All posts by PARKERYL

Dreaming of a retirement filled with sunny days, scenic views, and an active lifestyle? Lake Havasu City, AZ, offers exactly that without breaking the bank. Located on the east side of the iconic Lake Havasu, it’s the largest city in Mohave County, with a population of nearly 60,000 and a median age of 53.

Known as “Arizona’s Playground,” Lake Havasu City offers affordable lakefront living, diverse recreation, accessible healthcare, and a vibrant social scene. Let’s explore exactly what makes Lake Havasu City an ideal retirement destination.

Cost of Living in Lake Havasu City, AZ

Affordability is one of the primary factors to consider when choosing a retirement destination, especially for those on a fixed income. Lake Havasu City stands out for its cost of living, which is lower than both Arizona and national averages in key areas such as housing and food.

If you’re interested in homebuying, Lake Havasu City may offer significant savings. Between 2019 and 2023, the median home value in Mohave County averaged $253,200, while the median sales price for the nation averaged $419,200 (the most recent data available). Monthly housing costs tell a similarly promising story, with the median Mohave County resident paying $914, more than 32% lower than the national median of $1,358.

Food expenses in the city are also noticeably more affordable than in many other locations. According to the latest data, the median monthly food cost in Mohave County is just $617, which is $215 lower than the national average of $832.

Healthcare and Accessibility

Access to quality healthcare is essential for retirees, who often require regular medical care. With 391 healthcare establishments and nine hospitals in Mohave County, Lake Havasu City more than satisfies this need. Local retirees can find appropriate medical facilities without having to travel too far, whether they need routine checkups or more specialized treatment.

Reliable transportation is also crucial for retirees, whether for running errands or attending medical appointments. While monthly transportation costs in Mohave County are slightly higher than the national average—$1,199 compared to $1,098 in 2023—Lake Havasu City also offers plenty of affordable and accessible public transportation options.

In addition to standard public bus transportation, that includes shared shuttle services with flexible routes. For example, Lake Havasu City Direct Public Transit provides on-demand rides Monday through Friday between 6:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Seniors and disabled individuals can also reserve dedicated Paratransit trips between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. All rides cost $3.00 each way, making it a highly cost-effective option.

The combination of accessible healthcare, reliable public transportation, and proximity to a major airport can help Lake Havasu City retirees stay independent and well-connected.

Lifestyle and Recreational Activities

If you enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, Lake Havasu City offers year-round potential for adventure. Lake Havasu itself provides endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports, while the surrounding desert landscape—home to 18 different city and state parks—is perfect for hiking, ATV riding, and exploring.

Beyond outdoor recreation, Lake Havasu City boasts multiple iconic attractions. The London Bridge, relocated from England in the 1960s, is a beloved historical landmark. Meanwhile, the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is ideal for birdwatchers, home to 318 species, including endangered ones like the Bell’s vireo.

If you’re drawn more to arts and culture, Mohave County features 62 different artistic establishments, including everything from galleries and museums to live music venues. The local community hosts regular events, like the Annual London Bridge Days Parade, creating plenty of social opportunities for retirees moving to the city or looking for new friends.

The Bottom Line

Lake Havasu City is a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable but fulfilling retirement destination. With the county’s housing and food costs well below average, you can easily enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a fixed income. In addition, its public transportation options and proximity to a major airport make travel readily accessible.

The city’s rich blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and artistic institutions provide a healthy mix of recreational opportunities. Combined with a vibrant local community that hosts plenty of social events, Lake Havasu City is the perfect place to settle down and enjoy your retirement years to the fullest.

New commemorative type to be issued on june 2nd:

“Spanish Navy training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano“

TECHNICAL DATA
Composition: silver .925
Diameter: 33.00 mm
Weight: 18.00 g
Mint: Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (Spain)



LINK: Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre

Located 220 miles east of Seattle, the town of Omak, Washington is a hidden gem nestled in the curve of the Okanogan River and surrounded by national forests. With just over 5,000 residents, it’s the largest city in a small county of about 43,000 people, offering a quiet, close-knit community to match its scenic surroundings.

Named for the Native American word “omache,” meaning “good medicine” or “plenty,” Omak also boasts a below-average cost of living and a surprisingly robust health care system, making it an attractive retirement destination for those looking to balance affordability and quality of life. Let’s explore what it has to offer to help you determine if it’s the right place to spend your golden years.

Cost of Living in Omak, WA

Because retirees often rely on a fixed income, cost of living is one of the primary considerations when choosing a retirement destination. Omak is an attractive option because it’s relatively inexpensive compared to the rest of the U.S. in many ways, allowing you to maintain an enjoyable quality of life without breaking the bank.

For one, housing in Okanogan County is significantly cheaper than in other parts of the country. If you’re interested in homebuying, the median house costs roughly $284,200 (according to the most recent data), almost a third cheaper than the national median of $419,200. Similarly, the typical local spends just $856 per month on housing, while the median American spends $1,358.

Food also tends to cost less in Omak, with the average two-person household spending $593 per month, $239 less than the national household average of $832. You can expect to enjoy budget-friendly restaurants that offer a mix of cuisines, including American, Mexican, and Chinese.

Health Care and Accessibility

Health care is another primary concern for retirees, who may require more frequent medical services than other demographics. Fortunately, Omak and the surrounding area are well-equipped to meet your needs. Okanogan County is home to 64 different health care establishments, including six hospitals, ensuring residents can access care without extensive travel.

However, getting around can be a little more expensive than in other areas of the country. The typical monthly transportation costs in the county average $1,386, higher than the national average of $1,098. In addition, the nearest major airport—Seattle-Tacoma International—is 139 miles away from the county’s center, so long-distance travel isn’t the most accessible. 

Fortunately, there are still convenient and cost-effective local transit options. For example, the Transit for Greater Okanogan (TranGO) offers wheelchair-accessible buses with routes operating from approximately 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. With fares of just $1 per boarding, you should be able to navigate the area affordably.

Lifestyle and Recreational Activities

As practical a choice as Omak can be, there’s more to retirement than worrying about concerns like finances and health care. Enjoying your life is just as important, and Omak offers an idyllic small-town setting, especially for those who love nature.

The Okanogan River runs right through the city, and Omak Lake is only a short drive from the heart of town. Together, they provide plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. Omak is also filled with and surrounded by greenery. In particular, the nearby Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers miles of scenic hiking trails to explore.

Despite its small size, Omak also has a vibrant cultural scene. The town is home to 28 different arts establishments, including the Omak Performing Arts Center—which puts on concerts, seminars, and theater productions—and the Omak Stampede Museum, where you can learn about the region’s rich history.

In addition, Omak fosters a strong sense of community with regular social events suitable for retirees. The farmers’ market runs from June through October in Eastside Park, where you can buy fresh produce and handcrafted goods. Meanwhile, occasions like the annual Harvest Festival and Christmas Parade provide plenty of chances to connect with your neighbors.

The Bottom Line

Omak, Washington offers an appealing combination of affordability, natural beauty, and small-town charm, making it an enticing option for retirees. With a lower-than-average cost of living, strong health care options, and abundant ways to stay active and engaged, it’s an excellent place for a peaceful but fulfilling retirement.

Wells Fargo (WFC) reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings, though CEO Charlie Scharf said the bank is bracing for a slower economy this year amid worries President Donald Trump’s tariffs could weigh on growth.

The lender reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.39 for the quarter, up from $1.20 per share a year ago and above consensus estimates from Visible Alpha. Revenue trailed estimates at $20.15 billion, versus $20.86 billion a year ago.

Net interest income (NII), a key measure of lending profitability, fell to $11.50 billion from $12.23 billion in the first quarter of 2024—below the $11.82 billion analysts anticipated. Wells Fargo blamed the year-over-year decline on lower interest rates, “partially offset by lower deposit pricing and higher deposit balances.”

CEO Scharf said the bank expects “continued volatility and uncertainty,” and is “prepared for a slower economic environment in 2025, but the actual outcome will be dependent on the results and timing of the policy changes.”

“We support the administration’s willingness to look at barriers to fair trade for the United States, though there are certainly risks associated with such significant actions,” Scharf said. “Timely resolution which benefits the U.S. would be good for businesses, consumers, and the markets.”

Wells Fargo shares dropped about 2% in early trading Friday and have lost about 12% of their value since the start of the year.

UPDATE—April 11, 2025: This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect more recent share price values.

Grocery shoppers may soon see some relief on egg prices.

Wholesale chicken egg prices fell 36.2% year-over-year in March, part of a surprising decline in the wholesale-focused Producer Price Index (PPI). The drop comes after a bird flu outbreak helped increase egg prices, creating an ongoing burden for consumers.

While not directly related, wholesale pricing trends can feed into consumer pricing levels, indicating that some relief for egg prices could be on the way.

Lower Gasoline Costs Help Push Wholesale Prices Lower

Overall, wholesale prices fell 0.4% in March compared with the prior month, coming in below economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires’ projections of a 0.2% monthly increase in the PPI. Compared with a year ago, wholesale prices, as measured by PPI, were up 2.7%, also declining from February levels. 

While egg prices dropped significantly, the downward trend in the March PPI report was primarily tied to an 11.1% drop in gasoline prices, which accounted for nearly two-thirds of March’s decline in goods prices, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said. 

The report follows Thursday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which showed that consumers also encountered lighter inflation in March. While this is positive news for consumers, economists warn that it may be short-lived, as President Donald Trump’s tariff policies are expected to push prices higher in coming months.

Steel Mill Prices Rise Following Trump Tariffs on Metals

Some indications were that tariff impacts were already being seen at the wholesale level. After Trump implemented a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel imports, the PPI showed in March that prices for steel mill products jumped more than 7%. 

“Tariffs had some impact on the March PPI beneath the surface and we expect to see more passthrough in the months ahead,” said Nationwide Financial Markets Economist Oren Klachkin.

Executives from across the banking industry spoke on Friday about the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s tariffs, the stock market, and the possibility of a recession.

JPMorgan Chase (JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon said he expects more companies to suspend their full-year guidance amid the uncertainty, something Delta Air Lines (DAL) and CarMax (KMX) did this week.

“You’re going to hear 1,000 companies report, and they’re going to tell you what their guidance is. My guess [is] a lot will remove it,” Dimon said. “They’re going to tell you what they think it might do to their customers, their base, their earnings, their costs, their tariffs. It’s different for every company, but I assume you see that.”

Tariffs ‘Went Beyond Anything I Could Have Imagined,’ BlackRock’s Fink Says

BlackRock (BLK) CEO Larry Fink said in Friday’s earnings call that last week’s tariff announcement “went beyond anything I could have imagined in my 49 years in finance,” according to a transcript from AlphaSense.

Fink also said that despite uncertainty around tariffs dominating the headlines, other “macro forces” like artificial intelligence, rising demand for energy and infrastructure, and the potential for de-regulation under the Trump administration are “just as strong today” as they were earlier this year.

Wells Fargo CEO Scharf Sees ‘Risks’ With Tariffs

“We support the administration’s willingness to look at barriers to fair trade for the United States, though there are certainly risks associated with such significant actions,” Wells Fargo (WFC) CEO Charlie Scharf said in Friday’s earnings release. Scharf added that the bank expects “continued volatility and uncertainty and are prepared for a slower economic environment in 2025, but the actual outcome will be dependent on the results and timing of the policy changes.”

Bank of New York Mellon (BK) CEO Robin Vince noted that the firm is “prepared for a wide range of macroeconomic and market scenarios as the outlook for the operating environment is becoming more uncertain.”

The major U.S. equities indexes edged higher at midday Friday after wavering between losses and gains earlier in the session, as investors digested a slew of bank earnings and China hiked tariffs on U.S. goods.

Shares of Newmont (NEM), which led gains on the S&P 500, and other gold miners surged as the precious metal hit new highs.

JPMorgan Chase (JPM) shares also climbed after the bank kicked off the new earnings season with  better-than-expected quarterly results. Morgan Stanley (MS) shares also rose after the company reported record stock-trading revenue. 

Wells Fargo (WFC), in contrast, saw its shares slide as the bank’s quarterly net interest income decline offset better-than-estimated earnings.

Shares of Texas Instruments (TXN) and Intel (INTC), which manufacture chips in the U.S., tumbled after China indicated chips manufactured outside America would be exempt from China’s steep tariffs on U.S. goods. Shares of Nvidia (NVDA), which outsources manufacturing to TSMC (TSM) in Taiwan, gained along with shares of TSMC.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose. The U.S. dollar lost ground against the euro, yen and pound. Prices for major cryptocurrencies gained. (Read Investopedia’s live coverage of today’s market action here.)

Loan Type	New Purchase Rates	Daily Change
30-Year Fixed	7.06%	No Change
FHA 30-Year Fixed	7.04%	No Change
VA 30-Year Fixed	6.71%	No Change
20-Year Fixed	6.99%	-0.01
15-Year Fixed	6.20%	-0.02
FHA 15-Year Fixed	6.32%	No Change
10-Year Fixed	6.53%	No Change
7/6 ARM	7.34%	+0.01
5/6 ARM	7.21%	-0.04
Jumbo 30-Year Fixed	7.05%	+0.04
Jumbo 15-Year Fixed	6.89%	-0.01
Jumbo 7/6 ARM	7.59%	-0.04
Jumbo 5/6 ARM	7.61%	-0.01
Provided via the Zillow Mortgage API

The Weekly Freddie Mac Average

Every Thursday, Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored buyer of mortgage loans, publishes a weekly average of 30-year mortgage rates. This week’s reading inched down 2 basis points to 6.62%, as it largely captured the drop in rates seen late last week. Last September, the average sank as far as 6.08%. But back in October 2023, Freddie Mac’s average saw a historic rise, surging to a 23-year peak of 7.79%.

Freddie Mac’s average differs from what we report for 30-year rates because Freddie Mac calculates a weekly average that blends five previous days of rates. In contrast, our Investopedia 30-year average is a daily reading, offering a more precise and timely indicator of rate movement. In addition, the criteria for included loans (e.g., amount of down payment, credit score, inclusion of discount points) varies between Freddie Mac’s methodology and our own.

Calculate monthly payments for different loan scenarios with our Mortgage Calculator.

What Causes Mortgage Rates to Rise or Fall?

Mortgage rates are determined by a complex interaction of macroeconomic and industry factors, such as:

• The level and direction of the bond market, especially 10-year Treasury yields
• The Federal Reserve’s current monetary policy, especially as it relates to bond buying and funding government-backed mortgages
• Competition between mortgage lenders and across loan types

Because any number of these can cause fluctuations simultaneously, it’s generally difficult to attribute the change to any one factor.

Macroeconomic factors kept the mortgage market relatively low for much of 2021. In particular, the Federal Reserve had been buying billions of dollars of bonds in response to the pandemic’s economic pressures. This bond-buying policy is a major influencer of mortgage rates.

But starting in November 2021, the Fed began tapering its bond purchases downward, making sizable reductions each month until reaching net zero in March 2022.

Between that time and July 2023, the Fed aggressively raised the federal funds rate to fight decades-high inflation. While the fed funds rate can influence mortgage rates, it doesn’t directly do so. In fact, the fed funds rate and mortgage rates can move in opposite directions.

But given the historic speed and magnitude of the Fed’s 2022 and 2023 rate increases—raising the benchmark rate 5.25 percentage points over 16 months—even the indirect influence of the fed funds rate has resulted in a dramatic upward impact on mortgage rates over the last two years.

The Fed maintained the federal funds rate at its peak level for almost 14 months, beginning in July 2023. But in September, the central bank announced a first rate cut of 0.50 percentage points, and then followed that with quarter-point reductions in November and December.

For its second meeting of 2025, however, the Fed opted to hold rates steady—and it’s possible the central bank may not make another rate cut for months. At their March 19 meeting, the Fed released its quarterly rate forecast, which showed that, at that time, the central bankers’ median expectation for the rest of the year was just two quarter-point rate cuts. With a total of eight rate-setting meetings scheduled per year, that means we could see multiple rate-hold announcements in 2025.

How We Track Mortgage Rates

The national and state averages cited above are provided as is via the Zillow Mortgage API, assuming a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 80% (i.e., a down payment of at least 20%) and an applicant credit score in the 680–739 range. The resulting rates represent what borrowers should expect when receiving quotes from lenders based on their qualifications, which may vary from advertised teaser rates. © Zillow, Inc., 2025. Use is subject to the Zillow Terms of Use.

After surging a third of a percentage point over three days to notch their priciest level since January, 30-year refi rates moved slightly lower Thursday. Giving up 2 basis points, the flagship refi average slid to a 7.24% average.

This year’s high water mark is 7.30%, registered in January. But in early March, the 30-year refinance average fell as low as 6.71%. In any case, today’s rates are more than a full percentage point above last September’s two-year low of 6.01%.

Many other refi loan types also declined Thursday. The 15-year and 20-year refi averages subtracted 4 and 3 basis points, respectively, though the jumbo 30-year refi average added 2 points.

National Averages of Lenders’ Best Rates – Refinance
Loan Type	Refinance Rates	Daily Change
30-Year Fixed	7.24%	-0.02
FHA 30-Year Fixed	6.62%	No Change
VA 30-Year Fixed	6.80%	-0.01
20-Year Fixed	7.15%	-0.03
15-Year Fixed	6.11%	-0.04
FHA 15-Year Fixed	6.07%	No Change
10-Year Fixed	6.44%	-0.10
7/6 ARM	7.31%	-0.01
5/6 ARM	6.73%	-0.38
Jumbo 30-Year Fixed	7.19%	+0.02
Jumbo 15-Year Fixed	6.71%	+0.07
Jumbo 7/6 ARM	8.15%	+1.00
Jumbo 5/6 ARM	7.42%	-0.23
Provided via the Zillow Mortgage API

Important

The rates we publish won’t compare directly with teaser rates you see advertised online since those rates are cherry-picked as the most attractive vs. the averages you see here. Teaser rates may involve paying points in advance or may be based on a hypothetical borrower with an ultra-high credit score or for a smaller-than-typical loan. The rate you ultimately secure will be based on factors like your credit score, income, and more, so it can vary from the averages you see here.

Since rates vary widely across lenders, it’s always wise to shop around for your best mortgage refinance option and compare rates regularly, no matter the type of home loan you seek.

Calculate monthly payments for different loan scenarios with our Mortgage Calculator.

What Causes Mortgage Rates to Rise or Fall?

Mortgage rates are determined by a complex interaction of macroeconomic and industry factors, such as:

• The level and direction of the bond market, especially 10-year Treasury yields
• The Federal Reserve’s current monetary policy, especially as it relates to bond buying and funding government-backed mortgages
• Competition between mortgage lenders and across loan types

Because any number of these can cause fluctuations at the same time, it’s generally difficult to attribute any single change to any one factor.

Macroeconomic factors kept the mortgage market relatively low for much of 2021. In particular, the Federal Reserve had been buying billions of dollars of bonds in response to the pandemic’s economic pressures. This bond-buying policy is a major influencer of mortgage rates.

But starting in November 2021, the Fed began tapering its bond purchases downward, making sizable reductions each month until reaching net zero in March 2022.

Between that time and July 2023, the Fed aggressively raised the federal funds rate to fight decades-high inflation. While the fed funds rate can influence mortgage rates, it doesn’t directly do so. In fact, the fed funds rate and mortgage rates can move in opposite directions.

But given the historic speed and magnitude of the Fed’s 2022 and 2023 rate increases—raising the benchmark rate 5.25 percentage points over 16 months—even the indirect influence of the fed funds rate has resulted in a dramatic upward impact on mortgage rates over the last two years.

The Fed maintained the federal funds rate at its peak level for almost 14 months, beginning in July 2023. But in September, the central bank announced a first rate cut of 0.50 percentage points, and then followed that with quarter-point reductions in November and December.

For its second meeting of 2025, however, the Fed opted to hold rates steady—and it’s possible the central bank may not make another rate cut for months. At their March 19 meeting, the Fed released its quarterly rate forecast, which showed that, at that time, the central bankers’ median expectation for the rest of the year was just two quarter-point rate cuts. With a total of eight rate-setting meetings scheduled per year, that means we could see multiple rate-hold announcements in 2025.

How We Track Mortgage Rates

The national and state averages cited above are provided as is via the Zillow Mortgage API, assuming a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 80% (i.e., a down payment of at least 20%) and an applicant credit score in the 680–739 range. The resulting rates represent what borrowers should expect when receiving quotes from lenders based on their qualifications, which may vary from advertised teaser rates. © Zillow, Inc., 2025. Use is subject to the Zillow Terms of Use.

Tariffs are adding new price pressures to a housing market that was already pricing out many buyers.

President Donald Trump’s changing tariff policies have rattled markets and are being felt across the economy. The housing market is no exception: Tariffs could have a variety of effects on buyers, sellers, builders, and mortgage brokers.

Housing market participants are bracing for increased costs as housing affordability remains under pressure due to limited supply and elevated mortgage rates. Import taxes on materials like wood, plastics, glass, and metals will raise housing construction and renovation costs. Meanwhile, economic uncertainty is driving interest rates even higher, making it harder for lenders to close deals.

Home Builders Face Higher Material Costs

Raw materials will likely become more expensive under Trump’s tariffs, especially if the tariffs he has proposed are implemented.

The White House has been particularly interested in lumber as it studies which imports come into the U.S. The U.S. relies on lumber imports to meet about 30% of its domestic demand, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) said.

Lumber is currently exempt from tariffs, but that could change, according to a new report from the Commerce Department. Canada is one of the major suppliers of lumber to the U.S., with about 80% of U.S. softwood lumber imports being sourced from the country. The report indicated that import taxes on lumber from the U.S.’s northern neighbor could more than double this year.

And lumber isn’t the only material under threat. Tariffs on Mexican products could also raise the prices of stone tiles. Meanwhile, granite and marble costs could rise due to tariffs in Europe. Trump has also floated industry-specific tariffs on copper and already implemented steel and aluminum tariffs.

Home Renovators Will Also Feel the Pinch of Tariffs

Home renovators are also likely to feel the pinch from tariffs. While less reliant on lumber than home builders, renovators are also facing costs for fixtures, appliances and plumbing.

Tariffs on China could be particularly problematic for home renovators, who import several key housing materials from the nation, including glass and cabinetry, said Eli Moyal, founder and COO of renovation project tracking service Chapter. 

“A lot of the materials that we use in projects, either the finished materials or the rough materials, are directly or indirectly from China. So that’s going to affect a significant part of the market,” he said.

Clients could see project price increases of between 10% and 15% from the tariffs, Moyal said, though not all of the increased costs are being passed on to consumers.

“Not everything is being put to the client, to the end of the funnel. The manufacturer takes some, the distributor takes some, the builder takes some, and then the client will see some increase in cost,” Moyal said. 

Mortgage Rates Have Already Fluctuated

For mortgage brokers, tariff challenges come in the form of fluctuating mortgage rates.

Treasury yields have soared this week as investors price in tariff policies. The yield on the 10-year Treasury, which heavily influences mortgage interest rates, rose as high as 4.59% on Friday before retreating slightly. 

Mortgage rates generally follow the path of the 10-year Treasury yield and jumped to more than 7% late in the week, up from around 6.7% a week earlier.

Phil Crescenzo Jr., vice president of Nation One Mortgage Corporation’s southeast division, said the uncertainty in borrowing is making it difficult for home buyers to finalize costs.

“If we’re trying to lock an interest rate within the last four business days, they could move by half a percent, three-quarters of a percent, for the same cost in a four-day span. That’s pretty significant,” Crescenzo said.