Happy Tuesday, friends!

If you weren’t already aware — tomorrow is Earth Day! 🌎

Need a quick reset? Step outside. Touch grass. It works.

Nature has a funny way of helping you unwind. And unlike most things these days, it’s completely free!

STUDENT LOANS

Goodbye SAVE, Hello RAP 💰

Big changes are coming to student loans this summer. The SAVE plan is on its way out, and the new option, the Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), is taking over starting July 1st. If you’re currently on SAVE, you’ll have about 90 days to choose a new plan, with RAP being one of the only contenders.

What’s Changing?

Like SAVE, RAP is an income-driven repayment plan. This means it bases your monthly payment on your income and family size. It also includes an interest benefit that keeps your balances from ballooning, and even ensures a portion of your payment goes toward principal. That’s a win compared to other plans.

But, RAP also has some downsides.

Under RAP, many borrowers will see higher monthly payments compared to their SAVE payments. There’s also a minimum payment of $10, even if your income is very low. Higher earners can also see their payments continuously climb with no real cap.

RAP also stretches the payback timeline. You will now be required to make on-time monthly payments for 30 years to apply for forgiveness, as opposed to 10-25 years under SAVE.

With the eradication of SAVE, there are still other options, like income-based repayment (IBR).

How Does RAP Compare to IBR?

RAP may offer lower monthly payments than IBR for some borrowers and includes built-in interest protection, which is something that IBR doesn’t have. But IBR does have a few advantages:

• 🧢 Payments are capped: Higher earners will have a ceiling to their payments.

• 🏎️ Faster forgiveness: Some borrowers may qualify for forgiveness within 20-25 years.

• 🧐 Predictability: RAP will use a “step up” system to adjust payments, meaning a small increase in wages can lead to much higher monthly payments. IBR can be more predictable.

What Should You Choose?

You have 90 days past July 1st to make a decision, so there’s no rush yet. Compare RAP with other plans you may still qualify for, and consider what matters most to you. Are you looking for the lowest monthly payments right now, or would you rather pay less overall over the course of your loan? RAP offers a cleaner formula, but IBR presents a potentially more optimized route for some borrowers/

As always, do your due diligence and see what works for you (both money-wise and emotionally!).

GROCERY

Balancing Budget with Quality 🛒

You may have a favorite grocery store, but if its prices aren’t beating out competitors, you might want to rethink your loyalty. Budget stores like Aldi and Lidl can stretch your budget much further, especially on everyday staples. Saving 20-30% isn’t just an advertising gimmick; it’s 100% true.

Aldi is a go-to for affordable, quality basics. Think eggs, milk, cheese, bread, canned goods, pasta, snacks, and even frozen meals, fruits, and vegetables. It’s hard to beat Aldi in these categories when it comes to price, and Aldi’sstore-brand items are often just as good as name brands.

An old Aldi employee recently shared their favorite things to buy at the store, and you’ll be surprised at the range that Aldi has!

Dollar stores are growing in popularity. But be careful before you assume they’ll help you save money. Dollar Tree (and other dollar stores) can be great for select pantry items, drinks, and a plethora of toys and useful household items. Maybe you’re grabbing pots and a watering can in the spring, or goggles, floats, and pool toys in the summer! Either way, it’s an easy way to grab what you need without overspending.

That said, not everything is worth the bargain. Watch out for mystery brand foods. They might not be worth it, even at a greatly reduced price. A veteran Dollar Tree shopper states the eight things she refuses to buy after being disappointed in the past.

We’re all about saving where it makes sense, especially at places like Aldi, where you can often find great quality products without the fancy packaging and markup. But remember, being frugal and being cheap are two different things.

It’s also okay to spend money on high-quality items, especially when we’re talking about what you’re feeding your family. If you’re replacing budget items time and time again… they’re not really saving you money over the long run, and they’re probably causing you to lose some of your sanity, too.

TOGETHER WITH TRIPADVISOR*

Get Outside this Earth Day 🌎

If you’re looking to make the most of Earth Day, Tripadvisor makes it easy to get outside and explore. You can discover local parks, hiking trails, and outdoor experiences right in your hometown!

Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, browse deals on hotels and plan a quick getaway somewhere new. Whether you stay close to home or hit the road, it’s a simple way to spend more time outdoors without overspending.

HOME

House Flip… or House Flop? 🏠

We know we’re not the only suckers for a great HGTV show, but it’s important to remember that these shows aren’t always as real as the “reality” aspect suggests. In the TikTok and Instagram Reels era, it’s easy to get lost in home renovation videos, and those who flip houses and claim to make six-figure profits within months.

But house flipping isn’t a hobby — it’s serious work! And recent data shows home-flipping profits have dropped to some of the lowest levels since the Great Recession. So what’s changed?

• Homes are more expensive to buy. Even the fixer-uppers, which home flippers are on the hunt for, are seeing price increases that reduce potential profits.

• Higher interest rates are making it even more expensive to borrow. If you can’t afford to do all the necessary renovations and account for closing costs, while selling the home in a reasonable timeframe, it may not be worth the hassle.

• Rehabbing a home is more expensive in 2026! The costs of materials and labor are rising at a rapid clip. If you underestimate the costs of flipping, it’s easier than ever to find yourself underwater in that flip.

All of these things add up and significantly eat into profits. Or eliminate them altogether.

And it’s not like house flipping is easy work. The recipe isn’t as simple as buying low, making a few updates, and selling high. It’s also managing contractors, permits, timelines, budgets, and surprises (because trust us, there will always be surprises!). If you’re looking to flip a house for some quick cash, reassess your risk tolerance first.

Does This Mean House Flipping is Dead?

No, we don’t think house flipping will ever truly go away, nor do we think it needs to! Updating old homes can be a great way to earn an income while providing a family with a renovated home to live in. However, if you’re considering whether or not it’s a side hustle or potential profession for you, make sure you:

• 🧑‍💻 Run your numbers conservatively (and add a buffer): See if the profit number you end up with, accounting for these additional hurdles, is worth it for your time and effort.

• ⏱️ Don’t assume a quick sale: Some houses sit on the market for far longer than planned. If that happens, you’ll still be responsible for making payments.

• 🤔 Be realistic about your timeline: Being handy and being a house-flipper are two very different things. Be realistic about your time and skills before you start making offers.

TV shows and social media make it seem like an easy side hustle, but house flipping is a full-time commitment. And while we always encourage self-confidence, let’s also remember to be realistic before biting off more than you can chew. 😉

ICYMI!

Your Weekly Update…

Middle Class Millionaire 💰
More Americans are becoming millionaires, but inflation has greatly watered down the milestone. Today, it buys about what $480K did 30 years ago. So let’s just say it hits a little different… and not in the good way.

Trash or Treasure? 🧾
You’re already spending money, why not get a little back? These apps make it easy to earn points, gift cards, and cash just by snapping a pic of your receipts. It’s not anything to write home about… but every little bit adds up!

Suspicious RSVPs 🤨
That “You’re invited!” email might not be what it seems. Fake digital invites are the latest trick scammers use to hijack accounts and target your entire contact list. Make sure you never enter personal info, and check with friends if something seems off!

We hope everyone has a great rest of their week! Take some time tomorrow to celebrate the Earth and be intentional about prioritizing your favorite outdoor activities. 🌎

Best friends out! 🍻