A sign is posted in front of a home for sale on August 07, 2024 in San Rafael, California.
Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
Mortgage interest rates rose last week for the third straight week, hitting the highest level since August. That caused demand from both current homeowners and potential homebuyers to take a big step back. Total mortgage application volume fell 17% last week compared with the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index.
The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($766,550 or less) increased to 6.52% from 6.36%, with points rising to 0.65 from 0.62 (including the origination fee) for loans with a 20% down payment.
Refinance demand, which is most sensitive to weekly rate moves, fell the hardest, down 26% week to week. It was still 111% higher, however, than the same week one year ago; rates at this time a year ago were 118 basis points higher, so anyone who bought a home last year could likely benefit from a refinance now. The refinance share of applications fell below 50% for the first time in over a month.
Applications for a mortgage to purchase a home fell 7% for the week but were 7% higher than the same week one year ago. More supply on the market now is opening up opportunities for some buyers.
“Demand is holding up to an extent for prospective first-time buyers. FHA purchase applications were little changed despite the increase in rates, as some first-time homebuyers remain in the market because of improving housing inventory conditions,” said Joel Kan, an MBA economist, in a release.
Rates haven’t done much to start this week, especially given the federal holiday Monday. The recent rise in mortgage rates may have slowed the resurgence in refinancing, but homebuyers may be less concerned about interest rates today and more concerned about the shape of the economy in the coming months. Some say they are holding off on making such a major purchase until after the November election.
Acquiring new customers is essential for any business, but it comes at a cost. This blog will provide a comprehensive overview on what is customer acquisition cost (CAC).
You’ll understand why calculating and optimizing CAC is crucial for measuring marketing ROI, forecasting costs, demonstrating scalability, and driving profitable growth.
Get familiar with the components of CAC, the formula for calculating it for your business, and benchmark data on average costs across industries.
Most importantly, you’ll learn proven strategies to lower your CAC through more effective sales and marketing tactics.
By the end, you’ll grasp the importance of this metric and have a clear framework for getting your arms around this make-or-break number.
Let’s keep the ball rolling if this excites you to learn a new concept!
What is customer acquisition cost?
Customer acquisition cost (CAC) refers to the total costs of convincing a potential customer to purchase your product or service.
This includes expenses like marketing, advertising, sales commissions, and any other resources used to attract new buyers.
Calculating CAC is crucial because it allows businesses to gauge the ROI of their sales and marketing efforts.
A lower CAC means you spend less to acquire new customers
While a higher CAC may indicate inefficient spending or misaligned strategies
According to SaaS Capital, the median CAC for subscription businesses was $102.
Tracking and optimising CAC over time helps ensure you’re cost-effectively driving sustainable growth. With payment solutions like Instamojo streamlining sales processes, you can better control customer acquisition costs.
Why is CAC important?
You may be wondering why CAC analytics is such a big deal for your business. Well, let us tell you – understanding your customer acquisition cost is essential for a few major reasons:
Marketing campaigns
Figuring out your customer acquisition cost is vital because it shows you how well your marketing and sales efforts are paying off in attracting new buyers. If that number is low, your acquisition strategies are efficient and generate a solid return on investment.
Setting budgets
Tracking CAC is also helpful for forecasting future costs and setting intelligent budgets. Once you know your average CAC, you can predict pretty accurately how much you’ll need to spend to convert your new target audience for a given period. This guides your marketing and sales budget planning.
Shows scaling
Having a low and steadily decreasing customer acquisition cost is a signal that your business model is primed to scale rapidly. It means your sales process is operating efficiently and bringing in new customers cost-effectively, which is essential for sustainable high growth.
Highlights underlying operational issues
Conversely, if your CAC is high or creeping upwards, it could indicate some underlying operational issues you need to address. These could include ineffective marketing campaigns, a slow sales cycle that is dragging on, or other inefficiencies driving up acquisition costs. Monitoring CAC closely helps catch those red flags early.
Investors love it
Investors also pay close attention to CAC as a critical performance metric that impacts valuation and funding. A trending down CAC demonstrates strong product-market fit and severe growth potential, which VCs love to see. It shows you’ve got a solid grasp on scaling up affordably.
It’s also worth considering how customer acquisition can vary depending on your channels and platforms. Instamojo’s powerful analytics give your CAC complete visibility across marketing channels.
Top Growth Marketing
Customer acquisition cost formula
The formula to calculate it is pretty straightforward:
CAC = Total costs of sales & marketing / Number of new customers
First, you must sum up all the costs of acquiring new customers over a set period—maybe a quarter or a year. This includes advertising spend, content marketing, email campaigns, sales representative salaries and commissions, marketing tools like your CRM, and other related expenses.
Then, you divide the total cost by the number of new paying customers you brought in during the same period.
The final amount is the money you are spending on convincing a single customer to purchase your product or service.
Cost of customer acquisition examples
Let’s say your total sales and marketing costs were ₹100,000 last quarter, and you acquired 500 new customers.
Simple math gives us:
So it costs you ₹200 to acquire each new customer that quarter. Not too shabby! The lower you can keep your CAC, the higher your return on those sales and marketing investments.
Calculating your CAC regularly to track whether it’s trending up or down over time is a good practice. This gives you a clear window into whether your customer acquisition strategies are becoming more or less efficient.
What is included in it?
Atrium
Customer acquisition costs encompass a wide range of expenses for attracting and converting new customers. What are they? Let’s find out!
Accurately tracking and totalling all these costs is critical to calculating your true customer acquisition cost.
Average customer acquisition cost by industry
According to a 2022 report by IMAP India, the average customer acquisition cost for Indian startups across sectors was around ₹1,200-1,500 ($15-20 USD).
Some industry benchmarks for India include:
Travel: ₹580
Retail: ₹830
Consumer goods: ₹1,825
Manufacturing: ₹6,880
Transportation: ₹8,125
Marketing agency: ₹11,685
Financial: ₹14,500
Technology (Hardware): ₹15,080
Real estate: ₹17,645
Banking/Insurance: ₹25,110
Telecom: ₹26,100
Technology (Software): ₹32,765
Wrapping up: Optimise your customer acquisition costs for growth
Mastering your customer acquisition cost is pivotal for scaling a profitable, sustainable business. With a firm grasp on the components driving up your CAC, you can precisely measure marketing ROI, forecast costs, identify inefficiencies, and demonstrate an efficient acquisition model to investors.
Instamojo’s online store, the payment solutions and powerful analytics provide complete visibility into your CAC across channels, allowing you to streamline processes and double down on tactics that keep this critical metric in an ideal range.
Ultimately, leveraging Instamojo to enhance your CAC relentlessly will propel cost-effective, scalable growth for years to come.
Discover state of the art, brand name smartphones, computers, tablets, home theater systems & more.
Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price.SHOP NOW
Find Your Thrill:
Watch Live:
StayConnected with HSN:
Like HSN on Facebook:
HSN Instagram:
Follow HSN on Twitter:
HSN on Pinterest:
HSN YouTube:
About HSN: Welcome to HSN. The spot with one-of-a-kind finds. And the place where you are celebrated every day for what makes you remarkable.
We provide the thrill of discovery and unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else with a great collection of uncommonly brilliant products from fashion and beauty to home, jewelry and electronics. HSN delivers the full immersive shopping experience no one else can.
As you’ve very likely heard by now, tragedy has struck the world of entertainment:
Liam Payne, a beloved artist best known for his work with musical group One Direction, died on October 16 after falling multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He is survived by his son Bear Grey, 7.
Payne was 31 years old.
Liam Payne looks on from the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 9, 2023 in Northampton, England. ((Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
An investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death, with local authorities saying that an autopsy will be conducted.
While police go through with this investigation, so many members of Hollywood remain in a state of shock and sorrow.
We’ve recorded a number of their responses to Payne’s death below, as we send our condolences to his friends, family members and loved ones…
Liam Payne attends the Grand Reveal Weekend for Atlantis The Royal, Dubai’s new ultra-luxury hotel on January 21, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Samir Hussein/Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)
Charlie Puth: I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…… I’m so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
Paris Hilton: “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing???? . Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. ????. RIP my friend.”
Juicy J: “R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family.”
Olly Murs: “This news is devastating, am lost for words. We always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together.”
Zedd: “RIP Liam. Can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking.”
Ty Dolla $ign: “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy. Ima miss u fr fr sucio.”
Mabel: “FOR SO MANY YEARS I ALWAYS KNEW I COULD CALL YOU FOR SUPPORT AND BIG BROTHERLY ADVICE BUT NOW YOU’RE GONE… MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH LIAMS FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING THIS TIME YOU’LL BE SO MISSED.”
Ashley Iaconetti: “This is heartbreaking. He had one of my favorite boy band voices. I’ll always remember when my friend was turning me into a One Direction fan in grad school and she showed me their performance of ‘Gotta Be You’ on the X Factor.”
Liam Payne attends the eBay and GBK Brand Bar Pre-Oscar Luxury Lounge at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on March 26, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images for GBK Brand Bar)
Corbyn Besson: “Damn this Liam Payne news got me speechless … looked up to 1D so much during the wdw days. You really never know when it’s your time to go. remind your friends/family that you love them today and every day.”
Piers Morgan: “Good grief. What a shocking tragedy.”
Jack Johnson: “Was such a nice guy the few times me and G ran into him. that’s so sad.”
As of this writing, no former members of One Direction have spoken out on the loss of Payne — but we’re sure that will change in time. RIP.
Autonomic neural blockade may represent a unique way to manage postoperative visceral pain and associated symptoms following minimally invasive weight loss surgery, according to a new report in JAMA Surgery.
The novel technique targets blockade of sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways by injecting local anesthetic into the areolar tissue surrounding selected autonomic plexuses. Although the researchers have primarily used the technique during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, they said it could potentially expand to other minimally invasive procedures in the future.
The researchers, led by Jorge Daes, MD, of the Division of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Clínicas Portoazul e Iberoamérica, in Barranquilla, Colombia, have published several recent papers on findings from a pair of clinical trials involving more than 200 patients.
In the first trial, published in 2022, the group found patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy experienced no complications from the injection and had better control of postoperative visceral symptoms.
Eric Pauli, MD
A second study, published in September, found patients who received the block at the beginning of the case required less intraoperative narcotics and anesthesia than those who got it at the end of the case, said Eric Pauli, MD, the David L. Nahrwold Professor of Surgery at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, and a co-author on the initial paper.
“I believe we demonstrated that these blocks are doing something. There seems to be an effect on intraoperative pain control,” Pauli said.
Postoperative outcomes have improved with the advent of minimally invasive techniques, enhanced recovery protocols, and regional pain management, Daes’ group said. But these approaches do not always address visceral pain and gastrointestinal symptoms, which can compromise patient recovery, particularly after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Autonomic neural blockade may offer advantages by controlling visceral pain and reducing such gastrointestinal symptoms as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). What’s more, the technique offers such other potential intraoperative benefits as hemodynamic stability and reduced anesthetic and opioid requirements, thereby minimizing the risk for opioid-related complications, they reported.
In the initial trial, the researchers assessed the effectiveness of laparoscopic paragastric autonomic neural blockade on pain and associated symptoms in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial of 145 patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Participants all received transversus abdominis plane block, with or without the novel technique.
Autonomic neural blockade was associated with a significant reduction in pain, PONV, sialorrhea, and analgesic requirements in the first 24 hours after the procedure. Notably, the total number of opioid doses was more than three times greater in controls at 1 hour (14 doses vs 5 doses) and 8 hours (34 doses vs 10 doses). These differences were largely gone by 24 hours.
In the second study, the researchers examined how the timing of the nerve block affected its performance. In this case, all participants received the block, either at the beginning or at the end of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.
Patients who received the anesthetic block at the onset of surgery consumed significantly less intraoperative remifentanil and sevoflurane than those who received the block at the end of the procedure. Both groups demonstrated comparable patterns of recovery after surgery. A post hoc analysis of these results revealed the block reduced analgesic consumption and effectively alleviated pain and PONV regardless of the timing of administration.
In a third study, Daes and his colleagues compared autonomic neural blockade in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients using either bupivacaine plus dexamethasone or liposomal bupivacaine. Here they found that while both combinations were effective at reducing pain and PONV 24 hours after surgery, liposomal bupivacaine seemed to be more effective in managing nausea and vomiting.
Complications observed during the series were minor, most noticeably self-limited bleeding at the injection site. Intravascular injection is also a possibility, one that demands careful application of the local anesthetic.
Pauli said expansion of the technique to other surgical procedures is possible. “Dr. Daes now uses the block routinely on gallbladder patients and hiatal hernia patients,” he said. “One of the things that he proposes is that the block can be performed in any surgery involving any organ.”
“For the cost of some local anesthesia and IV tubing, you greatly enhance the patient experience by eliminating a lot of the symptoms that accompany surgery,” Pauli added. “And if you could take even a handful of patients who might stay overnight because of their nausea and vomiting symptoms and turn them into an outpatient stay, you’ve freed up a hospital bed and reduced the workload on nursing and OR staff.”
Hilary P. Grocott, MD, an expert in regional anesthesia at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, said autonomic neural blockade has potential to improve clinical care. However, he said the method requires more study to determine its efficacy for more than just the immediate postoperative period.
“The technique is certainly a novel approach to an age-old problem,” Grocott told Medscape Medical News. “Though it shows great promise, its true value is somewhat uncertain due to the relatively short-lived duration of the block’s effect.”
Pauli reported receiving personal fees from Becton Dickinson, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Actuated Medical, Cook Biotech, Neptune Medical, Surgimatix, Noah Medical, Allergan, Intuitive Surgical, ERBE, Integra, Steris, and Vicarious, and royalties from UpToDate, Wolters Kluwer, and Springer outside the submitted work. Grocott had no relevant financial disclosures.
Michael Vlessides is a best-selling author, biographer, and medical journalist in Canmore, Alberta, Canada.
As the leaves begin to turn orange and gold, Milwaukee transforms into an autumn wonderland. The crisp air invites residents and visitors alike to embrace the seasonal charm through a variety of activities that celebrate the best of fall.
As KJ from Brew City Dads says, “The Milwaukee area comes alive in fall, with seasonal activities perfect for all ages. The city hosts a variety of autumn festivals and harvest markets offering delicious food and fun entertainment. Families can explore nearby pumpkin patches, enjoy apple picking, or take in the beautiful fall colors at one of several nearby parks or state forests.”
No matter if you’re a local looking for new experiences or a new resident ready to explore the city in the fall, this Redfin article will guide you to enjoying all the fall things to do in Milwaukee, WI.
Interested in moving to Milwaukee? Check out:
Homes for sale in Milwaukee, WI | Apartments for rent in Milwaukee, WI | Houses for rent in Milwaukee, WI
Courtesy of Forest Exploration Center
Milwaukee in autumn, explore Milwaukee’s scenic outdoors
Milwaukee’s outdoor spaces come alive in the fall, offering stunning backdrops for activities. With parks like Lakeshore State Park and the Milwaukee County Zoo’s expansive grounds, the city provides ample opportunities to soak in the autumn scenery.
Local photographer Michael of Mb Squared Photography shares, “For all you nature lovers out there, be sure to add Seven Bridges Nature Trail at Grant Park, in South Milwaukee, to your fall adventures list. This isn’t a huge trail, though just the right size for an afternoon with the entire family. Fall is by far my favorite time of the year to wander its trails. From the parking lot(s) down through the woods, wander the seven bridges, to the edge of Lake Michigan. It’s so secluded you’ll almost forget you’re ten minutes from the city. It’s certainly one of my favorite Milwaukee sights.”
One of the most heartwarming sights during this season is the increase of dog walkers enjoying the parks. As the cooler temperatures set in, the joy of seeing pets running through piles of leaves is a reminder of the simple pleasures of fall.
As Off Leash MKE shares, “Fall is an ideal time to explore and hike Milwaukee’s dog-friendly parks and trails. A must-do activity for new residents with dogs is visiting local gems like the Menomonee River Parkway, Grant Park’s Seven Bridges, and the Forest Exploration Center. These spots offer a stunning mix of fall colors, scenic beauty, and plenty of space for your dog to explore and sniff. We recommend using a long line, giving your dog the freedom to safely enjoy the natural surroundings.” For those looking to socialize their dogs or enjoy a guided adventure, Off Leash MKE offers group dog hikes that provide even more opportunities to explore these fantastic trails while your dog gets exercise and makes new friends.
Additionally, Tails N’ Trails also invites you to consider them, sharing, “Tails N’ Trails Pets stands out in the pet service industry by offering your pets more personalized care. We strive to build a relationship with your pet, which helps us build a foundation of trust to pave the way for obedience, leash etiquette, recall practice, and proper socializing.”
For those looking to immerse themselves in Milwaukee’s natural beauty this fall, the Forest Exploration Center in Wauwatosa is a must-visit destination. As Emily Glaser from Forest Exploration Center highlights, “The Forest Exploration Center in Wauwatosa is a 67-acre mature hardwood forest that features a one-mile self-guided nature trail. This accessible trail loop for hiking and nature observation offers visitors of all abilities the opportunity to be immersed in the forest ecosystem. Explore forest ecology and climate-adaptive research happening in this unique urban woodland through birdwatching, wildlife monitoring, and season-driven guided experiences.”
For a unique way to soak in the beauty of fall, consider exploring the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail. Mike Schroeder from Milwaukee Riverkeeper, suggests, “As the fall season unfolds, we highly recommend a paddle on theMilwaukee Urban Water Trail, where you can enjoy the fall colors from a unique perspective! Taking a hike around the Milwaukee River Greenway also lets you experience the natural beauty surrounding us – even in the heart of the city! Milwaukee’s ‘emerald necklace’ stretches for six miles of the Milwaukee River, with over 28 miles of hiking, biking, and water trails, linking 12 public parks.”
Jessica Del Toro from Friends of Wehr recommends, “Visit Wehr Nature Center located within Whitnall Park 9701 W. College Ave, Franklin, WI. Visit 220 acres of nature preserve with 5 miles of trails and explore the accessible park features, including a 1-mile All Abilities loop trail with a hard surface boardwalk, an accessible pier overlooking Mallard Lake, and an observation blind.The Friends of Wehr, the nonprofit partner of the Wehr Nature Center, supports Wehr’s mission of inspiring current and future generations to explore and value the natural world. Our commitment is to create a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. A place for all seasons, a place for everyone.”
Another standout destination for fall fun is Thompson Farm in nearby Bristol, WI. As Halie Hart from the farm shares, “Step into a world of fun and excitement at Thompson Farm, where families can embark on a day filled with unforgettable experiences and interactive activities in the heart of nature.” With a sprawling 4-acre adventure farm featuring over 10 attractions — from a giant playground and bounce pillows to a corn maze and trike track—there’s something for everyone.
Plus, you can pick raspberries and pumpkins to take home! On weekends, the Fall Festival adds even more excitement with live music, tasty food from a taco truck, face painting, and a beer garden. It’s the perfect spot to celebrate autumn with family and friends!
Spooktacular fun: Halloween and fall activities in Milwaukee
As the leaves fall, the city transforms into a hub of Halloween excitement and overflows with fall things to do in Milwaukee. Whether you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping with ghostly adventures or simply want to soak in the seasonal charm, Milwaukee offers a variety of activities that celebrate the magic of fall.
Kim Frankenhoff from Out & About Wisconsin, a site that helps you find what is going on in Milwaukee shares multiple suggestions. “What better place for a ‘not so scary’ Halloween than at the Milwaukee County Zoo, where Boo at the Zoo encourages everyone – no matter what age – to get into costume on Oct. 17-20. Visitors can enjoy everything from live pumpkin-carving exhibitions and light shows to animal talks, a trick-or-treat trail, and stilt walkers.”
Additionally, “Dia De Los Muertos, translated as the “Day of the Dead,” celebrates life and the return of spirits to the living world at Milwaukee’s Mitchell Park Domes on Oct. 25. The entire Desert Dome is decorated, as dancers, local food and art vendors, and craft-making opportunities abound.”
Another fun event is made just for vintage car lovers. “At its new location, Milwaukee’s Gateway Classic Cars is holding its Caffeine & Chrome: Trunk or Treatevent on Oct. 26. Enjoy classic cars, caffeine, and pastries, along with the opportunity to dress up in your spookiest attire!”
A thrilling Halloween experience awaits at Cedarburg Haunt! This spooky attraction promises chills and thrills as you explore. They state, “We are open for our 17th year of scaring you silly! The ticket price is $20 for The Haunt. New this year is our escape room for an extra $5 admission fee. Hours of operation: 6:00-10:00 pm Fridays and Saturdays October 11-26.” With a reputation for being one of the scariest spots in the area, it’s perfect for those looking to embrace the Halloween spirit.
A great addition to your spooky experience comes from Aaron of Trove Arts, who shares his excitement about the event, “Immerse yourself in INTO THE SHADOWS, an evening of captivating tales and art history from the dark and macabre in a secret and mysterious Art Parlour! A truly original recipe for spooky fall fun!
INTO THE SHADOWS is an intimate, immersive adventure blending art history with a splash of historical fiction, a few ounces of decadent-themed N.A. elixirs, a dash of a fun art lesson, a pinch of mystical magic, and one eye of newt!”
Courtesy of Pine Hill Orchard
Seasonal delights: Milwaukee’s farms and farmers markets
Fall is here, and that means it’s time to enjoy the fun and flavor of local farms and apple orchards! Just outside Milwaukee, you can pick your own apples, explore pumpkin patches, and taste fresh, delicious produce. Perfect for families and friends, these farms offer hayrides, corn mazes, and festive events that celebrate the season.
Matthew Lesch from Pine Hill Orchard says, “Pine Hill Orchard is a 3rd generation family business that started in 1978. We feature 48 different apple varieties, award-winning apple cider, caramel apples, our delicious Pine Hill Crunch apple pie, raw local honey, and Wisconsin maple syrup. Our retail stand is located in the Kettle Moraine just northwest of Milwaukee. The Ice Age trail is close by and offers miles of beautiful scenic trails that show off the Wisconsin foliage in the fall. We have picnic tables for your enjoyment and use from August to November. Our “bag your own” part of the stand is a local favorite, choose your apples and fill your bag.
Additionally, Genevieve Weston of Westons’ Antique Apple Orchard shares, “Westons ‘ Antique Apple Orchard offers up to 50 apple varieties in their Orchard Store which is open Saturdays 2 to 5 and Sundays 12 to 4 through October. Guests can walk through the orchard as well as buy cider, apple cider donuts, and more.”
Milwaukee’s farmers markets offer a fantastic opportunity to discover fresh, locally-grown produce, homemade treats, and unique artisan goods. Strolling through you’ll find everything from crisp apples and pumpkins to homemade items, all while supporting local farmers and artisans. Wedding & lifestyle photographer Janelle Adamson states, “Don’t miss out on the South Shore farmers market, farmer’s market, where you can pick up fresh produce and autumn-themed treats! It’s a perfect way to soak in the season and get a feel for the local community.” The market is a beloved local destination that showcases the best of Milwaukee’s fresh produce and artisanal goods. Located in South Shore Park, this market offers a vibrant atmosphere where visitors can find a variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and handmade products from local vendors. With live music and community events often featured, it’s not just a place to shop; it’s a gathering spot for families and friends to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
Farmer’s markets are all over, luckily Jack Hamrick from Foraged shares, “Foraged is the only online resource that has compiled information on every farmer’s market in the USA. A great activity for anyone in Milwaukee is visiting a farmers market! Here’s our collection page on farmer’s markets in Milwaukee.”
Ryan Laessig, creator of Milwaukee Makers Market invites you to stop by to visit and support the maker community. The market is a celebration of creativity and community. It’s not just an artisan fair; it’s a chance to showcase the amazing work of local creators. Curated by Ryan Laessig, each market offers a warm atmosphere where small business owners can share their products and connect with fans and fellow makers.
A wonderful addition to your fresh produce and product adventures is stopping by 414loral, a charming flower shop to buy fresh flowers. Jenna Resendiz shares, “414loral is more than just a flower shop in the heart of Bronzeville. They use mindful and sustainable practices to make sure their community and planet thrive with a mission to foster collaboration, flower fun, and give back to their neighborhood. You can visit their cozy brick-and-mortar on North M.L.K. Drive every Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm, for a build-your-own-bouquet experience with a flower bar lush with locally grown seasonal blooms in a music-filled shop with warm scents and even warmer staff.”
If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to make your adventures more affordable and enjoyable. That’s why I collect points and miles. They help me travel longer, better, and cheaper.
Today I want to talk about a card that’s been growing in popularity over the past few years: the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. It’s designed for travelers who want to easily rack up miles without having to keep track of bonus categories.
And, in the past couple of years, they have really improved the card. It’s one of the main cards I use now because I love their travel portal, their transfer partners, and all the perks that come with the card.
With a hefty sign-up bonus, premium travel benefits, and an impressive rewards structure, the Venture X is worth considering if you’re looking for a new card. Here’s everything you need to know about the card and why I think you should consider getting it:
What is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card?
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a travel rewards card issued by Capital One. What I love about this card is its miles system. For every dollar you spend, you earn two miles, which (along with the lower-fee Capital One Venture Rewards Card) is unique among travel credit cards. There’s also no additional cost for up to four authorized users, making this a good option for families who need several cards.
In addition to earning at least 2x miles on every purchase, you can earn miles the following ways:
75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account
10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Other Perks and Benefits of the Capital One Venture X
Aside from earning miles, the Venture X packs a punch with its range of perks:
$300 travel credit when booking through the Capital One portal
Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Unlimited complimentary access to Capital One, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium lounges
10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary
$100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Travel insurance coverage, including primary car rental insurance, trip interruption and cancellation, and luggage reimbursement
No foreign transaction fees
With an annual fee of $395, it’s also the cheapest premium travel card out there (plus, if you can use the $300 travel credit, that brings the fee down to a manageable $95).
Using Your Capital One Miles
Capital One miles can be redeemed in a few ways. One is by booking travel directly through Capital One’s portal. While I usually don’t recommend booking through credit card portals, to fully benefit from the Venture X’s travel credit, you’ll need to book at least $300 worth of travel this way.
Another option is to use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase. For 90 days after making such a purchase, you can reimburse yourself at a redemption rate of one cent per mile. After 90 days, and for all other purchases, you can use miles as cash back, at a redemption rate of 0.5 cents per mile (but avoid doing this, as it’s not a good value).
However, you’ll get the most out of your miles by transferring them to Capital One’s 15+ airline and hotel partners. While the actual value varies based on what you book, you can usually find airline and hotel redemptions worth much more than the aforementioned one cent per mile. (The process is pretty straightforward and can be done through your Capital One account.)
Here are Capital One’s current travel partners:
Accor Live Limitless
Aeromexico Club Premier
Air Canada Aeroplan
Air France/KLM Flying Blue
Avianca LifeMiles
British Airways Executive Club
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Choice Privileges
Emirates Skywards
Etihad Airways Guest
EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
Finnair Plus
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
TAP Portugal Miles&Go
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
Virgin Red
Wyndham Rewards
Using transfer partners is a game-changer if you’re looking to maximize the value of your miles. That’s why, unless I find a super cheap flight or hotel room (less than $150 USD), I always transfer miles to Capital One’s travel partners. That’s especially true when booking business class flights or fancy hotel rooms. You just get more value for your money.
Plus, with tools like point.me and Awayz (search engines that help you find the best flights and hotels to book with miles), it’s easier than ever to find the best redemption options.
Pros of the Capital One Venture X
Substantial welcome offer
2x miles on every purchase
$300 annual travel credit
15+ transfer partners
Travel accident and car rental insurance
Up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Access to Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounges
No foreign transaction fees
Cons of the Capital One Venture X
Steep $395 annual fee
Must use Capital One’s Travel Portal to take advantage of some benefits (e.g., 10x miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars)
Transfer partners are a bit lacking (no US airlines and not the best hotels)
Who is this card for?
The Capital One Venture X is best for frequent travelers who want a straightforward card with a higher earning rate on all purchases. If you frequently fly and stay in hotels, and are willing to pay an annual fee for premium benefits, this card is tailored for you.
Who is this card not for?
On the flip side, if you’re not a frequent traveler or don’t spend enough to offset the $395 annual fee, the Venture X might not be the best fit. It’s also not ideal if you’re looking for a card with a high rewards rate in specific categories like dining or groceries.
If you travel occasionally or prefer a lower annual fee, you might want to pick another card that better aligns with your spending habits and travel frequency. Because there is no right card — only the card that’s right for you!
***
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a powerhouse for those who travel often and want to enjoy top-tier perks. Weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right fit for your travel lifestyle but I bet it is! Like I said in the intro, it’s one of my favorite cards and I definitely recommend getting it.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Brazilian butt lifts may be a popular cosmetic surgery trend, but Jason Kelce has confessed he doesn’t love the look.
The retired NFL player, 36, weighed in with his opinion on BBLs while chatting to brother Travis, 34 ,during the Wednesday October 16 episode of their “New Heights” podcast.
“I’m not gonna lie, I’m not a fan of the BBLs. It looks OK for like a couple of years maybe, but then that thing that starts saggin’ and it looks like you got a diaper on the backside of you. It’s not a good look,” Jason said.
Related: See Baby Pics of Travis Kelce, ‘Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?‘ Costars
Travis Kelce and his celebrity classmates from Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? were always ready for their close-up, judging by their adorable childhood photos. In photos exclusive to Us Weekly, Kelce and some of the star-studded guest stars on Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? including Nikki Glaser, Garcelle Beauvais, Lala Kent, Natasha Leggero […]
Instead, Jason suggested people who wanted the look to try to obtain the results in a way that doesn’t require going under the knife.
“Just do some glute bridges!” he suggested. “You can build the wagon naturally, you don’t need the synthetics. Just doesn’t have the right shape. It just looks bad. When the hamstrings don’t match your a–, it doesn’t look good…You can’t just add to the a–, and then you got weak-a– hammies.”
The topic arose on their podcast after they discussed Travis learning what a BBL was during his new gig as host of Amazon Prime Video’s Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?
Travis Kelce(Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
In the Wednesday, October 16 premiere of the streaming platform’s game show, a contestant told Travis she wanted to get a BBL. A confused Travis needed an explanation of what a BBL entailed — and soon found out it was a surgery that redistributes fat from a person’s midsection to their butt in order to create a fuller shape on their backside.
While Travis already has a successful sports career as the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, the athlete has garnered praise for his newfound skills as a gameshow host.
Related: Why Kylie Kelce Says Jason Kelce Has a ‘Chicken Ass’
Courtesy of Kylie Kelce/Instagram Jason Kelce knows exactly what his wife, Kylie Kelce, thinks about his backside. During the Wednesday, May 1, episode of Jason and brother Travis Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast, the 36-year-old Eagles alum shared an in-depth analysis of how butt size affects football performance. “I do think that you want more shapely […]
Speaking to Us Weekly for the new issue, guest stars Natasha Leggero and Ron Funches complimented Travis’ hosting abilities.
Thank You!
You have successfully subscribed.
“He brings his traditional golden retriever energy of a man who’s super attractive yet down to earth,” Funches, 41, said of Travis ahead of the premiere. “He is a pretty amazing gentlemen.”
Leggero, 50, agreed with the assessment, adding, “He really blew us away.”
The Are You Smarter Than game show series became popular with the 2007 premiere of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? Fast forward to 2024 and celebrities are now getting involved as contestants will compete against a panel of stars to see who has the most knowledge.
