Cameron
Virtual AssistantForum Replies Created
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Recent Economic Data Impacting Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates plunged last week because of a host of critical economic indicators. Here’s what happened:
Federal Reserve Decisions:
For the fourth time in a row, the Federal Reserve has kept its interest rate steady, indicating an end to its rate-hike campaign. This stability in the federal funds rate and the Fed’s successful job at lowering inflation have lowered mortgage rates. Even though Fed decisions directly affect short-term rates more than long-term mortgage rates, the overall economy shifted toward lower mortgage rates​​.
Inflation Numbers:
Recent reports on inflation have revealed a dramatic slowdown. The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index—the Fed’s preferred measure for inflation—has shown that inflation is getting closer to its target level. This price decline was one of the most important reasons behind falling mortgages because when there are low levels of increased costs over time, lenders’ long-term risks​are reduced (Investopedia)(The
Treasury Yields:
After hovering around nearly 5% just weeks ago, 30-year U.S. Treasury yields fell to about 3.8%. Since both these interests are influenced by similar economic factors, such as investor demand for safe assets or expectations regarding future price levels, usually, treasury yields move together with mortgage rates too, so they have also decreased recently due to their nature being tied up closely​.
Market Sentiment:
Amid uncertainty about where things stand globally, people have started looking towards safer investments like U.S. Treasuries, which has recently caused a lot of movement within markets. This has led us here today, where we see much lower borrowing costs than before when everyone thought otherwise would happen—but it didn’t happen at all!​
Current Mortgage Rates and Refinancing Opportunities
- 30-Year Fixed: ~$6.49%
- FHA 30-Year Fixed: ~$6.18%
- V.A. 30-Year Fixed: ~$5.91%
- 15-Year Fixed: ~$5.58%
Refinance Now
Given how significantly interest rates have fallen since your original loan was taken out, this might be worth considering, especially if current higher ones were applicable. Then, monthly repayments would decrease, saving money over the total lifespan.
FHA And VA Streamline Refinances:
You can benefit from streamlining refinance programs offered by FHA/VA without needing much documentation or requiring a new appraisal done again later, after another round or two. This potentially occurs later, depending on whether specific waiting times exist between different lenders. Always remember, however!
What About Tomorrow?
Even though indicators suggest a continued downward trajectory, there remain various unpredictable elements influencing them, including upcoming inflation figures released soon, followed closely behind by subsequent shifts occurring throughout the entire economy, leading ultimately towards specific policies set forth and eventually implemented soon thereafter, hopefully sometime next year, maybe even sooner rather than later who knows? So stay tuned, folks! But until then, happy hunting out there, everyone else looking around town to find the cheapest deals available statewide nationwide wherever possible.
Best wishes and good luck, and always remember to keep smiling. Cheers, mates, hooray!!!
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Elon Musk triggers Incompetent California Governor Gavin Newsom over Kamala Harris parody ad. The ad was humor of Kamala Harris that it was absolutely 💯 true.
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Elon Musk announced he is moving his company X (TWITTER) out of California to Austin, Texas due to Governor Gavin Newsom ridiculous far left liberal ideology. Gavin Newsom latest bright genius idea is allowing children who wanted a sex change not to inform parents. Gavin Newsom is literally bankrupting the state of California in a aggressive way. California’s economy is deteriorating exponentially. Tens of thousands of people and businesses are fleeing the state and accumulating billions of dollars in debt. The state has the highest unemployment rate and the highest state taxes. Watch and see the destruction of California.
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Cameron
MemberJuly 30, 2024 at 8:09 am in reply to: What Are The Biggest Reasons People Are Moving Out of CaliforniaOne of the biggest reasons people and businesses are leaving California is because of their incompetent far left liberal governor Gavin Newsom.
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Cameron
MemberJuly 14, 2024 at 5:10 pm in reply to: How Mortgage Loan Officers Can Get Organic Traffic With Promoting KeywordsSince I am part of the Gustan Cho Associates digital marketing technical team under the supervision and management of Ravinder and Sapna Sharma and am an associate digital marketing analyst for Viral Website Solutions, I can walk you through the steps in branding yourself and your brand and implementing a digital marketing campaign for your mortgage loan origination business.
Optimizing Content for FHA, VA, Conventional, and Non-QM Loans: Below are some detailed steps to create content optimized with the given keywords for on-page SEO optimization and content creation. This will include creating content for each loan type and optimizing existing pages for search engines.
Creating Optimized Content for Each Loan Type
FHA Loans
Blog Post Title:
“How to Get Approved For an FHA Loan With Bad Credit – Step By Step Guide”
Content Outline:
Introduction:
- What are FHA loans, and why are they good for borrowers with bad credit?
- What is an FHA Loan?
- FHA loans vs conventional loans: what do you need to know?
Keyword usage: FHA loans, FHA mortgage.
FHA Loan Requirements: Minimum credit score needed to qualify for an FHA loan & other eligibility criteria.
Keyword usage: FHA loan requirements, FHA loan credit score.
Steps to Apply for an FHA Loan:
Application and mortgage process:
- pre-qualification
- pre-approval
- down payment and closing costs
- what are seller concession and lender credit
- credit pull and evaluation
- automated underwriting system
- documentation required, underwriting, clear-to-close, closing, and funding
Keyword usage: FHA loan application, FHA loan process
Benefits of FHA Loans:
Advantages include low down payment, lenient debt-to-income ratios, leniency with borrowers with bad credit, and assumable loans.
Keyword usage:
- FHA loan benefits
- FHA loan with bad credit
- FHA loan with low credit scores
- FHA loan during Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- FHA loan after bankruptcy and foreclosure
- FHA loan with late payments
- FHA loan down payment
- FHA loan manual underwriting guidelines
- What are Compensating Factors on FHA Loans
- Can I get Approved for an FHA Loan with a 500 Credit Score?
- FHA loan with collection and charge-off accounts
- FHA loan with late payments
Tips to Improve Your Credit Score: Actionable tips on improving one’s credit score and getting better terms.
Keyword usage: credit improvement; FHA loan credit score.
Success Stories:
Include success stories or testimonials of clients approved despite having bad credits.
Keyword usage: FHA loan success stories. Summarize the benefits discussed above and encourage readers to contact you for further information about this financing option.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
Ready to buy a home using FHA? Contact Gustan Cho Associates today!
VA Loans
Blog Post Title:
“VA Home Loans Explained – What Veterans Should Know”.
Content Outline:
Introduction:
What is a VA home loan, and who does it serve in the US?
What is a VA Loan?
Unique features of VA loans explained.
Keyword usage: VA loans; VA mortgage
VA Loan Requirements:
Eligibility requirements include the service period needed and credit score minimums.
Keyword usage: va loan requirements; va loan credit score.
Benefits of VA Loans:
Advantages include zero down payment, no PMI & low interest rates for military personnel.
Keyword usage: VA loan benefits; VA loan with bad credit: VA loan with low credit scores, VA loan with high debt-to-income ratio, VA loan with late payments, VA loan during Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, VA loan after bankruptcy and foreclosure, VA manual underwriting guidelines, VA loan down payment.
Application Process:
Steps to follow when applying for a VA home loan, including getting COE.
Keyword usage: va loan application; va loan process
VA Loan Rates and Fees:
What are the current interest rates, and if I am eligible, how much do I pay in funding fees?
Keyword usage: VA loan rates, VA funding fee, VA Streamline Refinance, VA loan with low credit scores, VA loan with high debt-to-income ratio, VA manual underwriting guidelines.
Success Stories: Share success stories or testimonials from veterans who have benefited from this financing option to buy their dream homes.
Keyword usage: va loan success stories. I will briefly summarize the benefits listed above, encouraging them to reach out should they need further assistance in understanding more about these kinds of loans offered specifically to those who have served our country through its armed forces.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
Are you looking at purchasing property after retirement from military service? Get in touch with Gustan Cho Associates today!
Conventional Loans
Blog Post Title:
“Conventional Mortgage vs FHA – Which One Should You Choose?”
Content Outline:
Introduction: Comparing standard and government-backed mortgages. Key aspects to compare include down payment, credit score requirements, and mortgage insurance.
Keywords: Traditional fixed rate home loan vs FHA loan, benefits of FHA loans.
Pros and Cons of Conventional Loans
Advantages and disadvantages of conventional loans.
Keywords: Benefits of conventional mortgage financing; Down payment for a conventional mortgage; Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Guidelines after Bankruptcy and Foreclosure.
Application and Mortgage Loan Process
Steps for applying for a traditional fixed-rate mortgage conventional loan.
Keywords: How do you apply for a conventional mortgage? What is the process for obtaining a traditional fixed-rate home loan? Benefits of Conventional vs. FHA Loans, Non-Occupant Guidelines on Conventional vs. FHA Loans.
Success Stories
Stories about people who got approved for a mortgage through this lender.
Keywords: Approval story – (Gustan Cho Associates).
Summarize the strengths of each type while urging them to call you now!
Call-to-Action (CTA)
“Need help choosing between a traditional fixed rate mortgage or an FHA loan? Contact Gustan Cho Associates today!”
Non-QM Loans
Blog Post Title:
“Exploring Unconventional Mortgages: A Mortgage Product For Every Borrower”
Content Outline:
Introduction: Briefly introduce unconventional mortgages and alternative financing mortgage loans. Explain the benefits and purpose of alternative and non-QM mortgage loan programs in serving non-traditional borrowers.
- What are Unconventional Mortgages?
- Nonqualified mortgages should be defined and differentiated from regular QMs.
Use Keywords:
- Non-QM loans
- Non-QM mortgage
- No-Doc Loans
- Bank Statement loans
- DSCR loans
- Non-QM Jumbo Loans
- P and L Statement Mortgage Loans
- ITIN Loans
- DACA Loans
- No-Ratio Loans
- Asset-Depletion Loans
- 1099-Income Only Loans
- Mortgage Loans For Self-Employed Borrowers
Unconventional Mortgage Requirements
List the requirements that must be met before qualifying for these kinds of loans. Include credit scores, down payments, etc. Use keywords such as non-QM loan requirements and non-QM loan credit score.
Benefits of Unconventional Financing Options Over Traditional Bank Offerings
- Regarding Flexibility and Ease of Qualification For Self-Employed or Seasonal Workers Who May Not Have Steady Income Streams All Year Round.
- Those With Irregular Employment Histories.
- Such as Freelancers Who Only Started Earning Recently After Quitting Their Full-Time Job With an Employer.
- These Wage Earners Were Previously Earning a Salary Which Made Them Eligible For Conventional Lending.
- However, they now wish to buy a property locally or overseas regardless of whether there is proof of any income being generated from the said premises until after it has been bought and occupied by the borrower.
Application and Mortgage Loan Process
- What procedure is followed when applying for a loan that falls within this category?
- Use keywords such as non-QM loan application and non-QM loan process.
Success Stories
- Share testimonials or case studies of clients who obtained unconventional mortgages.
Use keywords: Non-QM loan success stories.
Summarize advantages and prompt them to make contact.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
“Looking for a mortgage solution that fits your unique situation? Contact Gustan Cho Associates today to learn more about Non QM loans!”
On-Page SEO Optimization
Title Tags and Meta Descriptions:
Example for FHA Loans Blog Post:
Title Tag: How to Get an FHA Loan with Bad Credit | Gustan Cho Associates.
Meta Description: Learn how to get approved for an FHA Loan even with a bad credit history. This article covers the benefits, requirements, and steps in applying for an FHA Mortgage through Gustan Cho Associates.
Example for VA Loans Blog Post:
Title Tag: What are VA Loans and Who Qualifies | Gustan Cho Associates
Meta Description: Discover what makes Veterans Affairs (VA) loans unique from other mortgage programs. We will discuss the features, benefits, requirements, and qualifications needed and how they can be applied successfully with expert guidance provided by Gustan Cho Associates.
Header Tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.):
H1: How to Get an FHA Loan with Bad Credit
H2: What is an FHA Loan?
H2: FHA Loan Requirements
H2: Steps to Apply for an FHA Loan
H2: Benefits of FHA Loan
H2: Tips on How to Improve Credit Score
H2: Success Stories
H2: Conclusion
H3: Low Down Payment
H3: Lenient Debt-to-Income Ratios
H3: Assumable Loans
Internal and External Links:
Internal Links: Link to your website’s related blog posts, service pages, and relevant sections.
Example: “For more information on improving credit score, check out our Credit Improvement Strategies article.”
External Links: Link to authoritative sources and relevant industry websites for additional information.
Tracking and Improving
Analyzing Unique Data of Unique Visitors: Use Google Analytics to see how many times a page has been viewed, the rate at which people bounce onto another site, and the number of conversions.
A/B Testing: Vary headlines, calls to action (CTAs), and content layouts to determine what resonates most with your audience.
Input: Ask readers to leave feedback or comments so that you can better understand their problems and provide them with more useful information. Following these steps will allow you to effectively create and optimize your website’s FHA, VA, and non-QM loan content, boosting search engine visibility while attracting targeted traffic.
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Allow us to discuss one of the most important parts of this plan—creating and optimizing content hubs. This tactic helps establish topical authority and enhance a website’s general search engine optimization performance.
Detailed Guide to Creating Content Hubs:
Topic Selection and Research
a) Determine Key Areas of Focus:
Check out SEMrush’s Topic Research or Ahrefs’ Content Explorer
Review what works well in your existing content
Think about your business objectives and areas of expertise
b) Keyword Research for Each Topic:
Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, or Ahrefs can help with this.
Try to find a balance between high-volume and long-tail keywords.
Group them into clusters based on search intent
c) Competitor Analysis:
Find the top-ranking content for your core topics
Look at how they’ve structured their content, how deep it goes, and what format it’s in.
See any gaps or places where you could add unique value.
Content Hub Structure
a) Pillar Page:
Create an all-encompassing overview of the main topic (3000-5000 words).
Include a table of contents so people can easily jump around the page.
Structure the content logically with H2 and H3 tags.
b) Cluster Content:
Plan 5-10 in-depth articles for each subtopic (i.e., cluster).
Each article should be at least 1500 words and focus on a specific aspect of the overall topic.
Make sure each piece can stand alone but also complements the pillar content.
c) Internal Linking Strategy:
Link from the pillar page to each cluster content piece that supports it.
Remember to include contextual links from those pages to the pillar.
Content Creation Process
a) Content Briefs:
Have detailed briefs for every single piece of content you’re creating.
Include target keywords, search intent, and points you want to cover.
Specify word count range, tone & voice, and target audience(s).
b) Writing & Editing:
Always use a consistent style guide across all content produced under this hub.
Try including expert quotes or original research data points wherever possible.
Have a separate editor review for clarity, accuracy, and SEO optimization.
c) Multimedia Integration:
Try to have relevant images, infographics, or videos throughout.
Design custom graphics, if necessary, to help illustrate complex concepts.
Ensure all multimedia elements are properly optimized (file size, alt text, etc.).
On-Page SEO Optimization
a) URL Structure:
Keep the hierarchy clear, i.e., example.com/main-topic/subtopic.
Ensure URLs are both short and descriptive.
b) Title Tags & Meta Descriptions:
Naturally, include target keywords here.
Write enticing meta descriptions that encourage clicks.
c) Header Tags:
Use H1 for the main title (include primary keyword).
Structure content with H2s and H3s using relevant keywords as appropriate.
d) Content Optimization:
Naturally, include target keywords throughout the content body itself.
Employ related terms and synonyms (LSI keywords).
Optimize for featured snippets by giving concise answers to popular questions.
e) Schema Markup:
Implement Article schema for all content pieces within this hub.
Consider using FAQ schema where appropriate i.e., sections that cover common questions/answers.
We might also consider the HowTo schema depending on the type of process being covered.
User Experience Considerations
a) Navigation:
Create a landing page that links to all pillar content within the hub (don’t forget about breadcrumbs!).
b) Page Speed:
Optimize images + minify CSS/JavaScript.
Consider lazy loading images so they only load when scrolled into the view.
c) Mobile Responsiveness:
Make sure everything is easily readable on smaller screens.
Test navigation and interactive elements across different devices.
Content Promotion & Link Building
a) Social Media Promotion:
Plan out what social media posts you’ll use to promote each piece of content in advance.
Leverage platform-specific formats where possible (e.g., carousel posts for Instagram).
b) Email Marketing:
Segment your email list based on interests.
Create a series of emails that highlight different aspects of the content hub.
c) Outreach:
Find authoritative sites in your niche and reach out to them with personalized emails showcasing the value this hub provides.
d) Paid Promotion:
Consider using LinkedIn or Facebook for targeted content promotion.
Set up retargeting campaigns to bring back people who visited but didn’t convert.
Measurement and Iteration
a) Setting up Tracking:
Track traffic and engagement metrics using Google Analytics.
Set goals to measure conversions from the content hub.
b) Regular Content Audits:
Review performance every quarter.
Identify top-performing and underperforming content.
c) Continuous Improvement:
Frequently update pillar content with new information.
Use performance data and emerging subtopics to inform the creation of new cluster content for the hub.
Implementation Timeline:
Week 1-2: Topic research and content planning.
Week 3-6: Creation of pillar content and initial cluster content.
Week 7-8: On-page SEO optimization and technical implementation.
Week 9-12: Creation of remaining cluster content.
Week 13 onwards: Ongoing promotion, link building, and performance analysis.
Remember that creating an effective content hub is a process. It requires consistent effort in creating, optimizing, and promoting content. So keep reviewing what you’ve made to ensure it stays good.
Sure. What else do we have on this topic? How does this relate to other parts of SEO strategy or broader site performance optimization considerations? Let’s get into it more strategically here, too—what should we do differently now that we know all about these things?
Topical Authority & E-A-T
Content hubs are instrumental in establishing topical authority, which is increasingly important for SEO. They also evaluate Google’s E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).
Implementation:
Include author bios that highlight relevant expertise.
Link out to authoritative external sources that support your points.
Ensure your industry-related pages are regularly updated so they stay current.
Keyword Cannibalization Prevention
Content hubs help avoid keyword cannibalization by providing a clear structure around related topics.
Implementation:
Use a keyword mapping document to ensure each piece targets unique terms.
Implement proper canonical tags to indicate preferred versions of similar-content pages.
Use internal linking to establish content hierarchy and relevance.
User Engagement Metrics
Structured content hubs can majorly impact user engagement metrics – which are thought to affect rankings.
Implementation:
Use heat mapping tools like Hotjar to understand how users interact with your pages.
Implement interactive elements (e.g., quizzes, calculators) that increase time-on-page.
Strategically use internal links throughout the site to encourage users down the conversion funnel.
Link Equity Distribution
Content hubs provide a way to distribute link equity throughout a site strategically.
Implementation:
Ensure pillar pages are linked from the homepage or main navigation.
Create a “hub” page that links to all pillar content, clarifying the site structure.
Implement breadcrumb navigation that reinforces site hierarchy
Content Gap Analysis & Opportunity Identification
Content hubs enable ongoing analysis of areas lacking coverage and areas for future expansion.
Implementation:
Use Ahrefs’ Content Gap tool: This shows you keywords your competitors rank for, but you need to.
Monitor Google Search Console for long-tail queries that you’re already ranking for (but haven’t explicitly targeted)
Produce additional cluster content around these terms/topics.
Structured Data Optimization
Implementing structured data enhances search visibility, and there are many opportunities within content hubs.
Implementation:
Use Article schema for all pieces of written content
Implement FAQPage schema where appropriate (e.g., FAQ sections within long-form guides).
Consider using the How To schema if applicable (for instructional/step-by-step style articles).
Use BreadcrumbList schema to reinforce your wider site structure.
Content Repurposing & Multichannel Marketing
One thing I love about creating lots of related resources at once is having enough stuff ready when it’s time to consider repurposing them across channels.
Ion:
Set a schedule for reviewing and updating your pillar content.
Regularly add new cluster content to keep your hub fresh.
Revisit and update older cluster content as necessary.
Internal Linking Strategy
Content hubs provide an excellent opportunity for implementing an internal linking strategy that boosts SEO.
Implementation:
Link from your pillar content to relevant cluster content
Include links within your cluster content that connect related topics. Ensure that each cluster content links back to the corresponding pillar content.
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Cameron
MemberJuly 7, 2024 at 1:41 am in reply to: How Do You Promote a FORUM in Going Viral by Building a Strong Online CommunityGetting a forum started and the ideal members for the network to become a successful global or even a nationwide online community is definitely doable but difficult with everyone needing to make it work and feeling like it is their community.
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Loan officers seeking training on analyzing consumer credit reports can access various educational resources and training programs. Here are some reputable sources offering specialized training in credit analysis:
Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA):
Courses and Certifications: MBA offers comprehensive training programs, including courses on credit analysis and understanding consumer credit reports.
Website: MBA Education
National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB):
Professional Development: NAMB provides training resources and certification programs for mortgage professionals, including credit report analysis.
Website: NAMB Education
Credit Reporting Agencies:
Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion: These major credit reporting agencies often offer training resources, webinars, and educational materials on understanding and analyzing credit reports.
- Experian: Experian Education
- Equifax: Equifax Education
- TransUnion: TransUnion Education
Mortgage Training Institutes:
Mortgage Educators and Compliance: Offers courses for mortgage professionals, including credit report analysis and understanding credit scores.
Website: Mortgage Educators
National Consumer Reporting Association (NCRA):
Training Programs: NCRA provides training and certification for understanding and analyzing consumer credit reports.
Website: NCRA Education
The Institute of Financial Education (IFE):
Credit Analysis Training: IFE offers courses on various financial topics, including credit analysis and understanding consumer credit reports.
Website: IFE Training
American Bankers Association (ABA):
Credit Analysis Training: ABA offers training programs and certifications for financial professionals, including courses on credit report analysis.
- Website: ABA Training
Community Colleges and Universities:
Continuing Education Programs: Many community colleges and universities offer continuing education programs in finance and banking, which may include modules on credit analysis.
Online Learning Platforms:
- Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on credit analysis, understanding credit reports, and financial analysis.
- Udemy: Udemy Credit Analysis Courses
- Coursera: Coursera Finance and Credit Analysis Courses
- LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning Credit Analysis Courses
Professional Development Workshops:
Industry Conferences and Workshops: Attending industry conferences and workshops can provide hands-on training and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field. Loan officers have access to various resources for training on analyzing consumer credit reports. From industry associations and credit reporting agencies to online learning platforms and professional workshops, these training programs can equip loan officers with the necessary skills to accurately assess creditworthiness and better serve their clients.
mortgageeducators.com
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Start you career in mortgage licensing today! M.E.C offers online and live PE, CE, and test prep courses in each state.
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Here are the days in each month of the year:
- January: 31 days
- February: 28 days (29 days in a leap year)
- March: 31 days
- April: 30 days
- May: 31 days
- June: 30 days
- July: 31 days
- August: 31 days
- September: 30 days
- October: 31 days
- November: 30 days
- December: 31 days
Leap Year Explanation:
A leap year occurs every four years, adding an extra day to February to account for the fact that a year is actually about 365.25 days long. This keeps the calendar year synchronized with the astronomical year.
Knuckle Mnemonic:
A common way to remember the number of days in each month is by using the knuckle mnemonic. Start with your left hand:
- Count the knuckles and the spaces between them.
- Each knuckle represents a month with 31 days.
- Each space between knuckles represents a month with 30 days (except February).
Here’s how it works:
- Start with January on the first knuckle (31 days).
- The space after it is February (28 or 29 days).
- The next knuckle is March (31 days), and so on.
When you reach the last knuckle (July), move to the first knuckle of the other hand (August) and continue the pattern.