Adjustable-rate mortgages on the rise, FAFSA application tips

Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) - FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is crucial for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including scholarships and loans [5][6] - The FAFSA for the 2026-2027 school year is already available [3][7] - Completing FAFSA early provides an estimate of federal financial aid eligibility and allows focus on other college planning tasks [8][9] - Some institutional aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the importance of early submission [10] - To start, students and at least one parent (if the student is dependent) need to create an account at studentaid.gov using their social security number and personal information [12][13] - It's crucial to use a personal email address for the studentaid.gov account, not a work or school email, as it will be a lifelong account [16][17] - Changes to asset information: Businesses or farms with 100 or fewer employees no longer need to include those assets [19] - Parents will be limited to borrowing $20,000 per year per student for a total of $65,000 per student [21] Credit Cards - American Express Platinum card's annual fee increased from $695 to $895, but offers over $3,500 in potential annual value through perks [25][26] - The Amex Platinum card offers benefits like up to $600 in annual hotel credit, up to $400 in annual Resy dining credit, and up to $300 in annual digital entertainment credit [26] - The Capital One Venture X card offers a more cost-effective option with a lower annual fee and straightforward travel benefits, including a $300 Capital One travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles [31][32] Mortgages - Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are regaining popularity as buyers seek lower rates [35] - Current ARM rates are around 5.8% for a 7 or 10-year period, compared to 6.3%-6.4% for 30-year fixed rates [37][38] - ARM market share reached a post-crisis high of approximately 13% recently, before falling back to 9% [39] - Today's ARMs adjust every 6 months or a year, unlike the monthly adjustments seen before the 2008 crisis [41] - ARMs are tied to SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate), which is closely linked to the federal funds rate [44] Pet Insurance - The average annual premium for accident-only pet insurance coverage in 2023 was about $116 for cats and $204 for dogs [48] - Accident and illness plans are common and offer a wide range of coverage, including accidents, injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions [57][58] - A wellness plan can be added to pet insurance for preventative care, visits to the vet, and vaccines [58] Retirement Planning - If a company suspends 401k matching, individuals can gradually increase their own contributions or adjust their retirement plan [63][64] - For 2025, the regular 401k contribution limit is $23,000, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution for those 50 and older, bringing the total to $30,500 [65][66] - Starting next year, individuals with wages of $145,000 or more must make all catch-up contributions to a Roth 401k [68]