Any information or special reports about various countries may be published with photos/videos on the world blog with bold legit source. All languages are welcome. Mail to lucschrijvers@hotmail.com.
In a quiet exam room at a clinic in Harlem, the absence of some patients speaks louder than any diagnosis.
For months now, Dr. Chanelle Diaz, a primary care physician with roots in immigrant health, has noticed a troubling pattern: her undocumented patients have stopped showing up.
“I haven’t seen any of my patients on charity care come into the clinic in recent months,” she told THE CITY. “They’ve just gone off the map.”
While it has always been hard to track how undocumented people receive medical care, some new figures and reports from front line providers show a potentially concerning trend.
This year, for the first time since its creation in 2019, enrollment in NYC Care — a program designed to provide health access to New Yorkers ineligible for insurance, including undocumented residents — has declined.
And while the NYC Health and Hospitals officials who run NYC Care say the dip is due to aging participants transitioning to Medicare, public health experts warn it may signal something far more troubling: fear of being caught in the Trump administration’s widening deportation dragnet.
Sunny, hot and humid, with temperatures reaching the low 90s.
MTA 🚇
In Manhattan, the downtown 6 runs express overnight from Grand Central-42 St to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall. For service to those stations, take the uptown 6 from Union Square. Find all the MTA’s planned changes and the latest delays here.
Alternate side parking 🚙
It’s in effect today, August 12.
By the way…
NYPD officers took a dip in the ocean last week during a suspect chase. Fortunately, it wasn’t the river – here’s our guide to why river swims around the city, especially following rain, are ill-advised.
Our Other Top Stories
A 20-year-old high school student forced to wear blood-soaked clothing for days when ICE failed to provide her a pad. Dozens of people crammed so tightly they had to try to sleep sitting up. A man who watched another prisoner have a seizure for a half an hour before medical help came. These are some of the accounts in sworn affidavits of immigrants who were locked inside ICE’s shadowy “processing site” in Lower Manhattan that a federal judge will consider at a virtual hearing on Tuesday.
On Friday, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli released projections for future budget gaps that amount to more than $34 billion over the next three years. That’s a deficit comparable to the big budget gaps that followed the 2008 fiscal crisis, which led to severe cuts in state spending.
What is Andrew Cuomo thinking with his weird new approach to social media, and wild swings at Zohran Mamdani? Will yesterday’s leaders ever clear the stage, and will tomorrow’s likely leaders get seriously vetted before they’re vested with tremendous power? All that and much more gets discussed on the latest episode of the FAQ NYC podcast.
Things To Do
Here are some free and low-cost things to do around the city this week.
Tuesday, August 12: King’s Theatre in Brooklyn is hosting its annual backpack giveaway and back-to-school Party, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, August 12: This week is NYC Black Pride! Michael Margiela and Dray Ebony, two icons of the ballroom scene, are giving talks tonight about their upcoming books at City Lore Gallery, from 6 – 9 p.m.
Three bunnies found in Prospect Park have suspiciously similar markings to bunnies used in a photoshoot by, of all people, Anna Delvey.
Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Tuesday.
Love,
THE CITY
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New York businesses bullish on their growth, despite cautious outlook for local economy
New York business leaders remain optimistic about their own company’s performance and industry’s performance, as revealed by JPMorganChase’s annual Business Leaders Outlook. The majority of NY-based middle market companies are projecting increased revenue/sales (80%) and profits (75%), bolstering their plans to grow and hire this year. Possibly helping to fuel this optimism, fewer New Yorkers report labor shortages, retention and recruiting talent as top challenges (34%) compared to the national average (46%). However, when considering their outlook for the local economy, small and midsize businesses are a bit more cautious. Among NY-based small businesses, inflation remains the top concern, followed by cyber security and uncertainty of economic conditions, such as rising taxes. Read more about these key findings on jpmorgan.com.
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Q&A with One of Chase’s Small Business Consultants
JPMorganChase’s Coaching for Impact program provides complementary one-on-one coaching for thousands of small business owners. Chase Senior Business Consultant Andrea Giraldo has worked with 1,200+ entrepreneurs over two decades — here are her top three tips for small business owners:
Establish and Implement processes: ensuring that every area of your business has a well-designed process can streamline your operations and help prevent future challenges.
Know your numbers: having a deep understanding of your business financial performance should be a priority. Knowing your numbers can help you make better strategic decisions — not knowing them may hinder your growth.
Learn from mistakes: making mistakes are part of any entrepreneurial journey. They should be viewed as opportunity to grow and refine your approach.
Learn more about how Chase uplifts small businesses here.
The above information is for discussion purposes only. Participation in the Coaching for Impact Program is subject to availability. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s).
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Financial considerations for multigenerational households
Research indicates there can be financial benefits to multigenerational living, and when executed intentionally, having multiple family members under the same roof can potentially help improve health outcomes, reduce loneliness for older adults and bolster educational outcomes for children. Here are some financial considerations:
Communication is key to managing conflict and disagreement: Navigating disagreements over spending habits and adapting to changing income levels or unexpected expenses are necessary to maintain financial stability.
Having diverse financial needs: Savings and budgeting plans can be more complicated because of the wide range of ages among family members. Be flexible with your planning to accommodate different saving and budgeting needs and set short- and long-term goals for your savings with all generations in mind.
Expenses should be handled with fairness and equity: Multigenerational households have to ensure fairness by dividing costs such as mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries and household expenses based on each member's financial capacity and usage.
Find balance between cultural values and financial health: Cultural traditions and familial structures can also play a significant role in money management, and it’s important to consider how multigenerational living can impact family wealth.
Read more about financial considerations for multigenerational households here on chase.com/theknow.
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How to educate your kids now about creating long-lasting healthy money habits
Whether your kids are in elementary school, high school, or college — it’s never too early to start talking about money in a realistic way so kids can understand how it's used to support your lifestyle and help you achieve your goals and dreams. Here are tips that make it easier for kids of all ages to learn how to save, budget and begin managing their finances more independently:
Take notes and use tools: As your kids get older, explain the budgeting basics. There are many budgeting resources out there, so you can find the one that works for you and helps your kids learn to track spending.
Get organized and go digital: Find easy-to-use budgeting tools that work for kids and parents both, with different levels of parental oversight and management suitable for different age groups.
Plan for the future: Unexpected events in life can happen, so planning ahead may help reduce stress and better cope with whatever may occur. Building an emergency fund or saving for a rainy day is a crucial skill to learn.
Preparing Financially for Future Emergencies (CNP)
In an unpredictable world, financial emergencies can arise at any moment, whether due to unexpected medical expenses, job loss, or natural disasters. Sherlyn Santana, Community Manager at Chase's new Community Center Branch in the Bronx, shares some practical tips to help you prepare financially for future emergencies, empowering you to navigate life's challenges with confidence:
Start saving leftover money each month to build an emergency fund, gradually building up to cover three to six months' worth of living expenses.
Budget wisely by using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor your expenses and identify areas where you can potentially cut back.
Focus on paying off high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, and explore options to consolidate or refinance loans at lower interest rates to save money and simplify payments.
Protect your assets by ensuring you have adequate health, home, auto, and life insurance.
Plan for the long term by contributing regularly to retirement accounts, such as a 401(k) or IRA, to secure your financial future.
Today's SCOOP is brought to you by our members and JPMorgan Chase
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Start investing in your future
A student sitting in a public library using his calculator to work out a math problem.
If you’re considering investing to help reach your financial goals, consider starting as early as possible. Here are some tips to help you get started on your investment journey:
Understand the difference between saving and investing. Saving cash can help keep you covered in the short term while investing can help you reach your long-term goals. Before you get started investing, it’s important to have a cash emergency fund of 3-6 months of expenses for unexpected emergencies.
Have a plan. Identify your personal financial goals and create a plan to outline how you’d like to work towards them. There are free digital tools that allow you to set multiple goals, create a plan for them and track your progress along the way.
Remember the importance of diversification. Your investment options depend on your personal timeline and tolerance for risk. That said, it’s important that your portfolio is diversified, or made up of a variety of different investments. Diversification can help even out your portfolio’s returns during periods of volatility.
Riding out the market. Market swings can be painful, but they are a natural part of investing. It’s important to take a long-term view when it comes to investing and stay focused on your strategy. Don’t let you emotions derail your plan.
Choose how to invest. You can work with a financial advisor, invest on your own or do a combination of both.
You don’t need a large sum of money to be an investor. What’s important is getting started and staying consistent over time. Making regular contributions to your investments can help you stay on track.
How do I know if I am financially ready for homeownership?
Homeownership is a dream for many, but most buyers on the sidelines don’t know that their dreams may be within reach. Some indicators that you could be ready include:
Your financial health is sound. This could mean having a regular, dependable source of income, having a good credit score – lenders typically look for a score of 620 and above, and having a low debt-to-income ratio. This allows lenders better gauge how much you may be able to afford.
You understand the true cost of homeownership: This might look like understanding not only your borrowing capacity but also the monthly payment. You also are prepared for the additional costs of buying a home, such as closing costs, property taxes, homeowners association fees, among other costs, as well as ongoing maintenance or repairs. Look for financial tools like the Chase affordability calculator to help determine buying power, based on income, and preferred monthly loan payments.
Your personal goals and timelines matchup: Think about your upcoming life events and whether it makes sense to own a home, such as retiring, relocating or a growing family.
Young Asian couple going through home finances, paying financial bills, making financial plans.
It’s never too early to start building a foundation for a healthy financial future. Here are 5 financial tips to help you start working toward long-term financial freedom:
Small steps lead to bigger opportunities: Whether it’s saving a little more each month, starting to save for the first time or monitoring your credit score, these steps can help you prepare for the unexpected while setting you up for long-term success.
Establish good credit: The main elements of securing a good credit score include paying your bills on time, the length of time you’ve had a credit history, and the amount and type of accounts you have.
Embrace digital tools: Apps, online goal sheets and budget builders are a great way to manage your finances.
Ask for help: From meeting with a banker or talking to friends or family, conversations and advice can be critical to improving financial health, such as building a budget.
Keep the conversation going: Talk with your family or a financial expert about your financial goals and how you plan to achieve them.
Establishing solid financial habits can be a lifetime process, but it’s easier if you learn the fundamentals as early as possible. It’s never too early, or too late, to begin your journey, and now is a great time to get started or recommit to your financial health. For more financial health tips, visit chase.com/financialgoals.
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JPMorganChase’s Bronx Community Manager Shares How to Achieve Financial Success.
This month, we’re celebrating the many women throughout our history who’ve worked toward achieving success, whether through leadership roles, or within their families and communities. Sherlyn Santana, Community Manager at Chase's Bronx Community Center Branch, shares steps on taking charge of your finances to help you achieve success:
First, take stock and review your spending. List out your bank accounts, investments and property, liabilities and any loans or credit card debts in your name.
Review your spending habits. Do your debts outweigh your assets? How much are you able to save each month?
Create a plan to work towards your financial goals, whether that’s paying down debt, building an emergency fund, investing in a new home, or taking out a loan to start a business.
The important thing is to stay accountable and take control of your finances to help you achieve that goals.
Automate payments and savings to help you stick to your savings plan, work with a financial planner or loved one to help you stay motivated and accountable to your goals.
Anyone has the power to take control of their finances — getting organized around where you currently are will help paint a clear picture of how to achieve your financial goals.
For more inspiration, whether it’s to help advance your own career or support women in your field, explore JPMorganChase’s Women on the Move initiative by visiting jpmorganchase.com/impact/people/women-on-the-move
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How this JPMorganChase partnership helped a Bronx student find a promising future
Born to Sudanese parents who immigrated to the Bronx, Investment Specialist Sagid Mohamed’s childhood was characterized by the constant quest for opportunities. But his future began to materialize when he took part in The Fellowship Initiative, a JPMorganChase-sponsored program that provides high-school-aged young men of color with three years of academic, social, and emotional support to help achieve personal and professional success.
“Have faith that there are people in your life who want to help you, and they'll introduce you to things they think will be good for you,” Mohamed shares.
Rent vs. own in today’s economy: Is now the best time to buy?
Homeownership has been long associated with the American Dream, yet the economic climate of recent years has left some potential homebuyers on edge.
Many potential homeowners have put their dream of buying a home on pause – or even abandoned it altogether. If you’re thinking of buying a home but aren’t sure if it makes sense for you right now, consider these pros and cons of renting versus buying:
Renting PRO: Renting is a short-term commitment. You can sign a lease and have the flexibility to move somewhere else after the lease is over.
Renting CON: There’s an overall lack of control. Renting may offer less stability. Besides the possibility of higher prices, your landlord could sell the property or change other lease terms during renewal.
Buying PRO: You can build equity by making consistent payments on your mortgage. Your equity may be a potentially valuable appreciating investment and can be used for a cash-out refinance or a HELOC, which lets you borrow against the equity you’ve built up.
Buying CON: Homebuying typically comes with significant upfront costs and fees, such as a down payment, closing costs, loan applications and more.
There are many things to consider when deciding to rent or buy a home, including how much you can afford, the length of time you plan to live there and how much responsibility you're ready to take on. You’ll want to look into the current real estate prices and interest rates in your area to see if you can afford to buy a home now.
Visit chase.com/afford to learn more about homeownership and what resources are available.
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Keep This in Mind to Help Avoid Scams: How to Pay When Buying From Someone You Don’t Know
Credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, wires or sending money to others using a P2P (person-to-person) payment app are examples of the many ways consumers can pay for everyday transactions. To help protect their money from scammers, it’s important for people to understand that how they pay matters, especially when buying something from someone they don’t know or trust. Here, Chase Community Manager Jane Wu shares some tips:
Never make checks out to “cash,” use permanent ink, and write the amount in numbers and words.
For person-to-to person payments, if you are purchasing goods or merchandise, including things like concert tickets, a credit or debit card that offers purchase protection may be a better option.
When using credit and debit cards, two-factor authentication can help block anyone who gets your banking information from using it, and setting up credit monitoring helps you know if your card is used fraudulently.
For wire transfers, never provide your bank account details to unfamiliar or suspicious individuals and avoid wiring money to people or businesses you are unfamiliar with, especially if prompted by suspicious phone calls or emails.
The Knicks are going to the playoffs — but they weren’t the only stars at Madison Square Garden this season. Earlier this year, JPMorganChase hosted over a dozen New York City entrepreneurs at MSG for the “Chase Rookies Program,” which provided a day of networking, workshops, and fireside chats with Knicks and Rangers executives and successful business owners. This new program builds on a strong foundation: for the past three season, the iconic New York City brands have partnered to spotlight eight local small business owners each season at Knicks and Rangers games.
Learn more about how JPMorganChase is supporting its hometown small businesses.
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Bringing the Money Smart Financial Coaching Program to CUNY
Sound financial health helps set the foundation for strong and resilient households, communities and economies. That’s why JPMorganChase helped launch a new organization aimed at enhancing financial health and academic outcomes for college students called the Money Smart Financial Coaching Program, or MSFCP.org. The program, which combines financial coaching and education into one course, originated at SUNY Westchester Community College and is now offered at seven colleges and universities across New York. By leveraging local Chase Community Managers as guest lecturers, the initiative aims to improve students' financial skills, academic performance, and graduation rates.
Learn more about the new nonprofit organization’s impact through the CUNY system.
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How One Chase Community Manager Serves Her Community — On and Off the Job
Every day, Chase’s 150+ Community Managers — including over a dozen in New York City — work with their neighbors, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses to help New Yorkers get on a path to a stronger financial future. NY1 recently featured Brooklyn Community Manager Tabinda Iftikhar as their “New Yorker of the Week” after she was nominated by the Muslim Community Network, highlighting how she’s combined her passion for helping her community with her position as a Community Manager.
Watch the story and learn how she takes care of her community, on and off the job.
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How to “act your wage”: Financial health tips for your lifestyle and future goals
While spending is inevitable and splurging can be tempting, aligning your expenses with your income can help foster financial responsibility, stability, and peace of mind. Here are some practical tips to help you balance spending, while enhancing your financial health:
Understand your financial landscape: Take a close look at your income, expenses, and any outstanding debts. Create a simple budget that outlines what comes in each month, as well as what goes out.
Distinguish between needs and wants. Needs are essential expenses like housing, utilities, and groceries, while wants are non-essential items like dining out or luxury purchases.
Be intentional with your purchases. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if it aligns with your financial goals and if it's truly necessary.
Utilize financial tools and resources. Budgeting apps, financial planning software, and online calculators can provide valuable insights into your spending habits and help you stay on track.
Plan for the unexpected. Aim to save three to six months' worth of living expenses in a separate account. This fund will provide a safety net in case of unexpected events.
How JPMorganChase Helped The Bridge Pioneer the Future of Affordable Housing and Community Development
Last year, non-profit The Bridge and developer and general contractor Mega celebrated the successful completion of Bridge Rockaway, a visionary $118-million project that rebuilt the former Fox’s U-Bet Chocolate Syrup factory in Brownsville into a 174-unit residential building and light manufacturing hub. At the non-profit’s gala last month, JPMorganChase emphasized the pivotal role the firm played in bringing this project to fruition.
By leveraging its resources, JPMorganChase provided a combination of Low Income Housing Tax Credits and New Markets Tax Credit equity, which were instrumental in supporting the development of the affordable housing and manufacturing space for the community.
Heirs property and deed theft tips from industry experts
THE CITY Managing Editor Rachel Holiday Smith moderates a panel discussion on deed theft during an open newsroom event at a Chase Community Bank in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, May 19, 2025.
On Monday the 20th, industry experts gathered for THE CITY and JPMorganChase's panel discussion on heirs property and deed theft at Chase's Community Center Branch in Brooklyn. The local community heard from Nic Dawes, Executive Director of THE CITY, Marco Villegas, Global Philanthropy Program Officer with JPMorganChase, Scott Kohanowski, General Counsel for the Center for NYC Neighborhoods and Kim Allman, Interim Executive Director for Adobe Alliance, moderated by Rachel Holiday Smith, Managing Editor with THE CITY, revealing these top 4 tips and 'watch outs':
"If you get a knock at your door or a phone call with a property deal that feels off, trust your gut—and don’t sign anything until you speak with a lawyer you trust." – Kim Allman
"Even if your family has owned a home for generations, if the title isn’t clear, your property is vulnerable—create a will or use New York’s new transfer-on-death deed to protect it." – Scott Kohanowski
"Scammers are targeting trusted spaces like churches and community centers—stay alert and verify before engaging." – Rachel Holliday Smith
"If several trusted nonprofits or legal groups are all saying the same thing, that’s a good sign you’re getting reliable advice—don’t isolate, get second opinions." – Marco Villegas
Harnessing Emerging Technologies to Power Your Business
According to JPMorgan Chase’s 2025 Business Leaders Outlook Survey, a strong majority (80%) of small business leaders are already using or are planning to implement AI. However, almost half (46%) are cautiously optimistic about its impact on their business. Emerging technologies are among key considerations for small business owners planning for the future, ensuring business continuity, fostering growth and planning for successful transitions.
AI offers capabilities in learning, reasoning and problem-solving. In the Survey, small business owners identified several key applications for AI, including marketing and content creation, customer service automation and data analysis. AI can also benefit payment processes and other operational automation.
How To Manage The High Costs Of Buying or Owning a Vehicle
Whether you’re looking for a way to commute to work or school on your own time, or you’ve been saving up for your own set of wheels to go on countless adventures, in today’s financial climate, managing your vehicle loans efficiently is key. It could help you save money and limit potential headaches down the road. Here are some helpful strategies to manage your vehicle payments:
Budget wisely. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure that your monthly payments align with your financial goals. Don't stretch your budget too thin. It’s better to set your car budget first and then find a vehicle that fits that budget, rather than finding a car and potentially being disappointed if it’s more than you can afford. Using a car payment calculator can help estimate your monthly car payment for different scenarios, by inputting the ballpark amount you’d like to finance along with some other basic info.
Automate your payments. Some lenders offer the option to automate your monthly payments. This can be an extremely useful tool as it helps you avoid missing your payment and a potential late fees.
Make biweekly payments. Instead of monthly payments, consider paying half of your monthly amount every two weeks. By making biweekly payments, you end up making a total of 26 payments in a year, the equivalent of 13 monthly payments rather than 12—helping you pay off the loan a little earlier. Make sure you contact your lender to confirm this is an option.
Consider shorter loan terms. Though longer loans often mean smaller monthly payments, they usually come with higher interest rates, which typically ends up costing you more over time. If available, opt for a shorter loan term to save on interest.
How should you approach the true cost of car ownership before buying a car?
The total or true cost of car ownership typically goes beyond just the sticker price. Other expenses that usually get bundled into the total cost include sales taxes, vehicle registration fees, maintenance and running costs, car insurance and financing. Though these costs are generally unavoidable, there are a few simple ways that you can minimize the impact on your wallet, including:
Shopping around for insurance. Shopping around for rates can help you compare different insurers, as rates can vary widely between providers. This way, you have a better chance of finding a policy to suit your needs at a price that won’t break the bank.
Fuel-efficient driving. Perhaps an unexpected way to use less gas is through your driving habits. Avoid making hard stops and starts. For long stretches of uninterrupted miles, cruise control will help your car use less gas by maintaining a steady speed.
Maintaining your car regularly. Routine check-ups can also help you save money on gas but also help prevent expensive repairs in the future. Changing the oil regularly, checking tire pressure, and following the manufacturer's maintenance schedule are great ways to keep your car and wallet happy.
Be sure to do your homework before stepping on the lot. There are many tools available that can help you plan for additional costs, such as sales taxes, registration fees, and insurance—which can vary depending on the car make, model and even the color.
How Should I Pay? Keep These Tips In Mind to Avoid Scams
Credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, wires or sending money to others using a P2P (person-to-person) payment app are examples of the many ways consumers can pay for everyday transactions. To help protect their money from scammers, it’s important for people to understand that how they pay matters, especially when buying something from someone they don’t know or trust. Here are examples of common scams impacting payment types:
Checks: Never make checks out to “cash.” Use permanent ink, and write the amount in numbers and words. Don’t leave a check book unattended and always send a check directly from the post office or through secured mailboxes; don’t leave them for pickup in your mailbox at home. When possible, opt for electronic payment methods instead of checks.
P2P: If you are purchasing goods or merchandise, including things like concert tickets, a credit or debit card that offers purchase protection may be a better option. If at any time you feel pressured, the deal seems too good to be true, or you otherwise suspect it’s a scam, don’t proceed with the purchase.
Credit and debit cards: Two-factor authentication can help block anyone who gets your banking information from using it, and setting up credit monitoring helps you know if your card is used fraudulently. If you misplace it or think it is lost or stolen, contact your bank immediately, and lock your card from additional charges.
Wire transfers: Never provide your bank account details to unfamiliar or suspicious individuals and avoid wiring money to people or businesses you are unfamiliar with, especially if prompted by suspicious phone calls or emails.
Is your OOO on Yet? Keep These Travel Budget Friendly Tips in Mind
Summer is one of the most expensive seasons to travel. With warm weather, school breaks and slower work schedules encouraging many to hit the road or book a flight during the summer months, prices for flights, hotels and destinations often reach their peak, which could put a damper on your dream vacation plans. If you’re looking to get away and maximize your time out of office, these tips and tricks can help make seeing the world, or even just the U.S., a bit more affordable.
Start saving & take advantage of travel perks: Don’t underestimate the power of credit card points – they can make travel more rewarding and help offset costs. Explore the travel rewards your credit card offers.
Timing is everything: Think about traveling in the month or two on either side of the peak season when tourists are less likely to visit. Whenever you travel, however, aim to book plane tickets about two months in advance, and start looking up flights as early as possible to get the lowest prices.
Know what to skip: Once you’re at your destination, consider passing on expensive guided tours or private transit like taxis or ride shares. Instead, create your own city tour, look online for free walking tours or get around on public transportation.
Plan a staycation: Take a day trip to a nearby town or plan a longer road trip through your state. You'll still get to see new places and try new hotels. If you’re planning to visit a friend or family member, explore a new venue while you’re in that town. Exploring lesser-known destinations can offer unique charm without the usual crowds and costs.
Travel enriches our lives, and with some creative planning, you can enjoy memorable adventures without overspending. Using budget travel tips can help you add adventure to your life this summer without breaking the bank. Have fun finding strategic ways to cut costs while still having an enjoyable and fulfilling trip.
How do I know if I am financially ready for homeownership?
Homeownership is a dream for many, but most buyers on the sidelines don’t know that their dreams may be within reach. Some indicators that you could be ready include:
Your financial health is sound. This could mean having a regular, dependable source of income, having a good credit score – lenders typically look for a score of 620 and above, and having a low debt-to-income ratio. This allows lenders to better gauge how much you may be able to afford.
You understand the true cost of homeownership: This might look like understanding not only your borrowing capacity but also the monthly payment. You also are prepared for the additional costs of buying a home, such as closing costs, property taxes, homeowners association fees, among other costs, as well as ongoing maintenance or repairs. Look for financial tools like the Chase affordability calculator to help determine buying power, based on income, and preferred monthly loan payments.
Your personal goals and timelines matchup: Think about your upcoming life events and whether it makes sense to own a home, such as retiring, relocating or a growing family.
Homeownerships is one of the largest investments consumers will make in their lives – and one of the most exciting. But, the housing market has experienced a lot of highs and lows over the past few years, and many buyers are sitting on the sidelines wondering if now is the right time for them to buy. Here are a few questions considerations to determine whether you are financially ready for homeownership:
1. Your financial health is sound. This might look like having a regular, dependable source of income, having a good credit score—lenders typically look for a score of 620 and above—and having a low debt-to-income ratio. This allows lenders to better gauge how much you may be able to afford.
2. You understand the true cost of homeownership: This might look like understanding not only your borrowing capacity but also the monthly payment. You’re also prepared for the additional costs of buying a home, such as closing costs, property taxes, homeowners association fees, among other costs, as well as ongoing maintenance or repairs. Look for financial tools like the Chase affordability calculator to help determine buying power, based on income, and preferred monthly loan payments.
3. Your personal goals and timelines match up: Think about your upcoming life events and whether it makes sense to own a home, such as retiring, relocating or a growing family.
For more information to prepare you for your homebuying journey, visit chase.com/afford or connect with a local a mortgage professional who can help make recommendations based on your unique financial picture and goals.
Keep This in Mind to Help Avoid Scams: How to Pay When Buying From Someone You Don’t Know
Credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, wires or sending money to others using a P2P (person-to-person) payment app are examples of the many ways consumers can pay for everyday transactions. To help protect their money from scammers, it’s important for people to understand that how they pay matters, especially when buying something from someone they don’t know or trust. Here, Chase Community Manager Jane Wu shares some tips:
Never make checks out to “cash,” use permanent ink, and write the amount in numbers and words.
For person-to-to person payments, if you are purchasing goods or merchandise, including things like concert tickets, a credit or debit card that offers purchase protection may be a better option.
When using credit and debit cards, two-factor authentication can help block anyone who gets your banking information from using it, and setting up credit monitoring helps you know if your card is used fraudulently.
For wire transfers, never provide your bank account details to unfamiliar or suspicious individuals and avoid wiring money to people or businesses you are unfamiliar with, especially if prompted by suspicious phone calls or emails.
Is your OOO on Yet? Keep These Travel Budget Friendly Tips in Mind
[chase.com/financialgoals]
Summer is one of the most expensive seasons to travel. With warm weather, school breaks and slower work schedules encouraging many to hit the road or book a flight during the summer months, prices for flights, hotels and destinations often reach their peak, which could put a damper on your dream vacation plans. If you’re looking to get away and maximize your time out of office, these tips and tricks can help make seeing the world, or even just the U.S., a bit more affordable.
1. Start saving & take advantage of travel perks: Don’t underestimate the power of credit card points – they can make travel more rewarding and help offset costs. Explore the travel rewards your credit card offers.
2. Timing is everything: Think about traveling in the month or two on either side of the peak season when tourists are less likely to visit. Whenever you travel, however, aim to book plane tickets about two months in advance, and start looking up flights as early as possible to get the lowest prices.
3. Know what to skip: Once you’re at your destination, consider passing on expensive guided tours or private transit like taxis or ride shares. Instead, create your own city tour, look online for free walking tours or get around on public transportation.
4. Plan a staycation: Take a day trip to a nearby town or plan a longer road trip through your state. You'll still get to see new places and try new hotels. If you’re planning to visit a friend or family member, explore a new venue while you’re in that town. Exploring lesser-known destinations can offer unique charm without the usual crowds and costs.
Travel enriches our lives, and with some creative planning, you can enjoy memorable adventures without overspending. Using budget travel tips can help you add adventure to your life this summer without breaking the bank. Have fun finding strategic ways to cut costs while still having an enjoyable and fulfilling trip.
On Wednesday, August 6th, THE CITY joined non-profit leaders and experts from JPMorganChase for a panel discussion on the future of work in New York City and workforce development at Chase’s flagship Community Center Branch in Harlem. Dozens of New Yorkers at the event heard from THE CITY Executive Director Nic Dawes and Chase Community Manager Rocky Chowdhury, along with a panel including economics reporter Greg David, labor reporter Claudia Irizarry Aponte, Brooklyn Workforce Innovations Executive Director Aaron Shiffman, and Pathways to Apprenticeship Executive Director Gyasi Headen.
The conversation – which included audience Q&A - was moderated by JPMorganChase Global Philanthropy Program Officer Rafia Zahir-Uddin. Panelists covered topics ranging from the industries driving New York City’s economy, to barriers that hold New Yorkers back from good-paying jobs like difficulty securing affordable child care, to the potential positive and negative impacts of artificial intelligence.
To learn more about how JPMorganChase supports career-connected education, skills training, and policy solutions that connect job seekers to opportunities, click here: https://www.jpmorganchase.com/impact/careers-and-skills
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