by Willow Logue

Most of the discussions around buying and selling are financial. For many, owning a home is the single biggest investment they will make. Even if it's not, understanding the finances is a very big part of the consideration. Lately, with current mortgage rates hovering around 7% and inventory low, all the headlines can be discouraging. However, even when all the financial aspects are perfect, seldom does the dream house come on that ticks all the boxes (price, location, living space, pool, etc). If the dream does materialize, usually it's someone else's dream too.

Thus, buyers (and sellers) should also consider the unquantifiable joy a home might offer. What will buying or selling bring to your life? What freedoms, life experiences or…

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by Jenn Heller

Elder fraud is no small concern, with the FBI reporting a staggering $900M+ loss for Americans aged 60 and above in 2020 due to scams. And this is not just limited to the U.S.; it's a global concern as cybercriminals increasingly exploit online scams to target older adults, particularly those living independently. The financial implications of falling victim to scams are evident. Losses can deplete retirement savings, disrupt plans for inheritance, or compromise daily expenses such as bill payments and groceries.


Identifying Elder Fraud Schemes

Fraudsters employ an array of methods to exploit individuals, but understanding common types of financial scams targeting older adults is key to…

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by Grace Bennett

My first year at University of Central Florida coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and let me tell you, it turned everything on its head. The typical college experience I had envisioned was replaced by a mix of remote learning, social distancing, and face masks. It felt like a whirlwind of uncertainty and adaptation, but looking back, it’s clear that everyone’s college journey is unique, pandemic or not. As time went on, I realized that while the circumstances were challenging, they didn’t define my entire college experience. Adapting to virtual learning made me more disciplined and proactive in managing my time. Zoom study groups and online forums became my new way of connecting with peers, and they created unexpected…

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by Jenn Heller

Navigating the college application process involves a sequence of organized steps which includes standardized tests, personal statements, recommendation letters, and application submissions. Creating a compelling application package is essential for demonstrating academic excellence. While it's undoubtedly an involved process, its structure remains fairly uniform across most colleges.

In this article, we've tapered down the process to provide you with a clear roadmap of what lies ahead and when to begin working on each phase. Let's kick things off by outlining the typical things you'll need to compile and organize in order to begin on the college application journey.

8 Steps Through the College Application Process

Initiating the…

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by Jenn Heller

That house you've been eyeing? Well, it's officially labeled as "under contract" now. But don't toss in the towel just yet—there might still be a glimmer of hope.

So, what's this "under contract" business all about? Gwinn Volen with The Volen Group says, "When a home goes under contract, it means the seller and buyer have shaken hands on a deal. They've both signed on the dotted line, and the buyer has paid a binder deposit."

This binder deposit is usually required within three days of agreement and will become non-refundable to the buyer once contingencies to the contract have expired. The binder deposit is usually 2 to 3% of the home's price. This money later gets deducted from your final amount due at closing.

…

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What is Mission House?

In the heart of the Beaches area, a vision decades in the making has transformed into a lifeline for the homeless community. Mission House, a testament to the commitment of faith-driven individuals, has emerged as a sanctuary of compassion, offering a beacon of hope to those in need. Crafted from the joint efforts of Christ Episcopal, Palms Presbyterian, St. Paul's Catholic, and St. Paul's Episcopal churches, this endeavor was born out of a genuine desire to address the pressing challenges faced by individuals without shelter. With a history that intertwines faith, determination, and community spirit, the story of Mission House paints a vivid picture of resilience, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the power of collective…

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by Jenn Heller

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will face a skin cancer diagnosis by the time they hit 70? This sobering statistic hit home when Melissa Papcock, founder of Cabana Life and Ponte Vedra Beach resident, was diagnosed with melanoma at age 26. Surprisingly, she learned that lightweight clothing didn't offer the sun protection we assumed. Your typical white tee? Barely a UPF 7 shield. Determined to blend sun safety with trendsetting style, Melissa embarked on a mission to create chic and sun-safe styles.

For over 15 years, Cabana Life has been revolutionizing the way we enjoy the sun with UPF 50+ fashion pieces that you'll actually love wearing. But their mission extends beyond just clothing to educating the public when out in…

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by Jenn Heller

In the journey that is life, it's all too common to overlook the invaluable aspects we've been granted. In my own experience, I must admit that I had chosen to evade the sobering realization that, inevitably, my parents would not always be a constant presence.

Having those discussions was a task I consistently tried to initiate, urging them to prepare for the future. Aspects such as making a will or trust, streamlining financial accounts, securing access to the safe and deposit boxes, clarifying account co-holders, and more were topics I really tried to cover. Regrettably, they, too, chose to avoid the weight of these matters. Then, in March of 2022, my dad's passing brought an irrefutable reality into focus.

My dad, who had…

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by Aaron Bacus, Mortgage Broker, First Coast Mortgage Funding

The journey towards homeownership is an exciting one, filled with dreams of cozy living spaces, white picket fences, and the pride of calling a place your own. But before you dive headfirst into the world of real estate listings, it's crucial to understand a fundamental question: How much mortgage can you truly afford? As a trusted mortgage broker, I'm here to guide you through this critical step on your path to becoming a homeowner.

Assess Your Financial Landscape

The first step in determining how much mortgage you can afford is to take a close look at your financial situation. This involves calculating your monthly income, factoring in any steady sources of…

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by Jenn Heller

You've ticked off the school shopping list, snagged fresh supplies, and even sharpened the pencils. But have you thought about tuning up your child's sleep routine for the upcoming school year? Sleep is a key player in alertness, stress levels, and overall temperament, which all circle back to learning and social interactions. After a summer of carefree nights and leisurely mornings, your child's sleep schedule might need a little nudge before school starts. Here are some tips to help you out:

sleepy child at school

Start Early

Get a head start;10 days to two weeks before school begins is ideal. If time's tight, no worries, just kick it off as soon as you can. Gradually push wake-up and bedtime 15 minutes earlier each day to ease into the…

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