In August, home prices climbed a seasonally adjusted 0.68% from July, hitting a record high for the fourth consecutive month, per Black Knight.
Prices in nearly half the nation’s 50 largest markets climbed by 0.75% or more.
“Even on a non-adjusted basis, August’s gain of +0.24% was more than 60% larger than the 25-year average for the month.”
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Home prices climbed in August and hit a record for the fourth consecutive month, according to Black Knight data released Monday.
Compared to July, home prices were up in August a seasonally adjusted 0.68%, and prices climbed in nearly half of the nation’s 50 largest markets by 0.75% or more.
Nationally, prices are now 2.5% above the 2022 peak on a seasonally adjusted basis, Intercontinental Exchange data shows.
“After essentially flattening earlier this year, year-over-year home price growth has been reaccelerating for the last few months,” said ICE vice president of enterprise research, Andy Walden. “Even on a non-adjusted basis, August’s gain of +0.24% was more than 60% larger than the 25-year average for the month. Either way you look at it, the increase was sufficient to push annual appreciation up to a stronger-than-expected +3.8%.”
He added that August marked the third month of “clear acceleration” in home price growth at the national level.
There could be some reprieve in store for buyers this fall, though. According to Zillow, the housing market is actually showing signs of cooling in a rare moment of opportunity for buyers this year. The percentage of home listings that had a price cut jumped 9.2% in the week leading to September 16, the real estate firm said in a note Thursday.
“For determined buyers, with enough budget room to accommodate the recent jump in mortgage rates, this fall is looking more and more like a sweet spot: There are more motivated sellers and more active listings overall than any time since last December, improving buyers’ chance to find the right fit,” Zillow senior economist Jeff Tucker said.
While competition among homebuyers has kept prices elevated, high mortgage rates have also pushed many potential house hunters to the sidelines. Last week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 7.31%, per Freddie Mac, the highest level in over two decades.
Zillow economists have previously predicted home prices would steadily increase through the first half of next year, regardless of the current signs of cooling.
Arched niches provide stations for tattoo artists at Atelier Eva, located in a former Brooklyn hardware store transformed by designer Alp Bozkurt.
The Atelier Eva Grand Street parlour is the second in Brooklyn run by tattoo artist Eva Karabuda, who is renowned for her detailed, micro-realism tattoos.
Polycarbonate panels punctured by arched niches line the interior of Atelier Eva’s Grand Street studio
“Created with an ambitious vision to reimagine tattoo culture following Eva’s own experiences feeling uncomfortable and unsafe as a woman in her early work environments, Atelier Eva offers a new kind of tattooing experience with the goal of providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all people,” said the studio.
While her first location on Havemeyer Street was designed in house, Karabudak turned to Alp Bozkurt for the Grand Street space – which at 3,000 square feet (280 square metres) is almost twice the size.
The arches reveal details of the original building, which was formerly a hardware store
The building dates back to 1895 and was originally constructed as a hardware store, occupying a single story space that extends 115 feet back from the street facade.
Original features such as large roof trusses, skylights and brick walls were all restored and highlighted during the renovation work.
A pink-concrete table used for tattoo consultations is shrouded by a sheer curtain
The trusses are painted black, drawing the eye up to the ceiling, while the remaining structural elements are whitewashed for a clean look.
“A distilled material palette is deployed to create a warm and calming environment from otherwise industrial materials retaining the building’s original ethos,” said Bozkurt.
In the main space, the arched niches provide areas for the tattoo artists to store their equipment
Wrapping the perimeter of the interior are translucent polycarbonate panels that sit a few inches in front of the brickwork, unifying the sequence of spaces.
All the way around, arches puncture the panels to frame original corbeling, and reveal other historic elements.
A planter is positioned in the centre of the otherwise sparsely populated space
In the front of the studio, beside the floor-to-ceiling glass facade, one arch provides a backdrop for a seating area with boucle-covered chairs, and pendant lights by Apparatus above.
Behind a pink-concrete reception counter is a consultation area, shrouded by a sheer curtain suspended from a curved metal track.
“Visitors are offered glimpses of activity in the studio flooded by natural light while the artists and their clients maintain privacy,” Bozkurt said.
The group of artists offering a range of tattoo styles and piercings work in the large space beyond, where each is allocated a station aligned with an arch.
Pink concrete is also used for the reception counter and other furniture
Foldable padded tables for clients to lay on, stools for the artists and cabinets for storing equipment all tuck neatly into these niches when not in use.
The open space – which also hosts creative gatherings and events – is sparsely populated, other than a central pink-concrete planter that matches the consultation table and the counter.
The location on Grand Street is Atelier Eva’s second in Brooklyn
Together, Bozkurt’s interventions create “a carefully choreographed sequence of experiences through varying degrees of transparency offered by various design elements”.
Russia is painting silhouettes of its valuable Tu-95 strategic bombers on the tarmac of an air base.
The decoys could be an attempt to confuse possible Ukrainian strikes, The War Zone reported.
But they are easy to spot even on commercially available satellite imagery.
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Russia is painting the silhouettes of its prized Tu-95MS strategic bombers at its main bomber base as a decoy, a report says.
Satellite imagery obtained by The War Zone shows the two-dimensional painted decoys on the tarmac of Engels-2, a strategic bomber base east of Saratov in Russia.
The War Zone noted that the pictured decoys might be made with a cloth or canvas, but it said paint was most likely given the lack of dimension seen in the images taken on September 29 by Planet Labs.
The newly pictured decoys appear to also have what looks like car tires depicted on them, suggesting that they have tried hard to make them appear realistic.
The Engels air base has come under attack several times since the conflict in Ukraine began, despite being deep in Russian territory, hundreds of miles southeast of Moscow.
Russia blamed the attacks on Ukraine, but Kyiv did not claim them, keeping in line with its policy to not claim attacks on Russian soil.
The decoy paintings at Engels-2 could be aimed at confusing any possible Ukrainian strike operations or drone operators.
However, The War Zone notes that they are unlikely to be effective, given that it is easy to spot as fake even in commercially available satellite imagery.
The use of infrared reflective or absorptive paints could confuse weapons like cruise missiles, but it’s unclear how effective the two-dimensional decoys will be, the outlet said.
Decoys can be highly effective
Side-by-side photos of a real Russian T-72 tank on the battlefield in August 2023, and a decoy one in September 2023.
116th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine/110th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine/Insider
They are mainly used to trick enemy forces into wasting ammo and potentially giving away their position. They are also a lot cheaper than real tanks and can be transported quickly, he said
Porcelain countertops cost $2,900 on average to install, taking labor and materials into account. The typical range for most projects is $1,000 to $4,000, but some higher-end projects may cost over $8,000.
More specifically, you should expect to pay $48 to $103 per square foot, depending on the quality and design. Since most projects occupy 30 to 40 square feet, your project will likely cost $1,440 to $4,120. Nonetheless, multiple factors influence costs, so let’s break them down.
Factors Affecting Porcelain Countertop Cost
Beyond materials, there are other factors affecting porcelain countertop installation costs.
Materials
Most porcelain slabs cost about $50 to $70 per square foot. Porcelain slabs usually come with some edge work, so you’ve already paid for them, but extra edge work by your contractors costs around $10 to $25 per linear foot.
As for the finish, it can be polished or unpolished. Polished finishes cost more because they require more work to get the signature shiny porcelain look. Polished finishes cost $9 to $12 per square foot, and unpolished finishes cost $8 to $11 per square foot.
Countertop Size & Type
Porcelain countertops come in two types: slabs and tiles. Slabs are a single, very large tile that is 12 mm thick. However, this is still relatively thin, making slabs fragile in inexperienced hands until installed. They create a seamless look that is very appealing to some homeowners.
Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are much simpler to work with. They’re thinner than slabs at 6 to 10 mm thick but easier to manipulate because they don’t have to move a large piece of porcelain.
Slabs generally cost less per square foot but require more specific experience from your contractor to install.
Location
Prices vary depending on where in the house you’ll install your countertop: outdoors, in the bathroom, or the kitchen. Bathroom installations will generally involve the least material, so they will likely be the cheapest place to install porcelain countertops.
Installation and Labor
Installing a porcelain countertop requires specialized hands to bind the porcelain to your underlying surface properly. Labor costs usually range from $20 to $100 per square foot, depending on whether you opt for prefabricated or custom slabs.
Some contractors charge an hourly rate for their labor, ranging from $50 to $100 per hour. This method is more common for complex or custom installations.
Additional Costs to Consider
Other details affect the final cost of installing porcelain countertops.
Prefabricated vs. Custom Porcelain Countertops
Prefabricated countertops are generally less expensive because they are mass-produced in standard sizes. The installation process is usually faster, saving you time or labor costs. Plus, these are readily available at home improvement stores, making purchasing and installing them convenient. Expect to pay between $1,500 to $3,300 for a medium-sized kitchen.
On the other hand, custom countertops can be tailored to fit your space’s exact dimensions and design specifications. With these, homeowners have more control over the quality of the material and can opt for higher-end finishes. Custom options allow for a unique design that can serve as a focal point in the kitchen or bathroom. Expect to pay between $3,000 to $7,000 for a medium-sized kitchen.
Permits
You may need a permit to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, depending on your location. You probably won’t need it if the remodeling process doesn’t involve structural changes, like changing the entire layout or removing or adding walls. Regardless, any reputable contractor will be aware of and acquire all necessary permits, which cost between $50 and $500.
Old Countertop Removal
If you have an old countertop you want to remove, it’ll usually cost an extra $100 to $300 to dispose of it.
Sink and Cooktop Installation
Adding an under-mounted cooktop separate from an oven will cost you around $500-$1,000, and an additional $100 to $200 for each cutout necessary to accommodate fixtures.
A gauged porcelain sink costs $250 to $1,000. Gauged porcelain sinks create a seamless look that makes the sink blend perfectly into the countertops. You can always opt for a regular metal sink, though, or continue to use the old one.
Porcelain Countertop Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
A conservative estimate for a medium-sized kitchen might be around $2,000 to $4,000 if you do most of the work yourself. However, this can easily go upwards of $5,000 if you opt for higher-end materials or professional help.
Hiring a professional can cost around $3,000 to $7,000 for a medium-sized kitchen. So, the savings aren’t as significant as with other home improvement projects.
While DIY projects can offer significant cost savings, they’re not for everyone. Porcelain countertop installation requires time and skills. A DIY project could be rewarding if you’re confident in your abilities and are looking for ways to save. However, hiring a professional is the way to go if you’re looking for a hassle-free, high-quality finish and are willing to pay for it.
As a beginner, it can be difficult to navigate Facebook’s basic features
There are also hidden hacks to make the flow of information easier to manage.
From notification management to data conservation to saving favorites, Facebook offers lots of ways to customize.
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Over three billion people — almost 40% of the world’s population — are active on Facebook every month, the company said during the second-quarter 2023 Meta earnings results announcement.
Whether you’re finding the latest news or trying to stay in touch with friends, checking Facebook can become an addictive habit.
We’ve collected some of the best tips and tricks you may not know about — from hiding people you don’t want to see on Facebook to managing notifications.
1. Save posts
See something interesting in your News Feed but don’t have time to look at it now? You can save it for later.
Click the three dots next to any post and hit “Save post.”
Your bookmarked links, videos, photos, places, and more are accessible from the “Saved” page on your Facebook profile. The page is included under the “Menu” tab in the Facebook mobile app.
2. Turn off auto-playing videos in your News Feed.
If you don’t want videos on Facebook automatically playing when you scroll past them in your News Feed, make sure to turn the setting off.
Under Menu tab on the righthand side of the Facebook mobile app, tap Settings & Privacy, and then under Preferences, select “Media.” From there, under Autoplay, you can choose to auto-play videos over cellular and Wi-Fi connections, just Wi-Fi, or never.
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3. Unfollow people without unfriending them
If you want to stop seeing someone’s posts in your News Feed but don’t have the guts to completely unfriend them, you can unfollow them to hide their activity.
From someone’s profile in the Facebook mobile app, tap on “Friends” under their profile picture and then “Unfollow” to get rid of their posts completely. You can also tap the three dots next to a post and select “Unfollow” or “Snooze,” which will temporarily Unfollow the person for 30 days.
You can do this for multiple people in the Settings section of Facebook, under News Feed Preferences.
4. See your Facebook activity on the same day from years past.
Facebook’s “On This Day” feature shows your activity on its social network on the same day from years past. Think of it like your personal time capsule on Facebook.
Only you see your “On This Day” activity, and you can find the feature from the link facebook.com/memories. Facebook also lets you hide certain people from showing up in your past activity, which is helpful for not seeing memories of your ex. You can also hide certain dates, or choose whether Facebook sends you notifications of all memories, highlights, or none at all.
5. Activity Log
Your Activity Log shows everything you’ve liked, shared, and commented on in the past. Tap the Menu tab, then tap your name. Under your name on your profile, next to “Edit Profile,” tap the three dots and select “Activity Log.”
You can also go to the Menu tab, under Settings, scroll to “Your Activity” to find the Activity Log.
Your Activity Log on Facebook documents all of your activity on the social network. It’s easily accessible on your profile from both the mobile app and desktop site.
6. Favorites
If there are certain people or pages you want to see first in your News Feed no matter what, you can select them in the Facebook mobile app.
Tap “Settings” under the app’s Menu tab and then “News Feed Preferences” to get started.
People and pages you’ve marked to see first will have a little blue star next to their posts in your feed.
7. Tell people how to pronounce your name correctly.
Sick of people pronouncing your name wrong? You can teach them on Facebook.
In the app on your profile, tap “Edit Profile,” then at the bottom, tap “Edit Your About Info.” Scroll below “Basic Info.” You can also add a nickname or maiden name for yourself to display with your profile.
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8. Friend vs. Follower
There are two ways you can connect with someone on Facebook: by becoming friends with them or by following them.
Being friends means that you and the other person have approved the connection and likely know each other, while following an account means that the person hasn’t added you back as a friend.
When someone follows you, they’ll only see posts you share publicly. You can turn off the ability for people to follow your account at any time from the “Followers” section of your account settings.
9. Post-specific privacy options
Your Facebook posts can be shared with your friends, specific friends, or anyone on the Internet.
You can select these sharing options on a case-by-case from the drop-down menu at the top right of a post. On the mobile app, select “Edit Privacy” and select one of the options. From the desktop, just click the little friends or globe icon next to a post’s time stamp.
If you want everyone except a few people to see a post, you can choose to hide it from specific people by selecting “Friends except…” on the mobile app and “Custom” on the desktop. If you’ve created Friend Lists on Facebook, you can also hide posts from entire lists.
If you’ve tagged people in the post, you can also choose whether their friends can see it.
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10. See what your profile looks like to others
This is handy for seeing what on your profile is visible to others, including individual friends you may have hidden certain information from in the past.
On the app, go to your profile, click the ellipsis next to “Edit Profile,” and then “View as…” You can type in any name, from friends to non-friends, to see what your profile looks like to them.
11. Hide your list of friends from everyone but you.
If, for some reason, you don’t want people seeing who you’re friends with, you can hide the list entirely.
On the desktop, click the “Friends” tab on your profile, then next to “Find Friends,” click the ellipses and then “Edit Privacy.” Then, you can change who can see your friends list, the people you follow, and your followers.
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12. Hide your relationship status change from your friends.
It could be potentially disastrous for your Facebook friends to see your relationship status change. The good news is that you can prevent relationship changes from being seen by anyone except you. This means the change won’t appear in your friends’ News Feeds.
In the app on your profile, tap “Edit Profile,” then at the bottom, tap “Edit Your About Info.” Scroll down to “Relationship,” change the privacy filter to “Only Me.”
13. Block people from being able to contact you.
If someone is spamming you with messages or you just want to ensure they can’t see your profile, go to their profile page and click on the three dots to the far right. Select “Block.”
14. See everywhere you’re logged into Facebook and remotely log out.
From the Facebook mobile app, tap the far right Menu tab, then Settings, Accounts Center, Password & Security, and finally, “Where You’re Logged In.” You’ll see all your Meta accounts. You can open details for each session and log out of Facebook if you like.
From your Security Settings on Facebook’s desktop site, the “Where You’re Logged In” menu shows active logins and lets you end them.
15. Get alerted whenever a log-in attempt is made for your account.
Facebook Login Alerts and Login Approvals can be enabled under Security Settings in the mobile app and desktop site.
From the Facebook mobile app, tap the far right Menu tab, then Settings, Accounts Center, Password & Security, and under Security Checks, “Login Alerts.”
You can choose to get in-app notifications or email whenever a login is made to your Meta accounts. Login Approvals mean that you must enter a secondary code sent to your phone before logging in to Facebook on a new device.
16. Unsubscribe from notifications for posts you’ve commented on.
We’ve all probably commented on a post and regretted it later because of the onslaught of notifications that followed from other people commenting.
You may not know that you can unsubscribe from activity on any post, which could be a godsend next time you decide to comment on a friend’s politically charged opinion.
When you get a notification for a comment or like on a post on Facebook’s desktop site, click the “X” to the right of the notification and then “Turn off.”
The reverse is also true. You can turn on notifications for activity on any post from the right drop-down arrow.
17. Get a notification every time a specific person posts something.
If you want to keep tabs on someone’s Facebook activity, you can get alerted whenever they share something. Just add them to your Close Friends list. To do that, go to the Friend’s profile, tap “Friends” and “Edit Friend Lists.”
18. Search for posts and photos liked or commented on by you
You can search for posts you’ve either created, liked or commented on with certain search phrases.
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You can even get specific and look for things just from today. You can also look for all posts liked by your friends.
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19. Search for specific keywords and topics
Facebook lets you search for a lot more than just other people’s profiles.
Everything that’s publicly shared on the social network is searchable, which means that if you search for something like “James Bond” or “iPhone help,” you’ll see related posts from news sources, friends, and other pages.
20. Make Friend lists
Designating groups within your list of friends can be useful for filtering what everyone is talking about in your News Feed. For instance, you may want to see what everyone from your hometown is sharing or just your friends from college.
Facebook creates a list of friends by default based on common affiliation, whether it be the same hometown, school, etc. On Facebook’s desktop site, you can see all of your friend lists at facebook.com/bookmarks/lists and add people to them. This creates individual News Feeds within Facebook for you to browse.
21. Give yourself a short bio.
Facebook lets you create a short bio for yourself that sits above your other profile information, such as city, work, and relationship status.
You can edit it anytime from your profile on the desktop site and mobile app.
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22. Download all your data
On the Menu tab under the Settings gear, scroll to “Your Information,” where you can tap “Download Your Information.” You can now also “Transfer Your Information” in the same section – with easy options to transfer to popular services like Dropbox or Google Photos.
Chinese studio Neri&Hu has completed a store interior for Ms MIN in Shanghai, China, to showcase the fashion brand’s diverse use of materials.
Located at the Taikoo Li shopping complex in central Shanghai, the 195-square-metre store was designed to evoke a sense of traditional home-based atelier that places materials and craftsmanship at its centre.
Neri&Hu designed the store in Taikoo Li
“Before the Industrial Revolution, textiles were made by hand in villages across China by individual families; carding, spinning and weaving all took place in farmhouses, indeed a loom could be found in every well-conditioned homestead,” Neri&Hu explained.
“We harken back to the notion of a traditional fabric atelier, showcasing craftsmanship, rich materiality, and a domestic sensibility.”
White fabric sheets were hung to divide the space
The space was divided into several zones by a series of floor-to-ceiling open grid wooden structures.
White fabric sheet was hung in between a wooden grid to serve as lightweight semi-transparent partitions situated on left and right side of the shop. These were designed to allow plenty of natural daylight into the store.
“Natural daylight and the chaos of the shopping mall are filtered by the sheer fabric screens, giving the space an overall sense of calmness,” Neri&Hu said.
The flexible panels can be re-arranged and interchanged with different materials
The same wooden structures with overhanging eaves to the right side of the shop form a series of more private rooms.
These are used as a reception at the front of the store along with a VIP lounge, VIP fitting room and studio area at the rear of the shop.
An internal courtyard was formed that can accommodate exhibitions
The central display area was arranged by a series of panels, either made with micro-cement or marble and framed in brass, which form an internal courtyard that can be used as an exhibition space.
These panels can be re-arranged and interchanged to suit the changing fashion trends in motifs every season.
The entire shop was paved with curved roof tiles stacked and inlaid, a traditional pavement commonly found in the region.
Neri&Hu also created custom mannequin figures for Ms MIN. According to the studio, the linen-made mannequins have a skin-like subtle texture.
The lightweight semitransparent partitions allow natural daylight into the shop
Our experts answer readers’ banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
If you’ve started a new business, a business checking account may be worth considering. Business checking accounts can help separate your business finances from your personal finances.
We reviewed over a dozen financial institutions to find the best business checking accounts with no monthly bank maintenance fees. These institutions have stayed as our top picks for the last few months because they continue to stand out for their minimal bank fees and unique perks.
FEATURED OFFER: CHOOSE SMARTER BUSINESS BANKING BY SEPTEMBER 30 AND ENJOY UP TO $200.* JUST USE PROMO CODE NEWSBC ON YOUR APPLICATION.
Axos Bank Basic Business Checking Account
Insider’s Rating
4.25/5
Perks
Earn up to $200 welcome bonus with promo code NEWSBC for qualifying business owners
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
N/A
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros
No monthly service fees
No minimum opening deposit
Unlimited transactions
Unlimited refunds on domestic out-of-network ATM fees
You may qualify for up to $200 bonus
Compatible with QuickBooks
2 free domestic wire transfers per month
Cons
No physical branches
$50 international outgoing wire transfer fee
Product Details
Business owners get up to $200 welcome bonus!*
Choose smarter business banking by September 30 and enjoy up to $200.*
Just use promo code NEWSBC on your application.
Zero opening deposit and cash deposits accepted
Zero minimum monthly balance requirements
Two domestic wire reimbursements monthly
Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
Enhanced Visa benefits and first 50 checks free
Dedicated relationship manager and more
Best Business Checking Accounts
If you’re looking for a personal checking account, you might consider going through our best checking accounts guide.
Compare the Best Business Checking Accounts
Best free business checking account overall
Axos Bank Basic Business Checking Account
Insider’s Rating
4.25/5
Perks
Earn up to $200 welcome bonus with promo code NEWSBC for qualifying business owners
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
N/A
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros
No monthly service fees
No minimum opening deposit
Unlimited transactions
Unlimited refunds on domestic out-of-network ATM fees
You may qualify for up to $200 bonus
Compatible with QuickBooks
2 free domestic wire transfers per month
Cons
No physical branches
$50 international outgoing wire transfer fee
Product Details
Business owners get up to $200 welcome bonus!*
Choose smarter business banking by September 30 and enjoy up to $200.*
Just use promo code NEWSBC on your application.
Zero opening deposit and cash deposits accepted
Zero minimum monthly balance requirements
Two domestic wire reimbursements monthly
Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
Enhanced Visa benefits and first 50 checks free
Dedicated relationship manager and more
Best free business checking account for earning interest
BlueVine Business Checking Account
Insider’s Rating
4.25/5
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
2.00%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros
No minimum opening balance
No monthly service fees
Unlimited monthly transactions
Earn competitive interest rate on balances up to $250,000
No non-sufficient funds fees
No out-of-network ATM fees
No incoming wire transfer fees
Ability to deposit cash
Cons
No physical branches
Doesn’t reimburse any fees charged by out-of-network ATMs
$4.95 fee for cash deposits at Green Dot locations
$15 outgoing wire transfer fee
$2.50 out-of-network ATM fee
Product Details
Earn 2.00% APY on balances up to $250,000 if you meet one of the following requirements: Spend $500 using your BlueVine debit card per month OR receive customer payments of $2,500 or more per month
Deposits are FDIC insured through Coastal Community Bank, Member FDIC
Best free business checking account for a traditional brick-and-mortar bank experience
Citizens Bank Clearly Better Business Checking Account
Insider’s Rating
4.25/5
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros
No minimum opening deposit
No monthly service fees
200 transactions per month
Overdraft savings transfer and overdraft line of credit
Cons
$0.50 fee per transaction after monthly 200 limit
$3 out-of-network ATM fee
No free incoming or outgoing wire transfer fees
Product Details
Over 1,000 branches in Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, DC
Over 3,100 ATMs
200 free monthly deposits and withdrawals; after that, $0.50 per transaction
FDIC insured
BEST FREE BUSINESS CHECKING ACCOUNT FOR AN ONLINE-ONLY BANKING EXPERIENCE
Live Oak Bank Small Business Checking
Insider’s Rating
4/5
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$100
Pros
$100 minimum opening deposit
No monthly service fee
No incoming wire transfer fees
No overdraft fees
No out-of-network ATM fees
Cons
Cannot deposit cash
$19 outgoing wire transfer fee
Doesn’t refund ATM fees from an out-of-network ATM provider
Product Details
Access to over 55,000 ATMs in the Allpoint ATM network
FDIC insured
Best free business checking account for domestic wire transfers
NBKC Business Checking Account
Insider’s Rating
4.5/5
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros
No minimum opening deposit
No monthly service fees
Unlimited free monthly transactions
No overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees
No incoming domestic wire transfer fees
Refunds up to $12 per month in fees charged by out-of-network ATMs
Deposit cash at ATMs
Cons
Only physical branch locations are in Kansas City, MO
$5 outgoing wire transfer fee
$45 incoming international wire transfer fee
Product Details
Online bank with branches in Kansas City, MO
37,000+ free ATMs in the MoneyPass network
No out-of-network ATM fees; if an ATM provider charges you, NBKC reimburses up to $12 per month
FDIC insured
Best free business checking account for ATM reimbursements
Novo Business Checking Account
Insider’s Rating
4.5/5
Fees
no monthly service fee
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
None
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Pros
No minimum opening deposit
No monthly service fees
Unlimited free monthly transactions
No incoming domestic or international wire transfer fees
May send international wire transfers through Wise
Connect Novo to tools such as QuickBooks, Slack, and TransferWise
Refunds all ATM fees
Cons
No physical locations
No way to deposit cash
Can’t send domestic wire transfers
Product Details
Link to QuickBooks, Shopify, Slack, Xero, TransferWise, Zapier, and Stripe
Send international wire transfers with low fees through Wise; Use the “Integrations” tab of the Novo app
No ATM network, but refunds all fees charged by ATM providers
Deposits are FDIC insured through partner bank, Middlesex Federal Savings, F.A.
Insider’s Featured Checking Accounts
Best Free Business Checking Accounts FAQs
A business checking account allows you to manage everyday expenses through a bank account. The US Small Business Administration recommends opening a business bank account once you’re set to make business expenses or income.
To choose a business checking account, ask yourself whether you want to bank online or in person. Then figure out how many transactions your business will need to make each month and find a bank that allows that number of free transactions. You should also think about how much you’ll need to deposit in cash every month and whether you’ll need to make wire transfers.
Yes, you can use a personal checking account for your business — but doing so comes with complications. Your personal name rather than your business name will appear on checks, and you may find it difficult to separate personal and business spending. It could also be tricky when tax season rolls around and you need to prove business-related purchases. If you are starting your own business, the IRS recommends getting a separate checking account specifically for managing business finances.
You’ll probably need the following documents to open an account: an employer identification number (or social security number if the business is a sole proprietorship), business license, formation documents, and an owners agreement.
It depends on the type of business you have. You’ll need an EIN to open a business account if you aren’t the only person in charge of your business. Sole proprietors may use their social security number instead of an EIN.
Learn more the best free business checking accounts
The Axos Bank Basic Business Checking Account is a well-rounded option. It has a large ATM network, and if you use an out-of-network machine, Axos refunds all fees charged by an ATM provider. You may also be eligible for a cash bonus of up to $200 if you meet certain requirements.
Max. monthly transactions: Unlimited
Minimum opening deposit: $0
What to look out for: There’s a $50 international wire transfer fee. However, most banks charge a similar international wire transfer fee.
Best Free Business Checking Account for Earning Interest
The BlueVine Business Checking Account lets you open an account with $0. You’ll earn 2.00% APY on balances up to $250,000 if you meet certain requirements. This sets the account apart from the others on our list, which don’t pay interest at all. It is also one of the few online business checking accounts that give you a way to deposit cash.
Max. monthly transactions: Unlimited
Minimum opening deposit: $0
What to look out for: BlueVine doesn’t have physical locations, so you might not have easy access to your account. You also won’t earn any interest on balances over $250,000.
Best Free Business Checking Account From a Brick-and-Mortar Bank
Citizens Bank has more than 1,000 branches and 3,100 ATMs along the East Coast.
Max. monthly transactions: 200
Minimum opening deposit: $0
What to look out for: You’ll pay $3 each time you use a non-Citizens Bank ATM, plus any fee charged by the ATM provider. Citizens Bank only has branches in 14 states and Washington, DC, so this could be a problem if you frequently travel to other parts of the US.
Best Free Business Checking Account for an Online-Only Banking Experience
You might like Live Oak Bank Small Business Checking if you’re comfortable with online-only banking. This business checking account doesn’t charge monthly service fees, overdraft fees, or incoming wire transfer fees.
Max. monthly transactions: Unlimited
Minimum opening deposit: $100
What to look out for:Live Oak Bank doesn’t accept cash deposits. You’ll need to transfer money from an external bank account to deposit funds.
Best Free Business Checking Account for Domestic Wire Transfers
The NBKC Business Checking Account account gives you a lot of freedom. There’s no minimum opening deposit, monthly service fees, or overdraft fees. NBKC also is a great option for avoiding domestic wire transfer fees. You won’t charge for incoming domestic wire transfers, and there’s a low fee for outgoing domestic wire transfers.
If you use a non-MoneyPass ATM and the ATM provider charges a fee, NBKC reimburses you up to $12 per month.
Max. monthly transactions: Unlimited
Minimum opening deposit: $0
What to look out for: This is primarily an online account, but there are branches in Kansas City, Missouri. So if you want in-person banking, you’ll need to look elsewhere unless you live in Kansas City. NBKC also only gives business loans to people in the Kansas City area.
Best Free Business Checking Account for ATM Reimbursements
The Novo Business Checking Account does not have an ATM network, but if an ATM provider charges you a fee, Novo will refund you. It also features management tools such as Slack, QuickBooks, and Shopify.
Max. monthly transactions: Unlimited
Minimum opening deposit: $0
What to look out for: You won’t be able to send domestic wire transfers through your Novo account. You can make free ACH transfers, although these may take a couple more days to process than wire transfers would. Novo is also an online-only platform so you’ll have limited access to your account.
Other Business Checking Accounts We Considered
We looked at multiple business checking accounts before selecting our favorites. Many were strong contenders, and you still may prefer one that isn’t on our list, depending on what you’re looking for. Here are some other options:
First Horizon Bank BizEssentials Checking Account: First Horizon Bank has a free business checking account, but it’s only available in 12 states. You’ll need at least $100 for a minimum opening deposit, and you may have to deal with typical bank fees for domestic wire transfers.
Bank OZK Small Business Checking Account: Bank OZK (previously Bank of the Ozarks) is a good option if you want a brick-and-mortar experience, but it only has locations in eight US states.
Huntington Bank Business Checking 100: Huntington Bank doesn’t charge monthly service fees, but it only offers 100 free transactions. Our top picks allow you to make at least 25o transactions without paying a fee.
OneUnited UNITY Small Business: This is a good option by the largest Black-owned bank in the US, but you can only open a business account at a branch in Southern California, Miami, or Boston.
Navy Federal Credit Union Business Checking: This is a good option if your family or housemate is associated with the military, or if you are a Department of Defense contractor or civilian personnel. But you can only make 30 free non-digital transactions every month.
Bank of America Business Fundamentals Checking: Unless you qualify to waive monthly fees, you’ll pay $16 each month. You might like this account if you prioritize getting a bank account bonus on a business checking account, though. New business checking account customers may be eligible for a $200 cash bonus when you deposit $5,000 or more in new money within 30 days and maintain an average of $5,000 for the next 60 days (offer ends December 31, 2023) and is available online only.
The Better Business Bureau grades companies based on responses to customer complaints, advertising, and transparency about business practices. Here are the BBB scores for our top picks:
Most of the companies on our list have received strong scores from the BBB. According to the BBB, Novo has an F grade because it received multiple customer complaints on the BBB website and had government action taken against the business.
Citizens Bank has an NR (No Rating) grade because the BBB is in the process of reviewing its profile. Live Oak Bank has an A rating because its received three customer complaints on the BBB website.
Some of these companies have recent public controversies.
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau filed a lawsuit against Citizens Bank and claimed that the bank denied customers’ claims of unauthorized credit card use and billing mistakes, didn’t fully refund customers when they reported fraud, and didn’t properly respond to customers when they contacted Citizens Bank about these issues.
Novo has also been involved in one recent public controversy: The platform used the URL “banknovo.com” and the word”banking,” but Novo isn’t licensed as a bank. Novo is a banking platform and is insured by a bank. In 2022, it received a cease and desist order from the California Department of Financial Protection specifying it would no longer use these terms and add a disclosure that Novo is not a bank.
In 2021, Live Oak Bank and digital banking platform Apiture agreed to pay $4.65 million in a settlement that accused Live Oak Bank, Apiture, and nCino of having an agreement where they would not hire employees from other companies in Wilmington, North Carolina so the three banking companies could avoid offering competitive salaries.
If these recent scandals worry you, you may decide to bank with one of our other top picks.
Why You Should Trust Us: Experts’ Advice on Choosing a Business Checking Account
To learn more about what makes a good account and how to choose the best fit, four experts weighed in.
Insider
Our experts focused on what will make a business checking account the most useful, including low fees, transaction limits, branch locations, and more. Here’s what they had to say about finding an account. (Some text may be lightly edited for clarity.)
How can someone choose the business checking account that’s right for them?
Tania Brown, certified financial planner at SaverLife:
“Consider how you will use the bank account, and what features the account needs to have for you to run your business with ease. Here are a few examples of questions to think about:
“How much is your average account balance? If you are new and broke, you may not see the benefits of a business checking account with free services for balances over $100k.
“What types of transactions do you do the most? Do you write a lot of checks or do a lot of wire transfers? Whatever transactions you do the most, you want to make sure you choose a bank that will charge the least (preferably nothing) for these services.
“Do you want to be able to integrate your accounting software with your bank? If you, check your accounting software program to see how easily the program integrates with your potential bank.”
“Someone may want to consider whether they value having a physical branch nearby. If so, they may prefer to use a brick-and-mortar bank instead of an online bank. In addition, someone should also consider their business’s other financial needs. Down the road, would they want to be able to work with the same bank to open a business credit card, open a line of credit, or get a business loan?”
What should someone look for in a brick-and-mortar bank?
“How accessible it is. Where are the branches? And if I am to go out of town or something, how accessible is my money to me?”
Sophia Acevedo, certified educator in personal finance, banking reporter, Personal Finance Insider:
“If you’re more comfortable with a traditional bank experience, I would compare several nearby banks and see which accounts allow you to waive most fees. For example, with a business checking account, I would pay attention to monthly service fees, out-of-network ATM fees, and wire transfer fees.”
What should someone look for in an online bank?
Tania Brown, CFP:
“With an online bank, absolutely online customer service, because you do not have the advantage of walking inside and talking to a human being. How often are you able to get them? What are their hours?”
Mykail James, CFEI:
“What type of securities do they provide? Do they have two-factor identification? If it’s an online bank, they should definitely have — at the bare minimum — two-factor authentication in how easy it is to change your passwords and things like that, because you want to be a little more hypersensitive about the cyber security for a strictly online bank.”
Our Methodology on the Best Free Business Checking Accounts
Personal Finance Insider’s mission is to help smart people make the best decisions with their money. We understand that “best” is often subjective, so in addition to highlighting the clear benefits of a financial product or account — a high APY (Annual Percentage Yield), for example — we outline the limitations, too. We spent hours comparing and contrasting the features and fine print of various products so you don’t have to.
We reviewed over a dozen financial institutions before selecting our top picks for free business checking. First, we looked at accounts that are actually free, meaning they don’t charge any monthly service fees.
Then we looked at the minimum amount you need to open the account. We looked at how many free transactions you can make each month with an account. All our top choices let you make at least 250 monthly transactions, and many offer unlimited transactions.
Evelyn He is a compliance associate at Insider who supports the Personal Finance Insider team. Personal Finance Insider is Insider’s personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that Insider readers already know and love. The compliance team’s mission is to provide readers with stories that are fact-checked and current, so they can make informed financial decisions. The team also works to minimize risk for partners by making sure language is clear, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory and partner marketing guidelines that align with the editorial team. Before joining Insider, she served in various legal and compliance roles in different industries, including the legal and pharmaceutical industries. Evelyn obtained her M.S. degree in Marketing at Boston University in 2022. Prior to combining and consolidating her knowledge of law and business, she spent one year finishing 1L courses at Suffolk University Law School to further her legal knowledge. She has also completed MBA business law courses while working on her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her 14-year-old Shih Tzu named Money, and her 5-year-old Bichon named Tibber.
Earn up to a $250 bonus with qualifying direct deposits for eligible customers through 12/31/2023. Earn up to 4.50% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) with direct deposit
There’s nothing quite like a face mask to amp up your skin care routine. The right mask can deliver a shot of nutrition, plus all sorts of benefits — from hydrating to brightening the look of dark spots, absorbing excess oil and minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. And because they are designed to deliver higher concentrations of ingredients, masks can give your skin an instant boost, making them an easy and convenient addition to your at-home routine. With so many potential benefits and formulas created for different needs, adding a masking step to your routine a couple of times a week can do a lot of good. But let’s take it a step further, shall we? If one mask is good, can doubling (or tripling) it be even better? Can you use two or more facial masks in one day? The answer is absolutely!
Double masking is gaining popularity, and for good reason. We all have different needs, and while there are masks that address multiple skin issues, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether it’s a change in seasons, fluctuating hormones or your skin is just in need of some TLC, the right combination to tackle those issues can change too. Using two or more masks in one session allows you to personalize a formula that will work for your specific needs and give you the results you’re looking for.
Double masking is essentially applying more than one mask at a time in the same self-care session. There are a few ways to do it:
Layering involves applying one mask and then layering the next mask on top of it.
Double masking in sequence is done by applying one mask, letting it sit for the recommended amount of time, then rinsing it off and applying the next one. This gives your skin a second helping of concentrated ingredients all in one sitting.
Double masking in combination is about mixing the masks together (in your hands or a small bowl) and then applying the mixture to your face or other area.
Spot masking (or multi-masking) is done by applying different masks to different parts of the face all at once. For example, if your T-zone is oily, but your cheeks are dry, applying masks that address the specific issue in each area of the face can provide a super customized treatment that targets the issue without aggravating the rest of your combination skin.
The benefits of a face mask depend on the ingredients they provide. Masks can deliver higher concentrations of ingredients to plump, hydrate and balance the skin. For example, masks containing hyaluronic acid have the added benefit of attracting and binding moisture, while a clay mask can help tighten and clarify skin. Gel face masks may be infused with ingredients that rehydrate and help the skin with recovery. Exfoliating masks may contain actives that slough off dulling dead skin cells and cleanse pores.
Ready to learn about mixing and matching your masks at home? Read on to find out more about which masks work beautifully together!
The first type of double masking involves applying one mask on top of the other in layers, a technique that works wonders if you’re a fan of both the Radish Seed Refining Peel and the Lime Stimulating Masque. Our Radish Seed Refining Peel contains radish seed extract to reduce the look of fine lines, plus whole grain oat that cleanses and gives the appearance of smoother skin. In addition, the Lime Stimulating Masque revives the skin so you may experience a very mild glow.
To get the most out of this dynamic duo, start by applying a small amount of the Radish Seed Refining Peel to the entire face. Next, apply the Lime Stimulating Masque directly on top of the first mask. Wait 5 — 10 minutes for the masks to dry, then scrub them off in a circular motion with a lukewarm face cloth.
Another mask combo that layers well is the Turmeric Energizing Treatment with the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque. Formulated with turmeric, citrine gemstones and zeolite, the Turmeric Energizing Treatment offers a warm, exfoliating sensation with the purpose of revealing silky, luminous skin. Turmeric is an antioxidant, known to visibly brighten the appearance of skin and reduce the look of puffiness. The inclusion of citrine gemstones helps to energize and recharge the skin, while zeolite invigorates the skin’s appearance.
Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque brightens the appearance of the skin. More specifically, it contains the powerhouse ingredient Vitamin C, which delivers a brighter-looking complexion, evens out skin tone and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Are you ready for a spicy experience that leaves the skin looking radiant? Apply one small scoop of the Turmeric Energizing Treatment powder into the outer cap and stir in a few drops of water until your mask looks fluffy in texture. Apply a thin layer to the entire face. Next, layer a small amount of the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque on top. The Turmeric Energizing Treatment requires application for a little longer than most of our other masks, so leave both masks on for approximately 30 minutes. Then you can remove them with a warm face cloth or rinse them off with lukewarm water.
Before we get to the next mask combination, watch Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar explore two easy ways to combine your favorite masks.
Don’t we all just want a smooth, firm-looking complexion? Try layering the Raspberry Pore Refining Masque and the Firm Skin Acai Masque to minimize and refine the look of pores. This combination also plumps and hydrates the appearance of skin with formulas designed to minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Both masks share similar ingredients and benefits — the Raspberry Pore Refining Masque contains raspberry, blueberry and blackberry, while our Firm Skin Acai Masque contains the same berry blend plus the exotic acai berry. Raspberry is an antioxidant known to tighten the appearance of pores. Blackberry, blueberry and acai berry contain Vitamin C, which helps balance out the skin’s tone.
To use, emulsify a small amount of both masks in your hand. Add a few drops of water. Apply evenly over the entire face. Allow the masks to dry for 5 — 10 minutes and then remove with a warm face cloth.
Another unique way of double masking is experiencing two face masks in a row. Apply the first mask, let it sit, then rinse and apply the second mask. With this application technique, the combination of our Clear Skin Probiotic Masque and Strawberry Rhubarb Masque creates one of our most effective pairings. Starting with the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque, you kick off your masking routine with yogurt and tea tree oil to help you achieve healthy, clear skin. In addition to these potent ingredients, the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque contains cooling cucumber that evens out the look of your skin tone. It also contains yogurt, a source of lactic acid. As the second product in this problem skin care duo, the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque provides additional gentle exfoliation, brightening your skin’s appearance and minimizing the look of pores. It even leaves your complexion looking refreshed, plumped and hydrated thanks to its inclusion of a Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex.The masque also contains shea butter and grape seed oil to nourish your skin.
Emulsify a small amount of Clear Skin Probiotic Masque in your hand with a few drops of water. Apply evenly over the entire face. Allow the mask to dry 5 — 10 minutes and then gently rinse off. Next, apply the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque and follow the exact same steps.
Spice things up in your skin care routine by adding hot paprika! You’ll find it in the award-winning Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Hot, a mask that gives your skin a unique tingling response, creating a temporary redness, before building into a rosy glow. That’s why this mask pairs so well with the soothing sensation of the Calm Skin Arnica Masque.
The Calm Skin Arnica Masque not only minimizes signs of redness, it also contains our Biocomplex2™formulation: a booster of antioxidants, Coenzyme Q10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid to reduce the look of wrinkles and improve the appearance of the skin.
First, apply a thin layer of Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Hot to your face and leave it on for 5 — 10 minutes before washing it off. Please note that your skin will feel warm after application and may appear flushed for about one hour.
Next, with a clean face, apply a thin layer of the Calm Skin Arnica Masque and leave this on for 5 — 10 minutes before also washing it off. This should diminish the appearance of excessive redness and ensure that your complexion appears toned and balanced.
6. Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Hot + Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque
Consider using the Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Hot immediately followed by the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque. The Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque contains a powerful formula of Vitamin C, which improves the appearance of skin elasticity and hydration. You will notice an improvement in the look of fine lines and wrinkles too.
Apply a small amount of Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Hot to your face and wait 5 — 10 minutes before rinsing. Next, apply the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque to clean skin, leave on for 5 — 10 minutes and rinse off.
Double Masking In Combination
7. Bamboo Age Corrective Masque + Strawberry Rhubarb Masque
The Bamboo Age Corrective Masque and the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque is a pairing that plays well together. If your goal is skin that appears lifted and firm, this mask mixture is for you. The Bamboo Age Corrective Masque contains a Natural Retinol Alternative which firms the look of your skin, while the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque exfoliates to reveal a brighter-looking complexion. This combo will replenish and restore by visibly targeting the look of wrinkles and fine lines.
Mix the two masks together in your hands or in a small bowl and add a few drops of water. Apply the mixture evenly over the face and neck. Leave on for 5 — 10 minutes and remove with a warm, wet towel.
Product Picks
Firming, lifting and hydration mask
Hydrating and replenishing mask
Some Options To Mix, Pair Or Layer
Some masks can be combined a few different ways based on your needs. The following combinations can be mixed, paired or layered, depending on your desired results or even your schedule. Hint: Save time and create a powerful punch by mixing them together, which means less waiting time and only one rinsing session.
For best results, mix a small amount of these masks into your hand with a few drops of water. Apply evenly over the face, neck and décolleté. If layering, allow each mask to dry for 2 — 3 minutes before applying the subsequent mask. Leave on for 5 — 10 minutes. Remove with a warm, wet towel and follow with your favorite Eminence Organics serum. Use 1 — 2 times per week.
8. Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Not Hot + Bamboo Age Corrective Masque
Firm and revitalize your skin with this potent pairing. Mix, pair or layer the Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Not Hot with the Bamboo Age Corrective Masque to reveal refreshed skin, improve hydration and visibly smooth fine lines.
9. Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Not Hot + Strawberry Rhubarb Masque
If you want to refresh your complexion while indulging it with deep hydration, co-mingling these two favorites will get you there. Mix or layer them for mega benefits, or apply the Eight Greens, then rinse and apply the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque if you’ve got time to spare.
10. Eight Greens Phyto Masque — Not Hot + Strawberry Rhubarb Masque + Bamboo Age Corrective Masque
Now that you’ve discovered this kind of mask cocktailing, are you going to try it? Let us know if the comments below or on social media. Check out our facial masks section for the skin care products that best suit your needs, or visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa Partner to find out more.
This article was originally written in March 2015.
Remodeling a kitchen using simple color palettes that are appealing to a variety of homeowners can be a smart and safe way to go when considering the finished product. Neutral tones such as whites, creams, soft grays, and warm beiges are appealing to most people from a design standpoint. They provide a versatile backdrop should you decide to sell your home in the future.
Trump and his three eldest children must defend the family business in open court in NYC next month.
They are among 25 witnesses attorney general Letitia James will call in a $250 million fraud trial.
Whether the trial starts Monday, as scheduled, is in the hands of a Manhattan appeals panel.
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New York’s $250 million fraud trial against Donald Trump and his real-estate empire will force four Trumps to the witness stand in the coming weeks, starting with Ivanka Trump and followed, toward its end, by the former president and his two eldest sons, a new witness list reveals.
State Attorney General Letitia James’ final list of “Witnesses to be Called” in her case against the Trump Organization was filed late Thursday morning.
The non-jury trial is scheduled to begin in Manhattan on Monday, but that date remains up in the air until an appellate panel rules on Trump’s request that the case be shrunk, pre-trial, on statute-of-limitation grounds.
Ivanka Trump, a former executive vice president at the Trump Organization through 2016, is in the attorney general’s number 14 witness slot and will testify first out of all the Trumps.
The former president’s eldest daughter, an original plaintiff of the lawsuit, was released from the case after an appeals court found the claims against her were too old.
Now, she must testify against her father and brothers Donald Trump, Jr., and Eric Trump, who all remain as plaintiffs.
Ivanka Trump negotiated financing for the company before leaving for Washington, DC, with her father in 2017. The AG had accused her of causing misleading financial statements to be submitted to Deutsche Bank, Trump Org’s biggest lender, and to the federal government in connection with Trump’s development of the Old Post Office building in Washington.
The list shows that the state’s first scheduled witness will be Donald Bender, Trump’s former top accountant. Bender is a partner at Mazars USA, the firm that, in the wake of James’ fraud allegations, announced in February that it could no longer stand by the accuracy of a decade of financial statements prepared for Trump.
Also among the earliest planned witnesses is Trump’s fixer-turned-foe, Michael Cohen. The former Trump personal attorney drew the number six witness slot.
James has credited Cohen’s testimony with sparking the three-year investigation that led her to file the fraud lawsuit at the center of the upcoming trial.
There are 25 witnesses in all on James’ list, including Trump corporate employees, lenders, insurers and appraisers, all compelled by subpoena to testify.
Trump’s list of witnesses to call at trial, also filed Thursday, has 127 witnesses on it, though these are listed in alphabetical, not sequential, order.
The list indicates that on their direct defense case, they, too, intend to call Donald Trump and Eric Trump, who continues to manage the Trump Organization. They do not list Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump, Jr., as witnesses.
In a blockbuster ruling Tuesday, New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron found that the AG has already proven her lawsuit’s central allegation – that Donald Trump annual financial statements to banks and insurers fraudulently exaggerated his worth by as much as $3.6 billion a year.
The upcoming trial will determine monetary penalties, and whether Trump and his two eldest sons will be forever banned from running a business in New York state, as James has requested.
The trial will determine whether the other defendants, including Eric Trump and Donald Trump, Jr., a Trump Org executive vice president and trustee, are also liable for fraud.
It will also determine if the plaintiffs are liable for specific violations of state law, including falsification of business records, issuing false financial statements, and insurance fraud.
