When was the last time you learned something just because you were curious? If you’re like most mortgage professionals, it might have been a while. It’s easy to stick with what you know — guidelines, forms, rates. Familiar feels safe. But too much routine can make your thinking rigid.
Your brain loves patterns because they require less energy. But repeating the same thoughts and tasks over and over keeps you on mental autopilot. Over time, that leads to stale ideas, missed opportunities, and resistance to change — all risky traits in a rapidly evolving industry.
The mortgage world demands adaptability. From shifting interest rates to new tech and changing buyer behavior, success depends on your ability to think fast and adjust. And that starts with staying curious.

The Power of NoveltyEvery time you learn something new — especially outside your usual field — you build new neural connections. That’s how your brain stays flexible and sharp. Even just ten minutes of novelty can boost your mood, creativity, and ability to solve problems.
You don’t need hours to grow. Try a micro-learning moment:

• Watch a short video on a topic you’ve never explored.
  
• Read a quick article about something outside of mortgages.
  
• Listen to a 10-minute podcast segment in a totally unrelated field.
  

When your brain is exposed to new ideas, it lights up — and not just with trivia. You might discover a better way to approach a client problem or a new way to explain something complex. The mental boost carries into your workday and sharpens your edge.

Why It Matters in MortgagesCuriosity keeps you relevant. In an industry that changes constantly, rigid thinking can hold you back. But when you’ve trained your mind to embrace learning — even briefly — you become:

• More creative when solving loan challenges
  
• More adaptable when tech, rates, or rules shift
  
• More engaging in conversations with clients and partners
  

You also connect more easily with people. Knowing a little about a lot makes you a better listener and a more interesting professional. That builds rapport, which builds trust — and trust closes deals.

Your Challenge: 10 Minutes TodaySet a timer. Learn something you didn’t need to. Let it be fun, strange, or totally outside your usual world. Then pay attention to how your brain feels afterward — alert, refreshed, maybe even inspired.
Curiosity is your competitive advantage. In a world of auto-responders and scripted pitches, a real human with a curious mind stands out.
So give yourself a break — and a brain boost — with a micro-learning moment today. It just might shift your whole week.

Encouraging open dialogue and fresh ideas in a team meeting can transform outcomes.

In today's workplace – whether on the deck of a Navy ship or in a mortgage office – true leadership isn’t about barking orders, but about fostering dialogue and trust. A striking example comes from former U.S. Navy Captain Mike Abrashoff, who learned the power of a simple question: “What do you think?”. On his ship USS Benfold, Abrashoff once asked a young engineer for his opinion instead of giving an order, and the sailor replied, “Nobody ever asked me to think before.” Empowered by being heard, that sailor went on to deliver a flawless performance, lifting burdens off his captain’s shoulders. Abrashoff’s big lesson was that if all you do is give commands, you’ll end up with order-takers – and order-takers don’t take accountability for results.

From Order-Takers to Owners of Results
The story above illustrates a crucial shift every leader or advisor should embrace. Top-down, command-and-control management might yield obedience, but it won’t inspire ownership. When people are only following orders, they’ll do exactly what they’re told – and no more. As Abrashoff observed, relying solely on issuing directives “creates order takers, and order takers don’t take accountability for the results.” In other words, if a project fails under an order-only regime, the response is often, “Well, I just did what I was told.” There’s no initiative or responsibility in that mindset. In contrast, by inviting team members to share their ideas and solutions, you turn them from passive doers into active owners of the outcome. They feel responsible and invested in success, because their thinking contributed to the plan. This shift from compliance to commitment is especially important when working with younger generations who crave involvement and meaning in their work.

Leading the Next Generation: Ask, Don’t Tell
Every new generation entering the workforce – or the homebuying market – brings energy and fresh perspectives. To harness that potential, leaders and professionals must adjust their approach. Leading younger generations isn’t about:

• Telling them exactly what to do,
• Controlling their every move, or
• Demanding blind obedience.

Instead, it’s about:

• Asking questions like “What do you think?”,
• Creating space for their ideas to surface, and
• Letting them own the solutions they propose.

When you shift from telling to asking, you signal trust. For example, a mortgage team leader might ask a junior loan officer how they would streamline the application process, or a real estate mentor might ask a new agent what marketing strategy they believe will attract first-time buyers. These questions encourage young professionals to think proactively and share ideas. The truth is, the best ideas often come from your youngest team members – if you’re brave enough to ask, and humble enough to listen. By listening actively, you not only show respect, but you might discover innovative solutions that a top-down approach would have missed. In Abrashoff’s case, many solutions his crew suggested turned out better than the way he initially thought of doing things, proving that empowering others can dramatically improve results.

Why This Matters for Homebuyers and Mortgage Professionals
You might be thinking, “This all sounds like great leadership advice, but how does it relate to homebuying or mortgages?” In fact, it’s highly relevant. Today’s homebuyers – especially Millennials and Gen Z – value professionals who listen and educate rather than dictate. Recent industry data shows that people under 35 now make up the largest share of borrowers, accounting for roughly 40% of new mortgages. In practice, this means a young first-time homebuyer likely comes to the table with plenty of research and questions. If a mortgage broker or real estate agent simply rattles off orders – “Do this, don’t do that, sign here” – without engaging in conversation, they risk alienating these clients. But if instead the professional asks the client about their goals and concerns (“What are you looking for in a home loan?”), and truly listens, it builds trust. The client feels respected and is more likely to voice honest concerns or creative ideas (for instance, exploring down payment assistance programs or alternative financing options). This collaborative approach can lead to tailored solutions that fit the client’s needs better than any one-size-fits-all directive.

For mortgage professionals working in teams, the same principles apply internally. If you’re a team lead or manager in a lending office, consider how you mentor your junior employees. Perhaps a new loan officer suggests a novel way to use social media for reaching prospects, or a young team member proposes a more efficient workflow using the latest fintech tool. Rather than dismissing it with “We’ve always done it this way,” give their idea serious consideration. By asking clarifying questions and maybe piloting their suggestion, you not only show confidence in them but might gain a competitive edge from their insight. Remember, empowering your team doesn’t weaken your authority – it strengthens your results. When younger staff feel their ideas are valued, they take more initiative and responsibility, which ultimately means better service for your clients and a more agile business.
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Be Brave Enough to Ask, Humble Enough to Listen
The core message is simple but powerful: Stop telling – start asking, and start truly listening. It takes courage for a leader or expert to admit they don’t have all the answers and to invite input from others, especially those less experienced. It also takes humility to quiet your own impulse to control, and instead hear what the other person has to say. But as we’ve seen, the rewards are immense. By asking “What do you think?” and listening with an open mind, you create a culture of engagement and accountability. In that kind of environment, people young and old feel ownership of the process and outcome. For homebuyers, this means a smoother, more personalized journey to owning a home – because their voices are heard. For mortgage professionals and team leaders, it means unlocking the full potential of your colleagues and clients. As Captain Abrashoff demonstrated on the USS Benfold, giving up the old “because I said so” mentality can transform a group of order-takers into a team of proactive problem-solvers. All it takes is the willingness to ask for ideas and the humility to truly listen to the answers. By doing so, you’ll not only earn the respect and trust of the younger generation – you’ll also spark the kind of innovation and accountability that drives real success

Walk It Out: Clearing Your Head as a First-Time Homebuyer

If you’re in the process of buying your first home, you already know how overwhelming it can feel. Between saving for a down payment, looking at properties, reviewing paperwork, and trying to understand mortgage terms, it’s easy to get stuck in your head. At some point, every first-time buyer has that moment where they feel wound up and can’t quite shake it.

Here’s a simple, practical tool that can help: walk it out.

Why Walking Helps
A quick walk — even just 10 minutes — can work wonders. Walking gets your blood moving, while intentional breathing brings more oxygen to your brain. Together, they help release tension, clear the mental fog, and boost your mood.
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The beauty of it is that you don’t need to overthink it. Just step outside, walk at a comfortable pace, and pay attention to your breath. Try matching your steps to your inhale and exhale: maybe two steps in, two steps out. Don’t worry about getting it perfect — the point is to gently reconnect your body and mind.

Applying This to the Homebuying Process
As a first-time homebuyer, you’re facing a lot of decisions:

• Can I really afford this?
• Am I choosing the right neighborhood?
• What if I regret my decision later?

Those questions are normal — but they can also cloud your judgment. Taking a short break to walk, breathe, and reset gives you the clarity you need to make decisions with confidence instead of stress.

Think of walking as a way to “hit pause” on the noise. When you return, you’re not just refreshed — you’re more focused, calmer, and better equipped to see the big picture.

Building It Into Your Routine
Making this a regular practice can help you handle the ups and downs of the buying process — and life in general. Regular walks can:

• Boost your energy levels.
• Improve your sleep.
• Support your overall well-being.

Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by listings, interest rates, or the thought of signing on the dotted line, try this: step outside for a walk around the block. Leave your phone in your pocket, skip the headphones, and just notice what’s around you.

When you come back, check in with yourself. Chances are, you’ll feel different — more relaxed, more focused, maybe even lighter. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to move forward with confidence.

Final Thought
​Buying your first home is a big deal, and it’s natural to feel pressure. But don’t forget — you don’t have to carry that stress alone. As a mortgage professional, I’m here to walk beside you through the process. And when the details feel overwhelming? Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a literal walk, breathe, and come back ready to take your next step.

Scam of the Week: Who Sent This Package? You Don't Want to KnowAs a mortgage professional, I’m committed not only to helping families secure their dream homes—but also to protecting their financial well-being. In today’s digital world, scammers are finding increasingly creative ways to get access to your personal information. One of the latest? A QR code printed on an unexpected package delivered to your door.

The “Mystery Package” QR Code Scam This scam starts when you receive a package you didn’t order. There’s no return address or sender information—just your name and a QR code printed on the box or included on a note inside. The contents of the package are usually of little to no value.

Out of curiosity, you may be tempted to scan the QR code to see where the package came from. But that’s exactly what the scammers are hoping for.

The QR code may lead to a fake website that prompts you to enter personal information, or worse—it may automatically install malware onto your device. Once you’ve scanned and clicked, your private information is exposed, and your device could be compromised.

What’s the Point of Sending Useless Packages? This is a twist on a known scheme called a “brushing scam.” Typically, these scams involve sending unsolicited items to people in order to post fake product reviews under their names. But cybercriminals are now using brushing scams as a way to bait recipients into scanning malicious QR codes—essentially combining old scams with new technology to steal your data.

How to Protect Yourself Here are three simple but effective tips to avoid falling for scams like this:

• Be suspicious of unexpected packages. If you didn’t order something and there’s no information about who sent it, that’s a red flag.
• Never scan a QR code from an unknown source. These codes can easily redirect you to malicious websites designed to steal your data.
• Be cautious about app and website permissions. If you do scan a QR code, don’t grant access to your phone’s data unless you’re absolutely sure the source is trustworthy.

Cybersecurity is just as important as financial security. When scammers exploit your curiosity or trust, it puts more than just your personal data at risk—it can affect your entire financial future. Stay informed, stay alert, and don’t let curiosity lead you into a trap.

Buying a home is exciting but intimidating, especially in today’s market. If you’re feeling hesitant or anxious about taking the leap, you are not alone. Surveys show that about 40% of homeowners found buying a home to be the most stressful experience of their life. In fact, over half of Americans feel anxious about the homebuying process, since it’s such a daunting and significant life decision. As a mortgage professional, I understand these fears first-hand. The good news is that with the right mindset and support, you can overcome this anxiety and make your homeownership dreams come true. Remember, buying a home is ultimately a worthwhile investment in your future – it may be stressful now, but it will all be worth it in the end when you have a home to call your own. Homeownership offers stability and flexibility, and it’s a key part of the dream for many Americans.
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Why Buying a Home Can Feel Scary (and Why That’s OK) It’s completely normal to feel a bit scared about buying a home. This is likely the biggest purchase of your life, so your brain naturally reacts by imagining everything that could go wrong. Common worries include concerns about finances, committing to a mortgage, or the fear of making a mistake. You might wonder: “What if I can’t afford the payments? What if something goes wrong with the house? What if I’m making the wrong decision?” These thoughts are a natural reaction to stepping outside your comfort zone. Buying a home is a huge commitment – financially and emotionally – and that can trigger self-doubt or even a bit of panic.

Don’t beat yourself up for feeling this way. When facing big changes, our minds often catastrophize – dwelling on worst-case scenarios – even when those outcomes are unlikely. In other words, your brain is trying to protect you by overestimating the risks.

The first step in overcoming homebuying fear is simply recognizing it. Acknowledge your anxieties and know that many others share them. Buying a house is widely considered a milestone of the “American dream,” so it’s natural to feel pressure around it. But also keep in mind why you wanted to buy a home in the first place: maybe for stability, investment, or a place to truly call your own. Those positive reasons are important, and focusing on them will help put the fears in perspective.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone with Micro-Courage You might be wondering, “If I’m so nervous, how do I even begin?” This is where the idea of micro-courage comes in. Often when something sounds like a great idea (like owning a home), our brains immediately fire off all the reasons it feels safer not to do it. That inner voice is your comfort zone (and maybe a dash of anxiety) trying to keep you safe and comfortable by avoiding change. However, growth doesn’t have to be anything drastic or frightening. You don’t need to leap out of your comfort zone all at once – you can inch out of it with tiny, manageable steps.

Micro-courage means making small choices that slightly push your boundaries or challenge your comfort zone. Instead of waiting until you feel 100% confident (which may never magically happen), you build confidence little by little. Each minor act of bravery – even something as simple as researching a neighborhood or asking a question – is a win that accumulates over time, making the bigger steps feel less scary.

Crucially, micro-courage also involves noticing the thoughts and excuses that pop into your head when you contemplate a new step. For example, you might think about calling a realtor or visiting an open house, and immediately your mind goes: “I’m too busy,” “It’s pointless until rates drop,” or “What if I look stupid because I’m not ready?” Instead of automatically believing these thoughts, pause and observe them. Recognize that this is just your anxiety talking, not an objective truth. Often, the things holding us back are mental roadblocks we’ve created – not real obstacles.

Small Steps to Overcome Homebuying Fears So, what does micro-courage look like in action for an aspiring homebuyer? It means breaking the process down into tiny steps that feel a little outside your routine, but not overwhelming. Here are a few small, confidence-building actions you might consider:

• Peek at your finances: Set aside 30 minutes to review your budget or use an online mortgage calculator.
• Reach out for information: Call or email a mortgage lender just to ask what the pre-approval process involves, without committing to anything.
• Tour a home (with no expectations): Visit an open house in a neighborhood you like.
• Talk to someone who’s done it: Hear a recent buyer’s story about their fears and how it turned out.

Micro-Courage Check: Try This Exercise

1. Choose one tiny step you’ve been hesitating on.
2. List the excuses or worries that pop into your head.
3. Ask yourself: “Realistically, what is the worst outcome if I follow through?” and “What good could happen?”
4. Take that micro-action and celebrate afterwards.

Knowledge and Support: Your Allies Against FearMuch of homebuying anxiety comes from the fear of the unknown. The more you educate yourself about how buying a home works, the less scary it becomes. Hand-in-hand with knowledge is professional support. You don’t have to figure this all out alone. Real estate agents, mortgage professionals, home inspectors, and others can guide you through each stage.

In my experience as a mortgage professional, I’ve seen clients breathe a huge sigh of relief after a simple planning session. Getting pre-approved is a small step that often eases a lot of fears. Similarly, reviewing expected costs ahead of time can replace vague dread with a concrete plan.

From Hesitant to Homeowner: You’ve Got This! Buying a home will push you out of your comfort zone – there’s no avoiding that entirely. But by using micro-courage and taking one small step at a time, you chip away at the fear until the goal is within reach. If you’re feeling hesitant, focus on just the next step, not the entire journey. Trust yourself, trust the process, and know that you are more capable than your anxious brain gives you credit for.

When you need a steady hand or some friendly advice along the way, I’m here to help you make it home.

“The Inner Conversation Every Homebuyer Has (But Rarely Admits)”
By a Mortgage Professional Who’s Seen It All, and Still Learns Something New Every Day

“I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.”

If you’ve ever felt that way while buying a home — congratulations, you’re human.

Last week, I had one of those moments myself. I was looking around at my life, my work, my relationships, and I thought, Wow… I’m really winging it more than I like to admit.

Maybe it was seeing my neighbor confidently install a sprinkler system while I can barely keep a houseplant alive. Maybe it was sitting in a meeting where I nodded along without knowing if our strategy was genius or completely off the rails. Or maybe it was just a Tuesday.

The truth is, the world celebrates certainty. Social media is full of “5 steps to success” posts and “the one thing that changed everything” stories. Friends and family share their conclusions, not their confusion.

But here’s the thing: most people are figuring it out as they go — especially in the homebuying process.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions you’ll ever make. There’s no secret manual that tells you exactly how to navigate the market, time your purchase perfectly, or choose the “right” loan program without questions. You make the best decision you can with the information you have, and then you take the next step.
And honestly? That’s enough.

The people who seem like they’ve got it all figured out aren’t necessarily smarter or more experienced — they’ve just made peace with uncertainty. They’ve learned that:

• Perfect information is a myth. The market shifts. Interest rates change. Life happens.
• Perfect timing is procrastination in disguise. Waiting for the stars to align often means missing out.
• You don’t have to see the whole path — just the next step.

Not knowing exactly what you’re doing can actually be a kind of freedom. It gives you permission to ask questions, explore options, and change direction when something doesn’t feel right.

If you’re feeling unsure about your homebuying journey, remember this: you don’t need to know everything — you just need to know your next move. That might be getting pre-approved, calling your lender, or even deciding what features matter most to you in a home.

The path to homeownership reveals itself as you walk it, not before. And you’re not walking it alone — I’m here to help guide you through each step, even when the destination still feels a little fuzzy.
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Because here’s the best-kept secret: everyone else is figuring it out as they go, too. They’re just not telling you.

Thinking about buying a home but feeling overwhelmed by the unknowns? Let’s talk. I’ll help you turn “I don’t know what I’m doing” into “I know exactly what to do next.”

"What I’m Unlearning: That I Need More Stuff”
From a Mortgage Professional Who’s Learning That Less Really Can Be More

I used to believe I was just one purchase away from being a better version of myself.
A more productive version. A more stylish version. A more “together” version.

My apartment became a kind of museum — a curated collection of things I thought would make me happy:

• The expensive skincare routine that promised perfect skin.
• The kitchen gadgets that were supposed to turn me into a home chef.
• The outfits I thought would finally make me feel confident.

But then I moved. And that move was a wake-up call.

Three long days of packing box after box of untouched “stuff” — unopened workout gear, duplicate utensils, forgotten trinkets, and a dozen “organizational” tools that only added to the chaos. What I realized is that I wasn’t just packing things… I was packing disappointments.

Every item had been a tiny promise:
“This will change you.”
“This will help.”
“This is the missing piece.”

Spoiler: None of it was.

• That planner didn’t make me more productive.
• That coffee maker didn’t turn me into a morning person.
• And the new closet system didn’t magically fix my struggle with clutter.

Instead, I started to see a pattern — I was turning to buying when I didn’t know how to deal with what I was feeling.

• Deadlines looming? Online shopping.
• Feeling “not enough”? Add to cart.
• Lonely or bored? Scroll sales like a hobby.

But here’s the truth I’m now unlearning: “enough” isn’t something I can buy.

It’s not in the latest gadget or the perfect wardrobe.
It’s in the contentment of using what I already have.
It’s in cooking a meal with what’s in my fridge, rather than chasing some fancy recipe.
It’s in wearing clothes that make me feel like me, not some filtered version I saw online.
And the space I’ve cleared? It’s not empty — it’s open.

Open to things that matter:

• Conversations that deepen friendships.
• Reading books I already own.
• Putting money toward experiences instead of items.
• Feeling more peace because I’m no longer trying to buy a better me.

Of course, I still feel the pull now and then — an ad promising a more “efficient” life, or a sale that whispers, “You deserve this.” But I’ve learned to pause and ask:

What am I really trying to buy? What feeling am I chasing?
Usually it’s something deeper — confidence, purpose, connection, rest. And those things, I’m discovering, can’t be ordered online. They’re grown, cultivated, and nurtured. Often, they’ve been inside me all along.

As a mortgage professional, I help people buy homes — one of the biggest purchases they’ll ever make. But I also know that home is not built from square footage or furniture. It’s built from the life you live inside those walls — and the peace you bring with you.
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And for me, peace is arriving — not in a package, but in finally knowing that I don’t need more stuff to be more me.

Need help making your space feel like home? Let’s talk about how to get you there — simply, smartly, and with what really matters.

"Reverse Bucket List: Celebrate the Life You've Already Lived"
By a Residential Mortgage Professional Who’s Helped Over 35,000 Families Call a House 'Home'


We’re all familiar with the bucket list — those big, bold goals we hope to achieve one day. Travel to Italy. Run a marathon. Learn a second language. Buy your dream home. And while there's nothing wrong with dreaming big, sometimes that list can leave us feeling like we’re always behind.

As a mortgage professional with over 30 years of helping people build their futures, I’ve noticed something: we often get so focused on what’s next that we forget to honor what we’ve already done. Whether it’s in homeownership or in life, we tend to overlook our own progress.

So here’s a challenge I think is worth doing — make a Reverse Bucket List.

This isn’t about what you hope to do. It’s a celebration of what you’ve already done. Think about those big moments — and the quiet, powerful ones too:

• The time you bought your first home (or helped someone else do it).
• When you moved across the country, not knowing a soul, and built a new life.
• That sunrise you watched after staying up all night with friends.
• The job you took even though it scared you.
• The family you’ve raised, or the community you’ve served.
• The risk you took that taught you a lesson.
• The times you showed up, even when it wasn’t easy.

You’ve done more than you give yourself credit for. You’ve lived through hard seasons. You’ve made someone laugh. You’ve been a beginner and kept going.

Here’s what I love most about this exercise: it reminds us that we’re not behind. We’re right where we need to be, living lives full of moments that matter — even if they didn’t make the highlight reel on social media.

So today, take a minute. Write down 10 things you’ve already accomplished or experienced that made you proud, stretched your comfort zone, or just made you feel alive. This list isn’t for show — it’s for you. A reminder that you’ve done brave, beautiful, and bold things already. And you’ve got what it takes to do even more.

Homeownership is often on someone’s bucket list — but don’t forget it may also belong on your reverse one. If you’ve already taken that step, that’s something to be proud of. If you haven’t yet, maybe now’s the time to start planning how you’ll add it to both lists.
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Here’s to the life you’ve already lived — and the incredible things still to come.


If you’re thinking about making your next move — whether it's buying a new home, refinancing, or simply exploring your options — I’m here to help. Let’s talk.

Reclaiming Your Inner Voice with “I Am” Statements
From a Mortgage Professional Who Believes in Personal Growth

In the fast-paced world we live in—especially in a career like mortgage lending where each day can feel like a sprint—it’s easy to lose touch with who we are at our core. That’s why today, I want to share a simple but powerful exercise that’s helped me realign with purpose, clarity, and confidence: writing “I Am” statements.

What Are “I Am” Statements?“
I Am” statements are personal affirmations that reflect your inner truth. They’re not about wishful thinking or sugar-coating life—they’re about anchoring yourself to who you truly are and want to become.

For example:

• I am grounded.
• I am open to growth.
• I am strong-willed.
• I am kind even when it’s hard.
• I am capable of handling challenges with grace.

These kinds of statements work as a reset button for your mindset. They help shift your inner dialogue from criticism to compassion—something we all need, whether we're helping families find their dream home or navigating life’s everyday stresses.

Why It Matters
Positive self-talk isn’t fluff—it’s foundational. On the hard days when self-doubt tries to take the wheel, these affirmations serve as reminders of your strength and values. Over time, the words you speak to yourself become your beliefs. And those beliefs shape how you show up in relationships, in work, and in life.

“I Am” statements are about reclaiming your narrative and choosing to speak with intention. They give you the courage to keep going, the grace to forgive mistakes, and the mindset to face challenges head-on.

Your Action Step Today
Take five minutes and write down five “I Am” statements that feel true and empowering to you. Stick them on your bathroom mirror, keep them in your car, or jot them down in your journal. Say them out loud when you wake up or before a big meeting. Let them remind you:

You are more than your negative thoughts.
You are more than your past.
You are more than what others expect of you.
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Speak life into yourself—because how you talk to you matters.

Need help creating empowering routines or setting goals for your future? Whether it’s buying your first home or just getting clarity on your financial direction, I’m here to support your journey—inside and out.

As we continue to navigate an increasingly digital world, it's more important than ever to stay alert to online scams that can put your personal and financial information at risk. This week’s spotlight? A phishing scam targeting Amazon Prime users—dubbed “Scamazon Prime.”

Although this particular attack is currently aimed at Amazon customers in France, it’s a valuable reminder that similar tactics are used across the globe, and none of us are immune.

🚨 Here’s How the Scam Works:You receive an email that looks legitimate. It includes your name and address and claims that your Amazon Prime subscription is about to renew—at a much higher rate than you expected. Naturally, you’re prompted to hit the "Cancel Subscription" button to avoid being overcharged.

Clicking the link takes you to what appears to be an official Amazon login page. But here’s the catch: it’s a fake. Once you enter your login information, cybercriminals have exactly what they need to steal your identity—or worse.
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🧠 Stay One Step Ahead:Here are three smart steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim:

1. Go Directly to the Source:
   If something seems off about your subscription, don’t click any links. Open a browser and go straight to Amazon.com or use the official Amazon app.
2. Think Before You Click:
   Phishing emails rely on urgency and fear. Pause. Take a moment. Scammers want you to act fast and emotionally. That’s their trap.
3. Don’t Assume It’s “Just France”:
   While this particular scam is hitting inboxes in France, similar tactics are used worldwide. If it can happen there, it can happen here too.

💬 Final Thought:As a mortgage professional, I’m committed to helping clients protect not only their homes—but also their identity and peace of mind. Staying vigilant with online scams is just one more way to safeguard what matters most.
If you ever receive something suspicious and aren’t sure what to do, reach out to someone you trust before clicking. It’s always better to ask than to risk it.
Stay smart. Stay safe. 🛡️