40-year Mortgage Explained

Best Mortgage Rates in Chicago

The median listing price in Chicago is $319,998, which is 16 percent higher than the national median listing price of $275,000. The city’s Zillow home value index of $228,600, however, is only 4 percent higher than the national figure of $220,100.

Home values in the city have climbed roughly 13 percent in the last three years and are projected to increase another 6 percent over the next year as Chicago’s real estate market continues to recover from a low point in 2012.

Mortgage Rates in Chicago 

According to Zillow, the housing market in Chicago is currently considered “less healthy.” The online real estate database also rated the Windy City as “cool,” which is not a comment on its hipness or breezy weather, but rather an indication of its low market temperature, which currently favors buyers.

If you are looking to take advantage of relatively good home prices in Chicago, it is important to remember that the area’s mortgage and refinancing rates are impacted by national interest rates as well as local economies. Factors such as state and city laws, foreclosure rates, and competition among lenders all play a part.

For example, increased competition among lenders drives down rates, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago has one of the highest concentrations of lenders of any American city.

In addition to these factors, there are also myriad other data points that affect mortgage and refinancing rates for individuals. We will explore more of them in this article on getting the best mortgage rates in Chicago.

Elements That Affect Mortgage Rate & Refinance Rates in Chicago

Mortgage and refinancing rates in Chicago are determined by a variety of factors.

Understanding these components can mean the difference between saving and spending thousands over the life of the loan.

Credit Score

Your credit score is typically the most instrumental factor in deciding whether you qualify for a home mortgage loan and, if so, which rates you’ll be eligible for. Though different lenders have different requirements, a conventional loan generally requires a FICO score of at least 620. The higher the credit score the lower your mortgage rates, as good credit typically reflects a reliable payment history. Conversely, lower credit scores often lead to higher rates, or no loan at all, although it is possible to get a mortgage with bad credit.

Down Payment

In most cases, there is an inverse relationship between the size of your down payment and the rate of your mortgage. A larger down payment produces a lower interest rate since buyers with more stake in the property are viewed as lower risk. Conversely, a small down payment often comes with higher rates. A good rule of thumb is that putting at least 20 percent down is a good start, though the more you can afford to put down upfront, the less you will have to pay off over the loan term. For this reason, low or no money down offers are not always wise investments.

Loan Term

The duration of your loan is another key determinant when it comes to mortgage rates, with shorter-term loans typically carrying lower interest rates but higher monthly payments. In contrast, longer loan terms involve lower payments spread out over a longer period, albeit with higher interest rates. Fixed-rate mortgages can come with loan terms ranging anywhere from 10 to 40 years in total.

Type of Refinance

If rates go down during the term of your loan, you can sometimes take advantage of improved conditions by refinancing. However, you should familiarize yourself with the various types of refinancing options beforehand. The rate-and-term refinance, which—according to Zillow—is the most popular refinancing choice, allows borrowers to lower their rates or change their loan types. Other types include cash-out refinance, cash-in refinance, short refinance, and the Home Affordable Refinance Program.

Best Mortgage & Refinancing Rates in Chicago

With its relatively weak housing market, buyers are currently poised to make a killing in Chicago. They can also save even more if they shop around to find the best mortgage rates and refinancing options the city has to offer.

Failing to compare quotes from different lenders can cost borrowers tens of thousands of dollars over the term of their mortgage. Follow these steps if you want to take advantage of the healthy competition in America’s third-largest city:

1. Study up on different mortgage and refinance types: Your rate can change quite a bit depending on the exact mortgage or refinance option you choose. On the other hand, the lowest rate may not necessarily be the most sensible option for your situation. Different mortgage and refinance options exist because borrowers have unique situations, so consider your current financial abilities and goals when deciding on the type of loan that makes the most sense for you.
2. Get quotes from multiple lenders: Savvy shoppers don’t make a purchase until they have compared their options. Reaching out to multiple lenders and speaking with several of the many lenders in Chicago can provide you with multiple quotes to compare. In addition to expanding your list of options, soliciting a variety of quotes can help you negotiate a better deal, as lenders may offer to pay closing costs or eliminate some underwriting fees to win your business.
3. Don’t forget to calculate additional costs: A low rate is certainly worth checking out, but shouldn’t be your only consideration when deciding on a mortgage or refinancing option. You should always remember to factor in other terms of the loan and any fees or additional costs that will affect the overall total. Speak with your lender about any potential broker fees, underwriting costs, prepayment penalties or closing costs, and be sure you have received a Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure form within a few days of when you submit your loan application.

Recommended Mortgage Companies in Chicago

Chicago has a solid mixture of national and local lenders for borrowers to choose from. In fact, the wealth of options can prove overwhelming to some. Fortunately, there are some especially noteworthy providers worth spotlighting:

• Quicken Loans: This national lender is our No. 1 choice because of its 90-Day Rateshield benefit, which locks in your rate and keeps it from going up for 90 days.
• Better Mortgage: This relatively recent entrant to the lending industry provides a completely digital experience and lives up to its name by charging no origination fees, commissions or hidden fees.
• Guaranteed Rate: The namesake of the city’s south side Major League Baseball stadium, Guaranteed Rate is one of the best lenders for government loans, including VA, FHA, and USDA loans.
• CrossCountry: Founded in the Midwest and available nationwide, CrossCountry is an online lender that offers a comprehensive set of loan options, as well as a wide selection of refinancing programs.

These are only a few of the banks and lenders out there. If they don’t work, we can help you continue your search. 

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Wells Fargo Mortgage Review

Wells Fargo was founded on March 18, 1852, in San Francisco, CA. The financial institution offers a variety of home loan products, including fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages, FHA and VA mortgages, jumbo loans, home improvement loans, and new construction loans.

Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo is one of the largest lenders in the U.S. According to the Q2 Wells Fargo fact sheet, it services one in three households in the U.S.

Wells Fargo faced a scandal in 2016 when the organization let go of thousands of employees who created fraudulent accounts. Since this incident, the lender has been working hard to regain consumers’ trust.

The bank’s flexible loan options do not require many qualifications, aside from the borrower’s credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and a government-issued ID.

While Wells Fargo’s 2016 scandal may have affected its reputation, it currently has a BBB rating of 1/5 stars and Trustpilot rating of 1.7/10 stars, as well as a Consumers Advocate rating of 7.5/10.

Well’s Fargo is a well-recognized name in the banking industry, but just because you know the logo doesn’t mean they are a good option. Maybe a smaller bank would be a more affordable option. 

Wells Fargo Mortgage Facts

• Offers fixed-rate mortgage down payments as low as 3 percent
• Provides borrowers with a variety of loan options, from conforming fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages to VA and FHA loans and jumbo mortgages
• Extends mortgage options for new construction homes
• The Union Plus Mortgage program is available to 30,000 local unions and 59 national and international labor unions
• My Home Roadmap offers free credit counseling to customers who were turned down due to poor credit
• My FirstHome® Education program teaches first-time homebuyers what to expect when taking out a mortgage

Wells Fargo Loan Specifics

Wells Fargo Fixed-Rate Loans

These types of loans have interest rates that stay the same throughout the life of the loan. These predictable costs protect borrowers from rising interest rates and make it easier for them to budget their finances.

Fixed-rate mortgages are most beneficial for homebuyers who plan on staying in the home for several years. In addition, people with secure finances might want to take out a fixed-rate loan if interest rates are historically low at the time of purchase.

Wells Fargo Adjustable-Rate Loans

Adjustable-rate mortgages begin with a low initial interest rate, but these costs might rise and fall with market fluctuations after this fixed period ends. These loans include an interest rate cap, which limits how much the interest rates can increase.

Homebuyers who plan on selling their home or refinancing in the next few years should consider this mortgage option.

Wells Fargo New Construction Loans

This type of mortgage provides buyers with the finances they need to build their new home. Typically, these loans only last for the time it takes to construct the house. These loans are beneficial to buyers moving into a new construction home or a house that is nearly complete.

Wells Fargo Jumbo Loans

A jumbo loan is a nonconforming loan that allows homebuyers to take out larger loan amounts than the typical limits set by lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the minimum jumbo loan amount is $453,100.

Wells Fargo offers jumbo loans with fixed-rate and adjustable-rate payment options. Jumbo mortgages can help people with the financial flexibility to cover large monthly payments on high-value properties.

Wells Fargo FHA Mortgage Loans

Wells Fargo mortgage rates can be both fixed and adjustable for federal housing administration (FHA) loans. This mortgage is best suited for those looking for a low down payment loan option.

Buyers can secure FHA loans with a down payment of just 3.5 percent. They can also qualify for an FHA mortgage with a co-applicant who won’t live in the house and to use gift funds to finance the down payment and closing costs.

Wells Fargo VA Loans

VA loans offer to finance for veterans and other qualifying VA program borrowers. They are available in the form of fixed- and adjustable-rate options. VA loan applicants can use gifts and grants to cover closing costs.

Many homebuyers find VA loans desirable because of their flexible rate and term options, and because they do not require monthly mortgage insurance. However, VA homebuyers typically pay a one-time funding fee that can go directly toward the loan amount.

Wells Fargo Cash-Out Refinance Loans

This form of refinancing replaces a current mortgage with a new loan that can help pay off their outstanding mortgage balance. This type of loan is ideal for homeowners looking to refinance their homes in any of the following instances:

• They decided to stay in the home for longer than expected
• Interest rates have dropped since they first took out a mortgage
• They would rather pay lower interest rates with extended loan terms

Wells Fargo USDA Loans

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Guaranteed Rural Housing Program offers to finance to low- to moderate-income homebuyers in rural areas. These loans can fund up to 100 percent of the purchase price and may not involve a down payment.

Eligible buyers can pay a one-time guarantee fee as well as an annual fee to the USDA. The best candidates for these types of home loans are homebuyers on a tight budget looking to move to rural areas.

Wells Fargo Mortgage Customer Experience

According to JD Power’s 2017 Primary Mortgage Originator rankings, Wells Fargo received an overall satisfaction score of three out of five stars. Its strongest score was in the category of problem resolution, at four out of five stars.

The company’s commitment to helping consumers can be seen in its helpful FAQ center where customers can find the answers to some of the most common mortgage-related questions.

For instance, while Ellie Mae claimed an average time of 44 days to close on mortgage applications in Sept. 2018, Wells Fargo reported that it’s closing times can range from 30 to 90 days.

Consumers can also contact customer service or mortgage specialists at Wells Fargo if their question cannot be found in the FAQ. This lender even offers informative articles that can help customers learn more about the different types of loans and decide what mortgage option is right for them.

The institution also offers an online mortgage calculator that can determine buyers’ rates and payments for home loans and refinances. By inserting the home value, down payment, borrower’s credit score, and property location, Wells Fargo can offer an estimated loan amount.

Aside from this, the bank also offers step-by-step guidance for customers who decide to apply online. However, borrowers cannot obtain an online quote. Instead, they must directly contact Wells Fargo mortgage specialists at 1-877-291-4333, or customer service personnel at 1-800-357-6675.

Just as with most lenders, borrowers looking for a loan with Wells Fargo may have to provide a government-issued ID number when applying for a loan. Common accepted IDs include:

• Social security number
• Taxpayer ID number
• Green card
• Foreign visa
• Alien ID card
• Foreign passport number

When researching customer reviews online, the results can be relatively polarizing, especially in the face of this lender’s well-publicized recent issues. In August 2018, the San Francisco Business Times reported a Wells Fargo software glitch that accidentally foreclosed on hundreds of homes.

This technology issue did not allow customers to modify their mortgages when they requested federal assistance between 2010 and 2015. This followed the issues in 2016 when Wells Fargo was fined hundreds of millions of dollars and laid off thousands of employees for committing account fraud.

Wells Fargo launched an advertising campaign in early 2018 that stated its interest in regaining consumer trust.

Wells Fargo Lender Reputation

Wells Fargo is a bank that was founded in 1852. Wells Fargo has a Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry ID number of 399801. With 3,560 BBB complaints, Wells Fargo has a BBB rating of 1/5 stars. It also has a Trustpilot rating of 1.7/10 stars.

• Information collected Oct. 29, 2018

Wells Fargo Mortgage Qualifications

Credit score	Quality	Ease of approval
760+	Excellent	Easy
700-759	Good	Somewhat easy
621-699	Fair	Moderate
620 and below	Poor	Somewhat difficult
n/a	No credit score	Difficult

Borrowers with credit scores above 760 should have no trouble finding good mortgage rates. If borrowers have a “good” credit score, they may qualify for mortgages, but may not get the best rates if their debt and income levels are below average.

If they have “fair” credit, they might pay higher mortgage rates. Those who have credit scores below 620 or have insufficient credit history might have trouble being approved for most mortgages.

Debt-to-income ratio	Quality	Likelihood to get approved by lender
35% or less	Manageable	Likely
36-49%	Needs improvement	Possible
50% or more	Poor	Limited

Typically, Wells Fargo is most likely to accept applicants with a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 35 percent or less. When their DTI is between 36 and 49 percent, they may be eligible for approval if their credit score is excellent.

If buyers have a high DTI ratio, they might have limited lender options and may need to focus on lowering this ratio before applying for a mortgage.

Wells Fargo’s down payment minimum depends on the loan type.  The lender typically requires 20 percent down for conventional loans. However, for borrowers interested in making a low down payment or taking out a VA or FHA loan, Wells Fargo allows a down payment of 3 or 3.5 percent.

Wells Fargo Phone Number & Additional Details

• Homepage URL: http://bit.ly/nqliwM
• Company Phone: 1-800-357-6675
• Headquarters Address: Wells Fargo, 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104
• States Serviced: Wells Fargo services all 50 states, except Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia.

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Best Mortgage Rates in Indiana

The first step to securing the best deal on a mortgage and refinancing rates in Indiana is understanding how the housing market is performing as a whole. According to real estate data from Zillow, Indiana homes currently stand at a median value of $139,000, considerably below the nationwide median list price of $179,000. 

Nevertheless, Zillow has scored the state’s market health at 3.1 points out of a possible 10, earning a “less healthy” rating on its Market Health Index. Luckily, the state has seen an upward trend over the past year, as the median home value has increased by 10.3 percent since 2017.

This trend is predicted to continue, with values rising another 2.5 percent over the next year. The recovering market performance has some experts feeling optimistic about the future of Indiana’s housing market, suggesting it may be a good time for homebuyers to invest.

Mortgage Rates in Indiana

Although market health is improving, it’s important to note that mortgage and refinancing rates are affected by a range of factors beyond regional performance. A rise in national interest rates can cause fluctuation within the state, though the effects may be mitigated by local economics, state laws and competition between lenders.

New banks and lenders are opening every year, which can make choosing difficult. It also means you may not be getting the best rate. 

To improve your chances at an affordable rate, be sure to review your finances and weigh all the available mortgage options before deciding on a lender. This article will break down some essential information about the loan application process and offer advice on how you can get the best mortgage or refinancing rates in Indiana.

Factors That Affect Mortgage Rates & Refinance Rates in Indiana

Lenders consider a number of important financial markers when determining what mortgage or refinancing rates to offer a homebuyer. For most lending institutions, the application process boils down to risk assessment.

To get the best deal, borrowers need to understand how certain elements will affect the rates they’re offered and prepare for tough questions from the lender.

Loan Type

Depending on your eligibility, you may qualify for a number of different loan options. Almost all lenders provide conventional loan types, like fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgages, but some also offer government-backed loans that feature different qualification requirement. To make sure you’re considering all available options, look into alternatives to traditional mortgages, such as VA, FHA, USDA, and jumbo loans.

Interest Rate Type

Another important factor to consider is the type of interest rate on the mortgage and refinance loan. Fixed-rate mortgages are great for homebuyers who are planning to live in their home for the long-term, as it locks in a fixed interest rate for the full term of their mortgage. In contrast, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) can offer greater flexibility and opportunities to save due to the variable nature of the interest rate. Most ARM loans start with a fixed rate for a set amount of time and switch to a market-driven interest rate once that period has elapsed.

Refinancing Type

Some lending institutions offer refinancing options for borrowers who have been paying off their mortgage for several years. Each lender offers different types of refinancing loans at different rates, though some are more popular than others. The most popular type is a rate and term refinance, which allows homeowners to renegotiate their interest rate and loan term or switch to a different loan program.

Credit Score

Lenders consider credit history to be one of the surest ways of measuring a borrower’s ability to uphold their long-term financial obligations. Homebuyers with high credit scores typically have more options to choose from and more leverage during rate negotiations. Those with low credit scores tend to have a tougher time qualifying for certain loan programs, as lending institutions consider them high risk. Though negotiating a favorable interest rate may be challenging, there are plenty of lenders willing to work with borrowers with low credit scores.

Down Payment

The amount you’re able to put down upfront is a major factor for determining mortgage and refinancing rates, as it demonstrates a borrower’s personal stake in the property. The higher your down payment, the lower your interest rate will be. For borrowers with fewer savings to work with, some lenders offer down payment assistance programs and no-money-down options to help them get started.

Understanding how these critical elements affect the mortgage and refinancing application process is essential to finding the best interest rate possible. Keep in mind that the rate you’re offered will depend on your specific financial circumstances, so be sure to review your finances before negotiations begin.

How to Get the Best Mortgage & Refinancing Rates in Indiana

The only way to get the best deal on a mortgage and refinancing rates in Indiana is to collect and review as much information as possible. Lenders will have a number of complex questions to determine your eligibility and formulate your interest rate, so preparation is crucial.

Remember, the driving forces behind your search for the perfect mortgage or refinancing program should be your financial needs and long-term goals. If you’re unsure how to get started, consider the following tips:

1. Do your research: The best place to start is with a review of your overall finances, including credit score and history, income, savings, pre-existing debt, and financial obligations. If you’re confused about certain financial terminology, make sure to utilize the wealth of to clarify what it all means. It’s also important to research into best practices for mortgage lenders and local market performance, as the location, size, price, and amenities of the home your purchasing will affect your overall rate.
2. Compare your options: After you’ve reviewed your finances, the next step should be to compile all the loan types you’re eligible for into an organized list. Each lender will have a different mortgage and refinancing program qualifications, so be sure to cast a wide net during your search. This method of comparative shopping is the only way to ensure you get the best deal on your mortgage, as it will help you avoid irrelevant or overpriced loan offerings.
3. Ask lenders a lot of questions: When it comes to negotiating mortgage and refinancing rates, the more prepared you are the better. Lenders are used to working with homebuyers with different levels of knowledge, yet nearly half of all mortgage borrowers don’t shop around when buying a home. To avoid inflated interest rates, borrowers should call a variety of lending institutions with a list of targeted questions. Every lender will have a different answer to your questions, making the comparative shopping process that much easier. Some things to ask a lender about include minimum credit score requirements and down payment amounts, closing fees and other back-end costs, the benefits and limitations of each loan type, and whether the lender offers any perks or rewards.

Recommended Mortgage Companies in Indiana

Finding the best available mortgage rate can be a daunting task, in part because of the numerous lenders operating in Indiana. To ensure you’re considering all your options, check out these top lending institutions:

JG Wentworth

This lender provides a fast, automated application process through their online portal and offers flat lender fees on most of its loans. JG Wentworth is known for its VA loan option and frequently works with service members with credit scores around 620.

New American Funding

Offering a diverse range of mortgage options, this lender is ideal for borrowers looking for nontraditional credit evaluations and down payment assistance programs. New American funding has helped thousands of borrowers with low credit scores obtain affordable mortgage rates through its easy-to-use online application process.

Quicken Loans

As the largest Federal Housing Administration lender in the nation, Quicken Loans has become the fastest growing mortgage provider on the market. This lender is a perfect match for first-time homebuyers, offering a convenient online application process and on-demand customer service.

CrossCountry Mortgage

This full-service mortgage lender provides a range of financing options, including conventional fixed- and adjustable rate mortgages, FHA, USDA, VA, and jumbo loan options. CrossCountry Mortgage is great for borrowers seeking a face-to-face home financing experience and exceptional customer service.

AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation

Competitive pricing is a major benefit of working this lender, as it offers rate matching opportunities for borrowers across 49 states. Homebuyers can initiate their mortgage application via phone, which is supported by a network of affiliated real estate agents.

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Churchill Bank Mortgage Rates Review

Churchill Mortgage was founded on March 1, 1992, in Brentwood, Tennessee. It is currently a privately owned company with over 400 employees. As its name suggests, Churchill Mortgage Corporation provides services in the mortgage business alone.

Churchill Bank Mortgage Facts

• A privately owned mortgage company that was founded in 1992
• Provides service to customers in 36 U.S. states and the District of Columbia
• Offers its customers a variety of mortgage products, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.
• Allows its customers to pre-qualify for a mortgage using their online application
• Has plenty of helpful online resources, including various calculators to assist with the mortgage and home buying process
• Advertises a debt-free homeownership strategy with low monthly costs and useful options for people who cannot put 20 percent down on their home

History of Churchill Bank 

Since its founding only 26 years ago, Churchill Mortgage Corporation has created quite an impact on the mortgage industry, offering its services in 36 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. They provide plenty of mortgage options, such as conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA home loans.

Churchill Mortgage Corporation has won a decent amount of awards for a lender that hasn’t been around for a long time. They most notably won a “Best in Business” award, as well as various corporate awards for executives at Churchill Mortgage.

Its customer reviews are typically positive, but they vary from site to site.

For some people, they can be the best mortgage lending option, other customers will need to keep searching. 

Churchill Bank Loan Specifics

Churchill Mortgage Corporation offers home loans to a variety of customers. They support homebuyers who can afford to put 20 percent down on their home with conventional loans, and they provide solutions to buyers who cannot afford to put this much down with government-backed programs.

Fixed Rate Loans

These types of loans are an excellent choice for homebuyers who want to stay in their home for many years. They come with predictable monthly rates, which do not change over the loan’s term. This is desirable for buyers who want to be able to budget their finances ahead of schedule.

Adjustable Rate Loans 

This other popular type of loan is a better fit for homebuyers who believe they will sell or refinance their home in the next five years or so. ARMs start with a fixed rate for a specific number of years. After this time, the rates will fluctuate based on market trends.

Jumbo Loans 

A jumbo loan is a type of nonconforming loan that lets buyers take out larger amounts than the normal limits set by lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the minimum jumbo loan amount is currently set at $453,100.

Churchill Bank offers jumbo mortgages for homebuyers who want to buy more expensive properties but do not have the funds to pay a substantial down payment.

FHA Loan 

FHA loans are ideal for buyers who do not qualify for other loan programs. They may not be able to put 20 percent down on their home or have a high debt-to-income ratio. The Federal Housing Administration created these types of loans to allow these individuals the opportunity to buy a property with small down payments.

VA Loans

Veterans, military members, and their spouses may qualify for VA loans with Churchill Mortgage. These types of mortgages allow qualified individuals to pay a low down payment and offer affordable monthly payments to keep them on top of their finances.

USDA Loans 

Churchill Mortgage offers these types of mortgages to rural mortgage borrowers who otherwise may not have been able to secure a loan. The Rural Housing Service manages and qualifies individuals for these loans, allowing for a flexible credit score and debt-to-income ratio.

Churchill Bank Mortgage Customer Experience

Churchill Bank gives customers the ability to pre-qualify online for a mortgage with its intuitive online application form. This is a good choice for customers who would rather fill out a sheet than spend time on the phone.

Once your application has been processed, your mortgage processor will request your credit score, title report, and documents verifying your assets and employment history.

Churchill Mortgage Corporation offers other helpful resources for its current and prospective borrowers. They have an online mortgage calculator that can help you figure out how much house you can afford, how much you will pay in monthly costs for your mortgage, and how much you could save by paying off your loans on a bi-weekly schedule.

This bank did not rank in the 2017 or 2016 J.D. Power Primary Mortgage Originator study, nor did it appear in the Consumer Financial Bureau Monthly Complaint Report of the most complained-about financial service companies on a national and statewide level.

Churchill Bank Lender Reputation

Churchill Mortgage is a corporation that has been serving 36 states and the District of Columbia for over 25 years. The National Mortgage Licensing System number for this company varies based on the different branches. To find out the NMLS to a location near you, check out Churchill’s licensing information.

Customer reviews for this lender vary immensely. Lending Tree reviewers give Churchill Mortgage five out of five stars. The BBB does not currently accredit Churchill Mortgage Corporation, but it has an A+ rating on their Brentwood, TN location. There is only one BBB customer review, at one star, and only three customer complaints.

Since it is a relatively new mortgage company, Churchill Mortgage has not won a ton of awards. However, in 2013, Nashville Business News named it a “Best in Business” winner to recognize the company’s dedication to the city of Nashville.

The CFO of Churchill Mortgage, Matthew C. Clarke, was the 2015 winner of the Nashville Business Journal’s CFO Awards for medium-sized businesses, according to Business Wire.

Churchill Mortgage Corporation seems to be free of any recent scandals, but their name is close to another bank that fell to bankruptcy. The Churchill Mortgage Investment Group in New York’s Rockland County took investments from hundreds of people before going into debt in 1997 and closing for good.

• Information collected on December 5, 2018

Churchill Bank Mortgage Qualifications

Churchill Mortgage Corporation has the same mortgage qualifications as other lenders in the U.S. They state that their minimum credit score requirement is 620. Individuals should see lower costs the higher their credit score is. Buyers with a credit score of about 760 can expect the best mortgage rates.

Credit Score	Quality	Ease of Approval
760+	Excellent	Easy
700-759	Good	Somewhat easy
621-699	Fair	Moderate
620 and below	Poor	Somewhat difficult
n/a	No credit score	Difficult

In addition to the size of your down payment and your credit score, Churchill will look into your debt-to-income ratio and your savings to make sure you have the means to pay them back.
Generally, unless you qualify for FHA, VA, or USDA loans, you should expect to put 20 percent down on your home. If you can get a government-assisted mortgage, you might only have to put 3 percent down.

Churchill Bank Phone Number & Additional Details

• Homepage URL: http://bit.ly/1pnMRxD
• Company Phone: 1-615-370-8888

Headquarters Address: 761 Old Hickory Blvd, Suite 203, Brentwood, TN 37027-4519

States Serviced: 36 U.S. states and D.C.

Churchill Bank is only one of the thousands of options out there. Maybe they work for you, maybe they don’t. Either way, we’re here to help! 

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US Stocks Edge Higher After Fed Signals Future Rate Cuts

U.S. stock indexes veered modestly higher Wednesday afternoon after the Federal Reserve reaffirmed that it is prepared to cut interest rates if needed to shield the economy from trade conflicts or other threats.

Source CBNNews.com http://bit.ly/2WSP2hl

Here’s How You Could Get Homeowners Insurance for $25/Month (Seriously)

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Fires, lightning and hail. Windstorms, vandals and burglars.

If you own a home, you need insurance to protect it from threats like these. Heck, if you have a mortgage on your home — like almost all of us do — you’re required to have homeowners insurance.

And if you have homeowners or renters insurance, it’s a fact that you might be paying too much for it. That’s because insurance companies are notorious for charging wildly varying rates.

Try shopping around. Start by getting a free quote. You literally have nothing to lose by doing this.

We recommend checking out the online insurance company Lemonade, where renters insurance starts at $5 a month and home insurance starts at $25 a month.

While homeowners insurance starts at $25, that doesn’t mean you’re skimping on coverage. Your ultimate price will depend on factors such as your home’s size, location and age; and the coverage amounts you choose. It’s just that Lemonade starts out at an affordable level.

Here’s how easy it is to get a quote. You can do it all online, and it won’t hurt your credit score.

1. Click “Check Our Prices.”
2. Meet Maya, Lemonade’s friendly bot, who will ask you a few questions.
3. Once you complete the application, you’ll receive a quote within a minute or two.

Lemonade is a Transparent Beverage

Beyond affordable rates, Lemonade adds a layer of transparency you don’t often see in the insurance world. Instead of profiting extra when it doesn’t have to pay out claims, the company keeps a set 20% of your premium for itself, and 80% goes into a pool for paying claims. Money left over after paying claims each year goes to a charitable cause of your choice.

That also means Lemonade isn’t going to be conflicted about granting customers the claims they deserve — because the money isn’t going into its pockets.

Homeowners insurance covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if it gets damaged by fire or the kind of natural disaster insurers call “acts of God.” When you borrow money from a bank to buy a house, it’ll require you to insure that asset.

Renters insurance covers the cost of replacing your possessions if they’re stolen or damaged by fire or vandalism. Most don’t cover flooding. Exactly what it covers depends on the policy.

Here’s what else to know about Lemonade:

• There are no insurance agents. You do the whole thing online through Lemonade’s website or through its Apple or Android apps. You sign up and make claims online.
• It’s available in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Wisconsin.
• You can get discounts for having safety equipment, such as fire and burglar alarms.

It’s easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy.

Mike Brassfield (mike@thepennyhoarder.com) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. When life gives him lemons, he squeezes them in people’s eyes.

This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.

source The Penny Hoarder http://bit.ly/2IuJHZL

Best Mortgage Rates in South Carolina

Over the past several years, property values have increased significantly in the Palmetto State. Real estate database Zillow reported that prices rose from a low median value of $120,000, reached twice in 2012, to a median home value of $162,000 in November 2018.

Although still significantly lower than the national median home value of $309,000 that the U.S. Census Bureau reported in October 2018, there’s an undeniable, long-term upward trend in South Carolina home prices. Homebuyers need to pay close attention to mortgage rates, terms, and conditions to find the most effective loan for their needs.

Mortgages Rates in South Carolina 

From national factors like interest rates and economic performance to state-level concerns like lender competition and foreclosure rates, a variety of factors impact the rates and terms lenders will offer.

Considerations specific to South Carolina include a steadily increasing population leading to more demand, widely variable home prices between urban and rural areas, the potential for extreme weather to affect parts of the state, and much more.

To find the best mortgage for your needs, keep these factors in mind and read on to learn more about mortgage specifics, the benefits of comparative shopping, and top lenders in South Carolina.

5 Critical Elements That Affect Mortgage Rates & Refinance Rates in South Carolina

Understanding as much as possible about mortgage rates in South Carolina allows you to make an informed decision that can, over time, save you a significant amount of money.

Because providers and types of mortgages vary so much in the context of rates, terms, conditions, and other factors, finding the best mortgage rate for your specific needs can reduce the total cost of a loan by many thousands of dollars over its life.

To have a truly complete view of the mortgage market in South Carolina, you need to consider the underlying factors that affect all home loans and yours in particular.

1. Down payment: Down payments are a widely variable consideration. Specific types of mortgages, such as the VA Home Loan for servicemembers and veterans, require very little or no down payment, while others call for the industry standard of 20 percent. Additionally, a larger down payment cuts down on the total amount owed, which reduces the total interest accrued over the life of the loan and individual monthly payments. A smaller down payment, while requiring more interest to be paid over time, reduces the up-front financial burden placed on a homeowner.
2. Type of refinance: There’s no single reason to refinance a home loan, which entails securing a new loan that pays off the existing mortgage. Some people do so to take advantage of changing interest rates and other market conditions, reducing their monthly payments and saving more money over time. Others refinance to access the equity they’ve built up in their home over many years, using that money for a variety of other purposes. A refinance can also be initiated due to a desire to change between a fixed- and an adjustable-rate mortgage, avoid entering a state of negative equity on the property, and many other considerations. The Federal Reserve Board has an in-depth guide that helps homeowners learn more about the specifics of refinancing.
3. Credit score: Unless you have enough cash on hand to purchase a home outright, and therefore skip the lending process, your credit score will almost certainly be a consideration as you attempt to qualify for a home loan. Some specialized loans, such as the ones secured by various government agencies, have more relaxed standards, and exact requirements can vary from one lender to the next. A higher credit score can lead to benefits like lower interest rates, and a lower lifetime cost of a mortgage because lenders view those with better scores as offering less risk. Conversely, a lower score can mean dealing with less-favorable terms and conditions, with more money going toward interest when paying off the loan.
4. Loan term: Shorter and longer loan terms each offer unique sets of advantages and disadvantages. A shorter loan term, commonly 15 years, leads to higher monthly payments but lower interest rates and less total interest paid over time. This option is useful for those who may only stay in the home for a relatively short period or have the financial capacity to address the higher price each month. A longer loan term, commonly 30 years, leads to the opposite: higher interest rates and total interest accrued, but lower monthly payments.
5. Length of refinancing: Just as the length of the term of an initial home loan influences major factors like interest rates and monthly payments, so does the length of a refinance. A longer term allows homeowners to spread the cost of the mortgage over a more extended period, although at an additional cost. A shorter term means a more considerable monthly expense, but lower overall cost and a better interest rate. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons as you choose between a shorter or longer term for your refinance.

How to Get the Best Mortgage & Refinancing Rates in South Carolina

Comparative shopping is a foundational step on the path to finding the mortgage that works best for your needs. Contrasting different types of widely available loans, determining if you qualify for specialized mortgages, and finding out which lender will provide you with the most competitive rates and terms helps you save money.

However, close to half of all Americans don’t consider multiple lenders, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported, instead just choosing a single lender from the start.

When you compare all the options and lenders available to you, you have a better chance of saving money. Because mortgages are long-term loans, even a reduction as low as 0.5% in a loan’s interest rate can lead to savings of several thousands of dollars over the life of the agreement.

If you qualify for a specialized loan, such as the loan for rural homes offered by the USDA, you could save even more.

Make sure to request quotes from several lenders. Request quotes online at first to keep the process moving along, but reach out by phone as well if a lender doesn’t have online quotes or pre-approvals. Additionally, watch out for fees that crop up at the end of the mortgage process.

You can negotiate many of them down or eliminate them altogether. Fees frequently open to reductions include loan origination, document preparation, and title search, among others.

Recommended Mortgage Companies in South Carolina

There are a variety of lenders active in the Palmetto State. Some top options to consider include:

• LendingTree: LendingTree serves as an online platform for connecting homebuyers with potential lenders. Considering the importance of comparative shopping to securing the best possible mortgage rates and terms, the benefits of seeking out initial quotes via LendingTree is clear. The process is simple, too: Enter your information just once, and LendingTree will match you with up to five possible lenders.
• Quicken Loans: Quicken Loans is also a loan marketplace, connecting lenders and homebuyers across the country. Quicken Loans’ wide variety of lenders means it’s easier to find competitive rates on everything from traditional, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages to jumbo loans and other specialized products. Quicken Loans also enjoys the best overall ranking in our internal review of lenders and marketplaces, with a score of 9.8/10.
• J.G. Wentworth: J.G. Wentworth features many very attractive benefits for prospective and current customers, including competitive interest rates, a quick and easy quote process and a wide range of mortgage products. Those seeking a loan can use a variety of methods to communicate with the lender, including email, phone calls, and live chat. J.G. Wentworth’s headquarters location has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
• Ally Bank: Ally Bank emphasizes its online-only nature by clearly displaying quotes and rates and offering a variety of interactive tools and other information about various parts of the home loan process. Lower overhead from a lack of need to rent or own real estate and staff locations contributes to the lower rates the bank offers. Loan officers are available

The post Best Mortgage Rates in South Carolina appeared first on Good Financial Cents®.

Source Good Financial Cents® http://bit.ly/2Y23xkm

How We Go Camping – And Some Suggestions for New (and Experienced) Campers

Joel writes in:

First, what is your car camping set-up. I’m thinking of getting a canopy tent for hanging out — something like a 10×10 foot bug protection for placing over the picnic table. Wondered if you had recommendations or even use one then thought I’d just ask about the set-up in general.

Before I dig into our own camping history and how we camp today, I want to talk a bit about why camping is a great idea.

The big reason why camping fits well on The Simple Dollar is that camping is an extremely inexpensive way to get out of the house for a few days. Once you’ve covered the initial startup costs of a tent and a few other items, the cost of camping is basically the fuel to drive to a spot, any fees associated with the campsite… and that’s about it. You have to bring your own food, but the food costs for us are typically comparable to eating at home. It is a very inexpensive form of leisure and getting away from it all. Plus, camping can also be a very inexpensive summer vacation, as you can simply drive a long distance and camp in some new part of the country.

There are many different flavors of camping, and I’ve found that not everyone likes every flavor of camping. The two main varieties of camping are “car camping,” where you drive to a premade campsite, pitch a tent or a small camper, and live on the supplies you brought in your car or small camper, and “backpack camping,” where you literally carry the gear you need for camping on your back and explore wilderness. Within each, there’s a lot of variation.

Having said that, camping isn’t necessarily for everyone. Some people enjoy almost every kind of camping out there. Some people enjoy backpacking but find car camping dull; others feel the exact opposite. Some people don’t like any kind of camping.

Sarah and I have been avid campers for many, many years. Both of us used to do car camping growing up, and for the full time we were dating and for perhaps the first ten years of our marriage, Sarah and I were frequent car campers. At first, we had a smaller four person tent and kept our camping equipment in a tub in our apartment.

During those early years, Sarah and I got into a habit of camping several times a summer. It was a pretty regular weekend activity for us – we’d often come home on a Friday, grab our tent and sleeping bags and box of camping gear and a small cooler, toss them in the trunk, and we were ready to go. We’d stop at a grocery store on the way and fill up the cooler and get a few groceries, head to our campsite, and get our tent up before dark, and then spend Saturday and much of Sunday at the campground before heading home.

Over time, we gradually accumulated more camping gear – stuff that wasn’t really necessary but was kind of neat to have along. People knew we loved to camp and would often give us camping gear as a gift. We picked up things like tools to make starting a campfire easier or some really sturdy dishes for the campsite or a Dutch oven to use for campfire cooking. Gradually, our one tub expanded to two tubs, but it still wasn’t a problem.

The challenge came when we had a child, then another, then another. Camping quickly morphed into a much greater logistical challenge requiring us to remember stuff for five people rather than two, plus a lot of baby-related gear. The number of times we camped each summer declined, and we both missed it.

When Sarah was a kid, she had two younger sisters and their family used a popup camper, so she spent a good year shopping around for a used popup camper in good shape and, a few years ago, she found one she liked for a really good price (I think it was a liquidation type of situation where a family needed to get rid of unwanted items rather quickly) and we bought it. It’s a mid-2000s Jayco popup that looks quite a bit like this, but with some key differences and some minor wear and tear on it. We paid substantially less than $1,000 for it.

This served several purposes. One, it provided a single place to store all of our camping items. We simply keep them all stored in the Jayco when it’s folded up and there’s more than enough space for all of the camping gear for five people. Going camping is now quite simple again – we just hook the camper to our van and take off. Two, it made Sarah incredibly happy, as she loved the popup camper that her family camped in when they were kids. Three, a popup is pretty inexpensive as such things go. Four, it’s lightweight, meaning it’s easily towed by our van with a towing package. The cost per year of it has not been much more than a well-equipped tent, either, since we bought it used and have kept care of it.

Personally, I didn’t mind our tent at all. For the first few years we camped with our kids, we used a six person tent that worked really well for our needs and I was really happy with it. Part of the reason for the popup was my wife wanting one, so she conserved her personal spending budget for a while to afford one (it seemed like an “extra” that she wanted but not me). Now that we have it, I appreciate what it offers, but I wouldn’t object a bit to using a tent in the future.

So, as I mentioned, we store our camping gear in this used popup camper. It folds down into a pretty small footprint with roughly 80 square feet of storage space, which we fill up with sleeping bags, extra pillows, firestarting tools, dishes, a Dutch oven, and many other items.

What about a canopy tent, as described in the question? For bugs, we use citronella candles, which we light in the late afternoon before bugs emerge and do a pretty good job of keeping them at bay. We position a few large citronella candles around the front of our camper and this seems to keep almost all bugs away from us within a pretty nice radius. I haven’t found any need for a canopy tent, as we just go in the popup when it rains and the candles keep bugs at bay when it’s not raining. I prefer to get the large bucket-sized citronella candles, as they last for a long time and you don’t have to worry about buying new ones very often.

What items do we take? As I said, we keep most of our stuff in the camper, and we have a checklist of items to grab from around the house or at the store before we go camping – things that we use during non-camping months (like clothing) and things that are perishable or consumable that need to be replenished, like sunscreen and bug spray for hiking. Our overall camping checklist isn’t too far off of this family camping checklist from REI, though our list is pared down a little from that.

My recommendation is that if you’re camping for the first time, borrow a tent or a popup camper and some gear from someone and take a short 2-3 day trip using mostly borrowed gear.Ask your family members or very close friends if they have camping gear and ask to borrow it. Choose a campground that’s near features that seem interesting to you and go there for a long weekend. You’ll figure out on that trip whether camping is really for you and what kind of style you want. Do you want to backpack? Do you want to camp out of a car? Do you want to use a small popup? Is camping just not for you? You’ll probably be able to figure this out within a couple days of car camping with a borrowed tent and borrowed equipment.

Often, what you’ll find with your first camping experience is that it was mostly positive with a few serious nitpicks or issues. In general, someone who thinks camping sounds like fun will usually find the fun it it, whereas people who aren’t excited by the idea will dislike it. The thing is, almost always, the “serious nitpicks or issues” can be solved quite easily for future trips. Camping is a very flexible activity with tons of advice available online for tips and strategies for specific situations.

For us, we usually camp three or four times during each summer. We usually camp once within an hour or two of home for our first camping stop of the summer, mostly to give us an opportunity to really check over the camper and make sure everything is in order. Some summers, our full summer vacation is camping, as we’ll tow our camper to a national park and camp there. We did this most recently in 2017, when we camped at Yellowstone National Park for more than a week and spent time in Grand Tetons, too. During other summers, we’ll usually still go on a four or five day camping trip at some point in the summer, usually not too far from home (usually in our state or a neighboring one). We also usually camp once late in the summer with another couple, and we sometimes also camp with several old friends of ours on a group camping trip. In addition, our kids often have “camping birthday parties” where we take them and several of their friends camping. In 2017, I believe we camped six times, which was our record.

My main future goal for camping is that I would like to try an overnight backpacking trip with my family (where you carry a tent and all needed gear and food in your backpack with you) but this requires somewhat different gear than we already have. I have a cousin who is into backpacking from whom we may be able to borrow most of the gear to try it out.

If you haven’t tried camping and it sounds appealing as both an enjoyable activity and a frugal way of getting out of the house, I recommend simply borrowing gear and giving it a try. If it sounds appealing, you’ll probably love your first trip (with maybe a challenge or two), and then it’s time to start looking for bargain camping gear (which may be an article in the near future).

Good luck!

The post How We Go Camping – And Some Suggestions for New (and Experienced) Campers appeared first on The Simple Dollar.

Source The Simple Dollar http://bit.ly/2Xr5w4k

Congrats, You’re Engaged! Here’s How to Budget for the Big Day

Benefits of Cloud Hosting

Everyone’s heard of “the cloud.”

Broadly speaking, the cloud refers to remote storage. For example, you can store pictures from your smartphone or documents on your computer to a cloud storage space like Google Drive.

This is different than storing files locally on something like an external hard drive. I’m sure you’re familiar with both of these scenarios, and you probably even use cloud storage for something in your digital life.

Now when it comes to web hosting, the cloud is a little bit more in depth, but the same principles still apply.

Let’s start with the basics. There are four main types of web hosting:

• Shared hosting
• VPS (virtual private server) hosting
• Dedicated server hosting
• Cloud hosting

To fully understand the differences between all of these options, refer to my guide on everything you need to know about web hosting.

But right now I want to put the primary focus on cloud hosting. Although it’s the newest way to host websites, the method has been growing in popularity over the years.

This graph shows the cloud computing and cloud hosting market on a global scale in billions of dollars.

While cloud hosting has been around for years, not many people know exactly how it is and how it works. So what is cloud hosting?

Basically, your web host isn’t connected to one physical location. That’s not the case with shared hosting, VPS, and dedicated servers.

Now that you have a basic understanding of cloud hosting, I’ll cover the benefits. You can use this guide as a resource to determine if cloud hosting is the best option for your website.

Easy to scale

Traditionally, when you’re picking a web host you need to have some idea of the type of website traffic you’re planning to get. This makes it easier for you to pick a plan to fit your needs.

It’s crucial that you get a web hosting plan with enough bandwidth, storage, and disc space.

But there is a common dilemma that new websites are faced with all of the time. They have to decide if they want to get the highest possible bandwidth, even if they probably won’t come close to exceeding those limits. Or should they start with a lower bandwidth plan and upgrade as their traffic starts to increase?

There are pros and cons to each approach.

One the one hand, a top-tier plan will come at a premium price. You’ll end up paying for a service that you won’t need until your site grows. But the second option will cause slower page loading times as your website scales until you upgrade.

Cloud hosting solves those problems.

Since your website is hosted on multiple remote servers, you won’t have to worry about exceeding bandwidth. If one server is maxed out, you can always pull resources from another.

All of this can be easily managed and configured in-real time. Here’s what that looks like if you’re using HostGator for cloud storage.

Cloud hosting allows you to scale your server without having to get approval from the hosting provider, which you’d need with VPS, shared, or dedicated hosting.

Flexible pricing

If you use a traditional web hosting server, you’re going to a pay a fixed monthly rate based on the plan that you sign up for. You’ll be charged this amount even if you don’t actually use all of the resources on that server.

But cloud hosting is priced based on what you actually use.

Here’s an analogy. Let’s say you go to an all you can eat buffet, where the food options can also be purchased à la carte. The buffet price is $20 per person. So that’s the most you’ll have to pay, regardless of how much food you eat.

But if you only eat $10 worth of food, then you’ll only be charged $10 for that meal.

That’s how pricing is structured for cloud hosting.

The pricing also relates back to our previous point about being able to scale your resources on demand. For example, let’s say you just built a bunch of new backlinks and you’re expecting a particular blog post on your site to go viral.

Rather than upgrading your entire plan (which you’d have to do with another hosting option), you can just increase the resources needed during that traffic spike. Then you can put everything back to normal when your traffic levels out.

In this case, you’d only pay for the server usage that was actually being used during the surge.

Here’s a look at the pricing page for DreamHost cloud hosting plans.

As you can see, pricing is based on usage. Each plan has a maximum monthly rate. Even the fine print at the bottom of the page states that you’ll only be billed for what you use.

This type of pricing structure is standard for most cloud hosting services across the board.

Reliable servers

As I’ve previously explained, other types of web hosting options rely on a singular server.

So if something happens to the server that your site is hosted on, then your site would be offline until the server was back up and running. You’re essentially putting all of your eggs in one basket. This can be a huge risk when you’re talking about something as important as your website.

But cloud hosting uses multiple remote servers and resources.

If something happens to one, the others will still be able to host your site. This means that your website will have high uptime and availability rates.

In addition to potential problems with one server, cloud hosting will keep your site stable, even as traffic increases. We discussed this before when we covered the ability for you to pull resources from multiple servers to manage your site.

Cloud hosting is also extremely easy to set up.

For those of you who want to start hosting on the cloud right away, it can be a faster deployment option than something like a dedicated server or shared server.

Speed and performance

The majority of cloud hosting servers will provide lightning fast speed. They also increase the capacity of your website, which boosts your page loading speed.

That’s because all of your content will get loaded from multiple server environments.

This approach doesn’t put as much strain on a singular server, the way it would if you had a dedicated, shared, or VPS plan. If your website has lots of resource-intensive data such as videos, images, sound, and other media content, this is something that you need to prioritize.

Another benefit of cloud hosting is that content can be delivered from the nearest remote server, which is another reason why loading times are so fast.

At the end of the day, your website visitors don’t care what type of web hosting you’re using. They just want your site to be responsive and load quickly. That’s why your loading times will have such a major impact on conversion rates.

By prioritizing page loading speed with cloud hosting, your website will ultimately perform better from the user end.

Security

Cloud hosting is very safe from a security standpoint. Here’s why.

Your website is isolated from any potential problems with a physical server. That’s because everything is handled remotely. This won’t be the case if you’re relying on a singular dedicated server that’s hosted locally.

If a local server was compromised, then your website would be at risk. You won’t need to worry about that happening with cloud hosting.

For example, let’s say something went wrong with one of the servers in your cloud hosting network. Maybe it was hacked, had a system overload, or hardware failure.

Your site would be fine because it could just continue using one of the many other remote servers in the network. Everything would stay up and running without any downtime or delays.

Best cloud hosting services

Now that you know the top benefits of cloud hosting, I want to show some of the best cloud hosting services available on the market today.

SiteGround

SiteGround is second to none in terms of reliability for cloud hosting. Their team fully manages your cloud, so you won’t have to worry about any maintenance for your hosting.

SiteGround guarantees that you’ll have enough resources on the cloud to power your site. It will be fully optimized in terms of speed and efficiency based on your traffic and usage.

Their platform makes it easy for you to add RAM or CPU on-demand with just one click. SiteGround also has an auto-scale feature, which adds sufficient resources to your site in times of where traffic spikes. I would definitely take advantage of this. That way you won’t have to manually add resources and track your traffic.

Your cloud service with SiteGround also comes with powerful tools like a dedicated IP, free Cloudflare CDN, free SSL, private DNS, and daily backups.

SiteGround cloud hosting plans start at $60, $120, and $160 per month.

HostGator

HostGator has unmetered bandwidth and storage for all of their cloud hosting plans.

They offer automatic daily backups as well as daily scans to protect your site from hackers, viruses, and malware. Their cloud system has integrated caching to ensure that your pages always load as fast as possible.

HostGator’s intuitive dashboard makes it easy for anyone, regardless of their tech background, to manage the performance of a website. You’ll also be able to appropriately allocate any additional resources that your site requires based on usage and traffic.

HostGator cloud hosting plans start at $4.95, $6.57, and $9.95 per month.

DreamHost

DreamHost is a great option for those of you who are price-sensitive. They offer plans that are are charged strictly based on usage. The maximum you’d pay each month is either $4.50, $12, or $48, depending on the plan you choose.

You’ll have full root access and control over your cloud servers, so there are no restrictions for software or operating systems.

The only downside of DreamHost is that they don’t offer live chat and phone support. But since their platform is so straightforward and easy to use, I’m willing to look past that for the bargain rates.

Conclusion

Cloud hosting is growing in popularity. It’s become a reliable and flexible way to host websites in the modern digital era.

There are lots of great benefits to cloud hosting. I highlighted the top ones in this guide.

Overall, cloud hosting should be taken into consideration if you have a website that’s growing. The flexibility of the resources and pricing structures ensure that your site will have high uptime rates and fast loading speeds, even during unexpected traffic surges.

But with that said, cloud hosting isn’t necessarily for everyone. If you have an ecommerce website that always has high traffic and want to make changes to your server based on the software you’re using, you might be better off with a dedicated server.

For those of you who think cloud hosting is right for your website, I’d recommend using one of the three options that I covered in this guide.

Source Quick Sprout http://bit.ly/2XWRxjS

My wife is seriously ill. Can I access her Isa if she dies before April 2020?

Question

Our lives have been turned upside down as a result of my wife being diagnosed with serious cancer. Our financial plans for our retirement are no longer valid. If we each take a £20,000 cash Isa, could I access hers, should the worst happen before April 2020? Sadly it’s a very real possibility.

From

BP/West Sussex

Firstly, I’m really sorry to hear about your awful situation.

If you are planning to keep this money in cash rather than in a stocks and shares Isa, you may find that some current or savings accounts provide a good alternative to a cash Isa. However, one longer term advantage of an Isa is that on death they can be transferred to a spouse or civil partner and they will retain their tax-free status.

A basic rate taxpayer can now earn up to £1,000 in interest each year, tax-free, lessening the need for a specific tax-free product like a cash Isa. This is worth bearing in mind if the total amount of interest you and your wife are likely to earn from investments outside tax-free products this year is less than £1,000 each.

If that is the case, a straightforward non-Isa based joint savings or current account will mean you won’t pay any tax on the interest and it will be easy for you both to access. Accounts such as the Santander 123 account or the Marcus account from Goldman Sachs, which is paying 1.5% AER (including a bonus rate of 0.15% gross for the first 12 months), are worth considering.

The only cash Isas paying reasonable interest tend to be fixed-term offers. Some may charge a penalty for early withdrawal that could negate most of the benefits of tying the money up in the first place. At the time of writing the highest interest rate on a one-year fixed rate cash Isa is 1.85% AER with Kent Reliance.

If your wife does take out an Isa, to access her account you would need to have a lasting power of attorney in place. If you have not done this, apply at the government’s website: gov.uk/power-of-attorney. There are two powers of attorney relevant to you: ‘property and financial affairs’ and ‘health and welfare’, which each cost £82 to set up.

Best Isa rates

Type	Provider	Account	Interest Rate	Notes	Access
Instant access	Coventry Building Society	Easy Access Isa Online 2	1.50%	£1 minimum deposit. Rate includes 0.35% bonus until 31 August 2020	Online
One-year fixed rate	Al Rayan Bank	Fixed-term deposit cash Isa	1.61%	£1,000 minimum deposit. Expected profit rate	Online, postal, branch, telephone
Two-year fixed rate	Shawbrook Bank	Two-year fixed-rate cash Isa	1.81%	£1,000 minimum deposit. Allows Isa transfers	Online
Five-year fixed rate	Shawbrook Bank	Five-year cash Isa fixed-rate bond - Issue 16	2.30%	£1,000 minimum deposit. Allows Isa transfers	Online

Source: Moneyfacts 17 May 2019

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This article was written in response to a reader’s question. If you have a financial or work/career question that has left you scratching your head ask our panel of experts who will aim to shine some light on the matter.

Source Moneywise http://bit.ly/2x3dH8h