Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 455

They bought homes with the intention to refinance. Now they’re stuck

By Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times

Steven and Katherine Wolf missed out on the ultra-low mortgage rates of the pandemic. By the time the couple secured solid jobs and could buy a home, borrowing costs more than doubled.

Rather than wait, the former renters jumped into homeownership in fall 2022. They also stretched, buying a Bakersfield, California, home that carried an uncomfortable monthly payment.

Steven Wolf figured the pain would be fleeting. Within a year rates would drop enough to allow them to refinance and put hundreds of dollars back into their pockets.

That hasn’t happened and isn’t expected to soon. In fact, rates are higher.

Couple Steven and Katherine Wolf with their daughter Rebekah, 4, look over Everett’s, 6, reading project. (Alex Horvath/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

“We did this with the expectation that we would only have to weather this high payment for a chunk of time,” the 37-year old English teacher said. “Now that chunk of time is looking like it might actually be permanent.”

Across the country, many buyers employed similar strategies after rates surged in 2022 — at times encouraged by real estate agents and mortgage brokers who earn a commission on each deal. The tactic could still work, but as interest rates stay higher for longer, some Americans express varying degrees of regret as their finances buckle.

A woman in Twinsburg, Ohio, said she’s taken a second job. A man in Oregon said putting money away for retirement is a “distant thought.”

Some said they’re now selling their home or will need to soon. Chelsea Bolinger purchased a house in Highland Ranch, Colo. The 35-year-old tech worker called the experience “horrible.”

“I only bought it because the loan company really pushed that interest rates were going to go down,” Bolinger said.

In Wolf’s case, he said his family’s monthly housing costs jumped nearly $1,500 when they ditched their second-floor apartment and bought a Bakersfield house for $421,000, in part because he and his wife wanted a yard for their two children.

Unable to knock down his monthly payment through refinancing, the family is making little progress paying off other debts and Wolf is working an extra period.

His wife, a speech language pathologist, has picked up weekend shifts she wouldn’t have if rates had dropped.

“That would have been more Saturdays together with the kids,” Wolf said.

In theory, the strategy Wolf and others employed is supposed to work like this.

Steven and Katherine Wolf are stuck with an uncomfortable mortgage payment as interest rates haven’t dropped like they predicted. (Alex Horvath/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Buy now — when rates are high and demand low — and you’ll more easily snag a home than if you waited until rates drop and reignite extreme bidding wars.

By acting now, a home’s purchase price will be lower. The monthly payment will be high, but that will go down once rates decline and you refinance.

As some say: Marry the house. Date the rate.

Personal finance, of course, is complicated.

When refinancing, you pay loan fees and other closing costs, which can exceed several thousands of dollars. Consumers must weigh those upfront costs against any savings on the monthly payment.

Holden Lewis, a mortgage expert with NerdWallet, said it typically makes financial sense to refinance once rates drop at least three quarters of a percentage point from where you bought.

According to the Mortgage Bankers Assn., the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage should drop to 5.9% by the fourth quarter of 2025, compared with 6.9% currently.

Buying now can be smart, but people should only do so if they are comfortable with the current payment, Lewis said. Expert predictions of falling rates have been proved wrong time and time again. Other home costs — such as HOA fees and insurance — tend to go up.

Even if rates fall, there’s no guarantee you’ll save. Your credit score could drop and lenders will charge you more.

Amy Ramirez is among the many Americans who say they have no regrets.

She and her wife, Noelle, bought a home in Rancho Cucamonga in March. They can comfortably afford it and love the additional space compared with the property they sold in Los Angeles.

Ramirez isn’t expecting rates to drop soon and thinks buying when they did reduced the likelihood of bidding wars on their turnkey, four bedroom house with a swimming pool and mountain view.

“It is just great,” said Ramirez, who, along with Noelle, runs a s’mores shop in West Covina.

High mortgage rates aren’t only affecting consumers, but are also slamming many in the real estate industry as transactions decline.

Some lenders have responded with “Buy Now, Refinance Later” programs that offer reduced refinance fees if you take out a mortgage with the company to buy a home, then use them to refinance within a certain period of time.

Lewis said consumers should check whether the purchase mortgage in such a program carries higher fees or interest rates and also understand that when it comes time to refinance, other lenders may offer lower rates that would save far more than any reduction in fees from the original lender.

As of now, experts said there’s little sign that the inability to refinance will cause a bust similar to the collapse of the 2000s housing bubble.

Then, rising mortgage rates and falling home prices prevented many Americans from executing their plan to refinance out of risky loans before monthly payments adjusted upward from initial teaser rates. Stuck with those high payments, people entered foreclosure en masse, causing home prices to plunge.

Now, home prices are rising and struggling borrowers can probably sell to pay off their mortgage.

Even if prices were to fall, today’s tighter underwriting standards mean people should be better equipped to afford their mortgages than last time, while lenders offer struggling borrowers more options to adjust payments so they don’t lose their home.

“You are going to get very few foreclosures,” said Laurie Goodman, founder of the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute think tank. “You are not going to get into that vicious cycle.”

In hindsight, Wolf said, he wished he had sought advice from someone without a financial stake in his home purchase, because he didn’t understand how to properly calculate the risk that his loan officer’s prediction — rates below 6% by summer 2023 — wouldn’t come true.

“I’m not a financial professional,” Wolf said. “I am an English teacher.”

A spokesperson with Wolf’s mortgage company, PrimeLending, said that the company could not comment on individual clients, but that it evaluates a borrower’s ability to repay based on current interest rates and that it “does not make guarantees” on how borrowing costs will change.

“The mortgage market is inherently unpredictable, and while we provide information based on current trends and expert analysis, these are not assurances,” the spokesperson, Mandy Jordan, said in an email.

Going forward, the Wolfs are looking to move to Baltimore after getting better job offers there.

Because their high monthly payment is more than what they could rent their house out for, they’ve listed it for sale and don’t expect to get their down payment back.

The other day, Wolf said he spoke with his loan officer who encouraged him to buy right away in Baltimore so they don’t get priced out and gave a new prediction for when rates would drop.

He also offered to do their loan, according to Wolf.

©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Horoscopes June 8, 2024: Julianna Margulies, take positive steps

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Maria Menounos, 46; Kanye West, 47; Julianna Margulies, 58; Keenen Ivory Wayans, 66.

Happy Birthday: Look for the good in everyone and everything, but don’t buy into someone else’s dream. Happiness is finding your niche and doing what sets your heart free. Recognize what’s best for you and do the legwork that will teach and lead you in the right direction. Effort and discipline will decide your future. Take positive steps and don’t stop short of success, and you’ll avoid regret. Your numbers are 4, 10, 21, 26, 34, 46, 48.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take a step back and wrap your head around what’s possible. Getting worked up over something you cannot change will add undue stress. Focus on areas that help you gain ground financially and physically, and you will find a means to an end. 2 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Align yourself with someone heading down a similar path. Researching, sharing information and participating in a group effort will help connect you to someone instrumental in getting what you want. Budget wisely. 4 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t settle for less. Dig deep and gather the facts and figures, and you’ll find a way to get what you want. Contact experts and you’ll discover a loophole or option that can offset a cost or step holding you hostage. Stay calm. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): What you do will affect your reputation. Live up to your promises and be persuasive. You need to go the distance if you want to make a difference. What you say and do is instrumental in maintaining a foothold in the process and outcome you launch. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Address your relationships and weed out those who don’t reciprocate. Surround yourself with the ones who stand by your side and are there to catch you if you fall. Building a solid foundation and choosing who stands beside you are your responsibility. Choose wisely and flourish. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’ll face opposition if you try to bend the rules or take on too much. It’s time to adjust your routine, schedule and how you handle others if you want to gain ground. An exciting offer will grab your attention. Before you agree, look at the reviews. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Speak up, act and demonstrate what you can offer. Actions will speak volumes about the possibilities and put you in a critical position regarding the changes you want. Refuse to let your emotions get in the way of progress. Learn from experience regarding love. 2 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Learn or try something new and exciting. Participate in an event that encourages creativity and personal growth and stimulates your mind. Don’t feel you must spend a fortune to find happiness or complete your life. The memories, conversations, and mental and emotional achievements are most rewarding. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll be drawn to negative situations if you are careless or don’t protect yourself from people who thrive on chaos and deception. Distance yourself from situations that are eating up valuable time for little return. Gravitate toward those who are genuine and make you smile. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Set a budget. Refrain from feeling the necessity to keep up financially or pay for others. Focus on bringing more in than letting cash slip through your fingers. An innovative change to your plans will remove the pressure you feel to overspend. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Fend for yourself, rely on your resourcefulness, and choose to make your surroundings functional and your looks and overall appeal upbeat. Set boundaries when dealing with complex individuals. Refuse to argue or give in to someone’s demands. Learn to say no and walk away. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A change will do you good. Don’t engage in something you don’t like or let temptation lead you astray. Put your heart and soul into something that brings you pleasure and peace of mind. Consider your needs and put yourself first. 5 stars

Birthday Baby: You are charismatic, engaging and aspiring. You are playful and adventuresome.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters. 

Homer happy SF Giants take first game against Rangers, Bruce Bochy

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Giants have not been been a particularly powerful group through the first portion of the season, entering Friday’s series opener with the Texas Rangers 22nd in the majors with 59 home runs, one of 12 teams averaging fewer than one per game.

But don’t tell them.

Wilmer Flores launched a pair of solo shots and Michael Conforto provided the tie-breaking two-run homer to guide the Giants over Bruce Bochy and the defending World Series champions, 5-2, for their second win in a row, and the second straight where the long ball loomed large.

“We really have a lot of guys who have the ability to hit some home runs,” manager Bob Melvin said. “We’ve gone some stretches where we haven’t, but we’ve probably played our best baseball when we have hit some home runs.”

Verdict: True.

The Giants have not lost this season when getting three or more home runs, but they haven’t had many chances. It had happened twice in their first 62 games before the past two contests.

A grand slam from Flores, a towering two-run shot from Heliot Ramos and a late solo shot from Jorge Soler two days prior contributed to seven of their nine runs to avoid being swept by the Diamondbacks on the first leg of this road trip.

The team-leader with 23 home runs last season, Flores had only one in his first 50 games this season before leaving the yard three times in the past two contests. Hooking near-identical solo shots to left field in his first two at-bats — both traveled 387 feet — Flores built a 2-0 lead behind Logan Webb heading into the fifth inning.

“Someone said before the game that Flo was going to hit one or two, and he hit two,” said Webb, who tossed seven innings for a league-leading eighth time in 14 starts to earn the win. “For his entire career, when Flo gets hot, he gets hot. He’s a pro’s pro. He hasn’t changed one bit since I met him. Everyday, he does the exact same thing. I think when you’re pretty consistent in what you do, good things happen.”

It was the ninth multi-homer game of Flores’ career and the fourth time he has hit three in the span of two games.

Entering the road trip, Flores was hitting the ball softer, on average, than 99% of major leaguers, but after his grand slam the previous game, Melvin remarked on its exit velocity — 105 mph — and his two homers Friday were struck at 99.7 and 105.5 mph.

“And batting practice has been much better, too,” Melvin said. “It seems like he’s been in a better position to extend. Sometimes he catches the ball a little deep and it doesn’t come off the bat as well. But he’s been working on getting the bat head out there and getting extended and in good position to drive the ball.”

The only change he has made recently, he said, was to be more aggressive. The two pitches he attacked were middle-middle fastballs in hitters’ counts.

“Nothing has changed much,” he said. “You know things are coming, right? When things are going bad, you’ve just got to be patient and keep working. I don’t allow myself to go crazy about baseball.”

To earn a win behind Webb for the first time in four starts and only the second time in his past eight times on the mound, it required one more power stroke, creating the Giants’ biggest power display over two games since they homered eight times against the Padres in México City last April.

Webb mostly mowed through the Rangers’ order, striking out six without walking a batter over seven innings but ran into trouble in the fifth, allowing the first two batters of the inning to reach base and score to even the game at 2. It was the eighth time this season Webb has gone seven or more innings, the most in the majors, but the Giants have gotten only two such starts in 50 games from the rest of their rotation.

“I thought to start the game that was probably the best stuff I’ve had all year,” Webb said. “As the game went on I felt like I missing a little bit more arm-side, but I can’t be nit-picky. I felt really good. There was a lot of stuff we’ve been working on that looked pretty good today.”

While Flores’ power swing has been absent from the lineup for much of the season for performance reasons — his past two games still left him with a .224 average and .651 OPS — the Giants missed Conforto during the 19 games he missed with a hamstring strain and welcomed him back earlier this week.

Conforto was one of the Giants’ most productive hitters before landing on the injured list, and he provided a reminder in his third time back in the starting lineup.

“Earlier in the at-bat, I took a bad swing on a cutter. It was a big swing. I just had a feeling he was going to go back to it,” Conforto said. “Always have to try to remember less is more, especially with cutter guys, the ball’s going to jump if I just get the barrel there. Just a good in-at-bat adjustment. It was good to see the ball leave the yard again.”

Driving in an insurance run with his third hit of the night the following inning was none other than Heliot Ramos, who didn’t look out of place making his first start of the season in center field and continued his hot hitting at the plate, recording multiple hits for the 11th time since he was called up May 8.

“He’s been super impressive in every facet,” said Conforto, who lined up next to him in left field. “One of the first things I noticed when he came up was just how hard he plays. He’s getting down to first very quickly. Really hard 90s. Just the effort and the energy. And then he starts hitting the crap out of the ball and, really, as the league adjusts very quickly, he’s been able to adjust with them.”

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After being re-evaluated in Arizona on Thursday, LHP Blake Snell (groin) could be back on a mound by next week. “It seems to be a little bit more on the milder side than it was last time,” Melvin said of the adductor strain that landed the left-hander on the injured list for a second time in as many months.

At Triple-A Sacramento, RHP Spencer Bivens was named the Pacific Coast League pitcher of the month, the first monthly leaguewide honors earned by a River Cats player since Austin Slater in 2016. Recording his eighth save of the season Thursday night, the 29-year-old right-hander signed out of independent ball extended his scoreless streak to 10 appearances, spanning 17⅔ innings.

Up next

Both teams have their starters for the final two games of the series listed as TBA, but it should be some combination of RHP Keaton Winn (3-6, 6.17), RHP Spencer Howard (0-0, 2.08) and a possible opener against LHP Andrew Heaney (2-6, 3.99) and RHP Nathan Eovaldi (2-2, 2.70) for the Rangers.

Bruce Bochy, Bob Melvin add new chapter to long history with SF Giants’ series vs. Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas — Watching Bob Melvin jump from one National League West team to another this winter, Bruce Bochy shared the same observation made by many Giants fans who remembered their beloved former skipper make the same move a decade prior.

“He may have mentioned that I’m following some of the places that he’s gone,” Melvin said Friday before his Giants opened their series against Bochy’s new club, the Texas Rangers, sharing some of the words his predecessor had for him when he took the job in November.

“More than anything it was just, ‘Hey, I’m happy for you that you’re back home. Go get ‘em.’ “

Bochy left the Padres in 2006 and the next year begun a 13-year reign in San Francisco, where he won three World Series championships. After years of managing on the other side of the Bay, Melvin took over the Padres in 2021 and just two years later was charting the same path as Bochy up the coast.

It wasn’t the first time the pair of baseball lifers had taken parallel paths, but typically it had placed them in opposite dugouts.

Facing off this weekend at Globe Life Field, Melvin, 62, and Bochy, 69, added yet another venue and another pair of uniforms to their vast history.

“A lot of history over the years of Bob and I managing against each other,” Bochy said. “We’ve been around a long time.”

“I managed against him all the way back in the Arizona days. I might’ve even seen him in Seattle, somewhere,” Melvin said, sensing a theme. “So we’ve been doing this a long time together.”

Bochy began his managerial career in San Diego in 1995, when he was 40 years old. Melvin was 41 when he was named the first-year manager of the Mariners in 2003. Still around multiple decades later, the two men now occupy the top two spots on the leaderboard of the winningest active managers.

Bochy’s 2,123 wins places him seventh all-time; Melvin’s 1,547 rank 25th. Next on the list, also hailing from the NL West, is Bud Black, more than 400 shy of Melvin.

Discounting their playing days, when both were backup catchers for NL West rivals, the two most veteran managers in the sport have faced off 154 times in the regular season entering this weekend. They have been interleague rivals twice, intradivision foes twice and regular old opponents numerous times along the way.

Over their 18 years sharing two of the 30 manager’s chairs around the majors, Melvin has gotten the best of Bochy, 84-70, including a 28-25 advantage over 10 years of facing off in the annual Bay Bridge series.

“It’s always cool to be on the same field as him, opposing dugouts,” Melvin said. “But I try not to say, OK, I’m managing against him. I try not to face him. I try to do my thing with our team. What was cool was it was the A’s and the Giants and in the Bay Area that always had a little more oomph to it.”

Asked whether this year’s meeting carried any extra meeting, coming against his former club, Bochy demurred.

Most of the memories from his time in San Francisco he took care of last year, when he made his first return visit.

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“You know what, it’s always good to see some old friends,” Bochy said. “Time has gone by. I’ve been here a year and half. Last year we played in San Francisco. I’ll catch up with a few guys. Those memories were great memories. I had some great friendships there, and there are still some there.”

The Rangers were 69-47 when they came to Oracle Park last year and went on to win the World Series, adding a fourth ring to Bochy’s collection. More than a third of the way into this season, however, injuries and underperformance have put them in the same position as the Giants, hanging around .500.

“I think that’s fair to say” that there are parallels between the two clubs, Bochy said. “Both are trying to get on track, get on a nice run or (find) some nice consistency. … we’re both trying to win games now. We haven’t quite hit our strides, either team.”

Guide to Delta One and Delta First Class: What does each offer?

Will Essilfie | (TNS) Bankrate.com

Delta Air Lines is one of the largest airlines based in the United States, having transported over 190 million customers to 290 destinations around the world in 2023, the company says, with plenty of options for frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike.

But for its most premium flyers, Delta offers two options that enable you to have a more comfortable and efficient journey from check-in to landing. Continue reading to learn about Delta’s premium cabin offerings — Delta One and First Class — and what to know about both before you book your next flight.

Delta One and Delta First Class are the most premium cabin options on Delta flights. Delta One is the airline’s most premium cabin offered on long-haul routes as well as select transcontinental flights within the United States. It offers a lie-flat seat that turns into a bed and premium food and drink options.

Although “first class” usually denotes the best an airline has to offer, Delta First refers to the airline’s domestic front-of-cabin seats that are a larger recliner seat vs. a lie-flat experience.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from Delta One and how it differs from Delta First Class:

Delta One

Delta One is the airline’s most premium cabin offered throughout its fleet. Every Delta One flight includes lie-flat seats, access to the Delta Sky Club airport lounges, and SkyPriority to ensure fast and smooth check-in and boarding experiences. Once in the air, Delta One passengers also receive a refined culinary experience with a variety of seasonal meal options inspired by regions around the world, wine pairings and complimentary spirits and handcrafted amenity kits.

But the airline didn’t stop there.

In 2017, Delta began flying an updated version of Delta One seats known as Delta One suites. In addition to being a lie-flat seat, these suites include a full-height door that passengers can close for additional privacy along with a Do Not Disturb sign that can be activated. The seats include enhanced memory foam cushioning, improved storage options within the suite for your shoes and underseat carry-on, customizable ambient lighting, and upgraded high resolution entertainment screens.

Delta One suite seats have direct aisle access and can be found on board the airline’s Airbus A350 and A330-900neo planes. For passengers on Delta’s Boeing 767-400 fleet, you can expect a modified version of the suite, but without a door.

Regardless of seat, expect a premium environment and a seat that can lie-flat for sweet dreaming on all Delta One experiences. Delta One is available on long-haul international flights (like New York to Accra, Ghana or Atlanta to Cape Town, South Africa) and select domestic transcontinental routes (like San Francisco to New York).

Delta One airport amenities

The perks of being a Delta One passenger begin at the check-in experience. Included with your ticket is Sky Priority, which provides access to dedicated check-in areas, priority security lines (at select airports) and early boarding. If you check a bag (two free checked bags are included with your Delta One ticket), your bags will be expedited to arrive first at baggage claim once you reach your destination. In select airports, including LAX in Los Angeles and JFK in New York, Delta One passengers have access to exclusive entrances and premium check-in areas.

Once you’ve made it through security, you have access to Delta’s airport lounges, the Delta Sky Clubs, where you can enjoy free food, drinks, WiFi, TV and even a shower in some locations prior to boarding. Starting later this year, Delta plans to begin opening exclusive premium lounges, starting in New York-JFK and Los Angeles-LAX, that will be accessible to select people, including Delta One passengers. Details are limited, but expect an even better on-ground experience once these lounges open.

Delta One seat options

While all Delta One cabins offer lie-flat seats, the experience and seat offerings can vary depending on the operating aircraft for your flight.

On older aircraft (including the Boeing 767-300, premium 757s, Airbus A330-300 fleets), Delta One seats offer an older seat with a smaller entertainment screen and no doors. On premium 757 planes, seats are in a 2×2 configuration, meaning not all seats have direct aisle access.

On newer aircraft (including the Airbus A330-900 neo and Airbus A350-900 fleets), you can find the latest Delta One suites product.

If you want to know the aircraft for your route to ensure you are in a Delta One suite, check for the Delta One suites tag when searching flights on Delta’s website.

Delta One flight amenities

Once you’ve boarded and found your seat, expect to find a handcrafted amenity kit by Someone Somewhere. Inside the kit, you will find a toothbrush, lotion, lip balm and other tools to help make your flight more comfortable.

Alongside the kit will be a comfortable duvet and pillow to use during the flight. On select ultra long-haul flights you will also be offered a lumbar pillow that can also function as a mattress pad.

Your suite also includes a larger entertainment screen (and access to hundreds of TV shows, movies, podcasts and music through Delta Studio), WiFi, universal outlets and high-powered USB ports to keep your devices fully charged during the flight.

Delta also offers free messaging through iMessage, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp on all WiFIi enabled flights.

Delta One meal options

Delta continues to elevate meal options onboard its aircraft. In addition to offering a variety of meal options to meet most dietary needs (must be reserved ahead of your flight), the airline has been rolling out the ability to pre-select or opt-out of a meal for your upcoming flight, giving you better clarity into what to expect once onboard.

Food and drink offerings

Delta has spent the last few years upgrading its onboard product offerings, including its food and beverage program.

Delta One passengers can enjoy a dining experience with seasonal, chef-curated meals (your choice of entrée, bread and dessert) made with locally sourced ingredients and paired with wines, top-shelf spirits or assorted beers. Entrees can change depending on your departing airport. On flights from Japan, you might be offered ramen noodles as an entree versus on a flight from Accra you may be offered local jollof rice, letting you try dishes from around the world.

*****

Delta First Class

Delta’s First Class fare option offers many of the same amenities as Delta One, though it’s missing some of the special touches that set the Delta One experience apart.

Delta First Class airport amenities

Customers flying First Class on Delta Air Lines enjoy many of the same airport amenities as Delta One passengers, including SkyPriority services (accelerated check-in, security and baggage handling), priority boarding and two free checked bags weighing up to 70 pounds each. What First Class doesn’t come with, though, is day-of-departure Sky Club access and a guaranteed lie-flat seat once on board.

Delta First seat options

Most Delta First seats are recliner style with a large, push seat and entertainment screen. On newer A321neo aircrafts, Delta is rolling out a new first class seat that provides privacy shields, more space to store your phone during the flight and larger, high resolution entertainment screens. All seats provide a comfortable experience to help your journey fly on by.

Delta First Class flight amenities

Delta’s First Class cabin provides premium perks similar to that of Delta One, with a dedicated flight attendant and chef-prepared meals that can vary depending on your route.

While there are differences depending on the aircraft, seats in First Class offer an extra eight inches of legroom and can recline an additional 50 percent compared to seats in the Main Cabin.

Many First-Class seats also feature seatback screens of up to 11 inches, albeit with fewer entertainment options than those in Delta One suites, and flyers who forget their headphones will be offered a free pair of earbuds.

Other Delta First Class benefits include plenty of built-in outlets and fast WiFi to help you stay productive in the air but the pillow and blanket waiting at your seat — while flimsier compared with Delta One’s bedding — may entice you to have a snooze so you can arrive at your destination rested and refreshed.

Delta First meal options

Delta First provides a meal option on most flights with a variety of fresh and delicious options. Similarly to Delta One, Delta often allows passengers in First Class to pre-select their meal ahead of their flight via the Fly Delta app or main website.

Food and drink offerings

Delta Air Lines’ First Class food and drink offerings vary by mileage. Here’s what you can expect based on the length of your flight:

—Less than 900 miles: Prepackaged snacks (one sweet and one savory, these may include the airline’s now-ubiquitous Biscoff cookies, goldfish crackers, potato chips and Clif bars); bottled water, tea and Starbucks coffee; complimentary beer and wine service as well as mini cans of soda, juices and mixers

—900 to 2,299 miles: All of the above, and may include meal service depending on the time of day (breakfast for flights between 5 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., lunch on 9:46 a.m. to 3:59 p.m. flights, dinner on 4 p.m. to 8:59 p.m. flights)

—2,300+ miles: All of the above, plus full meal service 24 hours per day

How to use your Delta SkyMiles for a cabin upgrade

The number of Delta SkyMiles required for a cabin upgrade varies based on the flight, time of year and what kind of upgrade you want.

Delta SkyMiles are dynamically priced, so there’s no fixed award chart to make an easy estimate. (That said, we peg the value of Delta SkyMiles at around 1.2 cents on average, according to our latest airline mile valuations.)

Luckily, using your Delta SkyMiles to book a cabin upgrade is easy. All you have to do is choose “Upgrade with Miles” in your Trip Summary on Delta.com prior to finalizing your purchase.

If you already booked your ticket, log in at Delta.com or the Fly Delta app, find your reservation in “My Trips,” pick an available seat and choose “Pay with Miles.” (You can also set your account preferences to automatically request an upgrade whenever you make a reservation with your SkyMiles number.)

If you don’t see an option to upgrade your seat online or in the app, you may be able to get help from a SkyMiles representative. Here’s how:

—Call Delta Reservations at 1-800-221-1212.

—Ask to book a mileage upgrade award.

—If an upgrade is available, your reservation is eligible and you have enough SkyMiles in your frequent flyer account, the representative can confirm your upgrade over the phone.

In addition, all Delta Medallion members (regardless of their tier) qualify for unlimited, complimentary upgrades to First Class — no miles required. (You could even get a day-of-departure upgrade to Delta One on U.S. flights, when available.)

Medallion members who have Diamond status can use a global upgrade certificate on both international and domestic Delta flights in addition to select flights with Delta Air Lines partners, such as Air France or Virgin Atlantic.

Diamond and Platinum members alike can trade in a regional upgrade certificate to move up to First Class or the domestic Delta One experience on the same routes that qualify for free upgrades.

Delta cabin upgrades are refundable for credit after purchase, which means you’ll receive your upgrade cost back as miles or eCredit depending on how you purchased your upgrade.

FAQs

—What is Delta business class called? Delta’s premium business class product is known as Delta One. It’s an enhanced business-class option the airline offers on longer international flights and select domestic routes.

—Can I use the Delta lounge when flying business class? While Delta One passengers have full access to Delta airport lounges before flying, First Class customers on domestic flights do not — unless you’re a SkyMiles member with Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion status (or hold a qualifying Delta credit card, such as the Delta SkyMiles Reserve or Reserve Business).

—Is Delta First Class better than Delta One? Delta First Class is a different level of service and seat features compared to Delta One but is still considered a premium offering. On domestic flights and select short-haul international flights, Delta First Class is the highest service class offered on the plane. When flying on routes with Delta First Class, you can expect a larger seat (but most likely a non lie-flat seat) and other premium class amenities. Be sure to review which service class you will be in before purchasing your ticket.

The bottom line

If you are looking for a more premium experience when flying with Delta, Delta One and Delta First Class are both great options for ensuring a more comfortable journey. Delta aircraft only offer one, not both of these cabins on flights. When flying domestic, expect that you will be in a Delta First cabin barring select premium transcontinental routes. For long-haul international routes, relax and unwind in Delta One with a lie-flat seat, amenity kits and premium food and drink offerings to make your trip a memorable one.

Delta is almost always near the top of J.D. Power’s North America Airline Satisfaction study and offers a great experience for passengers for both short and long-haul flights. Ultimately, when considering a premium experience or upgrade, be sure to keep in mind if the cost and other benefits make sense for you. If they do, Delta One and Delta First can make a long journey even more pleasurable.

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(Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.)

©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

What to stream: Go behind the music with these new documentaries

Katie Walsh | Tribune News Service

There are a few new and notable music documentaries following the lives and careers of some of the most iconic American rock musicians of the 20th century that have debuted recently on streaming and are worth checking out.

The Cyndi Lauper documentary “Let the Canary Sing,” which debuted Tuesday, June 4, on Paramount+, takes an in-depth look at the life and career of the talented Brooklyn songstress, as well as her lasting legacy as a pioneering feminist pop artist. The film follows a traditional biopic format, with interviews with Lauper and her closest family, friends and collaborators, but what makes it interesting is the granular examination of how she established her signature look and sound, and what makes it distinctive. There’s an extended sequence about the writing and arrangement of her iconic anthem “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” not just the unique sound of the song, and her voice, but the styling of the music video, and how she and her team managed to make it a hit thanks to professional wrestling of all things (Lou Albano played her dad in the video). Directed by Alison Ellwood, who also directed the 2020 documentary “The Go-Gos,” “Let the Canary Sing” is a rousing tribute to the singular force that is Cyndi Lauper. Stream it on Paramount+

Over on Hulu, rock out with the four-part documentary miniseries “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” which looks at the epic rise of the enduring hair metal band from New Jersey. Framed around rehearsals for a new tour, the doc follows Jon Bon Jovi (aka Jon Bongiovi) on the cusp of his 60th birthday, reflecting on the past. Each episode chronicles a different chapter in the Bon Jovi story, their meteoric rise to fame, tensions among the band, and reaching new generations of fans. The documentary series is directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Gotham Chopra. Stream all four parts on Hulu now.

Or, catch a wave with “The Beach Boys” streaming on Disney+. This documentary, directed by Frank Marshall and Thom Zimmy, features most of the members of the iconic surf rock band, who defined the fantasy of California life back in the 1960s. Scholars and famous fans including Janelle Monae and Lindsey Buckingham help to explicate the genius of the Beach Boys, who were a family band of three brothers, a cousin and a friend, singing about surfing and beach life — and going toe-to-toe with the lads from Liverpool, the Beatles. However, the documentary has been criticized for not fully exploring the famous rift between Mike Love and Brian Wilson, and dismissing some of Wilson’s more critically acclaimed experiments like “Pet Sounds” and “Smile.” Check it out for yourself on Disney+.

And for something more bite-sized, the YouTube channel Drumeo has a truly addictive series for music fans. They get famous drummers into the studio, play them a drumless track of a song they’ve never heard before, and then record what they come up with. Watch Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers tear into a freestyle over a 30 Seconds to Mars track, or Megadeth’s Dirk Verbeuren tackle the Killers and Paramore. Once you start, it’s hard to stop, just watching incredibly talented people do what they do best. It’s spellbinding. Check it out on Drumeo’s YouTube channel.

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(Katie Walsh is the Tribune News Service film critic and co-host of the “Miami Nice” podcast.)

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Community rallies to provide backpacks and school supplies to students in need

Volunteers spent Friday morning stuffing backpacks full of free school supplies to support children in homeless or near homeless conditions. The fundraising for the 14th annual Stuff the Bus fundraising drive kicked off at the same time, accepting donations to provide children with the necessary school supplies for the upcoming school year.

School data indicates there were around 11,500 local students experiencing homelessness last year. Homeless children can be defined as those “who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence,” according to United Way Monterey County. Students who live in motels, cars, shelters, campgrounds, etc. can fall under this category.

“The idea is that if we give all of our young people a backpack full of school supplies, on that first day of school they’re going to walk in feeling empowered and encouraged that they have everything they need to start the school year off well,” said Deneen Guss, Monterey County superintendent of education.

United Way Monterey County and the Monterey County Office of Education partner to fundraise for the program.

United Way is a local organization focusing on improving lives in Monterey County through an emphasis on financial stability. The organization offers financial literacy programs, tax preparation services, referrals for mental health services, low-cost childcare and more.

“We’re bringing people together to make this happen,” said United Way CEO and President Katy Castagna. United Way coordinates and buys the supplies through donations. The organization buys pallets of supplies including thousands of backpacks that then get distributed through the 24 districts and eight charter schools in the county, according to Castagna.

 

From left to right: Katy Castagna (president and CEO of United Way Monterey County), Deneen Guss, (Monterey County superintendent of education), Sheri Cline (event sponsor through Pinnacle Bank) and Jennifer Kuyper (event sponsor through Pinnacle Bank). (Andrea Valadez – Monterey Herald)

“Many people in our community want to help. You may not be a teacher but (if) you care about education, this is a direct way to help by donating and helping us buy supplies and knowing those supplies are going to get to the kids throughout the county that need them most,” said Castagna.

Volunteers from the various sponsors such as Pinnacle Bank, Montage Health and Wescom Credit Union helped stuff the backpacks that will then be sent to students across the county that are in financial need. Federal Credit Union, California American Water, Cannery Row Company and the Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove Rotary Clubs are also some of the sponsors for this year’s fundraiser.

“Because of the donations and these corporate events, we’re able to fund 6,300 backpacks a year,” said Sonia Jaramillo, senior director of Head Start, a program for low-income three-five year old’s to begin pre-school that is run through the county office of education.

Friday’s event was specifically for the Head Start program, but the fundraising for Stuff the Bus benefits students throughout the county, said Jaramillo. “It’s really nice to see the support for our students.”

The event, held at the county office of education’s new Discovery Academy on Hartnell College’s Alisal campus, was built for students in the early learning program. While volunteers were stuffing the backpacks, families who have kids attending the pre-school had the opportunity to stop by and get their own supplies.

Friday’s fundraising event happened at the Discovery Academy, an early learning pre-school program for low-income students located on Hartnell College’s Alisal campus. (Andrea Valadez – Monterey Herald)

“The backpacks are a big help for people like my family who don’t have many resources,” said Federico Guzman in Spanish. Guzman’s daughter, Camilla, was one of the young children in line Friday to get a backpack full of school supplies. “We’re very grateful for these programs, it has helped my daughter a lot.”

Guzman’s daughter just graduated from the Discovery Academy. “She’s advanced a lot because of this program so I’m very grateful,” said Guzman.

Many of the students who qualify for the backpacks are also protected under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a program signed into law in 1987. The act established protections for homeless youth and removed barriers to enrollment and academic success.

Among other things, McKinney-Vento requires school districts to immediately enroll students in homeless conditions regardless of if proof of residency and other required documents are available. The act also provides students with enrollment in a school nutrition program and requires districts to provide transportation to and from school.

“We have over 18,000 students every year that qualify for the McKinney-Vento program,” said Guss. “So every opportunity like this where all the partner agencies from all over the county can contribute both financially or by volunteering to help stuff the backpacks, it allows us to get this much needed supplies to the people who need it the most.”

“All of us can relate to the first day of school, the new pencils, the fresh notebooks, the sharp crayons. Tapping into that special feeling and making sure every student gets to experience that is pretty special,” said Castagna. “It’s thrilling to associate such a positive experience with education because that’s something that will carry with them throughout their lives.”

Donations for the Stuff the Bus program can be made at https://www.unitedwaymcca.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=62.

‘The Watchers’ review: With a dark story set in Ireland, new Shyamalan comes out to play

A steady, largely effective adaptation of the 2022 novel by A.M. Shine, writer-director Ishana Night Shyamalan’s “The Watchers” stars Dakota Fanning as an American working in a pet shop in Galway, Ireland, vaping her current life away.

A long-distance parrot delivery takes her (and parrot) to the Connemara region in western Ireland, through a scenic, oddly unmapped patch of forest where The Watchers reside. These creatures, barely glimpsed at first, move quickly, are prone to unsettling shrieks and, as the film proceeds, require more and more expository interludes for the four humans trapped in those woods. For now, they’re protected by a sleek concrete and glass bunker. Fanning’s character, Mina, is the fourth and latest visitor/prisoner, and the most determined to scoot.

The script follows the book’s story beats quite faithfully. The leader of the human survivors, Madeline (snow-haired beauty Olwen Fouéré, whose unblinking intensity makes every utterance stick), has been trapped in the magical forest — magical in a not-fun way — the longest. Ciara, whose husband has gone missing-presumed-dead in the woods, is played by Georgina Campbell (also good, though the role feels thin). Twitchy, slightly off Daniel (Oliver Finnegan) makes the best of things and follows all the rules for survival, dutifully.

The Watchers come out of their subterranean tunnels when the sun sets, and (no spoilers here) appear to have a great interest in simply studying the humans behind the thick but not impenetrable windows of the bunker. How’d that bunker get there? What do these Watchers look like? What do they want? What past tragedy haunts Mina? As in the novel, the answers emerge in due course.

Two lost souls (Georgina Campbell and Dakota Fanning) explore a mysterious, unmapped forest in western Ireland in “The Watchers.” (Warner Bros. Pictures)

The most insinuating elements of this debut feature (Shyamalan’s filmmaker father, M. Night Shyamalan, served as one of the producers) point to a filmmaker of legitimate promise and a knack for slow builds. The movie isn’t gory (strike one in 2024) or innately sadistic (strike two). It’s also a little sludgy in the writing. There are times in “The Watchers” when Madeline, a sometime educator, we’re told, turns into a de facto adjunct professor specializing in expository restatement.

Time and the next feature will tell if Shyamalan can further develop her visual assurance while realizing not every story turn benefits from a verbal recap or footnote. Even with its drawbacks, I found “The Watchers” worth watching, even with its odd (and perhaps too faithful to the book) final 15 minutes. The director works well with cinematographer Eli Arenson to envelop the chamber-sized ensemble in various shades of dread, or comfort.

This tale of supernatural riddles wouldn’t work at all if we couldn’t invest in Mina’s psychic burden. Fanning doesn’t have to stress it; she knows how to let it come through in small matters of body language, and in the eyes. That makes acting sound easy, which it is not. Neither is adapting a story involving a dense underlay of folklore, in this case to imperfect but absorbing results.

“The Watchers” — 3 stars (out of 4)

MPA rating: PG-13 (for violence, terror and some thematic elements)

Running time: 1:42

How to watch: Premieres in theaters June 7

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

Push for defibrillators in schools becomes personal

Ariel Cohen | (TNS) CQ-Roll Call

Matthew Mangine and Rep. Andy Barr are tied together by unimaginable loss and one singular, horrible date: June 16, 2020.

That’s the day Mangine, a dad from northern Kentucky, lost his 16-year-old son, who collapsed at a soccer practice and later died from a cardiac event. It’s also the day Barr’s wife, Carol, collapsed on a Zoom call and later died, also from a cardiac event. She was 39.

Last month, Mangine went to Barr’s Washington, D.C., office and asked him to back legislation that would increase access to automated external defibrillators in schools. He argued a defibrillator could have saved his boy’s life. When he mentioned the day of his son’s death, Barr looked stunned.

“That’s the exact day we lost Carol,” the Kentucky Republican said.

This is the third Congress in a row that lawmakers have introduced legislation to promote access to emergency defibrillators in schools across the nation through grant programs.

But this year, lawmakers like Barr, who have seen their lives upended because of sudden cardiac arrests, may make the difference in that bill’s success.

“This is an issue that transcends party affiliation,” House lead sponsor Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., said. “We’re getting the feedback that before the end of the year it should be passed.

“But we can’t stress enough the urgency — especially as our kids are moving into the summer playing sports.”

Federal efforts

The bicameral, bipartisan bill, introduced this session by Cherfilus-McCormick in the House and Cory Booker, D-N.J., in the Senate would create a federal standard for cardiac arrest response in schools by increasing student access to AEDs and developing emergency response plans.

When the legislation was introduced in the 116th and 117th Congresses, it didn’t even make it out of committee.

But this Congress, the initial House version had more than 110 co-sponsors, including Barr, before it was incorporated into a larger bill aimed at increasing awareness of cardiomyopathy and helping schools deal with cardiac events. The Energy and Commerce Committee approved the larger bill in March.

In addition to promoting AEDs in schools, the larger bill, introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-N.J., includes requirements around CPR training. It also would require the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, patient advocacy groups and health professional organizations to develop educational materials for schools, teachers and parents.

The Senate version of the AED bill has not moved out of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. House lawmakers are hopeful that passing the bill in the House could spur the Senate to act.

The office of Senate HELP Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

House staffers said it’s been difficult for the bill to pick up as much momentum in the Senate because of the bill’s price tag. Pallone’s bill would authorize $25 million per year for five years, from fiscal 2025 to 2029, including funding for the AEDs bill.

But Cherfilus-McCormick’s office found a loophole so the bill doesn’t count as new spending, and is requesting funds through an expired grant program.

‘Damar Hamlin effect’

Advocates also credit the recent interest in cardiac arrest policy to what they call the “Damar Hamlin effect.”

Americans watched live as the Buffalo Bills safety collapsed on the field in January 2023 and was then resuscitated with CPR and defibrillation.

In the days after the incident, the American Heart Association experienced a 600 percent jump in views on its CPR how-to webpage. In the months to follow, the NFL began providing CPR training for teams and local communities. And state legislatures’ interest in providing schools with defibrillators also jumped.

Sudden cardiac arrests, which are different from heart attacks, can happen to anyone and are often fatal without intervention. Only 10 percent of people who experience a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting survive, but if bystanders know how to use an AED or perform CPR, the chances of survival skyrocket to 44 percent, according to the national Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival.

About 23,000 children per year experience a cardiac event outside a hospital setting, and 40 percent of those incidents are sports-related. In schools with AEDs, about 70 percent of kids survive cardiac arrests, the American Heart Association found.

One in 200 people have an underlying cardiac condition that can make them vulnerable to sudden cardiac death, said Dermot Phelan, a sports cardiologist in Charlotte, N.C.

While not everyone with an underlying condition will experience a cardiac event, extended stress on the heart or a rush of adrenaline can trigger one. That’s why Phelan said it’s crucial for there to be an emergency protocol in athletics.

Phelan described what he calls an “exercise paradox” — people who exercise are likely to have healthy hearts and live longer lives, but sudden cardiac deaths are 25 percent higher in athletes versus nonathletes.

Liability concerns

AEDs are generally a popular bipartisan issue, but state legislation to expand their scope has faced pushback from those who worry that placing the devices in schools is too expensive or creates too much legal liability. There’s also concern that bystanders are afraid to use the devices.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia include AED usage as part of their “good Samaritan” laws, which shield a bystander from civil liability for aiding someone in an emergency. But not all such laws completely protect people, argued AED compliance expert Richard Lazar, president of Readiness Systems. Depending on the state, a law may only cover limited activities, meaning AED cases gone wrong can end up in court.

“It’s a myth in the industry and among sellers of AEDs that good Samaritan protections exist when, in large measure, they do not,” Lazar said.

Reps. Gerald E. Connolly, D-Va., and Scott Franklin, R-Fla., have introduced a bill to provide more civil liability protections related to the use of AEDs by providing broad protections to the person who used the AED as well as the owner. But the legislation hasn’t moved beyond introduction.

A personal issue on Capitol Hill

Barr’s wife Carol died in 2020 at age 39 from a sudden cardiac event caused by a mitral valve prolapse. Carol was diagnosed with her heart condition at a young age, but physicians told her that the condition was benign and not a cause for worry.

Carol Barr had just finished a work presentation on Zoom when her co-workers saw her collapse. Barr said he when left the house in the morning, it was just like any other day. You wouldn’t have known anything was wrong.

“That’s the thing about heart attacks. It’s like, ‘one minute you’re perfect, the next minute you’re gone,’” Barr said.

The ordeal led Barr to lead support of a law passed in 2022 to authorize a National Institutes of Health grant program to support research on valvular heart disease. That law also instructed the CDC to increase public awareness of sudden cardiac death. The law is called the Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act — the CAROL Act.

This year, Barr led a letter, along with 21 other bipartisan House members, asking the House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee to provide $20 million in fiscal 2025 for NIH research on valvular heart disease as part of his bill. He also asked the committee to provide $5 million to expand the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival and $3 million for the CDC’s Heart Valve Disease Education and Awareness campaign.

Barr is not a co-sponsor of Pallone’s legislation but he said he is a supporter. He said he thinks the bill could easily pass under suspension because of the personal nature of the issue, and plans to bring up the topic with Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., at their next meeting.

“I know other members have had children or other family members who have had cardiac events,” Barr said. “I choose to go very public … it’s a legacy.”

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©2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Horoscopes June 7, 2024: Bill Hader, dance to the beat

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Iggy Azalea, 34; Michael Cera, 36; Bill Hader, 46; Liam Neeson, 72.

Happy Birthday: Keep an open mind, but don’t let anyone trick you into something that doesn’t promote your agenda this year. Think big, hone your skills and prepare to make a big splash. Don’t limit what you can do because someone is standing in your way. It’s a great time in your life to defy what and who you disagree with and dance to the beat that makes you feel alive. Your numbers are 8, 19, 24, 27, 32, 38, 45.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Channel your energy wisely, or you will end up in a controversial situation that puts you in a vulnerable position. Be a good listener, and you’ll discover the best way to maneuver your way forward without setting off alarms or facing a no-win situation. Go about your business. 4 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Consider your next move and initiate the personal changes that will make your life nicer. A better balance between work and home will ease your mind and encourage you to recognize and be grateful for what you have. Budget for an expense you anticipate. 3 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Express yourself openly and advance your plans. Don’t waste time on people or projects that don’t have meaning or purpose. Head in a direction that makes you feel passionate about life and achieve your desired happiness. Be true to yourself. 3 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Get moving. A lot depends on your willingness to take charge and get things done. Putting things off will weigh heavy on your mind and conflict with an opportunity that could develop. Take advantage of an unfolding situation. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your creativity is peaking, and your intuition will back how you feel. A receptive mind and observation will carry you forward and encourage you to connect with people who can help further your agenda. Love, romance and prospects for a brighter future are apparent. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Pay attention to detail, regardless of what others tell you. Perfection and going the extra mile will make a difference in how others react. Refuse to let emotions interfere with decisions. A practical approach coupled with common sense is the quickest route to success. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A diplomatic attitude will pay off, helping you gain insight into using your knowledge, experience and skills to your advantage. A chance to converse with someone in a position to help you will lead to an unexpected opportunity. Show your strengths, and something good will transpire. 2 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Count your blessings and pennies. Play it safe, and you won’t be sorry. Stick to a foolproof plan and only make changes that bring you closer to your goal. Don’t let temptation and emotions take over. Being honest with yourself will deter unnecessary mistakes. 5 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll gravitate toward situations that can result in added expenses. Budget wisely, and sign up only for what you can afford. Cancel unwanted subscriptions and protect against scammers. Pay attention to self-improvement and nurturing meaningful relationships. 3 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Make domestic alterations that make your life easier and put your mind at rest. Address emotional situations and clear up misunderstandings or petty differences that can lead to confusion or unwanted arguments. Have a plan that offers incentives to anyone who may stand in your way. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Calm down and reconstruct your lifestyle to suit your needs. Refuse to let outsiders interfere. Make changes to your surroundings that are conducive to what you want to pursue, and it will boost your confidence and encourage you to put yourself first. Choose peace over chaos. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get the facts before you make a move. Someone will exaggerate or try to convince you to make a change or buy into something costly. Enforce discipline into your routine and focus on what you can accomplish that will encourage financial gains and peace of mind. 2 stars

Birthday Baby: You are outgoing, resourceful and impulsive. You are resilient and tireless.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes. 2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others. 3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals. 4 stars: Aim high; start new projects. 5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

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