Simple DIY Security Upgrades That Can Make Your Home Safer

Making your home harder to break into doesn't have to mean tearing down walls or paying a professional security company thousands of dollars. A handful of smart, low-effort upgrades can reduce your risk of burglary, limit damage if something does happen and, in some cases, even bring down your home insurance premiums. The key is choosing the right projects, installing them correctly and then letting your insurer know what you've done.

Many insurance companies offer discounts for certain security measures, especially those that are monitored or significantly reduce the likelihood or severity of a loss. The catch is that those discounts aren't guaranteed, and they can vary a lot between companies. Once you've made improvements, a quick call or online chat with your insurer can clarify whether your specific devices qualify for any savings. Think of any discount as a bonus on top of the main goal: protecting your home and the people in it.

A natural starting point for many homeowners is a smart home security system. Brands like Ring, SimpliSafe and Wyze have popularized DIY packages that combine a hub, keypad, door and window sensors, motion detectors and optional cameras. Instead of paying for a custom, professionally installed system, you can start small with a basic kit and add devices over time as your budget allows. These systems are designed for non-experts; most pieces are peel-and-stick or mount with simple screws, and the apps walk you through setup step by step. The flexibility is a genuine advantage: you can add indoor cameras in key rooms, extend coverage to a detached garage, or integrate smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Just remember that "smart" doesn't automatically mean "monitored." If you want emergency responders notified when an alarm triggers and you're not available, you'll usually need to pay a monthly monitoring fee. It's worth weighing that ongoing cost against the extra protection and any insurance discount a monitored system might unlock.

Strong locks and reinforced doors remain one of the most underrated security upgrades. Many exterior doors are fitted with budget deadbolts that look solid but don't do much against a determined kick. Upgrading to a Grade 1 deadbolt—tested to a higher standard for strength and durability—can make it significantly harder to force your way in. You can go further by reinforcing the door frame itself. A heavy-duty steel strike plate, anchored with long screws that sink at least an inch into the wall studs, helps keep the lock from ripping out of soft wood during a break-in attempt. These materials are relatively inexpensive compared to cameras and alarms, but they only pay off if installed correctly. If you're not handy, watching a few reputable instructional videos or asking a knowledgeable friend to double-check your work is a good idea; a misaligned deadbolt or weak frame doesn't offer the protection you're counting on.

Lighting is another powerful but simple deterrent. Burglars prefer shadows and blind spots, and outdoor motion-sensor lights can make your property feel far less inviting. When someone approaches a doorway, walkway or driveway, the sudden wash of light draws attention and gives you or your neighbors a clear view of what's happening. If you're comfortable working with household wiring, you can replace existing flood lights with motion-activated models that tie into your electrical system. If you'd rather avoid dealing with electricity, solar-powered motion lights are an easier alternative: they mount with screws, charge during the day and can be moved around as you figure out where they're most effective. The downside is that solar units depend on sunlight and battery life, so placement and quality matter. Whatever option you choose, aim to eliminate dark corners rather than turning your yard into a stadium; you want security, not constant glare.

Windows are often weaker points in a home's defenses, especially large, ground-level panes. Security window film offers a subtle way to reinforce them. This clear or tinted film adheres directly to the glass, helping it hold together when struck instead of shattering into shards. It will not make your windows unbreakable, but it can slow down an intruder and make forced entry noisier and more obvious—often enough to send someone looking for an easier target. Some films also reduce visibility into your home, making it harder for someone to quickly scan for valuables or confirm whether anyone is inside. Installation takes patience; the glass has to be cleaned thoroughly and the film applied without bubbles or creases. Done properly, though, it can last for years and also offer side benefits like UV protection and modest storm resistance.

Finally, video doorbells have quickly gone from novelty to near-standard on many front porches, and for good reason. These devices combine a doorbell, camera, microphone and speaker so you can see and talk to whoever is at your door from your phone—even when you're miles away. Hardwired models replace your existing doorbell, but many popular options run on rechargeable batteries, making DIY installation straightforward. For renters, there are non-drilling mounts that clamp onto the door or doorframe and come off cleanly when you move, which helps avoid security-deposit issues. Beyond deterring package theft and casual snooping, video doorbells create a record of activity at your front door. If you ever need to file a claim for stolen deliveries or vandalism, those clips can be valuable documentation. Just be aware that cloud storage and advanced features usually come with subscription fees, and you should review your device's privacy settings so you're comfortable with how and where footage is stored.

All of these upgrades—smart systems, stronger locks, better lighting, reinforced windows and video doorbells—work best as part of an overall mindset rather than as magic solutions. A camera won't help if you leave doors unlocked, and the best deadbolt in the world is less useful if a sliding window has a flimsy latch. Think in layers: make entry physically harder, increase the odds that suspicious activity will be noticed and recorded, and ensure that alarms trigger a quick response. Then, once you've completed your projects, document what you installed, keep your receipts and contact your home insurance company. Ask specifically which devices or systems they recognize for discounts and what proof they require.

You may find that some upgrades shave a bit off your premium, while others provide no direct financial benefit but still dramatically improve your security. In that case, the peace of mind and added protection are the real return on investment. By focusing on practical, well-chosen DIY improvements instead of gadgets for their own sake, you can make your home tougher to target without turning it into a fortress—or breaking your budget in the process.

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Making Sense of Today’s Cooler Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have finally broken their three-year streak of pain. After hovering above 7% for much of early 2025, the average 30-year fixed rate slid to around 6.30% in September and has entered October notably lower than where it started the year. For buyers who've been on the sidelines waiting for some relief, it's tempting to see this as the green light to jump back in.

But a lower number on a rate sheet doesn't automatically mean it's the right time to buy.

Even after this recent drop, today's rates are still substantially higher than they were in the early 2020s, when emergency cuts during the pandemic pushed borrowing costs to historic lows. And no one can say with certainty where rates go next. That uncertainty means buyers need to think beyond the excitement of "rates are down" and take a sober look at both the opportunities and the risks that exist this October.

One clear advantage is that financing a home is cheaper than it has been in several years. At one point this month, average 30-year rates briefly dipped toward the low-6% range, and even after a small bump, they remain well below the levels buyers faced last winter. For many households, that shift meaningfully improves affordability: a lower rate can reduce monthly payments, increase the price point you qualify for, or simply give you more breathing room in your budget. If your credit is strong, your debts are under control, and you've been waiting for some relief, this environment may allow you to secure a loan that felt out of reach just months ago. It's still wise, though, to start by pulling your credit report, checking for errors, and tightening up your financial profile so you're in the best possible position to lock in a competitive rate rather than assuming "average" is what you'll get.

At the same time, the very thing that created this opening—a rapidly shifting rate climate—should make you cautious. Mortgage rates move in response to a mix of forces: the 10-year Treasury yield, inflation readings, jobs data, investor expectations about the Federal Reserve, and broader financial market sentiment. Any sharp change in those inputs can push rates higher again, sometimes quickly. We've already seen this movie: after a Fed rate cut in late 2024 pushed mortgage rates to a two-year low, they later climbed back up. Buyers who assumed the low would last and waited too long ended up facing more expensive loans. The same could happen again. Waiting might win you a slightly lower rate, or it might leave you chasing a moving target that suddenly turns against you.

Many people are also eyeing the Federal Reserve's late-October meeting, where markets see a high probability of another rate cut. That sounds like good news, but it's not a guarantee of cheaper mortgages. First, mortgage rates are influenced more by expectations about long-term inflation and economic growth than by a single short-term policy move. Second, lenders often adjust their offers ahead of known decisions, so the "good news" may already be priced in. A cut could nudge rates a bit lower, but it could just as easily be overshadowed by other economic data or by markets deciding the Fed is nearing the end of its cutting cycle. Treat the expected cut as one piece of the puzzle—not as a promise that waiting until after the meeting will automatically get you a better deal.

Seasonality adds another wrinkle. Fall is not traditionally the prime homebuying season. Compared to spring and early summer, there are usually fewer listings, fewer open houses, and less flexibility in timing a move around school schedules and holidays. Sellers who were testing the market may have already pulled their homes, and families often choose to stay put until after the new year. That can mean less choice and more compromises for buyers: you might have to accept a location you're not crazy about, a layout that's not ideal, or a house that needs more work than you'd like simply because the options are limited.

On the other hand, the same seasonal slowdown can work in your favor. Sellers who keep their homes on the market through fall and into the holiday season are often more serious and more motivated. That can translate into better negotiation opportunities—closing cost credits, repair concessions, or small price reductions—especially if your financing is strong and you can move efficiently through underwriting. The challenge is weighing the potential long-term savings of acting while rates are cooler against the very real trade-offs of buying in a thinner, more inconvenient market.

Ultimately, today's lower mortgage rates are an opening, not a mandate. This October is not October 2020, when ultra-low rates made waiting feel almost irrational, nor is it exactly like October 2024, when a brief dip was followed by a rebound. The context has changed: home prices may be higher in your area, inventories may be tighter, and your own financial situation might look different than it did a year or two ago.

The real question isn't, "Are rates low?" It's, "Are these rates low enough, given my budget, my job stability, my savings, and the homes actually available to me right now?" A thoughtful next step is to run the numbers on a few realistic scenarios—different price points, different down payments, and slightly higher and lower rates—to see how sensitive your monthly payment and overall comfort level really are. Then, have a candid conversation with a mortgage professional and a real estate agent who understand your local market, not just the headline rate trends.

If buying now still leaves you stretched, overly dependent on everything going right, or settling for a home that doesn't meet your core needs, the smarter move may be to keep saving and wait—even if rates rise a bit. But if the current rate environment allows you to buy a home you genuinely want, with a payment you can responsibly afford, and with some margin for the unexpected, then this brief period of cooler mortgage rates may be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

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Mortgage rates have tumbled in recent weeks, offering long-awaited relief for homebuyers who've been sidelined by high borrowing costs. The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 6.35%, down from 6.5% the previous week, marking the largest one-week decline of 2025 so far, according to Freddie Mac. Earlier this year, rates were hovering above 7%, making this a meaningful shift for potential buyers looking to enter the market.

Economists say the sudden drop stems largely from new government data showing a sharp slowdown in hiring, which has strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve will soon cut interest rates. When the Fed signals lower rates ahead, borrowing costs across the economy — including mortgage rates — tend to fall as well. "This is a significant drop," said Ken Johnson, a real estate economist at the University of Mississippi. "It's enough to make a noticeable difference in affordability for buyers."

Even a modest decline in mortgage rates can translate into substantial savings. According to Rocket Mortgage, a one-percentage-point drop can save thousands — and in some cases tens of thousands — of dollars annually, depending on the home's purchase price. But this new environment presents a dilemma: should buyers rush to lock in lower rates now, or hold out in hopes of even cheaper financing later this year?

Mortgage rates are closely tied to the yield on the 10-year Treasury bond, which has been falling alongside expectations for an upcoming rate cut from the Federal Reserve. The Fed's benchmark interest rate — currently between 4.25% and 4.5% — hasn't changed in nine months, following an aggressive series of hikes meant to curb pandemic-era inflation. Now, officials appear to be shifting focus toward the labor market, which has shown clear signs of cooling.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell recently hinted that a rate cut could come soon, saying the central bank is paying closer attention to slowing job growth. Markets have taken that as a strong signal: according to the CME FedWatch Tool, investors see a 76% chance of three quarter-point rate cuts by the end of the year.

However, experts warn that much of this optimism is already "priced in." Lu Liu, a finance professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, noted that "expectations of lower near-term rates are being priced in, so current mortgage rates look a bit more attractive." In other words, for mortgage rates to drop significantly below current levels, the Fed would have to ease policy more aggressively than markets currently anticipate.

A further economic slowdown could push the central bank in that direction, but renewed inflation pressure could stop it from cutting too quickly. Balancing those competing risks will likely determine how much further mortgage rates can fall.

Despite these uncertainties, the housing market is becoming more favorable for buyers in other ways. Home prices have cooled noticeably — the median U.S. sales price fell to $410,800 for the three months ending in June, down from $423,100 in the prior quarter, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Inventory levels are also rising, and homes are spending more time on the market than they did during the pandemic housing boom.

"Prices have cooled, inventory is up, time on the market is up," said Julia Fonseca, a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. "All of this suggests it's a more favorable market for buyers relative to recent years. That said, it's really hard to predict what will happen with prices in the future."

Fonseca cautioned homebuyers against trying to "time the market." Predicting the exact trajectory of mortgage rates, she said, is nearly impossible. Instead, she recommends focusing on personal finances and long-term needs. If rates fall further after buying, refinancing remains an option — as long as the mortgage doesn't include prepayment penalties.

"I would be guided by your needs and your personal financial situation, rather than try to make predictions about future prices and future interest rates," Fonseca said.

In short, the housing landscape is beginning to shift in buyers' favor for the first time in years — but the window may not stay open for long. With rates dropping and the Fed expected to cut soon, decisive buyers could finally find themselves with both affordability and opportunity on their side.

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Homebuilder sentiment held firm in September, as optimism about falling mortgage rates and an anticipated Federal Reserve rate cut helped offset persistent cost pressures. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) registered a reading of 32 for the month — unchanged from August and marking the fifth consecutive month of subdued but stable builder confidence.

While sentiment remains well below the neutral level of 50, builders are increasingly optimistic about what's ahead. Expectations for future home sales climbed to their highest level since March, driven by easing mortgage rates and growing confidence that lower borrowing costs will bring more buyers back into the market before year's end.

"While builders continue to contend with rising construction costs, a recent drop in mortgage interest rates over the past month should help spur housing demand," said Buddy Hughes, NAHB chairman and a home builder and developer from Lexington, North Carolina.

NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz added that expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut this week are also buoying sentiment. "NAHB expects the Fed to cut the federal funds rate at their meeting this week, which will help lower interest rates for builder and developer loans," he said. "Moreover, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage average is down 23 basis points over the past four weeks to 6.35%, the lowest level since mid-October of last year — a positive sign for future housing demand."

Still, the survey reveals a market that remains cautious. Thirty-nine percent of builders reported cutting home prices in September, up from 37% the previous month and the highest share since the post-pandemic period began. The average price cut was 5%, a level that has held steady since last November. Meanwhile, 65% of builders used sales incentives — nearly unchanged from August's 66% — underscoring the lengths builders continue to go to attract hesitant buyers.

The NAHB/Wells Fargo HMI, which has tracked builder sentiment for more than four decades, measures three key components: current single-family home sales, sales expectations for the next six months, and traffic of prospective buyers. Any reading above 50 indicates more builders view conditions as good than poor. In September, the component measuring future sales expectations rose two points to 45, its strongest reading in six months. The index for current sales conditions held steady at 34, while buyer traffic slipped one point to 21, reflecting continued caution among would-be homeowners.

Regionally, builder confidence varied. The three-month moving average for the Northeast remained at 44, the Midwest edged up one point to 42, the South held at 29, and the West rose slightly to 26.

While overall confidence remains restrained, the data suggests that builders are beginning to see light at the end of a long tunnel. With mortgage rates easing and a potential rate cut on the horizon, industry optimism may finally be stabilizing — and could build further if lower borrowing costs succeed in reawakening buyer demand in the final quarter of 2025.

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Buying a second home is an exciting financial milestone — whether it's a lakeside getaway, a mountain cabin, or an investment property meant to generate steady income. But in today's housing climate, far fewer buyers are choosing to finance those purchases with mortgages. According to Redfin, just 86,604 mortgages were issued for second homes in 2024, the lowest number since 2018 and a sharp drop from the peak of more than 258,000 in 2021.

That decline is partly driven by higher interest rates, which have discouraged many from borrowing altogether. Instead, an increasing number of well-capitalized buyers are paying cash — a move that speeds up the buying process and appeals to sellers eager for quick, secure deals. But for others, tying up that much liquidity can feel risky, especially in an uncertain economy. The key question is whether it's smarter to pay cash for your second home or finance it with a mortgage — and the answer depends on your financial goals, tax situation, and appetite for flexibility.

Paying Cash: Speed, Savings, and Simplicity

For buyers who can afford it, paying cash offers an undeniable sense of freedom. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), about 28% of all home sales last summer were all-cash transactions, and roughly 16% of those involved second homes. Even as that share slipped slightly to 25% by year's end, cash deals remain a significant force in the market.

The advantages are clear: no interest, no lender fees, and no waiting for underwriting or appraisals. Paying in full can save tens or even hundreds of thousands in financing costs over time. For example, a $400,000 second home purchased with a 6.5% mortgage would cost roughly $819,000 over 30 years — with more than half of that total going toward interest. Paying cash avoids that entirely.

Cash buyers also enjoy negotiation power. Sellers are often more willing to lower their price or accept a cash offer quickly since it removes financing uncertainty. The closing process is faster, and owning the property outright offers immediate peace of mind.

However, paying cash has trade-offs. It can significantly deplete savings, leaving little room for unexpected expenses such as repairs, taxes, or medical emergencies. It also eliminates potential tax deductions — second-home mortgage interest is deductible within certain limits, an advantage you forgo with a cash purchase. And while owning the home outright builds equity instantly, it ties up funds that might otherwise earn higher returns in the market or other investments.

Using a Mortgage: Flexibility and Financial Balance

For buyers who prefer to maintain liquidity, financing a second home with a mortgage can be the more strategic route. Even with rates in the 6% range, borrowing preserves capital for other priorities — such as renovations, investment opportunities, or simply maintaining a healthy emergency fund.

Mortgages also come with tax benefits. Homeowners can deduct mortgage interest payments up to IRS limits, which can offset some of the costs of borrowing. A second loan can also enhance credit strength over time, as consistent on-time payments demonstrate reliability to future lenders.

Still, there are drawbacks. Taking out a mortgage means committing to years of interest payments and monthly obligations — something that can strain finances if you're still paying off your primary residence. Closing can also take longer and involve more paperwork, appraisals, and fees, from loan origination to underwriting.

Choosing the Right Path

The decision ultimately comes down to your financial picture and comfort with liquidity. If you have ample savings and want to avoid debt, a cash purchase offers clarity, savings, and immediate ownership. But if you prefer to keep more flexibility, benefit from tax deductions, and maintain access to your funds, financing your second home could be the wiser move — even if it means paying interest over time.

Experts often recommend a hybrid approach: put down a large cash payment to reduce the loan amount while retaining some reserves. This balances both advantages — smaller monthly payments and greater financial security.

Whether you opt for cash or credit, buying a second home is a major decision that should align with your long-term goals. Take time to assess your finances, explore lender options, and weigh how much liquidity you're comfortable parting with. A dream home should offer freedom and enjoyment — not financial stress.

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Mortgage shoppers are finally getting a break. After spiking to their highest levels in decades in 2023, mortgage rates have begun to edge down again as the broader economy shows signs of slowing and the Federal Reserve signals it may be ready to cut rates. Last week, average 30-year fixed mortgage rates slipped to their lowest point in 11 months, landing around 6.50 percent — a level buyers haven't seen since last fall. That's not the rock-bottom territory of the early 2020s, but it is meaningful progress for a market that has been stuck in the 6.5 to 7 percent range for months.

This shift comes at a moment when several forces are working in buyers' favor. A potential Fed rate cut, rising concerns about unemployment, and the possibility that the central bank could follow up with more than one cut have helped pull mortgage pricing down over the summer. Lenders are watching the same economic data everyone else is, and when they sense weaker growth ahead, they tend to price mortgages more competitively. The result: buyers who were priced out earlier this year may suddenly find payments a bit more manageable.

Still, many would-be homeowners are eyeing something lower than 6.50 percent. They remember when mortgages started with a "2" or a "3," and they don't want to lock in a rate that still feels historically high. The good news is that getting below 6 percent is possible right now — not just if the Fed cuts, but if you're willing to be strategic about the loan you choose, the lender you work with, and the timing of your application.

One path is to look at adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). These loans get a bad reputation because the rate eventually adjusts, but in reality most ARMs have an initial fixed period — five, seven, sometimes even ten years — during which the rate doesn't move at all. That can be long enough for a family to refinance, sell, or simply ride out today's choppy market. Right now, a 7/1 ARM — where the rate is fixed for seven years and adjusts once a year after that — is averaging about 5.97 percent, according to Money.com. That's already below the 30-year fixed average, and because that's just the national mean, a strong borrower who shops around could find something even lower. For buyers who know they won't be in the home long-term or who fully intend to refinance if rates fall further, an ARM can be a smart way to get payments down immediately.

Another lever buyers often overlook is simple comparison shopping. Mortgage rates aren't one-size-fits-all; they vary by lender, loan product, geography, and even by how eager the lender is for business that week. Industry data regularly shows that borrowers who get quotes from multiple lenders can shave anywhere from half a percentage point to a full point off the going average. With the national 30-year fixed around 6.50 percent, that means it's entirely realistic to land in the 5.50 to 6.00 percent range just by getting three to five offers and playing them against one another. Yes, it takes some legwork. Yes, you may have to allow multiple credit pulls (typically counted as one if done in a short window). But the payoff can be thousands of dollars saved over the life of the loan — or, more importantly right now, a monthly payment that finally fits the budget.

The trickiest strategy — but sometimes the most rewarding — is timing the market around Federal Reserve moves and key economic reports. Last year's two-year-low in mortgage rates didn't arrive after the Fed cut; it showed up just before, when markets were convinced the cut was coming. That same dynamic could play out again. If the Fed is expected to announce a rate cut on September 17, borrowers who are preapproved and ready to lock in the days leading up to that meeting could catch a temporary dip. Even the inflation report that precedes the meeting could nudge rates lower if it supports the case for looser policy. This approach requires being nimble, watching the data, and having all paperwork ready. It also requires good credit, since lenders reserve their very best pricing for low-risk borrowers. But for buyers who can move quickly, these small market windows are often where the sub-6 percent deals live.

The bottom line is that today's mortgage market is still volatile, but it's finally tilting in favor of borrowers instead of against them. A headline rate of 6.50 percent doesn't have to be the rate you actually pay. By choosing an ARM with a long fixed period, aggressively shopping lenders, and watching the calendar around Fed decisions, it's realistic to land something with a five in front of it — even before rates broadly "come down." The key is preparation: get preapproved, clean up your credit, and know what payment you're targeting. When the window opens, you won't have time to start the process. You'll need to be ready to lock.

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Three Ways to Secure a Mortgage Rate Below 6% This Fall

1. Explore adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) Adjustable-rate mortgages can offer immediate relief in today's market. Unlike fixed-rate loans, ARMs begin with a lower introductory rate that adjusts later — often years down the road. Despite their reputation for volatility, many ARMs provide stable terms for a significant initial period.

For instance, a 7/1 ARM, where the rate stays fixed for seven years before adjusting annually, currently averages 5.97%, according to Money.com. That's already below today's 30-year fixed rate, and some lenders may offer even lower deals to qualified borrowers. For buyers confident they'll refinance or move within the first few years, an ARM could be a strategic way to secure a sub-6% rate without waiting for major policy changes.

2. Shop aggressively among lenders It sounds simple, but few borrowers take full advantage of rate shopping — and it can pay off significantly. Mortgage rates vary widely between lenders, and even small differences can save thousands over the life of a loan.

Experts say borrowers who compare multiple offers often find rates between 0.50% and 1% lower than national averages listed by Freddie Mac. In today's climate, that could mean locking in a rate between 5.50% and 6.00% with the right lender.

The key is persistence: request written quotes from several banks, credit unions, and online lenders, and don't be afraid to negotiate. While multiple credit checks within a short window may seem concerning, they're typically treated as one inquiry by major credit bureaus — minimizing the impact on your score.

3. Watch the timing of the next Fed move Timing the market is tricky, but it can make a real difference. The last major rate drop came just before the Federal Reserve's cut — not after. With the next announcement expected on September 17, borrowers watching the data closely could gain an edge.

If upcoming inflation reports strengthen the case for another cut, lenders may begin pricing in lower rates even before the official decision. That means proactive buyers could catch a temporary dip. Acting fast and getting pre-approved now ensures you're ready to move when that window opens.

Mortgage rates are finally trending downward, and savvy buyers have a narrow but promising opportunity to lock in a deal below 6%. Whether through an adjustable-rate mortgage, careful lender shopping, or well-timed market moves, today's buyers can still position themselves ahead of the next shift in rates.

The key is preparation — monitor economic updates, have your documentation ready, and act decisively when the right opportunity appears. In a volatile housing market, those who move early and strategically are often the ones who secure the biggest long-term savings.

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