CoinTalk

Is Ethereum Dead or Alive?

If you're feeling like you "missed" Bitcoin or Shiba Inu in their early days, don’t worry — 2025 is already shaping up to be another massive year in the world of digital assets.

Here’s why:

Imagine this—you’ve finally found the perfect home. The open kitchen, the sunny backyard, and just the right neighborhood. You’re ready to make an offer, but one thing is still unclear: how much down payment do you need for a house?

and  You’ve probably heard it a hundred times: “You need 20% down to buy a house.” But is that really true? How much down payment do you need for a house in today’s market? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer in the U.S., someone relocating for a job, or finally ready to stop renting, the house down payment is likely the biggest obstacle between you and your dream home.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about making a down payment on a house, how much is actually required, and what smart buyers are doing in 2025 to make the leap into homeownership faster than ever.

What Is a House Down Payment?

A down payment for a home is the portion of the property price you pay upfront when buying a house. The rest is usually financed through a mortgage. This one-time payment reduces the amount you borrow and affects your monthly mortgage payment, loan type, and even your interest rate.

How Much Down Payment for a House in 2025? (It’s Not What You Think)

When most people think about buying a house, they assume they’ll need a 20% down payment. But here’s the truth in 2025: you may not need nearly that much—and in some cases, you might not need a down payment at all.

1 - Traditional 20% Rule:  Yes, putting 20% down can help you avoid paying for private mortgage insurance (PMI), and it reduces your monthly payments. But it’s not a requirement.

2 - Average Down Payment in 2025: According to recent housing market data, the average down payment for first-time buyers in 2025 is around 6% to 7%, not 20%. For repeat buyers, it’s usually a bit higher—about 13%.

3 - Low Down Payment Loans:  

- FHA Loans: As low as 3.5% down if your credit score is 580 or higher

- Conventional Loans: Many lenders now accept 3% to 5% down, especially for first-time buyers.

- VA and USDA Loans: 0% down payment options for eligible buyers, including veterans and rural homebuyers.

4 - Down Payment Assistance: In 2025, many state and local programs still offer grants, forgivable loans, and matched savings plans to help with your down payment and closing costs.

So what does this mean for you?

If you’ve been putting off buying a home because you think you need tens of thousands of dollars upfront, it’s time to take a second look. The rules have changed, and you might already be closer to homeownership than you think.

Here's a breakdown of the most common loan types:

You don’t need 20% down. In fact, the average down payment on a house in the U.S. in 2025 is around 7–12%, according to Zillow and Freddie Mac data.

Why the 20% Myth Still Exists

The 20% figure comes from the idea of avoiding private mortgage insurance (PMI), which lenders require if your down payment is less than 20%. But PMI is not necessarily a bad thing—it can be temporary and often costs less than renting while you wait years to save more.

Let’s explore the pros and cons:

Buying with a Lower Down Payment

Faster entry into the housing market , cash left over for renovations, emergencies, or investments and Possible to qualify with down payments as low as 3%

Downsides to a Lower Down Payment

PMI adds to monthly costs , higher loan amount = more interest over time and more scrutiny from lenders (higher credit score needed)

How Down Payment Affects Buying Power

Let’s say you're buying a home worth $350,000:

You can see that even a small increase in your down payment can significantly lower your monthly costs—but it’s not always necessary to wait.

Can You Buy a House With No Down Payment?

Yes—if you qualify.

1- VA Loans (for military service members and veterans): 0% down.

2- USDA Loans (for rural areas): 0% down, though income limits apply.

3- Local or state programs: Many states offer first-time homebuyer assistance, including grants and forgivable loans.

Use tools like HUD.gov or contact a local mortgage lender to explore down payment assistance programs near you.

How to Afford a Down Payment Faster

1. Automate Your Savings Set up a high-yield savings account and automate deposits. Even $100/week adds up quickly.

2. Use Windfalls Wisely Tax refunds, bonuses, or side-hustle income? Put it directly into your house fund.

3. Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions Streaming services, gym memberships, and food delivery can eat away at your down payment fund. Track your spending with apps like Mint or YNAB.

4. Look Into Gifted Down Payments Many lenders allow family to help with your down payment, as long as you follow proper documentation rules.

Final Thoughts: Should You Wait or Buy Now?

If you're wondering, "Should I wait until I have 20% down?" here’s the truth:

In most cases, buying with a smaller down payment makes more sense than waiting years and watching prices rise.

By the time you save another $20,000, that dream house may cost $50,000 more.

Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Work with a trusted mortgage advisor, understand your financing options, and choose a home that fits both your budget and lifestyle goals.

I was sitting at my kitchen table, coffee in hand, browsing flight prices to Europe. I had just gotten a job offer in Spain and wanted to celebrate with a first-class experience. But when I saw that the round-trip business class ticket from New York to Madrid was $4,700, I nearly spit out my coffee.

That’s when I remembered something I’d heard in a Reddit travel thread:

Don’t spend your Chase points in the travel portal. Transfer them to an airline partner—it’s the travel hacker’s best-kept secret.”

So, I opened my Chase app, logged into Ultimate Rewards, and transferred 90,000 points to Air France/KLM Flying Blue. Within 15 minutes, I had booked the same exact flight—in business class—for the equivalent of $100 in taxes and fees.

It felt like magic.

But it wasn’t luck. It was simply knowing how to transfer Chase points to travel partners the right way.

Let’s break it down so you can do it too.

What Are Chase Sapphire Travel Partners?

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are like currency—but when you transfer them to Chase travel partners, their value can multiply. Instead of getting a fixed rate (like 1.25 cents per point in the travel portal), you can get 2–5 cents or more per point by booking directly through airline loyalty programs.

Current Chase Transfer Partners (2025)

Airline Programs:

Starting or growing a business requires capital, and most entrepreneurs turn to business loans to fund their operations. But with so many types of business loans available, how do you choose the best one for your needs? In this article, we will explore the four main types of business loans, explain different types of small business loans, and guide you through the financing options available to small businesses.

Whether you run a startup or an established company, understanding your loan options will help you make informed decisions and secure the right funding.

What Are the Four Types of Business Loans?

Understanding the primary loan categories helps you quickly identify which suits your business needs. Here are the four common types of business loans:

1. Term Loans : A term loan is a lump sum borrowed and repaid over a fixed period, usually with a set interest rate. These loans can be short-term (less than a year), medium-term (1-3 years), or long-term (up to 10 years or more). Term loans are ideal for businesses that need significant capital for expansion, equipment purchases, or large projects.

Why choose term loans it may be for three reasons :  predictable monthly payments ,fixed or variable interest rates and suitable for larger investments

2. Business Lines of Credit

A business line of credit works like a credit card. Instead of borrowing a lump sum, you get access to a credit limit and can withdraw funds as needed. Interest is paid only on the amount you use, not the entire limit.

Flexibility to manage cash flow , interest charged only on funds used and Revolving credit that can be reused .

3. SBA Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers government-backed loans to help small businesses access funding with favorable terms. These loans often come with lower interest rates and longer repayment terms but require more paperwork and strict eligibility.

Popular SBA loan types:

• 7(a) Loan Program (general business purposes)
• CDC/504 Loan Program (fixed assets and real estate)
• Microloans (smaller loan amounts)

4. Equipment Financing

Equipment loans or leases provide funding specifically to purchase business equipment like machinery, vehicles, or technology. The equipment itself often serves as collateral, making it easier to qualify.

Why choose equipment financing  : Preserve working capital ,  pay off equipment over time and usually faster approval .

What Types of Financing Are Available to Small Businesses?

Aside from the four main business loan types, small businesses can explore additional financing options tailored to different needs:

- Invoice Financing

If your business invoices customers but waits weeks for payment, invoice financing advances you a percentage of outstanding invoices to improve cash flow.

- Merchant Cash Advances

This provides upfront cash in exchange for a portion of future credit card sales. It’s a quick option but often comes with higher costs.

- Personal Loans for Business

Some entrepreneurs use personal loans to fund business activities. While easier to qualify for, mixing personal and business finances has risks.

- Crowdfunding and Peer-to-Peer Lending

Dreaming of free flights or luxury hotel stays? If you’re sitting on a stash of Marriott Bonvoy points, you’re probably wondering, “Can I transfer Marriott points to United?” or “How do I use Marriott points transfer partners?” Understanding Marriott point transfer options can turn your points into epic travel experiences. This guide breaks down how to transfer Marriott points, including to United Airlines, and avoid common mistakes. Let’s get you flying smarter!

Can You Transfer Marriott Points to United?

The short answer? Yes, you can transfer Marriott points to United! Marriott Bonvoy partners with over 40 airline programs, including United’s MileagePlus, making it a go-to for travelers. The standard transfer ratio is 3:1—3,000 Marriott points equal 1,000 United miles. Plus, Marriott throws in a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred (that’s 25,000 miles total). This makes Marriott to United transfer a sweet deal for booking flights.

Pro Tip: Check United’s award chart on their website to ensure your transferred miles get you the best flight deals, especially for domestic U.S. routes or international getaways.

Exploring Marriott Points Transfer Partners

Marriott Bonvoy’s transfer program is a goldmine for travelers. Beyond United, you can transfer points to major airlines like Delta, American Airlines, and international carriers like Emirates or British Airways. Here’s the scoop on Marriott points transfer partners:

• Airlines: Most transfers are at a 3:1 ratio, with the 5,000-mile bonus for 60,000 points. United, Alaska Airlines, and Air Canada’s Aeroplan are top picks for value.
• No Hotel Transfers: You can’t transfer Marriott points to other hotel programs, so focus on airline partners for maximum flexibility.
• Transfer Times: Most transfers take 1–7 days, but United transfers often process within 24 hours.

Warning: Avoid transferring points to airlines with poor ratios (like 10:1 for some partners). Always compare the value of points for hotel stays versus flights to avoid losing value.

How to Transfer Marriott Points to United

Ready to make a Marriott to United transfer? Follow these simple steps:

1. Log into Marriott Bonvoy: Visit the Marriott Bonvoy website or app and head to the “Transfer Points” section.
2. Select United MileagePlus: Choose United from the list of airline partners.
3. Enter Details: Input your United MileagePlus number and the number of points to transfer (in increments of 3,000).
4. Confirm and Track: Transfers typically process within a day, but check your United account to confirm.

User Context: If you’re in the U.S., United’s wide network makes it ideal for domestic and international flights. For international travelers, check if your home country’s airline partners with Marriott for similar perks.

Why Marriott Point Transfers Matter

Transferring Marriott points solves real pain points—like needing just a few more miles for a dream flight or wanting to gift miles to a family member. By leveraging Marriott point transfer options, you can stretch your points further and unlock better travel rewards. Just be smart: calculate the value of points for hotel stays versus flights to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

Travel Smarter with Marriott Points

Mastering Marriott point transfers can open doors to incredible travel deals. Whether you’re eyeing a United flight to Hawaii or a European adventure, transferring points to partners like United can save you thousands. Don’t let your points sit unused—start planning your next trip today!

Ready to make your next vacation a steal? If you’re sitting on a pile of Southwest Rapid Rewards points, you’re probably wondering, “Can you transfer Southwest points to another person?” or “How do I transfer points Southwest style?” This guide dives into the world of Southwest transfer partners, revealing how to stretch your points further and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a casual traveler, understanding how to transfer Southwest points can unlock epic travel deals. Let’s break it down!

Can You Transfer Southwest Points to Another Person?

Here’s the deal: Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is awesome, but it’s got some rules. The big question—can you transfer Southwest points to another person?—has a straightforward answer: Yes, but with a catch. Southwest allows point transfers between Rapid Rewards members, but it’s not free. You’ll pay a fee of $10 per 1,000 points transferred, and transfers must be in increments of 1,000 points. This makes it a solid option for gifting points to family or friends, but you’ll want to weigh the cost against redeeming points for flights directly.

Pro Tip: Before transferring, check if the recipient can use the points for a better-value flight. Southwest’s low-cost fares often make direct redemptions more economical than paying transfer fees.

Exploring Southwest Transfer Partners

Unlike other airline programs, Southwest’s Rapid Rewards doesn’t partner with other airlines for direct point transfers. Instead, their transfer partners focus on hotel and car rental programs, plus Chase Ultimate Rewards for credit card holders. Here’s a quick rundown of key partners:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards: If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve card, you can transfer Chase points to Southwest at a 1:1 ratio. This is a game-changer for boosting your Rapid Rewards balance.
• Hotel Partners: Brands like Marriott Bonvoy, IHG, and Hyatt allow you to convert hotel points to Southwest miles, though ratios vary (often 3:1 or worse). Be cautious—hotel transfers usually offer lower value.
• Car Rentals: Partners like Hertz and Budget let you earn Rapid Rewards points on rentals, but transferring points isn’t an option here.

Warning: Avoid transferring hotel points to Southwest unless you’re desperate. The conversion rates are often poor, and you might lose value compared to redeeming hotel points for stays.

How to Transfer Southwest Points Like a Pro

Want to know how to transfer Southwest points without wasting money? Follow these steps:

1. Log into Your Rapid Rewards Account: Head to Southwest’s website or app and find the “Transfer Points” section.
2. Enter Recipient Details: You’ll need the recipient’s Rapid Rewards account number.
3. Pay the Fee: Transfers cost $10 per 1,000 points. Ensure the transfer makes sense for your travel plans.
4. Confirm and Track: Points transfer instantly, but double-check the recipient’s account to confirm.

User Context: If you’re in the U.S., Southwest’s domestic flights are a fantastic way to use transferred points, especially for budget-friendly routes. For international travelers, Southwest flies to destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean, making transfers useful for cross-border trips.

Why Transferring Points Matters

Transferring points can solve real pain points. Maybe your spouse needs a few thousand points to book a dream vacation, or you want to gift points to a friend for a special trip. By understanding Southwest transfer partners and fees, you can make smart choices and avoid wasting points. Just steer clear of transferring points for low-value redemptions—always compare the flight cost to the transfer fee.

Ready to Fly Smarter?

Mastering Southwest transfer partners can take your travel game to the next level. Whether you’re pooling points with a Chase card or helping a friend book a flight, knowing how to transfer Southwest points saves time and money. Don’t let your points sit unused—start planning your next adventure today!