Artist of the Moment: Victor M. Rivera – A Journey of Art, Music, and Inspiration
Today, we shine the spotlight on an exceptional artist who has been making waves in the creative world. Victor M. Rivera 3rd, commonly known as VMR3., is a talented artist hailing from the East Coast but now thriving in the vibrant artistic community of Los Angeles, CA. In this exclusive interview with Phiaton, Victor opens up about his artistic journey, the sources of his inspiration, and how he connects his passion for art with music and audio quality.
A Blossoming Beginning: The Early Years of VMR3. Born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1993, Victor’s artistic flair was evident from an early age. Being the eldest of five siblings and raised by Puerto Rican parents, his cultural background played a significant role in shaping his identity as an artist. Graduating with a major in graphic design from the Art Institute of York in 2015, Victor embarked on a path that allowed him to combine his creative talents with modern visual arts.
A Life Steered by Art: VMR3.’s Original Plan Unlike some who stumble upon their passion later in life, Victor’s love for art was ingrained in him since his early years. He reminisces about creating drawings for friends as a kid, sketching beloved cartoon characters like the Simpsons, Tom and Jerry, and more. The appreciation he received for his artwork fueled his determination to make art his life’s purpose. Indeed, art was always the original plan for VMR3.
Inspiration: A Kaleidoscope of Experiences For Victor, inspiration knows no boundaries. It permeates from every aspect of his life, from family and everyday encounters to the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany life events. His art serves as an outlet for self-expression and a form of therapy to cope with past traumas. Through his artwork, Victor shares his unique perspective of the world, encapsulating his experiences and interactions within it.
Art as a Voice: Expressing without Words To VMR3., art is not just a medium of self-expression but also a powerful voice. It allows him to communicate his thoughts and emotions without the need for verbal communication. Through his creations, he aspires to inspire and motivate others. Even if not everyone fully comprehends his art, the fact that he can convey his message through visuals is a blessing in itself.
Family Roots: A Nurturing Influence VMR3.’s biggest influence stems from his close-knit family, who have always been his pillars of support. Growing up surrounded by artists, including a DJ father and a graffiti artist uncle, he was deeply immersed in a creative atmosphere. Their unwavering support and artistic endeavors instilled in him the determination to pursue his dreams and carve his unique path as an artist.
The Synchronization of Music and Art It’s no secret that music and art have a harmonious relationship. VMR3. finds that listening to music while creating art enhances his creative flow. Whether it’s the rhythm, lyrics, or the emotions conveyed through melodies, music acts as a backdrop to his artistic process. Recently, he has been exploring audiobooks, finding new inspiration in storytelling through this medium.
Audio Quality: A Necessity for Creatives For an artist who values the connection between music and art, audio quality plays a crucial role. VMR3. believes that good headphones are an essential investment, as they enrich the audio experience and provide the perfect atmosphere for creative endeavors.
The Legacy of Phiaton: 900 Legacy Headphones When asked about his experience with Phiaton’s 900 Legacy headphones, VMR3. was genuinely impressed. The noise cancellation capability amazed him, ensuring an immersive creative environment. The comfort provided by the headphones allowed him to wear them for hours on end without any discomfort. Moreover, their durability surpassed his expectations, outperforming other headphones he had used in the past.
A Heartfelt Recommendation Based on his experience, VMR3. wholeheartedly recommends the 900 Legacy headphones from Phiaton to fellow artists and music enthusiasts alike. With a sleek design and superior comfort, these headphones provide a high-quality audio experience, rivaling high-end options in the market.
The Road Ahead: Embracing Creativity and Inspiring Others As Victor M. Rivera 3rd continues his artistic journey, he has exciting projects in the pipeline, including murals and design ventures. Moreover, he has found fulfillment in sharing his passion by conducting art classes, witnessing firsthand how creativity can positively impact others’ lives. VMR3. aims to inspire and connect with people through his art, using his unique perspective to leave an indelible mark on the world.
Victor M. Rivera 3rd’s art is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s an embodiment of his life, experiences, and emotions. As an artist of the moment, VMR3. stands at the precipice of greatness, driven by his love for creativity, music, and the desire to inspire. His fusion of art and audio quality exemplifies the beauty of synchronicity between different art forms, enriching the creative process and elevating his artistic endeavors to new heights. Let us join hands in celebrating the vision and passion of this extraordinary artist, Victor M. Rivera 3rd, and eagerly anticipate the captivating masterpieces that lie ahead.
Ukrainian and Russian forces have dug sprawling trenches along the front lines of the war.
The trenches echo scenes from bloody combat of World War 1 and World War 2.
Take a look at photos comparing trench warfare in Ukraine today and the historic World Wars.
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As Ukraine’s troops go head-to-head with the Russian army, they face plenty of modern weapons, such as drones that can drop bombs on soldiers, Ka-52 attack helicopters armed to the teeth with anti-tank guided missiles, and precision munitions that can hit with accuracy not seen in past conflicts.
Both sides are also navigating threats and challenges that have long been a part of land warfare, like overwhelming artillery and minefields full of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, threats hidden in the mud that erupt with a violent explosion when triggered and make any sort of advance tricky and time-consuming.
There are also sprawling trenches. They run deep along the front lines and have been seen in photos from the war, such as around Bakhmut, which saw some of the bloodiest fighting of the war. The trenches are, as a French photographer described them years earlier, “endless bowels of Earth.”
These winding trenches hinder advances by enemy troops and protect defenders, zig-zagging and crossing the battlefield, and in some respects, they’re strikingly reminiscent of scenes of trench warfare from World War I and World War II, showing the enduring presence of this type of fighting.
The following photos show the front-line trenches in Ukraine today, where the most devastating land war in decades is being fought, and those of two of the 20th century’s worst conflicts.
Our experts answer readers’ personal loan questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess personal loans). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.
An online loan works like this: You apply to borrow a certain amount of money. The lender will show which offers you qualify for based on factors such as your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and ability to repay the loan. The best personal loans will offer a variety of term lengths and low interest rates.
Best Online Personal Loans
LightStream Personal Loan: Best for large loan amounts
SoFi Personal Loan: Best for good credit
Avant Personal Loan: Best for lower credit scores
Happy Money Personal Loan: Best for credit card consolidation
Upstart Personal Loan: Best for small loan amounts
Some lenders have minimum credit score requirements that might make you ineligible for one of their loans. Others may allow you to get a loan with a poor credit score, but could saddle you with high interest rates as a result. If you’re going to borrow money with an online loan, make sure you understand how much it will cost you each month, and that you have a plan to pay it back.
Be sure you’ve exhausted other options before you apply for a loan online, such as borrowing money from friends or family, taking out a home equity loan, or in some cases, using a credit card. These options may offer better interest rates than an online loan.
If you want to turn to an online loan provider, here are a few of the best places to start your search.
Compare the Best Online Personal Loans
LightStream Personal Loan
4.75/5
LightStream Personal Loan
4.75/5
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
7.99% to 25.49% (with AutoPay discount, rates vary by loan purpose)
Loan Amount Range
$5,000 to $100,000
Get matched with personal loan offers
LightStream Personal Loan
Get matched with personal loan offers
LightStream offers some of the lowest rates on personal loans out there, provided you have a great credit score. The lender also has loans of up to $100,000 and can supply you with funding on the same day you apply and are approved.
Details
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
7.99% to 25.49% (with AutoPay discount, rates vary by loan purpose)
Loan Amount Range
$5,000 to $100,000
Pros & Cons
Competitive APR
Approval decisions should come shortly after applying
Loans can be funded the same day
Wide range of borrowing amounts and terms
No fees
Only available to people with good credit
No pre-approval option
Highlights
Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000
Loan term lengths range from 2 to 12 years
Apply online and you’ll receive a response shortly during business hours.
Receive your funds as soon as the same day
Loans are made by Truist Bank, member FDIC
Additional Reading
Read our review
SoFi Personal Loan
4/5
SoFi Personal Loan
4/5
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
8.99% to 25.81% (with all discounts)
Loan Amount Range
$5,000 to $100,000
Get matched with personal loan offers
SoFi Personal Loan
Get matched with personal loan offers
SoFi is a strong personal loan lender for those with high credit scores — you’ll get perks like unemployment protection and no fees required. The best personal loan for you depends on your credit score, which will determine what you qualify for and can lower your rate.
Details
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
8.99% to 25.81% (with all discounts)
Fixed rates from 8.99% APR to 25.81% APR reflect the 0.25% autopay interest rate discount and a 0.25% direct deposit interest rate discount. SoFi rate ranges are current as of 05/19/23 and are subject to change without notice. Not all applicants qualify for the lowest rate. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Your actual rate will be within the range of rates listed and will depend on the term you select, evaluation of your creditworthiness, income, and a variety of other factors.
Loan amounts range from $5,000– $100,000. The APR is the cost of credit as a yearly rate and reflects both your interest rate and an origination fee of 0%-6%, which will be deducted from any loan proceeds you receive.
Autopay: The SoFi 0.25% autopay interest rate reduction requires you to agree to make monthly principal and interest payments by an automatic monthly deduction from a savings or checking account. The benefit will discontinue and be lost for periods in which you do not pay by automatic deduction from a savings or checking account. Autopay is not required to receive a loan from SoFi.
Direct Deposit Discount: To be eligible to potentially receive an additional (0.25%) interest rate reduction for setting up direct deposit with a SoFi Checking and Savings account offered by SoFi Bank, N.A. or eligible cash management account offered by SoFi Securities, LLC (“Direct Deposit Account”), you must have an open Direct Deposit Account within 30 days of the funding of your Loan. Once eligible, you will receive this discount during periods in which you have enabled payroll direct deposits of at least $1,000/month to a Direct Deposit Account in accordance with SoFi’s reasonable procedures and requirements to be determined at SoFi’s sole discretion. This discount will be lost during periods in which SoFi determines you have turned off direct deposits to your Direct Deposit Account. You are not required to enroll in direct deposits to receive a Loan.
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Loan Amount Range
$5,000 to $100,000
Pros & Cons
High maximum loan limit
Unemployment protection
No fees required
Competitive APR
High minimum credit score requirement
High minimum loan amount
No in-person support
Highlights
Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $100,000
Loan term lengths range from 2 to 7 years
Usually receive your money in a few business days after your application is approved
Unemployment protection if you lose your job during your loan repayment, allowing you to apply for a three-month forbearance, up to a total of 12 months
Loans are made by SoFi Lending Corp.
Additional Reading
Read our review
Avant Personal Loan
3.75/5
Avant Personal Loan
3.75/5
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
9.95% to 35.99%
Loan Amount Range
$2,000 to $35,000
Get matched with personal loan offers
Avant Personal Loan
Get matched with personal loan offers
Avant Personal Loan is a good personal loan provider, especially if you have a lower credit score and need to receive your loan money quickly. Just be prepared to pay a high APR if you do have a low score.
Details
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
9.95% to 35.99%
Loan Amount Range
$2,000 to $35,000
Pros & Cons
Funds generally deposited by the next business day
No prepayment penalty
Multiple types of fees
High maximum APR
Low maximum loan limit
Highlights
Loan amounts range from $2,000 to $35,000
Loan term lengths range between 2 to 5 years
Administration fee of up to 4.75%, which will be deducted from your loan proceeds when the loan is funded, and late fee that varies by state
Loans made by WebBank, member FDIC
Additional Reading
Read our review
Payoff Loan™
3.5/5
Payoff Loan™
3.5/5
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
11.52% – 24.81% APR
Loan Amount Range
$5,000 to $40,000
Get matched with personal loan offers
Payoff Loan™
Get matched with personal loan offers
A Happy Money Payoff Loan personal loan is a great option for those with good credit scores who are eligible for the lender’s lowest APR. However, borrowers can only use the funds to consolidate credit card debt.
Details
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
11.52% – 24.81% APR
Loan Amount Range
$5,000 to $40,000
Pros & Cons
Competitive interest rates
No prepayment or late fees
Low minimum credit score requirement
Origination fees
Slow access to funds
Limited loan purpose
Not available in all states
Highlights
Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $40,000
Loan term lengths range between 2 to 5 years
Origination fee anywhere between 0% and 5%
Won’t be able to get a loan from Happy Money if you live in Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, or Nevada
Can only use for credit card debt consolidation
Loans made by one of Payoff’s lending partners
Additional Reading
Read our review
Upstart Personal Loan
3.25/5
Upstart Personal Loan
3.25/5
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
4.60% to 35.99%
Loan Amount Range
$1,000 to $50,000 (borrowers in four states are subject to higher minimum loan amounts: Massachusetts: $7,000, Ohio: $6,000, New Mexico: $5,100, Georgia: $3,100)
Get matched with personal loan offers
Upstart Personal Loan
Get matched with personal loan offers
Upstart could be the right lender if you have a strong work and education history, but you have a low credit score or limited credit history. The best personal loan for you depends on your credit score, which will determine what you qualify for and can lower your rate.
Details
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
4.60% to 35.99%
Loan Amount Range
$1,000 to $50,000 (borrowers in four states are subject to higher minimum loan amounts: Massachusetts: $7,000, Ohio: $6,000, New Mexico: $5,100, Georgia: $3,100)
Pros & Cons
Small minimum loan amounts
No prepayment penalty
Quick loan fund disbursement
Only three and five year terms
Potential for high origination fees
Highlights
Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $50,000. However, borrowers in four states are subject to higher minimum loan amounts: Massachusetts: $7,000, Ohio: $6,000, New Mexico: $5,100, Georgia: $3,100
Loan term lengths are either 3 or 5 years
Can have origination fees up to 8%
Considers employment and education history when making loan approval decisions
Loans are made through one of several Upstart-powered bank partners
Additional Reading
Read our review
Online Loans Frequently Asked Questions
A payday loan is designed to bridge the gap between paydays, so term lengths are much shorter than personal loans you might get online. They also come with incredibly high APRs and have lower minimum borrowing amounts that generally start around $50, compared with about $1,000 for a personal loan.
This depends on how much you’d like to take out, what APR you receive from your lender, and how long it takes you to pay off the online loan. The higher the loan amount and APR, the more an online loan will cost you. With a longer term length, you will spread out your payments over an extended period so your monthly payments will be smaller, but you will pay more in the long run.
Depending on the lender, you can get your money for an online loan as soon as the same day. For instance, with a US Bank personal loan you could get funding in as little as a few hours if you’re already a US Bank customer. Usually, a lender will send the money fairly quickly after the application is approved, but there is often no guarantee on the speed of the process. See our guide to the best quick personal loans if this is a top consideration for you.
It’s as safe to take out a loan from a reputable online lender as it is from a bank or credit union. Online lenders are must meet the same lending rules as their brick-and-mortar counterparts and are equally trustworthy. Make sure you’re on the lookout to avoid personal loan scams.
The best personal loans online are from lenders with low interest rates, low or no fees, and a wide range of borrowing amounts and term lengths. These include LightStream, SoFi, Avant, Happy Money, and Upstart.
Best Online Personal Loan Company Reviews
LightStream Personal Loan
LightStream’s online loans are best for those with good credit. While you can qualify for a loan with a minimum score of 660, you won’t be able to take advantage of LightStream’s lower rates without a score of around 800. The lender also has slightly more stringent eligibility requirements than some of our other top picks, including several years of credit history, stable income, and few or no payment delinquencies on your credit report.
If you’re looking to borrow a large sum of money, LightStream’s maximum loan amount of $100,000 is significantly higher than most of the other lenders on our list. Its minimum APR is one of the lower on our list of top picks, reducing the overall cost of your loan.
SoFi has the highest minimum credit score requirement of any lender on our list. You’ll need at least a credit score of 680 to get one of its personal loans online. But if you do qualify, you may like the lender’s low rates, high range in loan amounts, and unique perks.
Even if your credit history isn’t immaculate and you aren’t eligible for SoFi’s lowest rate, the company’s maximum APR is the lowest on our list. SoFi offers a higher maximum online loan amount than most other lenders, allowing you to take out up to $100,000.
Additionally, the company has no origination fees required and has no late payment penalty, lowering the overall cost of your loan. If you lose your job through no fault of your own, SoFi also has an unemployment protection program. If approved for the program, SoFi will put your loans into forbearance, suspending your monthly payments. It’s worth noting that interest will continue to accrue on your loan when it is in forbearance.
Avant is one of the easier lenders to qualify for on our list. Its minimum credit is just a guideline, not a requirement, but most borrowers who get Avant’s personal loans online have a credit score between 600 and 700. However, you can likely get a lower rate elsewhere if you have a high credit score. The best 0% APR credit cards may also offer a lower APR, provided you’re eligible.
If you are looking for a smaller loan, Avant’s $2,000 minimum is lower than most comparable lenders. Avant funds online loans quickly — if the company approves your loan by 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, funds are often put into your account by the next business day.
Avant also has excellent customer service hours, with its phone line open at least 13 hours every day of the week. The lender also has a strong mobile app, which is something not all lenders offer.
Happy Money could be another good option for an online loan if you have a lower credit score, as its minimum requirement of 640 is relatively low. If you have a good credit score, the company also offers one of the lowest APRs of lenders on the list.
Happy Money’s Payoff online loans are specifically designed to help borrowers eliminate high-interest credit card debt. This means you are limited in what you can use your loan for — you should choose a different lender if you aren’t aiming to consolidate credit card debt.
The company doesn’t charge any prepayment fees or late fees, but may charge an origination fee between 0% to 5%. Happy Money also has one of the slowest money transfer times of any online loan company, as it takes between two to five business days to have money deposited in your account.
You may qualify for an online loan more easily with Upstart than with some of the other lenders on our list — the minimum credit requirement for Upstart is 600. As a result, if your credit score is low, you might end up paying a high APR and could potentially get a better deal elsewhere.
Upstart offers the smallest loan amount of all the lenders on our top picks, so if you just need a little cash to tide you over, this could be the lender for you. Additionally, the company usually funds loans within one business day, which is useful if you need your money fast.
OneMain Financial Personal Loan: OneMain is a solid option for borrowers with low credit scores, but you can only borrow up to $20,000. The company also doesn’t lend to residents of Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Read Insider’s full review of OneMain Financial.
PenFed Credit Union Personal Loan: While PenFed offers relatively low rates and a range of loan terms, you’ll need to become a member to get your loan funded.
Rocket Loans Personal Loan: Rocket Loans offers same day funding for some loans. But borrowers can only choose from two repayment term lengths and you’re not able to take out a joint or co-signed loan.
Whether you’re interested in taking out a $5,000 loan or a $20,000 loan, finding the right lender can help improve your experience and increase the likelihood of success with your online personal loan application. We’ve only selected providers of online loans with no public controversies in the last three years. We’ve also compared each institution’s Better Business Bureau score.
The BBB, a non-profit organization focused on consumer protection and trust, measures businesses based on factors like their responsiveness to consumer complaints, truthfulness in advertising, and clarity about business practices. Here is each company’s score:
All of our top picks for online loans are rated A or higher by the BBB. Keep in mind that a high BBB score does not guarantee a positive relationship with a lender, and that you should continue to do research and talk to others who have used the company to get the most comprehensive information possible.
How to Choose the Best Online Loan
To find the best choice for your individual situation, take stock of the factors that are most important to you before you apply for a personal loan online. Many borrowers prioritize the lowest loan interest rate, but also consider any fees, the minimum credit score needed, and the accessibility of the lender’s customer service. You’ll also want to make sure you’re able to select a term length that works for you and that your loan’s purpose is allowed by the lender you choose.
Guides like this one will help you compare multiple lenders in the same place to weigh their pros and cons. Make sure to also read individual reviews of any lenders you’re considering.
How To Get an Online Loan With Bad Credit
Getting a loan with bad credit can be challenging. If you don’t qualify for a loan with your preferred lender or are receiving a higher APR than you can afford with another online loan company, here are some tips you may consider to improve your credit score and increase the chances that your online loan application will be approved:
Ask for and review a copy of your credit report. Look for any errors on your report that may be tanking your score. If so, reach out the credit bureau to talk about rectifying the mistake.
Maintain low credit card balances. Keeping a credit utilization rate — the percentage of your total credit you’re using — of 30% or less will prove to lenders that you can manage your credit appropriately.
Devise a system for paying bills on time.Your payment history makes up a significant percentage of your credit score, and lenders like to see consistent and reliable payments in the past. Set up calendar reminders or automatic payments so you don’t fall behind.
Why You Should Trust Us: Our Methodology
Personal Finance Insider’s mission is to assist smart people in making the best decisions possible with their money. With that in mind, we compared many different online loans, digging into the fine print so you don’t have to. We evaluated several factors to determine the best lenders, including:
Annual percentage rates: The lower the interest rate you have to pay on your online loan, the better. So we focused on lenders who have solid rates for people with fair or better credit histories.
Loan term length: We looked for online loans with a variety of repayment lengths.
Loan amount range: We know some people are looking for a small amount of cash, while others are looking to take out a substantial amount. We found lenders with a variety of minimum and maximum loan amounts to best fit your needs.
Minimum credit score: Depending on your credit score, you may be eligible to take out an online loan from some lenders and may not qualify with others. We picked lenders with a range of minimum credit scores so you have options no matter your credit history.
Trustworthiness: Borrowing from an honest lender is often a top priority for many people. We made sure each lender had an A or above grade from the Better Business Bureau to provide the most transparent lenders possible.
OneMain Financial Personal Loan disclosure: Not all applicants will be approved. Loan approval and actual loan terms depend on your ability to meet our credit standards (including a responsible credit history, sufficient income after monthly expenses, and availability of collateral) and your state of residence. If approved, not all applicants will qualify for larger loan amounts or most favorable loan terms. Larger loan amounts require a first lien on a motor vehicle no more than ten years old, that meets our value requirements, titled in your name with valid insurance. APRs are generally higher on loans not secured by a vehicle. Highly-qualified applicants may be offered higher loan amounts and/or lower APRs than those shown above. OneMain charges origination fees where allowed by law. Depending on the state where you open your loan, the origination fee may be either a flat amount or a percentage of your loan amount. Flat fee amounts vary by state, ranging from $25 to $500. Percentage-based fees vary by state ranging from 1% to 10% of your loan amount subject to certain state limits on the fee amount. Visit omf.com/loanfees for more information. Loan proceeds cannot be used for postsecondary educational expenses as defined by the CFPB’s Regulation Z such as college, university or vocational expense; for any business or commercial purpose; to purchase cryptocurrency assets, securities, derivatives or other speculative investments; or for gambling or illegal purposes. Borrowers in these states are subject to these minimum loan sizes: Alabama: $2,100. California: $3,000. Georgia: $3,100. North Dakota: $2,000. Ohio: $2,000. Virginia: $2,600. Borrowers in these states are subject to these maximum loan sizes: North Carolina: $9,000 for unsecured loans to all customers, $9,000 for secured loans to present customers. Maine: $7,000. Mississippi: $15,000. West Virginia: $14,000. Loans to purchase a motor vehicle or powersports equipment from select Maine, Mississippi, and North Carolina dealerships are not subject to these maximum loan sizes. Example Loan: A $6,000 loan with a 24.99% APR that is repayable in 60 monthly installments would have monthly payments of $176.07. Time to Fund Loans: Funding within one hour after closing through SpeedFunds must be disbursed to a bank-issued debit card. Disbursement by check or ACH may take up to 1-2 business days after loan closing.
Ryan Wangman is a reporter at Personal Finance Insider reporting on personal loans, student loans, student loan refinancing, debt consolidation, auto loans, RV loans, and boat loans. He is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF). In his past experience writing about personal finance, he has written about credit scores, financial literacy, and homeownership. He graduated from Northwestern University and has previously written for The Boston Globe. Learn more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services here >>
Elias Shaya is a junior compliance associate on the Personal Finance Insider team based in New York City. Personal Finance Insider is Insider’s personal finance section that incorporates affiliate and commerce partnerships into the news, insights, and advice about money that 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. Elias is the point person for the loans sub-vertical and works with the editorial team to ensure that all rates and information for personal and student loans are up to date and accurate. He joined Insider in February 2022 as a fellow on the compliance team. Elias has a Bachelor of Science in International Business from the CUNY College of Staten Island. Prior to joining Insider, he volunteered at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he worked with the biomedical engineering department. In his spare time, Elias enjoys exploring new restaurants, traveling to visit his family in Lebanon, and spending time with friends.
Our experts answer readers’ student loan questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess student loans). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own.
Student loans can help bridge the gap between the total cost of going to college and the amount of financial aid your school offers. There are two main types of student loans: federal loans with benefits and fixed rates that apply to all borrowers, and private ones with rates and terms that vary.
You’re almost always better off going with federal student loans because you’re likely to get a lower interest rate, and they come with special benefits and protections. However, you can only refinance student loans through private lenders.
While rates have held in a relatively tight range in recent weeks, the cost of refinancing student loans has been rising over the past year as Federal Reserve policy makers increased the federal funds rate to try to slow inflation. Although not directly linked to student loans, higher Fed rates ultimately influence borrowing costs for everything from college to real estate, credit cards, and automobiles.
The current average interest rates on most refinanced student loans rose from two weeks ago, according to data compiled by Credible.
Private Student Loan Interest Rates
5-Year Fixed Student Loan Rates
This past week, five-year fixed refinance rates for undergraduate loans increased 13 basis points, while rates for graduate loans climbed 25 basis points from the prior week. Rates for both categories of loan are each up more than half a percentage point from six months ago.
10-Year Fixed Student Loan Rates
Ten-year fixed refinance rates for undergraduate loans increased 18 basis points. The rates for graduate loans declined 33 basis points. Interest rates for undergraduate loans are up 86 basis points from six months ago, while graduate loan rates have climbed more than one percentage point during the same period.
Private Student Loan Rates vs. Federal Student Loan Rates
Be sure to exhaust all of your federal student loan options before turning to a private lender. Federal student loans almost always have lower interest rates than private loans. Private loans require a credit check, and many students either have no credit history or a low credit score. That means they’re likely to be offered a higher interest rate than they’d pay for a federal student loan.
Congress sets the interest rates for federal student loans, which are the same for all borrowers. There is no credit check required, and you don’t have to show proof of income or have a co-signer. Federal student loans also have some benefits such as the ability to sign up for an income-driven repayment plan, deferment, forbearance, or forgiveness, none of which are typically available with private loans.
Federal student loan rates have also been rising. The cost of borrowing across all Department of Education loans is going up again for the 2023-2024 school year after some rates saw the biggest increases in decades during the prior period. While the rates private lenders charge aren’t tied to federal loan rates, they’re likely to also rise when federal loan rates do because they don’t have to stay as low to remain competitive.
Federal Student Loan Rates for 2023-2024 School Year
The cost of borrowing for college has increased along with interest rates on everything from credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans over the past year as the Federal Reserve has aggressively raised the federal funds rate. The higher base rates ultimately affect interest rates throughout the economy.
Whether or not you should refinance your student loan depends on your specific financial situation. You may want to consider alternatives such as a less expensive school, scholarships, or a side job to earn more money. Whatever your decision is, make sure you understand the terms of your new loan before making a choice.
Getting approved for a student loan without a co-signer usually includes factors outside of your credit score. Lenders may consider your grade point average, field of study, projected future earning potential, and more when making approval decisions.
Ryan Wangman is a reporter at Personal Finance Insider reporting on personal loans, student loans, student loan refinancing, debt consolidation, auto loans, RV loans, and boat loans. He is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF). In his past experience writing about personal finance, he has written about credit scores, financial literacy, and homeownership. He graduated from Northwestern University and has previously written for The Boston Globe. Learn more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services here >>
A member of DeSantis’ team called out Trump on Twitter for spending over $40 million on legal fees.
The Washington Post reported that Trump’s PAC has spent more on legal fees than any other expense.
Trump is currently battling criminal indictments and civil lawsuits.
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Florida Governor and 2024 presidential candidate Ron DeSantis has found a new line of attack against Donald Trump: his $40 million in legal fees.
Donald Trump’s PAC has spent $40.2 million this year to fund the former president’s extensive legal battles and those of his advisors, people familiar with the matter told The Washington Post. That’s the PAC’s greatest expense during the 2024 presidential campaign, The Post reported.
In response to The Post’s report, Andrew Romeo, a spokesperson for the DeSantis campaign, tweeted, “Trump has spent over $60 million on 2 things: falsely attacking DeSantis and paying his own legal fees, not a cent on defeating Biden. DeSantis’ sole focus, by contrast, has been campaigning for this country’s future, defeating Biden, and reversing the decline of America.”
Members of DeSantis’ campaign team and Trump’s campaign team did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.
Trump’s legal battles have been piling up — earlier this year, he was indicted on charges related to a $130,000 payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels, and in June he was indicted on charges connected to his handling of classified documents.
He’s also being investigated in Georgia on allegations that he tried to interfere with the 2020 election results, and in Washington, DC, in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Slice, which handles online orders for pizza shops, is hiring a full-time pizza influencer.
The salaried position pays up to six figures and is eligible for benefits.
The successful applicant will get a weekly pizza stipend to spend on creating content for the brand.
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A online pizza platform is looking for a full-time influencer for its marketing team, and is offering tasty pay and pizza perks too.
Slice is an app that connects local pizzerias to customers who prefer ordering online. It’s searching for a pizza influencer who will become the “‘face’ of the company” on its social media accounts for a salary of $85,000 to $110,000, per the job posting.
The successful applicant will be tasked with shooting, editing, and appearing in videos for social media and get a weekly stipend to help pay for the pizza-related content.
The application process includes submitting a video resume, and a 45-minute presentation and mock pitch. Although New York City is the preferred location, Slice is accepting applicants in other major US cities.
Matthew Kobach, the company’s marketing VP, told Insider the ideal candidate is someone who can make “pizza synonymous with Slice.”
It’s a pizza lover’s “dream job” according to reactions on X (formerly known as Twitter). Although it’s a full-time role with benefits and a 401k, Slice’s pizza influencer will be eligible to take deals from other brands on a case-by-case basis, Kobach said.
Since joining Slice, he set out to find fun ways to relate to potential customers and increase brand awareness.
“Social media should be fun and entertaining,” Kobach said. “If you make it essentially glorified ads, no one is going to watch them, and your organic social media is really going to serve no purpose.”
Kobach estimates there have been thousands of applications since the job was first posted. He says no big online following is needed to apply.
Parents say Apple’s parental controls are failing them, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The company has acknowledged the issue and promised to make “updates to improve the situation.”
Issues with Downtime and Family Sharing have been reported as far back as 2020 in Apple forums.
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Some families who use Apple products say they’re having issues with the parental Screen Time controls, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Apple introduced Screen Time in 2018, and it included a setting called Downtime. The feature is meant to allow parents to restrict apps and limit screen time on their children’s iPhones, iPads, and iPods from their own devices.
Lately, parents are reporting that their changes haven’t gone into effect, and kids are getting extra time on their apps or even facing no restrictions on adult content.
“We are aware that some users may be experiencing an issue where Screen Time settings are unexpectedly reset,” an Apple representative told the Journal. “We take these reports very seriously and we have been, and will continue, making updates to improve the situation.”
When iOS 16.5 was released in May, Apple said the update would fix “an issue where Screen Time settings may reset or not sync across all devices.”
It’s unclear when the issue first began, but an Apple discussion page has complaints of parental control issues from as far back as 2020 and as recently as this month.
“I’ve used screen time for my kids to limit time on certain apps,” one user wrote in December. “It worked well for years, but now I will set the limits and then they will suddenly disappear after a day or even less.”
Apple Community
Others in the thread said they’d struggled with the issue for “months,” with some contacting Apple directly for help.
Mark Rowe, a CEO based in Boston, told the Journal he noticed one of his four children had no limits on their access to adult websites when he checked the Family Sharing settings.
“It’s frustrating that something that’s so simple and should work doesn’t,” Rowe told the newspaper. “How much time can I spend on this every week?”
Art restoration combines art history, chemistry, and studio art.
Restoring a painting can take anywhere from a few hours to a few months.
Although it can be meticulous, knowledge of proper techniques diminishes more risks in the future.
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Restoring art is not a singular discipline. It combines art history, studio art, and chemistry.
The process of restoring pieces of art, paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts can be as unique as the pieces of art themselves. Each medium requires different techniques to restore it to its original beauty. Conservators are tasked with understanding what methods went into creating the original painting and what techniques past conservators used to inform new practices.
In contending with both, conservators use various techniques to slowly learn what materials to use while they restore a piece of work to its original beauty. For conservators like Sara Drew, who works at Center Art Studio in New York, the task involves a mixture of paints, varnishes, and solvents.
US consumers earning less than $100,000 fueled record profits last year for French luxury group LVMH.
These “aspirational” customers are now pulling back on spending as pandemic cash reserves run dry.
Important as these shoppers are, don’t expect to see huge markdowns from Louis Vuitton and Dior.
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Most retailers will do almost anything to encourage customers to come back and buy more products, especially when those shoppers begin to tighten their purse strings.
Typical strategies include bigger ads, deeper discounts, cheaper merchandise, and more, chasing after a shrinking pool of consumer spending.
But that’s not how French luxury conglomerate LVMH does business.
The powerhouse behind Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Tiffany, and over a dozen other iconic luxury brands was one of the largest beneficiaries of a pandemic-era boom in “aspirational” spending from US shoppers earning less than $100,000.
Flush with surplus cash, these middle-income shoppers splurged on handbags and perfumes, propelling LVMH to record profits last year.
This year however, high inflation, increasing economic uncertainty, and dwindling cash reserves have led most US consumers to think twice about what they spend and where they spend it.
“The aspirational customer is suffering a bit,” LVMH CFO Jean-Jacques Guiony said on the company’s earnings call Tuesday, citing lower sales online and in “second-tier cities.”
While big-box stores are stepping up with markdowns to boost sales, that approach would spell disaster for a luxury brand, which needs to preserve an image of exclusivity and rarity.
“Extensive discounting to stimulate sales is never a good idea as while it can provide a short-term boost, it usually causes long-term damage to the brand which becomes more ubiquitous,” GlobalData retail analyst Neil Saunders told Insider.
Saunders highlighted Coach and Michael Kors as brands who have spent several years now rebuilding their cache after wading too far into the mainstream.
Even as the company hands the reins over to a younger generation and expands its reach, Guiony said: “All our energy is focused on increasing the desirability of the brands.”
And desirability is rarely found in the bargain bin.
Still, even though chasing after “aspirational” customers would be bad for LVMH’s business, neither can the brand run away from them and into the arms of the ultra-wealthy.
“It’s a myth that a lot of the revenue stream comes from high earners,” retail industry expert and consultant Hitha Herzog told Insider. “Their bread and butter are products at lower price points, like sunglasses, wallets, and perfumes, that really target the aspirational customer.”
Herzog also pointed out that the breadth of LVMH’s geography and brand portfolio puts the company in a more secure position to ride out dips and changes in buying behaviors.
Falling US handbag sales can be offset by gains in Asia; fewer bottles of cognac can be compensated with more bottles of champagne.
So what’s a luxury house to do?
If the earnings call is any evidence, the answer is lots of advertising and a few blockbuster events to get the brands’ message out and burnish the image.
Guiony said a marketing blitz leading up to a mega-budget fashion show on the Pont Neuf in Paris with musician-turned-designer Pharrell Williams pulled in over a billion views for Louis Vuitton.
“The cost of all these initiatives was obviously quite high,” Guiony said. “It’s quite extraordinary in my view and worth the investment.”
Not every luxury brand can pull this strategy off, but it appears LVMH certainly can.
Perhaps you had heard about Telecoil and had wondered, what is it and how it works and what are the benefits of this feature. First we will start with basics, this feature is mainly designed for people with Hearing Aids and a telecoil, or know as t-coil is a small copper wire that is built into the hearing aid. This tiny wire function is to pick up the signals from the called a loop system, and this system what does it’s to amplify the audio in public areas, so hearing aid users can listen the environment or announcements. The most common examples of places with this feature will be airports, movie theaters or even on place of worship and can be easily noted with the symbol that we have before.
The best person to tell you if you need Telecoil would be your hearing aid provider as they are the most knowledgably people to talk about this as is not just if you want it out of the blue, however they will give you the benefits of this, which makes a lot of sense to get it as it helps like in the next scenarios:
Helps to people with severe or progressive hearing loss to be aware of surroundings in public places or even the use of the phone.
If a person with hearing loss works in specific places such as courtrooms, or entertainment venues and they are constantly on the phone.
A person simply wants to have a better and accessible solution to hear in general in public and to have a pleasant sound experience.
A nice feature of the Telecoil found inside the hearing aids is that thanks to it the sounds of a speaker’s voice for example is streamed directly in the ear without unwanted background noises, a common example of when a person appreciates this feature can be if they go to the movie theater and they can hear the dialogs in the movie without having any issues. Depending on the model of the hearing aids some of them have the telecoil feature on all the time so no need to deal with settings, another ones they have the the on/off setting for this setting. This switch is commonly called the T-switch. Telecoil is not going to be found in all hearing aids, the smaller the device is the most likely will not have that feature due to the small size of it, for example the completely-in-canal and the invisible-in-canal devices will not have Telecoil and mainly will be based on microphones for its use.
With that being said, as many people with hearing aids are required to work on a daily basis and use common telecommunication devices such as desk phones and headsets, manufacturers had applied their best engineering and technology to help them with their devices. Poly, Cisco and Yealink among others offer their desk phones with Hearing aid compatible handsets, this means that the person will not have any feedback when using the desk phone during a call.
Poly, formerly known as Plantronics offer a wide range of corded and wireless headsets for users in an office environment and compatible from desk phones to computers and cell phones. For a desk phone solution we can find the HW510 headset or the HW520 for a corded solution, while if want a wireless option for your desk phone there is the Savi 7210 and Savi 7220. If in need on something to use with your desk phone and computer, the EncorePro headsets would be, only thing would be a PC Switch like the MDA 100 or the MDA 524, while on a wireless option would be the Savi 8210 or the Savi 8220.
Jabra offers their GN2125 Noise Canceling Telecoil headset Hearing Impaired, this headset actually works as a single ear headset as one of the earcups will be completely mute, allowing the user to focus their attention in the speaker where the sound is coming from. The GN2125 can be used as a corded solution for your desk phone with the use of the GN1200 smart cord or you can use the Link 860 amplifier if want to use with the desk phone and the computer.
As you can see there is a full lineup of devices that are Telecoil hearing aid compatible and now that we had explained why the Telecoil meaning and benefits now hoping everything makes more sense for people with hearing aid and without them.
users in 
an office environment and compatible from desk phones to computers and cell phones. For a desk phone solution we can find the 
is the 
the EncorePro headsets would be, only thing would be a PC Switch like the 
actually works as a single ear headset as one of the earcups will be completely mute, allowing the user to focus their attention in
the speaker where the sound is coming from. The GN2125 can be used as a corded solution for your desk phone with the use of the