[Rocky]

Silver prices have been volatile today. Over a one dollar swing. Dropped $1.06 to $31.46 and back up to $32.50. We’ll see what price per ounce silver price will end the day at.

[Rocky]

Tips for Securing the Best Rate

1. Maintain a Good Credit Score: Regularly check your credit report and address any issues.
2. Save for a Larger Down Payment: A higher down payment can lower your rate.
3. Stay Informed: Keep up with market trends to understand the best time to lock in a rate.
4. Get Pre-Approved: Pre-approval can sometimes lead to better rate offers.
5. Consider Different Loan Options: Explore various loan types to find the one that best suits your financial situation.

By taking these steps and utilizing the resources mentioned, you can increase your chances of securing the best mortgage rates available.

[Rocky]

Not all loan officers know what they are doing. There are loan officers who just issue pre-approval letters without running credit or reviewing customer documents, data, income, credit history, or tax returns. The solidity of a mortgage loan pre-approval can vary based on several factors, but generally, a pre-approval is a strong indicator of your ability to secure a loan. Here are key points to understand about the robustness of a mortgage pre-approval:

Factors Influencing the Strength of a Pre-Approval

1. Verification of Financial Information:

   • A solid pre-approval involves the lender verifying your financial documents, such as income statements, tax returns, and bank statements.
   • This thorough verification process reduces the likelihood of surprises during the final loan approval.

2. Credit Check:

   • Pre-approval includes a hard credit check, which gives the lender a comprehensive view of your creditworthiness.
   • This means your credit score and history are evaluated more rigorously compared to a pre-qualification.

3. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI):

   • Lenders calculate your DTI ratio during pre-approval, assessing your ability to manage monthly payments.
   • A lower DTI ratio strengthens your pre-approval status.

How Solid is a Pre-Approval?

1. Conditional Approval:

   • Pre-approval is generally considered a conditional commitment from the lender, meaning it is subject to certain conditions being met, such as an acceptable property appraisal and no significant changes to your financial situation.

2. Seller Confidence:

   • Sellers and real estate agents often view pre-approval as a serious indicator of a buyer’s ability to obtain financing, making your offers more competitive.

3. Validity Period:

   • Pre-approvals typically last for 60 to 90 days. During this period, the terms and conditions outlined are valid, but changes in your financial situation could affect the final approval.

Limitations

1. Changes in Financial Situation:

   • Any significant changes in your employment, income, debts, or credit score between pre-approval and closing can impact the final loan approval.
   • It’s important to maintain financial stability during the home-buying process.

2. Property-Specific Issues:

   • The property itself must meet the lender’s criteria for the loan to be finalized. Issues such as a low appraisal or problems identified during inspection can affect the approval.

3. Market Conditions:

   • Interest rates and lender policies can change, affecting the terms of your pre-approval.

Conclusion

While a mortgage loan pre-approval is a strong indicator of your borrowing capacity and provides a competitive edge when making offers, it is not an absolute guarantee of final loan approval. Maintaining financial stability and ensuring the property meets lender requirements are essential steps to securing your mortgage.

https://gustancho.com/how-solid-is-your-pre-approval/

gustancho.com

How Solid Is Your Pre-Approval For Home Purchase Mortgage

How Solid Is Your Pre-Approval? Reason for stress during mortgage approval process is because borrowers were not properly pre-approved.

[Rocky]

Welcome back Bill

[Rocky]

A hybrid vehicle is a type of automobile that uses more than one form of onboard energy to achieve propulsion. Typically, hybrid vehicles combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with one or more electric motors, using energy stored in batteries. This combination allows hybrid vehicles to consume less fuel and emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to conventional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.

Key Components of Hybrid Vehicles:

1. Internal Combustion Engine: Usually smaller than those found in traditional vehicles, it’s used for driving at higher speeds and for charging the batteries.
2. Electric Motor(s): Works in conjunction with the engine to provide additional power for acceleration and, in some cases, can power the vehicle independently at low speeds.
3. Batteries: Store electricity for the electric motor. Unlike all-electric vehicles, hybrids have smaller battery packs since they are not the sole source of power.
4. Regenerative Braking: This technology captures the energy typically lost during braking and uses it to recharge the vehicle’s batteries.

Types of Hybrid Vehicles:

1. Parallel Hybrid: The most common type, where both the engine and the electric motor are connected to the transmission and can simultaneously drive the vehicle.
2. Series Hybrid: Only the electric motor drives the vehicle’s wheels. The internal combustion engine works as a generator to produce electricity for the motor.
3. Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): Similar to parallel hybrids but with larger battery packs that can be charged through an external electric power source. PHEVs can run on electric power alone for distances ranging typically from 15 to 50 miles before the gasoline engine is needed.

Benefits of Hybrid Vehicles:

• Fuel Efficiency: Hybrids use less fuel compared to traditional vehicles, which translates to fewer emissions and lower fuel costs.
• Environmental Impact: By using less gasoline, hybrid vehicles produce fewer emissions, which contribute to air pollution and climate change.
• Energy Versatility: Hybrids can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and utilize renewable energy sources, especially in the case of plug-in hybrids that can be charged using renewable energy.

Considerations:

• Cost: Hybrids can be more expensive than similar conventional vehicles due to the complexity of their dual systems and high-tech components.
• Maintenance: While maintenance costs can be lower due to reduced wear and tear on the engine, repair costs might be higher if issues arise with the hybrid system or batteries.

Hybrid vehicles represent a middle ground between conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and all-electric vehicles, offering a practical choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact without committing to fully electric vehicles with current limitations on range and charging infrastructure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMYx3UWdGoE&ab_channel=Which%3F

[Rocky]

Business credit cards are specialized financial tools designed specifically for business use, helping manage company expenses, finances, and cash flow. They are issued to businesses of all sizes—from small startups to large enterprises—and can be used by both business owners and their employees to make business-related purchases. Here are key features and benefits of business credit cards:

Key Features of Business Credit Cards:

1. Credit Limit: Typically, business credit cards offer higher credit limits compared to personal credit cards, accommodating the larger spending needs of businesses.
2. Expense Tracking: These cards often come with expense management tools that help businesses track and categorize spending, making it easier to monitor budgets and prepare financial reports.
3. Rewards Programs: Many business credit cards offer rewards programs that can include cash back, points on purchases, or travel perks that can be beneficial for businesses that travel frequently or make large purchases.
4. Employee Cards: Business credit cards allow the addition of employee cards, which can have preset spending limits and help consolidate business expenses into one account.
5. Build Business Credit: Using a business credit card responsibly can help a company build or improve its business credit profile, which can be crucial for securing future financing.

Benefits of Business Credit Cards:

• Cash Flow Management: They provide businesses with a line of credit which can be useful in managing cash flow, especially for covering short-term expenses or when waiting for customer payments.
• Separation of Expenses: Business credit cards help separate personal and business expenses, simplifying accounting processes and ensuring clearer financial records.
• Access to Credit: For small businesses, these cards are often easier to qualify for than traditional business loans, providing access to credit without extensive collateral requirements.
• Rewards and Savings: The rewards and benefits offered can lead to significant savings for businesses through discounts, rewards points, or cashback on business-related spending.

Considerations:

• Interest Rates: Business credit cards typically have variable interest rates that can be higher than traditional loan rates, especially if balances are carried over month to month.
• Fees: Some business credit cards come with annual fees or charges for additional employee cards, which should be weighed against the benefits received.
• Spending Discipline: It’s essential to maintain discipline in spending and repayments to avoid accruing high-interest debts that can negatively impact the business’s financial health.

For businesses considering a credit card, it’s important to compare different cards to find one that best matches their spending habits, financial needs, and offers the most benefits at the least cost. Using business credit cards responsibly can be a powerful way to manage business finances effectively.

[Rocky]

Robin Williams on political humor. Robin Williams was well-known for his sharp wit and the ability to weave significant political and social commentary into his humor. Throughout his career, both in stand-up comedy and in various acting roles, he didn’t shy away from discussing political topics, often using his platform to highlight and satirize political figures and policies.

Political Humor in Stand-up

In his stand-up routines, Williams was known for his rapid-fire delivery and his ability to jump from topic to topic, which included a broad array of political subjects. His impressions of political figures were iconic—not just for their accuracy but for the way he used them to comment on political and social issues. For instance, his impersonations of Presidents like Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama were both humorous and pointed, often highlighting the absurdities of political rhetoric and behavior.

Films and Political Commentary

While his film roles were less overtly political than his stand-up, Williams still managed to inject a subtle political awareness into his performances. In movies like “Good Morning, Vietnam,” Williams played a DJ in the Vietnam War who becomes popular with the troops for his irreverent takes on authority and the war, providing commentary on issues of censorship and the absurdity of war.

Impact and Legacy

Williams’ approach to political humor was significant for several reasons:

• Accessibility: He had a unique ability to discuss complex political issues in a way that was accessible and entertaining to a broad audience.
• Catharsis: For many, his humor provided a form of catharsis, allowing people to laugh at situations that might otherwise cause despair or frustration.
• Thought-Provoking: His comedy often left audiences not just laughing but thinking critically about the issues he lampooned.

Robin Williams’ political humor remains a testament to his genius in using comedy as a lens to view and critique society, politics, and human behavior. His ability to balance humor with serious commentary allowed him to connect with audiences in a way that was both entertaining and enlightening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKPNPdFNsnQ&ab_channel=MyTalkShowHeroes

[Rocky]

Robin Williams was an acclaimed American actor and comedian known for his incredible versatility and widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time. He was born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on August 11, 2014.

Early Career

Williams studied at the Juilliard School and began his career in stand-up comedy in the San Francisco Bay Area in the mid-1970s. He first gained widespread attention with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series “Mork & Mindy,” a spin-off from “Happy Days.” His portrayal of Mork, which showcased his eccentric comedic style and ability to improvise, made him a household name.

Film Career

Robin Williams’ film career included a wide range of roles across various genres. Some of his most notable films include:

• “Good Morning, Vietnam” (1987): Williams played an irreverent radio DJ in Vietnam, earning his first Academy Award nomination.
• “Dead Poets Society” (1989): He portrayed John Keating, an inspirational English teacher, earning another Academy Award nomination.
• “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993): Williams starred as a divorced actor who disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children.
• “Good Will Hunting” (1997): He played Dr. Sean Maguire, a therapist who helps a young genius confront his past, which won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Voice Work

Williams was also renowned for his voice work, most famously as the Genie in Disney’s “Aladdin” (1992). His dynamic and improvised performance in “Aladdin” set new standards for voice acting in animated films.

Personal Life and Legacy

Throughout his life, Williams struggled with depression, addiction, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which was later found to be misdiagnosed Lewy body dementia. His unexpected death in 2014 was attributed to suicide, a result of his struggles with mental health, a topic that brought more attention to these issues in society.

Robin Williams’ legacy is marked by his incredible ability to bring laughter and tears through his performances. His rapid-fire improvisational style influenced countless comedians and actors. He is remembered not only for his exceptional talent and versatility but also for his ability to connect deeply with audiences around the world. His films continue to inspire and entertain new generations, making him an enduring figure in the world of entertainment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vITYQp0eQ0I&ab_channel=NYCSanitationWorker

[Rocky]

There are many Mexicans who do not know how to get ITIN numbers or who to go to in order to get one. They are hard workers with families but do not have ITIN numbers. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to individuals who need a U.S. taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an ITIN:

Steps to Get an ITIN

1. Determine Eligibility:

   • ITINs are available to individuals who need a taxpayer identification number for U.S. tax purposes and are not eligible for an SSN. This includes non-resident aliens, U.S. resident aliens (based on days present in the United States), dependents or spouses of U.S. citizens/resident aliens, and dependents or spouses of non-resident alien visa holders.

2. Complete Form W-7:

   • Obtain and complete IRS Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This form requires personal information such as name, mailing address, and reason for applying.

3. Gather Required Documents:

   • Submit original or certified copies of documents to verify your identity and foreign status. Acceptable documents include:
     • Passport (stand-alone document)
     • National identification card (must show photo, name, address, date of birth, and expiration date)
     • U.S. or foreign driver’s license
     • Birth certificate (required for dependents under 18)
     • U.S. state identification card
     • Foreign voter’s registration card
     • Visa issued by the U.S. Department of State
     • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services photo identification
     • Medical (dependents only) and school records (dependents and students only under 18)

4. Submit Your Application:

   • Mail the completed Form W-7, your tax return, and the original or certified copies of the necessary documents to:

     mathematica
     Internal Revenue Service ITIN Operation P.O. Box 149342 Austin, TX 78714-9342 

   • Alternatively, you can apply in person using an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) or at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC) in the U.S. or abroad.

5. Receive Your ITIN:

   • If your application is complete, you should receive your ITIN by mail within seven weeks. If you apply during peak processing times (January 15 through April 30), it may take up to 11 weeks.

Important Considerations

• Accuracy: Ensure all information on Form W-7 is accurate and matches the supporting documents to avoid delays.
• Renewal: ITINs that are not used on a federal tax return at least once in the past three years will expire. You can renew an ITIN by submitting a new Form W-7.
• Usage: ITINs are used for tax purposes only and do not authorize work in the U.S. or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits or the Earned Income Tax Credit.