#pay mortgage faster

[antimony-ore]

I had the thought yesterday 'CPS would take me if I was still a child in this environment' and I'm not exactly a functional adult am I?

[starhomeloans]

Many home owners aim to get a lower home loan interest rate in order to minimise their mortgage payments. Some people want to pay off their debts more quickly so they can buy a home faster, while others want to pay as little each month as possible. The good news is that there are several methods you may use to lower your mortgage payments. Not all people are aware of the ins and outs of minimising home loan interest. If you want to know how to pay off your mortgage faster, then keep reading this blog.

[leviathan-supersystem]

BEIJING — China’s struggling real estate developers won’t be getting a major bailout, Chinese authorities have indicated, warning that those who “harm the interests of the masses” will be punished.

“For real estate companies that are seriously insolvent and have lost the ability to operate, those that must go bankrupt should go bankrupt, or be restructured, in accordance with the law and market principles,” Ni Hong, Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, said at a press conference Saturday.

“Those who commit acts that harm the interests of the masses will be resolutely investigated and punished in accordance with the law,” he said. “They will be made to pay the due price.”

That’s according to a CNBC translation of his Mandarin-language remarks published in an official transcript of the press conference, held alongside China’s annual parliamentary meetings.

Ni’s comments come as major real estate developers from Evergrande to Country Garden have defaulted on their debt, while plunging new home sales have put future business into question.

In 2020, Beijing cracked down on developers’ high reliance on debt for growth in an attempt to clamp down on property market speculation. But many developers soon ran out of money to finish building apartments, which are typically sold to homebuyers in China ahead of completion. Some buyers stopped paying their mortgages in a boycott.

Authorities have since announced measures to provide some developers with financing. But the national stance on reducing the role of real estate in the economy hasn’t changed.

This year’s annual government gathering has emphasized the country’s focus on investing in and building up high-end manufacturing capabilities. In contrast, the leadership has not mentioned the massive real estate sector as much.

Real estate barely came up during a press conference focused on the economy last week, while Ni was speaking during a meeting that focused on “people’s livelihoods.”

Ni said authorities would promote housing sales and the development of affordable housing, while emphasizing the need to consider the longer term.

Near-term changes in the property sector have a significant impact on China’s overall economy.

Real estate was once about 25% of China’s GDP, when including related sectors such as construction. UBS analysts estimated late last year that property now accounts for about 22% of the economy.

Last week, Premier Li Qiang said in his government work report that in the year ahead, China would “move faster to foster a new development model for real estate.”

“We will scale up the building and supply of government-subsidized housing and improve the basic systems for commodity housing to meet people’s essential need for a home to live in and their different demands for better housing,” an English-language version of the report said.

next time you complain about how things are in America, consider that if you lived in some kind of scary communist country like China, you wouldn't even get to fund a bailout for the real estate company owners who ruined the economy like you can (whether you like it or not) in the good old US of A! 🇺🇲

[bitchesgetriches]

{ MASTERPOST } Everything You Need to Know about How to Pay off Debt

Understanding debt:

Let’s End This Damaging Misconception About Credit Cards

Season 2, Episode 10: “Which Is Smarter: Getting a Loan? or Saving up to Pay Cash?”

Dafuq Is Interest? And How Does It Work for the Forces of Darkness?

Investing Deathmatch: Paying off Debt vs. Investing in the Stock Market

How to Build Good Credit Without Going Into Debt

Dafuq Is a Down Payment? And Why Do You Need One to Buy Stuff?

It’s More Expensive to Be Poor Than to Be Rich

Making Decisions Under Stress: The Siren Song of Chocolate Cake

How Mental Health Affects Your Finances

Paying off debt:

Kill Your Debt Faster with the Death by a Thousand Cuts Technique

Share My Horror: The World’s Worst Debt Visualization

The Best Way To Pay off Credit Card Debt: From the Snowball To the Avalanche

The Debt-Killing Power of Rounding up Bills

A Dungeonmaster’s Guide to Defeating Debt

How to Pay Hospital Bills When You’re Flat Broke 

Ask the Bitches Pandemic Lightning Round: “What Do I Do If I Can’t Pay My Bills?” 

Slay Your Financial Vampires

Season 4, Episode 3: “My credit card debt is slowly crushing me. Is there any escape from this horrible cycle?” 

Case Study: Held Back by Past Financial Mistakes, Fighting Bad Credit and $90K in Debt 

Student loan debt:

What We Talk About When We Talk About Student Loans

Ask the Bitches: “The Government Put Student Loans in Forbearance. Can I Stop Paying—or Is It a Trap?”

How to Pay for College without Selling Your Soul to the Devil

When (and How) to Try Refinancing or Consolidating Student Loans

Ask the Bitches: I Want to Move Out, but I Can’t Afford It. How Bad Would It Be to Take out Student Loans to Cover It?

Season 4, Episode 4: “I’m $100K in Student Loan Debt and I Think It Should Be Forgiven. Does This Make Me an Entitled Asshole?” 

The 2022 Student Loan Forgiveness FAQ You’ve Been Waiting For

2023 Student Loan Forgiveness Update: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 

Our Final Word on Student Loan Forgiveness 

Avoiding debt:

Ask Not How Much You Should Save, Ask How Much You Should Spend 

How to Make Any Financial Decision, No Matter How Tough, with Maximum Swag

Your Yearly Free Medical Care Checklist

Two-Ring Circus 

Status Symbols Are Pointless and Dumb 

Advice I Wish My Parents Gave Me When I Was 16 

On Emergency Fund Remorse… and Bacon Emergencies

Should You Increase Your Salary or Decrease Your Spending? 

Don’t Spend Money on Shit You Don’t Like, Fool

The Magically Frugal Power of Patience

The Only Advice You’ll Ever Need for a Cheap-Ass Wedding 

The Most Impactful Financial Decision I’ve Ever Made… and Why I Don’t Recommend It 

3 Times I Was Damn Grateful for My Emergency Fund (and Side Income) 

Buy Now Pay Later Apps: That Old Predatory Lending by a Crappy New Name 

Credit Card Companies HATE Her! Stay Out of Credit Card Debt With This One Weird Trick 

Ask the Bitches: Should I Get a Loan Even Though I Can Afford To Pay Cash? 

The Bitches vs. debt:

I Paid off My Student Loans Ahead of Schedule. Here’s How.

I Paid off My Student Loans. Now What?

Hurricane Debt Weakens to Tropical Storm Debt, but Experts Warn It’s Still Debt

The Real Story of How I Paid Off My Mortgage Early in 4 Years

Case Study: Swimming Upstream against Unemployment, Exhaustion, and $2,750 a Month in Unproductive Spending 

That’s all for now! We try to update these masterposts periodically, so check back for more in… a couple… months??? Maybe????

[starsfic]

Weak Thing

Summary: Stan can't leave the Mystery Shack, especially when the twins take higher priority than Ford's studies and issues.

Some dialogue is based on a Discord convo between me and @vegalocity

"I can't do that."

Stanford Pines was usually a very patient man. You had to be patient to be a scientist and deal with long hours with very little progress, especially in a field like his. However, Stanley had always brought out the worst in him. "Why not?!" he snapped. "It's my house-"

"Because the kids' parents are finally doing what our parents should've done." Stanley had always been blunt, but this amount was enough to get Ford to slam his mouth shut. "They're getting a divorce and-" He sighed, the anger in his eyes easing back just a tad. "I haven't told the kids yet, but they're not just for the summer. They're here for at least a year or two."

"At least?" Ford echoed.

Stanley shrugged. "I don't really know, at least until the battle over property and stuff is over and the divorce is finished. Could be shorter, could be longer. Mark's always had the Pines' stubbornness and Ariel-" That must've been the twins' mother. "Ariel's always been a bit of a bitch but in a good way. It helped them through a lot of things, but now that's against each other."

Ford couldn't help a snort. "That's why they need to work on their issues for the kids-"

A hand wrapped around his throat. It was the second time his twin had shut him up in this conversation, but the last time hadn't had this cold fury in his eyes. "They're getting a divorce for the kids' sake.'' Stanley hissed. "The kids got sent away because Dipper overheard his own mom tell his dad that she should've aborted him and Mabel if she knew how much of a dick Mark was." Ford couldn't say a word. "If you repeat that divorce bullshit around the kids, then you'll only hurt them. Mabel's got this fucked up idea in her head that she can smooth things over with matchmaking and I need to help her with it." He squeezed once more and then pulled away. "But, look. The long and short of it is: Do you want to take care of the kids full time while their parents hash things out in California or do you want to go back to your studies?"

That stung. That stung and even worse, Ford knew what he would pick. "It's my house," he tried anyway.

"Not anymore," Stanley snorted. "Also, what do you think has been paying the mortgage on this place? You lost your grant long before I got here." Wait, no, hang on, that wasn't possible, not with the amount in his savings- Before the could voice his protest and explain how Stanley was wrong, his twin held out a key. "Your records are in the top cabinet, file F," he explained. "I also saved your weird voice recording machine with all the voicemails the university sent." He let out a low hiss. "Warning, they get pretty mean at the end."

Ford wanted to say more. Something. Anything. But Stanley had turned it on him faster than he could blink. He had to try, though. "I can take care of them..." It sounded weak in his ears.

"Sixer," Stan said, the old nickname harsh against his ears. For a minute, he swore Bill was hovering in front of him instead. "You couldn't even take care of yourself without someone holding your hand."

And...that was true, wasn't it? Stanley had to be the one to drag him out of bed so they couldn't be late for school, McGucket taking over in college and during his studies. They had to be the ones to make sure he actually ate something. They had to...

Fuck.

He couldn't do that for two teenagers. He couldn't even do that for himself.

"Good night, Ford. I'll hash out the house rules tomorrow."

Good night, weak little thing.

[devondespresso]

I Can Only Hope Now (STWG Daily Prompt: Claudia)

G | 1269 words | ao3 link | cw: absent father, brief references to Steve’s absent parents

Thank you @saradika-graphics for the dividers! 💛

Claudia Edine Henderson never wanted to get married. Not really.

But she wanted kids, so that meant either getting married or seeing if the daycare was hiring.

Anthony Laurence Goldman wanted a family. She thought that meant the same thing, so they married.

And it was good. They had a beautiful baby boy, Dustin Clarence Goldman, healthy save for a defect with his bones. No collarbones, and the high chance he’d need a little extra medical attention down the line, but he’d still be living long and happy, and she couldn’t ask for more. 

Eventually, their baby's cries stopped waking both of them up in the middle of the night. It was just her, because mothers had a sixth sense for it. 

No sleep, no time, no awareness of what she let it do to her until her mother called, apologizing for the odd hour, and she realized she couldn’t tell the difference between four in the morning or six at night. After that, her mother stayed a while, helped with the baby when Anthony was at work.

Anthony helped when he could, but his real specialty was money. He knew how mortgages and insurance worked, knew how banks and credit card companies stayed in business, knew how to get the lowest bill from the hospital, so having to pay out of pocket for Dusty's somehow only ‘cosmetic surgeries’ wouldn't leave their wallets dry.

He knew how to juggle all that convoluted adult shit that scared the living daylights out of her. It was like it came so easy to him.

Maybe it didn't. She'd never really know.

It was his domain, and he preferred it that way, for years and years until it started looking like family was more like the backdrop for his dreams, instead of the subject of them.

She talked to him, lord knows she talked to him about it, but each new month of trying faded back into three of forgetting.

Dustin grew old enough to ask. Just enough words to get the question across. Where did Daddy go?

They separated a few months, hoping he’d miss his son enough to work with her on this. 

She gave him the ultimatum that turned into a divorce.

He agreed happily, saying that it would prove how much weight he was really pulling. That he didn’t need custody.

Claudia Edine Henderson and Dustin Clarence Henderson moved back in with her mother, and for three more years she figured the rest of it out. She found a job at a bank, learned the ins and outs of the business while balancing her own funds separate from both her ex-husband and her mother.

When Dusty was old enough to bike to and from school on his own, they finally moved out to a quiet small town, far away from Anthony. Dustin found friends so fast, faster than she ever could have hoped, and she was able to tell him everything.

She had no idea if she made the right choice for him. It was the right choice for her, and in a way that probably made her a better mother for him, but she could never be sure if that distance made any of it easier on him. Sometimes she wishes she did more to bring him into their family, offered to help with any of those things that scared her too much to do herself.

Sometimes she wondered if Dustin would ever resent her for it. If he didn’t already.

But then one night, Dustin was out way past curfew, without calling. Karen and Sue couldn’t find their boys either, so the three of them ran up to the station. Ms. Flo, the angel, called the chief himself immediately and gave them a spot in the waiting room.

An hour or so later, the chief showed up with all three boys in tow.

They were all grounded, no question, but before she and Dusty started heading home, he begged her for five minutes to talk with his friend in the chief's car. She relented, and Dustin ran to the passenger seat of the car, where a teen boy was leaning on the door and resting his eyes.

Dusty opened the door and the boy nearly fell out of the car, followed by a very loud “Henderson!” that made her chuckle.

Hopper said it was the Harrington’s son, and his next stop would be taking the kid to Hawkins General Hospital for ‘a concussion and a half’.

They both had to get going, and despite his anger earlier, Harrington Jr. said goodbye with a smile and a ruffle of Dustin’s cap. And when Dusty hopped into the front seat with stars in his eyes and the energy of a successful campaign, he talked about Steve Harrington.

Steve was awesome. Steve was like the tank their party needed. Steve was a badass until he got his ass kicked, which apparently wasn’t even fair anyway, because Steve would have totally won if Bobby? Billy? Was playing fair. Steve was strong, Steve was cool, Steve told him how to do his hair, of all things, which was also apparently a secret. Steve, Steve, Steve, Steve, Steve.

She had to be wary, just a little, because that was her job. But even more than that, she wanted to be hopeful.

So the next day, when Dustin asked if he could bike to the hospital to check on Steve, even though he was grounded, she decided to make an exception, and they both took the car.

Hopper’s car was still camped out in the parking lot, but before she could look for the right cars around, Dustin dashed again to Steve’s room, almost slamming the door open.

Dustin jumped on the bed before Steve could get a word in, let alone sit up to greet them, but the wide, if a bit confused, smile said it all.

Hopper offered the chair next to him for her to take a seat, and he filled her in properly on everything that happened. Most of the story was a better rehash of Dustin’s accounts with those in-betweens better filled, but the one thing that stayed perfectly consistent was Steve.

A new girl’s step brother got too rough with Sue's boy, Steve stepped in and started a regular fight, then step-brother grabbed a dinner plate and ended it. Step brother apparently fled after Steve wouldn’t get up, and the kids looked after him until Hop could get there. All four of them were worried, but Dustin by far the most.

She looked back to her boy, trying to get his hat back from Steve who held it high above their heads. Dustin stood to grab it, and Steve clearly planned on throwing it before Dustin managed to snatch it and punch him in the arm with a victorious yell.

She couldn’t help but smile. Couldn’t help but let them stay until Steve was discharged with a stack of paper and a call home to make sure he wouldn’t be alone. Couldn’t help but leave an open invite to their home, though ideally after Dustin’s grounding was over.

After a few weeks, he joined them for dinner, and never asked why they had to hunt for a third chair to the table.

And another few weeks after that, Steve stopped by to drive Dusty to the Snowball, coming inside because Dustin can’t get his hair just right.

And a month later, when he joined them for Christmas, Claudia could be comfortable in her hope. She could think that, at least going forward, Dusty would have everything he needed.

[notfinancialadvice]

"The feds cut the interest rate by 0.5% or as some people say 50 basis points what should I do?"

as per usual this isn't financial advice

it is... rambling

The thing you should do is look at anything that you are paying interest on -- loans, credit cards, mortgages, etc. -- and see if the rates go down.

Or if you don't mind opening up the ol' customer service email to your loan provider: "Will my interest rate be affected by the recent federal rate cut?"

If it is a "fixed interest rate" the answer will be "no"

If it is a "variable interest rate" the answer is "maybe" and depends on how much they want to keep your business (i.e. how difficult it is to go elsewhere).

They are not legally obligated to cut your rate, but, borrowing money just got cheaper, so if you can go elsewhere and they don't drop your rate, consider it.

Repeat: Consider it.

via

If you are borrowing $1,000 across 10 years with an interest rate of 6% you will pay $332.25 in interest across the life of the loan. This is (rounded) $33.23/year averaged.

If you are borrowing $1,000 across 10 years with an interest rate of 5.5% you will pay $302.32 in interest. This is (rounded) $30.23/year averaged.

For easy math, we'll say you took out the loan the day before, and refinanced the day after, the interest rate change took affect.

Original total interest: $332.25 minus New total interest: $302.32 equals A savings of: $29.93 across the life of the loan

That doesn't sound like much, right?

$29.93 / $332.25 = 0.09... = 9%. Borrowing money got 0.5% cheaper, you end up saving 9% across the total amount of your loan.

"Why wouldn't I do this? Why do you say consider it?"

Because changing loans often has fees.

Using the above example is a fee-less situation.

Depending on your loan, credit card, etc. you might have to pay a percentage or a flat fee (or both). This is especially common in credit card balance transfers -- so saying, it's frequently capped... so... unfortunately you have to do math.

Play with this site.

I am not affiliated with this site in any way, shape, or form.

I know.

It's a lot of math.

Credit cards are (often) a good thing to refinance via balance transfer. It can affect your credit because it gets pulled for the new card, so be careful about that. Also, as always, watch out for fees.

Personal loans, similarly so.

Mortgages are trickier because the complex structures, but it's worth looking into.

Student loans (frequently) are "Federal interest rate + X%" so will float down naturally, but it's always good to check.

"Should I use the extra cash saved to pay off my loan faster or save it?"

Really, really, really common and equally complex answer.

Start with "how good is your emergency savings?" Then "will the extra cash noticably improve your day-to-day or other financial goals?"

Assuming not, and you want to pay down the loan faster because that will help your goals more

Using the same site as above, but switching to mortgage calculator because that has a "pay extra towards" box

Original monthly payment: $11.10 New monthly payment minimum: $10.85 Difference: $0.25

I don't know this show so I hope these people aren't bastards. I'm hoping my context of "This can be handled" is coming across.

So you say "my minimum payment is $10.85, but I'm going to keep paying the original pre-fed cut of $11.10 anyway. I am paying $0.25+ monthly."

You would pay off the loan about 3 months early and save $9.64 in total interest (about 3.19% less total interest on the entire loan).

This may or may not be significant, Depending On Your Actual Numbers.

Your final task is to figure out what will help you live your best life -- paying a loan off slightly faster and cheaper, or doing something else entirely.

It is so tempting to say "I NEED TO PAY OFF LOANS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE" because debt is (frequently) seen as having some sort of moral structure assigned to it.

"Good debt versus bad debt" etc.

...end this in your mental thinking as quickly as possible. Do not allow money to have a moral or ethical stance. It is a social force. Declaw it in your mind.

The usage, hoarding, acquiring, whatever of money -- sure, give that a value if that fits into your worldview -- but money as a social force is as neutral as gravity is a universal force.

When considering your debt, look at the cost.

It should be serviced as cheaply as possible in the best possible terms you can get.

When you reconfigure the loan to a new structure and now have less of a resource drain, you are not better as a person because you were not worse before.

You get to re-do the thoughts, "I have +X resources now. How can I use them to build my life?"

That's it.

As always, this ramble is brought to you by a lifetime of having to fucking figure out the world of money, business, etc. myself and I am pissed off by it and the resolution of that anger is spreading information as possible

I did not have a mentor.

I hope you do.

I am not your mentor.

I do not mentor people. I am ill equipped from a personality standpoint.

But hopefully this inane rambling will help answer questions until you get one, assuming you want one.

:-)

[dollsonmain]

Why do mortgage payments go up?

You contracted for a specific amount of money over a specific amount of time for a specific interest rate, shouldn't the expected monthly payment stay the same for that whole amount of time? I'd think they WOULDN'T want you to pay it off faster since they can't draw interest off of you as long, reducing the amount of money they actually get in the end.

[theramseyloft]

Finally an update!!!

Coppy/Pasted from the Patreon Discord:

I am a dumbass.

I have been waiting to get the buildings moved over because I have been anxious af over the crazy lean that sick pine out front is developing. It has been months of hurry up and wait with the removal service.

And every month, we are spending rent on the house we don't live in because that's where my buildings are.

If I get those moved, we can stop paying that extra roughly $500 a month, and it'll make saving up for big jobs like that go so much faster.

If I had taken care of that first, we would already be out from under the trailer, and saved up enough to get the tree taken care of a few times over.

sigh

So, once the flock's quarantine enclosures are cleaned and the birds are fed, I'm going to start calling around and see if I can arrange a consultation.

We couldn't find movers willing over the phone, so I think I will need to ask to be met on the property to plan out how to get the buildings moved and how much it will cost.

I am just so frustrated that it's taken me so long to work out how much more the wait is costing us.

Well that was quick! Oakland Structures asked for photos of a few different angles, so I'll go take them some fresh ones!

 The smaller loft building/future quarantine building, (14ftL x 10ft. w) taken for the mover's benefit.

Mom in law and I got the overgrowth all pulled.

 The 10ft.L x 12ft.w Cresent building. (our future breeding loft)

Estimated $700 to move both!

We'll decide tomorrow whether that gets done this pay period or next.

Depending on whether or not we have enough for that, rent, and Mortgage.

If we do, we can finally go ahead and get out from under the rent!

[ifihadtopickadad]

The Afton Family House

Susan Nicole Miller looked up at the decent house. It was a two-story with an attic and a basement. With Gregory at a friend's house and Nessa Beta-Testing that game (or was she learning to code?) Susan was able to explore their new living place. Henry Emily had been the one to help when Fazent screwed her over.

He'd helped her get custody of Vanessa through what she suspected to be less than legal means. And he paid the mortgage on his ex-best friend's house, which he'd then turned over to her. While the house was in her name he would pay the bills for three months, then another three months they would share payment by half, and then finally responsibility for the bills would transferred to her entirely. This was so that she could build up her finances to a steady income with her new job.

That being said, Susan was cursing herself for telling him she would be fine going through the Afton's things on her own. She stared listlessly at William Afton's research. On the one hand, the fact that Gregory and Vanessa existed at all was making a lot more sense, on the other hand, the implications that the files presented were horrifying.

William Afton first discovered Remnant in his early Childhood. The animals he'd tortured and killed had, somehow come back to life. They had come back exactly the way they were before, minus the fact they were rotting away slowly.

He found that he could measure it using the same equipment used when studying radiation. He called it Remnant. He continued his experiments in secret, discovering that the leftover Remnant of undead animals would bond to metal, plastic, and even living beings. It would seep into buildings and clothes as well. Its long-term effects were similar to what you'd see in fiction - better and faster healing, keeping you alive when you should reasonably be dead. Non-sentient objects like toys would develop sentience when they shouldn't.

Susan placed the research notes on the desk and noticed something that deeply disturbed her. Among all his experiment files, the three largest folders were labeled with the names of his children: Benny, Elizabeth, and Michael.

Michael's file was the largest of the three. This was likely because he had lived longer than his younger siblings, Elizabeth and Benny, who were twins. Elizabeth was the first of the Afton children to disappear from the Afton household. She was declared missing at Circus Baby's Pizza World, which shut down in the weeks following her disappearance as various employees also went missing. The establishment never opened again, and newer establishments featured less advanced animatronics, as creative control was handed over to Henry.

William Afton had no issue with experimenting on his children. He'd done so by going out during hunting season alone, tranquilizing whatever animal was okay to hunt then torturing them before killing them. He'd only do this to one or two of the animals depending on the size. The rest would be killed normally and then sold. The Remnant bonded meat would be brought home and cooked and then eaten, William's wife and children none the wiser. Until his wife found his research.

She had packed up her children's clothes and legal documents, a go bag, and her wallet for herself planning to leave with the kids. She hadn't confronted William but he found out anyway. Susan swallowed down the bile crawling its way up her throat. William's wife was buried in her garden.

She felt numb and nauseous, her head felt both heavy and floaty, as if she had experienced a massive shock. Susan had always been good at compartmentalization, something she was grateful for now as she shelved the information she had acquired to the back of her head. She returned the files to where she had found them, resolved to call Henry about this later, and set about familiarizing herself with the rest of the house.

[andypantsx3]

andy can you write faster please i miss your shouto

Hello my love!! I'll take this in good faith because I think you meant well, and thank you for saying nice things about my Shouto!

But I just wanted to say I literally cannot, and please don't ask other writers this--I think we're all kind of writing at our own pace and balancing our other commitments like work, school, family, and friends as best we can!!

Your ask actually prompted me to do a little bit of math because I felt like I wasn't actually being as slow as this made me feel, and here's what I came up with.

So, I wrote and published my first ever chapter on April 5, 2020. I did some math and that's 2.8 years ago. I took a look at my ao3 stats, and saw that I've written a little over 353,000 words in that amount of time.

To put it in perspective, a novel is apparently considered anywhere above 50,000 words:

Based on this Google answer, it seems 80,000 words is the happy medium for a novel. So if we divide 353,000 by 80,000 we get about 4.4--which means I have, in my spare time, written the equivalent of 4.4 novels in the last 2.8 years. This is all on top of my 40+ hour a week job, my commitments to family & friends, and my other hobbies.

So I think you meant well here, and I do not mean to come off angry--I appreciate that you are so looking forward to more fic from me.

But we expect only about a novel a year from published authors whose entire job it is to write. I'm just an internet rando with a mortgage to pay and my mental health to keep in check, and I can only dedicate so much of my time to fic.

Again, I really appreciate that you want more fic from me, but please set expectations low!! And please also be patient and generous to other fic authors--they probably have even more going on than I do. We're all just doing our best as we can on here!!

[hackerqueen]

Another Love

Chapter 1 Heartburn

warnings: this fanfiction will tackle heavy topics such as mental health and violence. there will be sex scenes.

– Fuck!

This word was often repeated every morning in my apartment. I was not an early bird, quite the opposite. I definitely preferred to fall asleep late in the evening, often in the middle of the night, to sleep until noon. Unfortunately, I was no longer a teenager, but a twenty-three-year-old woman who had to go to work every morning to pay the rent and bills. Life was often a bitch, wasn't it?

More curses spilled out of my mouth as my windshield wipers sped faster than Dan making up another shitty joke. Or a meme. His memes sucked, though I never told him that.

Duskwood was usually cloudy and rainy at this time of year. This is the second time I am convinced of this, because I moved here exactly two years ago. At times like this, I ask myself why? I could live peacefully in sunny California, sipping drinks on my balcony. But sometimes life writes its own scripts without asking you.

The pouring rain made my commute a bit more difficult, but I finally made it to the office where I was supposed to stay for another eight or nine hours. My boss threw papers at my desk, which didn't bode well. Halfway through work, I looked at my co-workers. Since I was a child, I liked to observe, analyze and draw conclusions about human behavior. So it was also now. However, the current view made me drowsy boredom. A group of people locked in a glass building, caring only if their shitty paperwork will pay the rent and pay off the mortgage. Will it allow them to go out to dinner at a restaurant at the beginning of the month, or maybe they'll get lucky and they can afford four days away at the end of the year? Corpsrats whose minds were completely closed to the world around them. I was a hypocrite judging them. Because I was absolutely the same. I also chased after money, abandoning my dreams and passions.

Deep, philosophical considerations were interrupted by the ringing of the phone. Seeing the name on the screen, I smiled slightly, despite my obvious tiredness. I picked up right away.

– Hello, hello. - greeted a nice, almost singing voice, which finally regained this lovely note – I'm picking you up from work today.

– But..

– Without any buts. We'll be choosing decorations today, you can't be absent! Nobody I know has better taste than you. Besides, you know what Thomas is like. He'll agree with me about everything, even if I pick the worst shit.

I burst out laughing. There was no contact with Hannah for several weeks. She needed hours of therapy, shed tears, and shutting herself off from the world to recover. To understand what happened. Has she come to terms with it? Was there any reconciliation at all in this situation? No one in the group seemed to agree with it. Damn, how were they supposed to accept that their longtime friend, the man who always made them laugh, did something like that? They couldn't even talk to him. Only Jessy had this honor, but I don't know if it didn't affect her even worse. I was just a shadow. A hiding shadow that listened to their conversation.

– Okay, you convinced me. Be there at 4pm – I told her shortly and said goodbye. Maybe this day won't be so bad after all.

* * *

– Thomas, don't interfere. – I grumbled under my breath as I flicked through the catalog with bouquets

I heard his loud protests to which Hannah reacted immediately.

– Babe, you know I love you, but I'll be carrying the bouquet, not you. Unless you want too?

The man got angry and left us alone. I suppressed the urge to comment on her rather dubious choice of husband and rolled my eyes, but a mischievous smirk must have affected my face hearing my biting thoughts.

Did that sperm really win?

I stopped quickly when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

– I can see you're not getting along, but just a little more. It will be better after marriage. Thomas is just stressed out. – she assured me and I nodded – You know, two years ago it all ended. This anniversary has such an effect on him.

I felt a shiver run down my spine. How... how come it's been two years since this nightmare ended?

– Have you forgotten? – she asked, seeing the pale expression on my face

– N-No. – I coughed at my broken tone of voice. – It's just that... it's a bit weird? That, time flies so fast and we live like two years ago?

– Can we do otherwise? I think we'd be best off living for them. – she said, then smiled sadly and squeezed my hand – Have you been at his grave?

I sighed, slowly shooking my head.

– Me neither. I'm not ready for that yet. –she confessed honestly and my heart clenched. Today was the day I had to face my past.

Getting into the car, I typed into the GPS the cemetery, which was located on the outskirts of Duskwood. Half an hour later, I was there. I gripped the steering wheel, letting out shaky breaths. I had no idea how long I sat there, but I finally moved and took out the rose I had bought on the way out of the back of the car. It was intensely red, reflecting my feelings at that moment. My mind was unconscious, my feet led me all the way to the grave. No wonder, my body knew the way by heart. I looked up at the name carved on it.

Jake Donfort

I swallowed. One candle was lit, illuminating this late evening. So Lilly must have been here already. I crouched down and carefully placed the flower on his grave. It may have been two years, but some things haven't changed. My heart still burned as I remembered the black-haired hacker who once meant so much to me. Now my heart squeezed even tighter as I realized something else.

The memory of him was fading, a little at a time and I could feel myself forgetting.

Time passed inexorably, and my upside down life returned to normal. Two years ago, I couldn't imagine my life without him. We had a promise, right? He promised we'd meet. He promised he wouldn't let us be separated. However, his promise was burned with him in the mine fire because he never came back. Even though he said he would.

[asherbrien]

How To Get A Cash Offer For Your Home?

Selling a home can be a complex and time-consuming process, but receiving a cash offer can simplify it. Cash buyers offer the advantage of a fast, straightforward sale with fewer contingencies, making it an attractive option for homeowners who want to sell quickly or avoid traditional real estate processes. Here’s a guide on how to get a cash offer on a home.

Understand the Benefits of a Cash Sale

A cash offer is an agreement where the buyer offers to purchase your home without requiring financing through a mortgage. This means there are no loan approval processes, and the deal can proceed faster. The advantages of a cash sale include:

Quick closing: Cash transactions can close in a matter of days, unlike traditional sales that take weeks.

No lender requirements: Without the need for bank approval, there’s less paperwork and fewer delays.

Fewer contingencies: Cash offers typically come with fewer conditions, such as home inspections or appraisals.

No repairs needed: Many cash buyers purchase homes as-is, so you don’t need to make costly repairs.

Find Cash Buyers

To get a cash offer, you first need to find potential buyers who are interested in purchasing your home with cash. There are several avenues to explore:

Real estate investors: Many investors specialize in buying homes for cash. These buyers are often experienced in fast, hassle-free transactions.

Real estate wholesalers: Wholesalers often act as intermediaries who find cash buyers and help facilitate the sale. They typically look for distressed properties and sell them at a markup to investors.

Online platforms: Websites like Zillow, Redfin, or Opendoor can help you get connected with cash buyers or companies that specialize in buying homes directly for cash.

Local homebuyers: You can also reach out to local investors or businesses that advertise cash-for-homes services in your area.

Get Your Home Appraised

Before receiving a cash offer, it’s essential to know the value of your property. While cash buyers might not require formal appraisals, knowing your home’s value ensures you don’t accept an offer that’s too low. You can:

Hire a professional appraiser: An appraiser will provide an accurate estimate of your home’s market value based on its condition, location, and comparable sales in the area.

Use online valuation tools: Websites offer instant home value estimates, though these are less accurate than professional appraisals.

Request Multiple Cash Offers

It’s a good idea to request offers from several cash buyers to ensure you get the best deal. A competitive market may allow you to negotiate a higher cash offer. Keep in mind that investors typically offer less than the market value since they need to account for potential repairs and resale.

Review the Offer Carefully

Once you receive cash offers, evaluate the terms of each one. Consider:

Price: Does the offer meet your expectations or come close to the appraisal value?

Closing timeline: Cash buyers can close quickly, but it’s important to confirm the timeline and ensure it aligns with your plans.

Contingencies: Although cash offers typically come with fewer contingencies, be sure to read the fine print for any conditions that could affect the sale.

Negotiate if Necessary

If you receive a cash offer that’s lower than expected but the buyer is serious, you may have room to negotiate. Some buyers might be willing to increase their offer or offer other incentives, such as paying for closing costs.

Finalize the Sale

Once you accept an offer, the buyer will typically send a purchase agreement, and you’ll need to sign the contract. Afterward, you’ll work with the buyer and a title company to finalize the sale, complete the necessary paperwork, and receive payment.

Conclusion

Getting a cash offer for your home can simplify the selling process and lead to a fast, efficient sale. By understanding the benefits, researching potential buyers, and carefully evaluating offers, you can make the best decision for your circumstances and sell your home quickly with minimal hassle.

[kamini-vidrawan-ras-tablet]

Managing Debt Effectively: Your Guide to Financial Freedom

Debt is a common part of life, but managing it effectively is crucial for achieving long-term financial stability. Whether it’s student loans, credit card debt, mortgages, or personal loans, high levels of debt can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is that with the right strategies, you can take control of your debt and work toward a debt-free future.

Here’s how to manage debt effectively and regain financial freedom.

Step 1: Understand Your Debt

The first step in managing debt is knowing exactly what you owe. This means making a comprehensive list of all your debts, including:

Credit cards

Student loans

Car loans

Personal loans

Mortgage or rent

For each debt, write down:

The total balance

The interest rate

The minimum payment

By understanding your debt, you can prioritize which loans to pay off first and develop a strategy that works best for your financial situation.

Step 2: Create a Budget

A budget is essential when it comes to managing debt. It helps you track where your money is going and allows you to allocate funds toward paying off debt.

To create a budget:

List all sources of income (salary, side gigs, etc.).

Track all monthly expenses, including essential costs (e.g., utilities, groceries, housing) and non-essential costs (e.g., entertainment, dining out).

Determine how much you can afford to put toward debt each month, after covering your necessary expenses.

Tip: If you find that your income is lower than your expenses, consider cutting back on discretionary spending or finding ways to increase your income through side jobs or freelancing.

Step 3: Prioritize Debt Repayment

Not all debts are created equal, and prioritizing which debts to pay off first can save you money in interest over time. There are two common methods for prioritizing debt repayment:

The Debt Avalanche Method: In this approach, you focus on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first, while making minimum payments on the others. This method saves the most money in interest over the long term.

The Debt Snowball Method: This method focuses on paying off the smallest debt first, regardless of the interest rate. Once the smallest debt is paid off, you move to the next smallest, and so on. While this method may not save as much in interest, it provides psychological wins as you pay off each debt, which can keep you motivated.

Step 4: Negotiate Lower Interest Rates

High interest rates can make it harder to pay off debt, so consider reaching out to creditors to negotiate lower rates. Many credit card companies, banks, or lenders are willing to work with you, especially if you have a good payment history. A lower interest rate means more of your payment goes toward the principal balance, which helps you pay off debt faster.

Additionally, if you have multiple credit cards, consider transferring balances to a card with a 0% introductory APR. Just be sure to pay off the balance within the introductory period to avoid interest charges.

Step 5: Consider Debt Consolidation

If managing multiple debts becomes overwhelming, you might consider debt consolidation. Debt consolidation involves combining several debts into one loan with a single monthly payment. This can simplify your repayment process and often result in a lower interest rate.

Options for consolidation include:

Personal loans from a bank or credit union

Balance transfer credit cards

Home equity loans or lines of credit (if you own a home)

Be cautious with debt consolidation, though, as it’s important not to accumulate new debt while paying off the consolidated loan.

Step 6: Avoid Accumulating More Debt

One of the most important steps in managing debt is avoiding the temptation to take on more debt while you’re trying to pay off existing balances. To do this:

Stop using credit cards (unless they offer significant rewards you can pay off each month).

Avoid taking out new loans unless absolutely necessary.

Build an emergency fund so you don’t rely on credit for unexpected expenses.

Step 7: Build Good Credit Habits

As you work to pay down debt, it’s essential to build healthy credit habits that will help you maintain financial stability in the future. Here are a few tips:

Pay bills on time: Late payments can result in fees and damage your credit score.

Keep credit card balances low: Ideally, keep your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your credit limit that you’re using) below 30%.

Monitor your credit score: Regularly checking your credit score helps you track your progress and spot potential issues before they become major problems.

Step 8: Seek Professional Help If Needed

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your debt, it may be helpful to seek guidance from a financial advisor or a credit counseling service. These professionals can help you:

Create a debt management plan

Negotiate with creditors

Provide budgeting and financial education

Many nonprofit credit counseling agencies offer free or low-cost services to help people manage their debt and improve their financial situation. KVR?

Conclusion:

Managing debt effectively is about creating a clear plan, sticking to your goals, and making consistent progress. While it may take time, the effort you put into paying down debt will pay off in the form of greater financial freedom and peace of mind.

Start by understanding your debt, creating a realistic budget, and using a repayment strategy that works for you. Remember, the road to financial freedom is a marathon, not a sprint, but every payment you make brings you one step closer to a debt-free life. Stay disciplined, avoid taking on more debt, and soon you’ll find yourself in a much stronger financial position.

[bitchesgetriches]

Kill Your Debt Faster With the Death by a Thousand Cuts Technique

If you’ve got credit card debt, the interest is calculated on the “average daily balance.” So it’s beneficial to lower that balance as quickly as possible. And you can only lower the balance by making a payment… or payments.

The sooner you send a dollar to that debt, the less interest you’ll end up paying! It’s that simple!

Even if you can only afford the minimum required payment every month, splitting it into two payments helps. That can drastically reduce the average daily balance, and thus, the interest you have to pay. So making half of your monthly payment on the 15th of the month and the other half on the 30th (don’t @ me, February) can effectively save you money on interest. This goes for credit card debt as well as home mortgages and car loans.

Keep reading.

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[businesswolfmagazine]

Conquering Debt: Strategies to Pay Off Credit Card Debts

Credit card debt is a financial burden that can weigh heavily on anyone, leading to stress and financial instability. However, with the right strategies, it’s possible to pay off credit card debts and achieve financial freedom. In this article, we will explore effective methods to manage and eliminate credit card debt, providing a comprehensive guide to help you conquer your financial challenges.

Understanding Credit Card Debt

Before diving into strategies to pay off credit card debts, it’s essential to understand what credit card debt entails. Credit card debt occurs when you use a credit card to make purchases and don’t pay off the balance in full by the due date. The remaining balance incurs interest, which can quickly accumulate and lead to significant debt if not managed properly.

The Impact of Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt can have several negative effects on your financial health:

High-Interest Rates: Credit cards often come with high-interest rates, which can make it challenging to pay off the principal balance as interest accumulates rapidly.

Credit Score Damage: Carrying high balances on your credit cards can negatively impact your credit score, affecting your ability to secure loans, mortgages, and even employment opportunities.

Financial Stress: The burden of credit card debt can lead to stress and anxiety, impacting your overall well-being and quality of life.

Strategies to Pay Off Credit Card Debts

Now that we understand the impact of credit card debt, let’s explore various strategies to help you pay off credit card debts effectively.

1. Create a Budget and Stick to It

Creating a budget is the first step in managing your finances and paying off credit card debts. A budget helps you track your income and expenses, ensuring that you allocate enough funds towards debt repayment.

Steps to Create a Budget:

1. List all sources of income.

2. Categorize and list all expenses, including fixed costs (rent, utilities) and variable costs (groceries, entertainment).

3. Identify areas where you can cut back on spending.

4. Allocate a specific amount towards debt repayment each month.

By sticking to a budget, you can ensure that you’re consistently making progress towards paying off your credit card debts.

2. Pay More Than the Minimum Payment

While making the minimum payment on your credit card keeps you in good standing with your creditor, it does little to reduce your overall debt. Paying only the minimum can extend your debt repayment period and increase the total amount of interest you pay.

To effectively pay off credit card debts, aim to pay more than the minimum payment each month. This approach reduces the principal balance faster, decreasing the amount of interest you accrue.

3. Prioritize High-Interest Debts

If you have multiple credit card debts, it’s essential to prioritize them based on interest rates. The “avalanche method” is a strategy where you focus on paying off the debt with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on other debts.

Steps for the Avalanche Method:

1. List all your credit card debts along with their interest rates.

2. Allocate extra funds towards the debt with the highest interest rate.

3. Once the highest interest debt is paid off, move to the next highest, and so on.

By targeting high-interest debts first, you can save money on interest payments and accelerate your debt repayment process.

4. Consider the Snowball Method

Another popular strategy to pay off credit card debts is the “snowball method.” This approach involves paying off the smallest debt first, then moving to the next smallest, and so on. The snowball method provides psychological motivation by giving you quick wins and a sense of accomplishment.

Steps for the Snowball Method:

1. List all your credit card debts from smallest to largest balance.

2. Allocate extra funds towards the smallest debt while making minimum payments on others.

3. Once the smallest debt is paid off, move to the next smallest, and repeat the process.

The snowball method can be particularly effective for those who need motivation to stay committed to their debt repayment plan.

5. Balance Transfer Credit Cards

A balance transfer credit card allows you to transfer your existing credit card debt to a new card with a lower interest rate or an introductory 0% APR period. This strategy can help you save money on interest and pay off credit card debts faster.

Steps to Utilize a Balance Transfer Card:

1. Research and compare balance transfer credit cards to find the best offer.

2. Apply for the card and transfer your existing credit card balances.

3. Pay off the transferred balance before the introductory period ends to avoid high interest rates.

Keep in mind that balance transfer cards may come with fees, so it’s essential to weigh the cost against the potential interest savings.

6. Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation involves combining multiple credit card debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate. This strategy simplifies your payments and can reduce the overall interest you pay.

Steps for Debt Consolidation:

1. Assess your total credit card debt and research consolidation loan options.

2. Apply for a consolidation loan that offers a lower interest rate than your current debts.

3. Use the loan to pay off your credit card balances.

4. Make consistent payments on the consolidation loan until it’s paid off.

Debt consolidation can be an effective way to manage and pay off credit card debts, but it’s crucial to avoid accumulating new debt while paying off the consolidation loan.

7. Negotiate with Creditors

In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with your creditors to lower your interest rates or settle your debt for less than the full amount owed. Creditors may be willing to work with you if you’re experiencing financial hardship or if you have a history of making timely payments.

Steps to Negotiate with Creditors:

1. Contact your creditors and explain your financial situation.

2. Request a lower interest rate, a payment plan, or a debt settlement.

3. Get any agreement in writing to ensure clarity and protection.

Negotiating with creditors can provide immediate relief and make it easier to pay off credit card debts.

8. Increase Your Income

Finding ways to increase your income can provide additional funds to put towards debt repayment. Consider taking on a part-time job, freelancing, or selling unused items to generate extra cash.

Ideas to Increase Income:

1. Offer services such as tutoring, pet sitting, or house cleaning.

2. Sell items online through platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

3. Take on freelance work in your area of expertise.

Increasing your income can accelerate your ability to pay off credit card debts and achieve financial freedom sooner.

9. Use Windfalls Wisely

If you receive a windfall, such as a tax refund, bonus, or inheritance, consider using it to pay off credit card debts. Applying these unexpected funds directly to your debt can significantly reduce your balance and save you money on interest.

Steps to Use Windfalls Wisely:

1. Assess the total amount of the windfall.

2. Allocate the funds towards the highest-interest debt or the smallest balance.

3. Continue making regular payments to maintain momentum.

Using windfalls wisely can provide a substantial boost to your debt repayment efforts.

10. Seek Professional Help

If you’re struggling to manage your credit card debt, seeking professional help from a credit counseling agency or financial advisor can provide valuable guidance and support. Credit counselors can help you create a debt management plan and negotiate with creditors on your behalf.

Steps to Seek Professional Help:

1. Research reputable credit counseling agencies or financial advisors.

2. Schedule a consultation to discuss your financial situation.

3. Follow their recommendations and stick to the debt management plan.

Professional help can provide the expertise and resources you need to effectively pay off credit card debts and regain control of your finances.

Maintaining a Debt-Free Lifestyle

Once you’ve successfully paid off credit card debts, it’s essential to maintain a debt-free lifestyle to prevent future financial challenges. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

1. Build an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund provides a financial cushion for unexpected expenses, reducing the need to rely on credit cards. Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a separate, easily accessible account.

2. Use Credit Cards Wisely

If you continue to use credit cards, do so responsibly by paying off the balance in full each month. Avoid carrying a balance to prevent accruing interest and falling back into debt.

3. Live Within Your Means

Living within your means involves spending less than you earn and avoiding unnecessary debt. Stick to your budget, prioritize savings, and make mindful spending decisions.

4. Monitor Your Credit

Regularly monitoring your credit report and score can help you stay aware of your financial health and catch any errors or potential fraud early. Use free credit monitoring services and review your credit report annually.

5. Set Financial Goals

Setting financial goals provides direction and motivation to maintain a debt-free lifestyle. Whether it’s saving for a home, investing for retirement, or planning a vacation, having clear goals can help you stay focused and disciplined.

Conclusion

Conquering debt and paying off credit card debts is a challenging but achievable goal. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you can take control of your finances, reduce your debt burden, and work towards a financially secure future. Remember, the key to success is consistency, discipline, and a commitment to making positive financial choices. Start your journey today and take the first step towards a debt-free life.