This Is the Real Reason Millennials Aren’t Buying Homes

May 09, 2016

When it comes to buying houses, millennials know all about what they want from an ideal home (outdoor space + DIY options, obvz) and, according to a new study by NerdWallet, they’re in a better place to purchase a millennial dream home than they might realize. While those born in the ’80s and ’90s get a pretty bad rap when it comes to money (ok, so maybe millennials aren’t the most financially savvy group), this analysis actually found that the median age for first-time home buyers is the same as it was 40 years ago, which means 31 years old is *still* the magical home-buying age.

What most millennials don’t know is that buying a home can start with a lot less investment — about 30% of all homebuyers put down three percent or less on the cost of the home. Obviously debt and credit scores play a big role in scaring off millennials, but according to the study, credit scores are getting more lenient. And debt-to-income ratios are actually at healthy levels, with the majority of 25–34 year olds making enough money to cover the cost of the median mortgage. Even those with pesky student loan debt might have the option to refinance their loans at a better rate, or qualify for income-based repayment.

The study summarizes: “Millennials — and first-time homebuyers in general — should never just assume they can’t afford a home. The first step to owning a home is knowing how you can finance it, so you should always research your options.” Bottom line: Homeownership could be much closer than you think. Get to your bank and start asking questions, y’all!

(h/t Nerd Wallet)

Fans Will Love This Easy ‘Bridgerton’ Costume For Halloween 2024

The latest season of Bridgerton gave us everything we loved about the first two installments: beautiful design and decor, romance, delicious recipes, and of course, some of the most beautiful costumes ever. Considering we can't pass up the opportunity to recreate memorable and iconic Halloween costumes, we had to give this one a go.

While the regency era might feel over the top, it's actually easier than you might expect to bring this look into your closet. There are only a few pieces you need to bring this look to life, and once you figure out which 'fit, colors, and accessories work for you, you'll have a Halloween costume you can wear for years to come.

The most important part of any Bridgerton costume is a colorful, empire waist dress. Each family in the show has a different color palette so you can base your Halloween costume off of your favorite characters. Since we're big fans of the Bridgerton family themselves, we went with blue ;).

This dress is also a great idea because of how versatile it is — if you have multiple Halloween parties, you can turn it into multiple costumes! Be a Bridgerton one day and a princess the next, or you can even turn it into a The Princess Diaries costume! It's a win-win-win.

Since the dress really steals the show with this costume, you only need a few more period piece-appropriate accessories and you're ready to party. Grab a pair of opera gloves and a tiara that you can add to your updo to really complete the look.

The beauty aspect of this costume is totally up to what you're comfortable with. The show has created its own makeup look that transcends the time period with a little bit of a smokey eye, and curls and jewels that make each character stand out, but you can also keep your hair and makeup plain if you'd rather be historically accurate and simple. Either way, you'll steal the show with this Bridgerton costume!

This post has been updated.

'It Ends With Us' Star Brandon Sklenar's Next Movie Is Another BookTok Favorite

Gretchen Weiners' hair might be full of secrets in Mean Girls, but in Amanda Seyfried's new movie, her life is full of secrets. The Housemaid, based on the novel by Freida McFadden, follows Millie (played by Sydney Sweeney), who's down on her luck and in desperate need of a fresh start. When she snags a job as a housemaid in Nina's (Amanda Seyfried) beautiful home, it looks like things are finally moving in her favor. But all is not as it seems — and it doesn't take long for Millie to realize Nina's secrets are the most dangerous thing about her.

The book, which has sold over 3.6 million copies, has been on the New York Times Bestseller list for over a year and Amazon's Bestsellers list for 98 weeks (talk about popular). It was also the second-most-read title on Kindle for their 10th anniversary, so it's no surprise that the story is getting its own adaptation. Here's everything you need to know about The Housemaid starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Brandon Sklenar.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden is getting the movie treatment.
Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney will star as Nina and Millie, respectively, while Brandon Sklenar will star as Andrew.
Seyfried promises fans "I'm gonna do you well."

Who's in The Housemaid movie?

Jon Kopaloff/Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

The Housemaid Cast

The cast of The Housemaid will be led by Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria, Anyone But You) as Millie, Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!, The Drop Out) as Nina, and Brandon Sklenar (It Ends With Us,Drop) as Andrew. Check back here for the rest of the official cast list!

"I hope [die-hard fans of the book] accept this casting," Seyfried jokes in an interview with Bustle. "I know Sydney's amazing...I can't wait to work with her. I think we're going to have a lot of fun. But also, like, I don't know how people see Nina, my character...I hope they like the casting because the fans are the reason it's being made. So I'm here to tell all the fans that I'm gonna do you well."

"I can’t even express how excited I am to announce that #TheHousemaidMovie is coming soon!!!" McFadden said in an Instagram post. "@Lionsgate has come up with the absolute perfect cast and director, and I am just so grateful! I mean, Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, and Paul Feig…mind blown!!!! I’m so honored and thankful to all my readers who helped make this dream come true!!!!!"

Is The Housemaid going to be made into a movie?

Anastasia Shuraeva/Pexels

Yes, Deadline announced on October 8 that The Housemaid would become a film, thanks to Hidden Pictures and Lionsgate. Paul Feig will direct, Rebecca Sonnenshine will write the script, and Todd Lieberman, Laura Fischer, and Feig will produce while Alex Young, author Freida McFadden, Sydney Sweeney, and Amanda Seyfried will executive produce.

“I’m thrilled to have The Housemaid join our upcoming slate,” said Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “A great filmmaker and a great cast with a great script from a great book is a terrific place to start.”

“Part of the fun of the book was imagining the cast while we read it, and Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried are perfect for Millie and Nina – they’re both mysterious, nuanced, and incredibly skilled at becoming characters who don’t reveal everything right away,” said Erin Westerman, co-president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.

What is the plot of The Housemaid?

Amazon

The Housemaid Plot

Millie has one more chance at starting over, and taking a job as a housemaid for wealthy couple Nina and Andrew is the perfect place to start. But as she cleans, cooks, and takes care of their daughter, Millie quickly realizes her employers are far from perfect — even if they'll do anything to keep up appearances.

When is The Housemaid coming out?

Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

The Housemaid Release Date

We don't have an official release date for The Housemaid yet, but there's a good chance we could see it in 2025. Stay tuned for more news!

How many books are in the series The Housemaid?

Amazon

Freida McFadden has three books in The Housemaid series: The Housemaid, The Housemaid's Secret, and The Housemaid is Watching.

Is The Housemaid spicy?

hubbugaye/Pexels

There is some sex and violence in The Housemaid, but it's not as overwhelming as some other popular books on the market. One Goodreads user compares the content to what you'd watch in Law & Order: SVU or Criminal Minds. If you're concerned about one of your preteens reading this book, you could always read it first, or start a bookclub and read it together!

Read The 17 Best Mystery And Thriller Books For All Readers while it's still spooky season!

This post has been updated.

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45 Of The Best Baby Costume Ideas For Halloween

This Halloween might be your infant’s first, so why not go all out when it comes to their baby costumes? Maybe he or she’s a wee bit young for candy recipes and gummies, but that doesn’t mean you have to sidestep dressing up your kiddo to show ’em off during trick-or-treat time. And, let’s face it: Anything miniaturized is freakin’ adorable. Here are some of the sweetest and most creative infant Halloween costumes to either DIY or buy for your baby this spooky season.

Brit + Co

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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