May Not Need (Or Already Have)
While it's always smart to make sure your insurance premiums protect you from unpleasant surprises, you may be wondering if any of the following apply to your current situation or future plans.
Rental Car Insurance
If you're renting a car, you can probably decline the insurance that rental car companies try to sell you. Typically, a standard car insurance policy will cover you when you're driving a rental. Even if you're traveling abroad, you may not need extra coverage, especially if you booked your vehicle with a credit card that includes this insurance. Be sure to double check your existing coverage before it's time to pick up the rental vehicle, so you can be confident of making the right decision.
If your current standard policy includes reimbursement for a rental car while your own car is being repaired, you may not need it, especially if a family member or friend can give you a ride. You may want to see how much you'll save by removing this coverage.
Full Coverage for Older Vehicles
If your car is older or resembles a demolition derby reject, you may be better off dropping collision and/or comprehensive insurance. This is because the most your insurer will reimburse is the vehicle's current market value. Opting for minimum coverage could save you more than you realized.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance helps make sure you'll get your money back if anything goes wrong...if you don't already have coverage. However, if you charge your trip on a credit card that offers trip cancellation coverage (some even provide coverage for lost or damaged bags), you may not need this.
Social Security Insurance
The uncertainty of the past few years has contributed to a new product: Social Security insurance. When you add this insurance to an annuity, the insurer promises your annuity payment will increase to cover any government shortfall that results in a smaller Social Security benefit.
However, the odds of that happening are slim. Retirees vote. More than half of the voters in 2020 and 2024 were 50 and older, and 28% were 65 and older. Cutting Social Security benefits for these voters would be a huge risk for anyone hoping to be elected.
If you have concerns about these or other types of specialized coverage, contact your local APM Loan Advisor for a referral to a licensed insurance professional.
Source: kiplinger.com
In the News
Female Entrepreneurs Set to Take the Lead
During the past five years, women successfully became their own boss at a faster pace than before. Recent data shows female entrepreneurs are responsible for 49% of all new businesses — a 69% increase from 2019 to 2024.
In addition, women now make up nearly half of angel investors — individuals who provide early-stage capital to startups using their own money — and 46% of businesses seeking angel capital are women-owned. That influence is only expected to grow, with women set to inherit $34 trillion in financial assets by 2030.
Research carried out by financial services company Empower found that 46% of women consider financial independence as essential to their happiness. Living debt-free is also important to them. Side hustles aren't enough anymore, as only 35% of new businesses in 2024 started out as ways to earn money outside a 9 to 5 job.
In addition, women are gaining ground in leadership and professional roles. The number of women running Fortune 500 companies hit a new high in 2025, with 55 women CEOs leading the nation's biggest firms by revenue. Women are now filling 38% of majority-male professional jobs, including computer scientists, physicians, and lawyers. This percentage is up from 1980's 23%.
Source: empower.com
Credit and Consumer Finance
How The Iran Conflict Is Affecting Our Economy
The Iran war is having a ripple effect on the world's economy, with soaring energy costs causing the most concerns and headlines. Gas prices here in the U.S. recently hit a national average of $4.10 a gallon, and inflation rose to 3.3% annually in March.
Oil prices are a critical and sometimes unpredictable variable. An economist defined $125 a barrel for West Texas Intermediate crude — the U.S. benchmark — as the point where "it becomes more of an economic problem." Oil is currently trading near $91, down from an April peak of $115. If fighting resumes, the outlook may grow considerably darker.
Goldman Sachs has cut its 2026 GDP forecast to 2% and raised its unemployment outlook to 4.6% by year-end. Consumer sentiment has hit record lows, though actual spending remains relatively resilient, up 4.3% in March.
The Federal Reserve remains in wait-and-see mode, with rate cuts now expected no earlier than late 2026 at the soonest. The war's inflationary pressure makes cutting rates politically and economically complicated.
Globally, Europe and Asia — particularly heavy users of Middle Eastern oil — also face potential supply chain pressures. These are expected to intensify in the months ahead.
Source: cnbc.com
Did You Know?
How To Save With Credit Cards When Prices Are High
Yes, you read that headline right...you may be able to save money by using the right credit card for some purchases. Considering that annual inflation numbers inched up to 3.3% last month, more consumers expect 2026 to be worse for their wallets than last year. Here are a few strategies to consider after you review your credit cards' different benefits.
Consider your cash-back card. If you don't have one or more cards that earn you cash back, it's time to consider one. Be sure to look for cards that will earn the most cash back in your most common spending categories. Some may even reward you with a higher cash-back percentage during your first year as a customer.
Be strategic when making large purchases. This could be a good time to apply for a new credit card that offers special pricing or a similar type of promotion, such as a sign-up bonus, during your first months with the card.
If you already know you'll need to buy a big-ticket item this year, it could be a good idea to apply for a new credit card to take advantage of promotions you are eligible for when you first get the card. Before you apply, be sure that the card's spending minimum is realistic.
A card with a 0% interest promotion is another option, especially if you're sure you can pay off the purchase before the promotion ends.
Travel reward points may offer other rewards. If you're a frequent traveler, you're already well aware of the earning power provided by credit cards issued by major airlines or hotel chains. However, if this year looks like a staycation year, you may be able to turn expiring points into a credit that lowers your balance, or a gift card you can use at a favorite retailer.
As always, be sure to review your overall budget before you proceed with a big-ticket purchase or updates to your credit profile.
Source: nerdwallet.com
