Every September, National Mortgage Professional Month recognizes the professionals who play a role in helping people finance the dream of homeownership.
Since 2011, home sales in the United States have steadily grown, meaning each year more and more people are buying a home. Whether it’s a first home or the next home, mortgage professions understand how exciting and stressful the process can be. A mortgage professional takes on the task of making sure everything is in place by closing day. They may be loan officers, processors, underwriters, servicers, insurers, or other mortgage professionals, but all of them work hard to make your home loan a reality.
Their varied roles may include:
Reviewing loan applications
Verifying credit
Processing loan applications
Appraising the property
Examining the title
Verifying the purchase price, annual percentage rate, and term of the loan
Preparing the loan
Most people are not aware of the number of people and amount of work involved between the moment someone decides to buy a home and the day the final contracts are signed.
NATIONAL MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL MONTH HISTORY
In 2015, United Guaranty founded National Mortgage Professional Month to honor all mortgage professionals.
HOW TO OBSERVE #MortgageProfessionalMonth
During September, give a mortgage professional you know a shout-out. Recommend them to someone who is looking for a new home. Let them know you appreciate all they do to help people achieve homeownership. If you’re considering purchasing a home, learn about the process and what to expect.
Use #MortgageProfessionalMonth to share on social media.
July arrives in a blaze of sunshine, backyard gatherings, and patriotic pride. As the heart of summer, this vibrant month invites us outdoors to enjoy long days, warm evenings, family vacations, and community celebrations. From fireworks lighting up the night sky to beach trips, barbecues, and festivals, July captures the spirit of adventure and togetherness that makes summer unforgettable.
This year, July carries special significance as Americans continue commemorating the historic America 250 celebration, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Communities across the nation are hosting special events, educational programs, concerts, historical exhibits, and patriotic gatherings leading up to and surrounding Independence Day on July 4. The milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history, honor those who shaped it, and celebrate the enduring ideals of freedom and democracy.
July’s birthstone is the radiant ruby, a gemstone long associated with passion, courage, and prosperity. The month’s birth flowers are the larkspur and water lily, both symbols of positivity, grace, and joyful living. Those born from July 1 through July 22 belong to the nurturing and intuitive sign of Cancer, while birthdays from July 23 onward fall under the confident and charismatic sign of Leo. Famous July birthdays include author and activist Helen Keller (June? Actually June 27—not July, avoid), astronaut Neil Armstrong (August), so use: author Ernest Hemingway (July 21), artist Frida Kahlo (July 6), actor Tom Hanks (July 9), inventor Nikola Tesla (July 10), and former President Gerald Ford (July 14).
Summer fun reaches its peak in July. Families flock to beaches, lakes, and parks while communities host outdoor concerts, farmers markets, county fairs, and sporting events. It is the perfect month for camping under the stars, watching fireworks, enjoying fresh seasonal produce, and creating lasting memories with friends and loved ones. Whether you’re exploring a new destination or simply relaxing in your own backyard, July offers countless opportunities to embrace the season.
As the nation celebrates independence, honors history through America 250, and enjoys the pleasures of summer, July reminds us to appreciate both our heritage and the simple joys of the present moment. So grab your sunglasses, gather your family and friends, and make the most of every sun-filled day. Here’s to a jubilant July filled with celebration, discovery, and unforgettable summer memories.
If you need some fun activities here’s a page out of my book….
Mark your calendars: Father’s Day 2026 falls on Sunday, June 21st. While Mother’s Day had an earlier official start, the journey to honor dads is a fascinating story of determination, love, and a little bit of stubbornness. The modern celebration owes its existence to Sonora Smart Dodd, who was raised by a single father in Washington state. After hearing a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909, she argued that fathers deserved equal recognition. The first official Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, but it took decades—and a push from President Richard Nixon—to finally make it a permanent national holiday in 1972. Unlike the flowers and frills of May, Father’s Day was born from a quiet, rugged appreciation for the men who show up every single day.
The Qualities That Define Great Fathers What makes a dad truly memorable? While every father is unique, certain timeless qualities rise to the top. First is steadfastness—the ability to be a calm anchor in a stormy world. Great fathers also embody selflessness, often putting their family’s needs quietly ahead of their own, from working late shifts to giving up the last slice of pizza. Another key trait is guidance, not through lectures, but through showing integrity, resilience, and humor in everyday life. Finally, the best dads offer unconditional support; they are the ones in the bleachers, at the graduation, or on the other end of the phone at 2 AM. These qualities don’t require perfection—just presence.
The 14th is the third Sunday in June 2026, plan a full day for something special. Start with a classic breakfast in bed (or at the kitchen table) featuring his favorites—bacon, pancakes, and strong coffee. Because 2026 is also a World Cup year (the tournament runs through mid-July), consider planning an afternoon viewing party for a match, complete with his preferred snacks and a cold drink. If sports aren’t his thing, organize a no-fuss BBQ or backyard fire pit where the whole family can gather. The key is to remove stress: handle the cooking, cleanup, and logistics so he can simply relax and enjoy the company.
Meaningful Gifts That Go Beyond Another Tie This year, think about gifts that align with his hobbies or create future memories. For the handyman dad, a customized tool organizer or a high-quality multi-tool is both practical and thoughtful. For the foodie father, a subscription to a gourmet spice or hot sauce club keeps giving long after June 14th. However, the most impactful gifts are often experiences: book a half-day fishing trip, buy tickets to a local car show, or simply give a handwritten letter detailing your favorite memories together. Research shows that experiential gifts and personal notes are remembered far longer than any store-bought gadget.
Don’t Forget the Long-Distance Dad If you can’t be there in person on June 14, 2026, technology makes distance feel smaller. Schedule a coordinated video call where everyone logs in at the same time for a virtual toast. Consider using a meal delivery service to send his favorite restaurant dinner right to his door, then eat “together” over video. Another creative idea is a digital photo frame you can update remotely with new family pictures throughout the day. Even a simple, well-timed text or voice memo saying “I was thinking of you” can mean the world to a dad who misses you.
Final Thoughts: Celebrating the Everyday Hero Father’s Day isn’t about grand gestures or expensive presents. It’s about pausing to recognize the man who taught you how to ride a bike, fix a leaky faucet, or laugh at your own mistakes. As you prepare for June 14, 2026, remember that the best celebration mirrors the best fathers: genuine, warm, and a little bit playful. Whether you’re grilling burgers, watching a soccer match, or simply sitting on the porch together, your attention and gratitude are the real gifts. So go ahead—mark your calendar, pick up the phone, and tell him exactly why he matters. He’s earned it.
Share your favorite memory, pictures and more to social media. Use #Father’sDay to show how much you appreciate him to the world.
National Homeownership Month in June shines a spotlight on supporting the American Dream of homeownership. It’s also a time to recognize the organizations that help individuals and families to achieve their goals.
From the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Federal Housing Administration to the realtors, financial and housing counselors, and assistance programs, they all play a part in helping first-time homebuyers make their dream come true.
After an extreme low in 2016, homeownership has been making a gradual recovery. Ownership trends are changing, though. With priorities changing, so do the types of homes people are seeking.
NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP MONTH HISTORY
In 1995, National Homeownership Week began as a strategy of President William Clinton’s administration to increase homeownership across the nation. In 2002, President George W. Bush expanded the observance to the entire month of June.
If you are considering purchasing a home for the first time and don’t know where to start, visit NewHomeSource for a guide and list of resources.
Consider your options and learn your market. A good realtor will show you many options and resources, too. Ask friends who have bought a home for recommendations.
April is National Financial Literacy Month. It’s an excellent opportunity to review and upgrade your financial smarts.
Whether you’re just starting or have been earning your way for quite some time, it’s never too late to learn about saving and improving your financial outlook. Developing a budget and building financial knowledge is the foundation for a brighter future.
National Financial Literacy Month places the importance of learning about finances and the tools to learn about them right in the classroom, too. No matter their age, putting the know-how and resources at our children’s fingertips will give them the power to make smart decisions now and in the future.
NATIONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH HISTORY
The National Endowment for Financial Education launched Youth Financial Literacy Day in 2000. Since then, the event has evolved into a month-long observance supported by Jump$tart Coalition called National Finacial Literacy Month. While no U.S. president has signed a declaration officially proclaiming the month, the House and Senate have fully supported National Financial Literacy Month through joint resolutions. The U.S. Department of Education also promotes the observance.
