(NewsUSA) - The matchups are yet to be decided, but here are 12 facts you should know before placing your NBA Finals bets. Some of these little-known facts and figures can be the keys to placing winning bets. But keep in mind, betting lines are subject to change. Online sportsbooks such as BetUS.com update their NBA odds regularly.

* The winner of Game 1 has claimed the title in 14 of the last 20 NBA Finals.

* The home team has won Game One in 15 of the last 16 NBA Finals, excluding the 2020 championship, which was played on a neutral court. That trend could continue, so keep an eye on the NBA lines once the Finals are decided.

* The team with home-court advantage has also won the championship in 14 of the last 20 NBA Finals. Golden State will have home-court advantage no matter its opponent. Dallas would have homecourt advantage over Boston but not Miami.

* Since the NBA Finals MVP was first awarded in 1969, only two players -- Joe White (1976) and Chauncey Billups (2004) -- are among eligible players on the outside looking in at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The other 51 are either enshrined, still active or waiting to become eligible. That means the MVP will be: Steph Curry (+225), Jayson Tatum (+250), Jimmy Butler (+550) or Luka Doncic (+650).

* The East has not had consecutive titles from different teams since Detroit and Chicago won back-to-back championships in 1990 and 1991. The winner of Miami and Boston will try to end that streak after Milwaukee won last year.

* The last time a team outside the top two seeds represented the West was the 2012 Mavericks, who won the title vs. Miami as a No. 3 seed. The last time a No. 4 seed did the same? The 2008 Mavericks, who lost the championship series to Miami. Could we see a rubber match?

* The 2008 Celtics were the last No. 1 seed from the East to win a title without LeBron James on their roster. Miami has a chance to change that.

* The last three head coaches to win NBA titles -- Nick Nurse, Frank Vogel and Mike Budeholzer -- were all first-timers. Golden State's Steve Kerr has three titles, and Miami's Erik Spoelstra has two, while Dallas's Jason Kidd and Boston's Ime Udoka are in search of their first rings as head coaches.

* The average NBA Finals score has leveled out since skyrocketing to 236 points per game in 2017. Averages were about 217 PPG in both 2018 and 2019 before dipping to 214.5 in 2020 and sneaking back up to 221 in 2021. Keep an eye on the totals (or over/unders), as anything outside that range may give you a leg up.

* Dallas finished 6-2 in the regular season vs. the three other remaining teams. Golden State went 4-4, Boston 3-4 and Miami 2-5.

* How long will the series last? History says six games is the most likely result. Since the 1976 merger, six series have been 4-0 sweeps, 10 have ended in Game 5 and eight have finished in a do-or-die Game 7. The other 22 went six games.

* Titles have been relatively even between the two conferences. The West holds a 26-24 advantage over the last 50 championship series, and the last 10 are split evenly at 5-5.

Smart bettors read between the lines, and keeping these twelve little-known stats, facts and figures in mind when laying your NBA Finals bets this year should improve your odds of making a profit as we send this year's NBA season off to the history books.

(NewsUSA)

"All We Have to Believe In"
by Jeffrey Lousteau

A captivating story of love and loss, of betrayal and redemption, set against the backdrop of America in the 1920s. Edward Dooley is a disillusioned veteran of the Great War who comes home to San Francisco, struggles to fit into a fast-changing society, and falls in love with the daughter of immigrants who is as headstrong as he is idealistic.

Beneath all the glamour of the dazzling decade, however, xenophobia is taking hold, prosperity is undone by greed, and Prohibition proves morally bankrupt. Told with compassion and rich in historical detail, the themes of this story continue to resonate today. Says one reviewer, "Will pull at your heartstrings and make you nostalgic about an era long forgotten." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3wocIPU.

"A Good Lie"
by Roberta Temes

Could you perpetuate a devastating lie and never reveal the truth to your daughter? Louie plans to.

Could you withhold a shocking secret from your new spouse? Suzie plans to.

Catastrophe occurs after a quiet Midwestern family receives flawed medical advice concerning psychotic postpartum depression. This psychological novel takes you from 1960s Iowa to 1980s New Jersey. You'll root for Laurie, the desperate, lonely teenager who is intrigued by a cult leader, and you'll probably root for Dot, the voice of reason and common sense, but will you root for the struggling dad, or the devious psychotherapist, or the strong woman who defies society's expectations?

Families are complicated; good people may do bad things, and bad people may do good things. Are family secrets always harmful? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3tyReOy.

"Dusted by Stars"
by G.A. Matiasz

This far-future science fiction adventure thriller is a rollicking space opera with a touch of fantasy. Set in the universe of the author's previous books, Stacy Jones is a small-time contractor and proud citizen of socialist Mars. But she barely makes ends meet as an independent starship pilot and freight hauler. When Stacy takes a commission to transport the mythical sangrael possessed by the legendary Medea Ae?tes, she unknowingly puts her life and livelihood at risk.

Stacy teams up with Kryz, a diminutive Rarj, to battle thieves and hijackers across a galaxy swarming with aliens and riddled with danger. Together they maneuver through bar brawls and mercenaries, armed seizures and dogfights, suicide attacks and death squads to protect her precious cargo. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3Nbnq2c.

"Exiled South"
by Harriet Cannon

This book "rips the cover off traditional Southern sagas and takes you on a riveting international journey exploring the hidden trauma and deep wounds of three generations following the Civil War," says author Eleanor McCallie Cooper.

School counselor Lizbeth Gordon returns home to South Carolina after her husband's sudden death. But the quiet life doesn't last. An elderly aunt has troubling family stories: a blockade runner hunted as a traitor after the fall of Charleston, and ancestors who disappeared during Civil War Reconstruction.

We're taken across continents when Lizbeth takes a job at a school in Rio de Janeiro, where she meets a descendant of Confederate exiles, with the Gordon surname and nineteenth-century documents. Can the keys to generations-long secrets open a path to family reconciliation? Purchase at https://amzn.to/3DaZasp.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - - Ten years ago, the California Avocado Commission first observed June officially as California Avocado Month and is excited to continue celebrating this long-standing tradition. As an ode to the past ten years, the Commission has enlisted the culinary talents of Southern California-native Chef Nyesha Arrington to create delicious and seasonal recipes that prominently feature California avocados, which are grown by about 3,000 California avocado growers with groves from San Diego to Monterey.

Arrington has been celebrated throughout her career for using farm fresh, locally and responsibly sourced ingredients, which made her the perfect partner to craft customized dishes for this celebratory anniversary.

"It's hard narrowing down the recipes when California avocados have countless possibilities! However, I love when they are paired with complementing flavors. These California avocados definitely hold their own by leveling up any dish and giving an extra wow factor, making it a California chef's key ingredient," Arrington says.

Meticulously cared for and picked at their peak, California avocados are a heart-healthy superfood that provide "good" fats to one's diet. Inspired by how the bountiful flavor and nutrition pair perfectly, Arrington's Grilled California Avocado & Peach Salad showcases fresh and light flavors perfect for those warm summer nights. The recipe features fresh California avocados and peaches, grilled to perfection, layered on a bed of arugula and crispy quinoa, then paired with a tangy and delicious pistachio-arugula vinaigrette.

To view other mouthwatering creations, including Arrington's California Avocado Crab & Tuna Stack, or to learn more about California avocados, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com.

For even more celebration, check out Shop.CaliforniaAvocado.com to grab this season's newest merch just in time for California Avocado Month.

Grilled California Avocado & Peach Salad

Recipe created by Nyesha Arrington for the California Avocado Commission

Serves: 4

Prep time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 65 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup black quinoa
• 2 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
• 2 medium firm peaches, seeded and halved
• 3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, for frying
• 1 tsp. kosher salt, separated
• 1 (5 oz.) package wild arugula, 1/2 cup reserved for vinaigrette
• 1/4 cup no-shell chopped pistachios (optional)

Pistachio-Arugula Vinaigrette

• 1/2 cup wild arugula
• 1/2 cup baby spinach
• 5 no-shell pistachio nuts
• 1 1/2 tsp. creamy Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp. honey (local if available)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil (may substitute extra virgin olive oil)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 clove garlic
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1/8 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/8 tsp. pepper, or to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare quinoa according to package directions. Drain well using a fine strainer and spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Let stand, tossing occasionally until dried, about 30 minutes.
2. While quinoa dries, place all the Pistachio-Arugula Vinaigrette ingredients in a blender. Blend on medium speed until combined. Set aside.
3. Once the quinoa is thoroughly dry, heat oil for frying in a large skillet on high until waves begin to form in oil. Carefully add the quinoa, reduce heat to medium and fry until puffed, approximately 30 seconds. Drain the quinoa in a fine strainer to remove excess oil and transfer to paper towels. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
4. On a tray or baking sheet, place avocados and peaches cut side up, drizzle with olive oil and lightly season the avocados with salt.
5. Heat grill to medium high, add avocados and peaches cut side down, reduce heat to low and grill until tender and slightly charred (peaches 5 minutes; avocados 2 minutes).
6. To assemble salad, toss arugula with a small amount of the vinaigrette and place on the platter. Next, sprinkle quinoa on the platter.
7. Cut avocado and peaches into wedges and place onto the platter.
8. Drizzle with vinaigrette.
9. Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired. 

(NewsUSA) - - The 2022-23 NFL season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 8, as a marquee matchup headlines several intriguing matchups. Here is a look at what you can expect.

Game of the Week

Buffalo Bills (+1) at Los Angeles Rams (-1)

The season kicks off September 8th in a game featuring the defending Super Bowl champions facing the current AFC favorites -- and the tightest opening point spread of Week One, with just a single point separating the teams.

The Rams will begin their title defense when they host the Bills in primetime on Thursday night. With two of the league's best arms -- Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen -- and a gauntlet of weapons, you can expect a high-scoring battle between two of the NFL's top eight scoring offenses from last year. BetUS.com has the total (or over/under) pegged at 52.5 at press time.

Top Storyline

Denver Broncos (-3.5) at Seattle Seahawks (+3.5)

The first week's most talked- about story will almost certainly be the last game of the week, when Denver's Russell Wilson meets an old friend in a familiar location.

The star quarterback will make his Broncos debut in Seattle, where he played his first 10 professional seasons before being traded in the offseason.

All of this will be on Monday Night Football, where Wilson sports a 10-3 record. It would be hard to ask for a more dramatic scene as one of the biggest revenge games of this or any season on September 12th. Denver opened as -3.5 favorites and, according to BetUS, early action on the game is favoring the Broncos despite the team is on the road 

Other AFC West Matchups

Raiders (+4) at Chargers (-4). Total: 51.5

The last time we saw the Chargers, they were being dramatically eliminated from the playoffs by the Las Vegas Raiders, 35-32, in the regular season finale. That was the fifth time in the last six meetings that the game was decided by a touchdown or less. Their opening week rematch could, yet again, have major playoff repercussions in a hotly contested division.

Chiefs (-3) at Cardinals (+3). Total: 53

Defending AFC West champ Kansas City will start its season in Arizona, the first of eight consecutive opponents for the Chiefs which had winning records last season.

Other Intriguing Games

Tampa Bay (-2.5) at Dallas (+2.5). Total: 52

For the second consecutive season, NFC favorite Tampa Bay will face Dallas in a primetime slot. The Buccaneers snuck by the Cowboys 31-29 in a thrilling battle to kick off the 2021-22 season. A similar result could be expected this time around, according to the opening odds posted by BetUS, where the Bucs opened as a 2.5-point favorite. A more appealing wager might be the over 52 points.

Pittsburgh (+7) at Cincinnati (-7). Total: 44

The Bengals start their defense of the AFC crown at home against the Steelers, who are entering a new era following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. Cincinnati has won the last three matchups by an average margin of 18, and the Steelers have managed just one, first-half touchdown in that stretch. Despite those stats, bookmakers opened the Bengals as only a 7-point favorite -- a line many bettors are sure to find tempting. 

Here is the full opening week schedule with the latest NFL lines:

Thursday, Sept. 8

Bills at Rams (-1). Total: 52.5

Sunday, Sept. 11

Ravens (-5) at Jets. Total: 45
Saints (-3.5) at Falcons. Total: 42
Patriots at Dolphins (-3). Total: 45
Browns (-4.5) at Panthers. Total: 43.5
Steelers at Bengals (-7). Total: 44.5
49ers (-7) at Bears. Total: 42
Eagles (-4) at Lions. Total: 46.5
Colts (-9) at Texans. Total: 44
Jaguars at Commanders (-3.5). Total: 44
Chiefs (-3) at Cardinals. Total: 53
Raiders at Chargers (-4). Total: 51.5
Packers (-1.5) at Vikings. Total: 49
Giants at Titans (-7). Total: 44
Buccaneers (-2.5) at Cowboys. Total: 52

Monday, Sept. 12

Broncos (-3.5) at Seahawks. Total: 41 

Lines are subject to change. Check the latest NFL Week One odds.

(NewsUSA) - - Like the more than 25 million first responders in the United States, Jeff Cooper, a former deputy in the Broward County Polygraph Unit, took an oath to protect and serve his community. However, like many first responders, Cooper's promise did not necessarily extend to himself -- until a worsening medical condition forced him to focus on his health.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) affects more than seven million people worldwide, and in 1975 Cooper became one of those impacted by the disease. His PKD diagnosis, a hereditary condition, took him on a journey that would not only give him access to an innovative new technology, but would also allow him to experience remarkable camaraderie that would eventually stretch beyond the oath to protect and serve.

A Lifeline for Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease

PKD is a genetic disorder that causes cysts to develop on the kidneys -- making them enlarge and lose function. This hereditary condition can lead to the final stage of chronic kidney disease, also known as "end-stage renal disease." This condition requires more than 70% of patients to undergo dialysis -- a process of removing waste products and flushing excess fluid from the blood to keep kidneys functioning and patients alive -- or undergo a kidney transplant.

Before receiving dialysis, some patients undergo a procedure that creates an access point to their bloodstream, often referred to as a lifeline for dialysis, Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas are created by connecting a vein and artery in the arm, allowing the patient to begin dialysis.

Growing up with a father who underwent dialysis for many years, Cooper saw the side effects of the common, surgically created fistulas on his father's arms (like large, swollen veins) and hoped for a less invasive option that would allow him to continue his normal, active life.

While working with his doctor, Cooper discovered the Ellipsys® Vascular Access System -- a less invasive option for creating AV fistulas that's done through an out-patient procedure. While potential risks associated with creation and maintenance of arteriovenous fistula exist, the Ellipsys procedure can cut the time between fistula creation to dialysis from six months to two months, potentially translating into accelerated dialysis treatment.

A New Outlook, Another Miracle

Cooper received his Ellipsys- created fistula on December 4, 2020, giving him access to life-saving dialysis. Cooper said he was amazed at how fast he could return to everyday activities after the Ellipsys procedure.

After only a few months of adjusting to his new fistula and starting treatment, Cooper received another life-changing surprise. In early February 2021, Guy Kitchens -- coincidentally, a police officer in a neighboring county --gave his fellow officer the ultimate gift -- Kitchens donated his kidney to Cooper. Thanks to Officer Kitchens, Cooper says he feels like a kid again. His kidney function is improving, his doctors are dialing back his medications, and best of all, he's formed a lifelong friendship with Guy, with whom he talks almost daily.

"I've got a little brother now and another extended family," Cooper says. "I've got a living angel in my life."

Without his Ellipsys created fistula and dialysis treatment leading up to that life-changing day in February, Cooper's story might have been more challenging. Please consult with your doctor to see if this procedure is right for you -- results may vary. If you or someone you know is on a dialysis journey, learn more about the Ellipsys procedure, and associated risks, at: www.medtronic.com/Ellipsys.

But what every sports fan might not know is that now is the time to find some of the best odds to bet your favorite teams to win this year's World Series. We're talking about betting futures, and they offer some of the best chances of scoring a big payday this baseball season.

The first step is finding the best value for your money, so you need to choose teams that play good baseball but still have odds that offer you, the sports bettor, a decent return should they go all the way this year. For example, there is plenty of risk but not much reward in betting the 5.5-to-1 odds on the Los Angeles Dodgers to become this year's World Series champs, according to Barry Barger, a senior betting analyst at BetUS.com, an online sportsbook that is a favorite for baseball bettors across the country. The NL West team is loaded, but also is in a division which every team is playing solid baseball.

One team that gave the Dodgers a run for their money in 2021 is the San Francisco Giants. And you can get both San Francisco and the San Diego Padres at 17-1 odds on the World Series futures market at BetUS.

The current World Series champions - the Atlanta Braves - surprised last year, yet are currently offered at generous 15-to-1 odds to do it again this year because of a sluggish start and the strong play of the New York Mets. "Remember, this is a 162-game season plus the grind of the playoffs, so intriguing betting opportunities will abound," Barger says.

Another team on the West Coast is also offering attractive odds. Currently, the Los Angeles Angels carry 21-1 odds to win the World Series at BetUS. And along with the Angels comes Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Anthony Rendon and a ton of talent. "If the Angels stay healthy, it could make their fans a lot of money this year," according to Barger.

Meanwhile, The Tampa Bay Rays sit at 17-1 and they are off to a more than solid start. This club has had so much success in recent years, it figures to somehow, someway earn the World Series trophy for the first time.

A touch below the Rays are the Milwaukee Brewers, another squad that wins a lot of games but just not at the right time. They look enticing at 15-1.

Not far behind the Brewers in the NL Central,, but trailing them significantly on the Futures market are the St. Louis Cardinals, who are 34-1. That is a franchise with great success in the postseason and is never a surprise when it succeeds.

Another team offering potentially more excitement and bang for your betting dollar are the Minnesota Twins. The Twins are showing plenty of spark and life - and BetUS currently offers them at 34-1 to win the World Series this year.

Before placing their bets, fans should review all the current odds to win the 2022 World Series because odds often change as the season progresses.

(NewsUSA) - May is here and baseball season is in full swing. Of course, the regular season offers any number of opportunities to beat the sportsbooks, as long as you keep a close eye on the MLB odds and MLB lines for the best value.

But what every sports fan might not know is that now is the time to find some of the best odds to bet your favorite teams to win this year's World Series. We're talking about betting futures, and they offer some of the best chances of scoring a big payday this baseball season.

The first step is finding the best value for your money, so you need to choose teams that play good baseball but still have odds that offer you, the sports bettor, a decent return should they go all the way this year. For example, there is plenty of risk but not much reward in betting the 5.5-to-1 odds on the Los Angeles Dodgers to become this year's World Series champs, according to Barry Barger, a senior betting analyst at BetUS.com, an online sportsbook that is a favorite for baseball bettors across the country. The NL West team is loaded, but also is in a division which every team is playing solid baseball.

One team that gave the Dodgers a run for their money in 2021 is the San Francisco Giants. And you can get both San Francisco and the San Diego Padres at 17-1 odds on the World Series futures market at BetUS.

The current World Series champions - the Atlanta Braves - surprised last year, yet are currently offered at generous 15-to-1 odds to do it again this year because of a sluggish start and the strong play of the New York Mets. "Remember, this is a 162-game season plus the grind of the playoffs, so intriguing betting opportunities will abound," Barger says.

Another team on the West Coast is also offering attractive odds. Currently, the Los Angeles Angels carry 21-1 odds to win the World Series at BetUS. And along with the Angels comes Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Anthony Rendon and a ton of talent. "If the Angels stay healthy, it could make their fans a lot of money this year," according to Barger.

Meanwhile, The Tampa Bay Rays sit at 17-1 and they are off to a more than solid start. This club has had so much success in recent years, it figures to somehow, someway earn the World Series trophy for the first time.

A touch below the Rays are the Milwaukee Brewers, another squad that wins a lot of games but just not at the right time. They look enticing at 15-1.

Not far behind the Brewers in the NL Central,, but trailing them significantly on the Futures market are the St. Louis Cardinals, who are 34-1. That is a franchise with great success in the postseason and is never a surprise when it succeeds.

Another team offering potentially more excitement and bang for your betting dollar are the Minnesota Twins. The Twins are showing plenty of spark and life - and BetUS currently offers them at 34-1 to win the World Series this year.

Before placing their bets, fans should review all the current odds to win the 2022 World Series because odds often change as the season progresses.

(NewsUSA) - Puradigm, a global leader in a new category of product, -- simultaneous air and surface purification -- has launched a residential version of their robust charged particle purification technology. Health-conscious families are taking notice.

In a University of Florida study, Puradigm proved to be more than 2,400x faster than traditional HEPA filtration when eliminating SARS-CoV-2 (COVIDd-19). Extrapolating from this study, a typical HEPA filter could take 40 minutes to remove the number of harmful pathogens from an average cough size. Puradigm purified the same amount of pathogens in less than a second.

In another study in hospital patient rooms, Puradigm was shown to be up to 8x more effective at reducing pathogens than manual cleaning of contaminated surfaces.

A growing number of families have found a way to keep safe in the wake of COVID-19 and mutating coronaviruses with Puradigm's offering of HOME and HOME+ purifiers. By installing Puradigm, they are also investing in their good health by using the technology to reduce mold, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), viruses and bacteria, as well as harmful chemical off-gassing from synthetic household items. Puradigm has been certified as an organic product.

"The Puradigm HOME was an absolute game changer for our family! Our son had suffered for over a decade from environmental irritants, and within 30 minutes of setting up the Puradigm HOME, he felt better. This product really works, and we are so grateful," says Robert M., a Puradigm customer and father of two in Southern California.

Puradigm purification is trusted by major clients around the world to protect their workers and customers, including the Vatican, United Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and the Texas State Capitol building. Dr. Jawad Shah, MD, a neurosurgeon for Insight Surgical Hospital, utilizes Puradigm in his surgical suites and patient rooms and has seen tremendous success in reducing hospital-acquired infections. Puradigm has now made this amazing technology available for home use.

Puradigm technology works by converting air and water vapor into charged particles. These charged particles are distributed throughout the home environment, attacking hard-to-reach pathogens simultaneously in the air and on surfaces, and continuously around the clock. This natural, safe and effective purification process has been proven to work thousands of times faster than conventional air filter systems for easy and complete protection throughout the home.

The Puradigm system is quiet and non-invasive, as well as energy efficient, with an estimated power consumption of less than $0.05 per day. The system is easy to use via in-home touch panel controls or remotely, with options for wall mounting or free-standing installation. Systems are available to suit a range of indoor living spaces, including single-family homes, apartments and garages so families can enjoy peace of mind in any setting.

To celebrate their new residential purification option, Puradigm is currently offering 25% off of its HOME and HOME+ products. Just mention this article with promo code NEWS25 during checkout.

For more information and test results, visit https://www.puradigm.com/product/home/.

(NewsUSA) - Recent inflationary pressure, challenging financial circumstances and a looming rise in interest rates have made aspiring homeowners across the country feel like the dream of owning their home is slipping away from them. This situation may seem bleak, but San Francisco-based start-up, Divvy Homes offers aspiring homeowners another option to make their dreams a reality.

Divvy Homes is dedicated to making homeownership more accessible to American families. The company has designed a program for would-be homeowners who don't quite qualify for a traditional mortgage because of tighter lender requirements, not quite enough savings or a range of other reasons.

Divvy helps by offering a program that allows customers to build savings with their Divvy payment, boost their credit score through free credit counseling and ultimately position themselves to qualify for a traditional mortgage at the end of their three-year lease. If a customer is ahead of schedule and wants to purchase before their lease ends, they can buy their home from Divvy whenever they are ready.

Here's how it works:

- Qualify. The process starts when buyers complete a five-minute online application. Divvy requires a minimum household income of $2,500 per month and proof of three months of income. It will then run a soft credit check, complete a background check and ask for a government-issued ID. Once approved, the customer receives a home-buying budget and pairs up with a real estate agent to start shopping. Already have an agent? Not a problem. Divvy knows the homefinding process is personal and will work with the agent of the customer's choice.

- Buy. Once the customer finds their dream home, Divvy bids to purchase the property. When a bid is successful, customers can expect a quick closing process so they can get the keys and move in.

- Save. The customer contributes a payment of one to two percent of the home's value at the beginning of the lease. That money is held on behalf of the customer to be used toward a down payment when the customer is ready to purchase the home. In addition to the initial payment, up to 25 percent of each monthly payment goes toward saving for a down payment. It's a plan that combines the flexibility of renting with the benefit of a savings program that prepares customers for the wealth-building power of homeownership when they are ready.

- Own. The potential homeowner builds up to 10 percent of the home's value over their three-year lease, but they can elect to obtain a mortgage and buy the home at any time. Change of heart? Customers can walk away from the arrangement and cash out their savings, net of a relisting fee.

Divvy has a consistent and growing record of creating new homeowners across the country. It has closed more homes in 2021 alone than in the past four years and doubled their market share since the beginning of 2021. Divvy customers have exercised their option to purchase their homes at a rate of nearly 50 percent -- well above the conversion rates of industry competitors.

The Divvy Homes program is currently available in 16 metropolitan areas across the United States: Atlanta, GA; Cincinnati, OH; Cleveland, OH; Dallas, TX; Denver, CO; Ft Lauderdale, FL; Houston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Memphis, TN; Minneapolis, MN; Miami, FL; Orlando, FL; Phoenix, AZ; San Antonio, TX; St. Louis, MO; and Tampa, FL.

Visit divvyhomes.com for more information.

(NewsUSA) - When making financial plans for retirement on a fixed income, remember that your retirement life at the beginning is not how it will continue indefinitely. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional will assist you in creating a smooth retirement plan that best fits your needs over time. "Your retirement will evolve in phases as your priorities change," says Cary Carbonaro, CFP.® "One of the most important things you can do right now is understand how your retirement will change and then budget for those different phases."

Carbonaro suggests thinking of retirement in three phases:

• Early: The early years of retirement are the years when most retirees enjoy good health and are free of work and child-rearing, allowing travel and other activities to play a larger role in the budget.
• Middle: This phase can be considered a slowing-down and transitional phase for many. Changes in health, legacy and other goals will impact financial plans and budgeting.
• Late: Late retirement is when healthcare and other similar issues take priority.

Regardless of your phase of retirement, it's important to consider all your sources of retirement income. For most people, these include savings, investments and Social Security. Some people also have a pension plan from a former employer.

Keys to successful financial planning on a fixed income include:

• Organizing withdrawals. You can choose to withdraw from retirement accounts monthly, but other options are annual, semi- annual or quarterly. Set up a plan that meets your needs.
• Budgeting. Your fixed-income budget will likely evolve, but it is important to have a plan in place so you can balance money for fun and adventure with a cushion for unexpected retirement expenses that could drain your savings.
• Considering costs. One often-overlooked expense when planning a retirement budget is the taxes on retirement account withdrawals. Carbonaro recommends withholding at least 20% to 25% of a withdrawal for taxes.

When developing a financial plan, retirees on a fixed income should also factor in the need for long-term care, which might involve paying for personal assistance with bathing, dressing and taking medications.

Caring for adult children also is becoming a more common source of costs for retirees. Census data suggest that more than one-third of adults aged 18 to 34 are living in their parents' home. In some cases, the situation is reversed, and retirees find themselves moving in with their adult children, either as a matter of preference or because of the expense of long-term care.

For more information on financial planning strategies on a fixed income, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.