APM Elevate: January 2026

REACH YOUR GOALS

Begin 2026 with the Proper Budgeting App

Whereas there isn’t any scarcity of budgeting functions accessible, present consumer charges recommend that many customers discover it troublesome to decide on the appropriate one. Latest research discovered that whereas round 45% of customers use spreadsheets and calculators, solely round 21% use budgeting functions.

Earlier than you test-drive a budgeting app, it is useful to resolve what kind of features are most necessary to you, resembling those beneath.

• Can synchronize a number of varieties of monetary accounts, together with your individual and your companion’s.

   

• Helps you propose forward for monetary choices.

• Categorizes your bills so you may modify spending patterns.

• Tracks payments and sends you alerts for upcoming due dates, so you will not incur late charges.

• Accessible through cellular and desktop.

After you have determined what you want, listed below are three apps to contemplate.

Monarch Money, for customized budgeting

Monarch permits customers to sync financial institution accounts, bank cards, loans, and investments. Different options embrace a internet price tracker, funding dashboard, customized studies, and reminders of upcoming payments. Latest updates embrace the addition of an AI chatbot.

YNAB, for hands-on zero-based budgeting

YNAB stands for You Want a Funds. It follows the zero-based budgeting system, which suggests you will make a plan for each greenback you earn. For instance, as quickly as you receives a commission, you inform YNAB how a lot of your earnings ought to go towards numerous classes, together with spending, financial savings and debt.

Origin for AI-powered investment advice.

Origin permits customers to trace spending, investments and internet price whereas planning future investments. It gained Forbes’ 2024 Greatest Budgeting App award, which interprets into reputation with wealthier customers. It additionally options AI-powered chat so customers can ask questions in regards to the economic system, retirement planning and extra.

Supply: nerdwallet.com

MORTGAGE IQ

Methods to Quick-Monitor Down Funds

Whereas the prices of residence possession hold rising post-pandemic, there are nonetheless decided patrons who save the median down fee for a house. Final yr, it took the standard American seven years to save lots of this quantity, down from 12 years throughout 2022 however nonetheless above pre-pandemic ranges.

For instance, it may take a San Francisco family with the median earnings greater than 36 years to save lots of for that metropolis’s $245,466 median down fee, whereas a median family in San Antonio, Texas, or Virginia Seaside, Virginia, would solely want one or two years.

When renters postpone shopping for a house, it additionally postpones their entry to residence fairness and constructing long-term wealth, so it is usually higher to start this sooner than later. On a neighborhood stage, delayed residence possession can sluggish housing demand, development, mortgage exercise, and even client spending tied to residence enhancements.

Whereas some housing consultants nonetheless suggest 20% of a house worth as a down fee, patrons within the third quarter of 2025 averaged down funds that had been 14.4% of the house worth. As well as, some residence financing packages require down funds which can be below 5% of the whole mortgage quantity.

Need to study extra about your home-buying prospects? Contact your local APM Loan Advisor for solutions to your questions on down funds.

FINANCIAL NEWS

How To Rein in Car Funds

Shopping for a brand new or used automotive or truck has turn into costlier than ever. Whereas many have high-tech options that make them safer and extra pleasant, these options, along with inflation, have bumped up sticker costs.

Nevertheless, there are a number of methods to manage prices.

1. Tighten Up Your Credit score. In case your credit score rating is within the mid-700s or larger, congrats! If it wants work, it could be price suspending your buy till your rating improves. You possibly can assist this occur pretty rapidly for those who repay bank card balances and different money owed.

2. Store Round for Financing First. Evaluate financing choices and lenders, together with your individual financial institution or credit score union, plus respected on-line lenders. Contemplate getting a pre-approval. Whereas dealerships have their very own lenders, their charges might not be aggressive.

3. Analysis Your Car. Earlier than stepping foot within the dealership, do all of the analysis you may on the mannequin you are excited by, resembling common prices, add-ons,and your cut-off worth. You may additionally discover a dealership that is promoting your most well-liked trip at a lower cost, or with particular financing.

4. Contemplate a Funds-Pleasant Mannequin. Whereas that is at all times good recommendation, many patrons do not observe it, particularly once they test-drive a mannequin that makes their present car really feel like an vintage. Contemplate who can be your fellow passengers (adults, kids, or canines), and your day by day driving habits earlier than you select.

Supply: investopedia.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Why We All the time Fly Pleasant Skies

Once you’re boarding an plane, you in all probability have so much in your thoughts. Will you get caught within the center seat, or subsequent to noisy children (or adults)? Will you make your connection? What you are in all probability not occupied with is what the flight attendants are considering once they’re greeting you with a smile on the door.

Passengers are likely to assume that flight attendants’ greetings are simply that, however there’s far more occurring. Here is what’s actually on their minds.

They’re guaranteeing you do not want help boarding. Whereas these in wheelchairs obtain particular consideration, vacationers with kids or restricted mobility might also want help or seating in a delegated row.

They’re assessing your temper. Whereas anybody who spent an excessive amount of time on the airport bar is normally straightforward to determine, others may have consideration for totally completely different causes, resembling visibly nervous flyers. They’re additionally in search of particular lanyards worn by individuals with hidden disabilities. These might be something from Parkinson’s to PTSD.

They’re figuring out probably useful passengers. These could also be referred to as upon to assist with opening heavy doorways throughout an emergency, or to help others with evacuating the aircraft.

They’re checking for extra baggage. Whereas check-in workers normally deal with this, the flight crew desires to stop passengers from bringing too many luggage aboard. It slows the boarding course of and there might not be sufficient storage room for all of it.

Supply: dailypassport.com

PERSONAL FINANCES

Can You Declare Pets on Your Taxes?

The tax season is nearly right here, so many people are going via final yr’s monetary information in search of doable deductions. Whilst you might consider your pets as your dependents, the IRS does not…more often than not.

Pets that do not have jobs typically will not qualify for a tax deduction. Nevertheless, service animals that help with disabilities might present their homeowners with deductions, resembling the prices of coaching, provides, meals, and vet visits. Unreimbursed medical bills, together with service-animal associated prices, are deductible in the event that they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross earnings (AGI).

As well as, animals with jobs—these offering safety, herding farm livestock or offering pest management—might qualify. And for those who’re fostering canines or cats for a 501(c)(3) rescue group, you may deduct unreimbursed bills you incur. These are thought-about charitable contributions.

Received a cat or canine who’s an actual character? If they seem to be a social media influencer, they could earn deductions in the event that they earn cash via sponsorship offers, advert income, and even modeling. Their upkeep bills could also be thought-about “odd and essential” enterprise bills.

In case you’re uncertain about potential deductions, contact a tax skilled for steering.

Supply: empower.com

FOOD

Candy Potato Vegetarian Chili

It is a nice mid-winter meal to take pleasure in, it doesn’t matter what the climate is as much as. This Sweet Potato Vegetarian Chili is straightforward to make as it is a one-pot meal. You possibly can select from a number of varieties of beans—black, pink or pinto—and even mix two or three of them.

AROUND THE HOUSE

Rev Up Your Kitchen with Retro Colours

In case your kitchen environment are feeling bland, or for those who’re prepared to change from shades of grey to bolder colours, it is a great time to brighten up your environment.

Many trade professionals are introducing coloration into virtually each a part of a kitchen, from counter tops to home equipment. Conventional whites and grays are dropping floor to shades of brown and off-white, with sage and different subdued greens turning into extra frequent. (Going inexperienced might even encourage extra salad preparation!)

There isn’t any cause why home equipment must be omitted, particularly as extra of them are adopting retro designs and colours. Over the previous years, extra home equipment have traded in chrome finishes for main colours. Some manufacturers, resembling Big Chill, have re-introduced pink, mild blue and pastel pink fridges with Nineteen Fifties design options. Other appliance manufacturers such as Galanz are additionally stepping into the retro act.

Supply: bhg.com